The Work in Ohio by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1863

The Work in Ohio.

By J. H. Waggoner

HAVING attended several conferences in this State, I believe I am safe in saying that I never saw one assembled here before with as good a feeling as the late one at Gilboa; and I think all are now satisfied that I judged right in deciding that a conference this winter would be useless without the attendance of Bro. and Sr. White. Their knowledge of the work from the beginning, in all its phases, and under all its difficulties, and the existence of prejudices, some of long standing, indicated a special necessity for their presence and testimony. And I think I have not been disappointed in the result. Without any undue excitement, a deep-settled conviction seemed to rest on all that the times were changed; a degree of freedom prevailed that has not been enjoyed for years before; renewed confidence in the work, and in the Lord's chosen means to carry it forward, gives assurance that the benefits of this meeting will be permanent.

I wish also to acknowledge to Bro. White the justness of his remarks in No. 14, relative to the Ohio plan for raising means, and to take upon myself all the blame that belongs to me in that matter. I had not the remotest idea that Bro. Butler had any thought or feeling toward division in that plan, but presented it as a present relief in consequence of the manifest unwillingness of the churches to act upon the plan. This, I think, was the idea with all, and I was not at that time sufficiently impressed with the importance of perfect union upon the plan already adopted to take the position I ought to have taken. And I trust Bro. Butler will forgive me for suffering him to hear more than was his due, or at least to hear any burden that justly belonged to me.

My earnest, constant prayer is that the Lord will bless the cause in Ohio and strengthen and encourage its friends, by giving it abundant success.

J. H. WAGGONER.