As I find myself at present in this State, it may not be out of the way to speak briefly in the SIGNS of my visit here, and my reflections concerning the cause upon this coast.
I have been watching with deep interest the progress of this cause in California ever since Elders Loughborough and Bourdeau came here, and have rejoiced at the success which has attended the work. I had little thought that I should ever be here to witness the good results accomplished. And, from time to time, as Bro. White has spoken and written concerning the work going forward, as well as the other brethren in the ministry laboring here, I have greatly rejoiced. But it seemed to be far distant from me, and having plenty to do where I was, I did not concern myself with particulars in California.
But when it was thought best that I should come to confer with the California Conference, concerning the further publication of the SIGNS, and to labor during the camp meetings, and as long after as duty should require, I, of course, had to form a closer acquaintance with the work on this coast. I have now been here several weeks, and mingled with the brethren, and have formed very pleasant acquaintance with many.
I rejoice greatly at what I have seen in this State. Surely the work here is onward. The camp meeting has given me a clearer view of the strength of the work here than I had before. Truly God has been giving us the field here in California. Confusion has marked the counsels of some who have opposed us. We have financial strength in this State sufficient to do almost anything we wish to undertake. Our recent excellent meeting has shown that there is stability to this cause here, and that it is of no mushroom growth. When responsible persons come forward, and pledge over $21,000 of yellow gold to sustain and forward the work going on in their midst, all will agree that it means “business.”
It is no wonder that ministers, and members of our staid, respectable, popular churches are astonished at such a result. It would take a mighty effort of any of these large denominations to raise a sum as large, though they have a standing of many years here, and much wealth and a far greater membership, while we have only had a foot-hold for five or six years on this coast.
As I look back to the camp meeting, after time for reflection, I can regard it but a grand success. The united stand which our friends took in assuming the responsibilities of the paper, and the determined spirit with which they assumed its pecuniary burdens, convinces me that they mean to do something here in California. When we see this spirit among the people, we feel that we could labor and sacrifice to any extent to help such in the good work. The spirit of sacrifice begets the like spirit in others.
We ought, all of us, to realize this feature, and act so that our influence will lift every-where and encourage the hearts of the toil-worn and weary, the weak and desponding. When people hold back in their selfishness, and chill the hearts of those who would work, they assume a terrible responsibility, and will have to answer for it at the bar of God. When our people generally get just the right spirit, and cheerfully and determinedly take hold of the work of spreading this glorious truth, we shall move the world.
Those who have drank deepest at the fountain of present truth know best its precious, soul-satisfying sweetness, and they feel most like putting heart and soul into the work. But it is a great step up from the low grounds of selfishness and worldly aims to see that it is “more blessed to give than to receive,” and that there is nothing so noble and worthy of our effort in this world as the salvation of our fellow men and the progress of God’s work on the earth. Millions will weep and wail, in a short space, as they find themselves lost, lost forever. How piercing will these wailings of sorrow be to him who ought to have been the means of saving these souls, but would not. Why? Because it required some worldly sacrifice. Souls were not so precious as dollars. Then these things will appear in their true light. They ought to appear so now, and every one of us ought to be doing our utmost to save the souls of the perishing.
We ought to arouse ourselves mightily, and work while it is called to-day. Every evidence I see which goes to show that our people begin to feel this solemn, sacred duty, gladdens my heart and inspires my soul with love and hope. So the evidence given on the California camp ground of a readiness to shoulder some of the burdens of the cause was soul cheering to me.
I would not have it understood that these good brethren have fully and entirely seen and assumed all the duties of the times and the work. On the contrary, I presume many of them have little sense of the infinite obligations they are under to work for God and their fellow men. It is, perhaps, too much to hope that they can realize this all at once. But they did take hold of this one present responsibility with a spirit which augurs blessed results, as they come to realize other obligations.
Although the brethren have pledged themselves so liberally on the new paper, we trust they will not think the whole work done. They have now something to work for, more than merely to make money for themselves. They may properly look to God for His blessing upon their efforts, as their work is now, at least partially, to help forward his cause in the earth. If they give not only their means thus pledged, but themselves, also, to God, He will surely bless them in soul and in store.
Now that the brethren have assumed the responsibility of publishing and supporting the paper, there should be an earnest effort made for the increase of its circulation. The Tract and Missionary Society should realize the burden upon them. Here is a field where they can work acceptably. The new constitution published in this issue should be carefully studied, especially by the officers. They should become fully acquainted with their duties, and then discharge them to the best of their ability. Get all the paying subscribers you can for this paper. Many of your neighbors would take the paper if its merits were properly presented before them.
