How are we to know that the miracles performed by Jesus were not the works of the devil, if, as you say, those performed by the mediums are?
ANSWER. 1. The question accepts the facts of the life and miracles of Jesus. Therefore we need not argue the reliability of the Scriptures as a witness on the subject.
2. We know that both good and evil exist in the world, and we have reason to believe they have existed in the ages past.
3. The Bible plainly asserts the existence of an order of beings called angels; not related to the human race, nor created to inhabit this world; higher than man is in his present condition.
4. The Scriptures also assert that the angels are appointed to minister unto men in their efforts to overcome temptations, and to perfect their characters according to the revealed will of God.
5. Some of these angels sinned—rebelled against the authority of their Creator, and were expelled from Heaven, their appointed abode.
6. That an exalted angel, or cherub, called Lucifer, and Satan, was among the sinning ones, and became the leader in the rebellion against God.
7. That, instead of ministering to man and aiding him, "the devil and his angels" put forth their power to tempt and mislead man. Instead of being our friends, they are now our adversaries.
8. In the days of Moses two classes of miracles were wrought; one by the power of God, to convince Pharaoh and his people of their duty to obey God; the other by magicians, to deceive Pharaoh, and to shut his heart against the message which God had sent unto him.
9. Magic or enchantment, is the work of Satan and his angels (see Webster), and is always wrought for the same purpose that it worked in the days of Pharaoh—to turn men away from God and his truth.
10. Jesus wrought miracles to benefit mankind and to glorify his Father in Heaven; to lead his hearers to love and to obey God. And he cast out demons by the Spirit of God.
11. Evil spirits or demons possessed men to afflict them, to turn them away from God and to oppose the work and mission of Jesus.
12. The word of prophecy teaches us that the same works—miracles to deceive—will be wrought in the last days; Rev. 13. And that these miracles will be wrought by the spirits of devils, or demons. Rev. 16.
13. When Paul describes the gifts or operations of the Spirit, which God set in his church, he says: "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit." But against the truth of God, sorcerers or magicians, work by means of a multitude of spirits. "Seducing spirits"—"spirits of demons," perform "signs, and lying wonders," in those who "receive not the love of the truth."
It is not at all difficult to determine to which class belong the wonders wrought by the spirit mediums of our own days. We have closely observed them since their first appearing in the State of New York. We have carefully and extensively read the literature of Spiritualism, and know the following to be the facts concerning them:—
1. They destroy confidence in the word of God.
2. They deny the authority of God.
3. They deny Jesus Christ and his atonement.
4. They weaken the conscience and destroy a sense of obligation, by denying the authority of the law of God, and a future Judgment.
5. As a consequence of the foregoing, they lead to immorality and sensuality, and to a disregard of the marriage tie.
We invite the questioner to examine these points, and to ask himself if it is possible that these things emanate from the same source with the works of Jesus, and if the one class is in harmony with the other.
And we further invite him to procure our pamphlet entitled, "Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism," for sale at the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, wherein this subject is examined at length, and copious extracts are given from Spiritualist publications to sustain our position.
Elder Haskell's Address.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
[ Read before the Annual Meeting of the Publishing Association in Oakland, April 24, 1882.]
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS CONVENED IN ANNUAL MEETING: I would gladly meet with you in your meeting, were circumstances such that I could remain with you and labor in the State the coming season; but it seems to be duty that I should be elsewhere. I will therefore write a few lines expressive of a few thoughts which I would communicate by word of mouth were I present. There is no portion of the field in which I have ever labored with greater faith, hope, and courage, than in California; neither is there any which I would prefer to it as my field of labor, if this was God's will. (1) California presents advantages for spreading the truth to all parts of the world second to no part of the wide harvest-field. (2) Our brethren have done nobly in their missionary work, in building meeting houses in the cities of Oakland and San Francisco, but especially in sustaining our publishing work. (3) They have ever manifested a willingness to co-operate in every laudable enterprise which had for its object the advancement of the cause. (4) There is no portion of the harvest-field where the providence of God has been more marked in seconding the efforts of his people than on the Pacific Coast. In view of these facts there is no worthy laborer who would complain of the California field. We cannot say that in all the past management in the interests of the Publishing Association with the change of managers, who were not able to carry out each other's ideas, the wisest course has always been taken. Notwithstanding this, our brethren have done nobly in sustaining the Association.
