Untitled article by I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 22, 1867

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. Van Horn

Our tent meeting closed in this place yesterday, Oct. 6. We have had a very favorable time for such a meeting in this part of the country, and the result of it can only be known in the great day of accounts. Individuals, from six to fifteen miles away in every direction, have been out to hear us from time to time, and what they have heard has left a favorable impression on their minds. A large field of labor has been opened in this part of the State; sufficient, at least, to keep two active ministers at work for a year. We have had numerous calls to go out into different neighborhoods near by this place to hold meetings. Instead of our work here creating prejudice in the minds of neighboring communities, it has made them more anxious to hear. We shall do all we can to satisfy the demands of the people by visiting from place to place and opening the truth to them.

The past week has been a season of interest to all in this place by a discussion taking place between Bro. Waggoner and Eld. Moore, a Disciple minister. The Disciple society is the principal one of the place, and soon after we pitched our tent here it was declared among them that “we would have to debate or back out.” The people demanded a discussion, and we felt, from the surrounding circumstances, that it was needed to meet their expectation, and to further on the cause of truth. We therefore made known our willingness to debate, and invited them to bring on their man. They did not succeed, however, in getting one of their choice till the very last of September. He came and sent seven propositions for us to affirm; but we could not get him to affirm anything at all!! Six of them we

accepted.

He also utterly refused to debate unless we would preface the propositions thus: “The following are articles of Christian faith, the belief of which is essential to salvation.” This we considered utterly unprecedented and unfair, and we were inclined to believe that they thought we would reject it; but we were not willing to give them any possible chance to report that the failure rested with us, so we accepted it. The subjects were, the Kingdom, Law and Sabbath, Gifts, Coming of Christ, Judgment of the Saints, and the Destruction of the Wicked. He proposed that it continue from day to day till the parties were satisfied. The debate commenced Monday, Sept. 30, morning and afternoon session, and continued five days. As Bro. W. was on the affirmative it became his privilege to make the time on each proposition. As we were anxious to have the Law question fairly set before the people, he left the subject of the kingdom early on Tuesday, and filled the remainder of the week on the Law, which was very thoroughly canvassed. As Mr. Moore said he could remain no longer, the remaining subjects were put off for an indefinite time.

Thus the discussion closed, leaving a favorable impression on the minds of the people in regard to our views, and some were convinced of the truth. Truth is ever triumphant, and those who embrace it have no reason to fear when it is assailed by its enemies.

The result of the meeting is good. About twenty-five are keeping the Sabbath, and there are many more undecided as yet, who are very favorable. We have sold over $75.00 worth of Office publications, which shows that the people have a mind to read as well as hear, that they may know the whole truth. May the Lord bless the work already commenced here, that much good may be done to the glory of his name.

I. D. VAN HORN. Bowersville, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1867.