John Mark was quite a prominent personage in the New Testament record. After studying his character carefully, I am satisfied that I am acquainted with several of his descendants. I will call their attention to the character of the family, and perhaps they will be interested in looking up their genealogy.
Turning to Acts 12:12, we learn that this John Mark lived in Jerusalem with his mother. It will be seen that they were quite a prominent family in the church. The prayer-meetings were held at their house. Rhoda, the young damsel, lived there also. The Mark family seem to have been quite well off. It is evident from the record that they had a large, well furnished house; for many of the brethren congregated there. And this is where Peter went as soon as he was let out of prison. John appears to have been a young man at this time. As he evidently intended to give himself to the ministry, he sought a chance to go out and get a little experience in the work with older hands. His uncle Barnabas, Col. 4:10, and the apostle Paul were about starting out on an important campaign. So John went along with them. Acts 12:25. But these brethren had rather a rough time of it, traveling from city to city among strangers and enemies. Sometimes they were abused, and they did not always fare the best. So after a few weeks’ trial, Bro. John’s heart failed him. He became very homesick. He thought of his dear old mother, the comfortable home at Jerusalem, and the good brethren there, and contrasted these things with the hard time he was having out in a new field, and he concluded that he had a very important duty to attend to at home. The record does not say just what the duty was, though it is evident that it was nothing very serious.
Probably the family could have got along well enough without him; but he made himself believe that home duties were very pressing; so when he came to Perga he departed from Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13. He left them at the very time he ought to have stayed, the very time they needed his labor the most. It appears that he did this also directly against the advice of the apostle Paul. Acts 15:37, 38. The apostle put this down as a black mark against him. Paul did not like that sort of conduct. After a long season of hard work, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem. Acts 15:2, 3. They found Bro. Mark at his good home, enjoying himself among the brethren. Having had a good rest, when Paul and Barnabas started out for another season of work, John proposed to try it again. But Paul had not forgotten his cowardly conduct and his lack of a spirit of sacrifice, and so he refused to take him.
The record is a very interesting one. Thus Luke says, “And some days after, Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.” Acts 15:36–40.
Paul was an energetic, driving, self-sacrificing minister. He could leave home, deny himself all privileges, and suffer everything for the work of God. He refused even to marry a wife, lest it should hinder his work. This hard-working Paul had no patience with the take-it-easy, home-loving men like John Mark. He had tried him once and found that when the work went a little hard, he would leave it and run home. That was enough for Paul. He would have nothing more to do with him. So decidedly was he opposed to that spirit that he could not be persuaded to have anything more to do with John, the young minister. But Barnabas, being John’s uncle, was more favorable to him, and took his part; and they had some pretty sharp words over it, so much so that Paul said, “If you are going to take him along, then we will part,” and so they did. Said he, “A young man who cannot stay away from home any longer than John Mark does, is not fit for the work of God; and I will not countenance any such work.”
How John Mark and his uncle Barnabas came out, I never learned; but I am well satisfied that he raised quite a family, for we have quite a number of them among us, still following the same calling. The peculiarity of their ancestor is still very prominent in them—they are always running home. They love the work of the ministry, and are generally quite clever fellows; but they don’t like hardship and self-denial any better than Bro. Mark did, and as to being away from home long at a time, that is out of the question with them. It is fortunate for them that everybody is not as stirring and driving as Paul was, or they would have to reform or leave the ministry.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
South Lancaster, Mass.
INCREASING LIGHT.
By A. S. Hutchins
Personally, I wish to express my hearty approval of the plan for regular quarterly meetings recommended by the General Conference Committee and so clearly set forth in the REVIEW of June 7. It seems to me the response from the heart of every lover of order, desirous of the prosperity of the cause of God, must be, Amen.
But there is no way in which we can so conclusively show our approval of these wise and prudent recommendations as by complying with them individually, by cheerfully acting in harmony with them. Let all our churches take hold of this work. We are nearing the first Sabbath and following first-day in July. Several of the churches in this State had previously voted to hold quarterly meetings regularly. Let us have union of action in this important work.
Most of our churches have an ordained elder. And while some of these brethren may naturally feel a reluctance to officiating in the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house, this solemn service may prove a blessing to them by leading them to lean upon the arm of Jesus for strength. It may result in a stronger bond of union between the officers and members of the churches, as they bear new responsibilities.
