Sabbath-Schools, Attention!
By C. H. Jones
AT the last session of the General Conference, a resolution was adopted indorsing the standing rule of our Sabbath-school Associations in regard to taking offerings on the Sabbath. The question of how these contributions should be used came up for consideration at a meeting of the General Sabbath-school Association. The matter was pretty thoroughly discussed, and it was the unanimous opinion that it was best to connect some missionary enterprise with the giving, and not use all the contributions for the running expenses of the school. In this way it was thought a missionary spirit would be cultivated, and our children taught true benevolence. Several worthy objects to which our contributions could be given were mentioned. Among these the wants of our Foreign Missions—their destitute circumstances, the difficulties under which our brethren have to labor, etc., were presented. After careful consideration, a resolution was unanimously adopted, recommending all our Sabbath-schools throughout the world, to donate a part of their class contributions the first quarter to the Central European Mission; the second quarter to the Scandinavian Mission; the third quarter to the British Mission; and the fourth quarter to the Australian Mission. We heartily indorse this recommendation, and now we want to know how the Sabbath-schools in California regard it. The enterprise is certainly a noble one, and should enlist the sympathy and cooperation of every one. If we only knew of the trials and persecutions our brethren have to meet in these missions, our hearts would be touched, and we would feel anxious to do all we could to help them. There is no compulsion in this matter. Each school is left to decide for itself how much, if anything, it will donate to this enterprise. Some schools are very small, and may not be able to do much; but we know it will be a source of encouragement to our brethren to know that we are in sympathy with them, and trying to help what we can. We hope to have a hearty response from every school in the California Conference. Let us remember that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." I hope that none of our schools will lose the blessing vouchsafed to us. Donations should be sent, at the close of each quarter, to the State secretary, Mrs. Josie L. Baker, care Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. C. H. JONES, Pres. Cal. S. S. Asso.