Report of Meetings and Sabbath-Keepers
By H. A. St. John
My last report closed with the Sabbath meeting at Bro. G. W. Edwards', July 9. I spoke in the evening at Bishop school-house, on reasons for Sunday-keeping. The Lord gave freedom, and the truth seems to be taking effect upon the hearts of some. Another man's appointments prevented our having meetings in the daytime on Sunday. Sunday night the house was full, and attention good. I left an appointment for Thursday evening, and the next day (Monday) came to Bro. Daniels'. Remained three days, holding meetings each evening. Thursday, the 14th, returned to Bro. Edwards'. Meeting that evening and evening following. These were solemn meetings. We felt as never before the importance of this time. When dismissed, the people seemed loth to leave the place. The next day, Sabbath, according to previous arrangement, the scattered Sabbath-keepers of Napoleon, Paulding, and Ridgeland, came together in Bro. Edwards' barn, at 11 A. M., for prayer and social meeting. About twenty Sabbath-keepers, and a few others, were present. The Lord blessed, and some were helped in this meeting. Bro. S. E. Edwards, of Napoleon, who had wandered from the fold, like the poor prodigal, arose to return to his Father's house. May he not cease the struggle till he is free in God and his truth. May the professed Sabbath-keepers in this part of the State arouse from their lukewarmness, and come up to the help of the Lord. If they will do this, something may be done for their friends and neighbors. Let them get fully out of the way, and into the work, and then they may expect to see the work of God revived among them. We are thankful to God for the omens of good we have already seen. His people are putting on new strength, and a reviving has commenced. May the work go forward. Prayer-meeting at the close of the Sabbath, July 16, followed by our closing meeting in Bishop school-house. This was an excellent meeting. Quite a number acknowledged the truth as far as they have heard. We expect a few will obey. We hope to be able to hold more meetings with them at some future time. Sunday, 17, went about sixteen miles to the grove mentioned in a former report, three miles from Ayersville. Quite a large audience assembled at 11 A. M. to hear Eld. Day on the Sabbath question, but were much disappointed, as he did not come. Illness was the reason assigned for his non-appearance. Eld. J. Gillespie gave a short discourse, and we followed with remarks. In the afternoon the people came together again, and we addressed them for about eighty minutes on the millennium. After a tedious journey, we reached Mendon, Mercer Co., Ohio, July 22, and commenced meetings in Gross school-house Sunday afternoon. We trust that the Lord has directed. We ask an interest in the prayers of God's people, that we may accomplish some little good in the name of Jesus. Mendon, Mercer Co., Ohio.