Gilroy and San Jose by William M. Healey

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 28, 1878

Gilroy and San Jose.

By William M. Healey

According to appointment, we visited the little company of Sabbath-keepers in these places. It has never been our fortune to visit them before. On arriving at Gilroy we were met by a blind brother who kindly offered to see us around. We found him a competent guide, although totally blind, as he can find any place he wishes to, in the town, walks quite rapidly without a cane, and remembers all the dangerous places in the sidewalks. We preached three times at this place. The first evening quite a number of outsiders were present. The following evenings were so rainy we hardly expected any one to attend, but each evening about twenty came together to hear the word. As we saw our blind brother, an aged sister who is afflicted with the asthma, and one brother who has but one leg, and knew that each had walked considerable distance in the pouring rain, we thought of some strong, able-bodied persons who often get too tired to attend church, especially if it is stormy.

At San Jose we spent Sabbath and Sunday, preaching five times. Here we encountered another rain, which greatly hindered persons attending the meetings. But we always had some present, and hope good was done. In this place there are a few earnest souls. We see no reason why in both of these places, others may not be brought out upon the truth, if our people live and work properly, till a competent minister can be spared to labor among them. May God help them to do what they can, and not be lukewarm in the cause.

March 25, 1878. W. M. HEALEY.