MEETINGS IN OHIO by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 11, 1862

MEETINGS IN OHIO.

By M. E. Cornell

Since last report good success has attended our efforts. I do not think it best to narrate all the difficulties we had to overcome, but suffice it to say we had a battle with the powers of darkness in nearly every place. The result is far better than we had even hoped.

Our next meeting was with the little company near Attica. They came out from the people called "Church of God." More than half of the church came out, and by mutual agreement each party has a key to the meeting-house, with equal rights and privileges. Here the impropriety of our taking the name, "Church of God," is fully manifest. As the object of a name is to distinguish persons and things in this world, which are really distinct in nature, it is necessary that the Sabbath-keepers there should take a name significant of their peculiar faith, or that the two churches so opposite in faith and practice should be called "Church of God, No. 1," and "Church of God, No. 2." They unanimously adopted the name, Seventh-day Adventists, and Bro. John Heabler was chosen elder. Bro. Oliver Hoffer was a public speaker in the old church, and has spoken occasionally since he embraced the Sabbath. He is fully established in all the present truth as far as he has heard, and is trying to some extent to hold it up in his vicinity.

Our next meetings were at Jackson, and Bro. Henry Hodgson was chosen elder. Their fears in regard to organization vanished, and sweet union seemed to prevail. Hope our efforts there will be an encouragement.

We next returned to Gilboa, and found them prepared for organization. Brn. Wm. S. Foote and Joseph Dudley were chosen elders, and Stillman Blodget, deacon. We hope now they will all take new courage. The brethren manifested a willingness to take up every stumbling-block that had been thrown in the way of T. J. B., and were grieved to see him so indifferent on his part. Whatever course he may pursue, they feel that they have done their duty.

Our next and last meeting was at Ayersville. Bro. Baker, of Wauseon, piloted our company through to the place, and faithfully witnessed to the truth spoken. We found this company had been greatly perplexed by unwise counsel, and some had been cruelly oppressed, but the burden was rolled where it belonged, and the oppressed went free. We were glad to find so many precious souls in that place. Our meetings there were free. Bro. David M. Stiles was chosen elder, and Bro. H. A. St. John, deacon. Here we parted with Brn. Baker, Hoffer, Fleming, and Bro. Wolfe, of Republic, who had brought us on a three days' journey with his easy carriage. He has our thanks. The morning we left, the brethren and sisters gathered at the house where we stopped, and we had a season of prayer. It was a precious, free time, and all appeared loth to leave the place.

Before closing this report I must refer to my report last fall, in which I made mention of an "officious informer's" going fifty miles to prejudice the mind of T. J. B. Upon learning all the circumstances I am convinced that he had no such intention, although it did have that effect. He came to Gilboa at the request of his brethren, and in justice to him I make this correction. His prejudice against organization has been removed, and he is now heartily with us.

We look back upon our labors with pleasure, believing that the cause in Ohio is now in a more prosperous state than ever before. There is more union existing. Eight churches have been organized on this tour. A general anxiety is manifested about tent operations in Ohio. They have a new sixty-foot tent, and are ready to support it in the field. Bro. Waggoner will no doubt be invited to go with it. May the Lord open the way and direct.

M. E. CORNELL.