Report from the Mich. Tent by I. D. Van Horn; D. M. Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 22, 1865

Report from the Mich. Tent.

By I. D. Van Horn; D. M. Canright

Bro. White: The third angel's message is doing a good work in this county. The brethren and sisters at Vassar are firm in the truth, and others are being added to them. They have suffered the most extreme opposition, and even persecution. While we were there the shepherds dare not come out to defend their flocks from the wolves (?); but as soon as we were gone, they were very bold and defiant. The extreme rancor of their opposition has disgusted the people with them, and served to advance the truth. They tried to represent us through the county paper as enemies of the Union. Of course, the effort was a failure, only serving to excite a greater interest in our cause.

We have been in Watrousville four weeks. Everything has been very favorable so far. We have had good weather, good congregations, and a good interest to hear. People came from eight to twelve miles to meeting in the evening. It is said that there never was so great an excitement before in the county, on any subject. In fact, it is almost the sole topic of conversation. Everywhere we hear them say, "I never knew so much about the Bible before in all my life. It looks so plain now. It seems like a new book. Now I love to read it, because I can understand it." Men who never went to meeting, nor read their Bibles at all, are now giving their whole attention to it. Present truth is the power of God unto salvation.

Within the last few weeks, we have seen the gray-haired sinner melt before its power, the worldling yield to its authority, and the gay and ambitious, weep under its influence.

Our own hearts have been watered by the Spirit of God as we have stood up to declare the last message of warning. We sometimes feel as though we were getting a few drops of the latter rain. Yes, praise God, the truth is good, it is glorious, it will triumph. Let the world scoff, wicked men oppose, and the Devil rage; yet God is able to lead his people through.

The Methodist minister of this place has become so enraged against us, that he has actually joined with the most notorious infidels in the county to oppose the truth. He took their position on the resurrection and they stood by him, to back him up. "The same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together, for before they were at enmity between themselves." We exposed him before the people, showing by his own Discipline and Watson's Theological Institutes, that he had joined hand with infidelity in opposing the fundamental doctrine, not only of Methodism, but of all Christians of every age. Most of his own members have turned against him and have embraced the truth.

Most of the people are convinced that we have the truth. Last night above forty voted to keep the Sabbath. We are confident that God has a people in this county, and that he is now calling after them. Trusting that we have the sympathies and prayers of our brethren, we feel willing to go forward with the work of our Master.

I. D. VAN HORN.

D. M. CANRIGHT.