DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have thought much of your camp-meeting since its appointment at Oakland, and did not know that I did have so much interest in your work on the Pacific Coast. I have ever believed that God has great blessings for his people who take great responsibility. The institutions located in your midst lay greater responsibilities on you than on any other Conference in the country, and when God places upon any people greater responsibilities, it is because he designs to bestow a large amount of grace; and if they walk in the light and discharge these responsibilities, in that proportion will be their reward in the Kingdom of God. "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister." Heb. 6:10.
The responsibility of giving the truth to the islands of the Pacific Ocean as well as to Australia, New Zealand, and those countries west, will rest largely on those who reside on the Pacific Coast. The islands west of California are as much to that Conference as the islands of the Atlantic are to the country east of the Rocky Mountains. As I think of the institutions in your midst and the facilities you have to connect with those countries, I feel thankful for the disposition of the friends on the Pacific Coast to so cheerfully take the responsibilities, and put forth such efforts to bear them. There are great blessings in store for God's people a little way in the future. He wants to work for his people in mighty power, and he will do so as soon as they occupy a position where he can; but where there are great blessings in store, there must be mighty efforts put forth in order to receive said blessings. Satan will bring every effort in his power to hinder the people from acting the part which will receive these blessings.
When Christ made his first advent to our world, great light dawned upon the people. Had the Jews received the Saviour, they would have secured to themselves the greatest blessings ever obtained by mortals; but in order to receive him it would have cost them a mighty struggle. Those who did receive him and obtained his blessing, put forth such an effort to resist the influence around them as was in proportion to the blessings they received. The Saviour describes their experience thus: "The kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force." They were obliged to surmount obstacles and gain victories such as they had not experienced before.
Many of our friends in California have manifested a liberality by pledges to sustain the cause in that State and to carry the truth into foreign countries. This was especially manifested at your last camp-meeting. God accepted those pledges and blessed those who made them; but pledging was only the commencement of a battle. Satan will contend for every inch of ground. He knows should the pledges be promptly paid, and the work still be sustained with a liberal hand, that souls would be delivered from the power of darkness, and great victories would come to the people of God. It will require greater vigilance and earnestness to pay the pledges than to earn the means out of which the pledges are to be paid. Our brethren oftentimes forget this and conclude that making the pledges was the hardest part of the battle. It will require faith, sacrifice, and a venturing out on the promise of God to gain victory and obtain the blessing which will come as the result of the effort; but if we make circumstances conform to what we know to be right, it will make us strong, and perfect us in our judgment so that we will be useful in the cause of God. I hope our brethren will appreciate this and not suffer an unpaid pledge to rest on the California Conference. Each church and all connected with it should feel a responsibility in this matter, for it is the pathway to great blessings, and this matter should not rest until all pledges in California are canceled by the payment of the same. If some persons are unfortunate and cannot pay them and have not the means to do so, others should aid them. I do not write this because of any personal interest; but am anxious to see God walk through California in mighty power. I trust not one will take back his pledges and say it was a mistake that they made them, for then God would be displeased, and would bring a curse instead of a blessing. "Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel it was an error; wherefore should God be angry at thy voice and destroy the work of thine hands." Eccl. 5:6.
May God bless you in all your deliberations, give you largely of his Holy Spirit, and the work of God prosper on the Pacific Coast. Although it is not probable that I can be on the Pacific Coast for the year to come, if ever, yet I shall ever be interested in your prosperity. Our associations in the past, ever since I have been officially connected with the work on the coast, have been as pleasant as with any Conference or institution with which I have ever been connected; and on this point I have nothing to regret, only my incompetency to serve you better. While I deem it for your interest and for mine no longer to hold an official connection with you, yet the union which exists in the bonds of truth, I trust, will be perpetuated in the kingdom of God.
