THE PACIFIC COAST by James White

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, May 13, 1880

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 20

THE PACIFIC COAST.

By James White

At no time in the history of the cause upon the Pacific coast have we had as lively an interest in the work as during the present season. Mrs. W. and our son and daughter are there, and news from that part of the wide field is most cheering.

The camp-meeting held at Lemoore, Cal., April 22 to May 3, was one of the deepest interest. Mrs. W. has enjoyed great freedom in speaking at many important points in California, and there is a state of general good cheer all over the State. Her labors have been incessant, yet she reports improved health.

It seems very evident that it was according to the will of God that she should visit the Pacific coast at this time. And we are laboring under the impression that we are in the line of our duty in remaining at the old post of duty at the present. We may join her in California in autumn to remain until the spring of 1881.

Soon after the last General Conference we mentioned the names of feeble ministers whose physical conditions might be improved by change to the Pacific coast. This matter was left with those who soon after left for California. They were the proper ones to advise who should be called to that field, as they had the advantage of learning the condition and wants of the cause, and the wishes of the people. And they were acquainted with these brethren, therefore could advise in this important matter at that end of the line better than it could be decided here.

Those on the ground hesitated and delayed to take the responsibility, until Elder Canright took Elder St. John to Ohio, Elder Whitney took Elder Fero to Pennsylvania, Elder Decker decided to go to Colorado, and Elder Corliss decided to make a tour to New England, and one to Colorado, and then to attend the western camp meetings.

Our views of the leadership question, expressed in this paper, forbid us from taking the responsibility of deciding the fields of labor for brethren in the ministry. We simply made suggestions, and others decided the matter, in some cases, not in harmony with our suggestions. But we are inclined to the opinion that the providence of God has directed this whole matter. Elder Haskell and company went to the coast at the right time. They refused to take the responsibility of calling others. This was probably right, as there is not a man to be spared from the East at the present. There is room and urgent need for ten here to each one whose name has been mentioned. We see no reasons why those who have gone to the Pacific coast should be urged to leave that field at present, or why those who are not impressed to go to the coast should be urged to change their fields of labor. When we had made suggestions, our duty was done. J. W.