To the Workers of the California Tract and Missionary Society.
By William Ings
ANOTHER quarter has passed and its record cannot be changed. Now the question with each member of the T. and M. society should be, Shall my record be better this quarter than in the past? Each quarter shortens our time to labor, and each year's experience brings greater responsibilities upon us. Error is increasing, and wickedness is multiplying to an alarming extent, yet thousands of souls are hungering for truth, and are looking around to find something better than they have. Each one who professes present truth should ask, Am I doing my duty? Will my skirts be clear of their blood in the Judgment? These are solemn questions and should not be passed by lightly. Our motto should be, "Forward," our interest for the salvation of men should increase, and thus we be fulfilling our mission, as men and women professing godliness. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES with the blessing of God is calculated to accomplish great good; it has made its friendly visits to every part of the civilized world, and it has become a welcome visitor in many households. A man who had visited nearly every port between England and China, stated that everywhere he went he found the SIGNS in advance of him. This shows something to what extent it has been circulated. We will thank God for this, and labor on to continue its usefulness. It is wonderful how extensively a single copy of this pioneer sheet travels. A short time ago one of our good sisters sent a copy of the SIGNS to Ireland; the person receiving it, read it with interest and then sent it back to a friend in this State (who, by the way, was a Catholic), who admired its teachings so much that he wrote for one of our ministers to preach in his neighborhood, promising him a home and a place to hold meetings. That sister may never know the fruits of that one copy of the SIGNS until she reaches the kingdom of God. And now, brethren and sisters, are we doing our duty in sending out these valuable papers that have been produced at the cost of so much labor and prayer, or do we permit them to lie on the shelves from week to week until some live worker comes along and, in distress because they are doing no one good, takes them to use? I hope that this is not the case with many, but should any reading these lines find himself guilty, I trust that a reform will immediately commence. Do not allow a week to pass by, without attending to the Lord's work, in sending out these heavenly messengers. Now a word relative to the support of our tract and missionary work. If the means is not already provided, would it not be well for each individual to voluntarily, without having to be urged by the librarian or others, pay a certain amount each week; that the work be not hindered? If every one would give from ten to fifty cents per week, a sufficient amount would be secured to pay for SIGNS, etc. The societies adopting this plan find that it works well. In sending out the SIGNS by mail, care should be taken that they are well wrapped so as to protect the reading, and in such a manner that it is presentable to the receiver. Addresses can be obtained from the State secretary. Four numbers should be sent to one address, one paper following the other each week. A card should accompany the first paper, with the statement that a few numbers will be sent free. Place an eight-page tract in the second number on the second advent, and one in the fourth number on the Sabbath, then write a letter as advised by the State secretary. If the person does not respond, take another address, etc. I hope the present quarter will show a greater amount of labor performed than any previously. May our interest increase as the message advances, until the "Well done" shall be said by our heavenly Father. WM. INGS.