Prohibition in Kansas—Result of Thirty Month's Trial.
ON the 4th of December, I mailed a series of questions to every county attorney, county superintendent, and police judge, in the State, for the purpose of learning the effect and present status of prohibition. Replies have been received from over one-third of the six hundred letters sent out, constituting a full report from sixty-six of the eighty-one organized counties of the State, including all the populous counties. These replies demonstrate three facts favorable to prohibition: 1. That it has materially decreased the number of saloons; 2. That an unusually large per cent. of prosecutions under the law have resulted in convictions; 3. That the principle of prohibition is growing stronger.
It must be borne in mind that these figures come from the officers of the State, without reference to their views upon prohibition, and are therefore not subject to the imputation of being the product of fanaticism. In our letters we stated that we wanted the facts, whether favorable or unfavorable to prohibition. We believe the facts were given, and that the figures presented are as authentic as can possibly be obtained.
In these sixty-six counties there were 708 saloons prior to May 1, 1881, the date the prohibitory law took effect. There are now, in the same territory, 313 saloons—160, or over half of which, are in Leavenworth; leaving but 153 saloons in the sixty-six counties, not including Leavenworth. Prohibition, in less than three years, has closed 395 saloons. During this time the population has increased 12 per cent. If our saloons had kept pace with the population, we would now have 792 saloons; so that in reality prohibition has prohibited 479 saloons in the territory named.
Prior to May 1, 1881, there were saloons in every one of these sixty-six counties. To-day, the 313 saloons in existence are confined to twenty-five counties, over half the number being in a single county. Prohibition has therefore absolutely driven the saloons out of forty-one counties, in which they existed under license.
"You can't convict the saloon-keepers," has been so often repeated that many regard it as an axiomatic truth. In the early stages of prosecutions, it was difficult to convict. But the reports of the officers who have charge of this class of cases, show that, as a general proposition, it is far from the truth. In the district courts of these counties, there have been 460 cases tried, resulting in 351 convictions, 47 acquittals, and 62 hung juries, or seven convictions out of every nine cases tried.
In justice courts there have been 572 cases tried, with 378 convictions, 65 acquittals, and 59 hung juries, or convictions in three-fourths of all the cases tried. In these cases the fines imposed amount to $95,200. In addition to these fines, there have been 81 saloon-keepers imprisoned for various periods of time, aggregating 137 months and 19 days, or 11 years, 5 months and 19 days.
There has been a larger proportion of conviction in whisky cases than in any other class of cases tried, as reference to the criminal docket of any court in the State will prove. There are now pending in the district courts of the State 218 cases, showing a vigorous determination to complete the work so well begun.
In fifty-one of these counties, the reports all agree that the principle of prohibition is growing stronger with the people. In seven it is reported weaker, while it remains the same in eight. This, of course, is a mere matter of judgment. If prohibition can accomplish these results in thirty months, who can say the experiment has failed? Or, how long will it be until the unyielding sentiment of loyalty will crush out the 313 struggling saloons still running?—Jas. A. Troutman, Sec'y State Temperance Union.
Temperate Endurance.
WESTON'S great walk of 5,000 miles in 100 days was completed March 15. The task was undertaken under the auspices of the Church of England Temperance Society, and began on November 21, after which day and up to the conclusion of the walk, he covered fifty miles every day, except Christmas day, and then the necessary miles were made during the ensuing week. Weston suffered from a severely blistered heel, but struggled on for the first 3,000 miles, when the sore healed over. The last 300 miles were covered at the Victoria Palace, where he made a spurt of one mile in 9:17. Dr. W. B. Richardson states that the feat which Weston has accomplished is entirely new in the history of the world. When first proposed he had some doubt of its propriety, as any accidental failure would have discredited the principle that total abstinence from stimulants was the best guaranty for endurance; but now all friends of temperance were extremely satisfied that the feat had been done, of a man walking for four months at the rate of fifty miles a day without having the least resort to what the people of this country had for centuries believed to be a staminal support for all mankind.
