Earlier text: Bible SanctificationCalifornia T. and M. Society.
The twelfth annual session of the California Tract and Missionary Society was held at Healdsburg. First meeting, Oct. 8, 1882, at 9 A. M., the Vice-President, Eld. M. C. Israel in the chair. Prayer was offered by Eld. I. D. Van Horn. The minutes of the last annual session were read and approved. The annual report of labor was then read, as follows:—
Present membership of the society, 637. Reports returned, 942. Families visited, 4,907. Letters written, 5,012. Pages distributed, 1,088-474. Periodicals distributed, 84,100. Signs taken in clubs, 1,560. New subscribers obtained, 969. Annuals distributed 379.
This was contrasted with that of the previous year, showing an increase in every respect, except in that of reports returned, which is due to the fact that no report has been received from district No. 2 for two quarters. As this is one of the strongest missionary districts it would have increased the number of reports returned.
H. C. Palmer gave an account of the ship work for the past year. Four hundred and eighty ships have been visited. Many persons are reading with interest the reasons of our faith, and some acknowledge the truth. Four are keeping the Sabbath. This branch of the work still increases in interest, and it is evident that this is one of the most efficient means of getting the truth before all nations.
To meet the demands of the cause occasioned by the increased agitation of the Sunday question in this State, nineteen thousand of the tract entitled "Sunday Law" were printed, the most of which have been distributed. It was found that a weekly paper would be more readily accepted and read, accordingly steps were taken to issue a special four-page edition of the Signs for ten weeks, the first four numbers of which have already gone abroad and are received with favor. The expense of this edition will be about eighteen hundred dollars, one-fourth of which has been received in donations and subscriptions. Eld. Smith, who is here to assist in this work, stated that the indications of the nearness of the end should inspire us with zeal, hope, and courage. We do not expect to prevent the object which they are seeking to secure, but we can take advantage of the excitement, and place our position on the subject before the people; and our duty will be done, and many souls be brought to the light of truth.
The following committees were appointed: On Nominations, W. M. Healey, W. C. White, J. D. Rice; On Resolutions, U. Smith, Mrs. B. C. Rice, E. J. Waggoner.
The second meeting was held Oct. 10, at 9 A. M. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The committee on resolutions submitted the following:—
WHEREAS, The President of this Society, Eld. S. N. Haskell, is now absent visiting the different missions in Europe,
Resolved, That, while we miss his presence and counsel in this meeting, we rejoice in the measure of success which is attending his labors in those distant fields, and we invite him, on his return, to spend as much of his time as may be consistent with other duties in the different districts which compose this society.
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the prosperity that has attended the tract and missionary work in this State during the past year.
WHEREAS, The present crisis in California made it desirable to put speedily into circulation during the closing weeks of the present political campaign, a large special edition of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in order to present our views more fully before the people; and
WHEREAS, In the T. and M. Society we had an organization already provided which is successfully performing this work—a work which, without this organization we should have been wholly unprepared for, and could not have accomplished; therefore,
Resolved, That we see in this a new evidence of the providence of God in the formation of the T. and M. Societies in connection with this cause, calling upon us for renewed expressions of gratitude to God for the same.
Resolved, That we indorse the action of the officers of this Society in issuing the Special Edition of the SIGNS, and that we guarantee the payment of all the expense of that edition that is not already, or may not be otherwise, provided for.
Resolved, That we recommend the "Special Edition" to our brethren as a worthy object for their donations and subscriptions. Resolved, that we renew the resolution passed at our last session in favor of supplying public libraries with our leading denominational works; and since the present condition of the public mind in this State makes it very desirable that this should be done at once, we would still more earnestly urge that its provisions be carried out.
WHEREAS, We recognize in the ship missionary work the means of widely disseminating the light of present truth,
Resolved, That the work be continued, and, as means are needed, we recommend our brethren throughout the State to remember this important branch of the work in their provision for the wants of the cause.
WHEREAS, New and unexpected fields for effective missionary labor are constantly being presented both by the friends and the enemies of the truth; therefore,
Resolved, That we authorize the officers of this Society to meet any emergency which may arise during the year, and we pledge ourselves to give them our moral and financial support.
