MANY persons rob God during all their lives, without ever being troubled by a sense of their guilt. They would be shocked at the idea of robbing their neighbors, but they have not the least idea that it is any sin to rob God; or, perhaps it would be more correct to say, that they have never thought that there is such a thing as robbing the Almighty. They think that whatever they possess belongs to themselves. Their health, their strength, their good judgment, their power to plan and to execute, all belong to themselves, and they have no idea that any of these things are the gift of God. If they use their strength, it is simply to advance their own interest; and, if they accumulate money, they think it all belongs to themselves. If they are blessed with bountiful crops in the cultivation of the earth, they never think that it is to God that they are indebted for this; that it is he who makes the sun to shine and the rain to fall, and that gives fertility to the earth. Or, if they think of this, they never for a moment suppose that they are under any obligation to God for the blessings of his providence. They forget that in him they live and move and have their being; but God notices all these things. He said to his ancient people, by the prophet Malachi, that they were cursed with a curse because they had robbed him; and when they inquired wherein they had done this, he said that it was in withholding tithes and offerings. Mal. 3:8–10.
In all ages God has claimed the tenth part of our income as his. This is the least which he will accept, and he has made it our privilege to do much more than this, if we have the disposition to do it. But some will say that they cannot give the tenth to God, because they have not been prospered in their business; so they propose to rob God of the tenth which belongs to him, in order to make up for their lack of prosperity. Such persons are guilty of dishonesty toward God, and they will bring their curse upon themselves.
The prophet Malachi speaks of others who offered that to God which was worthless to themselves. Mal. 1:7, 8. God sees what we do. If we rob him by keeping to ourselves that part which he has claimed as his, or by giving to him that which is worthless, we shall most assuredly bring his curse upon ourselves. But there is a more excellent way than this. God says: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3:10.
J. N. A.
Light Is Sown for the Righteous
“LIGHT is sown for the righteous.”
Sunday Law Sentiment.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
ANTI-CHINESE legislation has of late been such an all-absorbing topic on the Pacific Coast, that but little space is devoted in the newspapers to the Sunday Law. Although the friends of the Sunday closing movement seem as determined as ever to press the matter, public sentiment in general does not seem to have yet reached that point where a very rigid enforcement of the law may be expected.
So far as we know, only four convictions have been obtained since the decision of the Supreme Court. In Oakland, the first two cases, both saloon-keepers, resulted in conviction, and in each instance the fine was placed at $50.00, the highest amount allowed under the law. In the third case the jury returned a verdict of "Not guilty," almost immediately.
In San Francisco several saloon-keepers have been tried, but in every case the jury has acquitted or else failed to agree. Last week, however, a prominent hatter was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of ten dollars. This would indicate that the enlightened jurors of San Francisco think selling hats on Sunday worse than selling whisky. People may get along with old hats or go without, but whisky is regarded as a necessity. These three cases, with one in Sacramento, are the only convictions of which we have any knowledge at present.
After a trial in a Police Court in San Francisco, last Friday, in which the jury disagreed, the Judge informed the Prosecuting Attorney that if a conviction did not follow the second trial of the case, on the 10th of May, he would dismiss all the Sunday Law cases now on the docket of the court. And this is, we think, an index of the feeling of most of the officials. They are opposed to the law at heart, do not think that convictions can be obtained, and desire to be rid of the insurmountable amount of work before them.
The League of Freedom is rejoicing somewhat over what looks like an evidence of weakening on the part of the Home Protection. The President of the San Francisco League claims that he was approached by a prominent member of the Home Protection Society with the statement that the latter society would withdraw all complaints for a consideration. He refused the offer, on the ground that the League of Freedom had no fears as to the result. He offered to meet the Executive Committee of the Home Protection Society and give full proofs of his statements, with the name of the individual who made the offer. The Protectionists refused to meet him, but said that he could make his statement through the papers, which he refused to do. Thus the matter stands. Each society professes to feel confident that it will accomplish its purpose.