All might be satisfied now that stimulants were perfectly useless for sustaining great physical efforts, whether under tropical heat or polar cold. He, in the interests of medical science, had been watching Weston for the last week, and Mr. Green, a most accomplished observer, had never left Weston, recording his pulse, breathing, weight, height, and every circumstance that could ultimately be of use in making this great experiment of benefit to the world. The conclusion was that he was in a perfectly healthy condition, both of body and of mind, and if examined for insurance would be returned as a first-class life. Nothing in the shape of fatigue, or strain of any sort was apparent, and that was to be attributed to his having lived so perfectly healthy and natural a life during this long period of exertion, and to his having taken nothing which had strained the heart, or confused the brain, or interfered with the natural process of waste.—Sel.
Poor Jacko.
SOME time ago a gentleman, who had been very kind to an Italian emigrant, received from him the present of a fine monkey. Pleased with his present, the gentleman spent much of his time teaching Jacko (the monkey) various tricks, so that in a little while he could very successfully imitate his master in most things. Desirous of exhibiting his favorite, the gentleman resolved to invite some of his male friends to a dinner party; and that Jacko might play the gentleman to advantage there was but one thing lacking—Jacko as yet had not learned to smoke. To remedy this, his master one day lit a cigar, an example which Jacko soon followed. But, alas! it fared badly with him. Many a wry face did he show, but, encouraged by his master, he continued to puff, puff away. At last, overcome by the pernicious fumes, his eyes rolled in their sockets, his limbs gave way, and down he fell as drunk as a toper; and all that his master could do was of no avail, poor Jacko died! No wonder, for tobacco is a poison, and hundreds of men and boys have been killed by it.
A college of physicians has said that not less than 20,000 persons in our land die every year by the use of this poison. Three young men formed a smoking club, and they all died within two years. The doctor was asked what they died of. He said "they were smoked to death."
—Temperance Banner.
Trine Immersion.
By Editor
WHY do we make two ceremonies of the Lord's Supper, and condemn the Dunkards for dividing the ordinance of baptism, when the grammatical construction of the words in each ordinance is so nearly alike? J. C.
ANS. In one we have the most explicit statement of the action of our Lord giving thanks twice; in the other we have neither Scripture, reason, nor the "grammatical construction of the words" to justify the dividing of the ordinance.
Matt. 26:26, 27, says: "Jesus took bread and blessed (gave thanks, margin; see other texts), and brake, and gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them," &c. It is one ordinance, that is, the Lord's Supper, but thanks were given over each part of it.
Mark 14:22, 23: "And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and gave thanks, and break, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them."
1 Cor. 11:23-25: "The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup," &c. Now the quotations from Matthew and Mark plainly show that this expression, "after the same manner," refers to the act of giving thanks over the cup, as he had done over the bread. This plain testimony is our warrant for our practice of twice giving thanks. We do not twice give thanks for the bread, nor twice for the cup, but once for each different element used. So you see we do not rely upon any "grammatical construction of the words" in this case, but upon the clear statement of the facts. Now we may ask, Is there any relation of facts warranting three immersions, or three baptisms, as the Dunkards practice? There certainly is not. Therefore their claim and their argument cannot run parallel with ours.
Nor does the construction of the language warrant their practice; but, as we think, proves the contrary. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are so closely united in the gospel—in the perfection of the "one body" in the "one hope"—that what is done in (into) the name of one is also in the name of the other. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son." "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself;" the Son came not to do his own will, but the will of Him that sent him; in the process of this work, he prayed the Father and he sent the Holy Spirit in the name of his Son, who takes the things of Christ and shows them to his disciples; and eventually our mortal bodies shall be quickened by his Spirit which is given to us in Jesus' name. Thus the work of salvation, of sanctification, and redemption, is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And we cannot see why it is more reasonable to perform three immersions to baptize or immerse a disciple in these names, than to make three collections to collect a bill due to a firm of three persons. One collection in the name of the three would be all that would be admissible if they were united in business—in partnership. Whereas to collect once for each separate name would be proof in itself that they were not united in business or interest.
Again, "the construction of the words" will not admit of that practice, for baptism and immersion are synonymous terms. Baptism means immersion literally. Therefore trine immersion, that is, three immersions, is equivalent to three baptisms. To deny this is to deny that immersion means baptism. But if immersion does mean baptism then whatever is added to immersion is also added to baptism, and trine immersion is trine baptism, something of which the word of God takes no account. Trine, according to Webster, means threefold; and there is as great difference between baptism and threefold baptism as there is between a house and three houses; or if there is not, we cannot tell why. But Paul says, "there is one baptism." Let that suffice. Nor will it answer to say, as some do, that it is one baptism with three immersions; for that is as unreasonable as to say it is one immersion with three baptisms, or one immersion with three immersions, or one baptism with three baptisms, which all mean precisely the same thing.