These resolutions were acted upon separately and unanimously adopted. The first was spoken to by Eld. Waggoner. The third called forth remarks in favor of the Special Edition of the Signs, several testifying to the readiness with which it is received, and that they are able to awaken an interest where before it was impossible. By vote on the fourth resolution all agreed to support it with their means.
After the reading of the sixth resolution, N. C. McClure inquired as to whether the books placed in libraries are extensively read. It was stated by those who have visited the libraries, that they find the SIGNS and Good Health well received, and in small libraries the books are read to some extent; but in large libraries, among so many books of a different character, ours remain unnoticed.
A third meeting was called Oct. 13. Prayer by W. M. Healey. After the reading of the minutes of the last session, the Treasurer's report was read as follows:—
Cash on hand, Oct. 22, 1881..........$2,003.25
Received on Account................4,459.59
" " Reserve Fund................550.00
" " Gen. T. and M. Society..... 50.00
" " Spanish Mission............. 20.00
" " Signs to England............ 44.50
" " Tent Fund................... 17.00-$7,144.34
Paid Signs Office...................$4,714.12
" Review and Herald............... 518.50
" Incidentals.....................100.15
" Gen. T. and M. Society.......... 10.00
" Reserve Fund..................1,784.57
" Tent Fund....................... 17.00-$7,144.34
FINANCIAL STANDING OF THE SOCIETY.
Due from Districts on Account........$770.85
" " Individuals.................. 45.84
" " Signs to England............... 40.75
" " Seaman's Mission..............272.97
Reserve Deposit....................3,363.50-$4,493.91
Society owes Signs Office.............$ 64.15
" " Gen. T. and M. Society....... 40.00
" " Spanish Mission..............131.00-$235.15
Assets.............................$4,258.76
The wants of the Seaman's Mission were spoken of by the Vice-President. He thought a reading-room should be provided near the wharf, where the missionaries can live and keep a supply of our publications; here the sailors that are interested can come and learn more of the truth. H. C. Palmer stated that the V. M. Societies have not been faithful in sending papers to the addresses given them. This discourages the sailors, and more names cannot be obtained.
Wm. Ings, an experienced worker in this branch in Europe, gave a brief account of his labors. He considered it in the order of the Lord that this work should be carried forward. The work is very different in Europe from what it is in America, as the laws in regard to visiting ships are very stringent, while here they are loose, yet much reading matter has been distributed; many books and papers have been sold, and some good accomplished. Sister White's writings are highly prized. San Francisco is an important place for this work, as more large ships from all parts of the world visit this port than any other.
The Nominating Committee reported as follows: President, S. N. Haskell; Vice-President, M. C. Israel; Secretary and Treasurer, Alice Morrison; Assistant Secretary, Luella Hail; Director of District No. 1, Wm. Ings; No. 2, J. E. Yoakum; No. 3, W. A. Pratt; No. 4, J. D. Bandy; No. 5, Wm. Saunders; No. 6, D. S. Hemstreet; No. 7, E. J. Waggoner; No. 8, M. C. Israel; No. 9, J. B. E. Young. These persons were duly elected for the ensuing year.
By vote San Benito Co. was changed from District No. 2 to No. 8, as the mountains separate this county from the district to which it properly belongs. Adjourned sine die.
M. C. ISRAEL, Vice-Pres.
ALICE MORRISON, Secretary. Matthew’s Quotation from Jeremiah
"THEN was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom the children of Israel did value, and gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me." Matt. 27:9, 10. These words are not found in Jeremiah at all, but are quoted from Zech. 11:12, 13. The seeming discrepancy is explained by the following quotation from Dr. Clarke:—
"It was an ancient custom among the Jews, says Dr. Lightfoot, to divide the Old Testament into three parts. The first, beginning with the law, was called 'The Law;' the second, beginning with the Psalms, was called 'The Psalms;' the third, beginning with the prophet in question, was called 'Jeremiah.' Thus, then, the writings of Zechariah, and the other prophets, being included in that division that began with Jeremiah, all quotations from it would go under the name of this prophet. If this be admitted, it solves the difficulty at once. Dr. Lightfoot quotes Baba Bathra and Rabbi David Kimchis preface to the473 prophet Jeremiah as his authorities, and insists that the word 'Jeremiah' is perfectly correct as standing at the head of that division from which the evangelist quoted, and which gave its denomination to all the rest." The Kentucky Camp-Meeting.
