The California Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
THIS meeting was, in many respects, very successful. About six hundred were camped upon the ground; and it must be remembered that two other camp-meetings have been held in this Conference this year, and one more is to be held. The outside attendance was small compared to that in Oakland last year. But the influence was quite extensive and strong; so great was the interest that it was resolved to pitch the tent in the city of Stockton, which has been done. It was our earnest hope that the work of preparation would be so complete this year that when the time appointed for the meeting arrived, nothing but the meeting would claim the attention of the laborers. In this we were sadly disappointed. One cause of disappointment was the large number who entirely disregarded the notices and requests published in the SIGNS. All who had tents of their own to bring were requested to notify the committee, so that provision could be made. But at a late hour a number brought tents and cloth for tents, having given no notice of their intention, for which no calculation had been made as to location and shade, which gave much trouble and perplexity to the committee, and prolonged the work of preparation unreasonably. There is another point upon which much stress should be laid. As we said last year, our work is fast increasing, and our calculations must be made accordingly. If in the past, it seemed necessary or advisable to have the ministers oversee the routine of business and manual labor, that is no reason why it should be so now. We believe it is time to make application, in all such meetings, of Acts 6:2, 4. These two points, and some confusion brought into the camp by injudicious parties, caused us many and grave apprehensions, that the real object of the meeting would not be well accomplished. But the Lord heard the earnest cries of his servants, and the meeting improved to the end. The churches were well represented in the Conference, and all seemed to be pleased that our ratio of representation was so changed as to bring a larger number of the working members of the churches into the business meetings of the Conference. In these meetings not a jar occurred from beginning to end. All matters presented were carefully considered, and every decision was by unanimous vote. Our efforts to simplify and shorten the work of the auditing committee were largely successful; and they would have been altogether successful if all the laborers had complied with the request to make out their reports to September 1, and forward them to the Conference Committee. The accounts of those who complied with this request were easily disposed of; but some sent or brought in their reports when the work of auditing was far advanced, and these reports were mostly in a condition to unnecessarily occupy time which was then very precious. But as it was, our auditors, who had struggled through the weary hours of the night on other occasions, had no night meetings, not one being held later than 9 o'clock. This plan has proved to be a great relief. On this subject we will add, that any laborer, whether he holds credentials or a license, who cannot make out an intelligible financial report, itemized, summarized, and balanced, lacks a very important qualification of a minister; and unless that lack be supplied, he can never give assurance that he will be a judicious and economical laborer. Economy—prudent management—is essential to the success of a minister. There are many showy talents in the church, to which no one would think of entrusting the management of Conference matters. We had occasion to make some remarks to licentiates, and "economy" was one of the topics touched upon. We have known a number of fluent preachers drop out of the ministry because of their lack of economy; as their neglect to guard well the financial interests of the cause was continually bringing trouble to themselves and reproach to the cause which they represented. The importance of this subject may be gathered from the well-considered remark once made to us concerning a fluent speaker: "He is a good preacher, but it is doubtful whether any Conference can afford to keep him in the field." The Sabbath-school work received more attention than is usually given to it in our camp-meetings, but no more than its importance demands. The schools upon the ground were interesting and profitable. Instruction was given in various parts of the work. We believe the schools in all the State will be better conducted because of these exercises and instructions. This part of the work on the camp-ground will be reported by those having it in charge. A meeting was held in the interest of Healdsburg College, with good results. Professor Brownsberger was present, and his assistance was appreciated. And yet we believe that the interest of our people in our school ought to greatly increase. The cause needs more workers, and the College ought to have more students. We know one young man, working for weekly wages, who will bear the entire expense of a young man in the College the remainder of this school year, the young man having offered himself to the cause and acted as tent master for one season. And there are scores of others who might do what this man is doing. This College must be patronized and supported, for the welfare and progress of our cause demands it. On this subject the following resolution was adopted, which we commend to the earnest attention of all classes of our people:— "WHEREAS, At considerable expense on the part of the College, and much sacrifice on the part of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, the Biblical course at Healdsburg has been extended, therefore,
