Laboring in Ohio’s Highways and Hedges
By Joseph Bates
Dear Bro. White :—Since my last from Freemont, Sandusky Co., O., Oct. 30th, I have been laboring in what used to be called the "Black swamp," now "highways and hedges." In these new places the people have a mind to hear. Our first protracted meeting was in the meeting-house of the United Brethren. The people seemed anxious to hear what new doctrine we had to present. At our last meeting, First-day evening, many had to stand for want of seats. At the close of the meeting a Methodist minister who had attended five meetings, found some fault about stretching the symbols, (referring to my explanation of the chart,) and said that I had said something about repentance, but I had not preached any faith, neither had I explained the cleansing of the Sanctuary. He then begged permission for the use of the house, which was readily granted for a meeting the next First-day, and review my subjects: and said he would show them a spiritual sanctuary. I replied that I had never read of such a sanctuary, and should like if I had time to hear his view &c. Subsequently I learned that he attended his appointment &c. gave a short discourse with an apology that he had the ague, but would come some other time. Our next meeting (Nov. 6) was near Rolersville, where we preached six times, and no ministers to oppose. Several acknowledged the truth, and one family began to keep the Sabbath; others I hope will join with them. I have just now returned from York Ridge, and have an appointment for a meeting to commence to-morrow, the 17th, and hold over Sabbath and First-day, in Lexington, Richland Co., some sixty miles hence. I see by the last Review, 7th inst. that the Publishing Committee and some of the Brn. have spoken in regard to the character of the sheet and its conductors issued in Mich. I wish to add my testimony with theirs. I have no sympathy nor union with the work, or spirit, of those disaffected members who have been disfellowshipped by the church and published in the Review. It is evident if they pursue their present course that distraction and dismay will be the fruit of their doings. I would say to those who are sympathizing with them, that are almost wholly unacquainted with any thing but their own statements in their first Nos. respecting them, that I hope their better judgment will lead them from such a course, and they be saved from falling into this snare of Satan. My sympathy and union is with those who have toiled and labored with their means and time to carry forward the precious cause of God. Having had some knowledge and labor in regard to the course of these erring brethren, I feel safe in saying, that the church has granted them all the privilege to defend themselves, that reasonable men could ask. If we have in any way wronged them personally, I hope we shall at all times be ready to make reparation, that they may have no just cause of complaint to hinder our work, or prevent their speedy repentance. Joseph Bates.
Lexington, Richland Co., O., Nov. 22d, 1854.