The Ten-Days' Meeting at Healdsburg.
By Editor
WE have not a regular report of this important gathering, for want of time to prepare it after the meeting closed. The paper was prepared for the press on the closing day of the meetings, which explains the lack. But accounts from some who were present part of the time, and reports in the local papers, indicate that its interest and importance are past computation. The meetings began January 3, and ended on the 12th. We collate some items from the local press. The Enterprise says:— "About two hundred are present at the morning and afternoon meetings, and three hundred in the evening. The various services are conducted by Elder M. C. Israel, of Oakland; Wm. Healy, of Healdsburg; C. L. Boyd, of Portland, Oregon; J. O. Corliss, of Michigan; E. J. Waggoner, Biblical Instructor in the College; Mrs. E. G. White, of Healdsburg, and W. C. White, of Oakland. When these people have a general meeting they make a business of attending, and all work must stand aside, as will be seen by the following programme, which is followed daily:
"6 A. M.—Early prayer-meeting.
"9 A. M.—Prayer and social meeting.
"10:30 A. M.—Bible-reading.
"12 M.—Canvassers' class.
"3 P. M.—Instruction to Colporters.
"7 P. M.—Bible-reading.
"It makes busy work for the farmers who have three to six miles to drive to attend all these meetings.
"Besides the forty young men and women boarding at North College Hall, who have come from all parts of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington Territory, to the College, there are a large number of representative Adventists from abroad, who came as delegates to these meetings." The Flag also gives a creditable report, from which we take the following:— "No attempt will be made to particularize in regard to the many excellent exercises since the opening meeting. Apparently it has been 'a feast of good things' to all in attendance. Many of the meetings have been characterized by great spiritual power. "Instead of the usual discourse at the hours above specified, the minister conducts a Bible-reading service by means of questions, which are answered from the Scriptures by the congregation. The whole audience join in the exercises, and it is an inspiring sight to witness the promptness and zeal with which they engage in searching the Scriptures, like the noble Bereans, 'to see whether these things be so.' This is a beautiful scene, to see the many 'swords of the Spirit' flash as they are unsheathed in all parts of the room. Only Bible answers are accepted. This method seems more effective than sermonizing, to popularize and disseminate a knowledge of Bible subjects."