"Resolved, That we deem it the duty of the young men who have been laboring in this Conference, and of others who intend to take any part in the work, to show their appreciation of the efforts made in their behalf, by making sacrifices to attend from the beginning of the Biblical course; and further, that parents and church officers should make extra efforts to encourage and assist young men and women to avail themselves of the advantages thus provided." In the midst of our increasing labors, both in editorial and other work, it is a great sacrifice and hardship to give one of our "assistants" to the College from this time on through coming months. As we said at the meeting, we should not consent to it did not the cause seem to imperatively demand it. But if the Biblical course is not well attended from the beginning, then we shall regret the sacrifice, because it works such hardship to us without correspondingly benefiting others and the cause. Let every church officer, every parent and guardian, look at this matter, and consider what may be duty under these circumstances. The meeting in behalf of the Rural Health Retreat was a marked feature of the occasion. The remarks on the importance of the health question, and the importance of the Health Retreat as an instructor and enlightener on this question, and the report of Dr. Gibbs on the success of the treatment at the Retreat, and of Dr. Burke of the interest which is being raised throughout the country on this subject, were well received by all. Dr. Gibbs paid a very high compliment to the Pacific Health Journal, and its circulation was considerably extended by means of the meeting. As a result of this effort stock was taken, and pledges were made (some being paid down), amounting to about $4,000. This brings timely relief to the institution, and insures its continued operation without embarrassment through the coming winter. This was considered the critical period, in its straitened condition. We think all fears in regard to the continued and successful operation of the Health Retreat are now removed. Of course the Tract and Missionary work received its due share of attention. Elder Ings, vice-president of the society, proves to be a diligent and efficient worker. A vote was passed in favor of training schools in missionary work which, we hope, may bear fruit. The ship mission in San Francisco needs help very much. Hard times, everywhere complained of, reduce our finances, and it is with great difficulty that we are able to give to the various branches of the cause that assistance which they so much need; it is impossible to do in their behalf all that is needed. However, we are hopeful for the future. Not because we can promise easy times, or freedom from general financial pressure, but because the genuine advent spirit seemed to be revived in the meeting. On Sabbath, September 26, an appeal was made on this subject which produced a deep effect on the minds of the congregation. Some of the brethren have been suffering their minds to be so blinded by the god of this world, that they began to say, not only in their hearts but in words, "My Lord delayeth his coming," and "the deceitfulness of riches" was like to prove their ruin. But we hope and trust that the impressions formed and the resolutions made will not prove as the morning dew. When the Lord commands us to honor Him with our substance, and persons having large substance in their hands suffer all the proceeds to pass into the hands of the devil, we know not what answer they will make in the day when settlement is made with the stewards. If the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," are hoped for in such cases, the hope must prove a vain one as certainly as the Lord has given us his word. This is a serious matter, and deserves our serious attention. It is matter of regret that so little time could be given to Bible-class study; but it seemed to be unavoidable in the press of business. In this respect, the smaller or local camp-meetings have an advantage. With little or no business to transact, much time may be given to Bible study. But we shall not cease our efforts to so simplify our business at our camp-meetings as to still further economize time; and we have no doubts of success if all the laborers will second our efforts by complying with reasonable requests. In the midst of hard times, with a decrease of the tithes, it seemed out of question for the California Conference to bear the expense of four camp-meetings. In Humboldt County and in Nevada it was resolved to raise a camp-meeting fund to support their own meetings, and the same will probably be done in Southern California. This being done, it will readily be seen that the Conference, or State camp-meeting, should also be made self-supporting, as, otherwise, those in the extreme localities would have an extra burden thrown upon them. It was therefore resolved to abolish the system of "free meal tickets," and let all the ministers take care of themselves, and bear their own expenses. We indorse the plan, and believe it will work a genuine reform in some respects. And it can work no hardship to that class of ministers who always have plenty of time to devote to such matters. But whether it will pay to let those suffer and run into sickness who have no time afforded to them, by day601or by night, to care for their own wants, is a question for those to consider who have charge of these things. It may be that Prov. 11:24 contains a prudent suggestion on some of these points. Also 2 Cor. 8:13, 14. Altogether, we believe this camp-meeting will prove one of the most profitable that has ever been held in California. The best of courage seemed to prevail at its close; there was perfect union in regard to future labors, and the only regret was that the laborers are so few. Our list of ordained ministers is quite large, but, unfortunately, it does not represent our strength in effective workers in the ministry. Some are in feeble health, and several are constantly employed—over-employed—with other labors. But God can work with few as well as with many. And he alone can give the increase. Let us all add to our faithfulness and consecration, and thereby our labors will be more effectual, because more acceptable to the Lord of the harvest.