Within the last few years God has signally blessed the efforts of the Association. Our brethren, therefore, have much reason to be encouraged. The improvements which have been made since Bro. W. C. White came to the coast, in raising the main office building and placing in it a new press, with other improvements at a cost of not less than $8,000, have been necessary. In fact it would have been impossible to accomplish what has been accomplished without them, and they are improvements from which a benefit is derived every day the office is in operation.
But if we had not had the utmost confidence in the integrity of our brethren and their willingness to lift to the extent of their ability in an emergency, these improvements would not have been made while the Association was so much embarrassed as it was. But I have not known a word of murmuring from any one who comprehended the case. The improvements made are sufficient for the purposes designed. No more large expense will be necessary for the present unless it is for a press to meet the increasing demand for work. Within the past three years there has been a great saving to the office in the matter of interest. We are happy to state at the present time there is no interest paid over eight per cent., whereas three years ago we were paying as high, in some instances, as eighteen per cent., and this compounded monthly. For this we have reason to thank God.
It is no small honor to have God intrust to us institutions of such importance as have been intrusted to our brethren in California. The great question now is, What is our duty under these circumstances? (I say our, for I feel that I am one among you although so far away.) Not only has the Publishing Association claims upon our interests, but the school and Health Retreat which God's providence seems to indicate should be established in your midst, will demand the most serious attention of our brethren and sisters. These institutions will require a large outlay of means. We should never forget that God's special help in his work comes when we have gone as far as we can. You cannot expect that the Association will free itself by its own exertions. This would not be as God would have it. It has even greater claims upon the liberalities of our brethren than other institutions, for our publishing work is the right hand of our strength, and if it should not prosper, our other institutions could not be sustained. Were the few having charge of it to wear their lives away in laboring to free it from its present embarrassment without the friends of the cause co-operating with their means and prayers, the burden would not be equally divided.
While the greater economy should be used in the institution, and a self-sacrificing spirit manifested on the part of all connected with it, our brethren should feel that their interest is centered there, and that it is a privilege for them to share in the sacrifice required to lift it from all embarrassment. It should not owe a dollar to parties outside of our own brethren, and the real indebtedness should be lifted by the taking of stock. We cannot look for one or two wealthy men to lift this load and carry it, although should the sum of $100,000 be deposited in the office, every dollar could at once be used in the different branches of the work without any waste, and still God's providence would so enlarge the work that as much more might be used in carrying forward the truth. But there are many in California who have never taken stock in the Association. They own no shares; and there are those who have taken five or ten shares whom God has prospered, and who are able to take more. This matter should be set before our brethren on the Pacific Coast, and a special effort made to raise stock in the Association not less than $25,000 in addition to what has already been taken. Should each representative man in the several churches put forth an effort in this direction it might be done. In the second place it should become a place of deposit. There should be not less than $25,000 placed on deposit without interest with which to do business and assist new enterprises until such times as our brethren are able to pay their pledges to the different enterprises.
This may seem to some to be a large amount to raise at once, but many of our brethren have outstanding notes which might be collected, or small deposits in banks where it is not as safe as it would be in the Association, and were these matters agitated among our friends so that they could see and realize the nature of the case, this amount might be raised within a few weeks. This money should be loaned to the Association at a very low rate of interest, or, what would be better, without any. As matters now are, every power of the Association is taxed to its utmost in order to do job work so that the debts of the Association may be lifted and our brethren encouraged. But our denominational works should stand first, job work secondary, always. But when this is done it does not pay as well as outside work. Oftentimes large profitable contracts are on hand so that for a time our denominational work does not receive the attention it otherwise would. This necessitates some such plan as I have suggested to free the Association from embarrassment. We hope our brethren will weigh this matter and act accordingly.