Let us each make ourselves familiar with these instructions from the General Conference Committee and act in harmony with them, and we may consistently hope for greater happiness and increased usefulness.
And relative to regular quarterly meetings for T. and M. business, reporting, paying up S. B., and the one-third, etc., it looks like increasing light. It is a system to be practically admired. This work is not ours. We labor not to promote our own interests. The work in which we engage is the Lord's. He watches the work and the interest we manifest in it. And to encourage the laborer the record is made, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:6. A. S. HUTCHINS.
INDIANA CAMP-MEETING.
By S. H. Lane
The Conference Committee of Indiana decide that the camp-meeting for the present year should be held at Kokomo, the county-seat of Howard Co. The place is a city of some four thousand inhabitants, situated in a finely settled country. Three years ago a camp-meeting was held by our people about five miles from Kokomo. It made such a good impression on the people of the city who attended that they are anxious we should hold one near the place.
A beautiful grove, one mile from the court-house, the center of the city, has been offered us, free of charge. There are two papers printed in the city. The editor of each paper offers, free of charge, to advertise the meeting in his columns or insert anything we may write. The leading paper has of late printed through its columns quite a share of the “United States in Prophecy,” and thus an interest has been awakened.
We earnestly pray that the meeting may prove a success and believe it will if, in the fear of the Lord, all the brethren and sisters in the State will come up to this yearly gathering, determined to do their duty.
We hope all our churches will, as far as possible, provide themselves with tents and not rent, as some have done in the past. Soon enough will be paid out in renting to purchase necessary tents. We would by all means urge the purchase of tents. We shall make efforts to secure reduced rates on the three railroads which center in the city of Kokomo. These roads run north, south, east, west, and south-west, thus making the place accessible from all parts of the State.
We earnestly solicit the General Conference Committee to send us ministerial aid, to assist in this important meeting and thus greatly aid and encourage this young Conference. Let all in the State pray for the success of the meeting. S. H. LANE, Pres.
A STRIKING FACT.
By D. T. B.
At the time of the Franco-Prussian war, preparations were made for a massacre of the Protestants in several cities and villages of this part of France. But the very day appointed for this slaughter, Napoleon III, met with his defeat. The Protestants were apprised of the plot by sympathizing Catholics. Some fled or hid, as in the days of the Waldenses; others armed themselves for the conflict. Yesterday, several faithful witnesses told me that in a city not far from here two brothers who had been very active in stirring up this spirit of persecution hanged themselves when they saw that their plan had failed. D. T. B.
CLUBS OF THE SIGNS.
By A. S. Hutchins
Churches and individuals in our State, taking clubs of the SIGNS which were to be paid for in monthly installments, will please bear in mind that these clubs now stand charged to our T. and M. Society. And as the main object in making this change was to do the business through the State secretary, thereby saving much labor at the Office, it is desired that hereafter these installments should be paid into the State treasury, instead of being sent to the SIGNS Office.
We further desire, 1. That all money so paid for the SIGNS should be kept separate from the T. and M. funds raised for other purposes; otherwise we cannot tell when these clubs shall have been paid for. 2. As far as expedient, we should be glad to have these installments all paid for the full year at the time of our next camp-meeting. As these installments are usually light on each individual, it is presumed that in most, if not all, cases this request will cheerfully be complied with.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Dr. Fulton's Sermons on the Sabbath and Judge Hilton
Dr. Fulton, the Baptist behemoth of Brooklyn, is preaching a series of sermons on the Sabbath. Last Sunday, speaking of Judge Hilton’s order, he said: “In thus openly rebuking the Jews [Hilton] has made it possible for the families of Christians to enjoy a Sabbath at the Grand Union, a luxury which was impossible last year and which is impossible wherever they congregate, as at Long Branch, Sharon Springs, and elsewhere. The Jews are destroying the Sabbath of New York. They are not keeping the seventh day or the first day. They are selling every day—on Saturday because they are infidels, and on Sunday because they are Jews.”
Baptist Ministers Debate Pastoral Vacations
The Baptist ministers of New York City discussed the subject of ministerial vacations the other day, and the practice got some pretty hard knocks. One speaker, however, thought that the deacons might visit the sick and bury the dead, and let the pastors take a rest once in a while. Deacons don't have much to do, he said, and there is no law, human or divine, against deacons making themselves useful. To which a big “Amen!” resounded.
