Verse 20. And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21; yea, while I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
We here have the result of Daniel’s supplication. He is suddenly interrupted by a heavenly messenger. The man Gabriel, appearing again as he had before, in the form of a man, whom Daniel had seen in the vision at the beginning, touched him. A very important question is here to be determined. It is to be decided whether the vision of chapter 8 has ever been explained, and can ever be understood. The question is, To what vision does Daniel refer by the expression, “the vision at the beginning.” It will be conceded by all that it is a vision of which we have some previous mention, and that in that vision we shall find some mention of Gabriel. We must go back beyond this ninth chapter; for all that we have in this chapter previous to this appearance of Gabriel is simply a record of Daniel’s prayer. Looking back, then, through previous chapters, we find mention of only three visions given to Daniel. 1. The interpretation of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar was given in a night vision. Chap. 2:19. But there is no record of any angelic agency in the matter. 2. The vision of chap. 7. This was explained to Daniel by “one of them that stood by,” probably an angel; but we have no information as to what one; nor is there anything in that vision which needed further explanation. 3. The vision of chapter 8. Here we find some particulars which show this to be the vision referred to: 1. Gabriel is brought to view for the first and only previous time in the book. 2. He was commanded to make Daniel understand the vision. 3. Daniel at the conclusion says he did not understand it; showing that Gabriel, at the conclusion of that chapter, had not fulfilled his mission. 4. There is no place in all the Bible where this instruction is carried out, if it be not in chapter 9. If, therefore, the vision of chapter 8 is not the one referred to, we have no record that Gabriel ever complied with the instructions given him, or that that vision has ever been explained. 5. The instruction which the angel now gives to Daniel, as we shall see from the following verses, does exactly complete what was lacking in chapter 8. These considerations prove beyond a doubt the connection between Daniel 8 and 9; and this conclusion will be still further strengthened, when we come to look at the angel’s instructions.
Verse 22. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am now come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved; therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
The manner in which Gabriel introduces himself on this occasion, shows that he has come to complete some unfulfilled mission. It can be nothing less than to carry out the instruction to make this man “understand the vision,” as recorded in chapter 8. I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. As the charge still rested upon him to make Daniel understand; and as he explained to Daniel in chapter 8, all that he could then bear, and yet he did not understand, he now comes to resume his work and complete his mission. As soon as Daniel commenced his fervent supplication, the commandment came forth; that is, Gabriel received instruction to visit Daniel and impart to him the requisite information. From the time it takes to read Daniel’s prayer down to the point at which Gabriel made his appearance upon the scene, the reader can judge of the speed with which this messenger was dispatched from the court of Heaven to this servant of God. No wonder Daniel says that he was caused to fly swiftly, or that Ezekiel compares the movements of these celestial beings to a flash of lightning. Eze. 1:14. “Understand the matter,” he says to him. What matter? That, evidently, which he did not before understand, as stated in the last verse of chapter 8. “Consider the vision.” What vision? Not the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s image, nor the vision of chapter 7; for there was no difficulty with either of these; but the vision of chapter 8, in reference to which his mind was filled with doubt and astonishment. “I am come to show thee,” also said the angel. Show thee in reference to what? Certainly in reference to something, wherein he was entertaining wrong ideas, and something, at the same time, pertaining to his prayer; as it was this which had called forth Gabriel on his mission at this time. But Daniel had no difficulty in understanding what the angel told him about the ram, he-goat, and little horn, the kingdoms of Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Nor was he mistaken in regard to the ending of the seventy years’ captivity. But the burden of his petition was respecting the repairing the desolations of the sanctuary, which lay in ruins; and he had undoubtedly drawn the conclusion that when the end of the seventy years’ captivity came, the time would come for the fulfillment of what the angel had said respecting the cleansing of the sanctuary at the end of the 2300 days. Now he must be set right. And this explains why at this particular time instruction should be sent him after a delay of fifteen years. Now the seventy years’ captivity were drawing to their close, and Daniel was applying the instruction he had before received from the angel, to a wrong issue. He was falling into a misunderstanding, and was acting upon it; hence he must not be suffered longer to remain ignorant of the true import of the former vision. “I am come to show thee,” “understand the matter,” “consider the vision.” Such were the words used by the very person Daniel had seen in the former vision, and to whom he had heard the command given, “Make this man to understand the vision,” and who he knew had never carried out that instruction. But now he appears and says, “I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.” How could Daniel’s mind be more emphatically carried back to the vision of chapter 8, and the connection between that visit of the angel and this, be more distinctly shown, than by such words from such a person? The considerations already presented are sufficient to conclusively show the connection between Dan. 8 and 9; but this will still further appear, in subsequent verses.
