IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS.
By S. N. Haskell
WE look upon the cause in California as having reached an important crisis, but this happens in almost every undertaking and affair in life. "If he can pass the crisis," says the physician, "he will recover." Business men who have passed through financial struggles, know full well what such times are. While we look with much thankfulness upon the blessings which God has bestowed upon this Conference in the past, we see before us battles to be fought, and when the victory is won, then the fact will be evident that the important time was just now, when plans were being laid and the army equipped and organized. Before us are weighty matters to be considered. One of the most important is the school problem. It will require much prayerful thought, and a large outlay of means, if such a school is founded upon the Pacific coast, as there should be. Not only should the sciences be taught in addition to the theological and Biblical departments, but there should be such an arrangement that young ladies may be practically instructed in the art of healthful cookery, and useful employment. Food improperly prepared has contributed as much to physical suffering as any one cause. It requires but a moment's reflection to see this when we contrast the despondency and gloom of a nervous dyspeptic, with the hopeful buoyancy which characterizes health. To realize that this change can be and is often brought about, simply by the food we eat, will convince any person that there is "religion in a loaf of bread." There should be sufficient land in connection with the school, that students may have needful and useful recreation by its cultivation. It is very essential that physical exercise should be had in connection with mental study, and if this can be in the form of some useful employment, by learning some trade, the student will have practical knowledge when he leaves the school. There are many who have a liberal book knowledge but they are not practical men and women, and cannot be depended upon to stem the tide of evil. They have no knowledge how to apply themselves to the practical duties of life, and being a little short of that excellent commodity, "sanctified common sense," they are of no benefit to society unless it be to help make up the census. It is not an uncommon occurrence to find a graduate of some noted college or seminary employed as a hostler, street-car driver, or in some such thing, which any uneducated person might do as well. There are thousands of men and women mere drift-wood in society, who have sufficient education to hold almost any position of trust, but they lack moral stamina. In the institutions of learning where they spent years to fit themselves for usefulness, the usual habit of overcrowding the students with studies, existed to such an extent, that no time was allowed to cultivate the moral faculties or to train the brain and muscle to some useful employment. As a result, habits were formed that broke down in them that integrity of soul which is necessary in every individual who would be a benefactor to his fellow-men. Practical instructions in the missionary work and Conference business should also be given, and as the publishing interest has proven to be an important factor in spreading a knowledge of the truth, particular attention should be paid to composition and the preparation of manuscript for the press, and a monthly sheet issued by the students, under the directions of a proper person. The object of a school should not be simply to impart instruction in the common branches, although a school of this kind might pay in the advantage of having the youth surrounded by proper influences, but the aim should be to prepare men and women for usefulness in the various branches of the work of God. To decide where and how to commence such a school as will fitly represent the cause we profess, is a question of no little importance. The steps taken at the commencement will mold it for the future. Therefore it can be readily seen that much prayer, consultation, and thought, should be given to it. Already several openings have presented themselves before the committee. Napa, St. Helena, Petaluma, and Healdsburg, each offer inducements, and these are all to be considered in locating the school. It was at first thought advisable to rent this year, but some considerations have led the committee to contemplate purchasing. Then here is our publishing interest, second to no enterprise on the coast. Much of the time the presses are running night and day to earn means to free the institution from present embarrassments and meet expenses; and God is blessing the effort. But the principal object in establishing the office was not to do job and outside work, but to publish the present truth. When the publishing first started, the brethren showed their appreciation of the light they had received, by taking from one to one hundred shares each in the Association, and it was thus the work commenced. Since that time hundreds have been made to rejoice in the same truths, who have not had their attention called to the wants of the Publishing Association. These will be as willing to assist in this manner as others have done. We therefore invite them to show their love for the truth in the same way. The shares are placed at the small sum of $10 each, that all may have at least one share. If a sufficient number of shares were taken, then the embarrassment would be removed, and whatever profits might arise from its outside work could be devoted to the spread of the truth. Any one forwarding the amount of one or more shares to the SIGNS office for this purpose, will receive in return a certificate of stock for the amount sent. While the Office publishes present truth, missionaries are wanted to distribute these publications. Cities, towns, and villages should be thoroughly canvassed, and not less than five thousand SIGNS should find their way into as many homes on this coast this present season. Scores of colporters and agents are wanted to make a thorough canvass for subscribers for our paper. When the proper efforts are put forth in this direction, the demand will be increased for our publications, and the presses will be devoted to our denominational work. Thus the six power printing presses, the school, the missionary workers, the ministry, and all, will in perfect harmony contribute directly to the end for which the office was established, namely, to spread the truths of the third angel's message. We believe the friends of the cause in California will come up to the help of the Lord at the present time, and take an advanced step in the work of God.