Pride Versus Humility: Angels and Devils
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
Progress of the Cause.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
NEWBURYPORT, MASS.
We have pitched our tent in this city. Its population is about thirteen thousand. It is an old town and a seaport. It seemed to be as fair an opening as we could find in this section. We designed to go to Haverhill, but could get no place for the tent.
Our tent is eighty feet in diameter. Bro. Haskell and others have done all they could to help us. We have advertised thoroughly. Had our first meeting last night; but as it was wet and cold and there were several other special attractions elsewhere, we had only one hundred and twenty-five out. We shall hope in God for the best. This will be my address for the present. D. M. CANRIGHT.
June 27.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Watts Flats, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.
From our good camp-meeting at Aurora, I came to this place. Found the few that had embraced the truth holding on, but needing encouragement and advice; and these they seem to receive gladly. Have commenced a series of meetings at Blockville, with some interest. May God help in the discharge of duty, and give the increase. R. F. COTTRELL.
Tent No. 1.
We came to Raymond’s Corners, Potter Co., Pa., with the sixty-foot tent, Thursday, June 21; we secured a fine location on the school lot adjoining the only church in the place, and pitched the tent the day following. We have held three meetings. The congregation last evening numbered over two hundred, although services were held in the church at the same time.
This is a country place quite thickly inhabited. Years ago, there was a large church of S. D. Adventists here, but various causes operated to break up the work until finally the church was entirely disorganized. Later, the few who remained faithful to the truth reorganized, and are trying to hold up the truth before the people. Our object in coming here was to help and encourage them in this work.
Our P. O. address will be Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa. B. L. WHITNEY. M. H. BROWN.
Tent No. 2.
The interest at Pulaski is constantly rising. We have been presenting the claims of the Sabbath for the past week, which meets with almost general favor. Several of the ministers have controverted the subject in our meetings, and Sunday morning last the Baptist elder preached on it in his church, and I reviewed him in the evening; all of which has resulted in raising the interest to a wonderful pitch, and our attendance is correspondingly increased.
I should have stated in my first report that Bro. Wm. H. Brown, of Adams Center, was here to assist in getting the meetings started, and his wife is with us to preside at the organ, and Sister Isadore Green to assist in singing. Bro. Robinson and his family, who live near here, are doing all they can to make the meeting a success. Bro. S. M. Cobb is also with us to act as tent-master and learn the truth more perfectly, in the good work of spreading which he wishes to engage. S. B. WHITNEY.
Tent No. 3.
We pitched the tent at Rutledge, Cattaraugus Co., so as to commence meetings June 14. We are very pleasantly located, in the center of an orchard, just a little way out of the village.
Eld. Olds, Presbyterian, preached against us the Sunday preceding our arrival, warning his congregation against coming to the tent. The way was thus opened for us, and so on our very first Sunday here we presented the Sabbath question. The result is, that a number have decided to keep the Sabbath, and we have appointed our first baptism for next Sabbath.
The Clear Creek church are doing nobly in staying up our hands and helping in every way. We have met with them on Sabbaths, and have had excellent meetings. One year ago, there was but one Sabbath-keeper near here, and he was in a badly backslidden condition. Last Sabbath, twenty-eight were present, and twenty-six soul-stirring testimonies were given. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Rome, N. Y.
I have remained the past week, since Bro. Canright left, to help the friends here. I have held meetings every evening, have spoken four times, and have baptized five. Three have been received into the church. The interest here is still good, and brotherly love continues. More will be ready for baptism when I return in August. A. H. HALL.
Lewis Co., N. Y.
Our tent-meeting near Glensdale is still in progress. The Lord is working among the people. Backsliders from God are confessing their faults and sins. Ten that never made any profession of religion have been forward for prayers.
One family has commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others have acknowledged its claims. We have not, as yet, spoken in public upon that subject, but propose to make it a specialty next week.
Our congregations are increasing, and we think a goodly number in this place will embrace the “third message” ere long. JACOB WILBUR. A. P. BUMP.
OHIO.
Lima.
In connection with Bro. Geo. Smith, we have been holding meetings for about one week in an old church three miles southeast of Lima. We think the interest is gradually increasing, as is also the attendance. We think there are a few souls here that are inquiring for the “old paths,” that they may “walk therein.”
