p. 17 | California by Wm. Simpson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 26, 1903

California

By Wm. Simpson

RIVERSIDE.—Under the most discouraging circumstances I began meetings alone in this city. Mrs. Simpson, who renders great assistance in the singing, has been confined to her bed ever since we came here, and the one who was to be my fellow laborer has been unable to join me on account of sickness. In our helplessness we called upon the Lord, and he heard us, and has truly used the weak things to confound the things that are mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence.

I started the meetings here by renting the opera house, and advertising very extensively the subject of the millennium. The expense of this one meeting was over forty dollars, but we are sure that it was money well invested. The opera house was crowded, and the people were deeply interested in the subject. At the close of the meeting I invited them to attend the meetings which would be conducted in a tent in a central part of the city, and thus from the very beginning the tent was crowded, and the interest increased until it was necessary to erect two tents side by side, and still we have not room to accommodate all who attend. We feel sad to see many leave because of lack of room, especially on Sunday evenings. The tent-meetings have been in progress now about five weeks.

The people seem hungry for the truth, as is evidenced by their eagerness to receive the tracts that are given away every evening. One evening after the meeting was dismissed, I called their attention to some books that I had on hand, and in a few minutes sold fourteen copies of “Daniel and the Revelation.” It has been only two weeks since we started to present the Sabbath question, and already over thirty adults have taken their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Our collections during the past five weeks have amounted to over one hundred dollars. I am confident that this message is of God, and the time is due for the whole earth to be lightened with its glory. I praise God for the privilege of being one voice in helping to carry the message to the world.

Brother and Sister Sees have recently joined me, and are a great help in singing, visiting, and taking care of the tents. We feel our weakness and the solemn responsibility that rests upon us, and ask the brethren to help us with their prayers. Satan is astir. We are meeting bitter opposition, but we know that He who is for us is more than all who are against us. WM. SIMPSON.