One expression seems worthy of notice before we leave verse 23. It is the declaration of the angel to Daniel, “For thou art greatly beloved.” The angel brought this declaration direct from the courts of Heaven. It expressed the state of feeling that existed in regard to Daniel, there. Think of celestial beings, the highest in the universe, the Father, the Son, the holy angels, having such regard and esteem for a mortal man here upon earth, as to authorize an angel to bear the message to him that he was greatly beloved! This is one of the highest pinnacles of glory to which mortals can attain. Abraham reached another when it could be said of him that he was the “friend of God.” Enoch another when it could be said of him that he “walked with God.” Can we arrive at any such attainments? God is no respecter of persons; but he is a respecter of character. If in virtue and godliness we could equal these eminent men, we could move the divine love to equal depths. We too, could be greatly beloved, could be friends of God, and could walk with him. And we must be in our generation what they were in theirs. There is a figure used in reference to the last church which denotes the closest union with God. “If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.” Rev. 3:20. To sup with the Lord denotes an intimacy equal to being greatly beloved by him, walking with him, or being his friend. How desirable a position! Alas for the evils of our nature which cut us off from this communion! Oh! for grace to overcome these, that we may enjoy this spiritual union here, and finally bask in the glories of his presence at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Rejoice in God
Rejoice in God. Dry up those tears. Cast away that downcast look. Child of the dust, you are an heir of glory. There is a crown all burnished for you; there is a white robe prepared for you; there is eternal glory for you; angels are to be your servants, and you are to reign with the King of kings forever. But while you wait on earth, be witnesses for God; attest the glory of your Master; rise in the greatness of his strength; bind sin captive to your chariot-wheels; go onward in your heavenly career.
To Correspondents.
J. M. GALLIMORE: We understand Paul to be speaking in 1 Cor. 7:29–31 in reference to special duty in view of the shortness of time, not against the possession of any of the things he there names. That is, so far as regards our duty in view of the nearness of the end, a man should be as though he had neither wife nor possessions; nor cause of weeping nor cause of rejoicing. In other words, he should let none of these things stand in the way of his doing his duty. In the parable of the supper recorded in Luke 14:15 and onward, we read of the excuses that were made by those who were bidden to the supper. One had bought a piece of ground, and another five yoke of oxen, and therefore wished to be excused; and another had married a wife, and therefore could not come. They all let these things prevent their receiving the Heaven-sent message. This they should not have done. The first should have received and heeded the invitation just as readily as though he never had owned a foot of land, and the second, as though he had never seen an ox, and the third, as though he had not married a wife. And this we understand to be the import of Paul's exhortation in the passage under notice. We are not to cease to do with the things of the world; for he speaks in verse 31 of using the world. But we must not abuse it; that is, put it to a wrong use, and let it get in the way of our progress to the kingdom.
As regards conversion, most persons are able to state the exact time when, after powerful conviction of sin, they first felt the assurance of pardoning love, and acceptance with God. Others are not so, whose experience is probably no less genuine, and their conversion no less thorough.
Respecting politics there may be some local issues where a person can work effectually with the ballot against evil, as for instance intemperance, or some form of official corruption. But with politics, as a whole, we think the less Adventists have to do, the better.
P. W. BAKER: We do not understand that there is any prohibition in the Scriptures of the judicial oath, lawfully administered. We are forbidden to swear falsely, as in Ex. 20:16; Lev. 6:2; 19:12, &c. We are forbidden to bind ourselves by an oath to the performance of anything, as in Matt. 5:33–36; Jas. 5:12; for we have no control over our own life, or the events of time. We are forbidden to use the name of God irreverently, as in Ex. 20:7. But our Lord answered the high priest under oath, Matt. 26:63, 64; and Paul frequently called God to witness to the truthfulness of his assertions; which is all that is done in a judicial oath. Rom. 9:1; 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23; 11:31; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8; 1 Tim. 2:7, &c.