We have our tent here which we intend to pitch near the church when we have a fair prospect of good weather. Until such time, we shall use the house, if permitted. Our address, until further notice, will be Lima, Allen Co., Ohio. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Van Wert.
Wednesday, June 13, we came to this place, and pitched our tent in a fine grove, two miles and a half east of the city of Van Wert. On the Friday evening following, we gave our first discourse. Sunday we spoke three times to large and appreciative audiences. In the evening the tent was nearly full. In spite of storms, the people have turned out nobly, and appear willing and anxious to hear the “new doctrine.”
We have already found several warm friends who do all in their power to render our stay among them agreeable. Very little prejudice exists, but the people are intelligent, kind, and hospitable. We believe that the Lord has some precious jewels in this region. O. F. GUILFORD.
Troy.
Bro. George Smith and the writer met with the Troy church, June 2 and 3. We found them firm in present truth; union and harmony prevail. They have a large Bible-class, and keep up weekly meetings. Eld. Smith preached a stirring discourse Sabbath morning on present truth. In the afternoon we held a prayer and conference meeting, in which all bore testimony.
Sunday morning we had a business meeting. Their records are kept in good order by their excellent clerk, Sr. Alice Arndt. All had reports ready to send in to the quarterly meeting to be held at Clyde; each report with “My donation” attached.
In the afternoon the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated. Good testimonies were given, and we had a blessed season, long to be remembered. WM. BEEBE.
INDIANA.
Thorntown, Boone Co., Tent No. 1.
Our tent-meetings are still largely attended. The congregations range from two to six hundred. Many are deeply interested. The people come in from the country from one to ten miles. Perfect order is preserved. We receive calls to speak in churches and school-houses near.
We hold Sabbath meetings and Bible-classes. Each week some make up their minds to embrace the truth. Thus the good work moves forward. June 25th, we gave a discourse on the “Eastern Question.” The evening was a stormy one, yet some two hundred and fifty were present. The people were so deeply interested that the leading men sent a committee to wait on us, requesting us to repeat the discourse on Sunday afternoon. They kindly offered to advertise the appointment very extensively. We consented, and Sunday expect to speak on that question. S. H. LANE. A. W. BARTLETT.
KANSAS.
New Liberty.
The interest still continues at this place. Two more have signed the covenant since my last report. Six went forward in baptism to-day, and I hope others will soon follow. Although it is a very busy time of the year, the congregation is rather increasing, some coming seven miles to hear. Opposition is commencing. J. N. AYERS.
Osage City.
The prospects of the little company of Sabbath-keepers at this place are brightening. The social meetings are good. There is a disposition on the part of nearly all to know and do the will of the Lord. One was added to the church by baptism. Quite a number of others are reading and thinking, and will be gathered in during the summer. J. LAMONT. GEO. KENNEDY.
South Mound.
We came to South Mound, June 12, and commenced meetings the evening following. Owing to the press of work, our audiences were small. We have held nine meetings here. Eight were baptized. The church has been strengthened and permanently organized, taking the name of the South Mound church. Bro. Robert Aitken was ordained elder.
The Disciples and Dunkards have been laboring to destroy the law of God. Last Sunday Eld. Hodgson (Dunkard minister) affirmed that the kingdom of Heaven was set up in the days of John the Baptist, and that since that time the kingdom has been firmly established and its laws set forth by Jesus Christ, the king and lawgiver. We replied, “Reasoning from your own premises, you ought to keep the law of God and the Sabbath. Jesus Christ, the lawgiver, is instructing his subjects, and he recognizes a law for the proper observance of the Sabbath. Matt. 12:12.”
There are two horns to the dilemma, and they are slow about accepting either of them. Either the kingdom was not set up in the days of John the Baptist, or else the Sabbath is recognized as among the laws of that kingdom.
To-night we celebrate the ordinances with this church, and to-morrow we start for Crawford Co. J. H. COOK. L. D. SANTEE.
ILLINOIS.
Coleta.
After an absence of nine weeks, I returned home on the 5th inst. Joyful, indeed, it is to meet friends, as we travel the paths of life in this God-forgetting world; but what will it be to greet them on the other shore! I must be there!
Bro. Atteberry spoke last Sabbath evening on the subject of the Second Advent. We held five meetings with our friends at home. Four were baptized, and four received into the church. Dist. No. 11 is doing well for the Ill. T. and M. Society. I hope for Coleta. G. W. COLCORD.
