p. 137 | Untitled article by I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. Van Horn

Dec. 18, 1867, I left Battle Creek, for my field of labor in Ohio. I arrived in Bowersville in time to spend the following Sabbath with the little band of commandment-keepers, who had so recently begun to do the will of the Lord during the labors here with the tent. They were all glad to see me, and the day was profitably spent. On the Monday following, Bro. Waggoner joined me here for the purpose of continuing the discussion with Eld. Moore which had been postponed to this time by his (Moore’s) request. But Eld. Moore failed to appear, and did not come till two days after the appointed time fixed by himself. When he did come, he refused to go on with the debate, and stated as a reason that we had backed out. But we read the correspondence in public by which all saw how the matter stood in its true light.

By our being present there to vindicate the right, the truth has not lost anything, but on the other hand its friends were much strengthened. We began a series of meetings which resulted in much good; for we took up the propositions yet pending for discussion and gave them a thorough examination before the people. Thus we left the cause in that place free from reproach, and those interested in it much encouraged.

Jan. 16, left Bowersville to fill the appointment for meeting at Bellville. I was welcomed in this place by the little company of Sabbath-keepers, who cheerfully and with earnest invitations extended their hospitality to me. The society in this place is not large, and mostly composed of female members, yet they are firm and zealous in the truth. Last September they were deprived of a public place to hold meetings, and the inconvenience of going from house to house was very great. Under these circumstances they determined to build a house of worship. Some thought they were not able to do so, and being opposed by some in obtaining a site for the house, things began to look quite dark. But the more zealous ones pushed the matter ahead, and this gave courage to the others, and to the astonishment of the people of the place, they soon had a house 24x32 up and enclosed. They soon after had it plastered, which was all dry and nice at the time of our meeting. Temporary seats were arranged for the present, which made it quite comfortable for all who had a desire to attend. They will seat it in the spring.

Our meetings in this place were blessed of the Lord to the good of the society. I was with them twelve days, and gave during the time fifteen discourses. We held also four business meetings at which various matters pertaining to the meeting-house and the society were considered. Six united with the church, making their present number twenty-eight, besides some who had moved away. We were unable to elect an elder under the present circumstances, but left them much encouraged, and appointed Bro. Grant as their leader for the present. They are carrying out the plan of Systematic Benevolence, as well as they can in their present condition.

They saw, by the straight testimony to which they listened attentively, the high moral standard we have taken as a people, and the most, if not all, of them we think will come up to it. They have not adopted the health reform in all its branches yet, but we have reason to think they will not long be behind in this. May the Lord help them, and may they take courage and go forward. We believe there will be jewels in Bellville, whom the Lord will take to himself when he comes in all his glory.

Dear brethren and sisters, seek not your own will but the Lord’s, and remain steadfast in the way of life.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Appleton, O. Jan. 31, 1868.