OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, AUG. 28, 1879. Day of Fasting and Prayer.
The cause of present truth in California has labored under many difficulties during the past year. The Conference, having only inexperienced ministers, has been without a President during the entire year. The publishing house in Oakland, has been struggling toward a position where it may be self-sustaining. But the General Conference, mindful of our wants, sent Elder Haskell to our assistance, whose labors among the churches have been the means of great encouragement to the friends of the cause. Hopes are reviving, and the prospect is brightened before us. The time of our annual Camp-meeting is drawing near. As our work enlarges the importance of these annual convocations increases. In many respects this will be the most important meeting which has ever been held in this State. In order that it may be successful we need the special blessing of Heaven,—an out-pouring of the Spirit. We not only want to receive a blessing there, but we need to go there in a spirit of prayer and consecration to the work. Therefore, counseling with Bro. Haskell, it is decided to appoint as a day of fasting and prayer. We recommend that our brethren and sisters spend the day, outside of other services, in prayer and meditation, and reading the Scriptures wherein the Lord has stated the duty and uses of fasting. We all need help from Heaven. Let us all humble ourselves before the Lord, assured that if we are consecrated to his work and glory he will hear and bless, and revive his work among us.