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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 4, 1873

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 41, No. 12.

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California.

By John Norton Loughborough

My last report was made Jan. 14. Sabbath and first-day, the 18th and 19th, I had the privilege of attending with Bro. and sister White the excellent quarterly meeting at Healdsburg. The 25th and 26th, I was with the church in Santa Rosa. Held three meetings. Bro. and sister White were at the same time in San Francisco.
From Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, we had the second session of our California Musical Convention in connection with a two days' meeting which Bro. White attended, sister White still remaining in San Francisco, to follow up their labors there.
The idea of holding meetings occasionally, in which we could practice singing, seeking to promote harmony and correct some of our common errors in singing, was first proposed at our last State meeting. The first convention was held from the 2d to the 4th of last July, and was such a success that it was thought advisable to have the present one above named. It was very stormy just before and during the whole time of this second Convention, so that it was not largely attended; but connected as it was with the impressive discourses of Bro. White and the good social meeting of the Sabbath, it gave excellent satisfaction to those who did attend.
The following resolutions were passed unanimously by the Convention in one of its sessions:—
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude for the presence of Bro. White at this Convention, and for the wholesome and timely remarks with which he has favored us upon the topic of singing.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to Bro. Morton for the able manner in which he has performed his part, as instructor in this Convention.
Whereas, We have listened to the remarks of Bro. White during this Convention, concerning the propriety of Seventh-day Adventists publishing two hymn books; one of hymns simply, and the other containing rudiments and tunes, therefore,
Resolved, That this Convention fully indorse the idea of two books, as set forth by Bro. White.
Whereas, Success has seemed to attend these Musical Conventions thus far, therefore,
Resolved, That it is our mind that still another be held at such time and place as the directors may deem proper.
At the closing session of the Convention, the California State Meeting Committee of Seventh-day Adventists, having previously consulted upon the propriety of holding our State Meeting immediately, instead of waiting till May first, our usual time, referred the matter to the brethren and sisters assembled, and it was
Resolved, That we hold our next State Meeting with the Bloomfield church, Feb. 22, 1873. It was also unanimously
Resolved, That Brn. Loughborough, Ferguson, and Judson, be requested to write a call for said meeting.
The call was accordingly made and sent to the REVIEW for publication, but it was afterwards decided, under all the circumstances, to hold the meeting from Feb. 14–16, instead of from 21–23. Letters were immediately dispatched to our brethren and sisters, calling them to the Conference. I write this to explain the apparent discrepancy between the appointment sent to the REVIEW and the actual time of holding the meeting.
The meeting closed last evening, and has been quite well attended, considering the short notice. Everything moved off with perfect harmony and good feeling, and it was a source of deepest gratitude to us all, that we were favored in our deliberations and meetings with the presence of Bro. and sister White.
The preaching at this Conference was solemn, searching, cheering, and impressive; especially we call to mind the triumphant discourse of Bro. White, first-day morning, on the great theme of the near advent of Christ, and sister White's discourse the same day, at evening, on the words of Christ: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.”
It was rich, stirring, and thrilling, and seemed like the words of one who had had a glimpse of glory and esteemed it of more value than all things earthly.
During the Conference there were searching testimonies given, reproving wrongs existing in some present, which brought forth in the social meetings, feeling confessions, and vows to do better in future. The love for plain testimony, and a desire to know our wrongs and put them away, is, to say the least, a very hopeful frame of mind to be in, if we would be used of the Lord in disseminating the light of truth.
During this State Meeting our organization was resolved into a State Conference; and the second yearly session of the California State Missionary Society was held. Reports of the business transactions of each of these organizations will appear soon in the REVIEW. The selection of officers in these two organizations has been such as to divide the labor incident to the financial and missionary department of the work, so that so much shall not rest upon one individual as heretofore.
Our brethren have gone from the meetings encouraged, and determined each to labor earnestly in his proper sphere. For myself, I would say that the action of the Conference has so relieved me relative to financial burdens, that I shall now be more free to throw my energies entirely into the spiritual interests of the cause, still I am willing to counsel with my brethren in their various offices as they may desire, and the cause demands.
While writing this, we receive REVIEW No. 9, with the appointment of General Conference, with the call for Bro. and sister White to attend. So we perceive that our Conference here was none too early to secure their attendance before going East. May the Lord go with them and guide his people as they assemble in the General Conference is our prayer. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.