Sabbath-School Contributions.
By C. H. Jones
WE have received several letters of late, from different Sabbath-schools in the State, inquiring what they should do with their class contributions. In reply to these queries we have a suggestion to make. But first, I would say that in the past most of our schools have used this money to purchase needed supplies, such as Instructors, lesson books, maps, etc., until now they are quite generally supplied. I must say, I have never been fully satisfied with disposing of all of this money in this way. It has seemed to me that there should be some special object before the school to incite them to give—something of general interest, that would cause individuals to be more liberal. It seems to me that now the time has come to act in this matter, and we want to call the attention of all the schools in this Conference to the subject, and thus secure a united effort. It is now quite generally understood that a mission is to be opened in Australia, early in the spring. Elder Haskell, Elder Corliss, and others expect to set sail for that country about the first of May. They will start from San Francisco, and all of our brethren and sisters on this coast will feel a special interest in that mission, as well as in that in the islands of the Pacific, as this is their nearest point of communication. We expect a great work to be done in Australia in the near future, and calls for means, as well as for labor, will have to be made. No mission can be started without considerable expense, but thus far no call has been made for the Australian mission. Shall we not anticipate the wants of our brethren who are willing to make the sacrifice to go there to labor, and give them a handsome "send off"? They expect to start soon after the close of the present quarter. Now will not all the Sabbath-schools in this Conference pledge all of their class contributions this quarter (except the tithe to the State Association) to this mission? It certainly is a worthy object, and how it will cheer the hearts of those who are to go there to labor! I believe that a handsome sum can be raised in this way, if we all take hold of the work together. The Oakland school has already unanimously voted to do this. What school shall we hear from next? I would request each superintendent to bring this matter before his school next Sabbath, or as soon as possible, and then let us know the result. I am confident that, with this object before them, our brethren and sisters will feel more like giving something every Sabbath. At the close of the quarter please send the money immediately to the State Secretary, Miss Josie L. Cochran, Oakland, Cal., care Pacific Press. C. H. JONES, President Cal. State S. S. Association.