California by F. I. Richardson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Aug 18, 1904

California

By F. I. Richardson

SAN PASQUAL.—Twenty-two years ago to-day was a Sabbath. The morning was rainy, making it unpleasant to labor on the farm, so the writer decided to attend the Adventist services that day in a tent in which a series of meetings were being conducted by Elders E. P. Daniels and George H. Randall. At the close of a soul-stirring sermon by the former, an invitation was given for all who wished to forsake their sins and turn to the Lord to come to the front seat. Immediately a severe mental conflict began, in which ambitious designs and so-called worldly pleasures held a very prominent place, and a decision for Christ was reached only after a friend had come and made a personal appeal.

About one year after accepting the truth, an invitation to enter upon public labor was received. The first series of meetings was held in the township of Ely, in northern Michigan, in company with Dr. H. S. Lay, during which quite a number embraced the truth. We have learned lately that only one has back-slidden, and one has been laid to rest; the rest of the company are still of good courage, waiting for the appearing of the Lord.

Since that first effort we have labored in many places. This twenty-second anniversary finds Mrs. Richardson and the writer engaged in a series of meetings in San Pasqual, Cal. As a result of the four weeks’ effort in this place, twenty-six have accepted the truth, nineteen have been baptized, and the church, which is of about twenty years’ standing, seems to be much benefited. Indeed, seldom have we seen greater evidence of the deep movings of the Spirit of God, not in excitement, but as described by the psalmist: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Reviewing the past for a moment, very conflicting emotions arise. Remembering that some of those who were with us in the beginning, and were very dear to us, have been overcome by the enemy, and remembering our own mistakes and shortcomings, the heart is sad indeed. But when we note the progress this unpopular truth has made since that day, twenty-two years ago, we rejoice, and say, Surely the guiding hand of God is with this people, and this is his message. So with a humble prayer for forgiveness for the mistakes we have made, and an earnest petition that those who have gone out from us may return to their Father’s house before it shall be forever too late, we enter with fresh courage upon the remaining portion of the journey to the celestial city.

F. I. RICHARDSON.