Your ShelfYour Projects

Signs of the Times, Vol. 9, No. 18.

Power and Humility of Jesus
Earlier text: A Sketch of Experience

Remarks upon the Fourth Chapter of Zechariah.

By John Nevins Andrews

In this chapter we have the record of a vision in which the prophet saw a candlestick of gold, which had upon the top of it a bowl surrounded by seven lamps, which were connected with the bowl by means of seven pipes. The chapter states that he saw also two olive trees, one of which stood at the right side of the bowl, and the other at the left. Each olive tree poured out oil from one of its branches into the bowl, by means of a golden pipe, which connected the tree with the candlestick. Thus the two golden pipes conveyed the oil direct from the olive trees into the bowl, and the seven pipes conveyed the oil from the bowl to each of the seven lamps. Zech. 4:2, 3, 11, 12.
This vision, like that in chapter 1:18, was given in the night, for it is said that the angel awakened the prophet out of his sleep. Verse 1. The darkness of night rendered the light of the seven lamps more impressive to Zechariah than it would have been had this vision been given when the sun was shining. God designed by the candlestick with its bowl and lamps, and by the olive trees which poured their oil into the bowl and thence into the lamps, to teach the prophet how he makes the light of his truth to shine in the midst of the dense darkness which covers the earth because of sin.
The candlestick of gold was unlike the candlestick in the tabernacle, for that had six lamps upon branches which proceeded from its two sides, and it had also a lamp upon its top; but this candlestick had a bowl upon its top, and seven lamps surrounding the bowl, and connected directly with the bowl rather than with the candlestick. Ex. 25:31-40; Zech. 4:2. The two olive trees were unlike any olive trees known to man; for all olive trees produce berries, from which men make oil by beating them fine, but these trees produced oil alone, and poured that oil through golden tubes into the bowl upon the top of the candlestick. Ex. 27:20; Lev. 24:2; Jer. 11:16; Zech. 4:11, 12. Man had nothing to do with the preparation of the oil which supplied these lamps. The oil flowed direct from the trees into the bowl, and thence into the lamps.
The seven lamps must signify the seven spirits of God. Rev. 4:5. The bowl upon the top of the candlestick from which each of the seven lamps proceeded, must represent Christ, for Christ says that he has the seven spirits of God. Rev. 3:1. The bowl with the seven lamps (Zech. 4:2) has therefore the same signification as the stone with seven eyes (Zech. 3:9; 4:10), and as the lamb with seven horns and seven eyes. Rev. 5:6.
The two olive trees, according to Zech. 4:6, must signify the word of God, or the holy Scriptures; for when the prophet demanded the signification of his vision, the angel answered: "This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." That is to say, "This vision signifies the word of the Lord addressed to Zerubbabel, the chief and the representative of the church." Zerubbabel had commenced to build the temple of the Lord, but so great was the poverty of the people, and so powerful were the adversaries that opposed the work, that it seemed impossible that he should ever complete the building. Hag. 2:2, 3; Zech. 4:8-10; Ezra 4:1-24. His circumstances were exactly the opposite of those of Solomon when the first temple was built, for the riches of Solomon were immense, and he had no adversaries. 1 Kings 3:13; 10:21, 27; 5:4. When, therefore, olive trees produced oil instead of berries, and poured that oil without human intervention into the lamps, it was to teach Zerubbabel that God could do his work without the aid of man, or, what is the same thing, that he could do that work when the resources of his people were very feeble, and the work itself very great.
