HEALDSBURG CAMP-MEETING.
By S. N. Haskell
This meeting was one of interest to the friends of the cause in California. It commenced Wednesday evening, Sept. 17, and continued until the next Wednesday morning. It was held in a grove of madrona trees and large oaks, whose majestic limbs formed a leafy net-work over the large tent, 60x100 feet. Ninety-seven church and family tents, occupied by over five hundred campers, were also covered with a beautiful shade. The grounds everywhere presented a lovely appearance. As the California Conference has had no active president during the past year, some matters had not received the attention that should have been given them. This gave additional labor to the committees appointed on the ground, especially the auditing committee and the committee on credentials and licenses. Some seemed to entertain mistaken ideas of the nature of a license. Simply holding a license does not entitle any one to draw pay from the Conference funds, unless the fruits of his labor indicate that, at least, God has called him to the work; yet such men may be good missionary workers, and men whom God loves. The apostle enumerates many gifts existing in the church, such as helps, governments, etc. These are as necessary in their sphere as an evangelist or a preacher is in his, but the labor they perform is entirely different. It was evident from the reports of the various committees that their recommendations had not been hastily drawn up. They showed that much prayerful thought and consultation had been given to the subjects considered, before they were presented to the Conference. This gave union and harmony in all their business proceedings. When the missionary work was presented, all hearts seemed touched by the Spirit of God. This showed that they had an interest in the work. Tears flowed freely. An opportunity was given for those who wished to contribute something to the missionary work on shipboard to do so. Gold breastpins, lockets, chains, ear and finger rings, precious keepsakes, with gold and silver coin, were put into the hat as it was passed around, until about a quart was collected. The preaching was close and practical, and was appreciated. On Friday P. M. about seventy-five came forward for prayers, including many of our brethren who felt the need of drawing nearer to God. On Sabbath another opportunity was given especially to those who were seeking God for the first time, or who had wholly backslidden from him, to which about thirty responded. Twenty-five were baptized, many of whom were young converts. After listening to the Bible view of supporting the ministry, by giving a tithe of our income, nearly all voted to do this, and signed the pledge to this effect. The temperance meeting was a success. About three hundred signed the teetotal pledge, and two hundred paid the membership fee. Over one hundred had previously signed this pledge, and become full members. Solicitors were appointed in every company represented at the meeting, and steps were taken to organize clubs in the various churches in the State. Sabbath morning Bro. Edson White conducted a very interesting Sabbath-school, a report of which has appeared elsewhere. On Sunday nearly four hundred subscribers were obtained for our periodicals, and these, with the subscribers obtained at the Fresno camp-meeting, make about five hundred in all. It was estimated that twenty-five hundred people were on the ground Sunday, and there was a large congregation every evening. Some remarked that should we continue the meetings another week, the whole town would be converted. A good interest was manifested to the last, and good order was preserved. The brethren went home much encouraged to take hold anew in the service of God. On Wednesday a general consultation was held by the Conference Committee and the ministers, respecting the wants of the cause and their various fields of labor. It is to be regretted that all in this State who design to labor for the cause in any capacity, could not have been at this meeting, so that there might have been a more general understanding in regard to future labor. However, nearly all the ordained ministers were present. Eld. Healey was upon the ground, but was sick and unable to preach but once. We trust that much good fruit will be the result of this meeting. S. N. Haskell.