p. 186 | THE CAUSE IN OHIO by I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 26, 1867

THE CAUSE IN OHIO.

By I. D. Van Horn

My last report reached to Strongsville, and since then I have held meetings at Orwell and Wayne. At the former place we found the brethren and sisters a little troubled in mind on account of existing difficulties. These were of such a nature that we could not reach them at present, so we left them for further development. Though such was the state of things, yet we had a very good meeting, and the Lord gave us his blessing.

On Sabbath morning, March 2, we assembled at the place appointed for meeting, and after a good season of prayer, I spoke to them with good freedom on the subject of Faith and Holiness, showing the necessity of holding a firm confidence on all points of present truth and having a readiness to advance with the message as we pass through the perils of the last days. I then showed the importance of making thorough work in the Health Reform in order that the body as well as the spirit might be cleansed from all filthiness, thus perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. We as a people have been expecting the “loud cry” would soon begin to move among us, but we have not yet realized our expectation. Shall we give up and say, It will never come? No, for the Bible plainly opens to our view such a movement. It may be asked by some, What hinders? Let me answer this by asking a few questions, which we think will give the reason. 1. Can the loud cry go without the pouring out of the Spirit of God upon his people? Impossible. 2. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” 3. Can the Holy Spirit dwell in polluted temples? No, never. 4. How, then, can the Spirit of God dwell in and work through his people till they have taken the step of temperance and cleansed themselves from all filthiness of the flesh as well as of the spirit? I trust all can now see the importance of the Health Reform movement among us. For some time in the past it has seemed to me that this Reform was the work of preparation for the message to go with greater power. O

that we may be ever ready to follow in the way the Spirit leads us that we may be prepared to meet our Lord in peace.

In our social meeting that followed, the brethren and sisters made new resolves to be more faithful and earnest in the work of reform and in doing their duty in view of the responsibility resting upon them in these last days. Evening after the Sabbath we assembled at the house of Bro. Swan and enjoyed a blessed season in celebrating the ordinances. This was truly a soul-refreshing time. On Sunday morning I gave a discourse with good freedom on Systematic Benevolence. Order in this particular was very much needed in this place. In the evening we had a meeting to consider the subject and s. B. was organized to the amount of $254,00 per year. Taking all things into consideration we had a good meeting with the friends of truth here, and they all seemed to be encouraged to press on in the good way.

Monday the 4th, I accompanied Bro. Underwood to his home in Wayne. While journeying over the road, which was very rough, a heavy gloom rested upon me and it seemed that I was going into one of the Enemy’s strong holds. Tuesday evening I commenced my meeting which I continued through the week and over Sabbath and first-day. My whole object through the meeting was to allay prejudice which existed in the minds of the people. In this I succeeded beyond my expectations. The Lord gave special aid in speaking forth the word of truth in its clearness and strength. Before the meeting closed, the cloud of gloom was lifted from my mind and the peace, which none but followers of Christ can realize, filled my soul. On Sabbath and first-day our hearts were cheered with the presence of some of the good brethren and sisters from the Orwell church. These were days of refreshing to all. The Lord gave us his Spirit in good measure, and our hearts were filled with praise and gratitude to him. We all found by experience that it was good to wait upon the Lord.

Monday morning the friends of truth came together to consider the subject of organization, and after due consideration we proceeded in our work and organized a church of eight members. This little band adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and, though none of them are very well off in this world’s goods, yet they put down their figures to the amount of $57,20 per year. This shows their hearts are in the work. May the Lord protect this little band from the power of the enemy, and may they be perfectly joined together being of one heart and one mind. Bro. A. B. Underwood was elected and ordained their elder. Thus our meeting closed, with a result far exceeding our expectation. May the Lord prosper the work among them, and may the light of truth continue to shine here till the coming of the Lord to save his remnant people.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Belleville, O., March 15, 1867.