p. 38 | Report from Ohio by I. D. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 25, 1870

Report from Ohio.

By I. D. Van Horn

I LEFT Battle Creek for Ohio, Dec. 13, 1869. Stopped to visit my parents and relatives near Jackson, for three days. I had one good meeting in the neighborhood. The Lord helped me to speak to those among whom I have lived in my younger days. Sabbath and Sunday, the 18th and 19th, I held five meetings with the church in Bowling Green, Ohio. This was a profitable season for all; and it will prove of lasting benefit to all, if they will perform the vows that were there made. My own soul was watered while I tried to encourage them on in the heavenly journey. Everywhere I go, I hear those who profess the truth, make many resolutions to be more diligent and earnest in the work. Satan hears your vows, and determines to head you off, and cause you to break them. The struggle begins. You succeed, it may be, for a few days, to maintain your word. Soon some cares of the world are pressing hard upon you, and you hasten away from the place of prayer to attend to them. Your soul is dark. You wonder why. Satan has gained the victory, and is throwing his darkness over you. How artful he is, and how easy are you overcome. When shall we heed the admonition to cut loose from the world, and trust alone in the Lord? Who will go through to the heavenly city?

At Clyde, Dec. 21, 22, 23, I had three meetings. This church have had a great privilege since the Camp-meeting. A greater responsibility rests on them now, because of the opportunities they have had to learn more perfectly the will of God. I fear there are some among them that do not see this. Not an individual of this church should rest satisfied till they have an undoubted evidence of their acceptance with God. It will be a dreadful thing to be deceived and fall short at last.

At Melmore, Sabbath and first-day, the 25th and 26th, I enjoyed six good meetings. The most of those who accepted the truth at this place last summer, are steadfastly advancing in the truth, and in the reforms. I think there will be a little band here that will love the present truth. Go on, dear friends, in the truth, and continue to struggle against the foe unto the end. Victory will be yours if you continue to persevere.

Wednesday, Dec. 29, I began a course of lectures in Bro. Guilford’s neighborhood, Castalia, Ohio. I have given fourteen discourses. At first our congregations were not large, owing to the bad weather, and some prejudice. Everything is better now. Many of those who now come have thrown away their prejudice, and have a decided interest in what they are hearing. We have help from the Lord in speaking the truth to them. We hope for a good work here. Pray for us.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Castalia, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1870.