CAUSE ON THE PACIFIC COAST.
By James White
There are at least one thousand souls in California, Oregon, and Washington Territory, who observe the Bible Sabbath, and are in full sympathy with the views and labors of Seventh-day Adventists. The brethren on the Pacific Coast have had trials similar to those suffered in all new fields. And during the last two years, with the exception of the past six months, our people in California have passed a very critical period in their history. At times we feared that many would not stand the shaking that seemed to be going on. But at their last camp-meeting the Lord worked among his people graciously, the fog passed over, the brethren saw the real state of things clearly, and since that time unity and prosperity have been seen in all the churches, and good success has attended the labors of our ministers. These trials have relieved the cause, in the full and final disposition of a few fault-finders, and have given the brethren a good experience, which is now seen in a strong desire to maintain unity. And we are happy to report that valuable additions in California alone, above all valueless losses during the past two years, are at least one hundred and fifty souls. During these two years of trial, Elders Healy and Wood, two young men of promise, have entered the ministry, become successful laborers, and received ordination. California now has, including Elders Loughborough and Waggoner, six ordained ministers, besides ten who have received papers from the Conference to speak publicly, and five to go out as tract distributers, and teachers in private families. The Biblical Institute held at Oakland, Cal., called out the real talent and feeling of more than a score of valuable young men. These to a great extent represent the state of things in California. Eld. Smith has freely expressed his delight on witnessing, during the period of his lectures, a state of perfect unity and general good cheer in the Lord, throughout the members of his class. Experience has taught us, and the feeling is deepening, that hope of gathering souls to the standard of truth is in our young men. May God lead these on the Pacific Coast out into fields where success shall crown their efforts. Would these young men see a large membership, then let them buckle on the armor, and go out, and gather souls from the mountains and valleys of the Pacific Coast. This will bring s. d. into the treasury for the support of the ministry, and patrons to sustain the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The press was established at Oakland, Cal., none too soon. It was done before the pressure of hard times, just at the right time. Our work is nearly done here. There is not a single discouragement resting upon this field. God has given us W. N. Glenn, an experienced and able printer, at the Office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The brethren appreciate the liberal patronage of Eastern T. and M. Societies. Our circulation is nearly 7,000. But the Pacific Press must learn to go alone before it shall be one year older. The Southern field must be opened. Our eye is on the Shenandoah Valley for the Atlantic Press for the South, and Eastern T. and M. patronage. When this shall be done, where, and just how, are questions to be settled in the near future.