The Pacific Coast by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1874

The Pacific Coast.

By James White

THE cause of present truth is presenting a brighter aspect on the Pacific Coast at this writing than we expected a few months since that it would at this time. From the time of the Napa discussion, in March, a change for the better has taken place with those of our people that were unsettled and faltering. This has been especially the case at San Francisco, and Santa Rosa.

In the first-named place the wicked exertions of the very men who had been slandering Elder Loughborough, in relation to the appropriation of means, has contributed to the good work of happily uniting all upon our specific work. The tent-meetings now being held in Oakland, just across the bay from San Francisco, are greatly helping the cause in that city, and preparing the way for a strong pull there with the tent at some future day. It is a time of general good cheer with our people in California, and in the Walla Walla Valley, in Oregon and Washington.

We have anew consecrated all to God, ourself, companion, children, and property. We pray God to use us, them, and it, in his cause. The deepest sentiment of the soul is that we have no other use for ourselves, family, and property.

There is one tent up in Oakland, and another in Brooklyn, near by. Elders Loughborough, Cornell, and Canright, are the principal speakers. Mrs. W. speaks every Sunday afternoon at Oakland. The clergy are quiet. Men and women of moral worth are deeply impressed, and a goodly number have taken their stand.

And we are greatly cheered by the success of the North Pacific Mission. Brother Van Horn reports a good interest, some converts, and a prospect of a good work. The old hands East should remember, after a godly sort, the cause in this new and extensive field.

When the press was established in Rochester, N. Y., we could put all the papers sent west of Buffalo at one issue into our hat crown. And when it was moved to Battle Creek, in 1855, we could put all west of Chicago in a carpet-bag. And as the work moves on to the Pacific, it leaves a host of friends and supporters behind. A mission must very soon be opened in Australia, and so the work must move on to its close.

A few years since brethren on several occasions came to us with means in their hands, inquiring what department of the work needed it most. We answered that no branch of the work was in want, and they put their money into their pockets. Times have changed. The work is extending, and means are especially needed to push on the work as it should be at the present time.

J. W.

Oakland, Cal.