Every reasonable effort should be made to raise a list of subscribers who will make it self-sustaining. In doing this you will accomplish several good objects. The great principles of truth taught by us will thus be circulated. The influence of the paper will be extended. And each paying subscriber, will save means to the cause. It is well known of course, that an actual loss occurs in publishing a paper, until its subscription list reaches a certain number. This loss will have to be made up by the donations of the friends of the cause. Every subscriber then, not only lessens this burden upon the supporters of the cause, but, at the same time, the light of truth is spreading. Wake up, brethren and sisters. All may work here. Throw yourselves into the work, as never before.
There are, no doubt, many who might write for the paper with acceptance. Possibly some of your articles might not be published. Try again. Even those who have become the greatest writers made failures at first. Give interesting facts and items of experience. Tell what the Lord has done for you. Look around you for avenues in which to labor for God. Feel that the cause of God is a part of your very being.
I have felt very much encouraged by my short stay in this noble State. I shall now feel a special interest here, because of my acquaintance with you all, and shall be glad, from time to time, to say a word in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Brethren and sisters of California, you have a good field in which to work for God and humanity. This broad Pacific Slope gives you a chance to use all your power. I hope you will have a laudable zeal to fill your sphere of usefulness, with noble deeds of love and earnest effort, and that we may meet in the Kingdom of God.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
To Our Patrons.
By Editor
THE starting of the SIGNS was the index of a new era in the cause of present truth on the Pacific coast. We have had no doubt but God moved Bro. White out to take hold of this work. As the paper commenced to circulate up and down this coast, we thought we could discern in our moral horizon evident tokens of a great and mighty work upon the Pacific Slope. When, just before our late camp meeting, the continuance of the SIGNS here seemed to hang in doubt, our hearts were filled with sadness, for we felt that it would be a lack of faith and consecration to God's cause alone on our part, that would lead to any such result.
Now, that the Conference, by vote of all the delegates of its fourteen Churches, has in open session, decided to go ahead with the paper, and has through its body as individuals given such liberal pledges of means for the support of this enterprise, we feel that we have reason for gratitude to God. We know that in taking hold of this work we may expect perplexities, labor and care, but we expect also to have our hearts cheered in seeing success follow this labor in the publishing work.
Our Conference has, for the present, placed the management of this paper in the hands of its committee. Had we been left to our own choice, we should have said, let Bro. White retain the management of the SIGNS. But it is evident to all that the providence of God has called Bro. White to greater responsibilities and cares, in connection with our great institutions, at the head of the work. We are confident of this, however, that "as a mother cannot forget her child," so Bro. White will not forget the SIGNS, over which he has thought, planned and prayed, both in the mountains of Colorado and California. He has not bid us good-bye for ever in taking other and greater responsibilities, but he leaves the assurance, that he will help us with his counsel, influence and pen.
We feel our incompetency for the task before us, and it is only with such friendly assurances of counsel and aid from those (Bro. White and the General Conference Com.) who have had experience in meeting the difficulties connected with establishing a new paper, that we consent to take these responsibilities. We shall expect the aid of our brethren and sisters in this enterprise, both in their influence, prayers and means.
When the Conference voted to take the SIGNS they did not furnish the Committee an editor for this paper. New hands at the business and rather hastily at that, we have tried to arrange the matter for this number. It is not in its arrangement what we wish it to be, but what it may lack in editorial skill we hope may be balanced by the excellence of its words in many of its articles.
With this number of the paper we close its publication at Oakland. It is decided by our committee for the present to issue the paper at Woodland, Yolo county, Cal., at least until such time as the matter of location can be acted upon by the vote of our State Conference. There will necessarily be a little delay in moving and establishing our office at Woodland. We hope, however, to be able soon to issue a paper each week.
We hope our friends will furnish us with many brief, carefully written articles, as well as experiences and testimonies for a Conference department. Write as you would talk in bearing a brief, earnest testimony in a social meeting. Some such testimonies would undoubtedly find a place in the SIGNS. Let us all be workers together in this enterprise, and we may expect God's blessing to crown our efforts.
CAL. CONF. COM.
