The Signs of the Times.
By James White
The eighth number of the Signs of the Times has come to hand by which we learn many interesting things relative to the California annual camp meeting, the tent meeting now in progress in the city of San Francisco, and other matters of importance on the Pacific Coast. The brethren in California have pledged very liberally for the support of the paper, and the Conference has assumed its publication, and also its editorial management. We purchased the material and published seven numbers of the Signs on our own responsibility, but being unexpectedly fastened at head quarters, we offer the Signs to the California Conference at cost, the first seven numbers at what the next seven shall cost, and leave that Conference to act its pleasure in making up losses and extra expenses in connection with our arduous labors in that State during the last season. And when this shall be closed up to the satisfaction of the California Conference Committee, we propose to donate to the Signs of the Times a sum equal to $100 for each and every $25 given by the man who suggests the most doubts relative to our financial management on the Pacific Coast. But we were sorry to see that the Signs is dated at Woodland instead of Oakland. It is true that, in a statement addressed to the California Conference, we suggested that for the present the paper be moved to Woodland to be managed in the same office with the Yolo Democrat conducted by Bro. Wm. Saunders, the editor of that paper, he to have the supervision of the Signs, and give special attention to the local matters that might appear in the Signs, while the editors of the REVIEW AND HERALD would furnish the general editorials, and select the general articles. The removal of the Signs to Woodland was not suggested as the best course, but as the only one we could see at that time. And as soon as the news reached us, that the friends of the cause in California had pledged $20,000 for the Signs, we telegraphed and wrote not to have it moved from Oakland. But unnecessary changes were made in the Signs before the message was received. If the brethren had manifested a tithe of the interest, when we were struggling nearly alone last summer to bring about just what all may now see was the will of God, that they did at the camp-meeting, we might now have a $10,000 building in Oakland, furnished with material, and a steam press, in running order, ready to make over to an Association when instituted. We have some men among us, even on the Pacific Coast, who are eloquent in suggesting doubts, and seem to have more use for the brake than for the traces: and others, who, when they get started may run ahead of news on the wires. Brethren, let us “make haste slowly,” and all learn to pull together when the load starts hard. It would be our choice to make our head quarters in California, and visit the broad eastern field in the more pleasant season. But we go, or stay, where the way opens before us, and where we can have co-operation, whether it be on the Pacific, or the Atlantic, or at head quarters. The work is moving everywhere. We have work for five winters that we would like to do in the very next. We are able to accomplish thrice the amount of labor at present that we have been able to do at any time during the past three years. And Mrs. W. comes from the excessive labors of the past season with better health, and courage, than at any time in her life. God is good. He helps those who are willing to wear out, and lets those have their way, who choose to rust out. If at any time our people on the Pacific need our help, and wish to lift unitedly with us, we shall be happy to respond, according to the will of God.