Report from Bro. Van Horn.
By I. D. VAN HORN
My last report was from Gilboa. Bro. Olds, with his team, took me to Cass, Friday, Nov. 23. It took us all day to go twenty-two miles through the mud. I held five meetings in this place, giving four discourses, which, we trust, removed some prejudice from those about, and was a strength to the believers in the truth. The roads were so bad that it was almost impossible for them to get out to meeting. Death has removed some from this church, and others have moved away, which leaves their numbers quite small. Here, again, we see the bad effects of moving from place to place. May God bless the few that remain and make them strong in the way of truth. Wednesday, 28th, I preached the funeral sermon of Bro. Baker, at the village of Arcadia. The weather was very bad, and there were but few out to hear. We spoke with freedom on the death and resurrection of Christ, to the encouragement of the hearers, and to the consolation of the mourning friends. Sabbath, Dec. 1st, I was with the church at Jackson. The burden of our testimony to this church, was purity and holiness of heart. While speaking upon these themes, we were lifted above the trials of earth and enabled to get a glimpse of the better things that await the faithful in their eternal home. On first-day we went two miles to Winter Station, where we preached the funeral discourse of Sr. Jemima Kenan. A large congregation were present, who listened with a good interest to the truths of the word of God, on the subject of eternal life through Christ. While staying with the church in this place, I gave six discourses, which have given much encouragement to the brethren and sisters. Bro. Mears and Van Gorder were with us at this meeting, and aided us with their cheering testimonies. The result of our meeting has been to right some wrongs that have existed, and to encourage the friends of present truth to still be faithful unto the end. Thursday, 6th, we came to Bellville. We were happy to meet Bro. Lawrence and see him looking so well. We found the brethren and sisters much encouraged by the faithful labors of Bro L., and we had the best of freedom in speaking the word of truth to them. There is every token of a good society here, for they seem to be willing to do anything that is required in order that they may make sure work for eternal life. Monday 10th, we went to Fredericktown and held three profitable meetings with the few there who have accepted the truth. They still express their determination to hold on to the truth, though their numbers be few. May the Lord bless them. Wednesday, 12th, we returned to Bellville, and in the evening we gathered at an early hour at the place appointed for prayer-meeting. The Lord met with us. From the very first, the presence of his Spirit was manifested in our midst. There were over thirty present, the most of whom took part in the meeting. Expressions of praise to God flowed freely from our lips, and tears of gratitude and joy were seen in nearly every eye. Time passed rapidly till nearly three hours had gone by, but it was all improved. Praise to the name of our heavenly Father! There are now and then little seasons when we can taste his love. We will go on till we reach our eternal home. Norwalk, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1866.