Earlier text: The Divine GovernmentWE clip the following item from a religious—a “Christian”—paper:— “A temperance movement of considerable strength, in Chicago, looks to the raising of bar-room licenses to $500 a year. It is calculated that this would reduce the number by one-half, and improve the character of those that remain.” We are not well enough acquainted with the business to know how it is possible to “improve the character” of a liquor saloon! By raising the license many of the “low dives” may be killed out, and those which remain will have a monopoly of the business; they can fix up their bars more gaudily; they will be considered more “respectable,” according to the very lowest standard of respectability, and therefore it will be possible for them to present greater allurements and stronger temptations to the young. But how their “character” will be “improved” we cannot imagine. It is our deliberate opinion that they will continue, as heretofore, in the disreputable business of drunkard-making. And when we consider that a drunkard cannot enter the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21), we cannot imagine how any business can be more Satanic than that of making drunkards. We remember a story of a son of the Emerald isle who wished to engage in the business of dispensing liquid poison to his neighbors, and applied for a license accordingly. And it was said that the rules of the country made it necessary for all applicants for a vender’s license to present proofs of “good moral character”—probably “just for form, you know.” The official reminded him of this requirement, when he honestly replied:— “Sure, an’ I didn’t know that it required any moral character to sell whisky!” True or not, the story is truly expressive. The truth is that the business unfailingly makes its own character, and all the laws and “high licenses” in the world cannot improve it. In Sacramento they have well learned the anti-prohibition argument, and acted upon it. Having heard that “prohibition does not prohibit,” and fully believing that “men always have gambled and always will gamble,” they have concluded to make it add to the revenue, and now gambling is licensed in that city. It will no doubt have the effect to “improve the character” of gambling, which will make the business more popular and more generally followed, which will in turn increase the revenue. This is the way to make our country prosperous! There is a strong probability that this argument may be turned to good account in other respects. The following from the San Francisco Post is very suggestive:— “The Examiner owlishly remarks that polygamy cannot be eradicated by law. This is the Sacramento sentiment in regard to gambling. Let the Government license polygamy.” Now all may inquire, “Why was not that found out before?” Why was a suggestion so valuable allowed to slumber till this late day? It is “the key-note of reform.” A good “high license” on polygamy would, beyond all doubt, prevent many poor, disreputable persons engaging in the practice. They who persisted in it—and persist they will—would be such as can pay for the luxury; the “respectable” and “high-toned” polygamists would alone remain. The revenue of the country would be very largely increased; and there is not the shadow of a doubt that by this means the character of polygamy would soon be greatly improved! All hail the discovery! Surely the millennium cannot be far away, when it is known that the character of a sin may be improved by simply licensing it. The idea itself is not new, as it has long been in practical operation all over the country. But it has been mostly limited to one evil. The value of the recent discovery consists in the knowledge of its general application.427 There may be a question with some as to the possibility of improving the character of murderers, as their reputation already stands very high in society. No class of evil-doers can secure so great a measure of sympathy, can so readily become the favorites of tender-hearted ladies, and receive so many floral offerings, as murderers. If they have committed many murders, all the better; and especially if a man has killed his wife; he is the hero of the day—the pitied of all pitiful hearts. A license to murder would of course add much to the revenue, but it could scarcely raise the reputation—or “improve the character”—of the business, as it stands so very high. But there is one desirable object which might be obtained by such a license. In almost every country there may be found a class of “fanatics” who would, if it were in their power, “prohibit” murder altogether, or deprive the murderer of his “personal liberty.” In fact they carry their fanaticism to such a length that, when the “technicalities” of the lawyers and courts are likely to secure the “rights” of the murderer, they disregard the “course of law” and lynch the guilty one. Such a proceeding is greatly to be deprecated, and we fully believe that a “high license” of murder would effectually put a stop to all such high-handed proceedings. For who would have the temerity to lynch a man for any action whatever if he could produce a license from the Government to perform the action? The fact would become apparent at once that if the Government received pay for licensing the act, it becomes responsible for the act and for its protection; in truth, it would be the act of the Government itself, and he who opposed it would be an opposer of the Government. We are firmly convinced that a high license of murder would so improve its character that lynch-law and mobs would become unknown. For a time the passions of men who considered their lives unsafe might, from force of habit, cause them to hang a “respectable” bandit and cut-throat; but the benign influence of a license could not fail to correct this great evil. As we take no part in “politics” we shall not follow up this suggestion by urging it upon the attention of our legislators. But we should expect that the same prudent course which has characterized their action in the past in securing “revenue” for the Government will cause them to pay early attention to the important matters here set forth. The Doctrine of the Second Advent of Christ Was Known to the Antediluvians.