THERE are some people who can never see the difference between earnestness and bluster. The latter raises more dust and makes more noise. We are not sure that it does not get more praise. The former is more quiet, but it holds on. Its visions takes a longer and wider sweep. It is thoughtful in the adaptation of means to ends. Be earnest, but don't bluster. It is to earnestness that the world's progress is mainly due.
Now For The Work.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Now that it is a settled fact that the SIGNS will be permanently established upon this coast, I, for one, am determined to do my utmost to make it a success. Those who are able to write will do all they can to furnish good, sound, stirring articles upon the important doctrines of our faith, just such as the people need. The press is fast becoming the great educating power of the age. All the thinking classes look to it, not only for the news of the day, but for information upon every subject. In theology, the preacher does not hold the high, controlling position that he once did when all the instruction the people obtained came through him. Now even the common people are expected to read and think and learn for themselves. Many a layman is better informed upon Bible subjects than his pastor. Books and papers are the means whence he obtains his information.
Every intelligent family is expected to take a weekly paper and many take a dozen. Wide awake men of all parties, sects and callings, procure the influence of the press and bend every effort to use it in their interest. Shall we be behind them in using this mighty lever to move the world? To us God has committed the solemn responsibility of sounding the last message of mercy to the world. Our preachers are few. Evidently God designs that this work shall be largely done by means of tracts and papers. Now look at a few facts. It is only within this present century that the steam printing press, the steamboat, the steam cars, and the telegraph were invented. By means of these how rapidly intelligence can be conveyed over the world! To-night a man makes a speech in London. To-morrow morning we read it at our breakfast tables in San Francisco. Yes, and millions more are reading it in all parts of the world at the same time. Why should these wonderful inventions be all brought out together just at this time. Is this a mere chance? Rather, is not the providence of God in all this? Has he not ordered it thus so that a few men in a short time can send this message to every family in the world? I firmly believe this to be the real truth in the matter. See how the Lord has blessed the tract societies who have taken hold of this branch of the work. We have reason to expect that the time will come when our people will canvass every town and put reading matter upon the present truth into every family in the whole land. This is where the Lord's providence is leading us.
What a field we have before us upon this coast. California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington Territory, British Columbia, and the islands of the Pacific. There can be no better fields for labor than these. But where are our preachers to send into these fields? We cannot, we must not wait for them. By the blessing of God we will fill the SIGNS with the precious truth. Then we ask our friends to take hold with all their might and send it to the thousands of families all up and down this coast. We have confidence in them that they will do it. Of course it will require a sacrifice, with thought and earnest work to do this. But we need to do it for our own good. The long winter evenings are drawing near, just the time when people have leisure to read. They calculate to subscribe for some paper about this time of year. Let us go to work immediately. Come friends, we feel deeply interested in the success of the SIGNS, but we must have your co-operation, one and all.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Quarterly Meetings in California.
By R. F. Cottrell
OUR system of quarterly meetings in California is now placed entirely in the hands of the State Missionary Society, and the religious exercises and ordinances will be attended upon the Sabbath of each quarterly meeting as heretofore, so far as church officers present are authorized to attend them. We publish in this number of the SIGNS a list of the districts into which the Missionary Society have divided the State, and a list of the churches included in each district. It is the design of the society to hold a quarterly meeting in each district once in three months. These quarterly meetings are to be held simultaneously in each district, that is, in each of the nine districts the district quarterly meetings shall be upon the same Sabbath and first day.
Where there is more than one church in a district it is expected that the quarterly meetings will alternate with the churches of that district, as far as convenient, being one quarter with one church, the next quarter with another, and so on. It is hoped that, as far as possible, every brother and sister will make it a point to attend all the quarterly meetings in their district.
We cannot furnish a minister for every district quarterly meeting, but the meeting will be held by the Directors of each district, with such aids, either ministerial or otherwise, as can be furnished them from time to time.
The old arrangement of quarterly meetings will close with the appointments at Woodland and Bloomfield October 24th and 25th, and the new series will commence December 19th and 20th, thus giving all ample time to become familiar with the new Constitution published in this paper, and to get into good working order, according to the plan therein set forth.
A State quarterly meeting is to be held the first Sabbath and first day in each of the natural quarters of the year, namely, in January, April, July and October, and the district quarterly meetings are to be held two weeks before this State quarterly meeting, so as to give opportunity for a report at this State quarterly meeting from every district and church in the State.
