Labors in Ohio by J. H. W.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1863

Labors in Ohio.

By J. H. W.

THE meeting at Townsend was not what we desired, as it was not possible for the brethren to get their families there. In other respects it was up to our expectations. Brn. were in attendance from Milan, Norwalk, Clarksfield, and Wakeman.

A church was organized, taking the name of Wakeman; Bro. Warren Coon, of Wakeman, elected Clerk, and Bro. J. Tillotson, of Milan, Treasurer. As the Brn. were scattered, and not all acquainted with each other, it was thought best to defer the election of elder till some future time. Bro. Geo. Smith was chosen to act temporarily. Another meeting was appointed to be held at Wakeman in four weeks (April 11). It was also resolved to have similar meetings every four weeks thereafter, at places to be designated from time to time.

The best of feeling prevailed throughout the meetings. The testimonies were encouraging, and the plan of systematic benevolence adopted cheerfully.

It is to be hoped that circumstances will permit the Brn. to bring their families to these meetings in the future, that the youth and children who are now interested in the truth may have the benefit of these gatherings and social meetings.

I remained in this place till this time by request to attend the funeral of Bro. Geo. T. Spencer. When I was in Ohio three years ago, I gave lectures in Portage which he attended, and obeyed the truth for a season, but afterward suffered various influences to divert him from the Sabbath, though he was always friendly to the cause. During the past winter I visited him, when his convictions seemed to be renewed, and he expressed regret that he had moved from Portage, and seemed to look forward to the time when he might be situated so that he could again keep the Sabbath.

He was intending to go to the meeting in Townsend on Sunday last, but on Sabbath an accident occurred which resulted in his death on Tuesday evening. In these hours of suffering his great regret seemed to be that he had not lived up to his duty, and he expressed the firm determination to keep the Sabbath if he was spared. But the opportunity is past. He was deeply penitent, and before he died manifested perfect submission and confidence in the Saviour. But this event has aroused my mind to the danger of compromising the truth, and delaying obedience. O that all who now believe the truth could realize what will one day be their feelings in reflecting on duties neglected, and opportunities unimproved. J. H. W.

Norwalk, Ohio, March 19, 1863.