p. 1 | MEETINGS IN OHIO by M. E. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 25, 1858

MEETINGS IN OHIO.

By M. E. Cornell

AT GREEN SPRING. In consequence of rainy weather, some of the brethren and sisters in the vicinity did not come. But to those present we spoke on the certainty of the near approach of the Second Advent of Christ, and the necessity of a constant readiness for that event. Though much fatigued by journeying, yet we had tolerable freedom on this very important subject, and we do hope the evidences of the Lord's soon coming will be remembered; for the spirit of the times is to put off the day of the Lord, and our only hope is in watching.

AT REPUBLIC. Here we found the interest had very nearly gone; but after two or three meetings the Universalist meeting-house was again well filled, and before we left, it was literally crowded. We could hear of only four that were keeping the Sabbath, although many more were thoroughly convinced of the truth. Two of the clergy of the place had been warning the people against us; and for want of better arguments, they dealt out many hard savings, and most cruelly misrepresented brother Loughborough's testimony here. While in conversation with one of these elders since I came, he stated that brother Loughborough was an infidel, but in a few minutes after, said he would not say but that we were christians; but here he was interrupted by one of the bystanders, with the question, how can an infidel be a christian? The company present saw the elder's dilemma; but he would not acknowledge it. In all their hard speeches they have only crippled their own influence; for the majority had been deeply interested in the lectures in the tent, and well knew their statements were false. After a lengthy and earnest appeal on the importance of the Sabbath, and the necessity of being decided, and of obeying the truth, twenty-three manifested their determination to keep the Sabbath, by rising in the assembly. They immediately commenced their meetings, and they have been well attended, and several have been added, we trust of such as shall be saved.

AT GILBOA. We were glad to greet many dear brethren and sisters once more at this place, and to know that their faces were still Zionward. Our interview with them, though brief, was pleasing to us and we hope profitable to the church. The congregations were large and attentive. On First-day about two hundred were gathered in the large school-house, while at each of the other three meetings in the village, there were only from ten to twenty-five hearers. The jealousy aroused by their members neglecting their own meetings and attending ours, or some other cause, so stirred up one of their members, that he gave our people notice that they could not have the school-house for meetings. A meeting was called and it was voted to build a cheap house of worship immediately. The timber was out and on the ground before we left, and brother Butler was driving ahead with all possible dispatch, with a view to its completion in about four weeks. The cause in Ohio was introduced before the meeting, and after some pointed and appropriate remarks by brother Butler on the necessity of unity of action and diligence in looking after the wants of the Cause, remarks were called for from others. Brother Edwards arose and said, while on a visit in the south part of the State, he found a great interest to hear on the present truth. They opened the Methodist house, and by request he talked out the truth as well as he could. He gave ten discourses, and the result was, the whole church endorsed the views except about five members. His son said he never heard his father talk so before; but he supposed it was because the people were so honest. By request of Bro. Edwards I shall visit them as soon as possible.

Three or four others had been to see friends and found a great anxiety to hear. Several meeting-houses were open, and they were calling for some of our ministers to come among them. They wanted to see whether we had Scripture for our views. The church manifested a willingness to do their share towards forwarding the cause in Ohio. There are already a sufficient number of important openings here to occupy the time of half a dozen messengers the next six months. Who is sufficient for these things.

AT LOVETT'S GROVE. The school-house here was well filled with brethren and sisters that we had never seen before. In the first discourse we had to wade through awful darkness, and it was evident that there was a powerful opposite influence present. Another spirit seemed to prevail for a time, but in a social meeting it was manifested. There was a lack of order in singing, speaking and praying. Some that spoke were so far above the Spirit of the Lord, that their testimony was perfectly hollow, and exceedingly distressing. It seemed more like school boys trying to excel each other in making great speeches, than like humble christians expressing their hopes and desires. The order of the meeting was changed by one getting down to pray without any particular thing to pray for, and it was as sounding brass. We learned also that the fault-finder, and the complainer were there. Some were tried because brother and sister White were for once comfortably clothed. Others thought the "Spiritual Gifts" were too high &c. &c. But when we informed them that a superior quality of paper was used in the book; that sister W. spent many weeks in writing and preparing it, the labor being most fatiguing for both body and mind; that the express to and from the book-binders was considerable, and that what little profit there was on it was all solemnly dedicated to the Lord, and $25 out of it had already been given to one of the Lord's needy servants, we heard nothing more from them. Duty demanded a very pointed admonition; but certain sympathizers and worse than Job's comforters were ready, and one of them came to a sister that had been reproved, and said, "Now sister that is too bad." But the sister replied, "No, it is just right, and I am glad of it; for I want to know my faults." This was a good rebuke. The Lord gave unusual freedom, and the sword of the Spirit cut its way through the darkness, so that the meeting closed up triumphantly. Brother Holt was with us and assisted in the meetings by prayer and exhortation. The church there are preparing a comfortable home for his family. At the close of our meetings there, we requested all that were in union with the strait testimony and were resolved to live it out, to manifest it by rising up; when all with one or two exceptions stood up. O that the impressions there made may be lasting, and the solemn resolutions there passed, never be forgotten.

AT PORTAGEVILLE. A challenge had been given for a discussion, and by request of the brethren we accepted it. Two days and evenings were occupied on the question, "Resolved that the law of ten commandments as given on mount Sinai is binding upon all nations, in all dispensations." The moderators chosen were Bro. John Clarke and two ministers, one Methodist, and one United Brethren. As the arguments pro and con were nothing new, I will not mention them here. But one incident in connection with the discussion I cannot forbear to notice. In order to show the adaptation of each of the ten commandments to all nations, and illustrate them in their order, I hung up the chart of the law. Elder Bulger, my opponent, objected to its hanging up before the audience. We plead that it was our privilege to use any means of argument that was to the question; that it was not the privilege of our opponent or the chair to say whether we should have the "Law of ten Commandments" printed on paper, or cloth; whether we have a sheep or calf bound Bible, so long as our argument was to the question. Elder Piper, one of the moderators said it would attract the attention of the people from the arguments. We then offered to keep it down only when we wished to use it on the affirmative. Brother John Clarke earnestly protested against its being taken down, but the two elders said it must come down. It was submitted to the audience, and a majority of five voted to take it down. While rolling it up we said, Then the much-hated law of God must "come down," for

they are afraid of it. This remark so enraged the Methodist elder that he threatened to leave. Before the discussion closed we had the privilege of quoting what Paul says, "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the LAW OF GOD neither indeed can be," and remarked that there was no other way of accounting for the opposition there manifested against the law of God.

"THE LAW OF GOD MUST COME DOWN!" What a comment upon the fall of Babylon! Some of the brethren in the different places kindly enquired after our wants, for which we are thankful. It would have been a pleasure to visit all the saints at their homes; but many cares and the feeble state of my health is my apology. All have our prayers that they may overcome, and at last stand on Mount Zion.

M. E. CORNELL.

Republic, Ohio, Nov 14th, 1858.