By John Nevins Andrews
THE book of Genesis makes no direct mention of the second advent of Christ, nor of the day of Judgment, nor of the resurrection of the dead. Those who do not study the Bible attentively are apt to think that the men who lived during the period embraced in the book of Genesis were ignorant of the events of the great day of Judgment. But this is a great error, as we will now show. The day of Judgment is an event which concerns every member of the human family. The fact that there shall be a day of final account is one of the great truths that every human being needs to understand. All men need to know, not only that there is a Saviour who can deliver them from sin, but that there will be also a Judge who will one day call them before him that they may receive according to their works. The people who lived before the flood needed to understand this truth as really as we need to understand it. We will now show that they were not left in ignorance of the fact that Christ will come in his infinite glory at the last day to execute judgment upon the ungodly. The apostle Jude makes the following remarkable declaration: “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying: Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” Jude 14, 15. The man who uttered this prophecy was one of the most remarkable men that have ever lived. Moses says of him: “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah. And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters; and all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years; and Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for God took him.” Gen. 5:21–24. Paul says of Enoch: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Heb. 11:5. Two things were well calculated to give solemn force to the prophecy of Enoch. 1. His blameless life, for it is said that he walked with God. The prophet Amos tells us that two cannot walk together except they be agreed. Amos 3:3. Enoch walked with God because at every step he sought the honor of God, and not his own pleasure nor profit. All men knew that Enoch was a man of God. 2. But the translation of Enoch to Heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:1) was an event that must have given the utmost force and interest to his prophecy concerning the second advent. He was taken up to Heaven in the very manner that all the saints will be taken thither when the Lord comes in his glory. Matt. 24:30, 31; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. We know that after the translation of Elijah he was diligently sought for during three days by a party of fifty men. 2 Kings 2:15–18. The language of Paul implies that Enoch was also sought, so great was the excitement occasioned by his translation. Heb. 11:5. Now let us observe how perfectly Enoch was able to enlighten the whole antediluvian world. The fifth chapter of Genesis furnishes us the facts in chronology on which the following calculation is based:— Adam did not die till Enoch was 308 years old, which was only 54 years before the translation of the latter. Seth, the son of Adam, did not die till 55 years after the translation of Enoch. Enos, the son of Seth, did not die till 153 years after the translation of Enoch. Cainan, the son of Enos, did not die till 248 years after the translation of Enoch. Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, did not die till 303 years after the translation of Enoch. Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, did not die till 435 years after the translation of Enoch, his son. Thus we see that the prophecy of Enoch was known to all these six generations which preceded him. Now let us learn how it was with the three generations from Enoch to the flood, viz., Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah. When Enoch was translated, Methuselah, his son, was 300 years old, and Lamech, his son, the father of Noah, was at that time 113. Noah was not born till after the translation of Enoch, but he could converse during 595 years with Lamech, and during 600 years with Methuselah, and during 362 years with Jared, and with Mahalaleel during 234 years, and with Cainan during 179 years, and with Enos, the grandson of Adam, 84 years. Thus six generations of the ancestors of Noah could repeat to him the prophecy of Enoch, and this many times during the long ages that they walked together. Four of these, namely, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, and Jared, had witnessed the entire career of Enoch. Besides this, Lamech, the father of Noah, and Methuselah, his grandfather, though they had not witnessed the entire life of Enoch, had each witnessed a large part of his religious life, and each had personal knowledge of his translation. Thus we see