Labors in Ohio by J. H. Waggoner

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

Labors in Ohio.

By J. H. Waggoner

I VISITED East Townsend, Feb. 2. Found a few, mostly females, holding on to the truth, having passed through many discouragements. It has been impossible for them all to meet together regularly this winter, yet their meetings have been kept up. As they are most of them in feeble health, and all unfavorably situated, their efforts to keep up their meetings are truly commendable, and in striking contrast with the course of some much more favorably situated. On the evening of the 3d, one who had not met with them in a long time, arose and announced his determination to meet with them and renew his efforts to get to Mt. Zion. This was heart-cheering to the "little flock," and I pray they may be more than ever united in faith and duty.

I am here reminded of the fact, that many of those who have declined from the love of the truth in this State, have been drawn away by suffering their minds to become absorbed in politics. It is humiliating indeed to know that any who have been enlightened by the pure principles of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, teaching love to God and our fellow men, should sympathize with this rebellion, the purpose of which is to perpetuate slavery and subvert the unalienable rights of man. But it is almost equally fatal to pure Christianity to actively mingle with those who are inflamed by passion, and who too often make truth and right the expedients of personal and selfish purposes. To strive for the truth is laudable, but the crown is for such alone as strive lawfully. 2 Tim. ii. 5.

At Norwalk I called on Bro. George Smith, also visited some others who are more or less interested in this truth. Arrangements are being made for the scattered ones in Norwalk, Milan, Townsend and Wakeman to meet together monthly or quarterly as shall be most expedient. This will doubtless prove a great blessing to the believers in Erie and Huron counties.

Sabbath 7th inst., at Green Springs. The church there had also suffered discouragement. The elder elected when Bro. Cornell was with them, soon after that enlisted, and went to war. The clerk also moved away without giving any notice, and they have stood in that condition since. They felt it duty to elect other officers. Meetings with them were cheering, and they seemed to feel encouraged. Most of the believers at Republic met with us at Green Spring.

On the 9th I went to Townsend. Though my arrangements were such that my stay was necessarily brief, yet I trust it will prove of much benefit to the little church there. I found them earnestly devoted to the truth, yet laboring under some misapprehension about organization and systematic benevolence, which were calculated to hinder perfect union with those in

the work. But their interest is in the truth, and their desire is for union : Lord bless their efforts.

I came to Cass on the 11th, having arranged with Bro. Van Gorder to meet me here, and convey me to Attica. But it has rained and snowed for the last 18 hours, and it will probably be necessary to defer that trip for the present. I think now of going to Leipsic and Gilboa next, but earnestly pray the Lord to direct and guide in the work.

J. H. Waggoner.

Cass, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1863.