As officers of the California State Conference, we would urge upon all the brethren and sisters the importance of the missionary work. May we be imbued with a desire to save our fellow men, and, with hearts full of love for them, seek opportunities to place the truth within their reach. The Tract Society is designed as an aid in systematizing our labor. It is the experience of all who have tried it, that much more can be done in any labor where system and order are observed than otherwise. 'What is worth doing is worth doing well.' So let us unitedly, systematically, and with energy move out to save our fellow men.
CAL. CONF. COMMITTEE.
Is This The Promised Message.
A most solemn message is being proclaimed to the world. It is a message of warning; and is designed to prepare the people of God for the close of probation, the Judgment and the coming of Christ. This is what the bearers of the message claim as the work to which they are called. The question of absorbing interest to every person is: Is this message genuine? Is it from Heaven? Such a message is found in prophecy. Rev. 14:9-12. Has the time come for its fulfillment? If the time has come, the message is in the world; for God will not fail to fulfill his promises, when they become due. And as there is but one movement in the world that claims to be this last warning, if prophecy shows that the time has come, the present movement is the genuine, Heaven-sent message.
The great lines of prophecy are so far fulfilled that the intelligent believer can say without a doubt that we are in the last days. The four great kingdoms of Dan. 2 and 7, are all fulfilled except the closing event—the coming of the everlasting kingdom. The signs of the advent as given by the Lord himself, have been fulfilled to the point where he declares his coming to be at the doors. The present state of the churches and the world answer the description given of the last days. All these things combine to show with certainty that we are in the last days. Then, if this is the case, it is time that the advent messages should be in the world; and that which claims to be the last warning is genuine.
Can this be true? It certainly is. God is speaking to us in this message. Let all hear. 'Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets to his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?' Amos 3:7, 8.
R. F. COTTRELL.
San Francisco.
By J. N. Loughborough
TENT meetings are being held in San Francisco by Elds. Butler, Canright and Loughborough, in the 60x125 foot, California Mission tent. These meetings have been well attended from the first. The congregation ranges from 500 to 1200 persons, and the most deep and candid attention is given to the word spoken. Thus far it is the best interest we ever saw in San Francisco, or in the State.
We advertise daily in three daily papers. The combined circulation of these papers is, over 100,000 copies daily. The subject is announced for each evening. Brethren, it pays in the shape of increasing our audiences, to invest considerable in advertising.
One of these papers, the San Francisco Morning Call, says of our meetings, in its issue of Oct. 21st. "The tent meetings on the corner of Jones and Tyler streets are nightly attended by large and attentive audiences. The speakers are earnest men, who believe what they teach. The subjects thus far introduced have been the Earth's History as noted in prophesy; the United States as described by the prophets; the Signs of Christ's Second Coming, and the Doctrine of the World's Conversion. This evening Eld. D. M. Canright, one of the ablest speakers of the denomination, will speak on Modern Spiritualism."
On Wednesday evening, notwithstanding it rained, up to the hour of commencing meeting, there were about 500 interested hearers. Last evening our big tent was nearly full to listen to Bro. Canright on the subject of Spiritualism. There was profound attention. What books we had on Spiritualism went off like the dew, and there was an earnest call for more, which will be taken over from the SIGNS office for to-morrow night.
As people were going away from the tent, many who were hearing this course of lectures for the first, were heard to say, "They have the truth there at that tent, if there is any truth." We hope for glorious results from these lectures.
Pray that great success may attend this effort in San Francisco.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
California Camp Meeting.
By John Norton Loughborough
OUR Camp meeting and Conference, of which we furnish our readers a business report, was one of the most important meetings ever held by the Seventh Day Adventists upon this coast.
The meeting differed some from the meeting of last year, still it has left its solemn impress upon those who attended that God's hand is indeed set to this work.
Last year our minds were stirred mightily on the subject of broader plans and more extensive efforts for the spread of the truth. But little business was done in that Conference; so most of the seven days was devoted to religious exercises. We are sharers of God's blessing most while talking and vowing to launch out more in the work of God.
Since that time the providence of God has opened the way for us to carry out our vows made in that meeting. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES has been established in our midst, which not only gives us an opportunity to contribute of our means, but also opens a field for more extensive personal missionary effort. The burden of the Conference this year seemed to be to learn ourselves, and to learn how to dedicate ourselves with our substance to the work of God. The preaching was close and practical, and the social meetings earnest and spirited. Many a testimony, was borne by those of our people who attended that they "saw themselves as never before," and resolved to be more devoted.