We are living in solemn times. It is in the closing work of the Judgment. It will be but a short time and the work will be over. Our only safety will be in living near to God. Remember the cause is more precious than our lives, and it should ever be our privilege to sacrifice for its interests, for we cannot afford to fail of eternal life.
S. N. HASKELL.
SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 22, 5 P. M.
Prayer by Elder Briggs. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. H. C. Palmer presented credentials from the church at San Pasqual. The churches at Ferndale, San Jose, and Norwalk were received into the Conference.
The minutes of the last Conference session, which had been approved at the close of the San Jose meeting, were then read in order to bring the business then transacted before the minds of the delegates.
Reports of labor were then called for. Elder Briggs reported that after the San Jose meeting he had returned to Los Angeles County, where he had labored ever since. After several weeks' labor at Norwalk, where he had previously been, fifty names were added to the covenant. A meeting-house has been built and paid for, and a church of thirty-five members was organized. At El Monte twelve have signed the covenant to keep the commandments. Some time was spent in Los Angeles, in company with others, and at Pasadena and San Gabriel small companies have been brought out.
Elder Ballou labored during the winter in Ferndale and vicinity, perfecting the organization of the company there, and building a meeting-house, which was dedicated free from debt. Since the general meeting in Oakland, he has labored in Nevada, principally in Reno.
Elder Corliss labored during the general meetings at Healdsburg and Woodland, and then went to Oregon. Since his return from the north he has labored in Oakland, holding two tent-meetings. This effort has not been entirely closed up, but between twenty and thirty persons are now keeping the Sabbath.
Elder McClure's labor has been in Humboldt County. First in the small village of Petrolia, where, despite very unfavorable circumstances, six began to keep the Sabbath. At Arcata, where the tent is still standing, awaiting his return to finish up the work, thirty-one have covenanted to keep the Sabbath, and eight have been baptized. The interest there is still good.
Elder Rice labored two weeks in Nevada, on his way to General Conference, last fall, since which time sickness has prevented him from engaging in public labor.
Elder Loughborough reported that he had labored in California only in the general meeting in Oakland, and the Los Angeles camp-meeting. The remainder of his time, with the exception of the Reno camp-meeting, was spent in Oregon and adjoining Territories.
Adjourned to call of the chair.
THIRD MEETING, SEPT. 23, 5 P. M.
Prayer by Elder Wm. Ings. Further reports from ministers were called for. Elder Israel reported that his time had been spent almost entirely with the churches, and in attending general meetings. Elder Healey's labors also were principally confined to the churches.601The committee on revising the constitution then brought in their report. A printed copy of the constitution as revised was placed in the hands of each delegate, that they might follow while it was read, and compare it with the old one section by section. A motion to adopt the constitution as revised was supported, but by vote of the Conference it was laid on the table.
Brother White then expressed a desire that the Conference might hear calls from those who knew of good openings for labor. In response to this, Elder Briggs expressed a desire that some one be sent immediately to the field of labor which he had just left. Professor Grainger said that there are at least two good openings in the vicinity of Santa Rosa. The people have made earnest request to have the truth preached to them. Labor put forth in these places will also help the Santa Rosa church, which is in need.
Brothers Hartman, Buckner, and Gray made a strong appeal for help for the Lemoore church.
Brother Buckner also spoke of some new fields that are waiting for a laborer to enter.
Elder McClure said that it is absolutely necessary for some one to go at once to Arcata. The work there is by no means finished.
Brothers Turman and Kinney put in a plea for a minister in Nevada. There are many towns in the western part of the State, where labor could be performed with a good prospect of receiving fruit.
Professor Ramsey stated that while in Mendocino County he had found an excellent field in Round Valley, which he was not able to enter.
Brother Vickery said that there is a company of fourteen Sabbath-keepers in Placerville. They desire labor to be bestowed on them, and an organization to be perfected.
Brother Palmer said that help is needed in San Pasqual, and that there are good openings for labor in the vicinity.
After earnest calls from several churches, the Conference adjourned to call of the chair.