Yet this vision clearly indicates that there is a work for the servants of God to do, however feeble they may be. The candlestick itself could give no light, but it could hold up the bowl with its seven lamps, and these could illuminate the world. The candlestick must therefore represent the church of God. Rev. 1:20. The office of the church is to hold up Christ and the truth in the sight of men. Thus the church, which has no light in itself, is able to be the light of the world. Matt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15.
Christ is the central object in this vision, for he is the Alpha and the Omega of the Old and New Testaments. Rev. 1:8; 22:13. In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Col. 2:3, 9. The two olive trees standing on each side of Christ must represent the two divisions of the word of God, the law and the gospel, or the Old Testament and the New. The oil which flows from these trees signifies the truths of the Bible. The Scriptures testify of Christ. John 5:39. The two divisions of the word of God meet in Christ even as the two golden pipes from the two olive trees poured the oil into the golden bowl. The seven spirits as seven lamps give light to the world, but they do it by means of the truths of the Bible, and these truths have their center in Christ, as the seven lamps have their center in the golden bowl. Thus the church, or golden candlestick, is the light of the world by means of the truths which the Spirit of God draws from the Bible through Christ. It is remarkable that the angel seems unwilling to give a full explanation of this vision to Zechariah. See verses 4, 5, 11-14. But we now know the reason. There was to be a later revelation on this subject made in the New Testament. This well illustrates the fact that our knowledge of the truth is drawn from two sources, the Old Testament and the New, even as the oil was produced by two olive trees. The angel closed this vision by saying: "These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth."
About five hundred years after this, the attention of John was called to this subject, probably by the same angel, in words very similar to those which he addressed to Zechariah: "These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." Rev. 11:4. Now two candlesticks are seen instead of one. This was because the New Testament church had arisen, though in truth but one church existed in the time of John; for the church of the Old Testament gave place to that of the New when the latter arose. But it is proper always to speak of two olive trees, for the New Testament has existed in truth ever since God began to pardon sin. One of the old Fathers says: "In the Old Testament the New Testament lies concealed; in the New Testament the Old Testament lies open."
God calls these two olive trees his two witnesses. Rev. 11:3, 4. These witnesses bear testimony to his will concerning our duty in the law, and they bear testimony to his power to save us from sin by the gospel. They also threaten men with death by fire if they refuse to repent. Rev. 11:5. Their word by the mouth of Elijah shut heaven that it should not rain (1 Kings 17), and their word by the mouth of Moses turned the waters of Egypt to blood and inflicted the ten plagues. Rev. 11:6; Ex. 7:12.
The angel said, "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain." Zech. 4:7. This signified that if Zerubbabel would have faith in God the immense difficulties which stood in the way of his success in building the temple should all be removed. This case illustrates the meaning of the declaration of Christ concerning the removal of mountains by our faith. Matt. 21:21.
God assured Zerubbabel that he should finish the house, and to encourage his faith he compared Christ and the seven spirits of God to a plummet in his hand. Compare Zech. 3:9; 4:10. He said also that when the head-stone should be put in its place to finish the temple, such would be the beauty of the edifice the people would cry, "Grace, grace unto it." Zech. 4:7-10. J. N. A.