The business of which much was transacted, as will be seen by the reports in this paper, all moved off with harmony, and as usual in S. D. A. Conferences, cases were decided by unanimous vote. God moved our people mightily to contribute of their substance, and we think it speaks for itself of the heart in the people, in that they pledged over $21,000, to publishing, and the tent enterprise.
Now that the Camp meeting has closed, we look back upon it with pleasure. We hope our brethren and sisters who have returned to their homes will share much of the blessing of God as they labor, seeking first the kingdom of God, and plan to pay their vows.
We were glad indeed of the coming of brother Butler and to listen to his faithful delineations of Christian duty and the Christian life. Of the thirty-one discourses delivered during the Conference thirteen were given by Bro. Butler, and besides this his labors were almost incessant, ten by brother Canright, two by Bro. Cornell, and six by myself. The Lord helped to preach, and moved out the people to act. No less than fifty took a decided stand with us during the meeting, of these, 41 were baptized on the 11th instant.
We feel that the work of God is onward on this coast if we all humbly move forward in the line of duty.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Cheering News.
By John Norton Loughborough
"As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." And so is the heart of the people of God refreshed to hear of souls embracing the truth. As I sit here in the SIGNS office opening correspondence from different individuals, my soul is sometimes stirred to see how the truth of God is spreading, and how God is using the instrumentality of the press to advance his cause.
Here is one letter from Warren, Pa., in which a man says he was by chance on the camp ground at Medford, Minnesota, where some copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES were distributed. He got some took them to Pennsylvania, read them, became convinced of the truth, loaned the papers to his neighbors, they became interested, and he writes over to this office to see if he can get some more of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Certainly you can, and may God bless them as they cross the plains and go on their mission.
Here is another letter from Maine, way over on the Atlantic. It says: "I was in San Jose last July, went to hear Elders Canright and Cornell preach, and was convinced of the great truths, and I have taken my stand among the few to press on and gain the crown that is laid up for the faithful. On account of sickness I have had to move East again."
And another from the northern part of Washington Ter., way up almost to the Brittish possessions. A minister has got hold of the SIGNS, and likes it so well that, with his neighbors, he has read it over, and a lot of them gave him their names as subscribers to it. Let them have it, we say.
Let the truth go in every direction, and may many humble hearts be gladdened as they receive its precious light through the SIGNS.
J. N. L.
Oregon Mission.
By John Norton Loughborough
WE have received no definite report written for this number, as we had hoped to do, but we take the liberty of making an extract from a private letter from brother Van Horn of recent date, and hope he will have a report for every number hereafter if it is only a few lines.
He speaks of a tent meeting held for a few days at Weston Oregon, where he sold $30 worth of books, and one family embraced the truth, and then says:
"Three more have united with the Church in Walla Walla since I wrote you last. We have now pitched the tent on the Walla Walla River about half way between Weston and Walla Walla city. Here we expect to hold a two weeks meeting, to commence to-morrow evening the 25th, at the beginning of the Sabbath. On the first Sabbath and Sunday in October we shall have a general meeting of the friends of the cause. We hope to see some good results of our effort there."
Since writing the above we have received another letter from Bro. Van Horn, in which he says, "All is going well with us here, may the Lord bless the work with you there. I hope the SIGNS will now be published regularly each week, and that it will be permanently located on this coast." The brethren and sisters up the coast will be cheered to learn, in this number of the SIGNS, that both of the desires above expressed are likely to be soon realized. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Encouraging.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We feel that, in the results of our good camp meeting, God has given us another evidence of the power of this message and the Lord’s willingness to bless his people when they seek him earnestly. It gave us undeniable evidence that the cause on this coast is fast increasing in strength and influence. The permanent location of the SIGNS and a publishing office here marks a new era in the cause which will rejoice every believer. But the work here is now only fairly started. What a field is before us. The deep feeling of my soul is that I will put all my strength of body and mind into this work with more energy and perseverance than ever before. For this I will live and for this I will work. The way is now prepared for every brother and sister to join in the work, and we expect they will do it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
To embrace the whole creation with love sounds beautifully, but we must begin with the nearest. And he who cannot love that deeply, intensely, entirely, how should he be able to love that which is remote, and which throws but feeble rays upon him from a foreign star? How should he be able to love it with any feeling which deserves the name of love? The greatest cosmopolites are generally the neediest beggars, and they who embrace the entire universe with love, for the most part, love nothing but their narrow self.
A MOMENT’S effort in controlling passion may often prevent days of sorrow.