Reports from Ohio and New York
By John Nevins Andrews
DEAR BRO. WHITE: In the midst of tribulation and affliction my soul is joyful in God. I was never more deeply impressed with the importance of the work in which we are engaged, than at the present time. My heart is bound up in it, and in a work so sacred I would cheerfully spend and be spent. Souls are perishing, who may now be reached, the time for labor is short, the night in which no man can work is at hand. Shall we not then while the day lasts, do what we can, so that by any means we may save some? I spent the first Sabbath after leaving you, with the brethren in Oswego. Found them strong in God, and well established in the present truth. Several who have not been with them heretofore, have recently united with them in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. In Cleveland O., I found a few who are willing to manifest their love to God by keeping his commandments. I regret to say, however, that by a cunningly devised fable, some others are making void the seventh commandment. Those, however, who make void the fourth commandment by a similar fable, are not well prepared to rebuke such iniquity. In Norwalk and Milan, we had a season of considerable interest. Some things which had hindered the work of God were removed, and several who were halting between two opinions, took a decided stand for the truth. May the blessing of God rest upon his people in that place. I have spent several days in this city and vicinity. Strong prejudices seemed to exist in the minds of many; in other minds some degree of conviction as55to the truth of this subject. So far as I have been, I have endeavored to set forth the reasons of my faith and hope. God has seen fit in some measure to bless the effort, a considerable number, will I trust turn away their feet from the Sabbath, and cease to do their own pleasure on the Lord's holy day. I hope that wisdom and grace may be imparted to them, so that they may act with decision in keeping the commandments of God. I shall leave in a short time for Indiana. I hope to go with the blessing of God resting upon me, and labor with acceptance in his cause. Adieu. Cincinnati, O., Oct. 27th, 1851.