Laytonville, Cal by William Ings

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 22, 1883

Laytonville, Cal.

By William Ings

IN company with Bro. McElhaney, I spent two weeks at this place. The church here, fourteen in number, were brought out in the truth by Eld. Briggs, something over one year ago. Not having attended our general meeting, they had heard but little preaching since Bro. Briggs left them, and consequently they were in great need of help. During our stay we had Bible-readings with them, twenty-one sessions in all, averaging about two hours each. Five of these were for the special benefit of the children. The rest were on different Bible topics, adapted to the wants of our brethren. We also held two meetings on first-day for the benefit of the public. Some interest was manifested.

The brethren showed a commendable spirit in giving their whole time to attend these meetings. The sessions increased in interest from the first, and God witnessed by his Holy Spirit to the study of his word. Hearts were made tender by the sweet, melting love of Christ. Those who had listened to evil reports were brought back to the fold. One dear brother who had been addicted to the use of tobacco resolved, by the help of the Lord, to overcome this habit. Four signed the teetotal pledge. One name was added to the covenant. Several persons desire baptism. With one exception, all the church pledged to pay tithes, and fifty dollars was willingly subscribed for foreign missions.

Bible-reading has done much for this little company. They have thus become established on some points of our faith essential to salvation. I shall look back with pleasure to this good meeting, and can say, The Lord was with us. To him be all the praise.

WM. INGS.

Willits, Nov. 10, 1883.