THE ONTARIO CAMP-MEETING.
By J. H. WATSON
The Ontario camp-meeting is now in the past, but the memory of it will linger with all who were present; and with some its influence will remain till life on this earth, in its present condition, shall end. That it was a time of refreshing was acknowledged by all, without a single exception, at the last social meeting held on the grounds. It was a scene long to be remembered, when, on the first Sabbath afternoon, nearly all present, including the ministers and workers, engaged in confession of sins, and in prayer for full and perfect liberty in Christ Jesus. The work of heart-searching, which was begun at that meeting, continued through the remaining days. Nowhere was the guidance of the Lord more manifest than in the carrying on of the Conference business. As is usual on such occasions, some perplexing questions had to be dealt with; but the Lord did not leave his work to finite beings without giving his controlling Spirit to direct. Although this Conference is only in the first year of its existence, its prospects are favorable. To those who have contributed to its support in its infancy, it is a great relief to learn that its financial condition has steadily improved. The urgent calls for the ministry of the Word are so numerous that it is impossible for the Conference Committee to supply them all, with the present limited corps of workers. We hope that the influence of the meeting will extend to every lover of truth in the province, and that all will be stirred by the Spirit of the Lord in such a way that the year on which we have entered will show such a growth not only in numbers, but in spirituality, that the number of our workers can be greatly augmented, and the many opportunities the Lord is holding out to us be improved to the very best advantage, while the winds of strife and commotion are being held. Harmony and good will were the characteristic features of the meeting. When the enemy came in like a flood, in a desperate effort to bring in disunion, there was such a rallying to the standard raised by the Lord that the enemy was driven out in defeat, and notes of victory and songs of freedom resounded throughout the camp. Resolutions suggested by committees for advance steps in all the different branches of work before us were so heartily welcomed, and were adopted in such a spirit, that there is every reason to expect that all will unite in one supreme effort to co-operate with the Lord in extending the work of the Third Angel's Message throughout our borders, and thence to regions beyond. Perhaps the most hearty response was made in taking hold to carry out the plan for the relief of our educational institutions; and as a result, we confidently expect a more complete unification of our churches. The preaching was pointed and practical, being mostly upon the fundamental principles of present truth. An exceptional interest was evinced by the citizens of Guelph. A pavilion of twice the dimensions of the one in use would doubtless have been filled to overflowing. Hundreds of persons were compelled to stand to listen to the truths presented. We were favored with the presence of Elder A. J. Breed, superintendent of the District; Elder J. W. Collie, of Battle Creek College; L. A. Smith, editor of the Sentinel of Liberty; and Dr. John F. Morse, of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. The last Sunday of the camp-meeting the ordinance of baptism was administered to thirteen persons, in a stream not far from the camp. A large audience assembled to witness the scene. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and deep impressions were made upon the minds of the people.