California Conference Proceedings.
THE first meeting of the thirteenth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held on the Oakland campground Sept. 19, at 10:30 A. M. Prayer was offered by Elder Loughborough. The president being absent, Elder J. H. Waggoner was elected chairman. The following churches were represented:—
Burr Valley, Healdsburg, Lafayette, Lakeport, Lemoore, Napa, Oakland, Petaluma, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, St. Clair (Nev.), St. Helena, Vacaville, Woodland.
The churches at Arbuckle, Chico, Fairview, Fresno, Gilroy, Nevada City, Reno, Rocklin, Salinas, San Pasqual, and Laytonville were not represented.
After remarks by the chairman upon the responsibility resting upon this Conference, especially in view of the absence of the president, and urging not only the delegates but all the church members to attend every meeting, the following committees were appointed:—
On Nominations—S. Brownsberger, William Saunders, E. J. Church; On Resolutions—W. C. White, E. J. Waggoner, J. O. Corliss; On Credentials—S. Brownsberger, J. N. Loughborough, Wm. Ings; On Auditing—Wm. Saunders, C. H. Jones, Joseph Figer, E. A. Chapman, Wm. Butcher, James Creamer. Adjourned to call of the chair.
FOURTH MEETING, SEPT. 24, 9 A. M.
By Editor
Prayer by Elder Loughborough. The Nominating Committee reported, recommending the following persons as officers of this Conference for the coming year:—
For President, S. N. Haskell; Secretary, J. D. Rice; Treasurer, Pacific Press; Executive Committee, S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, M. C. Israel.
A motion to adopt this report was withdrawn, and it was voted to defer action upon it until after the adoption of the constitution. The motion to adopt was then taken from the table, and the constitution as revised was considered section by section. After quite a lengthy discussion, and several amendments, it was adopted. Following is the constitution in full:—
Believing that we have committed to us the great work of disseminating light upon "the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," and the truths of the Third Angel's Message, for the purpose of securing unity and efficiency in our work, and of promoting the interests of the cause of present truth, we adopt the following as the Constitution of this Conference:—
ARTICLE I.
This Conference shall be known as the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
ARTICLE II.
Section 1. The officers of this Conference shall be a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of five, of which the President shall be one, and they shall be elected annually.
Sec. 2. The duties of the President and Secretary shall be such as usually pertain to those offices.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep an accurate account of the receipts and disbursements of the Conference funds, to pay out the same as may be provided by the Conference, to report to the Conference Secretary each quarter the amount of money received and paid during the quarter, and the amount on hand at the close of the quarter, and to make an annual report thereof at the meetings of the Conference.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to appoint through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES the time and place to hold the annual Conferences, and to call special Conferences whenever in their judgment it may be needful to do so; to take the general supervision of all labor performed within and for this Conference; to take charge of and care for all the property belonging to the Conference; and to exercise a general watchcare over all matters pertaining to the interests of the cause within the bounds of this Conference.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the Conference to elect or appoint a committee of four, who shall not have been in the employ of the Conference during any part of the preceding year, who, with the Executive Committee, shall constitute an Auditing Committee to examine and settle all accounts which are presented to the Conference at which they are elected or appointed.
ARTICLE III.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the churches belonging to this Conference to adopt the tithing system of the Bible, and the funds so raised shall be paid to the Treasurer of the Conference, to be used for the ministry of the gospel.
Sec. 2. In addition to the tithes, the Executive Committee is authorized to call for donations as the wants of the cause may, in their judgment, demand.
Sec. 3. All money paid out by the Treasurer shall be upon an order by the President, or by one of the Executive Committee designated by him, which shall be signed by the Secretary.
ARTICLE IV.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of each church to make a written report every quarter to the Conference Secretary, of its standing, its additions and losses, the amount of its tithes, and the number of members of its Sabbath-school and Missionary Society; and to make a like report for the year to the regular annual meetings of the Conference.