A large mass-meeting was recently held in Sacramento, and several resolutions were presented, among which was the following:—
Resolved, That in the approaching political campaign we will support no candidate for the Legislature who is pledged to the repeal of the Sunday Law of California.
Rev. Mr. Hansen, in speaking of these resolutions, said he hoped they would be acted on by a rising vote. He said the friends of the law meant business, and the politicians were going to have a lively time on this question, and the men who want to have a foothold in the future had better look to it where they step now. The friends of the law had resolved to "fight fire with fire, and blood with blood, and money with money." His remarks were loudly applauded. When the vote was taken, the entire audience, with few exceptions, rose in the affirmative, and none in the negative. A committee of some of the leading citizens was appointed to wait on the Mayor to request that the best efforts of the authorities be employed to enforce the Sunday Law.
In this connection it is well to note that at a meeting of the Licensed Dealers' Association, a few evenings before, it was resolved to make politics secondary in the next election, and to support no man who would not promise to vote for a repeal of the Sunday Law. Also the Democratic convention in San Francisco adopted an anti-Sunday resolution at a recent meeting.
From these statements our readers can get a pretty fair idea of the present status of the Sunday cause in California. Whether the law is repealed at the next session of the Legislature or not, the matter will not end there. The advocates of Sunday observance are too numerous and too determined to let the matter drop; and those who have set themselves to actively oppose the law will not submit without a struggle. As has been stated before, the principal result of the present agitation in California will doubtless be to stimulate those in the East who are working for a Religious Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, to make more decided efforts than ever before.
It may not be amiss to state for the benefit of some who still seem to misunderstand our position, that Seventh-day Adventists take no sides in this controversy. We have no part in it whatever. We say "God speed" to every effort to prohibit the liquor traffic, but cannot join a purely Sunday movement. In this and coming time, it is ours simply to watch the fulfillment of prophecy that we may not be taken unawares, and to "fear God, and keep his commandments," for this, and nothing less, is our "whole duty." E. J. W.
Times of Restitution.
By Eld. R. F. Cottrell
BY ELD. R. F. COTTRELL.
"AND he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you; whom the Heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:20, 21.
God has promised by his prophets a restitution or restoration of certain things. Some loss has been sustained; otherwise a restitution would not be necessary. Nothing can be restored that has not been impaired or suffered loss. When sin entered the world a curse came upon man, and also upon the earth.
I do not speak of man's moral loss—the loss of innocence; and how that loss is to be restored—his state of innocence regained. That is not the subject of the text. The text speaks of the restitution of things to take place when Jesus returns from Heaven, where he now is; and if we do not obtain pardon before that event, no restoration is promised us. Holiness is not then to be conferred; for it is said, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:11, 12.
Thus the doctrine of a future "universal restoration" of all men to a state of holiness falls to the ground. It is not only not included among the "things which God has spoken" by his prophets, but prophecy positively informs us that no such change will take place after the advent; that as men are morally when the advent is at hand, so they must remain by the unchanging decree of the Omnipotent; and that Christ comes to give rewards according to men's works. The day of their labor is past, and the time is come for each to receive reward for what he has done.
What then is the future restitution which God has promised? It is a restitution from the effects of the curse; and the justified alone have the promise of sharing in its blessings.
In respect to man, the curse brought upon him wearisome labor, sorrow, pain, and death. It resulted in the loss of all things, even life itself. The restitution which God has promised will restore him to life—a life free from pain and sorrow. It will give him back all that was lost through sin, as its penalty or punishment. But, as we said, he must, before the restitution, be made free from sin itself, through the efficacy of the redemption by Jesus Christ, or he has no promise of the restitution.
In respect to the earth, its beauty was marred, its fertility decreased, barrenness in some places, and thorns and briars in others, have taken the place of its rich and luxuriant productions, and the garden of God and the tree of life have been removed from it. The restitution will bring back all these things, so that man, redeemed, will again be brought into possession of all that he lost.
