California and New England Conferences.
By S. N. Haskell
We take this method of calling the attention of the California and New England Conferences to the importance of their coming camp-meetings; also to some of the reasons why a special effort should be put forth to attend these camp-meetings this present season. These Conferences have both selected important cities in which to hold their camp-meetings. Both are to be held upon the fair-grounds in two cities of about the same size. Each of these Conferences has more or less to do with ship missionary work, one upon the Atlantic Coast, the other upon the Pacific Coast. One furnishes publications to the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, the other to the islands of the Pacific Ocean; and in each case there is fruit of their labor. They also send publications to nearly all foreign ports to which vessels sail. Each of these Conferences has established a school with the special object of sending out laborers in the cause of present truth. These schools are established and conducted upon the same principles, differing from other schools in that they believe that mental and physical labor combined is the only sure way to secure a healthy, well-balanced mind, which is so essential to fit men and women to labor successfully in the closing work of the gospel. The result of this one year's effort is that some thirty laborers have entered the field during the summer vacation. The camp-meeting is the only time when these matters can be set before all our friends together. These are some of the common features of these two Conferences which will make their camp-meetings of special interest. The cause of present truth has been steadily advancing for nearly two score years, but in no previous year in the history of this work have there been more important steps taken towards placing the truth before the people by the colporteurs, and also in educating ministers and teachers to engage in the cause of God, than during the present year. The establishing of mission rooms in San Francisco and New York City, the two most important sea port cities for our work in America, we look upon as important moves. It is true that successful missionary work had been done in these cities before, but there was no reading-room to which sailors and those interested could be invited. The increased circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES from 10,500 to 20,000 in a few months' time, is an item which shows that the Spirit of God is moving upon the people. And as the most favorable season of the year for2reading is before us, we shall expect this number will be largely increased before 1883 closes. It also indicates what God is willing to do for his people in a brief space of time. If we are faithful and put forth a corresponding effort, he will work for us and show us his salvation as we never have seen it in the past. The Saviour when upon earth did not go where he was not wanted. “He made as though he would have gone further” when the two disciples “drew nigh unto the village whither they went; but they constrained him, saying, Abide with me.” “And he went in to tarry with them.” It is the same at the present day. He lets our hearts burn within us at some gracious token, revealing his divine love; then if we would have the Saviour come into our families and abide in our homes, we should not only earnestly invite him, but be sufficiently zealous to put from our hearts that which is in opposition to his Holy Spirit. Would we have him come into our Conferences, and convert our families, our neighbors, and friends, and have his special blessing follow our ministers in the field, then our united effort should be to that point, and we as a people should seek him with all our hearts. There has been many a failure when a series of meetings has been held, which will be chargeable in the day of Judgment to a backslidden church. Many a blessing has been offered to a people which their coldness and spiritual apathy has unfitted them to receive. If the Son of God himself could not do many mighty works because of unbelief, and if the covetousness of an Achan caused a defeat in all the armies of Israel, is it any marvel that we do not see greater victories of the cross, when our hearts are so cold, and we manifest no more of an interest in his cause? When our ministers go into new fields, they should be sustained by the sympathies and prayers of a living church. With all the apostle’s eloquence, and the power of God which Paul possessed, he requested the church to pray, “That utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery.” The disciples, after they had been with the Saviour three and a half years, were requested by him to, “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” This was necessary to qualify them for their work. After ten days of prayer and seeking God he did prepare them to labor among the different nations by the special outpouring of his Spirit. If it was important for the early disciples to spend ten days in seeking God, it certainly is no less important for us to have at least one annual meeting where a week or more may be spent in consultation and prayer. We need this fitting up now. We cannot afford to wait. Worldliness is weaving a net around many hearts so that they cannot break the snare, and they will be found wanting when weighed in the balances of God’s sanctuary. God would have his people arouse and prepare themselves for battle, for battle is certainly coming. Not only are there victories to be gained over our individual besetments, but as a people God would do great things for us as Conferences were we in a condition to receive them. We shall soon see the salvation of God; his truth and work will triumph. The camp-meetings should be seasons of refreshing by the Spirit of God. They should be seasons of consultation and prayer; seasons of instruction to both ministers and people, that when we go from the place we may be better prepared to engage in the work of God than ever before. It is to such camp-meetings that we look forward this present season in California and New England. No ordinary difficulty should keep any from attending, for we have interests far more important than any personal considerations. There are many in California, especially in the southern portion of the State, who have not attended a camp-meeting for years, who should attend the one at San José. You need the benefit of the camp-meeting, and we need your counsel. S. N. Haskell.