REPORT OF MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By M. E. Cornell
WE were obliged to disappoint the friends at Ayersville, on account of missing the connections at Toledo, and so came on to Leipsic, and gave two discourses there, to full houses. The brethren there were somewhat encouraged at seeing so much interest manifested by their neighbors to hear on the signs of the times. At Gilboa the meeting-house was so crowded that many remained outside, or left. The way did not appear to be open for organization, 1. Because several were prevented from attending on account of high water, and 2. Because there had been some misunderstanding in regard to a call for a conference made by Bro. Butler in behalf of the church committee, and justice had not been done in all respects toward Bro. Butler. It was considered the duty of the church to remove any occasion of stumbling they had placed in his way, and leave him free to do his duty, and regain the confidence of his brethren. It is too often the case in such differences, that the parties are mutually in fault, but in this case there was faithfulness manifested to Bro. Butler's entire satisfaction. It is to be hoped, therefore, that he will soon be reconciled to the body and its advancement, and union again prevail in the church at Gilboa. At Cass we found the little company all ripe for organization. Bro. James Baker was chosen as elder. On the evening of our arrival a crowded house listened to a discourse on the signs, with unusual interest. Our meetings here were timely, and all appeared to take new courage. At Portage we had two meetings. Bro. Joseph Clarke was chosen elder. Union prevailed throughout. At Lovett's Grove, where there has been much division and trouble, organization was a complete triumph so far as it was carried. No elder was chosen, as all felt that they should have some probation before a choice was made. But union and confidence was restored so that the desponding were encouraged to hope for better days. Several who had stood aloof from the church because of a lack of confidence in some of them, came into the organization heartily, and there was a general rejoicing over the result of the meetings. Bro. Joseph Clarke received the thanks of the congregation for his labors with them. By the suggestion of Brn. Waggoner and Loughborough he had for several months led the meetings there, traveling six miles in all weathers to meet with them. Bro. Holt fills the vacancy by request of the church. At Green Spring Bro. William Herald was chosen elder, and there is now a prospect of better days there. A disposition was manifested to go forward with the remnant with courage and hope. But we were astonished at the darkness which prevailed for a time at this meeting. It seemed as though the enemy had become enraged at our success in other places, and had rallied his forces to defy us here; but the darkness finally gave away, and the elements of division were reproved, and light broke in upon us. The Lord be praised for these signal victories! These appointments were so close together, and the labor so wearing, that we feel much need of rest, which we now are receiving at the peaceful home of Bro. Greenman, at West Townsend. I must have failed, if it had not been for my helps. Bro. D. C. Phillips and sister Cornell were free in prayer and testimony. Brn. Van Gorder and Fleming conveyed our company from Gilboa to the last appointment. This we duly appreciate, and pray the Lord to reward them. Old friends of the cause will be glad to hear that Bro. Phillips is getting free, and the Lord is blessing him in the exercise of his gift in prayer and exhortation. We go from this to Attica, and then back to Gilboa and Ayersville, if it does not break up too soon. We can now look forward with confidence to the time when there will be perfect union in Ohio. That time will be hailed with joy by all the true friends of the cause here. May the Lord hasten it in his time. In regard to future labors, I will say that my mind is eastward. I would gladly comply with the numerous calls for labor in this State, but there will be no time to open any more new fields before spring, and then it will be out of the question before tent season. I purpose therefore to start for New England as soon as this tour is ended, if Providence favors. I have waited nine years for the way to open for me to visit friends East who have written to know what doctrine I advocate. It seems to me that the time has come, and I hope to be guided just right in the matter. O, for wisdom to direct in this solemn hour. Townsend, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1862.