I need not refer to the particular passages of Scripture which promise these things. Suffice it to say, all those passages which promise the resurrection of the righteous, the beauty, fertility, and loveliness of the renovated earth, when the "desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose," and the Paradise of God on the earth with the river and tree of life, constitute what God hath spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began.
We learn from the text that the times of restitution commence when Jesus leaves the Heaven; for he is received or retained there until those times come.
When the Lord Jesus himself descends from Heaven to earth, the dead in Christ shall rise. The "first resurrection" will restore man to life and joy forever. The restitution having commenced by the resurrection of the "blessed and holy," they will reign with Christ a thousand years. Then will be fulfilled the promise of Christ to the twelve apostles: "Ye, which have followed me, in the regeneration (at the renovation, Campbell,) when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Matt. 19:28. Says the Revelation, "I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; . . . . and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Chap. 20:4.
When will the earth be restored? Not before the burning day—the day in which its elements shall melt with fervent heat. This will not take place till the wicked are raised from the dead to receive their punishment in the lake of fire; for the earth is "reserved unto fire against the day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men," 2 Pet. 3:7. The wicked are not raised and punished till a thousand years after the resurrection of the saints. "The rest of the dead lived not again till the thousand years were finished." Rev. 20:5.
Thus the earth, groaning under the curse, is broken down and desolated of its wicked inhabitants at the end of six thousand years, and, at the end of the seventh thousand, it passes through the fire which devours the wicked. Then comes the closing work of the restitution. The new heavens and earth appear, the city of God, the New Jerusalem, comes down to earth, the fountain and tree of life are there, and then it is said, "There shall be no more curse." The restitution is completed. Not only has man been redeemed from death, but the earth also, his inheritance, is redeemed from the sad effects of the curse, and its possession restored to man—to all the family of the second Adam, "and they shall reign forever and ever."
Welcome, then, thrice welcome, the times of the glorious restitution! when our glorious Redeemer shall leave his place in Heaven, where he now pleads before the throne of mercy, and enter upon the work foretold by all the holy prophets. The time is near. Who will share in the restitution? Hasten to prepare.
Healdsburg Academy.
A MEETING was held in the Oakland church, at 2:30 P. M., Sunday, April 23, to consider the interests of Healdsburg Academy. The brethren who came from a distance to attend the annual meeting of the Publishing Association, and the State Quarterly T. and M. Society, were present at this meeting. Many of the members of the Oakland and San Francisco churches were also in attendance. Eld. J. H. Waggoner was appointed chairman, and prayer was offered by Eld. J. D. Rice.
The following preamble and resolution, expressive of gratitude to God for his guiding hand thus far in the progress of the work, was adopted by a unanimous vote after it was spoken to by Professor Brownsberger, W. C. White, and Eld. G. D. Ballou:—
WHEREAS, the importance of establishing a school on the Pacific Coast for the special advantage of the youth of Seventh-day Adventists, in which good moral and religious instruction and influence can be combined with thoroughness in secular branches of education, has been impressed upon the minds of our people; and
WHEREAS, Action has been taken in the purchase of grounds and building at Healdsburg, and the school has opened with such favorable prospects of success,
Resolved, That we recognize the hand of God in directing his servants in securing property in so favorable a locality, and so well adapted to present wants, and that we hereby express our gratitude for this manifestation of his care and approval in this undertaking.
Professor Brownsberger said that the progress of the work of establishing the school thus far, cannot fail to excite a deep feeling of gratitude in the hearts of all its friends. At first there was some difference of opinion in regard to the choice of locality. Some of the prominent friends of the school expressed some preference for other towns, when the question of locality was first considered, but after the advantages at Healdsburg were fully canvassed, all were convinced of its superiority in most respects over all other places. A unanimity of sentiment now prevails, and this in itself is a source of great satisfaction.