Sec. 2. When any church, or scattered brethren, wish ministerial labor in their vicinity, their call shall be made to the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE V.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Conference to determine who are the approved ministers within the bounds thereof; to grant suitable credentials to the same; and to grant licenses to those whom it shall consider suitable to labor in the cause. And in the interval between the regular meetings, the Executive Committee are authorized to perform such duties.
Sec. 2. Those who may feel it duty to exercise their gifts as preachers or colporters, shall lay their exercises of mind before the Conference Committee, and the Committee may license them if they consider them qualified.
ARTICLE VI.
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the ministers of this Conference to make a written report to each annual meeting, of their labors each week during the Conference year, or of so much of the year as they may have been in the employ of the Conference.
Sec. 2. It shall also be the duty of the ministers of this Conference to report to the annual meetings thereof, all donations which they have received during the year from churches or individuals, and such donations shall be considered by the Auditing Committee in settling the accounts of said ministers.
ARTICLE VII.
Section 1. The delegates to this Conference shall be elected according to the following ratio: Each organized church shall be entitled to one delegate, and one additional delegate for every ten members.
Sec. 2. The members of the Executive Committee shall be members of the Conference, ex-officio, and all ministers holding credentials from this Conference shall be considered delegates at large.
Sec. 3. In case that any of the delegates to which a church is entitled do not attend the Conference, the delegates attending may cast the full number of votes to which said church is entitled.
Sec. 4. Unorganized companies of believers shall be represented in Conference by the delegates at large.
ARTICLE VIII.
This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Conference by a two-thirds vote of the members, provided, that such amendment shall not conflict with the Constitution of the General Conference.
After the adoption of the constitution, a motion to adopt the report of the Nominating Committee was made and supported, when Elder Loughborough stated that as he was already president of a large and destitute Conference, he could not consent to act in an official capacity in California unless help were sent to that Conference. If he were elected, he should consider it a promise to send a laborer from California to the Upper Columbia Conference.
Brother White then told the object for which Elder Loughborough was called to this country. It was not to be tied to one place, to labor in new fields, but to help the churches. He thought his request was just. The persons above named were then elected as officers of the Conference.
Adjourned to call of chair.
FIFTH MEETING, SEPT. 25, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder Israel. Minutes of two preceding meetings read and approved. The question was then raised concerning Elder Loughborough's call for help. Brother White stated that Upper Columbia is almost entirely destitute of laborers. Two have lately been taken from the northern field to California. There is an excellent field for labor in Idaho, which is within the U. C. Conference. If an experienced man were sent there to raise up churches, the cause would doubtless soon be self-supporting. In behalf of the Committee on Resolutions he then presented the following:—
WHEREAS, Experience has shown that an exchange of laborers between neighboring Conferences is beneficial to the same; and,
WHEREAS, The Pacific Coast Council, acting upon this principle, recommended that Eld. A. T. Jones, of the Upper Columbia Conference, and Eld. W. L. Raymond, of the North Pacific Conference, come to California with the expectation that we should send laborers to those fields,
Resolved, That it is our duty to send a laborer to each of those fields.
WHEREAS, There is an important field in Idaho, calling for laborers, and the Upper Columbia Conference, to which it belongs, is struggling with debts and poverty.
Resolved, That we bear the expense of the laborer whom we sent to the U. C. Conference, for the time he may spend during the coming year in opening up the work in Idaho.
Remarks were made to the first resolution by the chair, Elder White, and Elder Loughborough, who stated that it is in harmony with the advice of the General Conference, and that California, having received much, should be willing to aid its poorer neighbors. God has prospered this Conference, and if we are unselfish he will prosper us still more. The resolution was adopted by unanimous vote.
The second resolution, after a few remarks, was not only adopted by the delegates, but the whole congregation showed their hearty acquiescence in it by a rising vote.
