Santa Barbara and Goleta, California.
By H. A. St. John
Elder Healey and family left for the Stockton camp-meeting, Sept. 2. I continued the meetings in Goleta until Sept. 13. Here the work in this part of Santa Barbara County closes for the present. The results of our three months' work in this field are not what we wish they were, nevertheless the Lord has wrought with us in some measure, in the enlightenment of many, and the winning of a few souls to the path of obedience. Altogether thirty-five names have been secured to the covenant, the greater part of this number accepting the truth during our meetings. We have learned of one wayside hearer among the number on the covenant, and of three at least who are obeying the truth whose names have not been secured. About all are quite poor, and some extremely so, yet we are glad to know that with God there is no respect of persons, but that the poor of this world may be rich in faith and heirs of the coming kingdom. I baptized six persons in the Pacific Ocean, Monday, Sept. 6. It was not deemed advisable to organize just at present, but an organization we doubt not will be effected in the city of Santa Barbara, at no distant day. I should state, also, that nearly one-third of the number signing the covenant were only temporary dwellers in the city, and have already gone. Nearly all have the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. At a meeting on Sept. 6, all voted to have a treasury at their homes, and lay aside on the first day of the week, as God had prospered them. This they cheerfully agreed to do, after we had explained to them that the tithing system was the only way we knew of to do this scripturally. Brother Isaac Amy will have charge of the Sabbath-school and meetings for the present. Much difficulty still exists in obtaining a central and suitable place for Sabbath meetings. Including children, about forty were present at the two last Sabbath meetings. Now that we leave them, it is with the prayer that they may dwell together in unity, and in love abound more and more. Steamer Santa Rosa, Sept. 15, 1885.