Rockford.
Yesterday we met in this city to commence tent labor. We have secured a lot of a gentleman who, some time ago, boarded several weeks at the Battle Creek Health Institute. He said, “If you stand connected with the Seventh-day Adventists, you can use this lot; otherwise, I should not feel willing to permit you to occupy it.” Who cannot see the point in this friend’s remark? Our co-workers at the Institute have done us a great favor by creating confidence in this man’s mind. R. F. ANDREWS. G. W. COLCORD.
Mackinaw.
We pitched our tent in this town, Thursday, June 15, and have held fifteen meetings. The people turn out well, and listen attentively to the word spoken. Our congregations have steadily increased from the first. From six to eight hundred were out last night. We have spoken three times on the Sabbath question, and many acknowledge the truth. B. F. MERRITT. C. H. BLISS.
MAINE.
I have just finished up a course of lectures in Milton Plantation, Oxford County. Fourteen have embraced the truth and signed the covenant. They have established a Sabbath-school and Bible-class. I have joined Eld. J. B. Goodrich in tent labor. We are now at Fryeburg. R. S. WEBBER.
MICHIGAN.
Port Huron.
The meetings in the tent at this place still continue, and the interest is deepening. Last Sabbath about sixty were out, more than half of whom, till a few days ago, were strangers to our faith. A few Sabbath-keepers were with us from Smith’s Creek and Grant Center. The Spirit of the Lord was in our meeting, and several testimonies were borne for the truth by those who had not been of us, though the Sabbath question had not been publicly presented. We are now in the midst of the testing truth. Our attendance is not large, but quite uniform, and nearly all seem to be convinced that we have the truth. We believe that many will obey it, as quite a number have already signified their intention thus to do.
The prospect is that we shall yet spend some weeks here. D. H. LAMSON. M. S. BURNHAM.
Baltimore, Barry, and Maple Grove.
I commenced meetings in Baltimore about New Years, and continued them for several weeks, with a good hearing. I held Sabbath meetings from the first. About twelve commenced to keep the Sabbath. Many came from a distance.
I then held meetings in the town of Barry for several weeks, with a fair attendance. Ten commenced to keep the Sabbath. June 3, I baptized three at Baltimore and others intend to go forward soon. I have learned that about thirty in different places have commenced to keep the Sabbath since January.
I commenced tent meetings in the town of Maple Grove, June 19. Have held nine meetings. The interest is increasing. Last Sunday night about two hundred and fifty were present, and if it had not rained in the afternoon the tent would have been full. T. M. STEWARD.
Flint.
Through the labors of Brn. Lamson and Jones, we have a little band of commandment-keepers in this city.
The church here, feeling the need of a house of worship, where we shall not be disturbed by the noise and confusion which prevail upon our streets on the Sabbath day, have commenced to build one on a lot donated to us, in a quiet part of the city. The people have given liberally for this purpose.
Bro. Lamson has labored with zeal and has tried to inspire the members with the same spirit. We shall ever remember his unselfish efforts for the advancement of this glorious cause in this city. M. E. HARMON.
WISCONSIN TENT, NO. 4.
We are located in Fall River, Columbia Co., a village of three hundred inhabitants, with two active churches.15
We arrived the 25th, and were kindly received by Bro. and Sr. Chase and neighbors. At first we were troubled to find a proper location for the tent, the only vacant places being close by the meeting-houses; but we were relieved from perplexity by the offer from a gentleman to allow us to pitch in his door yard, a beautiful spot, though rather small. Meetings began last evening, with an attendance of one hundred.
This is our address at present. GEO. C. TENNEY. H. W. REED.
Fall River, Wis., June 28.
IN HIS VINEYARD.
There is never a way so narrow or short,
But the Master's work is there;
There is something to do for his dear sake,
Or something to calmly bear.
There are trials to meet with Christian faith,
And duties with Christian grace;
And there's Christian sweetness to every one,
To be given in every place.
Their working days are never so hard
Who find in Christ a stay;
And days of darkness are days of light,
When Jesus leads the way.
And the waiting days of those who hope,
Are days of quietness;
And the praying days of those who trust,
Are days of perfect peace.
There are flow'rets down in the valley low,
And over the mountain side,
Which were never praised by a human voice,
Nor by human eyes descried.
