Labors in Ohio by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 11, 1863

Labors in Ohio.

By J. H. Waggoner

AFTER the meeting in Columbia, I spent the Sabbath and first-day, July 4, 5, with the brethren at Strongsville and Royalton. From there we went to Orwell with the tent, according to appointment, expecting to pitch it there. But arriving there were deeply disappointed to find that the individuals who were instrumental in getting us there, were in sympathy with the movements there last winter, against which I published a warning. As they had announced our intention to pitch the tent there, at their request, we could not do so without becoming identified with them, and virtually endorsing that which had disgraced the cause. I have known before, things worthy of the deepest condemnation to be transacted under the cloak of present truth, but never anything to compare with this case. As I am opposed to giving particulars of such cases in the Review, unless it becomes very necessary, I pass it by, with the above statement.

I held five meetings in a school-house three miles N. E. from Orwell Center, at the last of which I gave the reason why we could not pitch the tent there. The interest was quite good in those meetings, prejudice was removed, and I am informed that many are becoming anxious to hear. May the Lord direct, is my constant prayer.

As I had gone to Orwell by the instruction of the committee, and was obliged to take the responsibility of refusing to pitch the tent there, I was a stranger in a strange country, and knew not which way to go. My health was very poor, and I had no idea where an opening might be found. I came to Chardon, the county seat of Geauga Co., but could get no ground on which to pitch the tent. After going to Huntsburg, I concluded to return and see if a house could be obtained. I procured the town-house, and commenced meetings July 17.

Of course we could not expect as much as if the tent had been pitched, yet the attendance was good, and an interest soon sprung up. For about a week the weather was so cold that a tent-meeting would probably have been a failure, so we are comforted with the belief that the movement was providential. At this time several have decided to keep the Sabbath, and I have strong hopes of others who have not yet announced their decision. I have spoken four times in the Baptist meeting-house, and have received very kind treatment from the pastor and members of that church. I feel the effects of constant labor, and am not able to do as I wish to; but am no less determined than ever to do according to my strength. I shall remain here at least a week yet, beyond that I can say nothing at present.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Chardon, Ohio, Aug. 3.