Report from Bro. Van Horn.
By I. D. Van Horn
I RETURNED home from our field of tent labor, Oct. 26, and after a stay of only twelve days, during which time I preached four times to the church in Battle Creek, I started to fill my appointment at Tompkins. Sabbath, Nov. 11, I met with the church in this place and enjoyed much freedom in giving a discourse on the Unity, Purity, and Hope of the Christian Church. In the afternoon we had a good social meeting at the house of Bro. Weed. The brethren and sisters, though living much scattered, seem to be awake to their duty. Stirring testimonies were borne in favor of the truth. The blessing of Heaven rested down upon us as we were assembled, after our social meeting, to commemorate the sufferings and death of our Lord. On first-day, after a discourse on the subject of Baptism, we went about three miles to the water, where Bro. and sister True, who have lately commenced to keep all of the commandments of God, followed their Lord in the solemn rite of baptism. This place is sacred in my memory, being the place where I was baptized by our dear Bro. Bates, a little more than six years ago. During my stay in this place, I gave five discourses and had one social meeting. The blessing of God was with us during the whole time, and the brethren were all cheered and strengthened to go on in their journey to the kingdom. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Nov. 14, 15, I spoke to many of my old friends and associates in my father's neighborhood. Some of these friends are becoming quite favorable to the truth. Thursday, I started for North Leslie where I spoke in the evening with much freedom on the Sabbath in the New Testament. There are a few here that believe the truth but lack courage to make a start. Sabbath, Nov. 18, was spent very pleasantly with the church at Bunkerhill. I found the brethren and sisters firm in the truth. They are growing in numbers and in the Christian graces. May the Lord continue to bless them, and may they all remain united in his service. Sunday morning Bro. Hodges took his team and carried me to the north part of the town of Delhi, where I preached the funeral sermon of sister Lamoreaux, who had been buried in that place two weeks previous. Monday I returned to my father's and rested two days. Thursday I made preparations to go in the stage to Charlotte, but when it came along it was so heavily loaded that the driver would not take me on. There was no other way left me but to go on foot. Having a heavy sachel to carry, I slung it on my back and walked that afternoon, twelve miles to friend Wolcott's, near Onondaga, where I stayed overnight. In the morning he took his team and carried me four miles on my way, then I walked eleven miles further to Bro. Hill's. Here I rested four hours, then went with him four miles and spoke to quite a large congregation in the evening, on the Signs of the Times. On the Sabbath we enjoyed a measure of the Spirit of God in our meetings, and when we met in social worship, judging by the testimonies given, the brethren and sisters seemed to take courage, and manifested a decided interest for the truth. Our meetings on Sunday were well attended, and we enjoyed much freedom in dealing out to them the word of truth. There are some in this church that have been in deep trial, but we hope they will come out free in the Lord and stand among the remnant at the last day. Monday evening, Nov. 27, I spoke in the schoolhouse, in the neighborhood where Bro. David Lamson lives. A good interest was manifested to hear the truth. The next morning I intended to return to Battle Creek, but, receiving news of the death of sister Anna M. Clark, and a request to attend the funeral services, I remained, and on Wednesday I preached her funeral discourse to an attentive congregation. During this tour, I have enjoyed freedom in preaching the word, and find the brethren and sisters generally alive to the cause of present truth. May they all prove faithful.