H. A. St. John by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 29, 1875

H. A. St. John

By H. A. St. John

Michigan.

Since my last report I have tried to do what I could in Hillsdale Co. Have held from two to six meetings a week in Jefferson, besides holding a few meetings and visiting in other places. I have seen very much of the work of the Lord in Jefferson. The blessed truth is taking deep hold upon many hearts, and almost weekly some new ones are taking their stand to keep all the commandments of God.

Four different times have we repaired to the beautiful Bird Lake near by for baptism. The largest number going forward at one time was seventeen. Altogether, thirty-five souls have followed their Lord in baptism. Each of these scenes was solemn and impressive, and at the first they were attended by hundreds of witnesses. Six of the number baptized united with the church in Ransom, and four in Hillsdale, while the remainder form a part of the newly organized church in Jefferson. This church now consists of thirty-three members, all heads of families excepting one, and a band more earnest, and united in brotherly love I have seldom, if ever seen. Oh! what a power there is in the present truth to melt and unite hearts, when accompanied by the Spirit of God. The organization of this church is complete, except the ordination of officers. These are appointed on trial for a season.

The steps necessary to legally hold church property have now all been taken, a subscription circulated, a building committee appointed, and the timber and a portion of the lumber is now on the ground for the building of a house of worship. It is designed to have it all completed before winter.

Thus far Bro. T. J. Butler has been left to labor alone in Ohio. He has tried the old tent, but found it unfit for service. A new one is probably in the field by this time, and I feel quite anxious to join Bro. B. to render the little assistance in my power, but as I have been hindered hitherto, duty seems to demand a longer stay here. Just now the present truth, and especially the holy law of God, is being opposed by Eld. A. N. Seymour and another man of the same spirit. These men profess to believe in the near coming of Jesus, and yet their opposition to the third angel's message and God's holy law, is the most spiteful and unreasonable of anything I have ever yet seen. We trust in God to vindicate his own truth. And we do most earnestly pray and labor that no honest God-fearing soul may be led into the terrible snare and delusion that the ten commandments are abolished.

I think I never felt more deeply than at the present writing the necessity of a close walk with God, that I may be a co-worker with Jesus and holy angels in saving precious souls from the devil's snares and the wrath to come.

May the Lord protect, and abundantly bless his dear people in Jefferson. And this he will certainly do, if they walk humbly and circumspectly before him.

H. A. St. John

Ransom, Mich., July 20, 1875.