Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 37, No. 9.

THE DEFINITE SEVENTH DAY;
Earlier text: S. D. Adventists and Their Critics

Business Proceedings

By James White; Uriah Smith

OF THE NINTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTS.
CONFERENCE assembled according to appointment in REVIEW, Feb. 7, 1871. Prayer by Eld. J. N. Andrews.
Delegates being called for, credentials were presented by the following brethren:
N. Y. & Pa. Conference. J. N. Andrews.
Ohio. I. D. Van Horn (by invitation of Conference).
Mich. & Indiana. Jas. White, D. R. Palmer, S. H. King, E. H. Root, Jas. Harvey.
Illinois. R. F. Andrews.
Wisconsin. C. W. Olds.
Iowa. Geo. I. Butler, D. M. Canright.
Minnesota. Stephen Pierce.
Maine. J. H. Waggoner (by invitation of Conference).
New England Conf. S. N. Haskell. By invitation of Conference, M. E. Cornell also acted as delegate from New England.
Kansas & Mo. R. J. Lawrence (by invitation of Conference).
On motion, all ministers present were invited to participate in the deliberations of this Conference.
Minutes of last Conference read and accepted.
Gen’l Conference Summary for the Y’r 1871.
Names of Conferences Ministers Licentiates Churches Number of Members S. B. Funds Pledged S. B. Funds raised by the Churches S. B. Funds pledged to Conference S. B. Funds pledged to Gen’l Conf. S. B. Funds on hand
Maine 1 5 9 194 $950.00 — $10.00 $940.00 $500.00
New England 2 2 16 300 3044.60 — — 3044.60 $160.00; $500.00
Vermont 5 4 12 262 1501.34 172.01 1329.33 $50.00 34.00
N. Y. & Penn. 5 5 24 589 2954.07 201.54 2752.53 — —
Ohio 4 4 10 194 1220.01 108.50 1111.41 — 675.25
Michigan & Ind. 11 14 53 1543 5779.81 3851.93 3927.88 — 2000.00
Wisconsin 2 4 17 450 2551.00 — 2551.00 530.00 100.00
Illinois 2 4 8 178 875.00 — 875.00 — —
Minnesota 2 2 9 250 990.50 — 990.50 100.00 —
Iowa 2 4 18 400 2400.00 — — 300.00 650.00
Kansas & Mo. 1 — 5 — — — — — —
California Mis. 1 — 4 130 800.00 — 800.00 — —
Swiss Mission 1 — — 60 — — — — —
Total 35 34 185 4550 $23066.42 $2343.98 $18322.25 $1110.00 $3959.25

COMMITTEES APPOINTED.