By A. O. Burrill
This meeting was held October 4–9, near Custer, a small country village about eighteen miles from the Chesapeake, Ohio, and Southwestern Railway. This Conference is young, and of course small. It was not until Friday that Bro. Butler and I reached the encampment. The meeting had been in progress for two days. We were sorry to be obliged to come in at so late a date, for it is quite important to be at the beginning of a meeting to be able to benefit and be benefited. Our preaching, excepting two sermons, was practical, and intended to awaken to a realizing sense of where we are and what we need to do to go through “the perils of the last days.” The attendance from those not of our people was good at all our public services. On Monday ten were baptized in the lake near the encampment, by Elder Osborn. The book sales were quite good, considering how few our people are in this State. A. O. BURRILL. Jesus Brought before Pilate.
“WHEN the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.” They had already condemned him to death the night before; but it was a law that judicial proceedings must be conducted and terminated by day, and they wished to have the appearance of complying with the forms of justice. But another law of equal force was violated even in this action, and that was that in capital cases sentence should not be pronounced on the day of the trial. The trial began late in the previous evening, which, according to Jewish reckoning, was part of the day on which sentence was both passed and executed. WHILE they were consulting together as to what accusation they should bring against Jesus when before Pilate, Judas rushed in, and the scene described in Matt. 27:3–5, occurred. The purchase of the potter's field, which is spoken of by Matthew in this connection, was doubtless made after the crucifixion, as the priests would hardly stop to conduct a business transaction at this time. Matthew narrates it here, in order to at once complete the account of all that pertained to Judas. Peter, in Acts 1:18, speaks as though Judas himself bought the field; but this must be understood as meaning that it was bought with the wages of his iniquity. The money belonged to Judas, therefore he could be said to have bought the field. Judas had doubtless made great plans for the disposal of his money. How different the result from his anticipations! THE whole Sanhedrim, followed by the multitude, escorted Jesus to the judgment hall of Pilate, the Roman governor, to secure a confirmation of the sentence they had just pronounced. The Jewish priests and rulers could not themselves enter Pilate's hall for fear of ceremonial defilement, which would disqualify them for taking part in the paschal feast. In order to condemn the spotless Son of God, they were compelled to appeal for judgment to one whose threshold they dared not cross for fear of defilement. Blinded by prejudice and cruelty, they could not discern that their passover festival was of no value, since they had defiled their souls by the rejection of Christ. The great salvation that he brought was typified by the deliverance of the children of Israel, which event was commemorated by the feast of the passover. The innocent lamb slain in Egypt, the blood of which sprinkled upon the door-posts caused the destroying angel to pass over the homes of Israel, prefigured the sinless Lamb of God, whose merits can alone avert the judgment and condemnation of fallen man. The Saviour had been obedient to the Jewish law, and observed all its divinely-appointed ordinances. He had just identified himself with the paschal lamb as its great antitype, by connecting the Lord's Supper with the passover. What a bitter mockery, then, was the ceremony about to be observed by the priestly persecutors of Jesus! Pilate beheld, in the accused, a man bearing the marks of violence, but with a serene and noble countenance and dignified bearing. Many cases had been tried before the Roman governor, but never before had there stood in his presence a man like this. He discovered no trace of crime in his face; and something in the prisoner's appearance excited his sympathy and respect. He turned to the priests, who stood just without the door, and asked, "What accusation bring ye against this man?" They were not prepared for this question. They had not designed to state the particulars of the alleged crime of Jesus. They had expected that Pilate would, without delay, confirm their decision against the Saviour. However they answered him that they had tried the prisoner according to their law and found him deserving of death. Said they, "If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee." But Pilate was not satisfied with the explanation of the Jews, and reminded them of their inability to execute the law. He intimated that if their judgment only was necessary to procure his condemnation, it was useless to bring the prisoner to him. Said he, "Take ye him, and judge him according to your law." The treacherous priests felt that they were outwitted; they saw that it would not do to specify