Yet as sweet as the breath of the royal rose,
Is the perfume they exhale;
And why they bloom and where they bloom,
The good Lord knoweth well.
—Whispers of Peace.
WISCONSIN CONFERENCE.
By H. W. Decker; A. S. Osborn
This Conference held its seventh annual session at Portage, Wis., in connection with the camp-meeting, June 13 to 19, 1877.
Conference convened June 14, at 9 o’clock A. M. The president, H. W. Decker, in the chair. Prayer by Eld. I. Sanborn.
Delegates being called for, thirty-nine responded, representing thirty churches.
Applications from new churches for admittance into the Conference were received as follows: Adams Center, Lisbon, Hillsborough, Block Creek, and Mt. Pisgah. These were admitted with their respective delegates. Several churches not being represented, delegates were chosen on the ground; but some were not represented at all, there being none present from said churches.
Voted, That the Chair appoint the usual committees.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Called June 18, at 9 o’clock, A. M. Prayer by Eld. G. C. Tenney.
Committees were appointed, as follows:—Nominating Committee: S. S. Smith, John Atkinson, and A. Paton. Auditing Committee: M. J. Bartholf, A. C. Woodbury, A. Olsen, C. K. Ackley, Benj. Carter, and Orcutt Burr. Committee on Credentials and Licenses: I. Sanborn, O. A. Olsen, C. W. Olds. Committee on Resolutions: I. Sanborn, O. A. Johnson, and O. A. Olsen.
The Nominating Committee reported as follows: For President, H. W. Decker, Fort Howard, Wis.; Executive Committee, H. W. Decker, George C. Tenney, and O. A. Olsen; Secretary, A. S. Osborn, Bloomington, Grant Co., Wis.; Treasurer, Wm. Kerr, Monroe, Green Co., Wis.
Report accepted, and committee discharged. The persons named were elected to their respective offices.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses made the following report: For credentials, Isaac Sanborn, H. W. Decker, John G. Matteson, O. A. Olsen, Geo. C. Tenney, C. W. Olds, David Downer, and John Atkinson; for license, A. D. Olsen, J. P. Jesperson, N. M. Jordon, Marshall Enoch, S. S. Smith, H. W. Reid, and O. A. Johnson.
Report of Committee on Resolutions called for, which was as follows:—
Resolved, That we acknowledge the hand of God in opening the way for a mission in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden; and while we feel the loss of our dear Bro. Matteson, we pray the blessing of the Lord on this enterprise.
Resolved, That to prevent the impositions of unworthy persons upon our new churches, our brethren, when traveling, should provide themselves with letters of commendation, with which they may be required to prove their standing among our people.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to the citizens of Portage City for their kindness and the good order they have observed during our camp-meeting, and especially to the owner of the grounds, who has kindly permitted us to use them free of charge.
The treasurer’s report was read, as follows:—
Received during year to date, $2821.84
Paid on orders to date, 2464.79
Balance on hand, $357.05
The secretary could not make a full report, as there were twelve churches not reported. The report, as nearly as it can be given, is as follows: No. of churches, 45; No. reported, 33; No. not reported, 12; No. of members for Conference year 1876, 1,048; for 1877, 990; No. of Sabbath-school scholars reported, 297. Amount of S. B. for 1876, $3,863.35; S. B. reported for 1877, $3,605.74. No. of ordained ministers in Conference, 8; licentiates, 7.
A request was made that the Plainfield and Fish Lake churches be united and known as the Plainfield church.
Voted, That the name of the Wequioc church be changed to Scott.
Voted, To allow Bro. Wm. Kerr $50 for services rendered as treasurer of Conference.
Voted, That the president attend all sessions of the General Conference.
Voted, That an Auditing Committee be appointed by the Chair to audit account of the Camp-meeting Committee. Bro. Farrar, A. Paton, and Rufus Baker were appointed such committee.
Voted, That a Camp-meeting Committee be appointed by the Chair. N. M. Jordon, T. B. Snow, and A. Paton were appointed.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Met June 18, at 5 o’clock P. M. Prayer by C. W. Olds.
Voted, To donate to General Conference fund $200.
Voted, That the Executive Committee audit the account of O. A. Hegg, the Auditing Committee being discharged.
On motion being made that the proceedings of this Conference be published in REVIEW AND HERALD, the secretary was instructed to furnish a copy of the same for publication.