Missionary Work on the Pacific Coast
By Stephen N. Haskell
WE do not expect our stay upon this coast to be very long and we are anxious to accomplish as much as possible while we remain here. The advantages of the mail are as good here as anywhere in the country; hence, there is nothing to stand in the way of our V. M. Societies or their work. There is no reason why they may not be equal to, if not excel, any of those east of the Rocky Mountains. Every church should have a V. M. Society; and where individuals are living alone, they should feel it a privilege to take, at least, a small club of the Signs, of not less than eight copies, and with these papers labor to enlighten others. There are advantages which this coast possesses over other portions of the country. San Francisco is a shipping port from which vessels sail to all parts of the world; this gives an opportunity to send the rays of light in the form of publications, everywhere. These opportunities should be improved, and such steps be taken that will best advance the cause of truth. Every regular line of ships should be visited, and where proper, furnished with our publications; also steamers that are out for days upon the water, should be furnished with libraries of our standard works. Ships that go to distant ports, where there are reading rooms, should be supplied with a carefully selected package of our publications, to be left at these reading rooms. We have already ordered $50 from the Gen. T. and M. Society towards a $1000 fund for this purpose. It is our duty to sow the seed in the morning, and in the evening withhold not our hand, realizing that it is God's work; and there are thousands of conscientious, God-fearing men and women, who would rejoice in the truth, and be saved in the kingdom of God. Soon the working time will be over and past. Therefore we should seize upon every opportunity to spread the truth, and make the most of the present moments. We are pleased to see the interest manifested in the missionary work on this coast. After returning from the Oregon camp-meeting at Salem, we design to hold a general meeting of two or more days in Sonoma, Napa and Yolo counties, before the California camp-meetings. We shall spare no pains to make these meetings profitable; yet, unless God meet with us, they will fail of accomplishing any permanent good. We request that these meetings be made a special subject of prayer, that the Lord may impart largely of his Holy Spirit. The wants of the cause upon this coast and elsewhere, will be laid before our brethren and sisters at these meetings; and we shall be prepared to do any business that may be desired, with the PACIFIC PRESS Office or the Review and Herald Office. The week following the second California camp-meeting, we propose to meet with our friends in Nevada where Brother Stephens may arrange.