the grounds for their condemnation of Jesus. The charge of blasphemy would be regarded by Pilate as the expression of religious bigotry and priestly jealousy; and the case would be at once dismissed. But if they could excite the apprehensions of the Roman governor that Jesus was a leader of sedition, their purpose would be accomplished. Tumults and insurrections were constantly arising among the Jews against the Roman government, for many affirmed that it was against the Jewish law to pay tribute to a foreign power. The authorities had found it necessary to deal very rigorously with these revolts among the people, and were constantly on the watch for developments of that character, in order to suppress them at once. But Jesus had always been obedient to the reigning power. When the scheming priests sought to entrap him by sending spies to him with the question, "Is it lawful to render tribute to Cæsar?" he had directed their attention to the image and superscription of Cæsar upon the tribute money, and answered, "Render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's." Jesus himself had paid tribute, and taught his disciples to do so. In their extremity the priests called the false witnesses to their aid. "And they began to accuse him, saying, 'We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ, a king.'" Pilate was not deceived by this testimony. He now became confident that a deep plot had been laid to destroy an innocent man, who stood in the way of Jewish dignitaries. He turned to the prisoner and asked him saying, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" And he answered him and said, "Thou sayest it." Jesus stood before Pilate, pale, bruised, and faint from loss of sleep and food. He had been hurried from place to place, and subjected to insult and violence; yet his bearing was noble, and his countenance lighted as though a sunbeam were shining upon it. When his answer was heard by Caiaphas, who stood at the threshold of the judgment hall, the high priest joined with others in calling Pilate to witness that Jesus had admitted his crime by this answer, which was a virtual acknowledgment that he was seeking to establish a throne in Judah in opposition to the power of Cæsar. Priests, scribes, and rulers, all united in noisy denunciations of Jesus, and in importuning Pilate to pronounce sentence of death upon him. The lawless uproar of the infuriated priests and dignitaries of the temple confused the senses of the Roman governor. Finally, when some measure of quiet was secured, he again addressed Jesus, saying, "Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee." But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled. The silence of the Saviour perplexed him. He saw in the prisoner no marks of a seditious character, and he had no confidence in the accusations of the priests. Hoping to gain the truth from him, and to escape from the clamor of the excited crowd, he requested Jesus to step with him into his house. When he had done so, and the two were alone, Pilate turned to Jesus, and in a respectful voice asked him, "Art thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus did not directly answer this question. He knew that conviction was awakened in the heart of Pilate, and he wished to give him an opportunity to acknowledge how far his mind had been influenced in the right direction. He therefore answered, "Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?" The Saviour wished a statement from Pilate whether his question arose from the accusations just made by the Jews, or from his desire to receive light from Christ. Pilate longed for a more intelligent faith. The dignified bearing of Jesus, and his calm self-possession when placed in a position where there would naturally be developed a spirit of hate and revenge, astonished Pilate and won his deep respect. The direct question just asked him by Jesus was immediately understood by him, which evidenced that his soul was stirred by conviction. But pride rose in the heart of the Roman judge and overpowered the Spirit of God. "Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me; what hast thou done?" Pilate's golden opportunity had passed. Jesus, however, did not leave him without further light. At his desire God sent an angel to Pilate's wife; and, in a dream, she was shown the pure life and holy character of the man who was about to be consigned to a cruel death. Jesus did not directly answer the question of Pilate as to what he had done; but he plainly stated to him his mission:— "My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." Jesus thus sought to convince Pilate that he was innocent of aspiring to kingly honors upon earth. Pilate had been confused by the disturbed and divided elements of the religious world, and his mind grasped eagerly at the words of Jesus declaring that he had come into the world to bear witness to the truth. Pilate had heard many voices cry, "Here is the truth! I have the truth!" But this man, arraigned as a criminal, who claimed to have the truth, stirred his heart with a great