California Camp-Meeting.
By George I. Butler
Our meeting closed up gloriously. From the time of writing the last report, the interest greatly increased till the close. Through the middle of the week, we had many business matters to attend to, connected with the establishment of the Signs of the Times on the Pacific Coast, and getting the tract and missionary work into a more efficient shape. From the first, the brethren seemed determined that the paper should not be removed to the East. I could but admire their spirit and interest in this matter. I do not think it all arose from pride of locality, but that they thought it important for the interests of the cause here, and because they desired its prosperity. In the discussion of the proper course to take concerning its management here, there was considerable perplexity, and some difficulty in coming to a decision. But the vote of the Conference, and the whole body of brethren and sisters, for its stay here was overwhelming. The friends of the cause wished to see the tract and missionary work in a more efficient condition. Thus far they have been working along as best they could. Now they have divided the State into districts, and there seems to be a decided determination to take hold of this work with vigor. I talked to the people at considerable length on this important work, and I think a good impression was made, and that the work in this important branch will go forward still more encouragingly than in the past. Toward the last of the week, we tried to draw the attention of the people especially to practical truth, as well as to the theory concerning the sanctuary, messages, law, and Sabbath. Sabbath day, we had a large accession of brethren and sisters, so that there were nearly six hundred staying upon the ground. Sabbath afternoon, there was a good move among the people. Fifty or sixty sinners and backsliders came forward for prayers, and many of them spoke with much feeling. Broken-hearted confessions were made, and tears of contrition were shed. All felt that it had been a good day, and that the meeting was a decided success. Sunday morning was the time chosen to raise means. The Conference had decided to assume the responsibility of the paper. Now it was to be shown what they meant and how much real interest they had. The wants of the cause were set before them about as usual at our camp-meetings, and though some were impatient for us to get through, they were so anxious to put down their pledges, we took about the usual time to give the facts concerning the progress of the work, and the responsibilities resting upon the people here. We were all greatly and happily surprised to see the readiness of the people to pledge of their means for the establishment of the paper. Over nineteen thousand three hundred dollars were pledged to be paid by a year from next January for the paper, with the understanding that an Association should be formed as soon as the place could be fixed for it to be located, with shares similar to the one at Battle Creek. There were also pledged for a tent fund, and to pay for the tents purchased last season, over fifteen hundred dollars more, making not far from twenty-one thousand dollars pledged for the cause here in California at this meeting. This includes the one-hundred-dollar men in this State, who pledged for the cause the past summer, probably less than $1000 in all. We think this is the largest sum ever pledged at any S. D. Adventist meeting thus far in the progress of this cause, and it is certainly most liberal. There were two who pledged $1000 each, twelve who pledged $500 each, and fifty-one who signed $100 each, besides those who signed sums between these. Certainly we must believe our brethren in California mean business now. On Sunday, we had a good congregation from the outside, who gave good attention. In the afternoon forty-one went forward in baptism. There were some of these in whom I felt the deepest interest. Our meeting closed early Monday morning, and all returned to their homes seemingly in good spirits. Many said it was the best meeting ever held here. We tried to give instruction that would help the people where they are. The large tent or pavilion is now at this writing pitched in one of the most available places in San Francisco, and the first meeting is just through. There were four or five hundred present, which, for the first night, is a large congregation. Good interest was manifested. We hope great good will be done. The paper will soon be issued weekly, we trust. We see no reason why the cause will not move forward gloriously on this coast. We believe God will bless it as his people move forward. A good work has been done here, and God is giving us the field. San Francisco, Cal., Oct. 16, 1874.