Report from Lapeer by Isaac D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 19, 1865

Report from Lapeer.

By Isaac D. Van Horn

I left Battle Creek, Wednesday, Dec. 6, to fill my appointment in this place. I had a quick, pleasant, and prosperous journey, arriving at Bro. Higley's Thursday evening.

We held our first meeting at the beginning of the Sabbath, but for some cause, we did not enjoy much freedom. Sabbath morning the state of feeling was far different. While trying to set forth the high moral duties and perfection of the Christian church in the last days, the rich blessing of God rested upon us and we had a free time. The gloomy clouds of darkness which seemed to hang heavily over us the evening before, broke away and the smiles of Heaven rested upon us. Our social meeting in the afternoon was free, and told us that the brethren and sisters had a mind to continue in the grace of God, and to surmount the trials and difficulties of this world, that they might in the end sit down with the redeemed in Heaven.

A good degree of union prevails in this church now, and there are tokens that peace and prosperity will be theirs to enjoy in the future. George Wright, whose influence has been such a source of trial to them, has finally left the truth by practically violating the Sabbath of the Lord. He has, by so doing, thrown himself beyond any connection with the body of Seventh-day Adventists. He is an object of our pity rather than of our censure.

Evening after the Sabbath, the church came together at the house of Bro. Higley, and we enjoyed a good measure of the Spirit of God while we remembered the sufferings and death of our Lord. On first-day we spoke three times with much freedom, on subjects calculated to elevate the standard of faith, hope, and charity among us as a people. By the expressions of the brethren and sisters, and the lighting up of their countenances, as the Christian's hope was portrayed before them, it could be seen that their lamps were trimmed afresh, and by the light thus given them, they had made new resolutions to gain the heavenly home.

On the whole, we think our visit to this place was timely, and much good has been accomplished, which we trust will be lasting. May God bless this church with the spirit of humility and love.

I. D. Van Horn.

Lapeer, Mich., Dec. 11, 1865.