But what is of more importance, and is worthy of deeper gratitude, is the feeling of general satisfaction and expressions of unbounded confidence in the success of the school. This is true not only of our brethren and sisters throughout the entire coast, but also with many others acquainted with the steps already taken. This is especially marked in the citizens of Healdsburg and200vicinity. They have uniformly treated the enterprise and its friends with marked respect, and expressions of friendship and confidence by prominent citizens are freely made. The local papers have extended to us much kindness and courtesy. Does it not seem as though Providence had kept in readiness a building and grounds, just adapted to our present necessities, and was waiting only for us to get ready to occupy it?
Where would we go for a purer air, and a more healthful climate? Where else could we purchase a building or where build one so well suited to our wants with the same means? My dear friends, I feel an assurance that God is leading in the work, and will approve all well-directed efforts to make the school a success.
W. C. White regarded it a cause for thankfulness that they had been fortunate in securing experienced teachers to take positions in the school. That buildings and grounds, however good, were inadequate to insure the success of the school. It is only when these are equipped with first-class teachers, that we can justly look for the highest success. He was very grateful that the school had opened with such promise of prosperity.
Eld. G. D. Ballou said that he had been in Healdsburg and vicinity for the past few weeks, and had opportunities of learning the feeling of the people in regard to the school. He found that it is one of uniform confidence. That some of the prominent citizens, now patronizing it, express the highest satisfaction at the manner in which the school is conducted, and at the future prospects.
The second resolution, also unanimously adopted, was discussed by Mrs. E. G. White, and Professor Brownsberger. It reads as follows:—
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to labor for the success of the school, and we suggest that all its friends, but especially those of our brethren who travel among the churches and scattered families, endeavor to induce all worthy persons to attend, whose circumstances may permit and necessities require.
Mrs. E. G. White's remarks on the resolution will be found in another column. [On account of lack of time and space, Sister White's article will not appear until next week.]
Professor Brownsberger said that as the resolution referred particularly to efforts for securing attendance, it might be in place to produce some reasons why our children should attend the Academy, and to state some of the special advantages to be offered there. As a people we attach much importance to what we call truths for the present time. We teach them to our children from the pulpit, in the Sabbath-school, and sometimes at our homes. And to make these teachings effective upon the lives and characters of our children, their influence should go with them to the day-school, and should exert a power for good over them constantly.
But is it not a fact that the influences at work in the schools of most communities, are directly antagonistic to the results you are working to bring about in your children?
Is it possible for, or would you expect, a child to stand up amidst such influences, and successfully resist the spirit of iniquity that is carrying so many older ones along before it? It must from the very circumstances, become more or less contaminated by contact with the evil.
The influences and teachings of the day-school must harmonize with that in the Sabbath-school and the church, to insure success in building up moral characters in your children. We cannot afford to have undone during the week, away from home, all the work for our children of the home circle, the Sabbath-school, and the church. God would provide a school for them where their characters may develop under the predominating influence of Bible truths and Christian associates and teachers. Those of our children trying to be Christians, must be shielded in their childish weakness from the power of ungodly influences that makes our times so perilous. To the degree in which the Academy at Healdsburg does not secure this, to that degree it fails to accomplish one principal object of its existence.
At this time there are thirty-one students enrolled in the Academy, and all, without exception, are taking daily Bible lessons. Those not members of S. D. A. families appear equally interested with the rest, and have joined the classes from choice.
I believe the Lord will bless the study of his truth in our school to the salvation of many a youth, and this is one advantage we hope to secure at this school.
Elder Ballou said that parents in sending their children to the school, should consider not merely the benefit they might receive, but also the good influence they might exert. Children who have had religious training at home should be sent at the beginning of the school so that a healthy moral sentiment might predominate from the first.
The third resolution reads as follows:—
WHEREAS, The time for labor is short, and it is important to have favorable influences for our children while they are pursuing their studies, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend prompt action on the part of parents who contemplate sending their children, and also on the part of young men and women who wish to attend school for the purpose of seeking a better preparation for labor in some branch of the cause, or as teachers in the public schools.
This resolution was carried, and the meeting adjourned.