Visit to Healdsburg.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

THE meeting at this place was in many respects one of the most important that has ever been held in the State. Many advanced steps were taken; and the plans adopted, if properly carried out, cannot fail to have an influence on the cause for good, until the close of time. These things will appear more fully in the official reports of the business meetings, and in special reports. We design to simply speak of the general features of the meeting, and give some items in regard to the work here, in which all our people on the coast have, or should have, an interest.
Friday forenoon was devoted to a meeting of the stockholders of the College. On entering the building we were struck with the floral decorations of the school-room. The busy hands of students had been at work, and the doors, chandeliers, rostrum, organ, and clock had been neatly ornamented with roses and evergreens. We were pleased with this, not so much for the decoration itself, as for the evidence it afforded that the students have a love for the school-room, which can only come from a love of the studies there pursued.
The favorable impression thus received was deepened by a brief visit to the school on Monday. About ninety students were present, and quiet study seemed to be the order of the day. The professors have naturally felt a little discouragement because as yet there are no students in the higher branches; but we could see no reason for discouragement. The recitations showed that the students have already received a discipline of mind that will not readily be lost; they are forming correct habits of study, which is the essential thing. These things would be more readily noticed by a visitor than by one closely connected with the school. We can most heartily recommend the Healdsburg College; and we feel assured that the improvements in contemplation by the professors, who are devoted to the work, will add a hundred-fold to its usefulness. Opportunities for mental and spiritual culture are here afforded, which it would be a sin for our people to neglect.
We were much pleased to note the interest manifested in the Sabbath-school. This is now the second school in size in the State, and with the influx of students will doubtless soon be the first. This school will be, from the nature of the case, the most important school in the State. An increase of numbers will bring increased responsibility in far greater measure than in ordinary cases, for as the students go to their homes, the influence of this school will be felt on all the schools on the coast. We believe that the officers of the school realize this responsibility, and will do all in their power to make the school what it should be. We hope that all who attend will second their efforts.
There has been a vast improvement in this school since we were there last. The organization of the school is good, and there seemed to be a feeling of harmony present. At the teachers’ meeting Monday evening twenty-two of the twenty-five teachers were present, and a good degree of interest was manifested. So long as an interest is kept up in the teachers’ meeting the school cannot fail to prosper. But it should not be forgotten that united prayer is one great object of this meeting.
There is but one thing now lacking, and that, unfortunately, is not peculiar to this school. The same lack exists in Oakland, and we believe it exists in all our schools, and among our people generally. There is a lack of appreciation of the importance of the Sabbath-school work as affording discipline of mind and a thorough education in the things of God. There is a lack of thoroughness in Bible study. The Sabbath-school has been regarded as different from the day-school, in that it was not expected that the lesson should be learned perfectly. There has been such an apparent fear of formalism, and a desire to be able to generalize and state things in our own language, that we have neglected that accurate knowledge of the Bible which alone can enable us to generalize. The particular is before the general. Before we venture to state a Bible event or truth in our own words, we must be familiar with the words of the sacred text; then, if necessary we can paraphrase. But the instances where it is necessary or proper to change the expression in the least, in order to convey its exact meaning, are more rare than is commonly supposed.
