REPORT FROM BRO. VAN HORN.
By I. D. Van Horn
My last report gave the close of my labors for the present in the town of Casanovia, Muskegon Co. Two weeks ago I left there, and came to the good home of Bro. Covey, in Wright. I had expected to go near Lansing to commence a course of lectures, but I had written there twice, and received no reply, and the way seemed all dark before me. I plead with the Lord to direct me in the way of duty. My mind was unexpectedly led to think of the little company at Blendon Landing, about nine miles south of Wright. I went over the river to the place above mentioned, and found Bro. Adolphus Smith, and in conversation with him, I learned that the few Sabbath-keepers here had been praying for help for a long time. I concluded to spend the Sabbath and first-day with them, and gave out appointments accordingly. This was the last Sabbath and Sunday in September. During these meetings, which were joyful seasons to all of us, I found the way was open for me to give a course of lectures in the vicinity of this place. Still not hearing from Lansing, I concluded to remain here. On Monday evening of last week the little band of Sabbath-keepers in this place, eight in number, came together, and were organized into a church. Bro. Adolphus Smith was chosen and ordained their elder. They are a happy little company. This church will be known as the Church at Blendon Landing, Mich. Last Thursday evening, Oct. 1, I commenced a course of lectures in the township of Blendon, Ottawa Co., Mich., near the Blendon P. O. I have given five discourses, and there is a deep interest already manifest. The congregation the first evening was about fifty in number. This has increased so that last evening (Sunday) there were over one hundred present,—more than could be comfortably seated in the house. A good work has begun here, and my deep and earnest prayer is, that it may be carried on to the glory of God. I think I never commenced a course of lectures when such a deep sense of my own unworthiness, and of my inability to present the solemn truths of the third angel's message in a proper manner before the people rested upon me, as does at this present time. I will, by the grace of God, throw my whole soul into the work. I. D. VAN HORN. Blendon Landing, Mich., Oct. 5, 1868.