Auditing Committee. E. H. Root, Jas. Harvey.
On Nominations. Geo. I. Butler, J. Sanborn, E. H. Root.
On Resolutions. J. N. Andrews, D. M. Canright, Jas. Harvey.
Eld. H. P. Burdick, S. D. Baptist, being present, was invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.
Missionary reports were called for, and presented by the following brethren:
Eld. J. H. Waggoner spoke of his labors in Maine, giving an encouraging account of the prospects of the cause in that State.
Bro. Cornell spoke of the cause in Boston, Mass., and vicinity.
Bro. Lawrence spoke of labors in Kansas and Missouri. Reported five organized churches in that Conference, and four other places where regular meetings are held.
Bro. Matteson spoke of his labor in the same field. He also gave a very encouraging account of the interest he found among the Danes and Norwegians in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Bro. White spoke of his labors in different parts of the field, especially during the camp-meeting season, referring for particulars to his reports published in the REVIEW.
Treasurer’s report presented, showing the following result:
Indebtedness of Conference at last report, $272.90 Received from March 15, 1870, to Feb. 7, 1871, $3261.42 Pd. out as per book, during same time, $2535.16 Bal. in Treas. Feb. 7, 1871, 453.36 $3261.42
Report accepted.
By vote it was left to the Gen. Conf. Committee to arrange for preaching during the Conference.
Adjourned to 3 P. M.
SECOND SESSION. Committee on Nominations reported, for President, the coming year, Jas. White; Secretary, U. Smith; Treasurer, A. P. Van Horn; Executive Committee, Jas. White, J. N. Andrews, W. H. Littlejohn.
These persons were thereupon elected to their respective offices.
Committee on Resolutions reported the following for the consideration of the Conference:
1. Resolved, That we recognize in the present condition of the Pope of Rome and the Sultan of Turkey, unmistakable evidence that we have reached the very conclusion of the great lines of prophecy, and that our confidence in the speedy advent of our Lord is unwavering. Adopted.
2. Resolved, That we cherish the cause of the Sabbath, identified as it is with that of the moral law, as holy and elevated, and that we pledge ourselves to continue earnest effort that we may lead many to its sacred observance. Adopted.
3. Resolved, That we deeply regret the circumstances which rendered it impracticable that our delegate to the Seventh-day Baptist General Conference should attend the session of that body last September. We recall with much satisfaction the visit of their delegate, Prof. Jonathan Allen, at our session one year since; and we express anew our earnest desire to maintain with this body of Sabbath-keepers the most friendly Christian relation. And as the most suitable manner to give effect to this feeling, we again appoint our esteemed Bro. Eld. Jas. White to represent us as a delegate to this people, with power, in case of inability to attend, to appoint a substitute.
After interesting remarks by Elds. J. N. Andrews and H. P. Burdick, this resolution was adopted.
4. Resolved, That we highly appreciate the faithful and abundant labors of Eld. Jas. White in many departments of the work as preacher, writer, general publishing agent, and editor, and also as having the care of many other matters pertaining to the advancement of the cause, and the well-being of mankind. We consider that the prosperity which has attended his management of our publishing interests fully sustains and justifies the statements of the Testimonies relative to his call to this position. And while we earnestly invite him to retain his oversight of the work of publication, we do, as an act of justice, request him to take a furlough that shall be sufficient to enable him fully to recover his wonted strength. We judge that a much smaller amount of business might be well for some months to come, and that this could be placed in the hands of others, who should act with his counsel. Adopted.
5. Resolved, That we re-affirm our abiding confidence in the Testimonies of Sr. White to the church, as the teaching of the Spirit of God, and that we have each year continual and growing evidence that they are such. Adopted.
6. A sixth resolution touching the Health Reform, after remarks by Brn. Waggoner, White and Burdick, was recommitted to the committee for a revision of its phraseology.
7. Resolved, That we express our deep interest in the work of Bro. Matteson in carrying the truth to the Danes and Norwegians in our country, and that we assure him of our sympathy and support. Adopted.
8. Whereas, God has shown that there should be picked men at the heart of the work, and, Whereas, Heretofore the cause has suffered for the lack of such men who would help to bear burdens, and, Whereas, We think there are those among us who would please God and relieve his overtasked servants by coming and helping in such things as they could do, therefore, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to select such men to remove to Battle Creek, as they shall think duty calls to this place. Adopted.
9. Resolved, That we regret the lack of a missionary spirit among our people, and that we encourage proper men and women, especially the young, to consecrate themselves to the work of God; not simply as ministers and lecturers, but as helpers in the various departments of the cause, in organizing Sabbath-schools, visiting from house to house, circulating books, &c., where our lecturers have first opened the way. Adopted.
Adjourned to 6:30 P. M.
THIRD SESSION. This session was occupied with a general consideration of the wants of the cause in all parts of the field. Remarks were made by Brn. Pierce, White, Andrews, Haskell, Canright, Waggoner, and others. From Maine to Minnesota, and in Washington Territory, Oregon, and California, most pressing needs exist; and from all these places most urgent calls come in. Most stirring remarks were made on the duty of all to take hold of the work, and do what they can, in any manner they can, to forward the work, to avoid sectional feeling, as the cause is one, and to pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers to go forth into his vineyard.
FOURTH SESSION. Wednesday, 4:30 P. M. The Chair, being empowered to nominate the Committee called for in Resolution 8, presented the names of the following persons, who were chosen to do the work there specified: E. H. Root, S. H. King, J. F. Carman.
FIFTH SESSION. Feb. 11, 6 P. M. Bro. H. W. Kellogg of Vermont, having arrived, presented credentials as delegate from that Conference.
The Committee on Resolutions presented Resolution 6 as amended:
Resolved, That while we humbly confess and deeply deplore the fact that errors have been committed in the management of the Health Institute and Health Reformer, we yet express our heartfelt thanks that they have been the means of spreading much light and doing much good in this sacred work, and we invite our people to give them their support; and we hereby pledge ourselves to unite with them all in renewing our interest in the cause of health reform. Adopted.
On motion, it was left with the General Conference Committee to secure laborers for the camp-meetings.
Fourteen camp-meetings were called for by the delegates from different States.
The President of the Conference was requested, by vote, to prepare a work on the subject of camp-meetings.
SIXTH SESSION. Sunday, 7:15 P. M. Bro. Andrews spoke in regard to the Benevolent Association, formed in 1868, and read from the REVIEW the objects for which the organization was instituted.
Brn. E. H. Root, S. H. King, and J. F. Carman were authorized to act with the Gen. Conf. Committee to induce such persons to remove to Battle Creek as can be a help in the work, and effect the removal from the place of such persons as can be of no help here.
The Library fund was left in the care of the Trustees of the Publishing Association.
Bro. Harvey having to leave, Bro. S. H. King was chosen to supply his place on the Auditing Committee.
SEVENTH SESSION. The Chairman being empowered to appoint a committee to designate certain persons to write essays on the objects of the Missionary Society, Benevolent Association, Health Reform, &c., declined to act; whereupon the matter was left with the Committee on Publications.
Brn. Andrews, Cornell, and Canright, were chosen to arrange time and subjects for the lecture course.
JAS. WHITE, Pres. U. SMITH, Sec’y.