This thoroughness of work depends on the individual members of the schools. The officers and teachers cannot demand a perfect recitation, as they would in ordinary schools, however much they may desire the result; but if each member of the school will realize the importance of being able to think and talk in the language of the Bible, especially in these last days, our schools will be improved a thousand-fold.
The sermons during the meetings were by Elder Haskell, Elder Waggoner, and Sister White. They were all of a practical nature, designed to show us the necessities of our present position. Sister White’s two sermons were mainly on the subject of the atonement, especially Christ’s closing work in the heavenly sanctuary. Christ will soon cease his pleading, and probation will close for all mankind. We know not how soon our individual cases may come up for decision. As on the typical day of atonement the people were to afflict their souls, so in this most important time, there should be an absence of lightness and frivolity, and, in their stead, deep searching of heart and entire consecration to the work. The cause of God is all-important, and we should learn to attend to its wants in preference to our own work or pleasure.
Elder Waggoner spoke Sabbath afternoon from the fifth chapter of Peter’s first epistle. We are commanded to be sober and vigilant, because the devil as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. The inference is plain that those who are not thus watchful will be devoured. We are helped in this by casting all our care on God, who cares for us. Too often we feel great confidence in God in times of comparative safety, but foolishly attempt to care for ourselves when we see trouble and danger. He dwelt much on the text, “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” A failure to comply with this injunction is the cause of all the church difficulties that exist. Many persons quit the service of God because of some grievance, oftener imaginary than real, which they have received from their brethren. The wickedness and absurdity of such a course was vividly illustrated as follows: “I have a father who is kind and loving, lavishing on me every gift that heart could desire. Nothing that is good is withheld from me. He studies my needs, and anticipates my slightest want. But I have a brother who is selfish, and who slights and even abuses me; contrary to my father’s will. Now because of this petty slight from my brother, I will turn my good father out of doors, and refuse to have anything more to do with him!” We believe that many made a profitable application of this sermon to themselves.
Friday afternoon Elder Haskell spoke briefly of the Waldenses, whom he visited on his recent trip to Europe. He spoke of the persecutions which they had suffered for their unswerving devotion to the truth of the Bible. Their children were instructed from the Bible, and were taught to love it. The Bible was their text-book, and their characters were molded by it. The result is seen in their descendants, who are characterized by a sturdy simplicity and uprightness that is in marked contrast to the immorality that prevails in Southern Italy, where Catholicism has borne sway, and the Bible is almost an unknown book. These people are all ready to receive the whole truth of God, but where are the men who have the knowledge, the missionary zeal, and enough of the spirit of sacrifice to go and instruct them in the way of life? A strong appeal was made, and both speaker and congregation were deeply affected. His sermon Sunday morning was on the subject of faith applied especially to labor in the cause of God.
These plain testimonies and earnest appeals were not without effect. As one brother remarked, “Any one who could go through these meetings and not be stirred with a desire to labor in God’s cause, is in a hard case.” Eight or ten students volunteered to spend their vacation in the missionary field, in active service. With most of them this is their first attempt. Others, who are not able to go into the field, will engage in the work at home. If these students spend their vacation in earnest, conscientious labor, they will not only be a great blessing to the cause in this State, but their own souls will be watered, and they will enter upon the work of the next college year with clearer minds and enlarged ideas, much better prepared than now to profit by the instruction which they will receive. We hope to soon see the number of earnest missionary workers who shall go out from the college largely increased.
E. J. W.