longing to know what it was, and how it could be obtained. He inquired of Jesus, "What is truth?" But he did not wait for a reply; the tumult of the excited crowd was continually increasing; their impatient cries jarred upon his ears, and recalled him to his judicial position. He went out to the Jews, who stood beyond the door of the hall, and declared in an emphatic voice, "I find in him no fault at all." Those words, traced by the pen of inspiration, will forever stand as a proof to the world of the base perfidy and falsehood of the Jews in their charges against Jesus. Even the heathen magistrate pronounced him innocent. As Pilate thus spoke, the rage and disappointment of the priests and elders knew no bounds. They had made great efforts to accomplish the death of Jesus, and now that there appeared to be a prospect of his release, they seemed ready to tear him to pieces. They lost all reason and self-control, and gave vent to curses and maledictions against him, behaving more like demons than men. They were loud in their censures of Pilate, and threatened the vengeance of the Roman law against him if he refused to condemn one, they affirmed, had set himself up against Cæsar.—Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 3. When to Speak and Keep Silent
"A<span class="smallcaps">ND</span> when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing." Silence is the best reply to calumny. It is true that in this case a reply would have done no good, for Christ's death had been determined; but throughout his ministry we often see him taking no notice of the accusations of his enemies. Their witnesses contradicted one another, and no answer was required. The dignified silence which Jesus maintained, doubtless influenced many in his favor. Even when under trial for his life, he was sowing seed that would afterward yield much fruit. When, however, he was directly called upon to tell whether or not he was the Christ, he did not hesitate to reply. So we should be ready to bear witness to the truth, even though that testimony may bring the wrath of men upon us. It is a great thing to know just when to speak and when to keep silent. Heavenly wisdom alone is sufficient to guide in this matter. THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.
By Editor
AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY PAPER FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN, DEVOTED TO MORAL, MENTAL, AND RELIGIOUS CULTURE.
This paper is not devoted to insipid stories and religious fiction, but is filled with a great variety of that kind of reading which tends to the healthful development of the youthful mind. Its pages are made bright by the choicest illustrative pictures, and its columns are always full of useful information. As a Sabbath-school and Lesson paper, it is suited to the wants of scholars and teachers, and is calculated to increase the interest of all who read it, in thorough Bible study. The Sabbath-school Department contains two series of lessons, one for children and one for youth. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, 75 CENTS A YEAR. All new subscribers paying the above price will receive the "Child's Poems" as a premium without extra charge. TERMS TO CLUBS, PAID IN ADVANCE. Price per Copy, Post-paid.
5 to 10 copies....................................60 cents a year.
10 copies and upward ........................50 cents a year. Subscription for 5 to 10 copies will be taken for six months. Larger clubs may be paid for quarterly. Address YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, Battle Creek, Mich.
Or, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
This work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study. 416 pp. $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. SMITH'S COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE.
NEW EDITION, octavo size, 1,200 pages, with many important additions and improvements from the works of the most eminent scholars, commentators and travelers. It is designed to be In regard to the pronunciation and signification of Scriptural names; the solution of difficulties respecting the interpretation, authority, and harmony of the Old and New Testaments; the history and description of Biblical customs, events, places, persons, animals, plants, etc. In this book it is designed to make everything intelligible to those who understand only the English language, and to place them as nearly as possible on a level with the scholars who are familiar with the original languages of the Scriptures. All the words in the vocabulary are pronounced and divided into syllables, and words or parts of words are respelled whenever this is necessary to indicate the pronunciation. The book contains numerous maps, and is abundantly supplied with superior engravings, which are of real utility to the student. No one who desires to study the Scriptures intelligently will be without a copy of this most excellent book. Price, in cloth, $5.00; in library binding, $6.00 Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. California Camp-Meeting.
