p. 22 | Labors in Ohio by I. D. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 3, 1871

Labors in Ohio.

By I. D. Van Horn

DEC. 12, 1870, I left Troy, Ashland Co., and came to Norwalk, where I held two meetings. I found but little interest to hear the truth. The 15th, I came on to Defiance, where I found Bro. C. G. Daniels waiting to take me to his home, some eight miles south, in the township of Auglaize. At the beginning of the Sabbath, the 16th, I commenced meetings, which have continued nearly two weeks. I have held in all twenty meetings, and the result has been good. Some prejudice has been taken from the minds of the people, and a few have become somewhat interested.

Another of Bro. Daniel's sons came out decided on the truth, and received evidence of acceptance with God. There were tears of joy and much rejoicing in the family because of this. This young man, his sister, and a brother-in-law, were baptized. This was a happy season. We went four miles to the Auglaize river, where a hole was cut in the ice; and while engaged in this solemn ordinance, the Lord gave us his rich blessing.

The next day we held a meeting for organizing a church, and it resulted in forming a society of ten members. This little band are not only united together in the bonds of Christian fellowship, but they are all, as it were, one family in the flesh: father and mother, grandmother, sons, sons-in-law, daughters, and daughters-in-law. Bro. and Sr. Daniels have now seen all but one of their children that have come to years of understanding, accept the present truth. How full of gratitude their hearts should be! and how earnestly they should strive to live the truth and lead their family and friends to the kingdom of God.

They were unanimous in choosing the father, the head of the family, to stand at the head of the church. We all had evidence of the approbation of God as we bowed in prayer, while the elder was set apart for his place in the church.

The plan of Systematic Benevolence was heartily adopted by this little company, and they put down their figures to the amount of $60.00. After the meeting for organization was over, we enjoyed a most happy season in celebrating the ordinances. It was truly affecting to see parents and children confessing to each other, with tears flowing freely, and at the same time trying to comfort and encourage one another to be faithful unto the end.

If this little church will be a bright and shining light in the community where they live, others will soon join their number.

I. D. Van Horn.

Defiance, O., Dec. 28, 1870.