Untitled article by I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · September 3, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 12

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. Van Horn

After attending the Ohio State Conference, which passed off so pleasantly to all, and the good results of which have given strength to the cause of truth in the State, I left Bowling Green to seek the good home of Bro. Wm. Cottrell, Bowersville, Green Co., Ohio. I arrived at his house on Friday, the 9th, where I was welcomed by his family. I spent the Sabbath agreeably with them. On Sunday morning we went to the village of Bowersville to see if the way was open for the pitching of our tent. We found everything as favorable as we could wish. Monday we looked further and were successful in finding everything we needed for a tent-meeting. Accordingly I wrote for Bro. Waggoner to come on with the tent.

On Tuesday morning Bro. Cottrell took me to Xenia, where I took the cars for Pataskala. Here I met Bro. Crous’ team which conveyed me to Appleton. I found most of the little church who took hold of the truth here last winter, still holding on and doing well. They keep up regular Sabbath meetings, of which they gave a good report. On Wednesday and Thursday I held three meetings with them, by which they were strengthened and much encouraged to continue their efforts to live out the truth. There is still a good interest to hear manifested by others. We hope to visit them again soon, when measures will be taken to organize them into a church, according to their earnest wish.

On Friday, 16, I went to Belleville, where I spent the Sabbath and first-day in a very agreeable manner. I found the little company of commandment keepers in this place, in a much better condition than I expected to find them from the reports I heard from them. The one whom we had appointed to lead them, had moved away, and, as we felt sad to learn, had given up the keeping of the Sabbath. It seems strange to me how those who have once learned what the Lord requires of them, can yield to the influences of the enemy so easily, and fall from their steadfastness in Christ. Those that remain, seem to be more firm than ever in their decisions to live out the truth, overcome, and be saved. While I was among them I gave five discourses, had one good social meeting, and one business meeting. They were all much encouraged, and felt to enter into the work anew.

On first-day morning, the church came together at an early hour, when five, who had not before identified themselves with the organization, offered themselves as candidates for baptism. After a careful examination we found the church could fellowship them all, when we proceeded to the water, where we enjoyed a sweet season in administering the ordinance to them. It was thus they were united to, and decided to walk with, the church. The prospect seems bright for this little company now, and may God grant them his blessing, and aid them onward in the way to the heavenly home of the saints. I hope to have the privilege of visiting them again before winter, when a more complete organization may take place and they take another step of advance in the truth.

Monday, I returned to Green Co. to aid Bro. Waggoner in pitching the tent. We held our first meeting in it, Thursday evening the 22d. We have now had six meetings and the interest to hear the truth is good. Yesterday (Sunday) we had three meetings and there were between 400 and 500 present each time. Every thing is favorable to have a good meeting with good results. Our only hope for the success of the truth is in the Lord. Pray for us.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Bowersville, Green Co., O.