The following additional resolutions were then read:—
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the good that has already been accomplished by the College in fitting laborers for the work, and that we recognize his hand in its establishment.
Resolved, That in view of the scarcity of laborers, and the many calls for help in different fields, we urge ministers and churches to seek out faithful young people and encourage them to enter the College, that they may be prepared to labor efficiently in the cause.
These resolutions were spoken to by several, including some who attended the College last year. These testified to the benefit that they had received from their stay there. The following items were presented by Professor Brownsberger. Thirty of those who were in the College last year are now laboring in some departments of the cause. Of this number fifteen never labored in the cause before, and their start may be attributed to the influence of the College. It was stated by several that if the school were stopped now, and never resumed again, it has more than paid for all that has been spent on it. After a most interesting discussion of the resolutions, they were adopted.
Adjourned.
SIXTH MEETING. SEPT. 26, 9 A. M.
Prayer was offered by Eld. A. T. Jones. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented a partial report, recommending the following persons: For credentials—Elders J. H. Waggoner, W. M. Healey, J. D. Rice, G. D. Ballou, M. C. Israel, E. A. Briggs, E. J. Waggoner, J. O. Corliss, Wm. Ings, N. C. McClure, A. T. Jones, W. C. White, H. A. St. John, J. N. Loughborough. For ministerial license—L. A. Scott, Henry Scott, Andrew Brorsen, Frank T. Lamb, Lucius H. Church. For colporters' license—Mrs. F. L. McClure, H. C. Palmer, Mrs. E. J. Howard, A. LaRue, Wm. Hutchinson, C. A. Cary. It was also recommended that W. G. Buckner and W. G. Mills be advised to attend the College, in order to prepare for work in the future. The recommendations of the committee were all adopted by the Conference.
W. C. White and J. N. Loughborough were appointed to act with the chairman as a committee on fields of labor.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following additional report:—
Resolved, That it is for the best interest of our Conference that general meetings be held during the fall and winter in various places in the State, where several churches can and will meet together.
Resolved, That we request Elder Waggoner to write and publish in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES a series of articles on church discipline, and the duties of church officers.
Resolved, That the annual business proceedings of all our societies and associations in this Conference be published in pamphlet form, for convenient reference.
Resolved, That we tender our hearty thanks to the managers of the Central and Southern Pacific, the South Pacific Coast, and the San Francisco and North Pacific602Railroads for the generous reduction in fare made by them to those coming to the camp-meeting over their lines.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of each one employed by this Conference, and of each church officer within this Conference, to procure and keep a copy of the Constitution.
Resolved, That we regard the pamphlet entitled, "Honor Due to God," as a correct exposition of the Bible teaching on the subject of tithes and offerings, and that we recommend its careful study by all.
These resolutions, after being discussed at some length, were adopted, when the meeting adjourned to the call of the chair.
Reno, Nevada.
By G. D. Ballou
As I made but one short report during our stay at this place, it is but just that I should report again, stating in brief what was accomplished. I held meetings nine weeks, sold nearly $200 worth of books, and took subscriptions for 55 copies of our various periodicals, besides the clubs of SIGNS taken after the meeting closed. Twelve signed the covenant, eight of whom united with the Reno church. Three of those who signed the covenant were keeping the Sabbath before, having become convinced through reading, but needed instruction on other points of our faith. I know of three or four others who are obedient to the faith through the influence, in part at least, of the meetings. And there are others in Reno who I firmly believe will obey the truth fully from the heart.
The camp-meeting, coming as it did at the close of our tent effort, did much to establish and strengthen the work. Brn. H. H. Rieck and Wm. Hutchinson assisted in the work throughout. Bro. C. M. Kinney was with us canvassing part of the time. Considering that this was the third effort made in Reno, in six years, and that the first was a failure for want of being followed up, and that the second was a failure on account of the manner in which the truth was presented, we see cause for encouragement at the results of this summer's labor, and shall look for growth in the work at Reno.
