Communication from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The third angel's message is taking deep root in northern Ohio. About ten months since there were four Brn. with their families that kept the Sabbath. Although they lived several miles apart, they endeavored to meet together in Milan or some other place every Sabbath of the Lord. They prayed the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into Ohio, that honest souls might be sought out, and they would help by their means and do what the Lord required of them. By invitation I labored there a few months last Summer. Bro. Loughborough entered the field soon after I left, and the Lord has blessed his labors in winning souls to Christ. After the Olena conference we visited Clarksfield and some other places together where the way was open to receive the word. THE CONFERENCE at Green Springs Apr. 25th and 26th closed with deep interest; the word spoken was attended with the divine presence. By request we held meetings in Baldville the next Sabbath and First-day, Apr. 29th and 30th. The Lord gave edge to his truth. Conviction fastened on the mind. Some confessed that the Sabbath of the Lord was the right day to keep. Ten were baptized on profession of their faith in the third angel's message. Some others wished to be, but were hindered by outward influences. After the baptizing we had a refreshing season while celebrating the death and sufferings of our divine Lord. We also visited Arlington in Hancock Co., Fremont, Clyde, and York-ridge, in Sandusky, Co., where we found Brn. keeping the Sabbath, or searching for the present truth. In the first mentioned place a deep interest was manifested by some to receive more light, and a desire that I should stay longer. This I could not do because of previous appointments. This was the first time the message had been given in that place. A brother wrote me from thence several days after, saying the leaven was working, and wished me to return, or send some one. I hope the messengers will not forget them. At the Conference in Milan, May 5th—7th where we met, you had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with perhaps one half of the number that have embraced the keeping of the Sabbath within one year in northern Ohio. From the Milan conference we passed over the R. Roads and Lake, to Rochester, N. Y., Here we found the brethren at their post, sending out the Review, and pamphlets to the scattered remnant, while you and your companion were pursuing your western tour, proclaiming the glad tidings of the Kingdom. We were much comforted and strengthened in meeting with the church in R. and trust that our meetings on the evenings of the 9th and 10th inst., were a blessing to some. The conference in Kensington, Ct., on Sabbath, First and Second-days, 13th 14th and 15th, was very encouraging; the Brn. seem resolved to have a closer walk with God. The meeting seemed to revive them much. Some of the church from N. York City, and Springfield were present. All seemed to feel the pressing necessity of New Testament order. Brn. A. Belden and E. L. H. Chamberlain were chosen deacons of the church and set apart for that office by prayer and laying on of hands. Acts vi, 1—6; Titus, i, 5—6; 1 Tim. iii, 8—13. The Lord added his blessing in this work, and also for the sick. Some acknowledged we had the true Sabbath and all the commandments of God were right. Three were baptized in obedience to the great head of the church. From Connecticut I came to this place by invitation, to visit our afflicted sister, companion of Bro. Marshal H. Edson. I had not the privilege of seeing her alive. She died happy in the Lord a few hours before I arrived. JOSEPH BATES. Ashfield, Mass., May 18th, 1854. P. S. May 23d. I thank the Father of all mercies, for preserving me in my last tour among the scattered149remnant, and permitting me to return to my family in safety, last evening, via Ashfield, Mass. J. B.