Labors in California: Woodland, St. Helena, Sebastopol, Little River
By M. E. Cornell
California.
The last reference in the Review to my labors was at the camp-meeting, since which I have been constantly at work. From Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, at Woodland. Preached twice and visited seventeen families. Was glad to find so good interest there. Instead of dying out, as had been predicted, we found there had been a decided advancement in the almost entire absence of preaching for several months.
Oct. 3 to 19, at St. Helena. Held fourteen meetings in the Presbyterian church, and visited twenty-five families. Sixteen names were added to the covenant, making, in all, thirty-one.
Oct. 20, at Napa, and the 21st, at San Francisco. Visited several families in each place. All seemed of good courage. Sabbath, Oct. 25, spoke at Santa Rosa.
Oct. 26, began meetings at the house of Bro. Morrison, near Sebastopol, and gave six lectures. Extra seats had to be prepared, and a good interest was manifested by old and young. The family of Bro. M., having heard but few lectures on the present truth, were much strengthened by these opportunities.
On first-day morning, started for this place with Bro. Freeman and Wood. Our journey of three days was most of the way close by the sea coast; and old ocean, in all his glory, was in full view. We had along with us a tent, and camped out nights. I was very glad to have this good, hard time, for my health’s sake.
I am now at Bro. Reuel Stickney’s, at Little River. Have given sixteen lectures in the school-house, and there is some prospect of fruit. Two or three families have about decided to obey the truth. But the rainy season has set in, and the meetings are broken up. Shall try to follow up the work from house to house, with earnest talks on the great things of the present truth. I find here a settlement of people from Maine, who have heard on the Advent doctrine in years past. They are an intelligent, industrious and kind-hearted people, and I find among them a welcome home. May they cease to be of a doubtful mind, and take the third angel’s message with the same confidence that some of them did the first and second messages, in the past.
I send hereby greetings to old friends in the States, and to all the saints scattered abroad. I beg an interest in the prayers of all.
Striving to endure through the latter-day-perils, in hope of life. M. E. CORNELL.