5,000 SUBSCRIBERS by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 24, 1881

5,000 SUBSCRIBERS

By S. N. Haskell

FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES IN CALIFORNIA.

SHALL WE HAVE THEM?

This is a question of no ordinary interest. It is closely related to the present and future prosperity of the cause in this State. It opens a field of labor in which every one can engage, and which may be extended to every part of the State. There is not a city, village, or neighborhood which does not present a missionary field for this work. The providence of God is opening the way before us. There is now a prospect that a school will be started, where the youth can get such an education as will fit them to be workers for the Lord. And circumstances indicate that the time is near at hand when the "Health Retreat" near St. Helena will be fitted up for the treatment of invalids, and, as the Sanitarium in Michigan, become a special point of missionary operations. These things certainly show that the cloud is rising in California, and an effectual door is opening before us for successful labor in this holy cause.

While God by his providence is thus indicating good for us as a people, shall we acknowledge it by walking in the light, and co-operating with angels who are sent to prepare the way? Shall we make such an effort as becomes such a work as ours, and such a time as the present, to place the light before the thousands around us? This work God has committed to his people, not as a task—as a hardship—but as a high privilege. "Ye are the light of the world." The rays of the light of truth are to find their way from them to the dark corners of the land.

The SIGNS OF THE TIMES is the only paper published expressly as a pioneer sheet, for our missionary workers; and there are tens of thousands of families which ought to have its weekly visits, who know nothing of the truth it contains, or even of its being published. We think that 5,000 such families can be found in this State during the next three months. The work need not be confined to any class. All are invited to canvass for our valuable paper.

We suggest the following as a plan:—

1. Let there be an inquiry to learn who, in each church, do not take the paper. If any are too poor to pay for it, let the church assist them, for all should have it. In no case should the SIGNS which are taken in clubs, for missionary work, be used instead of individual subscriptions. The paper could not be published at the reduced rates furnished to the clubs, were it not for individual subscriptions at $2.00 by those who are friends to our work. Every family of Seventh-day Adventists on this coast should subscribe for the SIGNS.

2. Let there be a systematic canvass in every village and neighborhood. Where it is thought proper, gather the names of the people in the vicinity where you live, and have the paper sent for four weeks. This will cost only $12.50 for one hundred copies. As soon as the first copy is received, commence to visit, and state the object of sending the paper, namely, that they may become acquainted with its contents. Call attention to the various departments of the paper. Carefully avoid controversy, as it would be both unpleasant and unprofitable. The second week call again. A friendly call will add greatly to their interest in the paper. At the proper time offer them the paper, with "Geikie's Life of Christ," for $2.10 for a year. This book will be used this winter as a premium, as it was last winter. Our ministers and colporteurs should all make a specialty of this method. On entering a new field, every one should provide himself with SIGNS sufficient to furnish to those whom he hopes to reach.

3. Send the paper to those who would be interested to read it for one year.

4. Furnish it to the public libraries and reading-rooms throughout the State. But the vigilant missionary work should not be laid aside on account of these efforts; these should be made in addition to that. Much good has been accomplished by the V. M. Societies which could have been done in no other way; and their work should not be dropped, but increased.

We recommend each church to hold a meeting immediately and arrange for the work in its vicinity. Those who live alone, or not in the vicinity of a church, can commence at once. All business can be done through your Tract Society officers. Already we hear tidings of good from those who entered upon their work immediately after camp-meeting. In Sacramento additional names have been signed to the

covenant. Twenty-five have there enlisted under the banner of Prince Immanuel. Next spring a tent-meeting should be held there, and this winter the SIGNS OF THE TIMES should be placed in hundreds of families of interested readers.

We see prosperity before the cause in California if the work be taken hold of with earnest devotion and becoming zeal. The reading matter must prepare the way for the living preacher, and a harvest of souls. God will bless if we will move forward in his providence. Now is the time to move. The cloud is rising, and omens of good are on every hand.

S. N. HASKELL.