We should not have answered at such length, but the subject of three baptisms has often come before our people, and we trust that this may help them.
General Meeting in Oakland.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
WE can say of this meeting, as of others that have been held in this State within the past two years, that it was one of the best we ever attended. Indeed, each successive meeting of this kind that we attend seems to us to be the very best. At this meeting there was quite a large attendance from abroad, San Francisco being well represented. On the last Sabbath of the meeting there were seventy-eight present from the church in that city.
The entire membership of the Oakland Sabbath-school is 220, but there were more than 300 present the first Sabbath, and 360 pupils were in their places at the opening of the school on the second Sabbath. Notwithstanding this large increase, there was not the slightest confusion, which speaks well, not only for the discipline of the Oakland school, but of the other schools that were represented. The Sabbath congregations numbered between 400 and 500, filling our church building to its utmost capacity. God has blessed the labors of the missionary workers in Oakland, so that our regular congregations are larger than ever before, and additions are constantly being made to our membership.
The interest of the meeting deepened from the beginning to the close. As usual, Bible-readings occupied a prominent place. There were eleven of these, covering the following subjects: Thanksgiving, Conversion, Duties of Church Members, Missionary work, Second Advent, Resurrection, Immortality, Sanctification, and Work of the Spirit. By these readings our people get a definite knowledge of the Bible, such as could be obtained in no other way. They cannot take the place of preaching, but, if rightly conducted, they can do a work that preaching cannot. We regard it as a bad indication when a professed Seventh-day Adventist is not interested in a Bible-reading. We must learn more of the Bible itself.
There were eight sermons preached during the meeting. The principal burden of these was for a deeper and more intelligent consecration to God. The difference between true and false sanctification was clearly shown. This was very timely, for the so-called "holiness" movement, which teaches instantaneous sanctification, without any change of habit on the part of the individual, is rapidly gaining ground, and Oakland is the head-quarters of the delusion on this coast. In the discourses, and in the Bible-reading on Sanctification, it was shown that while we are justified freely by the grace of God as soon as we implicitly believe on Christ, the work of sanctification is a life work, a constant gaining of victories over sin, by the aid of the Spirit, and with the light from God's word. This modern "holiness" movement is a deception of Satan, to cause men to be satisfied with themselves while trampling on God's law. Thorough instruction concerning the law of God, and a close adherence thereto, is a sure safeguard against this delusion, and is at the same time the means by which we are to be truly sanctified. John 17:17.
The early morning prayer-meetings, which were attended by Sister White, were seasons of refreshing. If the instruction given by the servant of God shall be remembered and put into practice, there will certainly be a marked growth in grace among those who heard. True Christian experience, and the nature of faith were set forth with a clearness not to be misunderstood. While we are sanctified through the truth, that is, by obeying it, we can do nothing to atone for past sins. Christ knew the work that he had to do, and understood the frailty and sinfulness of human nature, before he undertook our salvation. God does not repulse us because we are sinful, but for this very reason invites us to come to him, through Christ, for pardon. One of the greatest blessings that he can bestow on us is to show us our sins; and when we see them, instead of giving way to discouragement, we must believe that he does pardon, according to his promise. Isa. 1:18, 19; 55:6, 7. Faith in God is so simple that many overlook it. We are to believe, not because of any change in our own feelings, but because of God's promise. We are not to look at ourselves, but "unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
The meetings of the Tract and Missionary Society, as will be seen by the report, were full of encouragement to the workers. The meeting of the stockholders of the Publishing Association was especially interesting. The work has never been so prosperous as during the past year. There has been an increasing demand for our denominational literature, so that all the departments are crowded. It was the general feeling of the stockholders that more room is imperatively needed. We must provide, not simply for growth in the same proportion as in the past, but for a great increase. The work increases in geometrical ratio. The Lord has a great work for us to do in warning the world, and we must hold ourselves ready to follow at once wherever his providence opens the way.