We deeply regret that our labors in this Conference must terminate for the present, but we trust the Lord to help us wherever we may be, that we may still help to forward the cause of present truth. Brethren and sisters, pray for us. Our address until further notice will be "Sanitarium," Battle Creek, Mich.
G. D. BALLOU.
SEVENTH MEETING, SEPT. 29, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Eld. J. O. Corliss. On recommendation of the Committee on Credentials and Licenses, R. S. Owen and H. H. Rieck were granted colporters' licenses. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following additional report:—
Resolved, That in the opening of the mission in the Hawaiian Islands we acknowledge with gratitude the favor of God, and that we assure our brethren who are laboring in that field that they are remembered by us, and have our prayers in behalf of their work.
WHEREAS, We have been impressed with the duty of more diligent Bible study; therefore,
Resolved, That we will devote more time to the study of the word.
Resolved, That we recognize in the series of doctrinal lessons for the Sabbath-school, and the Bible-readings that have been published, important helps to profitable Bible study.
WHEREAS, A knowledge of Bible truth will be our only safeguard against the terrible delusions of the last days; therefore,
Resolved, That we urge all our people to procure and carefully study the books published at our offices, which clearly set forth the leading points of the faith.
Resolved, That we esteem it a great blessing to have located on this coast our institution of learning, the Healdsburg College, and that, in view of the solemn trust committed to us as a people, it is our duty to free the College from financial embarrassment, and thus render it more effectual in the mission it was designed to fill.
Resolved, That it is the duty of all our ministers to faithfully set before the people in their various fields of labor the wants of the College, that its friends may of their liberality contribute to its support.
The resolutions concerning Bible study and reading our denominational books, called forth earnest remarks from many. The new books, especially "Great Controversy, Vol IV," and The "Atonement," were very highly recommended.
J. H. Waggoner, W. C. White, and E. A. Chapman were elected delegates to the General Conference.
Idaho, Nevada, and California.
By John Norton Loughborough
At the time of my last report I was in the railroad station at Cheney, W. T., waiting for the train to Umatilla Junction, en route to Idaho. Including twenty-four hours waiting for trains, I was four and one-half days performing the journey to Boise City, where I arrived on the morning of Sept. 12, having traveled by railroad 400 miles, and by stage 140 miles.
In a short time after reaching Boise, I found Bro. Pope, with whom I made my home. While in the place I gave four discourses, held one Bible-reading, and one business meeting. Twelve brethren and sisters signed their names to a covenant to keep all the commandments. A Sabbath-school was organized, furnished at once with a club of Instructors, question books, records, etc. After hearing a Bible-reading on the tithing system, those present pledged to pay tithes. Some of those keeping the Sabbath had embraced it in the East; others have come out by reading, and through the labors of Dr. Pope, who has given several lectures in Boise and vicinity, and circulated much reading matter on present truth. The brethren seemed much encouraged by my visit, and it was a treat to me to labor among them. I trust the time is not far distant when others in Idaho will have the privilege of hearing on the messages of truth for these times.
On the 15th, I left the friends in Boise, going by stage fifteen miles south to Kuna Station, where I took the short line railroad, 400 miles, to Ogden, and then 600 miles to Reno, where I had the privilege of meeting with friends, old and new, in the Nevada camp-meeting. This meeting has already been reported by Bro. Waggoner. I will simply say it seemed to me that the meeting tended greatly to give unity and strength to our people in that field. We were all made glad to meet interested ones from other parts of the State, in that camp-meeting. The California Conference Committee have the field in charge, and I trust in a few weeks to see other efforts made to introduce the truth before the people.