The Meetings in Oakland.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

BY ELDER S. N. HASKELL.
THESE meetings we trust were profitable and in many respects were of special interest. They were quite well represented by our ministers and those laboring in the cause, and the leading brethren in the State, as well as our tract and missionary officers. The interests of the cause were freely discussed; and while all could realize that that advance was not being made which should be, all felt the necessity of our having more of the Spirit of God to accompany us in our labors. No work has ever been of greater importance than the work of the Third Angel's Message, in which we are engaged. The greatest evidence of the near coming of the Lord is the fact that God is preparing people in all parts of the world to receive the truth. Nations may rise and fall; war, famine, and pestilence may be in the land—and all these things will be before the Lord comes—but the angels of God have a controlling influence over these things, that the closing work of the gospel may be carried forward. This is the most important work in the world. Everything else is of a secondary character. All Heaven is interested in this work. The great day of atonement in the former dispensation was the important day of the year. The religious ceremonies of all the other days during the year had reference to this day; so the day of Judgment in Heaven, when Christ enters the holy of holies to present the cases of the people of God before the Father, will be the most important time in the history of this world for the people of God; and when the evidences are seen that this work is closing up, it increases in importance.
As these indications were brought before our brethren, they were appreciated to some extent. The ship missionary work presented some very encouraging features. It was evident that if it was carried forward with success in San Francisco, there should be a room provided near the wharf, where sailors and others who became interested could be invited to go and attend meetings, and secure to themselves reading matter. Already some captains have embraced the truth, and one whole ship's crew have regarded the Sabbath of the Lord. Many have a desire to attend the meetings of our people, but as the church in San Francisco is over two miles from the wharf, it is impracticable to invite people there. It was voted by the brethren to immediately secure such a room. A pledge paper for $2,000 was passed around for this and other purposes. Over $1,100 was immediately pledged. This paper will be sent to all parts of the State for friends who feel it a privilege to do so, to take stock in this enterprise.
Quite an interest was taken in the plan of securing monthly subscribers for the SIGNS and doing colporteur work by repeatedly visiting these families and furnishing them their reading matter as they may desire. Already we have a list of twelve who have offered themselves to engage in this branch of the work that have hitherto taken no especial part in this kind of labor. It is expected that our ministers will encourage the proper persons wherever they labor to do something in this direction. Much can be accomplished if all take hold together, and seek God, and strive to advance the cause by judiciously distributing our reading matter. This will create a demand for our publications. There should be thousands added to the subscription list of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES upon this coast this present season. Nebraska and New England are waking up to this subject. One club of 500 copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES which is being used to send out to those who subscribe for a short period has proved inadequate to meet the demand in New England, and they have added 100 to their club. Nebraska has fallen a little behind in the number taken by their State Secretary for this purpose. In both of these Conferences the interested readers and yearly subscribers are increasing every week. When persons have become interested to read our periodicals and books and tracts, the battle is half fought. The Spirit of God does the converting. We are only instruments in the hands of God to lead the people where they can become interested in the solemn truths that pertain to this time.
The Publishing Association has been struggling under many difficulties in the past, and even now there are many obstacles to overcome, but we hope with the blessing of God that the darkest days are in the past. Those who have had the special supervision of it during the past few years have shown much wisdom, and had much of the blessing of God in arranging and planning for its success. God's providence is over his work in all its branches. We go forward trusting in God, believing that he will bless his own work and give it success. Those taking monthly subscriptions for the SIGNS in California will charge twenty cents. It is thought that twenty cents would be no more on the Coast than fifteen would in many of our Eastern States. Our brethren returned from this meeting with good courage, trusting in God.