how, in the providence of God, Enoch gave light concerning the second advent to each of the ten generations which preceded the deluge. If the antediluvians had no light on this subject from any other source, they were able to be well instructed by the prophecy, the example, and the translation of Enoch. But Adam lived during 930 years of the 1,656 which preceded the deluge. All men would desire to see the father of the human race, who had himself conversed with God in Paradise, and who was no doubt well informed with respect to the accountability of men, and with respect to the day of Judgment. But the prophecy of Enoch, which Jude has preserved to us, is an ample testimony to the proclamation of the second advent in the days which were before the deluge. He says: “Behold the Lord cometh,” not to die for the sins of men but to execute judgment upon all the ungodly. He will be accompanied by ten thousands of his saints. This is the same as the declaration of the New Testament, that he will come with all his mighty angels (Matt. 24:30, 31; 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7, 8), for the word saint may be applied to angels as well as to good men. Thus Michael and Gabriel are called saints (compare Dan. 8:13, 15–17; 10:21), and the angels who were with the Lawgiver at Sinai are also called saints. Compare Deut. 33:2; Ps. 68:17. Enoch says that Christ comes to execute judgment upon all the ungodly, which plainly implies the resurrection of the unjust; and that he comes to take notice of all their evil deeds and of all their hard speeches, which shows that the prophet understood that all these things were written before God in the books. Polygamy, according to Gen. 6:1–8, was the cause of the deluge. This terrible sin begun in the family of wicked Cain. Gen. 4:19. It is remarkable that the first polygamist must have been contemporary with Enoch, for this Lamech was the seventh from Adam in the line of Cain, as Enoch was the seventh from Adam in the line of Seth. Thus when Satan began to come in with a flood of iniquity the Spirit of God through Enoch lifted up a standard against him. We know that the inhabitants of the Old World, at the time of the deluge, had become exceedingly wicked, but we know also that they well understood that Enoch had predicted the coming of the Lord and the great day of Judgment. San Jose Camp-Meeting.
By S. N. Haskell
THE camp-meeting held at San Jose was in some respects the most encouraging of any such meeting ever held in California. There were over 150 tents pitched upon the ground, varying in size from 12x16 to 24x36. During the first week the census showed about 700 campers upon the ground, and others came afterward. The grounds were laid out in regular streets, and each tent was numbered. The large preaching tent, 60x100, was comparatively well filled by our brethren and those interested in the truth, there being quite a number in attendance from the city and the surrounding country. The interest from outside was small, although it greatly increased toward the close. In some respects the course of our brethren in attending the camp-meeting was truly commendable, and their example worthy of imitation in all parts of the country. Almost the entire membership of some of our churches was in attendance. Out of a company of seventeen, thirteen came by private conveyance and rail about 160 miles, and brought a number of their neighbors with them, and in some instances they saw them baptized before the meeting closed. The city of tents was districted, with proper leaders who conducted meetings at 8 A. M. During these and other meetings it was seldom that individuals were seen strolling upon the ground. At the time of the 5:30 A. M. meetings the ministers and leading men were in consultation, and a special meeting was held for the young people. Instructions were also given in the Sabbath-school work at this time, to teachers and superintendents. Each morning at 9 A. M. there was a childrens' meeting, the attendance averaging about eighty. Instructions were given to a class of canvassers, while others were having a business meeting. There was a Bible-reading each morning at 10:30. These readings awakened as deep an interest as any meetings held. There is a power in the Scriptures. It is the sure word of God which has enabled millions of people to stand the rack, the fire, and the sword. The more interest that can be awakened in the pure teachings of that word, the more of the power of God we shall have. It is a two-edged sword. All were convinced of the utility of this kind of labor. All discussion is avoided, as nothing is brought up except what can be read from the Scriptures. Regular preaching service was held at 2:30 and 7:30 P. M. The spiritual interest of the