THE CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By C. P. B.
At this writing the general California camp-meeting in this city has just closed. This has been the largest gathering of our people ever convened on the Pacific Coast. The number of campers was nearly 1,500, occupying some 275 tents used for all purposes. The number enrolled in the camp-meeting Sabbath-school on the first Sabbath of the meeting was 1,082, including officers. The contribution for the Hamburg Mission was $182.45. On the second Sabbath the school numbered 1,162, and contributed $142.74 to the same object as on the previous Sabbath. The amount of business transacted by the Conference, the Tract and Missionary Society, the Sabbath-school Association, and the Health and Temperance Association, was large, and its importance demanded that much time should be devoted to it. But the business was not allowed to interfere seriously with the spiritual interests of the meeting. Faith in Christ both as a Saviour from sin and from sinning, was the burden of much of the preaching, which, though to some extent what might be called doctrinal, was also of an intensely practical character, and many were the expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving to God heard in the various social meetings for the good, practical Christian instruction given. Several opportunities were given for the unconverted and backslidden to manifest their desire to give themselves to the Lord, and some two hundred responded. These were encouraged to lay hold by faith upon the promises of God, and a good work was done. The early morning meetings were, as is usual, seasons of great profit. Some good confessions were witnessed on these occasions, but it is to be feared that all did not receive the full benefit which might have been their privilege to enjoy. Yet by far the greater number present left the ground better than they came. Nearly all have a better understanding of their duties and privileges, and many learned most important lessons of faith in God both for the pardon of past transgressions and of strength through Christ for future conflicts. Elders W. C. White and A. T. Jones and Sister E. G. White were present at the meeting, besides the ministers of the California Conference. Brother Jones was present also throughout the workers' meeting, which preceded the general camp-meeting, and his clear and forcible presentation of the subject of justification by faith impressed this important truth upon many hearts as never before. Sister White spoke on several occasions with her usual clearness and freedom, while Brother White's counsel and his words of cheer will tell for good in the work of the various societies throughout the coming year. The closing meeting, Monday morning, October 7, was particularly impressive. Brother G. H. Derrick was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, and every heart was touched by the solemn scene, and by the impressive words of Brother A. T. Jones, who delivered the charge. The work planned for the year to come is greater than ever before. The California Conference now includes, in addition to the State of the same name, the State of Nevada and the Territories of Utah and Arizona, the two latter being annexed at this meeting at the request of the General Conference Committee. The work of both the Conference and the Tract and Missionary Society will be at once carried into this new territory. The sum of over $3,000 in cash and pledges was raised for the ship and city mission work, and for establishing the work in the annexed territory. The Tract and Missionary Society elected five vice-presidents, who will give their entire time to the field work of the society, and to that of the National Religious Liberty Association recently organized in the East. The Health and Temperance Association will also put a lecturer into the field. The Sabbath-school Association elected a vice-president, who will devote his entire time to Sabbath-school work throughout the Conference. Altogether the outlook for the coming year is most hopeful. The people have a mind to work, and with the blessing of God, which is ours if we live for it, work for it, and claim it by a living faith, much will be accomplished during the Conference year upon which we have just entered. May the prospering hand of the Lord be seen in every branch of the work, not only in this Conference, but all over the broad harvest-field. C. P. B.