OUR WORK IN CALIFORNIA by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 17, 1881

OUR WORK IN CALIFORNIA.

By Editor

ANOTHER Conference year is past, and we have opportunity to review the ground and note the progress made. We are so fully aware that we are not what and where we should be in such an important work, and in such a time as this, that we do not in the least feel like boasting of anything that has been done. But we believe that it is only giving honor to the providence of God, to whom this work belongs, to acknowledge the blessings and the prosperity which has been graciously granted to us.

We have before noticed the manner in which $10,-000 were raised at the time of the camp-meeting, for the churches in Oakland and San Francisco. Not, however, for these churches alone; this sum was raised because this is mission ground, and these churches have a constant struggle to hold the ground, to place the truth before the tens of thousands around them, and to maintain their membership with such a constantly changing population. It was raised without any open effort, for no public call for money was made on the ground. This shows that the truth is taking deep hold of hearts in California, and that they are ready and willing to respond to its calls.

Another item of interest in connection with the late meeting is that of the book sales. There were sold at the stand to the amount of $700—more than was ever sold at a camp-meeting before, except at a general meeting in Michigan where the ministers received their outfits. It is true that the sales in Sacramento were not all of our denominational books, but were these, with such other books as are kept on sale at the office, and used in Bible study, and Sabbath-school work.

We have also noticed the success reported in ministerial work during the last year, and the increase of laborers. The number of persons who received credentials and licenses is larger than it was at any previous session of the Conference, with the prospect also that a larger per cent. will use the licenses granted to them. And, to the encouragement of all the friends of the cause, it was found that the condition of our finances was such that every claim was paid, and money was still left in the treasury.

In the midst of these encouragements we stop to record a fear—the greatest fear we have in the case—that our people will be too well satisfied with past successes, and not keep humbly before the throne of grace, praying that God may be near to us, and constantly guide us by his Holy Spirit. We do not receive grace from God for our own benefit alone, but, that we may be better fitted to engage in his service and to labor for the salvation of our fellow-men. Past blessings are but the instruments of Providence placed in our hands; they are Heaven's method of opening the way for us to labor, that our efficiency may be increased. They do not release us from the necessity of earnest effort, but rather increase our obligation and our responsibility.

Closely related to the success of the Conference work in this State, is the prosperity of the Publishing House in Oakland. And we are happy to say that never before was its prosperity so well assured. It is some time since the President and Vice-President of the Association were together at this office, and we have not had opportunity to speak advisedly as we do at present. The improvement in the preparation of the press-room and paper warehouse in the basement, has fully vindicated the present management of the institution. The benefit to the office of this change, together with the purchase of the large press, has been even greater than was promised. The amount of work done in the last six months is largely in excess of that which was done in any previous six months, without a corresponding increase of expenses. The increase of facilities has proved to be just what was needed. And, in proof that the work was safely calculated and well done, we can now say that the debt of the institution is decreasing, and confidence in the office is increasing, both with business men who deal with it and with our brethren throughout California.

As of the work in the Conference, so we may say of this: it is no time to slack our hands in the midst of prosperity. It is our opportunity to work with renewed zeal and energy. The debt is decreased, but it is not removed. There is opportunity for all the friends of the cause to take part in the work. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be, also." If any want to have a real interest in this cause, let them sacrifice for it and they will find their hearts drawn out toward it in a wonderful manner. Especially should those who have embraced the truth of late years feel it a privilege to bear the burden with those who bore it when the cause was weak and its friends were few.

At present we are compelled to do a very large outside work to keep up the establishment, to pay interest, and to decrease the debt. We hope not long hence to see a very large denominational work done here; much larger than is demanded or we are able to do under present circumstances. It is in view of the near coming of that time when our income from outside work must be lessened, that we invite the friends who are able, to still assist the office with their means. The necessity for this must be apparent to every one. Should we, to any great extent, close up on the outside work, our income would be so suddenly cut down that the office would be at once embarrassed. If we were even nearly free from debt we could control the work turning it largely to printing our denominational literature, without any fear of embarrassment. The more speedily the debt is removed or greatly lessened, and the burden of paying interest is taken off, the sooner we can branch out in our denominational work; the more we can do to send out our publications, through our missionary societies, to the ends of the earth.

The means put into the office and the material gathered here is doing a noble work in establishing the reputation of the cause in which we are engaged. And it is only a question of time as to its being wanted for, and used in, the sole work of publishing the present truth. We are looking—we are longing for that day. We invite all to unite their interests with ours in hasting its coming. Now we walk by faith alone; soon we shall see that which will gladden our hearts in the success of this truth, and the triumph of the workers in the cause of God. We are sowing seed for eternity.

"—Who will come, To share in the glory of the harvest home?"