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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
and sometimes five, times a day; and the peace of God often rested
upon us. I was not in the least discouraged. Not being able to sleep
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much nights, a large share of the time was spent in prayer and grateful
praise to God for His mercies. I felt the peace of God ruling in my
heart constantly, and could indeed say that my peace was as a river.
Unforeseen and unexpected trials came upon me, which, in addition
to my husband’s sickness, nearly overwhelmed me. But my trust and
confidence in God were unshaken. He was truly a present help in every
time of need.
We visited Healdsburg, St. Helena, Vacaville, and Pacheco. My
husband accompanied me when the weather was favorable. The winter
was rather a trying one to us; and as my husband had improved in
health, and the weather in Michigan had become mild, he returned
to be treated at the sanitarium. Here he received great benefit, and
resumed writing for our papers with his usual clearness and force.
I dared not accompany my husband across the plains; for constant
care and anxiety, and inability to sleep, had brought upon me heart
difficulties which were alarming. We felt keenly as the hour of separa-
tion drew on. It was impossible to restrain our tears; for we knew not
that we should meet again in this world. My husband was returning
to Michigan, and we had decided that it was advisable for me to visit
Oregon and bear my testimony to those who had never heard me.
I left Healdsburg for Oakland the 7th of June and met with the Oak-
land and San Francisco churches under the large tent in San Francisco,
where Brother Healey had been laboring. I felt the burden of testimony
and the great need of persevering personal efforts on the part of these
churches to bring others to the knowledge of the truth. I had been
shown that San Francisco and Oakland were missionary fields and ever
would be. Their increase of numbers would be slow; but if all in these
churches were living members and would do what they might do in
getting the light before others, many more would be brought into the
ranks and obey the truth. The present believers in the truth were not
interested for the salvation of others as they should be. Inactivity and
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indolence in the cause of God would result in backsliding from God
themselves, and by their example they would hinder others from going
forward. Unselfish, persevering, active exertion would be productive
of the very best results. I tried to impress upon them that which the
Lord had presented before me, that He would have the truth presented