REPORT FROM OHIO by I. D. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 9, 1869

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By I. D. Van Horn

From October 14 to 25, I was with the church in Bellville. During this time we held twenty meetings. The Lord gave his blessing, and we enjoyed good freedom in speaking. But this was a season of great labor for the church, on account of some difficulties that existed, caused by the wicked course of Jonathan Iden. We gave his case a fair and thorough investigation, which resulted in the church’s withdrawing fellowship from him. From what I know of his course, I wish to say for the benefit of all who love the cause of truth, that he is entirely unworthy of the confidence of any body of Christians, until he shall show by a thorough and heartfelt confession, deep humility, and works of righteousness, that he has repented of his evil ways and found favor with God.

After the church had taken this step, we succeeded in bringing them into a good degree of union and love with each other again. We left them much encouraged, and we hope they will profit by their past experience, and grow in grace and the love of the truth unto the end. Four were added to the church, and one was baptized.

The week following the meeting at Bellville, I held two meetings with the church in Clyde, three in Melmore, and one in Fremont. I found most of those who had accepted the truth as the result of the tent-meetings in Clyde and Melmore, still holding on, and making some progress in the truth. Most of the church in Clyde met with the church in Fremont, Sunday morning, Oct. 31. At the close of the services, six expressed their wish to unite with the Clyde church. They were all admitted, and we all went to the river, where five of them followed their Lord in baptism. May they truly walk in newness of life, and at last have a home among the saved.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 3, 1869.