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I. D. VAN HORN

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 28, 1871

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 37, No. 15.

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I. D. VAN HORN

By I. D. Van Horn

Minnesota.

On the night of the last day of February, I left home for the State of Minnesota. We had a prosperous journey, though as we were passing through Wisconsin as the shades of night were drawing on, the passengers were all suddenly aroused by the three coaches of the train being thrown from the track, caused by a broken rail. No one was hurt, and the cars were damaged but little. I felt thankful to God for this. On arriving at Rochester, Minn., I found Bro. Gibson at the depot who took me to his home at Greenwood Prairie.
We were fortunate in appointing our first meeting in this State at this place; for it was the time of their quarterly meeting, and there was a good attendance. Quite a number came to the meeting who knew nothing of our appointment. I had the privilege of seeing two of the Conference committee, and other leading brethren, at the meeting. We had a free and happy time. We had seven meetings, and the Lord gave us his blessing in them all. The hearts of others that came to our meeting were touched, and I have learned that two made up their minds to go with us and keep all the commandments of God. The brethren and sisters were much encouraged and they now feel like persevering in the work.
We went from this place to Pine Island where we also had a good meeting. This church is very much scattered, some living forty miles from the place of meeting. Only a small part of the church were present. Some of the brethren and sisters from Greenwood Prairie were with us, and we also had evidence that the Lord favored us with his blessing. We had some rain which made the roads quite muddy, and the water rose in the streams so that it was difficult getting about. Quite a number from without came to our meeting, and a few became much interested. We were able to learn the wants of the cause here, and new courage was given to the brethren and sisters.
Thursday, the 9th, we traveled eighteen miles through the mud to Rochester, where we took the cars for Medford. The Deerfield church came together at this place, and in our meetings through the Sabbath and first-day, we had freedom in speaking the truth. The Lord gave us his blessing in this place also. Hearts were touched by his Spirit, and tears flowed freely. We all found that it was good to wait upon the Lord. Some who had been on the background came forward and took a new start for the kingdom. Some in the neighborhood of our meeting came out to hear, and a few became interested. I think a door was opened for the truth in this place. May the Lord keep their hearts till they have the privilege of hearing the truth.
Monday, the 13th, by the aid of brethren, by the cars, and by walking a few miles, I reached the place of meeting in Rieeland. I received a hearty welcome by the brethren and sisters of this Danish church. I found that they had been passed by and disappointed so much in the past that they felt quite discouraged about having help. I feel to thank God that I had the privilege of meeting with them. When I related to them the action of the General Conference in their behalf as a people, they could but express their feelings of gratitude in tears. This people love the truth. I held five meetings with them, and had freedom in speaking the truth to them. Courage has been given them, and good has been done. Praise the Lord! Amen.

I. D. VAN HORN

Rieeland, Minn.