AFTERNOON SESSION

By James White; Mrs. A. P. Van Horn

Moved, By Eld. Joseph Bates, that the above report be accepted. Carried.
The next proceeding of the meeting was to nominate officers for the ensuing year; which was done by ballot, and resulted in the nomination of the following persons: President, James White; Vice President, Uriah Smith; Secretary, Mrs. A. P. Van Horn; Treasurer, Miss Anna M. Driscoll; Auditor, L. P. Bailey; Committee on Publication, James White, J. N. Andrews, and J. H. Waggoner. This nomination was ratified by a unanimous vote. Adjourned to 3 o'clock P. M.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Eld. James White.
On motion of J. N. Andrews, it was Resolved, That we elect Eld. James White Editor of the ADVENT REVIEW, and Uriah Smith Assistant Editor, for the ensuing year. Carried.
On motion of Eld. J. H. Waggoner, it was Resolved, That Miss J. R. Trembley be elected Editor, and Miss E. R. Fairfield Assistant Editor, of the Youth's Instructor, for the ensuing year. Carried.
On motion of Eld. J. H. Waggoner, it was Resolved, That the President be allowed the sum of $12.00 per week, the Editors of the REVIEW $12.00 per week, the Editors of the Instructor $6.00 per week, the Secretary the sum of $10.00 per week, and the Treasurer the sum of 6.00 per week, the ensuing year. Carried.
Meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.

THIRD SESSION.

Thursday, Feb. 9, 4 o'clock P. M. Prayer by Bro. D. M. Canright. The subject relating to the editing of the Health Reformer was brought before the meeting by the Chairman.
On motion of Eld. J. H. Waggoner, it was Resolved, That Eld. James White be elected Editor, and Miss E. R. Fairfield Assistant Editor, of the Health Reformer. Carried by a unanimous vote.
On motion of Eld. D. M. Canright, it was Resolved, That the S. D. A. Publishing Association approve the action of the Trustees in subscribing for the Association $200.00 on what is known as the Ohio & Michigan R. R. Carried.
On motion of Eld. J. N. Andrews, it was Resolved, That Eld. James White be requested to retain the management of the Book Fund, for the ensuing year.
Adjourned to the call of the President.
JAMES WHITE, Pres.
MRS. A. P. VAN HORN, Sec'y.