S. HASKELL: We cannot tell the price of the book you name.
C. L. PALMER: Thank you for calling our attention to the expression in answer to M. S. Merriam, under the heading, To Correspondents, in REVIEW No. 8. We designed to say, instead of “certain proportion of the crops,” “certain portion of the crops,” without regard to the whole amount the farm might produce.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH: We have not the Hebrew letters to illustrate Dr. Clarke’s criticism on the jot and tittle of Matt. 5:18; and as much of its force depends on the presentation of the characters, perhaps it would be best to defer it, until such time as it shall be thought best to obtain them.
Error Contradictory.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We have had an excellent illustration of this fact in Adel. As we brought out the evidences in favor of the seventh day, and exposed the Sunday argument, four different ministers came forward, each with his theory to support this darling institution.
The first was a Disciple minister. He said that there was no Sabbath day now, no holy time whatever under the gospel; that he did not regard Sunday any more sacred than any other day. In support of which he appealed to Romans 14: 5, 6.
The next that came forward was the Methodist minister. He said that the law was not abolished, that the seventh day was binding, only it was no definite day, only one seventh part of time, let that come where it might. He would as soon keep one day as another, provided that the people did; but he must have a Sabbath-day every week.
The third man that came forward was another, Disciple minister, preaching in the same church as his brother. He claimed that the law was all abolished, and that the seventh-day Sabbath ended at the crucifixion, but that another series of Sabbaths began on the day of Christ's resurrection, and that now the first day of the week is by Divine authority the Christian Sabbath; in proof of which he appealed to the Greek of Matt. 28:1. Thus they as brethren in the ministry, squarely contradicted each other.
The fourth, presenting his claim, was a Presbyterian minister. He claimed that the law was as binding now as ever, that the Sabbath was not abolished, but simply changed at the resurrection, from the seventh to the first day of the week, and that the first day of the week, and no other, is now the Sabbath enjoined in the fourth commandment.
Thus we have these four teachers of Adel, all agreeing in opposing the seventh-day Sabbath, and keeping the first day; but the arguments of each one by which they do this naturally contradict and tear down those of the other. On the other hand, all those who keep the Lord's Sabbath are perfectly united and harmonious in their arguments respecting it. This alone is a good indication where the truth lies. Truth is always harmonious, but error always contradictory.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Adel, Iowa.
The Camp-Meeting at Oneida, N. Y.
By John Nevins Andrews
This meeting convened according to appointment, Thursday, Aug. 4. For the transaction of the business of the State Conference, the delegates of the several churches, and a portion of the brethren from different parts of the State assembled the previous day, and spent that day and a portion of the first day of the Camp-meeting in Conference business. And toward the close of the camp-meeting, there were several sessions of the Conference, to conclude its business. The remainder of the time was wholly given to the proper services of the camp-meeting.
The grove selected for our camp-meeting was only large enough to seat the congregation, and so nearly all the tents were pitched in the adjoining open field, in the form of a large open square which surrounded the grove on three sides. There were nearly thirty tents, besides the sixty-feet tent, which was seated for use in case of rain. There was a good attendance of our people, considering the fact that they are so widely scattered over the State.
Our hearts were made glad at the commencement of the meeting by the arrival of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Littlejohn, who came to labor with us. We were also glad to see Bro. Waggoner, who was on his way to labor in Maine. Early in the meeting, we had the privilege of welcoming several of our Seventh-day Baptist brethren and sisters, who continued in attendance through the most of the meeting. We were happy to form an acquaintance with Eld. Rogers, of Leonardsville, and Eld. Backus, of Scott, and Bro. Spaulding, of Leonardsville. We hope to renew this acquaintance in time to come.
The first discourse was preached by Bro. White, on the glorious advent of the Saviour. It was a cheering discourse. Sr. White followed, in words of powerful exhortation. In the evening, Bro. Littlejohn preached a very searching discourse on, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”
Aug. 5. After the usual social meetings, Bro. White preached on, “Are there few that be saved?” He called attention to the various devices of Satan by which very many will be involved in ruin. In the afternoon, Sr. White spoke in a forcible and searching manner on the work of Christian experience. In the evening, the writer spoke on, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
The meetings on Sabbath, Aug. 6, were excellent. In the forenoon, Bro. Littlejohn spoke with great freedom and clearness on the order of events in the Judgment, from Eccl. 12:14. He showed that the Ancient of Days must sit in Judgment before the Son of God descends to execute the judgment in making his saints immortal. He called attention to the great words of the little horn, spoken at the very time that the Judgment of the Father is in session, and showed that these words have their striking fulfillment in the action of the present Romish council, in clothing the Pope with the attributes of Deity. In the afternoon, Sr. White spoke on the days of Noah, and showed that there is a most wonderful similarity between those days and the ones in which we live. After this discourse, many came forward for prayers.
