A. J. Höglund's Miraculous Customs Passage and Finding a Secluded Baptismal Site

“I left Stockholm on the 6th of June, 1895, for St. Petersburg, Russia. I had been warned by many that it was a very difficult matter to get books and literature into that country, as the custom officers are very strict and often confiscate everything they find. I had with me a Book of Mormon and some tracts, and I felt a little anxious about them. When the custom officer came I stood with my passport in my hand. He asked if I had more luggage with me than was contained in my valise, I told him I had no other. “Then pass on,” he said; I was not even requested to open it. I thanked the Lord for His protecting care. I arrived in St. Petersburg on the 8th of June, and was met by Mr. and Mrs. Lindelöf, who were very glad to see me. We spent the time in talking about the Gospel and the work of the Lord. Tuesday morning, June 11, we went outside the city in search of a suitable place for performing the ordinance. We hired a boat and rowed out on the River Neva, but it was hard to find a place where we could be alone as there were people all along the shore and boats on every part of the river. We landed, however, and united our hearts in prayer. Then we waited a few moments to see if the people would not leave the place; as if by a sudden command the boats sailed away and the people left us alone. The baptisms were performed, and we felt to rejoice and praise the Lord for His goodness unto us. — A. J. Höglund, The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, Vol. 57, No. 26”