S. BROWNSBERGER.
The Missionary.
State Quarterly Meeting.
THE third quarterly meeting of the California Tract and Missionary Society, for the year ending July 1, was held in Oakland, April 23, 1882. After the opening exercises, Eld. Israel spoke of the importance of the work at this time, when so much is being done in regard to the Sunday Law and its enforcement, and considered a special preparation necessary to meet the wants of the cause in this State.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved, and mention was made of the manner in which the resolutions adopted at that time, have been carried out. Two editions of the Sunday-Law tract, of 5,000 and 4,000 respectively, have been issued, and the greater part of these have been used here both by the State and by local Societies. The expenses incurred to the State Society, have been met by donations from our brethren. They have been furnished to the newspapers, and all the State and county officers. Several spoke of what had been done in their localities in this direction, and the influence exerted by the tract was shown to be very encouraging. A missionary worker of many years' experience, stated that he had never seen any thing so well received, and so favorably spoken of.
Bro. McClure gave an interesting account of the work done in Sacramento since the camp meeting, and the good impression made at that time. More than two hundred people have been furnished with the SIGNS for a month. Prayer-meetings and Bible readings have been held, and there are about twenty keeping the Sabbath at the present time.
Dr. Waggoner spoke of the interest in his district, especially in Oakland. The Society in this place seems to be doing a good work. Through correspondence, a number have recently stated that they are keeping the Sabbath; others are working for the SIGNS, even ordering clubs for distribution. Nearly all the letters are favorable, and there is one letter received to about every two and one-half written. An encouraging work is also being done with the SIGNS in San Francisco, by the Society there, and by some in other parts of the State. It was stated that seven out of one church were keeping the Sabbath, and others much interested. The pastor of the church wished them all to sign an agreement to keep Sunday, but, failing in this, he hoped the disaffected ones would leave the church.
While a few months ago the church in San Francisco had more papers than they needed, now, although the club had been largely increased, the cry is for "more papers;" and if the Society had sufficient means, a much greater amount of work could be accomplished there than at present. The necessity of having a good missionary in that city, who could give his time to the work, was urged by the brethren acquainted with the needs of the cause there.
Copies of the report of work for the quarter ending January 1, and for that ending April 1, had been printed, and were passed around among the brethren present. The report for the last quarter is as follows:—
REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDING APRIL 1, 1882.
The committee on resolutions submitted the following, which were unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, That, in the present state of our work, it is very important that copies of the following of our bound denominational works be placed in every reading-room and circulating library in the State: History of the Sabbath, United States in Prophecy, Constitutional Amendment, Spirit of Prophecy, vols. 1, 2, and 3, Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation, Nature and Destiny, and Life of Bates.
Resolved, That the churches should supply those libraries in their immediate vicinity, and that the State Society supply the libraries in other parts of the State.
Resolved, That in view of the shortness of time, and the prominence into which our faith has been brought, as a consequence of the Sunday agitation, our people should become thoroughly acquainted with all points of doctrine; and to this end we recommend them to supply themselves with a full line of our publications.
Resolved, That to aid our people in supplying themselves with our denominational works, colporteurs be appointed to canvass each church.
Several spoke to the first resolution, and the importance of such action was clearly shown. The number of volumes supplied to each library should be determined by its size and the interest manifested. It was thought that some aid, in supplying the three volumes of "Spirit of Prophecy," might be obtained from the fund raised to circulate those writings. The third resolution called forth remarks from several. Eld. Waggoner thought our people a little remiss in this matter. In preaching the truth, more ideas are presented than can be appreciated, so that one needs reading up to fully comprehend all points. The importance was shown of our people, not only obtaining these books, but also of studying them, that they may become established themselves, and also be ready to give a reason of our hope to others.