At 5 P. M., Bro. Ertzenberger gave an interesting recital of his own experience, and that of the brethren in Switzerland. In the evening, the writer spoke on the subject of the Sabbath, from Ex. 20: 8–11.
Sunday, Aug. 7, a large congregation was in attendance. Bro. Littlejohn spoke with great clearness on the seventh-part-of-time theory. Those who heard him handle this wide-spread heresy, could but exclaim, “How forcible are right words?” In the afternoon, Bro. White presented a general outline of the reasons of our faith and hope. He was listened to with good attention by the large congregation present, as he set forth the unpopular doctrines which we cherish as the truth of God. In the evening, the writer showed that as the universe was once clean with no stain of sin upon it, and as sin owed its origin to Satan, so the time will come when God will have a clean universe again, and when sin and sinners shall have been consumed in the devouring fire, and only holy beings left alive, and then God shall be all and in all.
Monday, Aug. 8, was devoted mainly to the cases of those who had started to seek God. In the forenoon, the subject of baptism was presented by Bro. White. In the afternoon, after further remarks from him upon the same subject, some twenty-five persons were examined, and accepted as candidates for baptism. After some delay occasioned by a failure to look out beforehand a proper place for the administration of the ordinance, quite a number repaired to the water to witness the ceremony. In the meantime, a most extraordinary tempest arose. The rain fell in torrents, and the wind blew a fearful gale. Those at the water found shelter in a barn near by. And after the fierce gale and heavy rain, a good season was enjoyed at the water in burying some twenty-four persons in the watery grave.
But those who remained upon the ground, did not escape the terrific storm. Five or six of the tents were blown down, and the gale drove the heavy rain into and under many of the tents, and the ground was greatly flooded with water in many places. The pole of the large tent was broken. But no one was injured, and though great kindness was shown us by the people of Oneida in inviting many to their houses, yet the most were able to remain upon the ground for the night with some degree of comfort. The next day was spent in profitable services designed to close up our meeting. In the evening, Bro. Littlejohn preached on our position and work, to the edification of many. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, we separated with many feelings of regret that our meeting must close.
One evil which cursed our meeting, was the act of a considerable number in leaving before its close. We hope never to see this again. Come to the meeting, brethren, prepared to stay, or come not at all.
We received great kindness from the people of Oneida, and as many desired to hear further, it was decided to pitch the tent in that place, Aug. 19, for a course of lectures. God grant great success to his word! We have been greatly indebted at this meeting to Bro. White for his excellent instruction in our business meetings. On the whole, we have had a very profitable meeting. God help us to hold fast the good received.
J. N. Andrews.
South Lancaster, Mass., Camp-ground, Aug. 20, 1870.
Men’s Lives Should Be Like the Day
MEN'S lives should be like the day, more beautiful in the evening; or, like the summer aglow with promise; and like the autumn, rich with the golden sheaves, where the good works and deeds have ripened on the field.
Practical Thoughts on Scripture Subjects.
By John Nevins Andrews
LIVING AT THE HALVES.
This is an expression used to designate that state of backsliding which characterizes most professors of religion. How many who acknowledge this state of partial devotedness to God, and equal or greater devotion to the world, still suppose that if they can have sufficient time they will reach Heaven at last. But this is a very serious mistake. This doing a little and then undoing it immediately, is a fatal mistake. Unless we retain what we have gained and steadily add to it, we shall surely never gain the kingdom of God. We must serve God with our whole hearts, or he will never accept us. If we do not live wholly for God, we shall come short of Heaven.
OUR SINS MUST BE PUT AWAY.
Sin is that alone which will ruin us. It is wickedness in God's sight. It is the violation of his law. It is wholly evil and wrong. But while God abhors sin, he has shown the most tender pity for sinners. He has opened the most precious door of hope to them. He has offered to forgive them and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. But he has required godly sorrow, humble confession, and hearty reparation of wrongs wherever reparation is possible. Men must repent with genuine repentance. They can do it by the grace of God so effectually that their whole conduct shall be changed. If we do this, he will save us. If we do not thus put away our sins, we shall be cast with them into the lake of fire.
THE SOCIETY OF EVIL DOERS.