From Reno I came to California, and have had the privilege of attending our great California camp-meeting. This meeting, the proceedings of which are so fully reported in this week's SIGNS, was the largest gathering of seventh-day Adventists ever assembled on the Pacific slope. It was indeed a cheering sight to those who attended our first California camp-meeting in 1872, to see the progress that has been made. Then our camp consisted of nineteen tents, none of them larger than ten by twelve. This year it required one hundred and eighty tents, mostly of a much larger size, to receive our people. That year the one camp-meeting served to accommodate nearly all of the Sabbath-keepers on the coast; this year it has been necessary to hold five camp-meetings on the coast, in as many different localities, to accommodate the general gatherings of S. D. Adventists. In these five camp-meetings, over three hundred tents have been required to accommodate the campers.
While we see the growth of the cause, as thus indicated, we would not sit down with any spirit of self-complacency, but be stimulated to more earnest efforts to secure in the near future much greater results.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Ashland, Oregon.
By CHAS. L. BOYD.
MEETINGS continued in the grove at Ashland through the month of August with quite good interest until the Sabbath truth was pressed home as a practical truth. The town being long and narrow, it was thought best to repitch the tent, so as to give those living at the other end of town an opportunity of attending. At this juncture there were several days of cold, stormy weather; then followed infidel lectures by Ingersoll and York, and a political excursion to Portland. The attendance was not as good as before we moved. Seven heads of families have commenced the observance of the Sabbath; a few others are partially keeping it, while several other influential persons are almost persuaded, for whom we have hope. Arrangements have been made to hold Sabbath meetings at the house of one of the brethren. Brother Burden remains to follow up the work here and extend it into the country. Considerable opposition was manifested by the ministry in an underhanded way. One remarked that he would sooner have forty Yorks in Ashland than one Boyd. Professor York was once a prominent Methodist minister, but is now a blasphemous infidel lecturer. The people treat us with marked kindness and attention. The truth has made a very favorable impression, and we confidently expect that further good will result from the meetings. Fifty discourses were given, and over four hundred missionary visits made.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
Children of Light
"YE are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thess. 5 : 6, 7.
EIGHTH MEETING, SEPT. 29, 5 P. M.
Prayer by Eld. J. N. Loughborough.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented the following additional report: For colporters' license, W. G. Buckner, Delmer Loughborough, Isaac Morrison, and S. McElhaney; for ministerial license, J. G. Smith. Licenses were granted according to recommendation.
The following persons were elected as Camp-meeting Committee for next year: G. D. Hager, J. J. Bolton, E. J. Church, Joseph Leininger, and Henry Scott.
An address was then read, from the president, Eld. S. N. Haskell. It was filled with timely exhortations and encouragement, and was well received. By a rising vote of the entire congregation, the secretary was instructed to express to Elder Haskell the gratitude of the Conference for his expression of interest in their welfare, and to urgently invite him to spend a portion of the year on this coast. Adjourned, sine die.
J. H. WAGGONER, Chairman.
E. J. WAGGONER, Sec.
The Lord’s Coming
The Lord's coming will be a joy only to those who look for and love his appearing.
The World Moves
Eighty years ago William Carey wrote from Bengal: "The people here hate the very name of Christ, and will not listen when his name is mentioned." To-day Rev. W. R. James writes from Serampore: "By all means see to it that the name of Christ is plainly printed on the title page of every book or tract that we print. We have now arrived at that point of time in the history of Christian missions in Bengal when the name of Christ is more of a recommendation of a book than otherwise. Very often have I heard natives ask for a Life of Jesus Christ in preference to any other book." The world moves!—Sel.
Camp-Meeting in Colorado.
By E. R. Jones
THIS meeting was held in the city of Denver on grounds occupied by our mission-tents during the summer. Street-cars ran on three sides of the grounds, giving an excellent chance for those in the different parts of the city to ride to and from the meeting. The city had been well canvassed, and our meeting thoroughly advertised, and before the meeting commenced there was a manifest interest in it and an anxiety on the part of many to attend. Our people were promptly on the ground, with the camp all arranged before the first meeting, on Wednesday evening. There were thirty-five tents occupied by the campers, who numbered about one hundred and twenty-five. In tents and people our meeting was more than twice as large as it was last year. There were but few young people in the camp: indeed there are comparatively few among our people in this State.
