Labors in Ohio by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 8, 1864

Labors in Ohio.

By J. H. Waggoner

AFTER visiting Gilboa, Leipsic, Lovett's Grove, and Portage, I came to the north eastern part of the State. I held several meetings in various places, mostly for the benefit of those who had received the truth, either in whole or in part. January 17th I preached a funeral sermon in the Disciple house in Bloomfield, Trumbull Co., and commenced lecturing in the same house that evening. These continued till the 27th when the mud became so deep that those most interested could not get out, the roads were almost impassable. I was sorry to be obliged to close thus, for the interest had been good, and I wished to present the reasons of the faith fully. For some time the state of the roads continued such that evening meetings were out of the question. Some of the time I spent in visiting those who were interested, and had the opportunity of partially presenting the truth to some who had never heard. Under the circumstances this was very laborious, so I spent part of the time writing.

Feb. 12th I commenced meetings in Huntsbury, Geauga Co. Strong influences were brought against the meeting so the attendance was small; a very severe storm commencing the 15th prevented meetings most of that week, and after I could resume, it was very muddy in three days time. I gave eight lectures there, with the result, I trust, of some accession to the faith.

First-day, 28th, I attended meeting at Bloomfield, heard the Disciple Elder preach, and on inquiry found he was to be absent for some time, and I made application for the house to preach in on a time specified. They said they would consult and give me an answer in the afternoon. On taking a vote of the church only three voted to let me have the house, and two of them are keeping the Sabbath. Were the power of feeble men equal to their intentions this would appear militating, but I have never yet known the prejudice, bigotry, or intolerance of self-styled reformers to permanently injure the truth. Eleven are now keeping the Sabbath as the result of the meetings there, and the influence is spreading.

Most of the Sabbaths I have met with the church at Orwell Center, as this is central, and nearly all can meet here on the Sabbath. These meetings have regularly increased in interest and numbers since I came here this winter. Some work that I intended to do this winter I could not possibly do on account of the weather and roads. The people say they never saw such a winter, but this seems to me rather like a customary expression, for I have never seen much different in Ohio. Notwithstanding, the truth is regularly progressing and the general interest increasing.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Orwell, Ohio, Feb. 29.