J. W by James White

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Sep 12, 1878

J. W

By James White

The Pacific Press.

Circulars were prepared to present to both the California camp-meetings in order to obtain pledges for the Pacific Press. We earnestly urge all the friends of the cause to give a helping hand to this important institution. The press is a mighty engine at this age of the world when men read and think for themselves. The publications issued from the Pacific Press, located at Oakland, California, add at least nine-tenths to the strength of the proclamation of the message of present truth on the Pacific coast; therefore its patronage and supporters should be proportionate to that, in proportion to the amount they give for the support of other branches of the work, according to its efficiency and importance. True, but little can be accomplished without the living preacher, and it is also true that very little could be done without our publications. But with both, and the blessing of God, we see the cause of truth moving forward with strength.

The circulars call for shares to be taken in the stock of the Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, from one share up to one hundred shares; one-half to be paid on or before the first day of January, 1879, and one-half on or before the first day of April, 1879. The means are needed to meet debts on which the Association is now paying interest at the rate of ten per cent per annum. Under the circumstances it will be expected that all the friends of the cause in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and other Pacific coast States and Territories will take one or more shares in the Association.

Young men and women, and also children who can obtain means to the amount of ten dollars, should take stock to the amount of one share. There are but few young people who do not spend the sum of ten dollars for needless indulgencies. Holiday gifts are very popular with the people of the Pacific coast. We suggest that all the young people, including as many children who can obtain the amount, each make a New Year's gift to the Pacific Press of ten dollars for which the secretary of the Association will send you a certificate of the same. This will entitle you to one vote at the annual meeting of the Association either in person, or if you cannot attend, you can vote by proxy.

If these young people really wish to deny themselves of the sum of ten dollars in things which they can get along without, and put the sum into an institution where the gospel is preached by steam, they can save it in the period of six months. Let us calculate. In six months there are twenty-six weeks, in which there are one hundred and fifty-six days. Now if these will take up the cross and follow their Master, at the rate of only a fraction more than six cents in each working day for the period of six months, this great work, which when put to the test of figures appears so very small, can be accomplished. The Sabbath-schools on the Pacific coast can raise ten thousand dollars at this rate if superintendents and teachers take hold with the children with union and vigilance. But the Sabbath-schools will not have to do this work alone by any means, unless they embrace all the friends of Bible truths, which by the way, they should; but there are hundreds of brethren and sisters who have embraced the message since the Association was formed who have not yet taken stock in it, and there are no good reason why every one of these should not take from one to one hundred shares who are able, and we trust willing, to take more stock. The present is a favorable season to place the Pacific Press above want. The past rainy season has been favorable to both the farmer and the miner. Let there be one united effort and the work will be done.