To the Churches in Ohio.
By H. A. St. John
DEAR BRETHREN: For a long time some of you have stood greatly in need of efficient ministerial labor in your churches. Your appeals have been in vain for some time past, because no one both able and qualified to do so important work could be found to go. We should all feel truly thankful to God that this is so no longer. The General Conference has seen proper to send to our Conference Elds. D. M. Canright and A. O. Burrill. Of the ability and efficiency of these servants of God I need not speak, as you all know them well, at least by reputation, and they come recommended by the General Conference, and also, we think, by the grace of God. Now is your opportunity. Do you inquire what to do? I would suggest that, first of all, earnest prayer be offered for success, abundant success, to attend the labors of God’s servants in every place. Secondly, I suggest that every person endeavor with all the energies of his soul assisted by the grace of God, to be in union and love with all believers. We think that one way to show your esteem for the servants of God who labor among you is to be at peace among yourselves. Please read 1 Thess. 5:12, 13. Thirdly, I suggest that the officers of each church counsel together about their condition and wants, and also the prospects of bringing other souls into the truth in their midst, and instruct their church clerk to make a full written statement of the conclusions of such counsel, and forward by mail to Eld. D. M. Canright, together with any appeal for help you wish to make. Fourthly, I suggest that all ministers or licentiates, wishing counsel, or help in meetings or otherwise, address their communications to Eld. D. M. Canright, president of the Ohio Conference, and not to me. What I have said, brethren, is only by way of advice and suggestion, nothing more.