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Evangelism
work of God, making an impression that hurts the truth. Adorn your
profession by an honest conversation. Cherish the grace of the Holy
Spirit, else you will stand as hindrances in the way of the work of God.
Make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the
way.—
Manuscript 105, 1902
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Bay City Suburbs; Oakland—My soul is filled with remorse—I
cannot word it in any other way—that such places as this [Petaluma]
should be passed by. Once in a great while a minister has come to speak
to the believers, but no effort has been made to place the truth before
the people. Why Petaluma should have been neglected is beyond my
comprehension. It is so near San Francisco, and yet it might be as far
off as Africa as far as any effort to proclaim the truth in it is concerned.
A work is to be done in and around San Francisco and Oakland.
[405]
The adjacent towns are to be worked. Oh, I see so much the need of
our ministers getting the spirit of the loud cry before it is too late to
work for the conversion of souls.—
Letter 113, 1902
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Experience With Open-Air Meetings in Resort Towns—For
some months we have been planning to hold grove meetings near St.
Helena, Calistoga, and other places in the Napa Valley. The first one
was held on Sunday, June 7, in the Hot Springs Park, at Calistoga. The
conference lent us some folding chairs. The members of the Calistoga
church are anxious to carry the truth to those who have not heard
it, and they made thoughtful preparation for the meeting. We were
confident that open-air meetings would be the means of reaching some
who would not attend a service held in a church. And thus they have
proved.
Although the day was oppressively warm, a goodly number were
present at the meeting. The Lord gave me much freedom in speaking.
The people seemed to enjoy the meeting very much, and an appoint-
ment was given out that meetings would be held in the same place
the following Sabbath and Sunday. Our people gathered early Sunday
morning, and spent the day together in the grove. A larger number
were present on the second Sunday than on the first.
We expect to continue these open-air meetings. I believe that by
them much good will be accomplished. The next one is to be held near
St. Helena, if a suitable place can be found.