Report from Ohio by I. D. VAN HORN

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 29, 1867

Report from Ohio.

By I. D. VAN HORN

On Thursday, Dec. 27, I left Cleveland for Geneva. On arriving there I found things, as far as the present truth is concerned, in a distracted condition. A spirit of debate and strife exists among those who profess to keep the commandments of God. A kind of Sabbath-keeping-Mormonism is the leading principle among them which is not current among Seventh-day Adventists. There are four or five who are sincerely trying to carry out present truth. I gave five discourses to the edification of those who love the truth, but it was not so well received by the Mormon element.

We left them about as we found them, not being able in the limited time we had to effect much change. We would say to those who love the truth, to continue faithful in your efforts to serve the Lord, that you may pass safely through the perils of the last days, and at last receive eternal life.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, I went to Orwell. Here I found the state of things entirely different, though they were not free from trouble, and Bro. Hutchinson, their elder, having moved to Geneva, left them in an unsettled condition. I labored here nearly a week, giving them ten discourses. All their wrongs were righted, and Bro. Chinnock was unanimously elected, and ordained elder.

When harmony was restored, the blessing of the Lord came upon us, and we all felt strengthened to persevere in the narrow way to life. On the Sabbath we had a free and happy time in presenting the Bible view of health to this church, and they resolved to take a new step in the way of reform. They have made some progress in this direction already, and they see that the Lord has blessed their efforts thus far. Truly, the hand of the Lord is in the work of reform among us as a people. This step must be taken by all lovers of present truth, in order that they may successfully pass through the dangers of the last days.

I left Orwell Jan. 9, and came to Cleveland where I staid over night with Bro. Sweet. His wife had recovered from her sickness, and was able to do her own work. I found them cheerful and happy in the Lord.

Last Sabbath I was with our friends at Bellville. I was glad to find them still progressing in the truth, and have hopes that they will prove faithful till the Lord comes.

Last Sunday I enjoyed a free time at Fredericktown. A few here still love the truth, and they are trying to make sure work for the Kingdom. I joined with Bro. Lawrence in his meeting in this place last Monday. We found a good interest to hear the truth manifested by the people. May the Lord bless the effort that is being made here to the salvation of many. Pray for us, that we may be prospered in the work of the Lord.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Appleton, O., Jan. 17, 1867.