MEETINGS IN OHIO | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 19, 1861

MEETINGS IN OHIO.

DEAR BRO. SMITH: "The cause of present truth is slowly advancing in this State. I have labored this winter in the following places: In Jackson, Sandusky Co., where we found much unreasonable prejudice; but as a reward of our labor, the army of the faithful was cheered, and augmented by a re-inforcement of three precious souls, who, we trust, will prove valiant soldiers. Next we went, by request, to Taway Prairie, where we gave some fourteen discourses, at the last of which over thirty arose to signify we had the truth in their best judgment; but only two fully resolved to obey. This place has been the field of the labors of one Mr. Gay (age-to-come, and final redemption champion) for some three years. Some candid and well disposed people had been inveigled into his snare, who now confess that they believe we have the truth, but being so much deceived before, they don't feel as though they could confidently set this time until they duly weigh and compare our positions. The Lord willing we expect to visit this abused people again soon.

Our next labor was in Leipsic. Here the Unionists had proffered their house to us for a course of lectures, offering even to go into written obligations. We preferred however to take their word (supposing a Christian's word as good as his bond). We set up notices accordingly for meeting in their house; but when we went to our appointment, they had swallowed their pledge and locked their house. We then went into a school-house close by and gave seven lectures, which very much strengthened some brethren living north of this, who had never heard much except on the Sabbath question. Several others became quite interested. These we supplied with books. Further than this no immediate result except that Brn. Emmans and Ramsey felt free from the blood of their neighbors, having done their duty in trying to get the truth before them.

We next revisited Jackson and Taway to strengthen and confirm the souls of the disciples. We then crossed the country to Green Spring, where we enjoyed a good Sabbath meeting with the church. Here we gave two discourses. In this place a young Methodist preacher and his wife came out to go with the remnant to Mt. Zion. Bro. Burton will no doubt do good service in wielding the sword of the Spirit if he be meek and humble.

Next we came to this place (Attica) in answer to a call made recently through the Review. We obtained a church house of the church of God (nicknamed Winebrennarians) and commenced meetings. Have now given eight discourses, and as many persons are already rejoicing in the true Sabbath of the Lord, Christ's coming and kingdom, and the non-immortality of man. The prospect here is truly cheering. My physical strength I find is overtaxed, and I must take rest; yet the interest, and candor, and love for the truth here pleads with the fervency of the Macedonian cry to Paul, Help, help! The circuit preacher has arranged to begin a protracted meeting in the house we now occupy, tomorrow evening; but the Universalists have offered their house (two miles off) if I wish to continue. This would be like commencing in a new place, almost, and without another to share the burden, my strength would be entirely inadequate. Under the circumstances I think that while the minister in charge preaches it is best for me to rest and reconnoiter.

I think from present prospects there should be as much as one or two tent meetings in Seneca county next summer. Several have partly, or wholly come out on the truth in Tiffin without any preaching. I believe Tiffin should be remembered. May God bless his truth to the enlightening and salvation of many, even in Ohio as well as elsewhere, is our fervent prayer.

T. J. BUTLER.

P. S. I see from Review No. 11, that Bro. White considers that Ohio has seceded from the plan of Systematic Benevolence, recommended by the B. C. Conference of June, 1859. This, in point of fact, may probably be true. But if so, we hope to be forgiven having done it ignorantly. Be assured it was strict, gospel equality and justice that we were aiming for, neither do I think that Bro. Waggoner or Loughborough considered it otherwise when at our conference. But I confess my mind was very much weighed down on another point, and was not as clear as it should have been on this one. Gospel equality is what I desire, and if any feature of our co-operation as brethren has my most hearty endorsement, it is the gospel equality of Systematic Benevolence, and my object last fall at our conference in making the move I did, was only to secure such equality, and not to devise another system. But I feel and acknowledge the force of Bro. White's objections to our mode of carrying it out as a general rule, though we have no young men without property (one excepted), or widows to be oppressed, yet other States may have, and no doubt we shall have them before long also. But brethren, think not that we desired to secede from Systematic Benevolence. I hope my article some eight months ago, taken with this will assure my brethren that I am no South Carolinian on this question. But what shall be done? Ohio has generally entered upon action.

T. J. B.