meeting was good from the beginning. A large proportion of the friends were on the ground the day before the meeting, and remained till the close. About 150 came forward for prayers the first Sabbath. The following Thursday a larger number came forward, and the Sabbath before the meeting closed witnessed a far deeper and more general move than before. Sixty-seven were baptized. The interest taken in the work was shown in what was done financially toward the various enterprises. There was a general impression that the time had come for advance steps to be taken, and those who had this world's goods felt that it was time for them to show their faith by their works. The wants of the cause were set before the brethren at one 9 o'clock morning meeting. The meeting continued one hour and a half only. Pledge papers were passed around, and when returned they showed that over $6,000 were pledged on the school, and $10,000 on the foreign missions, to be divided with the International Tract Society. Besides this, there was $4,000 pledged on a $25,000 endowment fund for the College, for the purpose of educating men and women as colporteurs and ministers, etc. The whole amount pledged was over $20,000. Adding to this amount the $11,000 pledged a few weeks previous, for the endowment fund to the school, and $2,000 to the ship missionary work in San Francisco, and we have $33,000 given in California this season for the spread of the truth. If the friends of the cause in this State are faithful to the trusts God has committed to them, in placing in their midst institutions devoted to the promulgation of the present truth, they will in a short time see of the salvation of God in a marked manner. The report of the missionary work showed a large increase over any previous year. One hundred and seventy-one yearly subscribers were obtained on the camp-ground for our periodicals, forty-two of them for the Review. In the consultations it was decided to send two of our successful missionary workers to the Sandwich Islands. We confidently believe that God has men of means in this State who, like Barnabas, will sell their possessions, and devote their time to spreading the truth. May God speed the time when a mighty angel will descend from Heaven, and the earth be lighted with his glory. California Conference Proceedings.
THE twelfth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at San Jose in connection with the camp-meeting, Sept. 6–18, 1883. FIRST MEETING, SEPT. 7, 9 A. M. After singing a hymn, prayer was offered by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Credentials were presented by delegates as follows: Arbuckle—Wm. Kearth; Burr Valley—Jos. Hutchings; Chico—Jos. Leininger; Fairview—M.-J. Church; Fresno—M. J. Church; Gilroy—Wm. Ings; Healdsburg—W. C. Grainger, John Morrison, J. Smith, S. Brownsberger, Geo. W. Mills; Lafayette—G. P. Sanford; Lakeport—E. J. Church; Lemoore—W. G. Buckner, Peter Scazighini, J. M. Hartman, Sr. Rosa Buckner; Los Angeles—Mary R. Stem; Napa—Jos. Eggleston; Nevada City—Sr. Fannie Angovc; Oakland—E. J. Waggoner, G. A. Baker, J. W. Cronkite, J. I. Tay, W. C. White, G. D. Hager; Petaluma—E. A. Chapman; Red Bluff—D. S. Hemstreet; Rocklin—C. C. Ramsey; San Francisco—H. C. Palmer, Eld. M. C. Israel; San Pasqual—John Judson; Santa Rosa—Frank Peterson, J. Thorp, H. Cole, J. H. Thorp; St. Helena—Jas. Creamer, P. M. Partridge, W. A. Pratt; Vacaville—Wm. Butcher, Jos. Dennison; Woodland—Geo. C. Martin, Wm. Saunders, W. W. Smith. Delegates were received from unorganized companies as follows: Willits—S. McElhaney; Placerville—Geo. Vickery; Newcastle—Sr. E. M. Nierhoff; Ferndale—Eld. G. D. Ballou, N. C. McClure; Potter Valley—S. Bice; Downey—Eld. E. A. Briggs; San Diego—Sr. E. J. Howard; Pleasant Grove—Eld. E. A. Briggs; San Jose—Eld. Wm. Healey; San Juan—J. I. Woolford. It was voted that all brethren in good standing be invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. The report of the last annual session was read and approved. The following committees were then appointed by the chair: On Nominations—Wm. Saunders, W. A. Pratt, M. J. Church; on Credentials—Elders J. H. Waggoner, M. C. Israel, W. M. Healey; on Resolutions—E. J. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, J. D. Rice; on Auditing—M. J. Church, W. A. Pratt, W. C. White, Wm. Saunders, S. Brownsberger, Wm. Butcher; on Preaching—Elders J. H. Waggoner, Wm. Healey, M. C. Israel. Adjourned to call of the chair. SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 9, 5 P. M. Prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. The following additional delegates were received: From Lemoore—Sr. A. R. Bond; Oakland—C. H. Jones, J. W. Gardner; San Francisco—E. A. Stockton, A. Brorsen, Jos. Figer; Ukiah—Sr. Phœbe Yokum; Laytonville—Eld. J. D. Rice. Eld. G. W. Colcord of Washington Territory, and brethren Allen and Harmon of Nevada were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference. On motion, the churches at Lakeport and Laytonville were received into the Conference. The ministers were then called upon to report. Eld. Ballou gave an account of the work at Ferndale, Humboldt County. Considerable missionary work had preceded the tent meetings. The Signs had been sent into that county quite extensively for several months by the missionary societies in the district. This was followed by the work of Bro. and Sr. McClure in visiting families, holding Bible-readings with them, also publicly in school-houses, and obtaining subscribers. This so prepared the way for the meetings that there was a good interest from the first. Many interesting circumstances were related in connection with the work there, especially in regard to Bible-readings, which were introduced wherever practicable. There are about thirty who have decided to obey the truth as the result of the effort. Seven of these have been baptized. Over $1,000 have been subscribed for a church. Eld. Briggs spoke of his work for the past year. At the time of the last camp-meeting he was at Laytonville, Mendocino County. Here fourteen signed the covenant, eleven of whom were baptized. He next held a series of meetings at Potter Valley. Four are still holding fast to the truth there. After this he went to Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, where the names of eight persons were enrolled upon the covenant. He attended the southern camp-meeting in the spring, and from there went to Los Angeles, where four were added to the church. From the fifth of June he has labored at Downey and vicinity, where twenty-nine have signed the covenant, ten of whom have been baptized. They had Bible lessons each day for the tent company, and the information gained was used in Bible-readings with families visited. Bro. Wm. Ings reported that he came to San Jose about three months previous to assist Eld. Healey in the missionary work. They were accompanied by ten of the College students. Two or three hundred subscribers have been obtained for the Signs, and many for Good Health and foreign periodicals. It has been a good experience for those who have been engaged in the missionary work; besides the benefit received from the lectures and Bible-readings. Twenty-nine names are already upon the covenant here. The President considered advance steps necessary. A love of the Bible should be created in the people by the missionary workers. Where this is done the work will be more lasting. THIRD MEETING, SEPT. 12, 5 P. M. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Colcord. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. The President spoke of the condition of affairs in Nevada. He has recently visited that State, and by his invitation delegates have been sent to the meeting. Brn. Allen and Harmon, who were present, were invited to present the wants of the cause there. They expressed a desire on the part of the people to unite with this Conference, and spoke of the need of ministerial labor and the willingness to help in the cause. It was voted that the President appoint a committee of three to confer with these brethren in regard to the matter. The following were afterward appointed: W. C. White, Wm. Healey, Wm. Saunders. The Committee on Resolutions then made a partial report, as follows:— Resolved (1), That we regard the increased circulation of our pioneer paper, and the eager desire manifested to hear and read the truth, as an indication that God is working on the hearts of the people preparatory to the speedy close of the message, and that he would have us take hold of the work with renewed faith and zeal. WHEREAS, The means hitherto employed to teach present truth to the world are very inadequate to meet the demands of the people for instruction; and WHEREAS, The Spirit of God is evidently impressing many with the fact that they have a personal duty in teaching the people, Resolved (2), That we recommend that as far as practicable, the various churches and little companies of Sabbath-keepers hold Bible-readings similar to those conducted on this camp-ground, for the purpose of better informing themselves in the Scriptures, and also of interesting their neighbors in the special truths of these last days. Resolved (3), That we urge all our brethren and sisters who can consistently leave their homes to labor in the cause, to attend the Special Course of Biblical Instruction to be given at the College during the coming winter, for the purpose of preparing themselves to labor in the missionary field. WHEREAS, Experience has shown that the preaching