The Conference.

By Editor

As we are about to go to press, we take a little space for a few general remarks respecting the anniversary meetings just held in this place. The reports of the business proceedings found in this paper will well repay the careful perusal of all the friends of the cause. Financially, the past year has been an exceedingly prosperous one. We may especially mention in this respect the Publishing Association and the Health Institute. The exhibit which these two institutions are able to make of their financial workings the past year, attests the faithfulness of those who have had them in charge, and must be a matter of gratitude to all the friends of the cause. The inherent recuperative power which these institutions manifest is not a little astonishing. We wish not to be deemed irreverent when we say that it seems that God is bound to carry his work triumphantly forward over all obstacles, and through all difficulties. Or perhaps it could be better expressed by saying that, while to human shortsightedness and to human fears, difficulties and discouragements rise up like specters all along the way, there are no such things to God. He never becomes discouraged; and failure never will be written against his cause. Let Israel trust in him, and go forward.

WHO WERE PRESENT.

Among the ministers present we may mention Brn. White, Bates, Andrews, Haskell, Waggoner, Cornell, Canright, Van Horn, Butler, Sanborn, Andrews (R. F.), Lawrence, Byington, Matteson, Strong, Pierce, and Lane. Besides these there were fifteen licentiates, and a good representation of brethren and sisters from different places. It was cheering to meet with the friends once more, who are still struggling on in the cause of truth, of good hope and courage in the work.

THE CAUSE IS ONE.

Notwithstanding some of the brethren came from fields of labor so widely separated, and parts of the country so distant from each other, and all were exceedingly anxious for the people in their own States, there was no sectional feeling; but the interest of one was for all the rest. And one of the most affecting meetings of the series, was when the subject of missionary labor was taken up in the Conference, and appeals for help were read from letters, and made by the delegates, in reference to every section of the field. All the country is holding out its hands for help. Hearts are ready for the truth, as a thirsty land is ready for rain. And he who could listen to the appeals that came from the far east and the distant west and met here at the Conference, beseeching in most touching terms for assistance;—he who could listen to these and not respond, “Here am I, send me,” must be callous and unfeeling of heart.

SABBATH DISCOURSES.

Of the sermons preached during the Conference, we refer especially to those given on the Sabbath, the first in the forenoon by Bro. Andrews, the second in the afternoon by Bro. Butler. The first presented the danger of falling through unbelief, as illustrated by the Israelites, who, though they experienced a marvelous deliverance from Egypt, by being led through the Red Sea, and thought themselves, as indeed they then were, the people of God, in a state of acceptance with him, nevertheless through subsequent unfaithfulness, failed to reach the promised land, but left their bones to bleach in the wilderness. The second presented the importance of our seeking meekness and righteousness, if it may be we may be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger; the importance, in other words, of our keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus as enjoined in the third angel’s message, if we would escape the perils of the last days, and secure a place in the kingdom of God. These discourses were timely, and adapted to the wants of the people. Truths of infinite importance were brought to bear upon the hearts and consciences of those who heard; and it will be an indication of fault on their part, if they do not become, from the hearing, better men and women.
On Monday forenoon, at the last session of the General Conference, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the whole congregation present:
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to Bro. White for his labors during the past year, in bearing heavy burdens under the most unfavorable and trying circumstances; and also for his readiness to serve the interests of the cause at our request. And we pledge ourselves to sustain him according to the best of our ability, and to bear those burdens that we may be able, that he may be free to fill those stations to which we believe God has specially called him.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with Sr. White in her present enfeebled and worn condition; and we wish to express our thanks to our kind Heavenly Father for hearing our prayers in her behalf; and we unitedly pledge ourselves to remember her in all our prayers.
There appears to be in all hearts an increasing confidence in the work of the Lord. The outlook for the progress of the cause is such as to inspire hope and courage.

