This meeting, continuing from the 3rd to the 13th, was in many respects the best meeting ever held in this State. The attendance was even better than was anticipated, as meetings in California in the winter season are not usually very well attended. However, nearly all the churches in the central and northern part of the State were represented at this one.SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.1

Four interesting meetings of the Tract and Missionary Society were held; even this number did not afford an opportunity for transacting all the business that should have been considered. Any one who attends the sessions of our Conference and our Missionary Society year after year, in other States as well as in this, cannot fail to be impressed with the fact that this is a growing work. Every year we are increasing our facilities, and broadening our plans for work, and still we fall far short of the necessities of the case. The progress of the cause within the last year alone, should teach us that God is leading in this work, and that he is only waiting for us to manifest our faith in a practical matter, in order to grant us his blessing in still greater abundance. We must not limit the work of God, for his plans are far in advance of what our feeble faith has been able to grasp.SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.2

The resolutions that were passed recognized the fact that the territories adjoining the Pacific Coast States afford a large field for the carrying on of missionary work by correspondence. These territories are being rapidly settled by a good class of people, and there is as yet no reason for those of our people who cannot go into the harvest-field in person, to think that there is nothing for them to do.SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.3

Besides this, the representatives of the various churches made earnest calls for help, not alone in the churches, but in the adjoining country. A gratifying feature of these calls was that, with few exceptions, those making the call pledged themselves to care for any minister who might be sent to their locality, and also to give their own time to visiting and canvassing. It is a source of regret that the scarcity of laborers makes it impossible for more than one in twenty of the calls for ministerial help to receive immediate attention. We are not sure, however, but that this is in the order of God, that our people may give themselves individually to the work. Each one must pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers, and must realize the obligation resting upon him to do his part toward answering his own prayer. The work must largely be done by corresponding, canvassing, and Bible-reading, and could all the brethren and sisters in the State have been present as the appeals for help came in, we are sure that the number taking the special course at the College would now be doubled.SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.4

A class for practical instruction in the art of canvassing was organized by Eld. W. C. White, which met as often as the frequency of other meetings will allow. Those who attended these exercises came much Bible information as to how to properly present the SIGNS, Good Health, etc. Canvassing is getting to be an important factor in the advancement of the Third Angel’s Message, and the canvasser needs a special preparation for the work, as well as does the minister. Nothing that can be used to assist in spreading the light of the truth should be lightly esteemed.SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.5

There were but eight sermons delivered during the whole ten days’ meeting,-one each by Elders Healey and Boyd, two by the Editor of the SIGNS, and four by Mrs. E. G. White. Although these sermons were listened to with great attention by many not of our faith, their object was not especially to unfold doctrine, but to give instruction in vital godliness, and stir up the minds of believers to an appreciation of the importance of the present hour. The fact that we are now living in the antitypical day of atonement, and that Christ, our high priest, will soon cease pleading for sinners, was emphasized, and made a deep impression, which we hope will be lasting. If we could keep this solemn thought constantly in our minds, what carefulness it would produce in our daily life, and what zeal in the Master’s work! As in the typical day of atonement, we should afflict our souls, and humble our souls before God.SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.6

A noted feature of this meeting was the Bible-readings, of which there were thirteen. These were upon the following subjects: Second Advent, Sabbath, Spiritual Gifts, Tithing, and the Sanctuary. The deepest interest was manifested in these readings, and much good was done. Many who had not previously paid tithes, were fully convinced of their duty in this respect, and publicly resolved to pay to the Lord his dues. An aged gentleman from the East was detained in the place during the meetings, and attended regularly. At the close he said that although he was at first much prejudiced against the views of Seventh-day Adventists, the constant appeal “to the law and to the testimony,” had completely disarmed him. The knowledge that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and expressed his intention to walk in the light. There can be no doubt that Bible-readings, judiciously conducted, are destined to become a powerful auxiliary in spreading the knowledge of the truth. When brought face to face with a plain “Thus saith the Lord” on every point, candid persons cannot do otherwise than yield assent. As the gentleman above-mentioned said, “An infidel might raise objections, but a believer in the Bible certainly cannot gainsay such testimony.”SITI January 31, 1884, page 73.7

The prayer and social meetings were, from the first, seasons of special interests. Each morning, except Sabbath, a special meeting was held at six o’clock. The first two were simply for the ministers and missionary workers; after that all were invited. Another one was held each day at nine o’clock A.M. At all of the social meetings Sister White was present, contributing largely to the ultimate success of the meeting. Her plain and pointed testimony was well received, and the Spirit of the Lord moved many to make humble confession of past wrongs. Special labor was put forth for the spiritual advancement of the Healdsburg Church. Some difficulties of long standing were happily adjusted, the brethren and sisters resolving henceforth to love not “in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” All felt that if this had been the only object gained, the meeting would have been a grand success. We hope that the earnest exhortation is to keep the mind fixed upon Christ, that the increase in knowledge of his love may produce corresponding love and humility in the heart, may be acted upon by all.SITI January 31, 1884, page 74.1

On the last Sabbath afternoon, after a sermon by Sister White on Love to God, fifty-five persons came forward, asking the prayers of God’s people. The number included both backsliders and those making their first start in the Christian life, and of all ages, from the little child to the gray-haired man. These repaired to a side room in the building, where every one bore a good testimony.SITI January 31, 1884, page 74.2

The closing social meeting on Sunday morning was one of the best we ever attended. The spirit of thanksgiving to God prevailed, and the meeting was a veritable praise service. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me,” says the Lord. As Christians we do not praise the Lord enough. The idea seems to prevail that we must overcome all sins before we have any right to praise God. But the truth is, that we cannot overcome the first without the help and blessing of God, and as soon as we feel the least of his blessing, it is our duty to praise him. By praising God for what we have, we keep our hearts warm, and in a condition to receive more of his blessing. Surely “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.”SITI January 31, 1884, page 74.3

At the close of the service, several expressed a desire for baptism, and after the next service, the congregation repaired to the water, where eighteen souls were buried with Christ by baptism. Of this number, ten unite with the Healdsburg Church; of the latter number, seven are College students. The series of meetings closed with a sermon by the Editor of the SIGNS, on “The Rest that remains for the people of God.”SITI January 31, 1884, page 74.4

Every part of the meeting was possible, and its influence on the cause in this State can never be fully known until the Judgment. We hope that many other churches in this Conference may have the privilege of a like experience. E. J. W.SITI January 31, 1884, page 74.5

January 10, 1884

February 28, 1884