of the word has been attended with better success when it has been preceded by missionary labor; therefore Resolved (4), That, in our judgment, whenever it is proposed to hold a tent-meeting in any place, that place should, as far as is practicable, be thoroughly canvassed for monthly subscribers to the Signs of the Times, before the meetings commence, the work to be followed up with Bible-readings, and continued during the progress of the meetings. WHEREAS, The spiritual gifts as manifested in the church are given to unite God's people in one body, and bring them all into the unity of the faith, Resolved (5), That we show our appreciation of this great blessing to the church by reading the testimonies more carefully and prayerfully ourselves, by urging their importance upon others, and by endeavoring to live more in accordance with their teachings. The first resolution was spoken to by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. He considered the rapid increase in the circulation of the Signs surprising even to ourselves. It has increased in about six months from 10,000 to 20,000, of which about 18,000 are upon the regular subscription list. The chair presented a statement showing the increase of the Signs each year since it was first published in 1874. The increase during the last six months has been 1,500 more than during the eight years previous. The resolution was unanimously adopted. The second resolution called forth remarks from many in regard to the importance of becoming familiar with the word of God. It was the unanimous sentiment that there should be a special effort made to encourage Bible study among churches and scattered brethren, and that proper persons should be encouraged to hold Bible-readings among our brethren and others. While the third resolution was pending, the meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FOURTH MEETING, SEPT. 13, 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. M. C. Israel. The third resolution, which was under consideration at the close of the last meeting, was again read. The President spoke of the importance of the special instruction to be given at the College. To make Bible-readings profitable, the persons who conduct them should make them a study, and know the texts quoted. He thought that a score of our brethren of mature years should avail themselves of these privileges, and considered that the Healdsburg school offered superior facilities to our people who desire to fit themselves for the various branches of the work. Men of judgment and experience,—those who have made a success in life, are wanted, to be educated in the word of God. In connection with the ministers there should be a class of workers which Paul calls429 helps. Prof. Brownsberger spoke to the resolution. He thought the school had a very close relation to the work, and that its establishment here meant something. God is moving upon hearts to engage in his work. The question is, Is there willingness in the heart to go forward as duty calls? Eld. Waggoner considered that the individual who successfully aids in the school work is doing as much as he could in the ministry, and that there should be a growth in usefulness on the part of all. He expected that many laborers would be sent out from this school, even to Australia, and the islands of the sea. The resolution was adopted, the congregation also expressing their approval by a unanimous vote. Several spoke to the fourth resolution. Eld. Ballou has observed that wherever missionary work precedes tent-meetings there has been a good measure of success. It makes friends of the people. The resolution was adopted. The fifth resolution was adopted, the congregation also indorsing it by a rising vote. The committee appointed to confer with the Nevada delegates reported, recommending that Nevada be considered a part of the California Conference, and that we extend to the brethren there a hearty welcome. By a unanimous vote Nevada was received as recommended. On motion, it was voted that the chair appoint a committee to revise the present constitution. Eld. J. H. