From Los Angeles, Cal

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Sep 28, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 38.

FROM LOS ANGELES, CAL.

The following delayed report, written by John F. Blunt, altho pertaining to a work heretofore noted in the SIGNS, is of sufficient interest to warrant its publication even at this late date. It is of date August 19:—

“Evangelistic services have been held nightly in Los Angeles since July 11, when Simpson Auditorium was engaged for the opening meeting. Brother William Ward Simpson has had audiences of nearly 2,000 almost every night, and the utmost interest has been manifested. Since the first night the meetings have been held in the large camp-meeting tent, which was erected near the center of the business district of the city. Brother Simpson took for his subject at the auditorium, “The Binding of Satan,” and during the succeeding course of lectures has developed the most salient doctrines of the Scriptures specially applicable to the present time. The prophecies of Daniel were illustrated with charts and blackboard, and these facilities have added much to the forcible presentation of the truth of the Bible. The church choir has been in attendance and the earnest co-operation of the church-members has been effective. Throughout the course the attitude of the press has been most favorable, frequent notices being published gratuitously, and very satisfactory reports of the lectures have been printed.

“The eagerness with which those unfamiliar with prophecy have accepted the truth has been encouraging. Persons who have not been affiliated with any denomination hitherto, as well as those who have been leading godly lives, have accepted the Sabbath, and more than one hundred are said to have signified their intention hereafter to keep the commandments of God. Such a refreshing revival never before has been experienced in Los Angeles. Many of those who have been stirred by the thrilling presentation of the Scriptures by Brother Simpson have applied for baptism. The ordinance has been received by some, and others are waiting favorable opportunity.

“Hungry for Bible truth and surfeited with modern substitutes for the faith delivered to the saints, hundreds who never attended the services of the church before have shown by their nightly attendance the tremendous interest that has characterized the tent-meetings. The tent was enlarged from 85 feet to 110 feet in length to accommodate the crowd that came, several hundred chairs being rented in addition to those owned by the association. A great amount of literature has been sold and circulated gratuitously, and the collections that have been taken about every other night have been liberal. When the meetings have been protracted until a late hour, nearly all have remained with unabated interest to listen. Quick and hearty response has been given whenever opportunity for assent to the truth has been afforded.

“Catholics and Protestants, Spiritualists, and those who confess no special inclinations in their religious

opinions have been in constant attendance at the meetings. A former Catholic monk and a former Jewish rabbi have been impressed deeply with the teachings. Apparently nothing can withstand the truth, when enforced by the plain “thus saith the Lord.” The impetus given to the cause of present truth in Los Angeles has shown the wisdom of an aggressive campaign, and the brethren here are hoping that evangelistic work will be prosecuted on the same lines elsewhere.”