From Bro. St. John by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 2, 1870

From Bro. St. John.

By H. A. St. John

I LEFT home for Ohio, Wednesday, June 22. Had meeting on the Sabbath following at the residence of Bro. C. G. Daniels, in Paulding County. There are nine souls here that are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and trying to walk in the light of “present truth.” Two have recently started in this good way. Our meeting was of deep interest. They all felt the need of encouragement and help. While we sought the blessing of God, it came. With tears we all felt to renew our covenant with God. May this little band become a bright and shining light. They much desire a course of lectures, but the present season of the year is unfavorable.

Sunday, June 26, spoke to an attentive audience in the Lynn school-house, three miles from Ayersville. It gave me pleasure to talk the truth to old friends and acquaintances, with whom I have spent many of my youthful days.

Tuesday, June 28, visited Bro. Geo. W. Edwards, Ridgeland, Henry County. Spoke to the people in his neighborhood, Wednesday evening. Upon a few hours’ notice the school-house was well filled with attentive listeners. The Lord gave liberty in pointing out some of the “signs of the times,” and the way of escape from the impending wrath of God. Some expressed a desire for more meetings.

Returned to Bro. Daniels, July 1. Interesting prayer and social meeting Sabbath forenoon. Attended F. W. Baptist monthly meeting, commencing Sabbath afternoon, and continuing over first-day. Two meetings on Sunday in a beautiful grove, three miles from Ayersville. Eld. John Gillespie in charge. By the request, and through the kindness and Christian courtesy of this man, we occupied the desk both in forenoon and afternoon. Subject, The Sabbath. Eld. Day, F. W. Baptist, took some exceptions, and announced to speak two weeks from that time upon the same subject. Eld. Gillespie exhorted the people with earnestness to “Search the scriptures,” like the noble Bereans, and “see if these things were so;” and if so, to heed them, and walk in obedience thereto. Also, with many other words of like import. We feel to appreciate the noble and generous conduct of this Christian minister. May he never dare to trifle with the immutable truths of God’s word. May God grant that he may clearly see the light of “present truth,” and take a decided stand with the remnant upon the firm platform of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Monday, July 4, returned to Bro. G. W. Edwards, and commenced meetings in Bishop’s school-house, Wednesday night, and continued four evenings. Audience, order, and attention, good. Meeting on Sabbath at Bro. G. W. Edwards. Load came from Napoleon. Had a deeply interesting and affecting season. Backsliders returned. A spirit of confession and humiliation came in. How good the Lord is to bear with us in our lukewarmness so long! I trust the solemn and tearful vows made at this meeting will long be remembered. Organized a Bible-class of eleven members. Others, we think, will join their number soon. May they so live that they may gather with Christ. May God bless Bro. Edwards, their leader, and make him a real support to the cause where he lives.

I feel, at times, that “’tis sweet to work for Jesus.” I want more humility and consecration. I want to be earnest, persevering, and devoted. I want to show myself a workman, approved of God. I want a humble place with the remnant, both now, and forever. Pray for me.

H. A. ST. JOHN. Defiance, Defiance Co., Ohio.