Northern California Camp-Meeting.
THIS, the best camp-meeting ever held by our people in California, closed September 5. From the very commencement a feeling of deep solemnity pervaded. The importance of the occasion was felt by those fitting up the grounds, and daily prayer-meetings were held, and thus the camp-meeting commenced nearly a week in advance of the appointed time. The feeling that characterized the meeting, from the first, not only continued, but increased to the close. The grounds were nicely arranged, and everything about the encampment bore marks of good taste and the best of order. There were over one hundred tents upon the ground, which were occupied by more than six hundred persons. The outside attendance was quite large, especially upon Sunday, when there were about fifteen hundred present. The preaching was of a close practical character, particularly relating to the message for our time. Elders Loughborough and Healey, were the principal speakers; they were assisted in their labors by Brethren Stephens, Rice, Dr. Kellogg and others. The first discourse was preached Thursday morning, by Elder Loughborough, from 1 Cor. 3:17: “Beye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” He stated that the work was not wholly for the ministers, but that all had a part to act. He presented the life of Christ as a model, and impressed his hearers with the importance of faithfulness in the cause and work of God. Sabbath a. m. Elder Healey gave a discourse from the words of Christ, on the preparation for the marriage supper. In the afternoon Elder Loughborough spoke from Rom. 14:10: “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” He portrayed in a solemn manner the certainty of the judgment, and the importance of a preparation for the event. After the discourse, an invitation was given to those who desired to make a start in the service of the Lord to come forward for prayers. A goodly number responded. The melting Spirit of the Lord was present; and much feeling was manifested, as many for the first time embraced this opportunity to express their desire to yield themselves to the service of the Lord. Both Sabbath and Sunday the time was well occupied with religious service. The prayer and social meetings were of special interest. Some who for years have been watching this people, expressed a desire to go with them. Others who were strangers to our people and doctrines confessed that the Lord was indeed with us. Many times the whole congregation were in tears. Monday, a. m., Elder Loughborough read the Conference Address. In the afternoon a discourse was given by Brother Stephens. At 5 P. M., a meeting was held for the examination of candidates for baptism; at the close of which, Brethren Stephens and Rice were ordained to the work of the ministry. Tuesday, Elder Healey spoke on baptism. Forty-three were baptized, and others decided to go with us and united with the various churches where they reside. The business meetings were well attended and characterized by harmonious action. The evening after the Sabbath, Elder Loughborough spoke of the wants of the cause. He made remarks upon the following scriptures: “Laborers together with God;” “Buy of me gold tried in the fire,” etc. He stated that perhaps some would rather hear him speak on the Saint's Inheritance. But the cause of God demanded sacrifice and united action. Many readily responded to the call for means to advance the publishing work. The matter was again taken up Monday evening after a discourse by Elder L., upon the subject of the talents, and the wise and foolish virgins. Appeals were made for pledges to the publishing house. The sum of nearly eleven thousand dollars was pledged for stock in the Association. The British mission was then introduced, pledge papers were circulated. The papers were returned with pledges to the amount of nearly four thousand dollars. The Dime Tabernacle was also introduced, and fifty dollars was paid in by those who had not already pledged before coming to the meeting. A contribution of jewelry was taken up for the British mission amounting to over one hundred dollars. The closing discourse was preached Wednesday evening by Elder Loughborough, upon the Christian's Hope, after which a brief testimonial was read by Brother Healey, expressing regard and esteem for Elder L. and his estimable wife. Cause for both rejoicing and sorrowing were expressed. Rejoicing that Brother L. had been selected to open the mission in California, and that through his labors many had been brought to a knowledge of the truth —sorrowing that anything should ever have occurred through which his arduous labors had been increased in this State, and a desire that God would forgive the erring. And as he enters upon his misson to England, accompanied by his wife, who is indeed a true helper, the hearts and prayers of the brethren and sisters in California go with them. The following words, composed for the occasion were then sung:— Farewell our brother, dear and true,
Farewell, may God thy footsteps guide,
Through tears for you we still can view
That meeting where no griefs abide.
On us a faithful shepherd's care
With zeal thou ever hast bestowed,
And for thy care God will prepare
A crown beyond the narrow road.
Oh may thy mantle on us fall,
Thy earnest zeal with us remain,
And may we all obey the call
To waken from our slumbers vain.
The God of Israel, pilot, guide,
Will be thy guardian day by day,
Will speed thee on thy mission wide,
Uphold thee in the righteous way.
Farewell, our words and tears are vain
To show our soul's true, earnest love;
Farewell, in God let hope remain—
A hope we all may meet above.