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL SESSION.

Pursuant to notice given in the Review, the eleventh annual meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was held in Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 8, 1871. The President, Eld. James White, was in the chair. Prayer by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. The roll being called, it was ascertained that there were present sixty-one members, representing one hundred and fifty-seven votes. Next in order followed the

TREASURER’S REPORT.

Report to the Eleventh Annual Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association for the year ending February 1, A. D. 1871.

RECEIPTS.

Cash on hand March 11, 1870, $1,292.67 Received on REVIEW & HERALD, $5,661.96 “ “ Youth’s Instructor, 854.14 “ “ Health Reformer, 2,323.31 “ “ Cash Sales, 4,429.54 “ “ Accounts & Deposits, 38,021.05 “ “ Donations, 57.38 “ “ Shares, 375.00 “ “ Job Work, 450.30 “ “ Mich. Conf. Fund, 4,096.18 “ “ Gen. Conf. Fund, 3,261.42 $59,530.28 Total, $60,822.85

EXPENDITURES.

Paid out on Accts. & Deposits, $27,538.30 “ “ for Stock, 10,498.28 “ “ Office Labor, 6,552.06 “ “ Materials & Sundries, 958.38 “ “ Wood & Incidentals, 1,621.77 “ “ Mich. Conf. Fund, 3,720.38 “ “ Gen. Conf. Fund, 2,535.16 Total, $53,419.28 Cash on hand to balance, 7,403.57 $60,822.85
Total value of the Property of the Association as per Inventory, $52,636.60 Association holds Notes to the amount of 3,110.34 Due the Association on Book Account, 9,564.03 Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1871, 7,403.57 $72,714.54
The Association owes as follows: On Notes, 2,335.64 “ Book Account, 20,364.88 $22,700.52
Assets after all debts are paid, $50,014.02 Assets as given in last Report, 40,487.69 Increase during the year, 9,526.33
A. M. Driscall, Treasurer.

Health Reform Institute.

By J. H. Waggoner; B. Salisbury

Pursuant to the call made in the REVIEW, the stockholders of the Health Reform Institute, met at the house of worship of the Seventh-day Adventists, Thursday, Feb. 9, 1871.
The meeting was called to order, and opened with prayer. Eld. J. H. Waggoner was called to the chair.
Upon the call of the roll there were found to be 747 shares represented in person or by proxy.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The Auditor's report was presented, and is as follows:—

AUDITOR'S STATEMENT,

Showing the Financial Workings of the Institute for the year commencing March 10, 1870, and ending Feb. 3, 1871.

RECEIPTS.

From Patients, $9,286.08
On Incidental Sales, 558.06
On Charitable Fund, 6.00
Due from Patients on the past year's account, 1,359.14
Total, $11,209.28

EXPENDITURES.

Invoice of March 10, 1870, $965.46
Incidental Expenses, 3,170.25
For Labor, 2,319.42
Their due to date, 487.16
Allowing 10 per cent on $3,480.30, value of Furniture, for wear, 348.03
Making, $7,290.32
Less the Invoice of Provisions and Goods on hand, 642.65
Total, $6,647.67
Leaving the Excess of Receipts, $4,561.61
This is to certify that I find, after a careful examination of the Health Reform Institute books, the above statement to be correct, so far as I am able to judge. S. H. Lane, Auditor.
This report was accepted.
On motion, a Nominating Committee of three was appointed; viz., James White, J. N. Andrews, and G. I. Butler, who presented the following names as candidates for Directors: S. H. King, E. H. Root, J. F. Carman, S. A. McPherson, D. R. Palmer, Daniel Carpenter, and B. Salisbury. These persons were thereupon unanimously elected.
Voted, To approve the action of Eld. James White in subscribing two hundred dollars, in behalf of the Directors of the Institute, for the Ohio and Michigan R. R.
Adjourned sine die.
J. H. Waggoner, Chairman.
B. Salisbury, Clerk.