The Missionary.

By Stephen N. Haskell

Missionary Work on the West India Islands.

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.
The International Missionary Society has sought out openings for our publications, and has supplied them to almost every civilized nation in the world. Those individuals who have become interested in the truth have not only received their publications directly from the society, but from its agents residing where those publications could be more readily sent to all parts of the world. As a result of this effort, there are individuals and small companies in these different nations and in the islands of the sea, who are not only observing the Sabbath, but who are actively engaged as preachers and missionary workers. When we hear from these workers we bid them God speed; and as their difficulties and afflictions in their efforts to spread the truth are made known, the sympathy of thousands who are engaged in the same work in the United States as well as in other places should be extended to them.
Two or three years ago there was upon the island of Tobago, one of the West India Islands, a small company who loved the truth, and who organized themselves into a missionary society, and became active workers. The following letter is from the leading one of these workers. He has received our publications from Southampton, England, and from this country, for a number of years. Elder Loughborough and the Secretary of the International Society have had continued correspondence with him. Last fall for some reason no letters were received from him, and the club of SIGNS which had been regularly sent him from the International Society was discontinued at the beginning of this year. But since receiving the following letter, the SIGNS has again been sent him, and money has also been forwarded from the International Society to his wife who is now in affliction upon one island, while her husband is sick upon another, having gone thither to do missionary work. Those who have donated freely to the missionary society can form an idea from what follows of how some of their means is expended. We have written the foregoing that the reader may have some knowledge of this case, and of what is being done upon these islands. The brother who wrote this letter is now at a lunatic asylum.
TO THE OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. — Worthy Brethren and Sisters in the Lord: As I now feel able I will write you. For the last three months I have been an invalid. This is to inform you that I have received, by post, “Thoughts on Daniel,” etc. I thought of taking a tour over to this British settlement to the united churches at — have entirely withstood me. I came to obtain subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and to sell such books as I ordered before. Many of their congregations had ordered books which they took for a few days and then returned, saying that their minister threatened to expel them from the church if they purchased any books from me. These books I took with me to this place. I arrived by Packet, Jan. 28, 1883.
On the evening of the 25th inst., had conversation with a few natives, when it was agreed that they would purchase these books. Next Lord’s day I reasoned with a few on the necessity of the new birth, and arranged to explain the decalogue on the nights of the following week. When I reached the fourth commandment as illustrated by works furnished me by Eld. Loughborough showing the different days of the week from the creation down to the present time, I endeavored to point out to the few gathered together the necessity of obeying the decalogue just as it was given from Mount Sinai, by a voice irrevocable, so that the mountain quaked. I tried to impress the mind with the importance of keeping all of God’s commandments, together with the faith of Jesus Christ.
When I reached my third evening, and was pointing out the great change that has taken place in the fourth commandment, and by what power it was done, I was attacked by a mob and beaten with sticks. I knocked senseless, and then taken up and carried direct to the lunatic asylum. Here I remained four days before I had any consciousness. The doctors did their utmost for me. February 1, my consciousness returned, yet I shall not be able to leave the asylum at present.
I have not received any publications since last January. My lonely wife in — suffers with me, having a young child and no help from those owing me, and the crop which I depended on to pay for books received from Southampton, likewise postage on the same, was entirely left to spoil, and no help from either side. I am therefore at the mercy of the public asylum, and they will keep me until I am able to care for myself. I would therefore apply to your society for help, requesting that they will continue my papers, and also send me a little help for my poor wife at my old residence, who suffers for want of my care.
Dear brethren in Christ, I can with all confidence say that it is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. It is a trial of my faith, but with all these around me I count it but doing for the glory that is in Christ Jesus. While I write, tears trickle down my face, yet they are not tears of anguish, but of joy. My heart rises above this dreary wilderness, and I say, How I long to be there! But when I look back and see that I have done nothing in the vineyard of my Lord, I blush to think that the crown of life for which I am striving will be starless; no trophies to shine as the morning stars in all their glory; no souls gained for my Lord. But with Eli of old would say, “It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.”
Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me; and with your prayers send what little help you can, that I may be enabled to go from the asylum as soon as possible. All books, tracts, and SIGNS are lost, and I myself left alone. Please transfer, for the time being, all my papers to this place, that they may be of comfort to me as long as I remain in the asylum. I cannot say when the doctors will dismiss me so that I may do missionary work, even in the asylum. I shall want to hear from you as quickly as possible. I am your brother in Christ Jesus. March 22, 1883. J. R. B.

