Scott's Valley, Cal by J. D. Rice

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 14, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 19.

Scott's Valley, Cal.

By J. D. Rice

I LEFT this field of labor after a stay of about six months. At the close of the fall camp-meeting, I was advised to go to Siskiyou County to assist Brethren Church and Lamb in finishing up the work in which they had been engaged for a few months. I found the work considerably scattered and unsettled. After laboring for some time at different points where an interest had been awakened, we succeeded in organizing a church, and engaging them in the missionary work.

The work was then opened at Callahan's Ranch and vicinity, where about forty signed the covenant. (Rev. 14:12.) There was much to be done for this people, and I stood by them until April 5, endeavoring by public and private efforts to educate them in the way of the Lord more perfectly. (Acts 18:24–26.) Opposition of various kinds has had to be met, but the truth only shone clearer by the contrast. There has been some sifting; but those in whose hearts the truth had been given lodgment were not shaken out.

While we do not see accomplished all we could desire, yet much has been done, and we are not discouraged. There are now in the valley about fifty professed Sabbath-keepers. Some of these have a name to live, but are dead. Many others seem anxious to do their duty, and if they cherish the light they have received and walk in it faithfully, they may be ready for the coming kingdom.

There are among these some noble souls who may be very useful, and an honor to God's truth and work, if they but consecrate themselves fully to his service. There are other worthy ones, who, like the noble Bereans (Acts 17:11), are still searching the Scriptures daily, to see if these things are so. May God mercifully open their eyes to see the truth, and sanctify them through it.

We have two Sabbath-schools in the valley, and as many missionary societies. These are doing a good work. The societies use two distributers, sixty copies of the SIGNS, twenty of Good Health, twenty of Sabbath Sentinel (back numbers), and have on hand a good supply of tracts and books in their library.

Pledges for the year's work aggregate over $300, which is quite good, considering their limited circumstances.

The truth is now established in Siskiyou County. May the rays of light now emanating from this place grow fuller and brighter, mingling with those from other parts, until the earth shall be lightened with its glory, and a people be made ready for our soon coming King. J. D. RICE.