Progress of the Ohio Tent Mission
By I. D. Van Horn
Six weeks have passed since we pitched our tent in this place. The interest to hear the truth does not decline, but rather seems to be increasing. For the busy season of the year that harvest always brings, we have had a larger attendance than we could have expected. A great change has taken place among the people in this place. Whereas six weeks ago the Bible lay upon the shelf, and was scarcely thought of by them, it has now become the object of daily study. The truth is taking effect in the hearts of many, and they are beginning to yield obedience to it. We have no open opposition, but some of the shepherds, with others are using all their influence in a private manner to oppose the work of truth. But amid all their opposing influence, the work is still moving on. The Lord's hand is with us, therefore the truth will prosper. While Bro. Lawrence attended the Ohio Conference, Bro. Waggoner was with us to assist in tent labor. His gift was a help to us, and appreciated by all. Last Thursday we were favored with a visit from Bro. Loughborough. Our hearts were made to rejoice to see him looking so well. In the evening he spoke for an hour to about four hundred, on one of his favorite themes, the heavenly City of Rev. xxi, and of the preparation needed to obtain it. His short stay with us has done the cause good in this place. Sabbath and first-day, just passed, has been a good time with us. There were about eighty present in our Sabbath meeting, and after a short discourse, nine bore testimony to the truth. We then gave opportunity for all who had made up their minds to keep the commandments of God, the Sabbath with the rest, to manifest it by rising to their feet. Our hearts were made to rejoice at what our eyes beheld, when forty thus expressed their determination to live out the present truth. We truly ought to be thankful for the goodness God has manifested toward us since we have been here. Brethren of Ohio, we trust your prayers have not been in vain for the success of the truth with the tent this season. Continue to pray that a greater work may be done. We are abundantly assured that we are remembered by you, and may the Lord answer your prayers to the good of many souls. We remain here another week, and then, if the Lord will, shall remove to another place. We are encouraged to labor on in our Master's vineyard and do all in our power to further on the cause of truth. I. D. VAN HORN,
R. J. LAWRENCE. Bellville, O., Aug. 7, 1866.