Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 3, 1874

Diary, February 1874

February 17 - February 28, 1874

Previously unpublished.

February 17, 1874

This day I have written twenty-four pages—twenty pages of letter paper and four of note. I have appealed to Brethren Andrews and Waggoner in reference to their feeling the importance of the time and working to the point in their labors with their pens in writing for the different papers as well as laboring otherwise with their voices. But just now there are special efforts being made to get the truth before a large class of new readers of our paper. They should have the truth in these papers brought out in a condensed form. Every column of the paper should bear some subjects weighty with truth. All who appreciate and feel the burden of the truth should work now right to the point. I felt burdened and tried to relieve my soul in writing, for it seems to me these brethren do not feel the burden as they should and do not lift just where they might. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 1

February 19, 1874

We left Santa Rosa City and rode out with our family about two miles out of the city, and all left the carriage and enjoyed the amusement of gathering manzanita flowers for the children. The day was very beautiful, and the children enjoyed the exercise of running on the grass. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 2

February 20, 1874

We arose early and left Santa Rosa on the cars for Donahue where we took the boat for San Francisco. We had a beautiful ride down the river. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 3

I wrote eight pages on the boat, then enjoyed the scenery and looking at the forts as we passed. Then we found Sister Chittenden at the door, and her door and heart were wide open to welcome us. When Brother Chittenden came to his dinner, he seemed overjoyed to meet us. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 4

After we had taken our dinner, I walked up to see Sister Rowland. She seemed pleased to see me, and I think she is in a better condition than she was one year ago. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 5

We attended meeting in the evening at Brother Wilson’s and were introduced to Sister Wilson. She bears an excellent countenance and is a woman of sterling worth. We had an excellent meeting. My husband spoke to them in regard to the progress of the cause. I bore my testimony, seeking to speak words of encouragement to the few who have been passing through great trials. Sisters Dunivent [?] and Billet [?] were present. They were overjoyed to meet us. We had a very joyful meeting. None in San Francisco had expected us, and they were as glad to as little children to meet their parents. We spoke words that cheered their sorely tried souls. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 6

February 21, 1874

It is clear and frosty this morning. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 7

We attended meeting at the church. We had a well-filled house. Brethren and sisters from Oakland came over on the boat to the meeting. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 8

My husband had great freedom in preaching from the words, “Behold what manner of love.” [1 John 3:1.] He was free, and the blessing of the Lord rested upon him. After he had ceased speaking, I spoke about fifteen minutes. We then had an intermission. Just before meeting closed, Stipp and Burton came in. They looked wonderfully taken aback when they saw a large congregation and my husband addressing them. They came to the meeting with the full purpose of making a drive, but their disappointment was seen in their countenances. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 9

In the afternoon I spoke from these words: “Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3. I had freedom in speaking. After I ceased speaking, my husband spoke about fifteen minutes upon the state of the cause. They were very anxious at Oakland that we should come over and speak to them. We gave encouragement that we would do so at a convenient opportunity. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 10

Our meeting [San Francisco] was timely. Our few brethren had been in great perplexity because of about four unruly spirits who were murmurers, complainers, tattlers, busybodies in other men’s matters. The Lord sent us here at the right time. All those who were in sympathy with the body were comforted and greatly strengthened. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 11

February 23, 1874

We returned to Santa Rosa. I left my sealskin cloak at Liebes and Co. to be repaired. They warranted this cloak for three years, and it is now coming to pieces. They would not take back the cloak, but promised to repair it and line it with linen and if it should break away again to take it back. We met Brother and Sister Van Horn. They came to the depot with our carriage. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 12

February 24, 1874

We rode out of the city a few miles. Brother and Sister Van Horn accompanied us. It was very pleasant, but cool. I prepared copy for Spiritual Gifts [Spirit of Prophecy], Volume II. Brother and Sister Van Horn copied for printer. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 13

February 25, 1874

Brother Van Horn left for Green Valley to hear a discourse preached by a Methodist presiding elder against the Sabbath. As soon as he learned that Brother Van Horn was to leave, he gave out his appointment. We took Brother Van Horn two miles on his way. He walked the rest of the distance, about eight miles. Brother Van Horn has a baptism on the Sabbath. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 14

February 26, 1874

Brother and Sister M. G. Kellogg visited us. They brought us fruit from Healdsburg from Brother Cook’s family and from Sister Downing. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 15

February 27, 1874

We started for Healdsburg. We spent the first night at Brother Demmick’s. We had a pleasant interview with the family. We walked out in the beautiful moonlight and bowed in prayer, pleading with God for guidance and His grace. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 16

February 28, 1874

We went on our way to Healdsburg. We found dry, good roads. Brother and Sister Demmick and three of their children rode with us. 2LtMs, Ms 3, 1874, par. 17