Report of Quarterly Meetings in Ohio.
By Ohio Conf. Committee
Bro. Van Gorder met according to appointment with the church at Green Spring, January 16 and 17, 1864. Churches in the vicinity were well represented, and all felt interested to assist in the good work, and with their testimonies and prayers, each helped in making the meeting interesting and profitable; and God, true to the promise, gave us of his good Spirit, and all were strengthened and encouraged to persevere. Fourteen dollars' worth of books and charts were sold. On the following Sabbath and first-day January 23 and 24, Bro. Van Gorder met with the brethren at Townsend in Quarterly Meeting which increased in interest until the close. There was a good attendance from churches in the neighboring towns. Much interest was manifested, and cheering spirited testimonies warm from the heart, and the powerful influence of God's Spirit gave us good evidence that we had not met in vain; and tears of joy and holy devotion freely flowed. Jan. 30 and 31 Bro. Van Gorder attended a meeting at Columbia. The roads were very muddy making it difficult for those at a distance to attend. Thus some were much disappointed in being deprived of the privilege of this meeting. Brn. Byington and Ginley of Michigan made us glad with their presence, and encouraging words; and the testimonies of all testified to their devotion to the truth, and their willingness to assist by every means in their power in building up the cause. On the next Sabbath Bro. Van Gorder met with the brethren and sisters in Jackson, Sandusky Co. Roads muddy. None were present from a distance except Bro. Jos. Clarke, who brought news of sickness in Bro. Van Gorder's family, and the meeting was closed on Sabbath evening. Few were present, as the church is few in numbers there, and the brethren judged it expedient not to hold meeting first-day, as it was necessary for Brn. Van Gorder and Clarke to return home immediately. The church in Jackson are still holding on to the third message, and love the truth, and are still pressing on. We love them much. Bro. Hodgson has had constant sickness in his family for months, and he and his family were still feeble at the time of the meeting. Brethren will remember this little band in their petitions to the throne of grace. Although our meetings there closed so abruptly on Sabbath evening, yet we feel that it was good for us to be there, and our hearts were cheered to see that that little company are bound for the kingdom. Feb. 13 and 14 (Bro. Van Gorder being unwell and Bro. O. Mears detained) Bro. Jos. Clarke met with the church in Cass, Hancock Co. The churches in the neighboring towns were well represented. From the first the influence of God's Spirit was manifest, and freedom was felt by all. Special interest was expressed by most present in the future and present prospects of the youth and children, and this was manifestly unpremeditated and spontaneous and heartfelt. We hope the words there uttered will be pondered upon. Quite a number of unbelievers mostly youth were present, whose tears bore witness to the interest they felt. Feb. 20 and 21 Bro. Van Gorder met with the church at Gilboa, churches in the vicinity being represented. This church has passed through many severe trials, once numbering some 80 or 90 now less than a score: still they press on and amid discouragements, clouds and opposition, they discern the light of present truth. Some of their number have died in the triumphs of faith; some have removed to other parts of the country, whose prayers still ascend for the little company at Gilboa; and others have become fatigued and faint at the straightness of the way and have laid down their armor. Others have openly joined the forces of the enemy and apostatizing have denied the faith. Thus little by little this company have become lessened in numbers. Still they are not discouraged, for under such a leader as Jesus, they realize that one can chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight, and we feel that this meeting has not been in vain. On the following Sabbath, and first-day Feb. 27 and 28, Brn. I. N. Van Gorder and O. Mears met with the166church at Ayersville, in Quarterly Meeting, some being present from Leipsic. The bad roads prevented some from a distance coming to this meeting. Here was existing some considerable degree of indifference and coldness, manifested in neglect of prayer-meetings &c. However, thanks to our merciful Heavenly Father, the clouds finally gave way, and blessings descended, and the young moved by a heavenly influence, led the way, and with weeping avowed their determinations to enter upon the path to glory, and now freedom was felt as we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and we felt an assurance of the presence of the Lord. Brethren at Ayersville, gird on the armor anew. Keep free from the entangling influences of the world around. And to those youth whose words so feelingly signified their intentions, we say, As you read these lines, think of your promises, which you voluntarily and freely made at this meeting, which are recorded in Heaven, and be true to them. So shall you finally have cause to rejoice in the presence of God, and forever remember with pleasure those early vows. Thus will you give joy to all who labor and pray for you.