p. 117 | The Michigan Tent by I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Sep 8, 1863

The Michigan Tent.

By I. D. Van Horn

BRO. WHITE: Believing that the brethren and sisters generally would be interested to know what the labors with the Michigan tent are accomplishing for the cause of present truth, we would submit a few facts for publication in the Review.

In the first place we believe it was in the providence of God, that our minds were directed to this part of the State. For, if we may judge by what we have seen and heard as the fruit of our labor, success has attended every effort that has been put forth to advance the cause of truth. When we first came to Memphis, darkness seemed to settle upon us like a cloud, and the way seemed hedged up before us. We applied for a place on the common to set our tent, but the owner of the ground refused to grant us the privilege. But, by perseverance we obtained a very beautiful and romantic site, in the corner of an enclosure, where there was just room enough to set the tent between the fence and the brink of a steep bluff some sixty feet high. A good spring of water just over the edge of this bluff, shaded by an oak tree, and within thirty feet of the tent, supplied us with water.

When we began to present for the consideration of the people, the truths of the word of God, they manifested an interest far beyond our expectations. As there was no celebration in this place on the fourth of July, by request an appointment was given out for a meeting at the tent, on condition that there should be no firing of guns, or fire-crackers on the occasion to disturb the meeting. About four hundred came out, and listened to a discourse on the subject of the kingdom. The most perfect order was maintained, and some of the aged people said, "It seemed like old times." Some made the remark, that it seemed to them to be the Sabbath; little thinking however that they would soon be made to believe that it was really the Sabbath. The Sabbath question now came up, and by the next Sabbath, we had a few commandment keepers to meet with; and from that time forward, the number kept constantly increasing. The Sabbath of the Lord which had been broken from week to week, has become a delight to many of the inhabitants in, and about Memphis. As far as we can judge at present, over one hundred have taken a decided stand upon the Sabbath. Thirty-three have followed their Lord in baptism. It is impossible to tell the extent of the work at present. Time will develop who has received the good seed in the heart.

Our books went off rapidly. The people were hungry for the truth, and seemed determined to have it, not minding the cost. The amount of office publications sold here, reached one hundred and forty-eight dollars. Bro. Cornell obtained some Bibles, of which he sold $30,10 worth. He also had some prophecy and commandment charts which were sold, amounting to $11,00. Fifty-seven subscribers were obtained for the Review, and seventeen for the Youth's Instructor. Money received on the same, $50,25. We received for expenses during the meeting $22,57, making in all a total of $270,92. The interest kept up good until the last. And after remaining with them so long, (nine weeks) many requested us to stay longer. The Baptists have kindly opened their meeting-house for us to hold Sabbath meetings for the present.

May the Lord be with, and guide them in their meetings, and also in the further understanding of his word until they become established in all the truth, and fitted for an inheritance in his kingdom.

We removed from Memphis to Hadley, Lapeer Co., and have given six lectures. There is already quite a good interest. We trust that our labors here will not be in vain, but that some may be benefited by the truth.

I. D. VAN HORN.