Meetings in Wakeman, Ohio.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
After my failure to get to Orwell, I returned west as far as Wakeman. The brethren judged that there was a favorable opening there, as a good impression was left with many when Bro. Cornell was there with the tent. Had it been possible for him to have remained long enough to go through the course, doubtless a good work would have been accomplished. I had taken a cold during the heavy storm preceding, which disabled me for some days. The Congregational house was obtained, and I commenced lecturing Sabbath evening (16th inst.) I held two meetings, and had an appointment for Sunday evening following; but on Sunday the sexton informed me that he was ordered to close the house. He said no fault was found with my preaching, but the ladies papered the house, and objected to our using it, as the paper might be loosened! For so weighty a reason, the synagogue was closed. An upper room in the Exchange was fitted up, and there I continued till Monday evening last. It rained much of the time I was there, and the roads were exceedingly bad; consequently the meetings were not largely attended. But all considered the attendance good under the circumstances, and the interest was good. Those who had kept the Sabbath were much strengthened and encouraged, and several additions made to their number. Others acknowledge the truth who will, I fear, never obey it. Though the circumstances were so unfavorable, I greatly enjoyed and prized the privilege of giving the word of warning to those who came so constantly through mud and rain to hear. May the truth grow brighter and more precious to their hearts. I have another place selected to give a course of lectures; a good opening. But I must defer it till the weather shall change and the roads be different. Meantime I shall employ myself visiting such churches as I can get conveyance to. I came to this place to visit and form acquaintance with Bro. Bartlett; but was sadly disappointed on learning that he was in the army. I found his companion keeping the Sabbath alone. She is firm in the truth as far as she has had opportunity to learn it, never having heard a lecture. Induced to enlist, partly for fear of a draft, he has had occasion to regret the rash step, and encourages sister B. to hold on to the truth, and keep the Sabbath of the Lord, which he is not permitted to do. I ask the brethren and sisters especially in this State, to remember these dear souls, in their prayers, earnestly desiring that God in the richness of his mercy, will work out for them a deliverance. Oberlin, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1863.