How sad would be our condition if our lives were to be spent wholly in the society of the ungodly and profane. Our ears must ever hear words of iniquity. Our minds must ever be in contact with darkness and vileness. Our hearts ever pained with selfishness, pride, envy, and malice. Thank God for a purer atmosphere. The communion of saints is possible even on earth. And the time shall come when they alone shall live, and all other characters be brought to the silence of death. How great the importance of our forming characters of virtue. Thus only may we have immortality.
THE HELP OF GOD.
There is never an hour of distress, confusion, and perplexity, and trouble, in which God cannot help us. It is our privilege to ask the help of God, and to really receive that help. Never despair because of helplessness when God is of such infinite strength. Do not forget God. Do not suppose that the burden is to be borne in our own strength. It is ours to labor, and God's to furnish the strength. Surely with such a mighty arm to lean upon, we can enter upon the great work with the utmost confidence and courage. God will help us. Let us act as though we believed it to be the fact.
HE COMMITTED HIS CAUSE TO HIM THAT JUDGED RIGHTEOUSLY.
Thus did our Lord when he was falsely accused and unjustly condemned. Thus would it be wise for us to do whenever we are censured wrongfully. We need not be so anxious to justify ourselves. There is One that sees all, and that judges of everything without mistake. Let us be only anxious to find every wrong and confess it, and then we may leave every unjust accusation to him.
J. N. A.
Ninth Annual Report of the N. Y. and Pa. Conference.
By John Nevins Andrews; R. F. Cottrell
This Conference convened according to appointment at Oneida, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1870. The meeting was called to order by the chairman, J. N. Andrews, and opened with prayer. It was found that twenty-three churches were represented by twenty-eight delegates. Brn. White, Waggoner, Littlejohn, Ertzenberger, Lambert, Bowe, and all brethren in good standing in the several churches, were invited to take part in the deliberations. A partially organized church at Parish, Oswego Co., was received by vote, and Bro. C. O. Taylor accepted as its delegate. Reports from the churches and ministers were handed in.
At the second session a report of the standing of the churches was read. By vote the chairman was directed to appoint the several committees. The following were appointed: Auditing Committee, Henry Hilliard, Ira Abbey, Deloss Green, J. M. Lindsay, P. Z. Kinne, and S. B. Craig. On Resolutions, R. F. Cottrell and W. H. Littlejohn. On Nominations, J. M. Lindsay, I. Abbey, and H. Hilliard.
Brief verbal reports from ministers and licentiates called for, and responded to by Brn. Whitney, Taylor, Reynolds, Wheeler, Cottrell, Andrews and Sr. Lindsay. A communication from Bro. E. B. Saunders was also read.
This was followed by interesting remarks from Bro. Waggoner and Lambert, on the subject of labor and sacrifice in the cause.
At the third session the Committee on Nominations recommended the re-election of the officers of the past year throughout, and, on motion, they were declared elected by one vote.
The minutes of the last yearly meeting were then read by the Secretary, and the Treasurer reported his receipts and disbursements.
By the action of the Conference the credentials of C. O. Taylor, S. B. Whitney, J. N. Andrews, and R. F. Cottrell, were renewed; and credentials given to Hiram Hudson and Frederick Wheeler.
The subject of licenses was then taken up, and pointed and appropriate remarks were made by Brn. Waggoner and White. The Conference here adjourned to the call of the chair.
At the fourth session the committee on resolutions reported. The following resolutions were adopted during the sessions of the Conference:
1. That we recommend to those churches wishing for receipts from the Conference Treasurer for moneys remitted to him, to enclose, with their remittance, a written receipt in a stamped envelop to the s. b. Treasurer, for him to sign and return.
2. That members living at too great a distance from the church to which they belong, to attend the regular meetings of the church, shall be required to report, in person or by letter, as often as once in every three months; and that a continued neglect on their part to do this, should be regarded as furnishing good ground of labor in their case.
3. That we express our gratitude for the presence and labors, at this Conference and camp-meeting, of Bro. and Sr. White and others acting under the direction of the General Conference Committee, and that we strive so to improve this privilege as to receive the full benefit which God designs we should.
4. That we renew our expression of confidence in the gift of prophecy as manifested among us as a people, and that experience has shown that permanent prosperity, for the church and for individuals, can only be had in heeding its instructions.
5. That the proposition to erect an additional building for the Office of Publication is, in our view, justified by the demands of the cause, and that it receives our hearty approval.
