MEETINGS IN OAKLAND by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

The S.D.A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 8, 1880

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 14

MEETINGS IN OAKLAND.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Last Sabbath was one of the best days for the Oakland church which it has ever known. There was a good attendance from San Francisco, and also from the other churches in this part of the State. The Missionary meeting, appointed for first-day, called in brethren from various churches.

In the morning it was very rainy, so that the attendance at the Sabbath-school was not as large as usual, but the exercises were of usual interest. At 11 A. M. Bro. Haskell spoke on the sacredness of vows. He enjoyed freedom in speaking, and the subject was of absorbing interest to the congregation. The Scripture facts presented, and the illustrations given, were well calculated to make an impression on all minds, especially in showing the difference between “tithes” and “free-will offerings.” An offering is that which we consecrate to God, but a tithe is that which God himself has consecrated, and which we have no moral right to use for our own purposes. Some who have hitherto stood in doubt about the tithing system confessed that all their doubts were removed. We hope that all who heard may be permanently benefitted by this clear presentation of the truth.

In the afternoon Sister White spoke upon the words of our Saviour’s warning in Luke 21:34, 35. All felt that she had special help from Heaven on this occasion. A very deep impression was made. Faith was strengthened in the near coming of the Lord, and in the work which He is carrying on among his people to prepare them for translation into his kingdom. We have strong confidence that much good was done in this meeting. Those who felt weak, and were faltering, felt both reproved and encouraged. The truths, so precious to those who love the Lord and his appearing, brought light and courage to all hearts.

On first-day morning a prayer-meeting was held at the house of worship, followed by a meeting at 10 o’clock to consider the general wants and interests of the cause in California. An interchange of opinions regarding the field served to impress all with the magnitude of the work open before us. Urgent calls come from every direction. Here again Sister White gave good counsel to the ministers and to all workers; and while the laborers are few and feeble, new hope and courage seemed to come in as we were led to consider God’s power and willingness to bless our efforts when we walk in his counsel and take hold of his strength. He can bring light out of darkness and order out of confusion. He can work by few as well as by many. He can use the weak to confound the mighty.

Sunday evening Sister White spoke again to a full house. Her remarks were practical, interspersed with interesting incidents in her own experience, showing the power and mercy of God as manifested in several cases of severe afflictions.

The missionary meeting of this church was held the evening after the Sabbath. As usual, the reports showed the circulation of a large amount of reading. This city is being thoroughly canvassed with our publications, and it is much to be desired that a tent meeting shall be held here, as well as in San Francisco, as early as the season will permit.

Sunday afternoon the missionary work was presented, a class of about forty was organized. All the ministers in the State are present. The lessons of the day will be reviewed at night, for the benefit of those who cannot attend through the day. A daily prayer meeting is appointed at five in the morning. Thus far they have been profitable, the spirit of God being manifest in them.

J. H. Waggoner.