THE CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By W.
This meeting began Thursday evening, October 6, and is just drawing to a close as we write this report, Monday night, October 17. By unanimous vote of the congregation the meeting was held one day longer than the original appointment, and yet it seemed too short for all that needed to be done. In some respects this was one of the most successful camp-meetings ever held in California. The weather was all that could be desired. A hot north wind, the first three days of the meeting, caused some discomfort; but we have never attended a meeting where the weather was more uniformly fine. The meeting was the largest one ever held on the Pacific Coast. Besides the large preaching pavilion, there were three hundred and ten tents pitched. Of this number one tent, 50x77 feet in size, was used for children's meetings, and for the primary divisions of the Sabbath-school; another, 50x70 feet in size, was divided into twenty apartments for lodgers; a sixty-foot tent was used as a restaurant; and a fifty-foot tent served as a bookstand. When the vote was taken last year to purchase a tent 100x150 feet in size, many thought that the move was a little wild, but this meeting proved that it was bought none too soon. On the second Sunday, when Sister White spoke from Matt. 6:24-34, the tent was filled to its utmost capacity, and large crowds stood outside. A census taken in the early part of the meeting, showed that twelve hundred and fifty people were encamped; but it afterwards transpired that a few tents had been missed, and quite a number came to the ground afterward. The presence of Brother and Sister White, who arrived after the meeting had been in progress four days, added much to the interest of the meeting. Indeed, the large attendance was mostly due to the fact that it had been announced that Sister White would be present. On this account many came who had never attended a camp-meeting before. We have never before held a meeting in California which was so well advertised, nor one which was so well planned in all its arrangements. The restaurant tent was arranged so that the helpers could perform their work with less inconvenience than usual; and the healthful food which was prepared was highly appreciated. Two electric lights in the preaching tent, and three more at convenient places outside, afforded all the light that was needed, and saved much trouble that is usually spent in caring for lamps. The spiritual interests of the people were looked after as being the main object of the meeting. The large amount of business connected with the Conference, Tract Society, and Sabbath-school, gave less time for this, and for instruction in various branches of work than was desired, yet there were some precious seasons. On each Sabbath of the meeting several hundred came forward in response to a call for those who wished the prayers of God's people, and the work for them was carried on in the various districts into which the camp was divided. Thirty-nine were baptized, and nearly as many more candidates will be baptized at their home churches. Twice each day a meeting was held for the children, in which many sought and found the Saviour. There was a seeming break in one portion of the meeting, owing to dissatisfaction which the devil had been planting in the minds of some of the brethren; but a thorough investigation resulted in establishing the confidence of the people in the work to a degree probably never before felt; so that although there was some time seemingly lost, all felt that great advancement had been made. Sister White eloquently presented the needs of the missions in Europe, and the difficulties under which the work there is struggling, and the people responded with pledges and cash donations to the amount of over $8,500, besides a goodly amount of jewelry. The Sabbath-schools held on the ground were most interesting. The membership the first Sabbath was 1,156, but on the second Sabbath there were 1,307 in the school, and the number of classes was 181. The class contributions the first Sabbath amounted to $207.75, and the second Sabbath to $213.65, making a total of $421.40, which all goes to the South African Mission. It being seen that the $1,000 pledged to the African Mission by the association at last year's session, would be more than doubled by the close of the present year, it was voted by the association to donate at least $2,500 of the Sabbath-school contributions for 1888 to the city mission recently started in London, England, provided the International Association would consent. The camp was thoroughly canvassed, and many subscriptions were taken for the various periodicals, but the number has not been ascertained at present writing. The cash sales at the bookstand amounted to over $850, besides the orders which were taken. The secretary's report showed a marked increase in the amount of tithes paid in the Conference, there being more than $12,200 more this year than last year. If the brethren and sisters shall remember the earnest exhortation that was given them on the matter of bringing all the tithes into the storehouse, and also the resolutions which they made, as we believe they will, we may see a much greater increase next year. It was with deep regret that the Conference and Tract Society dropped Elder Haskell from the presidency, but it was felt to be imperative, as his whole attention will be taken up for the next year at least with the work in England. He has labored long and faithfully for the cause in California, and has taught the people how to work. He will ever be held in loving remembrance, and will be heartily welcomed back whenever his duties will permit him to return. Our prayers shall go up for him and the work in which he is engaged, and we know that he will not forget the work here, even if he is not officially connected with it. The brethren and sisters leave for their homes with good courage in the Lord, determined to gain daily victories by his help. W.