6. That we tender our thanks to the officers of the N. Y. and Oswego Midland, and of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg railroads, for their liberality in allowing persons coming to this camp-meeting and State Conference to pass over their respective roads at half-fare rates.
A camp-meeting committee for the ensuing year was chosen, consisting of J. M. Lindsay, I. Abbey, H. Hilliard, S. Walsworth, P. Z. Kinne, J. Parmalee, and Buell Whitney.
The report of the Auditing Committee was received and approved by vote. It was also voted,
1. That ninety per cent of the s. b. fund of the several churches be paid to the Conference.
2. That the church at Catlin be permitted to retain their entire fund for the coming year to aid them in building a meeting-house, provided they build.
3. That the Executive Committee be paid their traveling expenses, and for their time spent in visiting churches.
The subject of licenses being resumed, it was voted that the license of Bro. C. B. Reynolds be renewed. It was then voted that the remaining cases be left with the Executive Committee.
Votes of thanks were passed, to the Camp-meeting Committee, to the gentleman on whose grounds we were encamped, and to the authorities of Oneida, for their care to see that we were not disturbed during our meeting, and to the citizens of the place for their courtesy and kind offices to us. For they freely invited us to their houses on the occurrence of a terrible tempest which seemed somewhat calamitous.
Voted, That $700.00 of the surplus funds of this Conference be loaned to the S. D. A. Publishing Association without interest.
Voted, That the doings of this session of Conference be published in the ADVENT REVIEW. Adjourned.
J. N. ANDREWS, President.
R. F. COTTRELL, Sec'y.
Organization of the New-England Conference.
By J. H. Waggoner; A. C. Bourdeau
PURSUANT to the call by the Gen. Conf. Committee in the REVIEW, a meeting to organize a New-England Conference, was held under a large tent on the campground near South Lancaster, Mass., Sunday, Aug. 14, at 6 o’clock, A. M. Bro. J. H. Waggoner called the meeting to order, and stated the object of the meeting. After prayer, Bro. Waggoner was appointed Chairman of the meeting, and A. C. Bourdeau, Secretary. The Maine State Conference was represented by G. W. Barker, as a delegate, and the Vermont State Conference by A. C. Bourdeau and Lewis Bean, according to resolutions passed at their respective annual sessions of October, 1869. Sixteen brethren present of the other States in New England were appointed as delegates, representing fourteen churches, eleven of which were also represented by letters.
Voted, That all the brethren present in good standing be invited to take part in the deliberations of this meeting.
On motion of Bro. White, it was voted that a committee of three be appointed to arrange business for the sessions of this meeting; whereupon Brn. Andrews, White, and Waggoner, were chosen as said committee.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair.
SECOND SESSION.—At 8 o’clock, A. M., the meeting was called in session by the Chair. Prayer by Bro. J. N. Andrews.
On motion, the form of Constitution for State Conferences recommended by the General Conference held at Battle Creek, Mich., May, 1868, was read, after which it was unanimously adopted.
Moved, that this Conference be known by the name of the New-England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
On motion, the Chair was empowered to appoint a committee of three on nominations. Brn. P. C. Rodman, L. W. Hastings, and J. N. Andrews, were thereupon nominated as said committee.
Moved, By Bro. White, that the chair be authorized to appoint a committee of three on resolutions; whereupon Brn. S. N. Haskell, J. N. Andrews, and A. C. Bourdeau, were appointed as said committee.
The Committee on Nominations presented their report, showing the following results: President, S. N. Haskell; Secretary, W. H. Ball; Treasurer, C. K. Farnsworth; Executive Committee, S. N. Haskell, H. B. Stratton, and A. W. Smith. By vote this nomination was ratified.
Here appropriate remarks were made by Bro. White on the duty of ministers, and on the importance of their being faithful and earnest in their labors, that the brethren may be encouraged, and that the plan of Systematic Benevolence may prove a success.
Brn. L. W. Hastings, C. K. Farnsworth, J. B. Witherell, C. Sweet, S. T. Belden, and E. Harris, were then appointed as an Auditing Committee.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THIRD SESSION.—Met at 4 P. M. Prayer by Bro. D. T. Bourdeau. On motion, it was voted that all the funds received on S. B. by the churches in this Conference be appropriated to the New-England Conference.
