DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Since my last, from Milan, O., Sept. 20th, I have been visiting in various parts of Ohio, in search of the scattered flock. "I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord" for the way he led us to find some precious souls, hungering and thirsting for all the truth, that they might prepare to meet their coming Lord.
Bro. Ira Day took me in his carriage to a number of places in Sanduskey Co., where we became acquainted with ministers and lay brethren who had been in the Advent doctrine in 1843, and had lost their interest in these precious truths since the ending of the 2300 days of Daniel's vision, in 1844. (I know that some are still saying the ending of these days are yet in the future. If so, why does God charge them with prolonging them and making it a vain vision, and flattering divination within the house of Israel? Eze. xii, 21-25.)
While quietly keeping the Sabbath with Bro. Huber, at Green Springs, a request was sent in, inviting us to the hall to give a public lecture in the evening. We complied with the request, and presented the third angel's message to a very attentive audience.—
Bro. H. said, after meeting, that about all the inhabitants of the village were present. They listened with attention. We left here early on First-day, the 25th, to fill an appointment at a school-house in York Ridge, ten miles on our way. Here we gave three lectures, and some became deeply interested, and wished to hear more about these precious truths, to prepare them to meet the coming judgments. We furnished them with tracts, and trust ere this, they have become more interested by reading the Review. We became acquainted with four ministers who had been in the first angel's message. They manifested a deep anxiety to learn our present position. I trust that God has a work for some if not all of them in this last message.
Sept. 26th, Elder W. Gilmore (who has been a Christian minister for many years) wished me to go with him to some of the neighboring towns, to visit some of his brethren. Bro. Day returned home.— Those that we saw, with one exception, were anxious to hear further. At Thompson we held a meeting in the free meeting-house, and were kindly entertained in the family of Bro. Henry Miller. Himself and wife were much interested in the Sabbath question. He, with two other families, wished to have the Review. God grant that these precious souls may see, and embrace the whole truth.
Sept. 30th, came by the Rail-road to Marysville, Central Ohio. By invitation, we occupied the most of the time on First-day in the Advent meeting. Our subject was the Sanctuary, and third angel's message. There were three teachers present; these resisted the whole subject, and endeavored to show the people that there was no heavenly Sanctuary to be cleansed, neither any fourth commandment binding. The next day one of their company said they would examine the subject. Came to Cincinnati Oct. 4th. Held meetings there and at Glendale. We hope our labor was not altogether in vain.
First-day Oct. 9th, lectured in the Court-house in Lawrenceburg, Ind. Brn. Moran and Gould were very anxious that their neighbors should hear the last message. From thence we came to this place, on the 12th inst., after rather a toilsome journey of two days and part of two nights. We learn that no one has been to give the present truth here since I left, thirteen months since. The Sabbath keepers are holding on their way with an increasing desire to know all the truth. Many others say they want to hear about this doctrine. The Court-House was freely offered us, in which to hold a series of meetings.— We commenced the last evening with a very attentive audience. The Lord grant that many precious souls may be saved here.
JOSEPH BATES.
Sullivan, Sullivan Co., Ind. Oct. 14th, 1853.
P. S. I noticed in the Review of Sept. 13 th, that Bro. H. C. Mason of Battle Creek, Mich., unsolicited, asks my forgiveness for making statements to the Editor of the "Advent Harbinger" respecting me, which he acknowledges I did not utter, but he heard it from another source. I cheerfully forgive him.— It may not be amiss for me to state here, that this false statement furnished O. R. L. Crozier with a labored argument to denounce me in the most unchristian and cruel manner, as a person of no veracity.— See Advent Harbinger, Aug. 28th, 1852. "The Lord reward him according to his works." 2 Tim. iv, 14.