SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By J. O. Corliss
THIS meeting, to which some reference was made in last week's paper, closed Tuesday morning May 3. To say it was a good meeting, does not fully express our estimation of it. It was a season not to soon be forgotten by those present. The cause in that part of the State was quite generally represented, and those who attended seemed fully determined to improve the time, and to derive all the benefit the occasion afforded. This was especially noticeable on the part of some who came to the meeting discouraged, and desponding. Everything said, calculated to inspire hope and courage, was eagerly appropriated by these, and all their efforts seemed to be bent in one direction—to increase their faith in the truth, and become more imbued with the spirit of the work. And, judging from the warm, earnest testimonies borne toward the close of the meeting, they were not altogether unsuccessful in their efforts. The outside interest, especially on Sunday, was not so great as might be desired, yet many of the people of Fresno attended quite regularly, and seemed much interested, enough at least so that quite a number subscribed for the SIGNS. Three took their stand fully for the truth. The several branches of the work were duly considered in their order. While reviewing the work of the Tract and Missionary Society, the providence of God in connection with the efforts of his people in this work seemed more prominent than ever before, especially in relation to sending the truth to other nations. Grateful acknowledgment of this was made by many of the brethren, not in words alone, but by acts also, which showed their desire to co-operate in the good work of proclaiming the truth to the world. Bro. Haskell spoke of the necessity of all our people having the Review and Herald, as it is our church paper and contains just such matter as all the brethren ought to have in connection with the SIGNS, in order to build up in the truth. A good number of subscriptions were taken for the Review. The clubs of the SIGNS were also increased by one hundred and seventy-five copies. The providence of God has opened the way for a work for the Spanish people. This was referred to, when some desired to see a fund raised to carry that branch forward as the providence of God might seem to open the way. One hundred and sixty-five dollars were immediately subscribed. The amount might easily have been swelled to one thousand dollars, had an effort in that direction been made. One meeting was devoted to the Sabbath-school work. All the brethren seemed to take a deep interest in the discussion of the important question, What can be done to make the Sabbath-school more interesting and effective? All listened attentively to the many good suggestions of Bro. W. C. and Mary K. White upon this point. It was an interesting and profitable occasion. The last morning, before parting, a social meeting was held in which many touching testimonies were borne, and in which solemn vows were exchanged to be faithful in the service of God. It would be impossible to tell all the good things that were spoken, much less to describe the effect they seemed to have upon each other. It is enough to say that it was good to be there, and we trust the good impressions received on the occasion will not be allowed to fade away and be lost. The meeting is now in the past, and its privileges with the vows made by each on the occasion are matters of record above. It now remains to be seen what disposition those who enjoyed the meeting will make of the time still left to them. Brethren, the cause of God is moving, and with its onward march we must keep pace if we expect to triumph with it. Now is the time to lift in this good cause. Soon the work will close, and all our opportunities be ended. May we all prove faithful to the end. J. O. CORLISS.