San Francisco, Cal by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 8, 1874

San Francisco, Cal.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Our tent-meeting in this city has been in progress one month. It has rained considerably during this time, which injured our meetings some, as the tent was not calculated for rainy weather; but most of the time we have had good weather. It is now very pleasant. The hills and valleys are beginning to look green, and cattle will soon be able to pick their living. Strawberries and all kinds of fresh vegetables are in the market. It does not seem much like winter. We are still comfortable in the tent. The attendance has been good, much of the time large. We have sold, probably, upwards of $50 worth of books, and given away a good many.

Last Sabbath our hearts were made glad by seeing one after another arise and say, “This is the first Sabbath I ever kept;” and another, “This is the second I have observed;” while another says, “I thank God for the blessed light I have received here,” and so on. About twenty have now fully decided to keep the Sabbath. As usual, many more are convinced for whom we still hope.

I was much interested in the case of an intelligent first-day Adventist, lately from the East. He says that he has long been trying to get some light on the two-horned beast, and the third angel’s message, and other similar points, but that people could give him no light. When he inquired about Seventh-day Adventists, he was informed that there were only a few of them who lived in Battle Creek, and that they were not doing much any way. He was surprised to learn the extent of our work. When he came into the tent and heard us, he said it seemed like old times again; the preaching had the genuine Advent ring, which was becoming less and less discernable in their own ranks. He now rejoices with us in the whole truth. Probably there are hundreds more in just his condition who are ready for the truth as soon as they can see it.

Many interesting cases like this have occurred in connection with our meeting. Two intelligent Catholics have taken their stand upon the Sabbath. Many who are transiently stopping in the city have heard, and bought books, and taken the paper. Some have embraced the truth to go home and carry the light with them.

We have had no public opposition. Indeed, this is one advantage in laboring in a large city. Ministers generally let us alone. Hence I notice that those who do come out do so with less labor. It is our custom to take up a collection every Sunday evening. We receive a good deal toward our expenses in this way. We have baptism next Sunday. We now have considerable over a hundred Sabbath-keepers in the two places, San Francisco and Oakland. Both churches are in a good condition, all in harmony, and working zealously. They are but a few minutes’ ride apart, and can readily meet together any Sabbath. New ones are coming out in Oakland without any preaching.

We feel much encouraged, and thank God for the success of the truth this season in these places. D. M. CANRIGHT.

San Francisco, Nov. 15, 1874.