THE last annual session of the California Sabbath-school Association, held at Stockton, Cal., in connection with the camp-meeting, was one of unusual interest. More time had been set apart to be devoted to this branch of the work than ever before, and it was all well employed in listening to reports, giving instructions as to the best method of carrying forward the work, and laying plans for future labor. We regret that more could not have had the benefit of the meeting.
We are glad to report that the past year has been one of marked prosperity. The Lord has seemed to bless the efforts put forth, and advance steps have been taken all along the line. According to the yearly report, there are now 42 schools in this Conference, with a total membership of 1,797, an increase of 526 during the past year. Eighteen new schools have been organized, and three dropped, making an increase of 15 new schools. The class contributions this year amount to $1,814—nearly double what they were last year. As nearly as we can ascertain, the lessons have been learned better, and all have seemed to take a deeper interest in this branch of the work, than ever before. We feel that we have every reason to be thankful, and take courage.
Now, another year is before us, and we fear the tendency will be to settle down satisfied with what we have done. This is just what the enemy would like; but I trust we shall arouse ourselves, and take hold of the work unitedly, and press it more vigorously during the coming year than ever before. The Sabbath-school is the life of the church, and I believe that wherever we find a live Sabbath-school we shall find a working church.
We have been very much pleased with the promptness with which some of the schools have reported. The last two quarters we have received a report from every school in the State. This is as it should be, and I trust that all will be as faithful during the coming year.
Our plan of class contributions was indorsed by the General Conference and General Sabbath-school Association about seven years ago, and has been adopted in nearly every State. It has seemed to work well wherever introduced; but we think the object held out has been too narrow, and therefore we have endeavored, during the past year, to carry the mind beyond the idea of giving simply to support the school, to that of donating to some missionary enterprise. In this we have been very successful, and our schools have responded nobly. We think it would be well for each school to donate a part or all of their class contributions each quarter to some missionary enterprise.
Being acquainted with the wants of the cause in general, we would recommend to all our schools in this Conference that for the present quarter, ending December 31, donations be made to the San Francisco City Mission. A great and good work has been done by this mission. Publications have been placed on board of hundreds of ships, and thus the present truth has been carried to all parts of the world. But this mission is in need of means, and the work is liable to suffer unless something is done. What an encouragement it would be to the workers there to know that all our people, both old and young, were trying to do something to carry forward the work. The Lord has said: "Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccl. 11:1.
Parents should instruct their children that giving is a very essential part of the worship of God. Giving is worship; and we are admonished: "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." Prov. 3:9. We can, and do, honor him by giving, and let us remember, "God loveth a cheerful giver."
The amount to be given should be carefully laid aside during the week, ready for the Sabbath, and then we can follow the instruction of the psalmist, "Bring an offering, and come into his courts." Ps. 96:8. Let every offering be accompanied with a prayer to God that his blessing may attend the work.
At our last annual meeting, steps were taken to have some one visit our churches to labor in behalf of the Sabbath-school work. We do not know how soon this can be brought about, but we would like to hear from those schools that feel that they need, and would like, labor of this kind. We hope to see advance steps taken in all branches of the work during the coming year. The Lord has committed a sacred trust to our hands, and we hope that each school and each member of the school will feel the responsibility resting upon them, and that we may be able to report still greater advancement at our annual gathering next year.