The special meetings of the ministers and other workers, for prayer and consultation, were seasons to be remembered. The Lord blessed abundantly in giving light on points that seemed dark. After earnest prayer and deliberation it was decided that Elder Ballou, and Brethren Rieck and Kinney should labor during the summer in Nevada. Brother and Sister McClure, and Brother Henry Scott have gone to their field in Humboldt County. Brother Brorsen also goes to that county to work among the Danes. Brother Ings goes to Oregon shortly, while the churches on the coast will have the benefit of Elder Loughborough's labors. Brethren L. A. Scott and A. LaRue, after spending a few weeks in the San Francisco ship mission work, will go to the Sandwich Islands. Brethren Frank Lamb and Lucius Church have started for Siskiyou County. They go by private conveyance, canvassing and visiting along the road. Besides these, a good corps of colporters and canvassers have started out into different parts of the field. We feel greatly encouraged in regard to the work on the coast. What increases our courage is the perfect harmony that prevails among the workers. The feeling of brotherly love seems to be deepening. We pray God's blessing upon these dear brethren as they go forth. We believe that he will accompany them, and give force to their efforts.
The last Sabbath of the meeting was a good day for all present. Elder Loughborough gave a stirring discourse in the morning from Luke 12:35, 36. We doubt not that many made new resolves to sacrifice281in the future for the cause of God, as never before. That must be the one object of our existence here. In the afternoon Sister White took up the same subject—that of consecration to God—and carried it forward, showing how completely we belong to God, and how we rob him by living for ourselves alone. At the close of her discourse, about a hundred came forward for prayers. A large portion of these had never made a profession, and some were backsliders. There was no excitement, but very deep feeling, and the presence of the Lord was acknowledged by all.
On Monday afternoon, April 28, the large congregation repaired to Lake Merritt, where the ordinance of baptism was administered to thirty candidates. While the good meeting was the immediate cause of the forward move taken by many, the primary cause was the faithful work that has been done in the past by the missionary and Sabbath-school workers. The most of those who joined the Oakland church, are members of the Sabbath-school. The teachers in the Sabbath-school should feel that their position is one of sacred responsibility. Although their field is not large, it is second in importance to none. The baptismal scene was very impressive.
At the closing meeting on Tuesday morning, Bro. N. C. McClure and Bro. Wm. Ings were set apart, by prayer and the laying on of hands, to the work of the gospel ministry. The blessing of the Lord was present in rich measure, and all felt that the ordination service was a fitting close to a most excellent meeting. To be permitted to attend throughout the entire meeting was a rare privilege. Many, we are confident, will make more rapid advancement toward the kingdom, as a result. Will there be any who go backward? May God give us all strength and courage, and protect us from the snares of Satan.
E. J. W.
Elder Haskell's Address,
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—I would be glad for many reasons to meet with you in your annual meeting, and also in the annual meetings of the College and Health Retreat, were it consistent with other duties. There are enterprises which our brethren on the Pacific Coast have nobly commenced, which I would gladly help them through with; but under the present circumstances I can only avail myself of the privilege of writing a few lines, to be read at your annual meeting.
There is no Conference or legal institution in which I have felt a deeper interest than those on the Pacific Coast, especially the Publishing Association and the College. We have great reason to praise God for his blessing which has attended the untiring efforts of those connected with the Publishing Association on the Pacific Coast during the past few years. But even these efforts would not have been as successful as they have been, had they not been backed up by the moral and financial support of the friends on the coast, especially those in California. It is not a burden nor a calamity in any sense for any people to have such heavy responsibilities placed upon them; but it is an honor to have God consider us worthy to bear responsibilities as great as have been placed upon the friends in California, in having in your midst a publishing house from which are issued publications which go to "earth's remotest bound."
The object of the publishing house was to print present truth. Printing for outside parties has been a secondary matter, and at first thought, it might seem that no good could arise from such intimate relations with the world as would be necessary in doing such an amount of work for business men of the world. But such a conclusion would be hastily and unwisely drawn. By this business relation the fact has been demonstrated that Christians looking for the second coming of Christ, and observing the Seventh-day Sabbath, can, in the midst of a pleasure-loving people worshiping an idolatrous Sabbath, do business with the world and not sacrifice their Christian integrity or deny their faith. Second, it has called the attention of men to the truth who otherwise might not have seen the light.
