p. 181 | Untitled article by I. D. VAN HORN

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 3, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 12

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. VAN HORN

My last report closed with the meeting at Bellville. Thursday, Jan. 30, I went to Appleton. The brethren and sisters here gave me a hearty welcome, and I felt cheered to learn that they still had a love for the truth. I stayed with them thirteen days, during which time I gave thirteen discourses, held one inquiry meeting, and one meeting for organization, besides some time that was profitably spent in social meetings.

The Lord gave us a good degree of freedom in speaking, and the principal part of our testimony was of a practical nature, for the edifying of those that love the truth. We tried in weakness to show them the high moral standard that we as a people are taking, and how necessary it was for us to keep pace with the message. Our congregations were not large, owing to a protracted meeting carried on by the Christian society at the same time. But there were a few, besides our people, that attended our meeting and listened with good attention, and we trust with some profit. We all felt the importance of a deeper work of grace in our hearts, and a more full consecration to God.

Our inquiry meeting was one of the best we had. It was truly a blessing to us all, which gave us much strength. This was held preparatory to our meeting for organization. All the brethren and sisters expressed, with firmness and decision, their determinations to do all in their power to go on with the people of God and gain the victory.

The meeting for organization was characterized by a deep feeling of solemnity, and we believe that all felt the responsibility they were taking upon themselves. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us on this occasion. The work moved forward in perfect harmony. A church was completely organized of thirteen members; but four of them (Bro. and Sr. Rigby, and Bro. and Sr. Francis) live about twenty-five miles from the place of meeting. Bro. Wm. F. Crous was unanimously chosen for their Elder. He embraced the truth some six years ago in Iowa, and soon after came back to this State among his friends that they might also learn the truth and go with him to Mount Zion. Some of them are almost persuaded to accept the truth, and may the Lord help them to make a full start in the way of life. We have reason to believe that others will join the little band here before long.

With a unanimous vote they adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and the manner in which they entered into it showed their interest in the work. Though they are few in number and not very well off in this world's goods, yet their figures amount to within a few cents of $160 per year. May the Lord bless them in their efforts to help advance this glorious cause.

At the close of this good meeting we remembered the suffering and death of our Lord by celebrating the ordinances. It was a refreshing season to us all. We always, in such seasons, find the truth verified, that those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength.

Dear brethren and sisters at Appleton, let your hearts ever be engaged in the work of the Lord, and may your earnest zeal and upright life be the means of turning many others into the way of truth, and all be taken at last to dwell in the home of the saints above. I. D. VAN HORN.

Bowersville, O., Feb. 20, 1868.