p. 174 | Michigan by I. D. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1873

Michigan.

By I. D. Van Horn

Since the session of the General Conference I have been holding meetings in the township of Assyria, twelve miles north of Battle Creek, and in Flushing and vicinity in Genesee Co.

Through the blessing of God, the result of the effort in Assyria was, that nine began to keep the Lord’s Sabbath, and adopted other points of truth held by our people. These, with four others who had previously taken hold of the truth, making thirteen in all, signed a covenant to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and to hold meetings until such time should come when they could be organized into a church. Some opposition was manifested, but the result of it was favorable to the cause of truth. With God’s blessing this little company of commandment-keepers can maintain an interest and influence in the place where they live till the Lord shall come.

I have just closed my effort of about three weeks in Flushing and Mount Morris, which has been a season of much labor, yet with encouraging results. On Sabbath and Sunday, April 19, 20, we were at Mount Morris, where Bro. S. H. Lane labored with such faithfulness last fall and winter. These were two eventful days for the little band of Sabbath-keeping Adventists in this place, and will not soon be forgotten by any who were present.

On the Sabbath, after our morning meeting, we went to a small, clear stream of water on Bro. Samuel Rone’s farm, and there ten expressed their faith in the burial and resurrection of Christ by being baptized. The good Spirit of the Lord was with us, and made this a happy season to us all. On the next day, two more were baptized. A church of eighteen members was fully organized, to be known as the church of S. D. Adventists at Mount Morris, Mich. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $65.00 per year. Bro. Samuel Rone was elected to the office of elder, and was ordained. In the afternoon, we all came together and enjoyed a precious season in celebrating the ordinances. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us with power, and gave us clear evidence that he approved of the work we had done. To him be all the praise.

I spent the following week in and about Flushing, visiting from house to house and holding meetings.

On Sabbath, the 26th, we had a good meeting, with a large attendance. Most of the friends from Mount Morris were with us. After the discourse, many bore testimony, which gave courage to all present. We enjoyed another precious season in celebrating the ordinances at this place. New courage and strength were given to continue faithful in the work of the Lord. On Sunday, we had a business meeting in which matters of importance to the church were attended to and some good accomplished. During the meetings, one was baptized, and five united with the church. There are many good souls in this part of the country who have heartily embraced the truth, and already its sanctifying influence may be seen in their lives. My prayer to God is that they may hold up the standard of truth and keep the light burning till the great gathering day. I. D. VAN HORN.