By Editor
The late camp-meeting held at Healdsburg was a meeting of great importance to the cause in this State, and a season of unusual interest. Perhaps we cannot appreciate all its privileges and benefits as well as those who were not so worn with labor, and did not have to work so hard during the meeting. But, notwithstanding this, we count it among the most happy experiences of our life. It was indeed good to be there. It was by far the largest meeting ever held in California by the Seventh-day Adventists. Full 600 people tented upon the ground during the entire ten days of the meeting. We expected to break up on Monday morning; but the amount of business was so large, and the interest so great, that it was voted to hold it over Monday, the 16th, and most of the people remained. We were pleased and surprised to find so large a congregation on the ground on Monday evening. More business was transacted than at any previous meeting held in this State. The work of the Conference and of the Tract and Missionary Society is enlarging. The Sabbath-school Association and the Health and Temperance Association received due attention. Special temperance meetings were held for the young. Steps were taken to put the St. Helena Health Retreat in thorough working order as a health institution. A new feature in our Conference work was the consideration of the new Healdsburg College, which received considerable attention. A visit to the new building, now in process of erection, and to the College building, was an occasion of much interest. Almost the entire encampment went over to the village, first visiting the new building which is called “the boarding house;” but this name only in part expresses its intended use. It will contain in the basement a complete kitchen, laundry, and bakery. On the first floor class rooms and a working parlor. These will afford opportunity for instruction in various kinds of work, beside that afforded by the lot of five acres, in which the house is situated. All were agreeably surprised to find the work so far progressed. The second story was inclosed, and the workmen ready to put up the third. It is constructed in a very substantial manner. All then repaired to the College, which was inspected and admired. In the “audience room” above, a dedication service was held; brief and informal, but quite interesting. As the room could not contain all the visitors, the speaking was limited to very few words; “Beulah Land” was sung, after which, prayer by the editor of the SIGNS, was offered; then, by request of Sister White, a verse of “Hold the Fort,” was sung by almost the entire congregation. When it was voted at the Sacramento camp-meeting last year, to make an effort to start a school in California, no one imagined that so much could be accomplished in one year, nor would it have been believed if it had been predicted. No other important enterprise among Seventh-day Adventists has been so rapidly forwarded to a successful standing, and with so small an outlay of means compared to results. Bro. W. C. White has spent several weeks in Healdsburg, to aid in the work. There seems to be a general feeling among our people that the shortness of time demands that the College be placed in the highest state of usefulness in the shortest possible time. All consider that it has a mission to prepare laborers for various positions in the cause of the present truth, and all seem to realize that there is no time to be lost. Had the committee appointed last year, after ascertaining what they could do, waited to be instructed and indorsed by the Conference of this fall, a full year would have been lost to this enterprise, and the opportunity to purchase on such favorable terms would have passed away. We never for a moment doubted that our people would approve the action of the committee, which they did heartily. We are not able to report the amount raised for this object, but it will soon be given. Elder Haskell had expressed, not only thanks for the confidence and kindness bestowed on him in California, but, a desire to be released from his positions in this Conference, as he could give no assurance that he would be able to spend any considerable part of his time in this State. The situation was liable to be a perplexing one. But a strong committee on nominations was appointed, of old Californians, well-tried in this work, in whose judgment all have the utmost confidence. Their nomination was ratified by the unanimous and cordial action of the Conference. Statistics show that the California Conference is truly prosperous, considering the amount of labor available. We attended the first camp-meeting held by S. D. Adventists at Wright, Mich., in 1868, and many since “from Maine to Oregon,” but never one where there appeared to be better courage and stronger hope for the prosperity of the work than this last one in Healdsburg. It will be seen by the report that but few licenses were granted. More would have been given were it not that we have such excellent facilities for education. It is a pity to have young men of some natural ability waste their time in feeble efforts, when a suitable time spent in cultivating and training their minds, might make them effective laborers. To work without education or culture on the plea that time is short, is as unwise as the calculation of the man who mowed his fields with a dull scythe because he had not time to grind it. We trust that our College will be the means of sending many efficient laborers into the field. The preaching was just what we think it ought to be at such meetings—a combination of doctrinal and practical. Indeed, all Bible doctrines are practical when viewed and treated right. The state of the cause at the present time, the progress of the political Sunday agitation, is well calculated to stir the feelings and touch the hearts of Seventh-day Adventists. We felt extremely anxious that this meeting should meet the present wants of the people, who had shown so great interest to attend it. The number in attendance was too large for profitable