California Tract and Missionary Society.

The State meeting for the quarter ending April 1, 1883, was held in Oakland, with the President in the chair. Prayer was offered by Eld. Waggoner. The directors present were Wm. Ings, W. A. Pratt, Wm. Saunders, E. J. Waggoner, and M. C. Israel. As no meeting has been held for several quarters, simply a summary of work done during the past quarter was read, as follows:—
Districts No. of Members Reports Returned Members Added Members Dismissed Missionary Visits Letters Written Signs taken in clubs Review Signs Good Health Instructor Other Periodicals
No. 1 142 50 11 1 294 292 235 2 18
No. 2 81 30 1 14 186 184 4 1
No. 3 84 48 1 1 49 261 159 2 10 3 6 5
No. 4 23 6 6 67
No. 5 102 21 8 59 32 139 1
No. 6 13 10 2 5 26 1 5 1 1
No. 7 132 34 6 156 264 504 5 6
No. 8 87 41 1 3 796 228 197 2 13 18 10
No. 9 21 15 1 21 12 19 3 1
Ships 241 50
Total 695 255 34 8 1635 1283 1630 7 59 29 7 16
Districts Pages tracts and pamphlets Periodicals Donation Membership and Sales Periodicals Total
No. 1 61201 3045 $ 55 63 $ 9 40 $127 75 $191 78
No. 2 14451 606 44 90 1 10 15 50 61 50
No. 3 13892 2316 16 65 11 10 57 70 85 45
No. 4 20 00 4 00 21 30 45 30
No. 5 12533 1014 29 90 1 25 37 60 68 75
No. 6 6810 875 2 95 2 95
No. 7 49908 4770 95 10 3 00 167 50 267 60
No. 8 54240 2285 34 80 23 60 52 60 111 00
No. 9 4112 40 8 10 15 00 23 10
Ships 17459 2059 14 00 65 00 79 00
Total 234606 17010 $322 93 $126 55 $474 95 $936 43
The President stated that the cause calls for frequent consultations of the leading brethren, and that no Conference can prosper without it, therefore the necessity for State quarterly meetings. The experience of the past should prepare us for greater work in the future. We should have more of the Spirit of God to aid us in laying plans for the advancement of the truth. Though we have done a good work in the past, we should not be satisfied with this. We cannot remain standing still, but must advance. One of the greatest evidences of the nearness of the coming of the Lord is the rapid and wide spread of the message.
Those that are engaged in the ship work gave encouraging reports. This work is steadily advancing. Many are interested, and some are keeping the Sabbath. The temperance work has been introduced among the sailors, with favorable results. A letter from a sister in Honolulu, stated that the inhabitants of the island are a church-going people, and that this is a good field for labor. There is no limit to the influence of shipwork. It carries the truth to every part of the world.
Eld. Haskell spoke of the importance of the colporteur work. We need twenty laborers where we now have one, to distribute reading matter, and to read and pray with families.
A letter from Eld. A. J. Cudney, of Nebraska, was read, showing the plan adopted by that Conference. The colporteur visits families, and gets subscribers to the SIGNS for one month, payment to be made at the end of the month; he also visits families each week, taking tracts with him to enlighten them on any point of doctrine in which they may have become interested. At the end of the month they are induced to subscribe for the paper with the premium. Hundreds ofsubscribers are thus obtained and many others become interested to read. A good colporteur receives from thirty to forty subscribers per week.
Sister White spoke of the magnitude of the work, and of the responsibilities that rest upon those engaged in it. Whatever God has given us, whether means or ability, should be used to advance the truth. We cannot be too earnest. All, even the sisters, should understand the doctrine, and be able to explain the chains of prophecy, that we may know the time of the earth's history in which we live, and help carry the light to others. The time that is wasted in adorning the body should be spent in the study of the Bible.
A selection from Testimony 'Twenty-nine was read, showing the utility of the canvasser's work and the neglect of missionaries in not improving opportunities as the way is opened. Eld. Waggoner spoke of the importance of the work.
Eld. Healey, Eld. Rice, and Dr. E. J. Waggoner were appointed as a Committee on Resolutions. After an intermission the Committee presented the following:—
Resolved: That we recommend the plan of securing monthly subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES on trial, and also that our ministers be requested to select and recommend to the Conference Committee, proper persons for canvassers and colporteurs.
WHEREAS, The present fund for ship missionary work is exhausted, and,
WHEREAS, About $400 has been drawn from the Reserve Fund to pay for the Special Edition of the SIGNS; therefore,
Resolved: That pledges be solicited to raise the sum of $2000 to replace this amount, and to carry forward the ship missionary work.
As greater results could be accomplished in the ship missionary work, if we had more facilities, it was decided that a reading-room should be opened in San Francisco where a supply of our publications can be kept, and meetings be held for those that become interested in the truth.
Pledges to the amount of $1,100 were immediately taken to furnish means for this enterprise, and over $250 were paid.
It was recommended that the subscription price for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in California, for one month be twenty cents. It was also voted that the SIGNS be placed in public libraries where it will be appreciated, at the expense of the State Society.
As the director of district No. 2 has moved from the district, it was voted that W. G. Buckner act in his stead.
The meeting increased in interest to the close and all were greatly encouraged.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
Alice Morrison, Sec. S. N. Haskell, Pres.

Missionary Meeting at Seward, Nebraska.

