My Visit to California by Geo. I. Butler

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Woodland, Cal. · Oct 22, 1874

My Visit to California.

By Geo. I. Butler

As I find myself at present in this State, it may not be out of the way to speak briefly in the SIGNS of my visit here, and my reflections concerning the cause upon this coast.

I have been watching with deep interest the progress of this cause in California ever since Elders Loughborough and Bourdeau came here, and have rejoiced at the success which has attended the work. I had little thought that I should ever be here to witness the good results accomplished. And, from time to time, as Bro. White has spoken and written concerning the work going forward, as well as the other brethren in the ministry laboring here, I have greatly rejoiced. But it seemed to be far distant from me, and having plenty to do where I was, I did not concern myself with particulars in California.

But when it was thought best that I should come to confer with the California Conference, concerning the further publication of the SIGNS, and to labor during the camp meetings, and as long after as duty should require, I, of course, had to form a closer acquaintance with the work on this coast. I have now been here several weeks, and mingled with the brethren, and have formed very pleasant acquaintance with many.

I rejoice greatly at what I have seen in this State. Surely the work here is onward. The camp meeting has given me a clearer view of the strength of the work here than I had before. Truly God has been giving us the field here in California. Confusion has marked the counsels of some who have opposed us. We have financial strength in this State sufficient to do almost anything we wish to undertake. Our recent excellent meeting has shown that there is stability to this cause here, and that it is of no mushroom growth. When responsible persons come forward, and pledge over $21,000 of yellow gold to sustain and forward the work going on in their midst, all will agree that it means “business.”

It is no wonder that ministers, and members of our staid, respectable, popular churches are astonished at such a result. It would take a mighty effort of any of these large denominations to raise a sum as large, though they have a standing of many years here, and much wealth and a far greater membership, while we have only had a foot-hold for five or six years on this coast.

As I look back to the camp meeting, after time for reflection, I can regard it but a grand success. The united stand which our friends took in assuming the responsibilities of the paper, and the determined spirit with which they assumed its pecuniary burdens, convinces me that they mean to do something here in California. When we see this spirit among the people, we feel that we could labor and sacrifice to any extent to help such in the good work. The spirit of sacrifice begets the like spirit in others.

We ought, all of us, to realize this feature, and act so that our influence will lift every-where and encourage the hearts of the toil-worn and weary, the weak and desponding. When people hold back in their selfishness, and chill the hearts of those who would work, they assume a terrible responsibility, and will have to answer for it at the bar of God. When our people generally get just the right spirit, and cheerfully and determinedly take hold of the work of spreading this glorious truth, we shall move the world.

Those who have drank deepest at the fountain of present truth know best its precious, soul-satisfying sweetness, and they feel most like putting heart and soul into the work. But it is a great step up from the low grounds of selfishness and worldly aims to see that it is “more blessed to give than to receive,” and that there is nothing so noble and worthy of our effort in this world as the salvation of our fellow men and the progress of God’s work on the earth. Millions will weep and wail, in a short space, as they find themselves lost, lost forever. How piercing will these wailings of sorrow be to him who ought to have been the means of saving these souls, but would not. Why? Because it required some worldly sacrifice. Souls were not so precious as dollars. Then these things will appear in their true light. They ought to appear so now, and every one of us ought to be doing our utmost to save the souls of the perishing.

We ought to arouse ourselves mightily, and work while it is called to-day. Every evidence I see which goes to show that our people begin to feel this solemn, sacred duty, gladdens my heart and inspires my soul with love and hope. So the evidence given on the California camp ground of a readiness to shoulder some of the burdens of the cause was soul cheering to me.

I would not have it understood that these good brethren have fully and entirely seen and assumed all the duties of the times and the work. On the contrary, I presume many of them have little sense of the infinite obligations they are under to work for God and their fellow men. It is, perhaps, too much to hope that they can realize this all at once. But they did take hold of this one present responsibility with a spirit which augurs blessed results, as they come to realize other obligations.

Although the brethren have pledged themselves so liberally on the new paper, we trust they will not think the whole work done. They have now something to work for, more than merely to make money for themselves. They may properly look to God for His blessing upon their efforts, as their work is now, at least partially, to help forward his cause in the earth. If they give not only their means thus pledged, but themselves, also, to God, He will surely bless them in soul and in store.

Now that the brethren have assumed the responsibility of publishing and supporting the paper, there should be an earnest effort made for the increase of its circulation. The Tract and Missionary Society should realize the burden upon them. Here is a field where they can work acceptably. The new constitution published in this issue should be carefully studied, especially by the officers. They should become fully acquainted with their duties, and then discharge them to the best of their ability. Get all the paying subscribers you can for this paper. Many of your neighbors would take the paper if its merits were properly presented before them.

Every reasonable effort should be made to raise a list of subscribers who will make it self-sustaining. In doing this you will accomplish several good objects. The great principles of truth taught by us will thus be circulated. The influence of the paper will be extended. And each paying subscriber, will save means to the cause. It is well known of course, that an actual loss occurs in publishing a paper, until its subscription list reaches a certain number. This loss will have to be made up by the donations of the friends of the cause. Every subscriber then, not only lessens this burden upon the supporters of the cause, but, at the same time, the light of truth is spreading. Wake up, brethren and sisters. All may work here. Throw yourselves into the work, as never before.

There are, no doubt, many who might write for the paper with acceptance. Possibly some of your articles might not be published. Try again. Even those who have become the greatest writers made failures at first. Give interesting facts and items of experience. Tell what the Lord has done for you. Look around you for avenues in which to labor for God. Feel that the cause of God is a part of your very being.

I have felt very much encouraged by my short stay in this noble State. I shall now feel a special interest here, because of my acquaintance with you all, and shall be glad, from time to time, to say a word in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Brethren and sisters of California, you have a good field in which to work for God and humanity. This broad Pacific Slope gives you a chance to use all your power. I hope you will have a laudable zeal to fill your sphere of usefulness, with noble deeds of love and earnest effort, and that we may meet in the Kingdom of God.

GEO. I. BUTLER.