social meetings under the pavilion, especially where personal labor was needed for individuals. Some time was unfortunately lost by not having arrangements made for a number of meetings at the same time. When this work was organized, a marked change was at once apparent in the spiritual condition of the encampment. The Sabbath-schools on the 7th and 14th were among the very best we ever saw on a camp-ground. Over 400 persons took part, and the arrangements were so well perfected that all took their places without delay or confusion, and all worked with pleasant earnestness. To see so many people, from the little children to aged men and women, coming from various parts of the State, so readily take their places and enter upon class work, without any disorder, was a sight calculated to fill the heart with gratitude and praise. At a Sabbath-school Convention, this would be expected as a matter of course; but for such a meeting as ours, where the multitude of business rendered it impossible to make a specialty of any one thing, these were truly “model Sabbath-schools.” But our people yet need to take an advance step in this work. Many church members throughout the State, in various churches, take no part in the Sabbath-school. This should not be so. Every church member should be enrolled in the school. On the afternoon of the first Sabbath of the meeting, we spoke on the rise and early work of the message, and its progress and present state. Twenty-five years ago, we saw nothing whatever to indicate that our views of the Sunday as a question soon to take a leading position in American politics, were correct. Now the evidences are on every hand. Everything indicates that our work is nearing its close. Sister White was present at this meeting, having been assisted to a couch which was placed on the platform. Our readers have been informed of the severe sickness through which she had just passed. Her appearance, as she came upon the ground, did not give any assurance that she would be able to assist in the meeting. But at the close of the discourse above referred to, she arose and began to address the people. Her voice and appearance changed, and she spoke for some time with clearness and energy. She then invited those who wished to make a start in the service of God, and those who were far backslidden, to come forward, and a goodly number answered to the call. After prayer, they were divided into two companies, and the work with them continued in separate tents. On the second Sabbath afternoon, Sister White spoke, and renewed the call, only asking those forward who wished to make a start, or to be baptized. Over seventy came forward. The interest and the feeling was such that it was considered useless to extend the invitation beyond these classes, as it was evident that almost the entire assembly would have moved upon an invitation to indicate a desire to seek a greater nearness to God. Thirty-five were baptized on Monday morning, a few others choosing to be baptized at their places of residence. After the first attempt of Sister White to speak, as noticed above, her restoration was complete. Beside that address she spoke six times during the meeting—once more than any other person. Elders Smith and Van Horn spoke each five times; editor of the SIGNS four times; Eld. Healey, who was absent part of the time at a funeral, spoke three times, and Eld. Ballou twice. Elder Rice was not able to speak on account of a sore throat. Elder Briggs was not present. He was holding meetings in Mendocino County, and the interest was such that he did not consider it prudent to leave. Just before the meeting, while preparations were being made, there were heavy rains. We went to the grounds Thursday afternoon; the day was pleasant, and it appeared as if the rains were over. The ground was wet, and considerable work remained to be done, as the rain had hindered. But the rain came on again that evening and poured down all night. Next morning as we went around among the tents, we found everybody cheerful and hopeful; not a gloomy countenance was seen nor a murmuring word was heard. And yet again it came during the following week; nearly equal to any camp-meeting we ever had in the East, and no eastern company of campers ever took a season of rain more complacently. We think of a truth we never saw a better spirit on any camp-ground than prevailed throughout this meeting. The resolution passed concerning Sunday and politics should not be misunderstood. Our position was fully stated in a discourse on Sunday the 15th. We have not tried, and shall not try, to influence the vote of any one, or to restrain any one from voting. We only cautioned our brethren, and we repeat the caution, not to admit that the Sunday question is a political question with Seventh-day Adventists. It has been made a political question by others—let them act on it as such. For ourselves we can never be induced to defend the claims of the Sabbath of the Lord, or our right to observe it, in the field of politics. We believe it is a snare of the enemy to lead our people to throw their religion into politics, and thereby bring it down to the level of that of Sunday religionists, who appeal to politics and civil law to uphold their religion. We have never asked for a law to enforce our faith and practice; we only ask to be let alone, and to be protected in our rights when our rights are assailed, as every American citizen ought to be. We have looked forward to the time when our brethren would have to withdraw from politics. And we hardly see how they can take part in it now, closely connected as their action must be with our religion, without being inconsistent in our profession to oppose Sunday only on a religious basis, and so compromising the dignity of God’s commandment. This meeting cannot fail to have a marked influence on the cause in this State. All have had their ideas of the work enlarged, and a general feeling prevails that advanced steps must be taken, and more energetic efforts put forth, to scatter the truths of the Third Angel’s Message.