You could not have better men connected with our publishing interests than are now connected with them. I refer to those having charge of the several departments, and your business manager, Bro. W. C. White. These men possess valuable gifts and should be appreciated by our brethren and sisters. Sustain them with your prayers, and the institution with your means. This we believe our brethren will do, but it should be made more of a specialty in the future. There is not a family of our people on the coast who should not feel an interest in this, and not only feel an interest but practically show it in the manner above suggested.
Another consideration should not be forgotten which is second to no other, viz., the object for which the institution was founded. It was to carry the light to every city, village, neighborhood, and family on the coast, as well as to all parts of the world. Our publications, like leaves of autumn, should come before the people, and their attention called to the truths of the Third Angel's Message. This institution was founded for that purpose, and the object should never be lost sight of. There should be colporters in every village, and there should not be a family, whose attention is not called to present truth, and an effort made to have them receive it. This should not be done in a haphazard manner, but systematic efforts should be put forth. The S. B. funds should be sacredly guarded for the purposes for which they are raised. The more sacredly they are held the more perfectly the mind of God's Spirit is met.
God is willing to work for California, and in proportion as we put our hand to the work with earnestness and zeal, God will co-operate with us. Human efforts of themselves will accomplish comparatively nothing; but when the mind goes out after the work of God so as to take in what God designs to be accomplished by this work in the world, then, in proportion as we throw ourselves into the work, we shall see the Lord leading out before us. We earnestly pray that the hands of our brethren may not slacken, but that God may raise up more laborers, and we be able to take in more fully the nature of the work, by laying plans and carrying them forward with courage. The cloud is rising in California. God is trusting his people with important institutions with which to carry forward his work.
I cannot write all I would be glad to say, but can say this: The cloud has arisen larger than a man's hand, and there is a sound of an abundance of rain. Prepare for a great work, and work with courage and an untiring zeal. You have lost a valuable man by Brother Chapman's death. But there are others who should step in and work as faithfully as he. I have but one idea to suggest as to your election. You can have no better man for President, than he who has filled the position of Vice-President, and you on the spot can select others of your number who, you have reason to believe, would be the best men. May God give you the spirit of true wisdom in all your deliberations. Yours in love and hope, S. N. HASKELL.
Elder Butler's Address.
By George I. Butler
DEAR BRETHREN: My mind has been exercised much of late in reference to your work in the cause of God, as I have heard from the Pacific Coast, and conversed with those who have recently been there. I have thought possibly that it would be proper for me as one whom our brethren have entrusted with responsibilities, to write a word of encouragement to you at this juncture. I can realize you feel somewhat disappointed that Eld. Haskell should not be at your next Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Association. I know he has your confidence and that you will feel his absence. He has labored ardently among you, with a spirit of self-sacrifice, and you will miss him. I know also that he feels deeply interested in the welfare of the cause in your midst and loves you all with deep affection. For many reasons he would much enjoy being with you at this important time, and help you by his counsel and words of encouragement. And nothing but most important reasons would keep him away. You must know, many of you, how long this proposed visit to Europe has been deferred. Several years since, he expected to start. At one time in a few weeks, and it has been talked of much. Our beloved Bro. Andrews is very feeble, and there are many important reasons why he should visit these missionary fields. We hope for great good to grow out of this visit. We long to see the cause growing in all these countries, and it seems to me and to others that this long deferred visit should now be made. We hope your loss will be the gain of our beloved missionaries, and that our blessed Lord will more than make up for his absence by his special blessing.212
One special reason why I write you is the interest I take in the enterprises now taking shape on the coast. Some of us here who have been long engaged in the work will remember the trials and difficulties we experienced when the institutions in our midst were brought into being. It was a great struggle then. Some of these, like the Sanitarium and the College, were new enterprises among us. There was a degree of prejudice on the minds of some, which tended to hinder the work. All were inexperienced in the management of them. They took a large amount of funds. And in short it required a long and strong pull to bring them into a state of efficiency. But since that time these institutions have done a useful and noble work. Thousands of poor, diseased, and suffering invalids have been relieved, and other thousands of young people have had a chance to improve their minds and prepare themselves to fill some useful place in society; while many who have had the privilege of attending the college, are now preaching the truths of the message. Not only do these results offer, but others besides. They have greatly added to the intelligence and elevation of our people. We have a far better understanding of the nature and proper treatment of disease, and are better prepared to protect ourselves from its approaches. The great principles of temperance are better understood, and much light has shone upon us on many points.