The tent for public services was pitched on the corner of Twenty-third and California Streets, while the camp reached around the north half of the same block. The large tent was fifty by eighty feet, comfortably seated and well lighted, and high expectations were entertained that we would have an excellent meeting. Brn. Olsen and Farnsworth came in time for the first service, which, as to outside attendance and preaching, was gratifying indeed.
There was an unusual interest among the people of the city from the first. During the day the preaching was close and practical, and should not have failed to touch the hardest heart, and arouse the most indifferent. But we are sorry to say that there seemed to be an influence of coldness that was wholly unmoved by the powerful preaching and touching exhortations which we believe were indited by the Spirit of God. At times, in our early morning meetings, and once or twice in the services during the day, the light would come in as the rays of the sun shine through a rift in the clouds, and many were moved to tears.
On the Sabbath the Lord seemed to come near and the congregation was powerfully moved. When the invitation was given, about fifty came forward for prayers; also nearly as many on Monday. The Sabbath-school was a very interesting feature of the meeting. It was led by Bro. C. P. Haskell, of Denver, and the entire camp took part in it. Lessons were well learned, and questions were promptly answered.
The Sunday services were attended by crowds of deeply interested people. Four discourses were given, one of which was in the Scandinavian tongue, by Bro. Olsen. In the evening the large tent was filled to repletion, and as many more stood on the outside. They listened intently for an hour and a half, while Bro. Farnsworth convincingly set before them the authority for the change of the Sabbath. This day's meetings made deep impressions on very many. In passing through the congregation at the close of each service, we could hear many such expressions as the following: "I believe this is the truth;" "We never heard such things before;" "I am convinced the seventh day is the Sabbath and I am going to keep it," etc.
The evenings following, the congregations were large. Seeds of truth were sown at this meeting, which we believe will spring up and bear much fruit hereafter. Never was there a greater interest in the city of Denver to hear the truth than now. The interest excited and impressions made by this meeting far surpass anything for which we dared to hope. Hundreds of people have become anxious and are inquiring the reasons of our faith. The prospect is cheering and our hopes are high, as to the future of our cause in this large place. There was no time taken to raise means for the general work in this State, as that had been done the first part of the season.
On Monday, eleven were baptized. It was a touching sight to see strong men and women, and tender children of the age of thirteen, buried with their Lord in this solemn rite. There were few dry eyes in the large congregation that witnessed it. In the evening of this day Brn. Olsen and Farnsworth started on their way East, and left the meeting with Bro. Ostrander and the writer; it was to close Tuesday morning, but many of our brethren were very anxious to have it continue one day more. But very few left the ground, and the meeting did not close till Wednesday morning.
Tuesday was quite fully given to the T. and M. work, and finishing the business of the Conference, which had its session at this meeting. In the evening a large congregation gave good attention to a discourse on the nature and progress of our work, as indicated in Rev. 7: 2-4, and this closed the preaching services of the occasion. In the morning there was a brief social service and then the camp was broken. At midnight of this last night on the ground, three of our brethren who were good singers stole softly to the organ in the large tent and gently sang four or five beautiful hymns. Many hearts were touched by the words,
"O Lord Jesus, how long, how long,
Ere we shout the glad song."
And finally, as the sweet words,
"'Tis midnight, and on Olive's brow
The star is dimmed that lately shone;
'Tis midnight in the garden now,
The suffering Saviour prays alone,"
Floated out over the camp in beautiful strains, many were moved to tears.
On Wednesday, as the tents were being taken down, a number of people came on the ground and inquired if the meeting was ended. On being told that it was, they expressed sincere regrets that it could not have continued over another week. In many respects it was an excellent meeting, and as our brethren separated and went on their way home, to those who could discern the nature of the work and the indications, it was a source of courage and hope.
E. R. JONES.