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, and Eld. J. D. Rice were afterward appointed as such committee. Meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FIFTH MEETING, SEPT. 16, 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Colcord. In the absence of the Secretary, Eld. Colcord was chosen Secretary pro tem. The reading of the minutes of previous meeting was waived. The Committee on Resolutions continued their report as follows: WHEREAS, The canvassing work is an efficient means of getting the truth before the people, and of giving an experience which is an aid to effective service in other branches of the work; and WHEREAS, Certain valuable works, such as “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” and the picture, “Way of Life,” have been prepared to use in canvassing; therefore Resolved (6), That we recommend that those of our brethren and sisters who have had success in the past, and others of financial ability who feel a duty in this direction, and who may be recommended by those who have charge of this work, improve their talents by giving themselves to the work. Resolved (7), That it is with great pleasure that we have welcomed to this meeting Eld. G. W. Colcord, President of the Upper Columbia Conference, and that we recommend that this Conference send visitors to the other Conferences west of the Rocky Mountains, and cordially invite those Conferences to send their representatives to our annual meetings, believing that such an interchange will be of mutual benefit. Resolved (8), That, while we heartily indorse Bible-readings, and consider that they may be made of great benefit to the cause, we would not lose sight of the necessity of maintaining order in the cause of God; and recommend that all who wish to engage in this branch of the work go out under the sanction of the Conference, and not otherwise. These resolutions were adopted. Number six was spoken to by Eld. S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and C. A. Cary. Number seven was also spoken to. It was thought consistent with the resolution that where a church could recommend persons they would be free to work in the church and vicinity. The Nominating Committee then made the following report: For President, Eld. S. N. Haskell; Secretary, Dr. E. J. Waggoner; Treasurer, Pacific Press; Executive Committee—Eld. S. N. Haskell, Eld. M. C. Israel, W. C. White. Eld. Haskell stated that his labors in California have been very pleasant, and that he has become much attached to the brethren here; yet duties in the East will doubtless require his attention more in the year to come than in the past. The persons recommended by the committee were duly elected. It was voted to drop the Red Bluff church from the minutes of this Conference, and to advise the members of said body to unite with other churches. Adjourned to call of the chair. SIXTH MEETING, SEPT. 17, 3:30 P. M. Prayer by Eld. G. D. Ballou. Minutes of the two previous meetings read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported the following for credentials: Elders W. M. Healey, M. C. Israel, E. A. Briggs, J. D. Rice, G. D. Ballou, John Judson, Sanford Rogers, J. H. Waggoner. It was voted that they receive credentials. Those reported for ministerial licenses were as follows: W. P. Burke, Wm. Ings, E. J. Waggoner, N. C. McClure, A. Brorsen, W. G. Buckner, Isaac Morrison. It was voted that these receive licenses, except E. J. Waggoner, who was recommended by the President for ordination and credentials. A motion to this effect was made and supported. Brn. Myers, White, Stockton, and Gardner spoke, favoring the motion, which was carried. In addition to the action of the delegates the congregation favored the same by a unanimous vote. The following persons were named for colporteurs' licenses: Mrs. F. L. McClure, H. C. Palmer, Mrs. E. J. Howard, L. A. Scott. The cases of Henry Reick and others came up, and it was recommended that they attend the school if their circumstances would admit of it. The matter of granting them licenses was therefore left with the Conference Committee. Eld. Haskell spoke of the benefit to be received from the $25,000 endowment fund, the interest of which is to be applied in educating worthy persons for the work. Bro. A. La Rue spoke of his desire and feeling in regard to laboring in the Sandwich Islands, where he formerly resided for some time. These islands were favorably regarded as a missionary field by several who spoke on the subject. Already a number there have become interested in the truth, and some have embraced it. It was moved that this matter be referred to the Conference Committee and the council of ministers, and that they take action before leaving the ground. The chairman spoke of the necessity of trustees being chosen for the $25,000 fund. It was moved that a special board of three trustees be appointed to look after this matter. The chair suggested the names of Wm. Butcher, W. C. White, and Ruel Stickney, who were elected. It was stated by the chair that the duty of these trustees will be to see that the wishes of the donors to the fund are carried out. W. C. White made a motion recommending that the chair, Eld. Waggoner, and Eld. Rice define in writing the duties, time in office, etc., of this board. This was favored by an affirmative vote. