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REPORT FROM OHIO

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 16.

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REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. VAN HORN

SINCE my meeting at Appleton as given in my last report, I have been laboring in, and in the vicinity of Bowersville, and with good results. I have spent four Sabbaths with the little company of believers in this place, and our meetings at these times have given us much encouragement. The few who have embraced the truth here are growing strong, but they meet with a good deal of opposition, which only serves to make them more earnest and zealous in the truth.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, the brethren and sisters came together for the purpose of uniting and becoming an organized church. This was a public meeting, and there was a house full of spectators, a good share of whom came in out of mere curiosity. But this was a good meeting for us. Although there were so many to witness our order, yet a feeling of solemnity pervaded the meeting during the whole time, and it lasted between three and four hours. In our closing exercises, many in the house were affected to tears. We were successful in organizing a church of sixteen members. There are a few others that are preparing to join in a short time. Bro. Wm. Cottrell was chosen and ordained as their elder, and we have every reason to believe that a permanent church has been formed in this part of Ohio.
With a willing heart, and, unanimous consent this little church adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence. Their figures amount to $106.50 per year.
They are moving out in the health reform as fast as they learn, and can make the change. The dress reform is being adopted by the sisters, which brings upon them the jeers, scoffs, and derisions of some of the people of the baser sort, and not only these, but from others who profess better things. The corners of the streets, and the doors and windows of the houses are well represented by this class of persons as we go quietly to our place of meeting every Sabbath.
“Ye are my witnesses saith the Lord.” I am glad the third angel’s message is bringing out a peculiar people that may be known by their appearance in the last days. Oh! that the pure truth may sanctify us by our making a full consecration unto God, that we may bear the cross here, and by and by wear the crown.
During my stay here this time, I have employed about two weeks in holding meetings in Bloomington, a little village about three miles south of Bowersville, where I gave twenty lectures. The result is, that five or six have become almost entirely convinced of the truth, but did not take any positive stand to obey it. Others that were living out the truth were greatly strengthened, so that our labor here has not been lost.
The cause of present truth has got a foothold in this part of Ohio that will stand till the Lord shall come to gather his people. May the Lord bless the work here, until there shall be a people fully prepared to stand with the remnant on Mount Zion.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Bowersville, O., March 18, 1868.