Our college has had a refining influence upon the young, and tended to create an interest all through our ranks to read and cultivate the mind. I feel that the value of these things cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. We have not obtained all the benefit from them either that we might if the light the Lord has given us had been better heeded. We have had special difficulties to contend against, which I trust the Lord may spare you from experiencing. We hope yet to obtain greater good from them in the future than we have had in the past. But these institutions which cost so much labor to establish, we could not now think of losing. We do not regret the efforts we have made to create them, and sustain them. We cherish them as among our dearest treasures.
You who have lived at such a distance from them and us, could not, of course, be greatly benefited by them. So you are now taking steps to establish such institutions in your midst. In this I think you are taking a noble course. Knowing as I do, some of the difficulties which surround the initiation of such enterprises, I feel anxious to say something to encourage you to go on without faltering, till you see the triumph of your hopes. It often seems hard, I know, to take of our earnings which have cost so much toil, economy, and planning to obtain, and give it away where it may never personally benefit us. But what use can we put our means to that will be so satisfactory in the end? We could buy land or stock or put it into a fine house or fine clothes, or use it for some passing pleasure. But would we feel as well about it when we looked back at it in after years, or from a sick-bed, or when Christ shall come? The alleviation of pain and suffering, and the curing of disease; the cultivation of the mind, and a preparation for usefulness; and the education of the rising generation under wholesome religious influences where they are likely to become "intelligent Christians,"—these seem to me to be high and noble objects worthy the means of honest men who have something else in view better than mere passing pleasure. I think it is self-evident that we should labor for those ends which will afford us the most satisfaction when we are prepared to view this world at its proper value. These are the objects aimed at by those who are trying to establish these new institutions in your midst. They have no selfish end in view, but a noble one of benefiting you and yours and advancing the cause of God.
You will no doubt meet with many difficulties. There is no excellence in this world without labor, sacrifice, and patient perseverance. It will require a sacrifice on your part to perfect the work already begun. But I cannot believe you will falter now. We have heard and known so much of your liberality and energy in the past, that we shall expect much of you now that such important measures are being started in your midst.
It seems to me you could never commence under more favorable auspices. You have those of experience among you to instruct and encourage you. In your school you have the presence and counsel of Professor Brownsberger, for eight years at the head of our College. He comes to you with all the ripened experience of this long time in teaching and in discipline. Our great loss of his services is your great gain. I greatly hope you will make his presence among you a blessing to yourselves and the cause. May God help you to rally around the work in this time of need, and place these young enterprises in a position of prosperity and usefulness. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. of Gen. Conf.
Battle Creek, Mich., April 11, 1882.
Our School at Healdsburg.
By Ellen G. White
IN the providence of God a school has been established by our people in California. The time has fully come for such a step. The need of a school has been deeply felt, and we trust that our brethren on this coast will sustain it by their means and their patronage.
It is the purpose of managers and teachers, not so much to copy the plans and methods of other institutions of learning, as to make this school such as God can approve. We trust that a high moral and religious standard will be maintained, and that Healdsburg Academy will be free from those pernicious influences which are so prevalent in popular schools.
Some parents may feel that they cannot afford to pay for the tuition of their children, when an education can be obtained free of charge, in the public schools. But we maintain that even in the matter of dollars and cents, parents will find it their wisest course to place their children under good moral and religious influences. In their association with worldlings, the young are exposed to many temptations. Pride and extravagance in dress are among the prevailing sins of the age. Will not the influence of worldly associates affect the habits, tastes, and desires of your children? Will it not lead them away from simplicity in dress, and make them discontented with that which is useful and substantial? Will not the extra demand upon your purse far exceed the cost of tuition at a school where such influences would be held in check? We have seen this experiment made again and again. In every instance parents have lost instead of saving.
