Brother Oliver and self began a meeting at Blooming Grove Bethel, Richland county, Ohio, on the 19th of December, which we continued until February 2d, a part of the time both of us being present. There having been no revival there for a number of years, the church, by deaths and removals, had dwindled down to about eight members, and they nearly all lived three miles from the bethel and handy to Shenandoah. But these faithful few, and especially Brother G. F. Mitchell, had too much love for the cause of God to allow the "swallows to build their nests" in his holy altar. Hence, at a heavy expense, they have kept up the worship of God there from year to year, and never failed to be at their place through mud and storm. There are few indeed that would not have abandoned the point long ago, and so another good bethel would have been for sale or left to perish. Knowing how long they had borne their load and braved discouragement, I determined, if possible, to see the cause built up. Hence our long effort--thank God, he heard our united petitions, and twenty-four souls were converted to God.

      I immersed at five different times, in all 10; 22 were fellowshiped, nearly all prominent citizens, who, with their names, influence and abilities, will constitute an important addition to the church. They also did their duty toward the Lord's poor preachers, having given us some good collections and a donation worth probably over $40, which kindness we will ever remember with love and gratitude.

      I have always believed that where the cause is low and weak we would better hold no meeting at all unless we make the effort long and determined; fast and pray, visit from house to house; get the people upon their knees in their own houses and call upon God to save them from sin. By holding meetings from two to three weeks every year, souls are partially awakened only to relapse into a more deathly slumber than before. Revival efforts, when not successful, lose their power through mere repetition, and become a saver of death.

      We are about to begin a meeting in Mansfield and one at Vermillion. Who can come and help us?

[The Church Advocate 41 (February 14, 1877): 2.]

      Daniel S. Warner's "From Ashland Circuit, O." was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 41, No. 42 (February 14, 1877), p. 2. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article printed from a microfilmed edition of the newspaper held by the State Library of Pennsylvania. Thanks to Adams Memorial Library for arranging for the interlibrary loan, and to St. Vincent College Library for the use of its microfilm reader/printer.

      Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 23 May 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.