THE PROGRESS OF THE CAUSE by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 15, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 27.

THE PROGRESS OF THE CAUSE.

By John Norton Loughborough

FROM June 14 to 20, in company with Brother Ings, I visited the companies of believers in Sonoma County, this State, holding meetings one day in each place. The points visited were Petaluma, Penn's Grove, Santa Rosa, Green Valley, and Healdsburg. These were among the first places where an effort was made to introduce present truth upon the Pacific Coast. As we passed over these grounds it was a source of rejoicing to us to see those who first embraced the truth still holding on firm to the faith. Seeing these old places called up many scenes of the past, with the trials, conflicts, and victories connected with the first meetings to promulgate the truth in California. As we thought and talked over these we were led to render praise and thanksgiving to God for what has been wrought for his work upon the Coast.

Petaluma was the first place in California in which we pitched our tent. That was twenty one years ago the 13th of next August. As I passed the old tent ground I could but say, "Praise God for the privilege enjoyed then in introducing the truth to the people in this then entirely new field," and "praise God for what has been wrought in its spread since those days," and "thank God for the increased facilities that have been developed since 1868 for the spread of a knowledge of the truth."

In this brief visit to the county our meetings were well attended at each point, and we were glad to find the brethren and sisters, old and new, ready to advance with the work, and all of good cheer.

At nearly every point I was introduced to some who were just newly coming to the faith. May the Lord bless them, and may his work still be advanced gloriously in Sonoma County.

After leaving that county it was my privilege to spend a Sabbath with the church in Oakland. I am glad to see that there is a stability to the work in this important church. There has been a growth in grace with many since the revival last winter, and the good work, both in the church, and in the mission school, which is being conducted in Oakland, is onward. I am pleased also to find that the church is awake to the importance of a church school, for the children, and are unanimous in their vote that this enterprise shall be set on foot at once. They have already elected a school board who are taking steps looking to the immediate opening of a school with a kindergarten and primary grade, also a grammar grade to be added as soon as it can be consistently done. This school will probably soon be opened, in the lower rooms of the new church building.

I have been privileged to spend two days each with the tent companies in Sacramento and Wheatland. I was glad to find in the former place that a number have already identified themselves with the work since the tent was pitched. In the latter place the tent has not been up so long, but there seems to be a fair attendance with good attention and interest on the part of those who come. Although the laborers there are comparatively new beginners in tent work, the Lord is blessing them, and giving them favor with the people. The news received from all the seven tents in the California field is quite favorable. We hope for good results all around.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.