Ohio Tent by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 7, 1863

Ohio Tent.

By J. H. Waggoner

AFTER the conference at Wakeman we kept the tent at that place over the next Sunday, June 6, at the solicitation of the brethren there, and to enable me to meet an appointment to preach the funeral sermon of sister Scott, of East Townsend. The Methodists gave their house, and the Baptists dismissed their meeting, thus all paying a fitting tribute to the memory of sister Scott, whose fervent piety and exemplary Christian walk had secured the respect of all. It was a great pleasure to me to speak to the large assembly on the words of comfort given to sustain the sorrowing, but hopeful believer in Christ.

The weather turned cold, so that it was very uncomfortable; consequently the meetings did not amount to much, though a few became interested. We considered it fortunate that we did not get to a new place before the cold weather of the first week in June.

We pitched the tent in Columbia Center, Lorain Co., to commence the evening of Friday, June 12. Bro. Brinkerhoof was feeble, and his health fast failing, so that he thought it duty to get to his home; he left June 12. This was a great disappointment to me; for I always valued him as a friend and brother, but learned to esteem him much more during our brief labor together. I pray that he may be spared for this work.

Our meetings were thinly attended from the beginning; I think as much prejudice existed here as in any place where I ever held meetings. Those who attended freely expressed their conviction that this message is truth; while those who did not hear, and do not know what was preached, are very positive that it is dangerous heresy. The blind leaders of a blindly misled people have a fearful account to render for hiding

the truth of God, and causing them to perish for lack of knowledge.

The attendance being small, I was somewhat in doubt at times about the propriety of continuing here so long—from June 12 to July 1, but a few were deeply interested, and longing for salvation. I could not leave them without giving them an opportunity of hearing, and becoming established in, the truth. Several are firmly established, and I have hope of some others who are fully convinced. O that they might realize the danger of delay. Two were baptized the 29th ult.

We expect to pitch the tent next week in Orwell, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where letters will reach us for the present.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Columbia, Ohio, July 2, 1863.