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which were adopted:— WHEREAS, At this important time the cause of God is greatly in need of experienced men to manage its financial interests,—men who have made a success in business, and have acquired a competency, and WHEREAS, There are among us men of this class who fear God; therefore Resolved (9), That in the mind of this Conference it is the duty of such men to arrange their business so as to connect with the business interests of this work. Resolved (10), That we think it would be for the interest of the cause for Bro. Ruel Stickney to so situate himself that we could have his counsel in our business meetings, and we therefore invite him to locate as soon as possible in the vicinity of Oakland. Resolved (11), That we hereby acknowledge our obligations as a Conference to the South Pacific Coast Railroad, also to the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad, for the generous reduction of fare granted to all those attending the camp-meeting, for carrying extra baggage free of charge, and for their uniform kindness extended to our people. Resolved (12), That we have highly appreciated these grounds, so well shaded, and containing so many conveniences for a camp-meeting, and that we extend to the Santa Clara County Agricultural Association our sincere thanks for the free use of the same. Eld. Waggoner moved that a vote of thanks be extended to the San Jose Mercury for the liberal space given to the camp-meeting reports. Carried. Eld. S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and Eld. J. D. Rice were elected delegates to the General Conference. Minutes read and approved. Meeting adjourned sine die. S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
BARBARA C. RICE, Sec. The Vermont Camp-Meeting.
By I. D. Van Horn
THIS meeting was held at Prospect Park, a place formerly used for a fair ground, about two miles from Montpelier. The attendance of the friends of the cause was about the same as in former years, upwards of 200 camping on the ground, and the churches throughout the State were well represented. Besides the ministers and the licentiates of the Conference, there were present Elder G. I. Butler, Sister White and the writer. Brother Boynton was also present and took charge of the canvassing work. Sister White endured the labor at the New England camp-meeting well, and coming on with us here she was able to bear her testimony in her usual clear and pointed style. She gave four discourses, had good freedom, and seemingly without much weariness. The rest of the preaching was done by Elder Butler and the writer. The principal burden in all the preaching services and social meetings was to impress the people to come up to a higher standard of piety and devotion to the cause of God. Much was said to show the wants of the cause, and to urge young men and women to give themselves to the work and help bear the burdens. Brother Boynton was active in his branch of the work, and infused such a spirit of zeal and energy into the hearts of those who attended his classes that some ten or twelve who had never canvassed any resolved to enter the field, and six who had worked some, determined to put forth greater efforts. The special seasons for seeking God on Sabbath and Monday were crowned with some success. The Lord came near and the tender spirit gave evidence of consecration of heart to God. A few made a start for the first time, and on Monday went forward in baptism. There were eight baptized, and it was a solemn and affecting scene. On Monday morning Brother Butler presented the wants of the Missions in Europe, and of the International Tract Society. This theme, which is always inspiring, raised the spirit of the meeting, and when the friends were called upon, in a short time, pledges were taken amounting to upwards of $1,200, and about $250 of this was paid. The outside attendance on Sunday was not as large as in other places. Those who did come, except a few roughs, paid good attention, and some were deeply impressed by the truth. One man, who has been a minister of the gospel for nearly thirty years, the last fourteen of which he was an Adventist, came out decidedly on the truth, and at our closing meeting, Tuesday morning, declared himself determined to keep the Sabbath the remainder of his life. This man is Elder M. Durfey, of Worcester, Vt., about six miles north of Montpelier. Thus closed our good meeting in Vermont. May God bless the cause there. We have just received word by letter from Worcester, Mass., that six have started to keep the Sabbath as the result of the camp-meeting in that place, and some half dozen others are investigating the subject. No doubt this interest is due largely to the thorough canvass made in the town and vicinity before the meeting. A strong plea for help has come up from that place.