It is by our good works when mingling with the world that the light shines before others. We are actuated by different motives and work on different principles; but it is evident that the time has come when God would have us enlarge our own work, so that the talent and experience gained in working for others should be more exclusively given to our specific work. The work of God needs the best talent, the best facilities, and the benefit of a practical experience. But the work done in the future should bear more of the divine mark, and be a special advertisement of our people and of our specific work. We are a missionary people. Our work is a missionary work. Our publications are missionary publications, consequently the SIGNS Office is a missionary office. Our success in the office, as much as the success of those in the field preaching the truth, depends upon God. He is the author and finisher of our faith. It is for the interests of his cause that the office was established. Hence the important question arises, How can it, and those connected with it, best promote the glory of God and answer its original design?
1. Financially it should be the banking institution of our people on the Pacific Coast. In it they should make their deposits without interest, as far as possible.
2. It would be far better for our brethren who have mortgages, stocks, or bonds, to transfer them to the Association at a low rate of interest, and thus be helping the cause. The time is near when the best securities this world can give will not be worth the paper upon which they are written.
3. Then let this institution be generous towards our other institutions on the Pacific Coast, in assisting them financially, realizing that they are a part of the one common cause, and that in upholding them, it is advancing the cause of truth.
4. Stock should be taken. The shares are only ten dollars each. Many of the friends have lifted nobly in the past, but there are others who have embraced the truth more recently, who have taken no stock in the institution. They should be invited to take from one to fifty shares. The spirit of taking stock should be revived.
5. A spirit of prayer should be encouraged among our brethren, that God would bless the institution, and its workers. It is a very important part of God's work on the coast.
6. A spirit of devotion and consecration should be encouraged throughout the entire establishment. There is always a tendency to worldliness in such an institution. As far as possible those employed should be men and women of prayer. In no case should it be a place for those who have no integrity of character. God cannot accept the labors of those who are persistent in doing evil.
7. It would seem that the time has come when books should be prepared in a more acceptable form. What I mean is, canvassing books should be prepared. The "History of the Sabbath" should have been in the market before this as a subscription book. That portion of the works of Sister White which is of a general interest should also be prepared in subscription book form. There should be some works prepared immediately, so that canvassers who are obtaining an experience in the canvassing work can pay their expenses. But should this branch of the work be pushed, and the labor of the office be turned more in this channel, it would require funds to carry forward the work, for it would not bring in returns as outside job work.
It may also be necessary to make some purchases and have some changes in the real estate effected the coming year. What I say upon this point is only suggestive, as I am unable to judge as well as those who are upon the spot. Therefore, I would not wish what I say to have too much weight in these matters. I would not suggest the purchase of real estate beyond what is necessary for the enlargement of our business, merely for the sake of outside patronage. If we could in some way connect in our business relations with the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Australia, etc., it might be well to do so, since the work must soon extend to those places, and people coming from there will look to the Pacific Coast for a representation of the cause. Could we be known as an upright, business people by persons when they receive the first impressions of the truth, and come in contact with us, it might be a help to the cause of Christ.
In all the plans you lay do not forget the fact that we are in the last days of the last generation. We should therefore be prepared to increase our work tenfold on short notice. Expect great things from God. He has a great work to do, and will accomplish it in a short time. My interest will ever be the same for the prosperity of the cause on the coast, but I shall not be able, I fear, to be there very much in the future. To the brethren there I am strongly attached, and there is not one word of complaint which I could make of any one. In every plan which we have tried to carry through for the advancement of the cause, we have had a hearty co-operation from all the friends on the coast, so that with the blessing of God there has been success. In union has been our strength. It has been, under God, the faithful laborers on the coast who have accomplished this. You have on the coast men of judgment, those who fear God; and there are successful business men living in the country, who, could they be influenced to move into the city, would be of help. They will be willing to connect their interest there if they see it duty. You want their active co-operation and judgment. Give proper persons a chance to develop, by giving them positions, or in some way connecting them with you. May God bless you in all your deliberations, and may the Publishing Institutions accomplish their mission with triumph and glory. I remain as ever. Your brother in the work. S. N. HASKELL.
Pacific S. D. A. Publishing Association.
By C. H. Jones
THE last meeting of this Association was one of more than usual interest and occupied two sessions, one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon. The attendance of stockholders, and others, was larger than at any previous meeting.
