MEETINGS IN OHIO by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1876

MEETINGS IN OHIO.

By H. A. St. John

From Dec. 9 to 13, held meetings with the Wakeman church. These meetings were held in Norwalk, in a vacant private house owned by Bro. Geo. Smith. This church had so far gone down that regular meetings had been abandoned, and Systematic Benevolence also. We tried to do what we could by way of reviving the organization. The church has passed through trials and difficulties in the past, which have had the effect to weaken and scatter, and nearly destroy. I think we had some evidences that the Holy Spirit was with us, and good was accomplished. Two more were added to the church, making their present number sixteen, and S. B. was organized for 1876.

From Dec. 16 to 27, I was in North Bloomfield and Windsor. The few believers in Windsor appear strong, and alive in the cause. May they continue to grow up into Christ in all things. Some of our meetings in North Bloomfield were not very pleasant. One meeting began in the evening at 7 o’clock and continued till 4 o’clock next morning. We are happy, however, to be able to report that a good degree of union and brotherly love was restored. Indeed, from confessions and testimonies given, we were glad to be assured that every root of bitterness was removed, and a union of heart secured such as had not existed for many months. May this brotherly love abound more and more. If it does, there will be added to their number such as shall be saved. The ordinance meeting was a refreshing season. There were three accessions to the church. We tried to bring up the lagging S. B. May all watch, pray, and labor.

Jan. 2, 1876, I closed the meetings with the church in Clyde. Spent the day of fasting and prayer with this church. It was also the time of the State Tract Society quarterly meeting, and a few were in from abroad. In the afternoon of the Sabbath, several came forward for prayers. The ordinance meeting Sunday night was a very solemn meeting. The Holy Spirit was present indeed to unite the hearts of his children. I think none present will soon forget this solemn meeting. We have faith to believe that a brighter day is before the church in Clyde. There are some precious souls here. Steps are now being taken for the erection of a house of worship the coming season. This they greatly need, and we believe the Lord will prosper them in the good work.

Brethren in Ohio, we are one in faith. Now if we seek the Lord with faith and humility, put away all jealousies and feelings of alienation, and come near to one another, and become one in heart, I am sure we shall see the clouds lift in Ohio, and God’s salvation accompany his blessed truth everywhere. O my dear brethren, let us get a burden of soul for the cause of God in our Conference. H. A. St. John. Clyde, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1876.