The fourth resolution was then considered. Eld. Waggoner thought, that to carry out any movement, proper steps should be taken; else, if there were no plan laid out, many matters might be neglected. Bro. White remarked that we, as a people, have been reproved for not making more of an effort to get our reading before the public, and spoke of the success which has attended the work of introducing the combined edition of "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation," in some of the Eastern societies. He thought this might grow to be a very important branch of the work, by having a sufficient corps of colporteurs, and other such laborers; and recommended the brethren to see what might be done in the matter.
Bro. Palmer then spoke very encouragingly of the ship work, of which interesting monthly reports are given in the SIGNS.
M. C. ISRAEL, Vice-President.
B. C. STICKNEY, Secretary.
The Venom of Fashionable Society
Dr. Howard Crosby, speaking of the parents and children of fashionable society in New York, says: “The creeping thing in a dance-house down on Water Street they would exclaim against, but the winged thing in an up town-parlor they delight in; yet it is the same venomous beast.”
Do Not Fear Christ’s Coming
By Rev. Dr. Robinson
“Some people are greatly frightened when the second coming of Christ is mentioned, or when it is deduced from prophecy that the great event is soon to occur. A Christian should be suspicious of himself if he feels afraid of that glorious day.” —Rev. Dr. Robinson.
The Cause in England.
By John Norton Loughborough
WHEN I returned from America to England I did not mean to be so long silent before reporting. After ten weeks of absence there was much to be done to clear up accumulated business. This, with getting our forces into working order, has consumed the time, and ten weeks have passed rapidly away.
We have reason to praise God for so delightful a voyage to England. The last part of it was like traveling on some river, because the sea was so calm. This was in marked contrast with the boisterous winds and rough seas experienced on my way out to America.
Our forces are all busy with our work. Bro. John is holding meetings and doing missionary work at Grimsby, with an increasing interest. Bro. Drew spent about four weeks in London. During his stay there he disposed of about $75 worth of our publications. He is now at Hull, engaged in the missionary and ship work there. Bro. Ings has been closing up his ship work at Southampton. Sr. Thayer and my family are posting the SIGNS, and attending to the business of the Ravenswood depository.
I spent a little time at Grimsby before Bro. John went there, and held a few meetings at Taunton. At Southampton our interest is still good in the meetings and Sabbath-school.
Another one, a shop-keeper, has lately taken her stand with us to obey the truth. Our courage in the work is good, and we look to the Lord to guide us in sowing the seed, and to water the same and make it bear fruit. Pray for us.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Rural Health Retreat.
By J. D. Rice
At a preliminary meeting, a committee consisting of J. D. Rice, W. A. Pratt, and Sanford P. Rogers, was appointed to draft resolutions concerning this institution. At a meeting held Sunday afternoon, April 23d, this committee reported as follows:—
WHEREAS, There has been felt by us as a people the need of a Medical Institution, where the sick among us and elsewhere could be treated on correct principles and under Christian influences, and
WHEREAS, the owners of the Rural Health Retreat at St. Helena, are anxious that this be accomplished and wish that said institution be managed like our Battle Creek Sanitarium, upon a benevolent basis; and to favor this have offered to donate very liberally of the capital they have invested in the Retreat provided the enterprise be taken in hand by our people, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend the acceptance of their proposition as soon as a re-incorporation upon a benevolent basis can be accomplished, and that we will lend our influence and means to the establishment and support of the same.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to arrange for the permanent opening of the Institution immediately after the fall camp-meeting, by securing proper physicians, and making such improvements as may be necessary for a successful opening as a Health Retreat, and that brethren W. C. White, Sanford P. Rogers, and W. A. Pratt, be that committee.
Each resolution was considered separately and adopted unanimously. Sister White spoke at some length, stating that we wanted just such an Institution on this coast, where suffering humanity could be treated by heaven's own remedies, and not be poisoned to death by drugs. She said that many of our best men have been prematurely cut down because they knew not how, or lacked opportunity to be treated on the true principles of health, and have trusted to drug medication. She would not speak to condemn the drug doctors, for the world's people would have them, and they are probably better than none. What we want is to do away with poisonous drugs just as fast as we can. But we must not move rashly. The people must be educated up to these things, and led to see the superior advantages of this system of treatment over that of drugs. She had seen years ago that it was necessary that we should have such an institution on this coast. A place where people could get well, and learn to preserve their health.
