The Signs of the Times and Missionary Work
The President spoke of the number of SIGNS taken in clubs, and, considering that God has honored California with its publication in our midst, thought that this State should come behind no other Conference in the number used and missionary work performed. Comparisons between this and the New England Conference, showed that in proportion to the number of members, there were one-half more SIGNS taken for missionary purposes in New England than in California. Eld. Waggoner spoke of the influence which the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is exerting, which had become more apparent to him while on his recent visit in the East. He thought there was more being done by the SIGNS in spreading the truth, than by all our ministers together. Eld. Corliss gave some of his personal experience in the missionary field. Many interesting and encouraging incidents were related, showing the good that is being accomplished especially through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. He stated that only those who go into new fields are able to properly appreciate this work; and many facts were given where it had prepared the way for him. A Committee on Resolutions was then appointed by the chair, consisting of Wm. Saunders, Eld. J. O. Corliss, and Barbara C. Stickney. The meeting then adjourned until 2:30 P. M. At the appointed time a second meeting was held. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following:— Resolved, 1st. That in the Tract and Missionary Society we find an opening for every one of our people to do something, and we recommend that efforts be made in new fields, and especially in those places where meetings are being held or are in contemplation. 2nd. That we recognize that we, on the Pacific coast, are highly favored in having the SIGNS OF THE TIMES—the pioneer paper of our cause—published here; and it is our belief that if it is properly and liberally used by us it will increase both the membership of our churches and their spirituality, infusing into all a missionary spirit, and returning to all the benefit to be derived only from active efforts to secure the salvation of our fellow-men. 3d. That it gives us great pleasure to hear of the good which is being done by the SIGNS in other lands, and especially in England, and that we request the members of the churches in this Conference, and all interested in this cause, to forward donations to the State Secretary to pay for the papers required by Elder Loughborough, as recommended by the California Conference at its last session. 4th. Whereas, The Spirit of God has indicated the efficiency of a system of colportage as a means of bringing the light of truth before the world, and Whereas, When some system, perhaps imperfect, has been adopted in canvassing, success has attended the efforts put forth, demonstrating the necessity of systematic and united labor, therefore Resolved, That we request the President of the California Tract and Missionary Society to devise a plan of labor for those engaged as colporters, and that he cause to be issued printed instructions for their benefit in their work. 5th. We recommend that our societies order their publications, in larger quantities, through the District Secretaries, to be sent as freight, and save the expense of so often sending small quantities by mail or express. 6th. Whereas, The seaman's mission is proving an efficient auxiliary to the T. and M. Society in spreading a knowledge of the truth among the nations of the earth, to thus fulfill the prophecy to this generation, Resolved, That we recommend our brethren throughout the State to embrace this important branch of the work in their considerations of the wants of the cause; and that all the officers urge upon those in the several societies to donate liberally for this work. And further, that as soon as may be, the pledges which have been made to this fund be paid, in order that this good work may be vigorously prosecuted the present season. 7th. That, in view of the fact that the time of the ship missionary is spent in this work, and that he is thereby prevented from following his ordinary avocation, we recommend that the President and Directors of the T. and M. Society devise some means of relieving him in that direction as may be necessary. These resolutions were acted upon, and unanimously adopted. That in regard to colporters using201the SIGNS in their work was spoken of by several. Eld. Israel thought there could not be too much importance attached to it. Much of this work has been done in Los Angeles with encouraging results. The president explained the plan that is usually adopted; it is to obtain the addresses in a certain place, and have the SIGNS sent, usually through the office of publication to all or as many as can be worked up properly. The colporter commences his visiting after the first copy of the paper is received, and continues as long as he may deem it profitable. The paper serves as a theme of conversation, besides in a silent way advocating the very truths the colporter wishes to present. Where much interest is shown, the individual is usually ready to subscribe by the time the four copies have been sent. The names of those who are somewhat interested are also obtained to be used in our V. M. Societies. He thought there were individuals in nearly every church that could engage in this work, but should always consult their church officers in regard to it. The resolution concerning the ship missionary work called forth much that was very interesting. The president made some statements in regard to the financial condition of the society. In September, 1880, the debt against the mission was over $450, and $350 have been expended since that time. Besides what has been paid on the pledges made to raise $100 for the ship-work, there have been $60 donated to this cause and over $200 to the cause at large, by those brought to accept the truth through this mission. Bro. H. C. Palmer, our ship missionary, related many interesting cases which have come to his notice, although not a tithe of the results of this work can be ascertained. In his report, which may be published hereafter, he mentions the names of thirteen captains and ten or twelve others who have shown much interest; several buying our standard works, and all expressing a desire to learn more concerning our views. Others have attended our churches, and have promised to write when they investigate further. Services have been held on several of the ships and many names obtained for our V. M. Societies. Our reading matter has been sent to many ports, always free of charge, and also quite a quantity to Eld. Loughborough for his work in England. While as further results of this work, two have recently been baptized and united with us. Meeting adjourned. ELD. S. N. HASKELL, Pres. BARBARA C. STICKNEY, Sec.