FRESNO AND TULARE, CAL.
By William M. Healey
I HAVE spent some time in these two counties, and made an effort to see as many of the Sabbath-keepers in them as possible; to do this it became necessary to visit many at their homes, as some of them are isolated from church privileges. I found brethren who cheerfully left their own labor and with their teams spent days, and even weeks, with me in this work. We found about sixty families, a part or all of whom were keeping the Sabbath, and among them are many good earnest souls. I was reminded of my visit to these counties, four years ago, when there was but one Sabbath-keeping family in Fresno county, and only three S. D. Adventists in Tulare county. I was grieved to find some who have relaxed their hold upon the truths of God. Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, and men even now sell their hope of eternal life for a much less sum. Some desire to gratify appetite, in the use of tobacco, and some in whisky, and some are not willing to give the tithe of their income to the Lord, and it is strange how soon a little darkness will spread in one's mind until the whole light suddenly goes out. We disfellowshiped a few, and trust the others will remember the pit from which we have been digged. And may "he that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Oakland, Feb. 4, 1881. W. M. HEALEY.