Additional remarks were made to the point by W. C. White, John Morrison, and others, all speaking heartily in favor of the resolutions.
Pledge papers were circulated and in a few minutes 100 shares of stock, amounting to $1,000 were subscribed, besides additional donations of stock to the amount of $800, making 720 shares that are now donated and subscribed to the Retreat. If our brethren elsewhere deal as liberally, and act as promptly, we will soon have a flourishing institution such as we need.
Some means have been loaned at a low rate of interest, so as to begin improvements at once. We need more means, and shall add improvements as fast as it may be obtained. In the meantime the Retreat will be opened as a summer resort, and provision will be made to care for the sick who may come. J. D. RICE, Sec.
Boonville, Cal.
By J. G. Hurley
COMMENCED holding meetings in this place on the 28th of March, and on the 16th of the present month closed, for the purpose of attending the annual spring meeting. Six persons decided to obey present truth. Two others renewed former vows, and took a fresh start for the kingdom. Also, fifteen signed the temperance pledge, in some one of its forms. J. G. HURLEY.
Boonville, April 18, 1882.
Jefferson District, Cal.
By J. D. Rice
CLOSED meetings in this place April 16th. On account of rains, general sickness in the neighborhood, and being called away twice myself, the meetings have been so broken up that it has been impossible to keep up any general interest. We have endeavored to do the best we could under the circumstances, and feel that the work has not been in vain. A number of books and pamphlets have been sold, and tracts and periodicals distributed. Two families have the weekly visits of the SIGNS. We think these will embrace the truth. They are still candidly investigating, and will see the light if they are willing to walk in it. Others also manifest some interest, and to say the least are friendly towards us, and have freely extended their hospitality. We hope God may reward them by helping them to see his truth, and be sanctified and saved through it. (Jno. 17:17.)
I did not deem it advisable to continue the meetings longer, but will endeavor to watch that which is ripening up for the garner, believing we shall gather sheaves from here by and by.
Will probably return to Lake or Mendocino county, to labor, after the State Quarterly meeting.
J. D. RICE.
Oakland, Cal., April 23, 1882.
Labor in Sacramento.
By N. C. McClure, L. A. Scott, F. L. McClure
OUR labors in Sacramento commenced at the close of the camp-meeting last fall, continuing through the winter, and closing at this date. The camp-meeting was a great source of encouragement to the few Sabbath-keepers in this city, and it was with joy they again covenanted with God and each other, re-establishing their meetings.
Rooms have been secured in the central part of the city, and furnished to accommodate about forty persons; a portion of the house was occupied by the laborers. Sabbath and prayer-meetings, Sunday night Bible readings, and a Sabbath school of about twenty members have been sustained and well attended. A club of fifteen Instructors is taken for the school. We also organized a Tract and Missionary Society of twelve members, taking a club of fifteen copies of SIGNS. Most of the covenant members take the SIGNS, and some the Review and Good Health. The subject of tithing and the testimonies are understood, and they will try to discharge their duties in the future.
Sister M. J. Wilkinson was appointed leader, and Sister Rachel Weeks superintendent of the Sabbath school.
Having districted the city we visited from house to house, canvassing nearly 200 blocks, conversing with all who desired to do so, distributing thousands of pages of tracts and papers, loaning our best books, and inviting investigation of present truth. We have taken the names of some 300 persons, to whom the SIGNS has been sent for one month, besides distributing from 50 to 100 copies each week in our labors.
Ten persons have signed the covenant since camp-meeting, making their numbers, at this time, about twenty. The records of eternity alone will show the result of our labors. We are commanded "to sow beside all waters." May God bless the seed sown in Sacramento, is our prayer.
N. C. MCCLURE,
L. A. SCOTT,
F. L. MCCLURE.