California by John Norton Loughborough

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 6, 1872

California.

By John Norton Loughborough

Since my last report from the tent, at Woodland, Cal., the hurry of harvest came on, which greatly diminished the attendance at the meetings. It was deemed best to hold a less number of meetings during harvest.

As Brn. Cornell and Kellogg could attend to the interest in Woodland without me, I decided to attend the quarterly meetings with the churches. I learn by letter, from the tent, however, that quite a number have already commenced to obey the truth. We now design, after harvest, to give another brief course of lectures, to raise the interest again, if possible, before the anticipated discussion there in September.

The quarterly meeting at Santa Rosa, June 22 and 23, was interesting and encouraging. One more was baptized and united with the church, and three others expressed their determination to obey the truth, and expect soon to be baptized and unite with the church.

At Bloomfield, June 29 and 30, we were encouraged with some attentive listeners, who were led to our meeting by reading of tracts. The Bloomfield church are striving to press on in the work. Though some sisters of that company have severe opposition, not even being permitted to attend meetings, we were glad to learn that their hope is strong in God, and their love for these truths increasing. If faithful, they may share God's presence at their homes, and at last have a part with the saints in their glorious rest, where none can oppose or molest.

On my way to Santa Rosa from Bloomfield, I met with a family who have been for some time investigating the truth, and was glad to learn that this brother and sister had decided to obey. I have since learned that Bro. and sister Wilson kept the next Sabbath. May the Lord strengthen them in every duty.

I have now spent about two weeks' time in San Francisco. While attending the quarterly meeting here, I tried to strike against some dangers I saw, of pride creeping into the church. I have followed up the effort, and trust it is not in vain. I go from here to Petaluma and Healdsburg, to attend the quarterly meetings there, and then join the tent again.

It is just four years, to-day, since Bro. Bourdeau and myself first set our feet on California soil. We then hardly knew which way to turn. When we now look at the numerous friends of the truth the Lord has raised up, we are grateful to God. But we must not stop here. With God's blessings, we will push on the work, claiming still greater results.

We hail with joy the prospect of the coming of our dear Bro. and sister White. Their presence will give greater permanence to the work here, as well as satisfy the desires of so many who have wished to see them. We gladly welcome them to our mild climate, excellent fruits, and our homes, to enjoy a period of rest from their heavy burdens, leaving them to choose their own time to say what they have to say to us here.

May God bless them, and bless all his people and servants in their humble, faithful efforts to extend his truth. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

San Francisco, Cal., July 18, 1872.