By association with ungodly or vicious companions, the young often contract tastes and habits which prove a lifelong injury. Boys from six to twelve years old may be seen coming from the public schools, smoking their cigarettes. Some who have been taught better things are not proof against such examples.
Instead of permitting our children to imitate the customs and practices of the world, we should seek to impress upon their minds that the love of pleasure and selfish indulgence is dangerous to virtue and morality. We often hear it said that the young must "sow their wild oats." But let it be remembered that the seed sown will determine the character of the harvest. Youthful follies and indiscretions will leave an impress upon the mind and character. In early life the brain is peculiarly susceptible to injury. Even a slight degree of sensual indulgence lowers its tone and impairs its power. The effect of such indulgence will be seen and felt, long after the sin itself has been repented of.
If parents desire that their children shall become pure, noble, upright men and women, they must give them right surroundings and proper associates in childhood. Inquire into the history of the world's best and noblest men,—those who have made life a success,—and you will find that from childhood they were governed by sterling principle. They were simple in their tastes, and temperate in their habits. The lessons of self-denial and self-control were early learned. Such men can be said, in the highest sense, to still enjoy their youth. Its purity remains unsullied, its strength and vigor undiminished. The parents thought less of hoarding money for their children than of securing to them pure morals and a vigorous intellect. The fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, was the foundation of their greatness.
Fathers and mothers, will you not seek to build a barrier about your children, that the contaminating, corrupting influence of the world, like a fast-sweeping current, may not bear them down to perdition? When you count the cost of educating your sons and daughters at our own school, please take into account, also, the cost of educating them in the public schools and in the colleges of the day. Consider what will be their associations, to what temptations they will be exposed, what tastes and habits they will form.
Nearly all youth wish to be and try to be fashionable. Not only the sons and daughters of fortune, but the children of poverty as well, are engaged in the wild chase for pleasure and display. However limited their circumstances, most parents will yield to the influence of their pleasure-loving children, and find means to gratify their desires. Many a youth is constantly in a state of exhaustive excitement or depressing discontent. Indulgence only increases the thirst for pleasure213and display, until it becomes an insatiable craving. Examples of this are as frequent as they are painful. One such instance I will relate. The lady had from her girlhood found pleasure in the gratification of pride and vanity, until a love for display and a desire for admiration became the ruling passion of her life. It was still the ruling passion in her dying hour. While the death-damp gathered upon her brow, she was thinking only how she might create a sensation. She expressed a wish to be attired for the grave in her richest robes, and to be adorned with all her costly jewels. It was done, and in hollow mockery, gold and gems glittered upon the decaying body. This is idolatry scarcely to be surpassed by the worshipers of heathen gods. But to such lengths will pride and fashion lead their votaries. Shall we expose our children to these baleful influences?
To gain wealth, men will cheerfully brave any danger and endure any hardship. They will cross the sea, explore the depths of the earth, scale the mountains, or traverse the desert. They will incur any and every risk, in anticipation of future profits. Should God's people be willing to make some sacrifice for the present and future welfare of their children?
I have felt surprised and pained to see parents send their sons and daughters hundreds of miles away from home, among unbelievers, to obtain an education. Deprived of parental watchcare, these youth are surrounded by influences that are opposed to God. The parents will find, to their sorrow, that their children have received an education in frivolity and worldliness which will place them beyond the influence of the truth.
We counsel parents to avail themselves of the opportunity now offered to separate their children from these worldly associations. Mothers, would it not be true wisdom to practice economy and self-denial in the furnishing of your house or the adorning of your dress, and let the means thus saved be devoted to the education of your children? Fathers, can you not sell a piece of your land, and send your children to a school where the moral and religious influence predominates? The money thus invested will bring returns more valuable than bank-stock. It will be repaid to you, both principal and interest, in the mental and spiritual advancement of your children.
