Tent Meeting in Orwell, Ohio.
By J. H. Waggoner
WITH many misgivings I concluded to pitch the tent in Orwell. The way did not seem to be open in any other direction; yet there was so much feeling against the truth we teach, on account of those who had professed it, that I feared for the result. I say feeling, for I cannot call it prejudice, when I know there was so much reason for it. But the people soon understood our position. The congregations were larger throughout the meeting than we expected, and the interest increased to the very last. It commenced Aug. 21, and closed Sept. 6. When I arrived in Orwell, I133was worn down so that I could do nothing. After a few days of rest I commenced in the tent; and preaching without intermission soon brought me down again. Some of the time it was very cold; yet the people would come out and listen with interest. Seeing this I felt constrained to do all in my power to set the truth before them. Had I acted upon my own circumstances, or even the feelings of my friends, I should have closed several days sooner; but had I had some one with me to take part of the labor and burden upon them I should have been glad to remain two weeks longer. As it was I continued as long as I possibly could with profit to the cause. The interest seems very general. About fifteen informed me of their determination to keep the Sabbath. I could not take the steps that are often taken elsewhere to ascertain the number in a public manner, on account of the persistent obtrusiveness of some who had already brought the cause to shame: who profess to keep the Sabbath in the love of God, yet show an utter disregard for the principles of Christianity, and do not scruple to persecute and oppress "the fatherless and the widow in their affliction." I feel to praise God that their influence was checked even beyond my anticipations. My last experience there was, to me, the most gratifying. Sr. Chaffee has been faithful to the truth under the most adverse circumstances, her only company in the faith being Sr. Swan, whose companion used us as kindly as an own brother could, and no Bro. in the truth ever took more pains to aid us and to help on the meetings. Yet he did not yield himself to the truth till the evening before I left, when after, conversation, as we bowed before the Lord he joined us in prayer, and gave himself to the service of God in obedience to his word. Some from the adjoining town were constant attendants, and the way is now open for labor there, as urgent requests were made in almost every direction for meetings to be held. I hope and trust that in the providence of our Lord these requests may be soon complied with. Although it seems almost useless for any person of feeble health to undertake to run a tent alone, yet I feel greatly encouraged with the results of this meeting, and am no less determined than ever to resume my labors as soon as my health will permit.