The Treasurer's report showed that the amount of business done during the past year was $110,858.83, or an increase of 27½ per cent. over last year. The balance sheet showed a profit to the Association, this year, of $5,000. This may look small to some, when compared with the amount of capital invested, but when we take into account the fact that but very little profit is made on the SIGNS and our denominational books, the difficulty is explained. The sale of our denominational books has been much larger than ever before, and the circulation of the SIGNS has increased fully one-third. In fact, our work is increasing in all departments so rapidly that already we find our facilities entirely inadequate to supply the demand.
Every department of the office now seems to be in a prosperous condition, but in all our calculations the SIGNS has received our first and special attention. We were never satisfied with the old way of stitching the SIGNS with thread, so at the commencement of this volume it was enlarged from a twelve to a sixteen-page paper, and a new machine was bought which folds, pastes, and trims the paper, all at one operation, thus presenting it in a much more282acceptable form, and not only that, but enables us to get it into the mail fully one day earlier than before, which is no small item with our friends in the East. We knew that the large edition which we now print would soon wear down the type so that it would not be readable, and therefore, to avoid this, we have adopted the plan of stereotyping the pages, and printing from stereotype plates. Thus our type will be preserved new and clear to the end of the volume. All this has increased the expense of getting out the SIGNS, and still the subscription price remains the same. We recognize the fact that the office was established for the purpose of doing this very work, and we purpose to devote our energy to this one object of getting the truth before the people.
We feel very thankful for what is being done by our brethren in different parts of the country to second our efforts. The work is onward, and already we feel ourselves cramped for room. We need more presses, but have no place to put them. With the present circulation of the SIGNS it takes two presses two days each week to print it. Should it double its circulation this year, as we believe it will, it would take those presses four days instead of two, to do the work. But it would not do to delay the SIGNS so long. We must have four presses to print it on, so as not to consume any more time than at present. All these points were brought before our brethren and all seemed to feel that we must heed the advice given by Eld. Haskell in his address, "To be able to increase our work tenfold on short notice."
We have felt the need of more room for some time, and the providence of God has seemed to favor us in this. Before the meeting, we secured the refusal of two lots 50x100 feet each, extending through from 11th to 12th street, just in the rear of the present office buildings. We have rented and occupied one of these lots for the past two years. Could we get this property it would give us just what we need for the enlargement of our business.
In order to learn the mind of our friends more fully in regard to the matter, we called a special meeting of our leading brethren on Monday evening, and laid the plan fully before them. The impression seemed to prevail that the next move that was made should be large enough to meet all probable demands in the future. The brethren voted to recommend that the directors purchase the two lots above referred to, and put up a tank-house and stable this year, locating them with reference to moving the boarding-house on to one of these lots next year, and then erecting an office building, just such as we need, on the lot where the boarding-house now stands, corner of 12th and Castro Streets. By building the tank-house this year, we can store our paper in the lower part of that, thus giving room for another press in the basement of the main building.
The question came up at the meeting as to how the money should be raised to pay for these improvements. We do not want to increase our interest-bearing debt, neither do we wish to call for donations. The brethren seemed to think that there were those who would put their money into the office without interest, sufficient to purchase the property and put up the buildings. To start this, fifteen hundred dollars was pledged by two brethren on the spot, and others promised to help.
At a meeting of the Board of Directors, held immediately after the above meeting, it was voted to do as the brethren had recommended, and secure the two lots at once; also to purchase a new cylinder press. We consider this a missionary work. Now if any of our brethren have money which they would like to invest in the enterprise, looking forward to the next world for their interest, we shall be glad to hear from them at once. We do not ask you to donate your money, but just let us have the use of it for a little while, without interest. The cause needs help just now. California has done nobly in the past, and we trust there are those who will respond to this call.
We are happy to state that the effort made to reduce our rate of interest to five per cent. has been entirely successful, and that five per cent. is the highest rate now paid. Some have done even better than this, and placed their money here without asking any interest. We are very thankful for the confidence our brethren manifest in the institution. We want you to feel that it belongs to you, and we want your prayers for the success of the work.
C. H. JONES.
The Missionary.
By Editor
The Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association.
IN accordance with notice in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and the Oakland Evening Tribune, the shareholders of the above institution met in their ninth annual meeting at the office of the Pacific Press, at 9:30 A. M., on Monday, April 28, 1884.