Michigan Conference Proceedings: Committees, Church Standing, and Ministers' Cre

By Uriah Smith; I. D. Van Horn

Moved and Voted, That the Chair appoint a committee of six to act with the Conference Committee, to audit and settle accounts with ministers; whereupon the following brethren were appointed: G. H. Bell, James Harvey, S. Howland, Wm. Potter, Charles Buck, and D. W. Milk.
On motion, R. J. Lawrence, J. S. Wicks, and H. S. Guilford, were appointed by the Chair as a Committee on Nominations.
On motion, the Chair appointed the following brethren as a Committee on Resolutions: J. H. Waggoner, M. E. Cornell, and D. H. Lamson.
Many calls for labor in the churches, and in new fields, were then read before the Conference, which called out many remarks from Brn. White, Waggoner, and others.
Moved, That the supplying of these calls be left with the Conference Committee. Carried.
The report of the standing of the Conference was then read, which was as follows:
Number of members at the beginning of the Conference year, 1495 Gain during the year, 173 Loss “ “ “ 125 Present No. in the churches of the Conference, 1543 Whole No. of churches in the Conference, 53 Total am’t of S. B. funds pledged to churches $5579.81 “ “ “ “ “ “ to the Conf. 3927.86
Reports of the labor of ministers were called for, and the following brethren responded: Joseph Bates, M. E. Cornell, John Byington, Philip Strong, E. B. Lane, and S. H. Lane.
On motion it was voted, That credentials be renewed to the following ministers: James White, Joseph Bates, John Byington, R. J. Lawrence, I. D. Van Horn, M. E. Cornell, Philip Strong, J. H. Waggoner, E. B. Lane, and J. N. Loughborough.
Moved and voted, That Sr. Ellen G. White receive credentials from this Conference.
On motion it was voted, That Eld. D. M. Canright be transferred from this Conference to the Iowa Conference, where his home now is.
On motion it was voted, That the following brethren receive license, and that they be recommended to receive ordination as ministers in the Conference: Uriah Smith, W. H. Littlejohn, C. Stoddard.
Moved and voted, That the following brethren receive license: Charles Seaward, E. H. Root, Harmon Kenyon, S. H. Lane, D. H. Lamson.
The granting of license to the following brethren was left to the Conference Committee: Alvin Marsh, James G. Sterling, D. F. Randolph, Chas. Jones, and G. H. Bell.
Moved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, to whom application might be made by those wishing license; whereupon, John Byington, R. J. Lawrence, and M. E. Cornell, were thus appointed.
Adjourned to 2 o’clock P. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION. Opened with prayer by Bro. Bates. The Committee on Nominations reported the following persons for Officers of the Conference the ensuing year: President, Uriah Smith; Secretary, Miss Jane R. Trembley; Treasurer, Miss Addie Merriam; Conference Committee, Uriah Smith, J. T. Carman, and D. H. Lamson. These were each elected by a unanimous vote.
The committee to receive application for license, reported the following names, who each were granted license by the Conference for the ensuing year: H. A. St. John, W. B. Castle, J. O. Corliss, Albert Weeks, A. N. Fisher, and H. S. Gurney.
Committee on Resolutions reported, and offered the following:
Resolved, That we have seen with deep regret a decline of interest in the cause of health reform with some of our churches and people; and we hereby request our ministers to strive to revive this interest wherever they may be called to labor. And we call upon all who profess to be looking and preparing for the coming of the Lord, to make this a cause of self-examination, and a special subject of prayer, that we may not slight the warnings and counsels of God on this important subject.
The above resolution was adopted by a unanimous vote.
On motion, Bro. I. A. Olmstead was elected to fill the place of C. S. Glover in the Mich. Camp-meeting Committee.
Adjourned to the call of the President.
URIAH SMITH, President.
I. D. VAN HORN, Secretary, pro tem.
Continue reading: Michigan Conference of S. D. Adventists