San Diego County, Cal by H. A. St. John

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 12, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 11.

San Diego County, Cal.

By H. A. St. John

THURSDAY, Feb. 5, I went to Cottonwood Valley, about thirty-four miles southeast of the city of San Diego, to visit Brother B. R. Sheckler's family. Had Bible-class and preaching in their house on the Sabbath day. There were three persons present besides the family. A Mr. Troy, who has recently become deeply interested in the truth by reading, was with us. He is now keeping the Sabbath.

Early Sunday morning we went about seven miles in a southeasterly direction to an elevated valley on the Mexican line, called the Potrero. The road was very mountainous, and the scenery grand. Enough people live at Potrero to form one school district. They have a post-office. Seldom does a minister of any order visit them. Our missionary efforts have reached them and some have learned much of present truth. At 11 A. M., almost the entire settlement assembled in their school-house. I hung up my charts and addressed them for about one hour and a half upon the subjects of the Sabbath and second advent. Never did I speak to a more attentive audience. One lady promised to obey. I believe the time near when others in the Potrero will obey the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Sister Howard will look after this interest. I returned to Brother Sheckler's in the evening. This brother and his family are the sole occupants of the valley in which they live; nearest neighbor, three miles over the mountains. Sister Sheckler receives and mails fifty copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES each week. Thus from their lonely, mountain-begirt home the rays of heavenly light are radiating. I returned to National City, Monday, much pleased with my trip and visit. I expect the Lord will gather those precious jewels into his soon coming kingdom.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, Brother John B. Judson took me to his home in San Pasqual Valley, northeast of San Diego about thirty-five miles. Quite a company of Sabbath-keepers reside in this beautiful valley, and a few in Bear Valley, twelve miles away. Their Sabbath-school and meetings are held in their school-house. I remained here till Feb. 24, visiting Bear Valley in the meantime and speaking once. Our meetings with the San Pasqual church were deeply interesting, specially the last three days. The Lord came very near to us all as we humbled ourselves and sought him with tearful repentance. We will not soon forget the deep moving of the Spirit of God in our midst. Backsliders and sinners repented, and sought our heavenly Father's mercy with deep contrition. Five persons were baptized; three of these, Brother and Sister Spear and Sister Lizzie Judson, were already members of the church. The other two were Abel M. Striplin and Edwin McKibbin, both young men of excellent repute in the community. We expect these dear young men to become valiant soldiers for Jesus. We left the church in San Pasqual rejoicing with tears. We feel a strong attachment and deep love for them, and hope to ever hear that their pathway grows brighter.

H. A. ST. JOHN. Los Angeles, Cal., Feb. 27, 1885.