California S. S. Association.
THE sixth annual session of the California State Sabbath-school Association was held in connection with the camp-meeting at San Jose, Sept. 6–18, 1883. The first meeting was called Sept. 10, at 5 P. M. Prayer by W. C. White. The minutes of the last annual session were read and approved. A summary of the work done during the year was given, showing an addition of five new schools, and an entire membership of not less than 1,250. The chair appointed the following committees: On Nominations—W. C. White, E. J. Waggoner, J. D. Rice; on Resolutions—C. H. Jones, C. C. Ramsey, W. C. Grainger; to Examine School Records—C. H. Jones, E. A. Chapman, and Josie Cochran. The question of preparing and reciting the lesson being taken up, some pointed remarks were made calculated to stir all who are connected with the Sabbath-school work to the importance of faithfulness in the study of the Bible. It is not enough to study the synopsis as found in the Instructor, but we should compare scripture with scripture, making the Bible the text-book, and using the synopsis and notes as helps in the work. A second meeting was held Sept. 14, at 5 P. M. After the usual opening exercises, the Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, Eld. G. D. Ballou; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. G. D. Ballou; Executive Committee—G. D. Ballou, C. H. Jones, and E. J. Waggoner. These were all elected for the ensuing year. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following:— WHEREAS, We recognize the hand of God in the Sabbath-school work, and his blessing upon the efforts that have been put forth in the past, Resolved, That we will pledge ourselves to be more faithful in this important branch of our work in the future, and that we will try to keep in mind the two main objects of the Sabbath-school. First, to become better acquainted with the word of God, and second, to secure the conversion of souls. WHEREAS, We believe that much good may be done by the establishment of Sunday-schools in different localities, and Sabbath-schools in connection with labor in new fields; therefore, Resolved, That we will encourage the establishment of such schools, and that the Executive Committee be requested to supply these schools with the necessary outfit, when not otherwise provided for. Resolved, That we urge upon all, both old and young, the importance of attending Sabbath-school regularly, and taking an active part, and that parents be especially careful to set an example worthy of imitation. Resolved, That the dangers and duties of our times demand of us that we should give more earnest attention to the preparation of the Sabbath-school lessons, and to this end we urge upon teachers and scholars the importance of providing themselves with the necessary helps; and we especially recommend “Sketches from the Life of Paul,” by Mrs. E. G. White, and the three volumes of “The Great Controversy,” by the same author. Resolved, That we request all our schools to keep a careful and complete record of attendance and scholarship, and make prompt reports to the State Secretary, and that all Sabbath-school record books be brought to our next annual meeting to be examined. The discussion of these resolutions occupied the balance of the second meeting and all of the third. Much valuable thought was expressed, which if acted upon will soon infuse new life into every school in the State. The resolutions were all adopted. The question was asked, What method can be adopted by the schools to secure the maps and other helps needed? Bro. Jones answered by stating how the Oakland school had solved this question. The key to the solution lay in the interest which all manifested to assist the work regularly by Sabbath offerings. If every school would take hold of this matter systematically, all would soon have funds sufficient to supply themselves with the needed helps. Many other interesting questions were discussed. Meeting then adjourned sine die. G. D. BALLOU, Pres.
MRS. G. D. BALLOU, Sec.