LOCKWOOD, MONTEREY COUNTY, CAL.
By George E. Hollister
SINCE camp-meeting last fall, I have been trying to cultivate this portion of the field allotted to me by the Conference. I arrived here October 16, and found Brother and Sister Edwards, who were keeping the Sabbath before I moved away from here, still firm in the faith, and trying to do what they could to help on the good work. I found the good seed sown by Brother Thurston still germinating, and one person had begun keeping the Sabbath. I knew before I came that there was not only a strong prejudice against the truth, but also against myself. The words of our Saviour are as true to-day as when spoken 1,800 years ago, in Judea, "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and among his own people." Not that I am a prophet by any means, but here is where I followed the humble occupation of a farmer; and if my Saviour felt the chilling influence of that principle in the hearts of his fellows, it would be nothing strange if one so poorly qualified as myself should realize it also. However, I believed that God had some precious souls even here who were looking for precious truth, and would receive it though it were brought to them in a broken vessel. I felt, as did others, that if there was a work done here it would be all of the Lord. Realizing this, I besought aid from One who is able to help in every time of need, and who heareth even the young ravens when they cry. As a result of that aid granted, we were able to organize a Sabbath-school on Sabbath, January 5, with fifteen members, which has now continued for two months with unabated interest. There are also at this time twelve who are trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, eight of whom have signed the covenant, and nearly all are wishing baptism, which I hope they may soon have the privilege of receiving. I am in hopes also of being able to report a Tract Society organized. Truly we may say, "Behold what God hath wrought!" National Reform has also received due attention, and the petitions in opposition to the Blair bills have been thoroughly circulated, and we are still pushing the work.