The meeting being opened with prayer, Vice-President C. H. Jones named as a Committee on Nominations, Eld. J. H. Waggoner, W. A. Pratt, and William Ings; and as a Committee on Resolutions, Elds. E. J. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, and J. H. Waggoner. The meeting then adjourned to meet at 10 o clock at the church. On re-assembling it was found that 1,034 shares were represented in person, and 1,249 shares by proxy, or 489 more than was required to constitute a quorum.
The minutes of last meeting were read and approved.
The Secretary then submitted the revenue account and balance sheet for year ending March 31, 1884, and the same having been explained by Vice-President C. H. Jones, Elder W. C. White, and Wm. Saunders, were also adopted.
The Committee on Nominations handed in their report recommending that the directors of last year be re-elected. Accordingly Eld. S. N. Haskell, Eld. M. C. Israel, C. H. Jones, Wm. Saunders, and Eld. W. C. White were balloted for and duly elected to act as directors for ensuing year.
Elder J. H. Waggoner was elected editor; Eld. E. J. Waggoner, assistant editor, and Eld. Uriah Smith, corresponding editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Elds. S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and J. H. Waggoner were elected to act as a Publishing Committee.
The meeting then adjourned till 1:30 P. M.
AFTERNOON MEETING.
On again assembling, the Committee on Resolutions submitted the following, which, on being separately read to the meeting, were spoken to by several of the members and adopted.
WHEREAS, God has signally blessed our labors during the past year, both by giving us favor with the people in our business relations, and in preparing the way for a great increase in the printing and circulation of our denominational literature; therefore,
Resolved, That for this we express our deep sense of obligation to him, and that we will show our gratitude for past favors by renewed consecration to the work, and by faithfully occupying the fields which his providence is opening before us.
WHEREAS, The publishing interest is the very head and source of all the missionary work among us; and,
WHEREAS, There are many who have lately embraced the truth, as well as some who have been long in the way, who have taken no stock in the Publishing Association; therefore,
Resolved, That we urge all these to provide for their increased interest in the missionary cause, while they help it along, by taking stock in the Association; and that we request those who have stock in the institution to increase its amount as far as is practicable.
WHEREAS, Our brethren often have sums of money for which they have no immediate use, and for which they could not receive interest at the bank, for the short time it might remain there,
Resolved, That to all such we recommend the office as a place of safe deposit, and urge them to make it their bank, leaving such sums on deposit without interest.
WHEREAS, The circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has so largely increased, and there has been so great a demand for our denominational books as to tax our present publishing facilities to the utmost; and,
WHEREAS, We believe that the cause of God is onward, and that in the future the work will grow with greatly augmented rapidity; therefore,
Resolved, That we are thereby admonished of the necessity of being provided with facilities for printing the truth on a more extensive scale.
C. H. Jones, in speaking to the fourth resolution, explained certain plans which had received some consideration from the Board. One of these plans, for the purchase of the two adjoining lots, the moving of the boarding-house to one of them, and the erection in its place of a large building to contain a press-room, job-room, and type-room, with counting-room in front, was favorably received by the meeting, though a resolution, embodying its views was not considered advisable.
Resolved, That we hereby express our regret at the unavoidable absence of the President of the Association, Eld. S. N. Haskell, whose untiring labors and wise counsel have done so much to build up the work; that we earnestly desire that he should continue his efforts in behalf of the institution; and that we will heartily welcome him whenever the providence of God shall open the way for him to return to us.
Elder J. H. Waggoner here read a letter from Eld. S. N. Haskell, addressed to the shareholders, giving encouragement and advice. A resolution of thanks for the letter was unanimously adopted. He also presented the following:—
WHEREAS, It has pleased divine providence to release from his labors Eld. J. N. Andrews, one of the editors of our paper, and one of the pioneers and efficient laborers in this glorious work,
Resolved, That while we bow with submission to the will of our kind heavenly Father, whose ways are to us unsearchable, and who says that he does not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men, we express our deep regret at his death, by which the cause has lost an able and devoted servant, and we, his associates, have lost a brother whose uniform kindness of spirit and consecration to his calling won the affection of his fellow-laborers, and the respect of all who knew him.
This resolution was adopted by the entire audience, shareholders and others rising to their feet.
The meeting was then brought to a close.
W. K. VICKERY, Sec'y.