To the T. and M. Workers of California Conference.
By William Ings
WE have reason to be thankful for the prospering hand of God in blessing our efforts for the year that has just closed, and can we not reasonably expect a continuance of this blessing if we are faithful in our duties? Active measures should be taken to accomplish a great work before the present year closes. Much depends on the librarians. And they should be men and women of faith and activity, for if they move forward, others will follow their example. They should see that their cases are well filled with a good assortment of tracts; work cannot be done without such helps. To secure them will cost something, but with a very little effort on the part of the members, the expense can be met, and a good supply kept constantly on hand. Some societies are increasing their clubs of SIGNS. This speaks well for them, and I trust others will imitate their example. There may be those who are isolated and cannot well attend missionary meetings. I ask all such to join in the work by taking individual clubs of the SIGNS. Arrangements are being made to furnish all the societies in the Conference with addresses. Individuals desiring names can obtain them by addressing Anna L. Ingels, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Societies will order them through their librarians. Experience has taught us that it is well to concentrate our work by selecting some particular portion of country to which to mail the SIGNS. This plan has worked well in Humboldt and Siskiyou Counties, and good results have followed. Other counties will be selected, and all will have a chance to act their part in preparing the way for the living preacher. There is a great work before us. Soon arrangements will be made to obtain addresses of those living on the islands of the Pacific, and we shall have to extend the work in that direction to a greater degree than we are now doing. While the providence of God is preparing for the work there, we must push the work at home. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." This is no time to slacken our diligence, but each year should find an increasing interest in the salvation of men. Our Conference is far behind many others in obtaining subscribers for the SIGNS. This is not as it should be. If God has planted the publishing house in our midst, we certainly ought to lead out in the canvass for "Sunshine at Home," with the SIGNS. The inducements offered91to engage in the work are all that could be asked. Then why not take hold of the work at once? The "Sunshine" is a popular work, and it takes but little skill to present its merits, and by clubbing the SIGNS with it, subscribers can be readily obtained. Some have entered heartily into the work. One sister took fifty subscriptions in a few days; others are equally successful for the time spent. Canvassers ought to penetrate everywhere, and continue until every house in the Conference has been visited. Each society ought to have one or more representatives in the field. Are there not young sisters who are consecrated to the work, who could spend their time, or a portion of it, at least, in this branch of the work? In order to gain an experience we must launch out, and prove our gifts. One brother in a distant field obtained 400 subscribers for the SIGNS. Who will make the trial here? The angels of God are interested in the success of this message, and if we are in earnest, and have a burden for souls, then these heavenly beings will second our efforts. May our actions be such that men can say of a truth that these people are in earnest, and we thus show to the world that ours is not a dead faith, but a living reality. WM. INGS.