p. 477 | San Francisco by M. C. Israel

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Oct 25, 1883

San Francisco.

By M. C. Israel

THE work in this city has never had a more cheering aspect than at the present time. The membership of the church is now about one hundred, showing a gain of about fifteen during the past year. Sixty were present at the last quarterly meeting, and took part in the ordinances; this is a good number considering that thirty of the members are not residents of the city. The prayer and missionary meetings are more fully attended, and considerable of the "first-love" spirit is manifested in the prayers and testimonies and missionary work. While we feel glad to report progress on the part of the majority, we are sorry to say that a few are pitching their tents "toward Sodom."

The labor in connection with the Seaman's Mission is bearing good fruit, especially among the Scandinavians. Last Sabbath four met with us, keeping their first Sabbath, besides one who had kept a few Sabbaths at home. One of these young men has gone to the Healdsburg College this week, in company with a young man, Bro. Thompson, from Iceland, who embraced the truth in Humboldt County last summer.

Bro. Andrew Brorsen is now holding two meetings a week, preaching and holding Bible-readings in the Danish language. These converts in their turn become missionaries. One of them spent the last three Sundays in doing colporteur work, and succeeded in selling $14 worth of tracts and pamphlets, and five copies of Early Writings, all in the Danish language.

We have held several Bible-readings in the last two weeks at the church and mission, and our brethren and sisters are waking up to the importance of having a better knowledge of the Scriptures. Quite a number are preparing themselves so they can bring out the Bible evidence on the different subjects connected with the Third Angel's Message, so that when an opportunity offers they will be able to do good service in presenting Bible truth. We hope to see a like interest aroused in all our churches on this subject. In this way laborers will be developed and the wants of the cause in this respect be more fully met.

The V. M. Society is doing a good work. Names for the SIGNS are furnished largely by persons who go out and get monthly subscribers. The papers are furnished from the club, and mailed or delivered by some of the members of the society. One of the sisters has lately obtained twenty-five subscribers, mostly monthly; ten of these she got in one day. Another has created quite an interest by having Bible-readings with persons. I learned yesterday that a lady who has been reading the SIGNS for six months has commenced keeping the Sabbath, and feeling that she wanted to get the truth before others, went out one day this week and got six monthly subscribers for the SIGNS and brought the names to the Seaman's Mission. And still another lady who has had reading matter from the society has commenced to obey the truth, and wishes to be baptized and unite with the church.

We feel to praise the Lord for the evidences we see of the progress of the truth in this city, and ask an interest in the prayers of his saints that the good work may go on until all the jewels are gathered in. M. C. ISRAEL. October 18, 1883.