REPORT FROM BRO. VAN HORN.
By I. D. Van Horn
AFTER spending about two weeks at Battle Creek, resting, and preparing for winter, I started Dec. 4, to visit my parents and other relatives near Jackson. The 5th, I attended the Monthly Meeting at Jackson. We had a good meeting. Friends from Parma, Tompkins, and Leslie, were present. All were encouraged to press on and obtain the victory. Sabbath, the 12th, I spent in Tompkins. It brought many pleasant reflections to my mind to be in the society of those once more with whom I first united in church fellowship. I think my visit among them was not in vain. The following Sabbath I enjoyed a good meeting in Leslie. Brethren and sisters came in from Tompkins and Bunker Hill, and there was a much larger attendance than I had expected. The Lord gave freedom while we tried to impress on their minds the solemn times in which we are living. We traced down the prophetic periods, and showed definitely that the hour of Judgment began in 1844. We then examined the sanctuary question for a few moments, and as we saw that Jesus was now cleansing the heavenly sanctuary, we all felt the importance of being on the watch, lest the Lord coming suddenly find us sleeping. My visit at Leslie I trust has been for the good of the cause, and the encouragement of its friends. On Monday, Dec. 21, I started north to follow up my work in Blendon and Casnovia. On arriving at Blendon I was glad to learn that those who had accepted the truth were still holding on. I spent a week here, holding meetings almost every night, which gave new encouragement to all. On the Sabbath, three sleigh-loads of the brethren and sisters from Wright came over and met with us. The blessing of the Lord was with us, and we enjoyed a good meeting. There are a few here, who have lately accepted the truth, that love it, and are trying to carry it out. May the Lord help them. On my way to Casnovia I spent the last two days of the old year in Wright. I held two meetings with them. These were well attended, and we had freedom in declaring the word of truth. We made arrangements for monthly meetings to be held alternately with the churches in Wright, Blendon, and Casnovia. The first was appointed to be held at Wright, the 16th and 17th of Jan., 1869. The great object for which these meetings are established, is that the brethren of experience in the cause at Wright might be a help to those who have lately embraced the faith. New Year's morning we rode through a heavy snow-storm twelve miles to Casnovia. I was pleased to learn that nearly all that had taken hold of the truth, still remained firm. I labored among the friends here two weeks; during which time I gave twelve discourses, held four prayer and social meetings, and one business meeting. All these meetings were well attended. Many who have not taken hold of the truth, had not lost their interest to hear. We have hopes that some will yet accept the truth, and join the little band of believers here. In our business meeting we organized a church of twelve members. This was a good meeting. The Lord sanctioned the work by his blessing. Bro. E. Higley was chosen and ordained their elder. We organized a S. B. to the amount of $127.40 per year. They all express their hearty acceptance of this plan. May the Lord be with and bless them, and may they make sure work for the kingdom. Friday, Jan. 15, we came back to Wright to attend the Monthly Meeting. Most of the friends from Casnovia came with us, and there were some over from Blendon. We had four meetings, and the interest increased to the last. The Lord was with us. We all felt encouraged as one from Casnovia made a start to keep all the commandments of God. We all feel to praise the Lord for his goodness to us.