The subject of having the Maine and Vermont Conferences merge into this Conference was considered, and close and interesting remarks were made by Bro. White and Andrews, on the condition of the cause in Maine, the faithful labors that have been bestowed in that State, etc.; and it was decided that the Maine Conference retain its present organization.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair.
FOURTH SESSION.—The Conference convened on Monday, at 2 P. M. Singing, and prayer by S. N. Haskell. The Committee on Resolutions reported, and the following were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That we acknowledge our great responsibility to God for the light which he has given us concerning his law, his Sabbath, and the speedy advent of his Son in the clouds of heaven, and that we pledge ourselves to earnest efforts to bring these great truths to the knowledge of our fellow men.
Resolved, That as the prophetic word has connected the commandments of God with the spirit of prophecy in the final work of God’s people, so has his providence connected this inestimable gift with the commandments of God in the present work of the third angel’s message.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to Bro. and Sr. White for their faithful admonitions, instructions, and reproofs, addressed to us during this meeting, and that we request them still to labor thus faithfully with us.
Resolved, That we learn with pleasure that the extension of the Publishing Association demands the erection of another building like that already in use by us, and that we pledge ourselves to do our part in furnishing the necessary means.
Resolved, That we invite the earnest co-operation, not only of all our churches, but also of all our scattered brethren within the limits of this Conference, in the great work of advancing the truth of the third angel’s message.
On motion, it was voted that the following resolutions be adopted by this Conference:
Resolved, That a second section be added to Art. I of the Constitution of the New-England Conference, as follows:
Sec. 2. When Sabbath-keepers in any place have enrolled their names under the church covenant of S. D. Adventists, appointed a leader, and organized Systematic Benevolence, they shall be entitled to delegates to the sessions of the New-England Conference to the same extent as though fully organized.
Resolved, That the following words be added to Sec. 2 of Art. II of the Constitution: And it shall further be the duty of the Secretary to furnish the delegates to the General Conference, statistics specifying the number of ministers and licentiates belonging to the Conference, the number of churches and membership, the total amount of S. B. fund, &c.
Resolved, That Art. VI of the Constitution be changed so as to read, “each day’s occupation” instead of “their labors each week.”
Resolved, That a third section be added to Art. VII of the constitution, as follows: “This Conference may, at its discretion, invite all persons present who are members of churches in good standing, to take part in the discussions of business; but not to participate in voting.”
The matter of having the Vermont Conference merge into the New-England Conference was considered in the sessions of this meeting, and it was finally decided that the State Conference of Vermont retain its present organization.
Moved by Bro. White, that credentials be granted to Elders S. N. Haskell, and P. C. Rodman. Carried.
An examination of the standing of the Conference shows the following results: 2 ministers; 1 licentiate; 14 churches, comprising 282 members. The amount of S. B. pledges for the year, $2082.80.
Adjourned sine die. J. H. WAGGONER, Chairman.
A. C. BOURDEAU, Secretary.
The Resemblances of Christ
REAL Christians are the resemblances of Christ; and if we love the original, we must also love the copy.
From Bro. McMillan.
By John McMillan
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I do not write thinking to edify any one, but lest some with whom I have taken sweet counsel in the past, should judge from my silence that I had fallen out by the way, I would say that as time passes, I prize the present truth with its present tests more than ever. As I see love dying out in those around me, for everything but for self, I am admonished that I must be “peculiar” in this respect, and not follow the multitude. Although I know that I have not done “all I could,” that I have not improved every opportunity of doing good; yet I am still looking to Jesus for forgiveness for my past shortcomings, and am striving by his grace not to repeat them. Owing to the money pressure for the past year, I have not been able to meet all my liabilities as promptly as I wished; but I believe that the Lord is a lenient creditor, and does not require payment where there is nothing with which to pay. But that he is also just, and when he sends us the means, he requires us to acknowledge the Giver. Praise his name. The signs are brightening in this direction.
We are surrounded by idolaters. Professors and non-professors are alike. The world with its vanities is the only god they worship. There is neither time nor room for any other. I am looking forward by faith for ministerial help the coming winter from some source. I want to clear my skirts from the blood of souls. For many miles to the east of us is a dense population of Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians, who are perishing for the want of the bread of life, and knowledge of the truth; but I cannot make myself intelligible except to a very few. Who will send me publications in this language to distribute among them, to prepare the way for labor? God’s “vine-yard” is large, and is much grown over with weeds. Every one should “labor” to pull at least a “weed.” There is resting by and by.” JOHN McMILLAN.