Report from Ohio by I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 26, 1866

Report from Ohio.

By I. D. Van Horn

THURSDAY, June 7, I, in company with Bro. Lawrence arrived safely at the good home of Bro. Oliver Mears of the Lovett's Grove church. At his house we enjoyed a good season of rest before entering upon the duties of our appointed meeting. At the commencement of the Sabbath, we went to the meeting-house, where we found a goodly number of brethren and sisters from different parts of the State, who had come up to the meeting. Our introduction and acquaintance with them was very pleasant, and, before the meeting closed, we felt in our hearts that there were some lovers of present truth still left in Ohio.

On Sabbath morning we had a free time in presenting to the friends of truth, the high, moral perfection of the Christian church in the last days; by which, we trust, was seen the importance of a thorough work in the health reform, as well as in other things. In the afternoon we enjoyed an excellent social meeting, in which many stirring testimonies were borne, showing an earnest zeal in the cause, and a willingness to sacrifice everything that would hinder their progress with the remnant people to Mount Zion. They all expressed their gratitude to God, and their hearts overflowed with praises to his name, that they had been remembered by the General Conference in the distribution of labor. The Lord gave us his blessing through the day, and we felt that it had been a good Sabbath-day to us all.

On Sunday, Bro. Lawrence remained with the church at Lovett's Grove, while I went to Portage to fill appointments that had previously been given out. This divided the interest of our meeting somewhat, but could not be avoided without disappointing the people at Portage. Our meetings were well attended in both places, and the Lord gave a good degree of freedom in speaking the truth. There seemed to be quite a good interest manifested by the people around to hear the truth.

On Monday morning, according to previous arrangement, a council of the brethren and sisters was held to determine, if possible, in what part of the State the tent should be pitched the coming season. I never have been in a meeting before, where better harmony prevailed than did on this occasion. The brethren spoke freely, and their minds all seemed turned to an entirely new field in the vicinity of Mansfield, Richland county. Bro. Lawrence and I had been looking at the map previous to the meeting, and our minds were directed to the same place. We therefore concluded that we would make a trial in that direction at least.

Monday evening we again enjoyed a free time in giving a discourse to a full house, on the change of the Sabbath by the "Man of sin," and its restoration in the last days. The Lord by his Spirit seemed to be near to us throughout the meeting. We all felt to praise his name for the good privilege we were permitted to enjoy. May God bless the dear friends in Ohio, and may success attend the effort made to advance the cause of truth the coming summer.

Pray for us. I. D. VAN HORN.

Bellville, Ohio, June 14, 1866.