By A. J. Cudney

The State Quarterly Meeting of the Nebraska Tract and Missionary Society was held in the Baptist church, at this place, last Sabbath and Sunday. There was a fair representation of our brethren from other churches.
Much of the time was devoted to the consideration of the canvassing work, which is now being pushed forward with some vigor, in the interest of the SIGNS. Some canvassing was done in town before the meetings commenced; forty-six subscriptions at fifteen cents per month were taken; twenty-one of which were taken by one man in half a day.
Seward is considered one of the hardest fields for such work in the State. My object in having this work done before the meeting commenced, was to show those who would attend that this work can be done in any place.
When the meeting was over, there were ten, who had attended, that decided to give their whole time to this work. Eight will work for the SIGNS; one, who speaks German, will work for the German paper; and one who speaks both Danish and Swedish will spend all his time working for the papers published in those tongues, and the "Home Hand-book."
A portion of the town remained uncanvassed till Monday; part of this was given to the new canvassers, who went out and swelled the SIGNS list to ninety-five, and took eight orders for the German paper. The least that any of the new canvassers took was eight names in about three hours.
A party of eight then started together for Crete, to canvass that place. Their object in going together was to assist and encourage each other. Two of this party are converted lawyers.
Our courage is good. We know that God’s hand is in the work. God is moving upon the hearts of the people, and thus preparing the soil for the precious seed.
Public sentiment has greatly changed during the past year. One year ago it required some skill to induce the people, in some localities, to read the paper when it was given them; now they are glad to pay for it for the sake of reading it. Some take the paper themselves, and then pay to have it sent to their friends.
April 27, 1883. A. J. CUDNEY.

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association.

IN accordance with notice the Eighth Annual Meeting of the shareholders of the above Association was held at the office of the Pacific Press on Monday, April 23, 1883.
After prayer, the President, Eld. S. N. Haskell, named W. A. Pratt, Wm. Butcher, and Elder J. D. Rice, a Committee on Nomination, and Elder J. H. Waggoner, Elder W. M. Healey, and E. A. Chapman a Committee on Resolutions. The meeting was then adjourned to the church, where on reassembling it was found that 869 shares were represented by stockholders present, and 1,349 by proxy; in all 441 shares more than the number required to constitute a quorum.
The minutes of the last meeting having been read and approved, the Secretary submitted the revenue account and balance sheet for the year ending March 31, 1883. Elder Haskell, Elder Waggoner, C. H. Jones, and W. C. White spoke with regard to the working of the past year.
The Committee on Nominations submitted the following names to the meeting: S. N. Haskell, M. C. Israel, C. H. Jones, Wm. Saunders, and W. C. White. These persons upon being duly ballotted for were elected as directors for the ensuing year.
Elder J. H. Waggoner was then elected Editor, E. J. Waggoner Assistant Editor, and Elders J. N. Andrews and Uriah Smith Corresponding Editors of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for the next year.
Elder S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and Elder J. H. Waggoner were elected to act as a Publishing Committee.
The meeting then adjourned till 2.30 and being convened at that hour, the Committee on Resolutions handed in the following, which were duly submitted to the meeting and unanimously voted:
Resolved (1) That we renew the expression of our gratitude to Divine Providence for the prosperity of our cause in connection with the publishing work, during the past year, and hereby renew our pledge to sustain the work by our means and our prayers.
(2) That we recognize the necessity of possessing extensive publishing facilities, and the late issue over the Sunday Law, wherein it was found necessary to defend our civil and religious rights, and to uphold the truth of the commandment of God, by publishing a special edition of the SIGNS, has fully proved that it was in the direct providence of God that the office was established on its present basis.
(3) That, in answer to inquiries on this subject, we recommend to our people to use the publishing house as a safe place of deposit for money.
(4) That we recommend to our brethren to give more attention to a resolution passed last year, in the following words, to wit:—
Resolved, That we deem it our duty to employ every means in our power to set a knowledge of this truth before the people, and that we recommend that special attention be paid to the circulation of our denominational books during the coming year, and that proper persons be employed to canvass the country for such works as "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation," "History of the Sabbath," "Constitutional Amendment," and other works calculated to create an interest in the "Third Angel's Message."
The meeting was then adjourned.
W. K. VICKERY, Secretary.
Continue reading: Upper Columbia T. and M. Society