FRESNO, CAL., CAMP-MEETING.
By S. N. Haskell
The brethren in this section of the country were well represented at this meeting. About three hundred Sabbath-keepers were in attendance, of whom two hundred and thirty-nine camped on the ground, occupying forty-two tents. Eld. Waggoner was present, and labored to good effect. His testimony on the subject of health was timely, and well appreciated by the friends of the cause. Nearly all seemed desirous of learning more. Eld. Healey was also present, and assisted in the meetings. The meetings continued until Tuesday P. M. Over one hundred subscribers were obtained, upon the ground, for our various periodicals. A large proportion of these were for the REVIEW and Good Health. One sister obtained twenty-four for the former. Bro. Edson White took charge of the Sabbath-school interests. A model Sabbath-school convened Sabbath morning, consisting of sixteen classes. The class contribution boxes were used, and every one contained something. Over sixteen dollars were thus raised for the State association. Resolutions concerning teachers’ meetings, class contribution boxes, maps, and other things calculated to promote the Sabbath-school interests, were adopted. One pleasing feature in this work was the interest which some of the schools that were represented at the meeting have aroused among those not of our faith, by inviting the children to unite in their exercises. Quite an interest was taken in the temperance question. A goodly number signed the teetotal pledge, thus severing their connection with tea, coffee, and tobacco. As is frequently the case at such meetings, not much time was devoted to missionary work; but a willingness was manifested by all the brethren to advance on all points of truth. On Sunday the outside attendance was not large, but those present gave good attention to the word spoken. Sabbath afternoon about forty came forward for prayers, and on Monday sixteen were baptized. Husbands and wives, parents and children, went into the water together. It was truly a pleasant sight to see the father of threescore years, and his little daughter of ten summers, thus publicly confessing their faith in a risen Saviour. Heaven seemed to smile upon the scene. A large portion of this country for hundreds of miles presents, at this season of the year, the appearance of a barren desert, with scarcely vegetation enough, one would think, to keep alive the horned toads, rattlesnakes, and other creatures of like character which thrive here. Where the land is irrigated, grapes, peaches, pears, and all kinds of fruit grow in abundance, and cannot be excelled in deliciousness. Some things yield four crops a year.