It is designed that the education given in our school shall be in harmony with the teachings of God's word. Religious instruction will be given daily. Christian principles will be faithfully inculcated. It is the purpose of the Principal to conduct the school on the plan of a well-regulated Christian family. Whether engaged in study or recreation, the pupils will be under the supervision of kind yet watchful teachers.
The Bible is the word of God to men. It teaches us how to live that, we may secure life's great end. The knowledge contained in this book lies at the very foundation of all knowledge. Yet God and his word have been ignored, while the words of men have been treasured as the counsels of wisdom. We should give the Bible its proper place in our schools and our homes, as the most valuable book which men possess.
Thousands in this age are seeking to clothe sin in garments of righteousness, to conceal its true deformity. The youth should be taught to study the word of God for themselves, and to try every act and purpose of life by this unerring test. Let the fact be ever kept before their minds that truth and justice could not be compromised, even to save a lost race. Looking upon the cross of Calvary, can we entertain the thought that sin is a matter of little moment? God could give his only-begotten Son to die for our redemption, but he could not permit the principles of his government to be overthrown.
Sin is the evil thing which has brought such misery upon our race. The young should be taught to hate sin, to avoid it, not merely from fear of punishment, but from a sense of its inherent baseness. They should learn to do right because it is right. Every youth should be impressed with the fact that he is not his own; that his strength, his time, his talents, belong to God. It should be his chief purpose in life to glorify God and to do good to his fellow-men. The Bible teaches him that he is a branch, on which fruit must be found; a steward, whose capital will increase as it is wisely improved; a light, whose bright beams are to illuminate the moral darkness that enshrouds the earth. Every man, every child, has work to do for God's glory, and for the salvation of souls that are ready to perish.
The greatest want of this age is the want of men,—men who will not be bought or sold; men who are true and honest in their inmost souls; men who will not fear to call sin by its right name, and to condemn it, in themselves or in others; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right, though the heavens fall.
To form such a character in the young, there is needed a different system of education from that generally adopted. Moral and religious training must receive more attention. We are educating our children for time and for eternity. Let us enter upon our work as though we realized its importance. MRS. E. G. WHITE.
A Personal Romance
A FARMER's daughter living near Santa Cruz answered a personal in a live newspaper, entered into a correspondence with the unknown, finally met him, was married, went to the city to live, and returned to her father's house in two months, dressed like a beggar and looking twenty years older than when she went away. Her husband was a gambler and a loafer. This is a "personal" romance in a nutshell.—Shasta Courier.
School at South Lancaster, Mass.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.
MANY of the readers of the SIGNS are familiar with the fact that within the last few months a greater interest than ever before has been taken by our people in opening denominational schools in different parts of the field. Their methods of instruction in respect to making it as practical as possible differ from those that are employed in the schools around us. Our school at Battle Creek has prospered so that from a very small beginning it has become a prosperous College. The two Conferences, one on the Atlantic and the other on the Pacific Coast are leading off in the school enterprise. California has a large building, and with its able corps of teachers, the indications are good for a prosperous school. We rejoice that the time has come when God's providence is so highly favoring the Pacific Coast. In some respects our school in New England has no less favorable indications. God's providence has seemed to favor the opening of the school. There are no teachers among Seventh-day Adventists whose well-earned reputation has better secured the confidence of our people than that of the teachers connected with these two schools.
The school at South Lancaster opened this morning, April 19. The matter of connecting manual labor with the school has been considered, and at a special meeting, Bro. Farnsworth from New Hampshire, who acted as spokesman for the students, after making appropriate remarks, presented the following resolutions:—
WHEREAS, It has required sacrifice on the part of the founders of this school to start the enterprise, and will require still more to carry it on successfully, therefore,
Resolved, That we as students desire to show our appreciation of the efforts put forth in our behalf, by doing all we can to build up this institution.
Resolved, That we, the young men and boys of this school, request the school committee to provide us a piece of land for cultivation.
Resolved, That we will donate to the school the proceeds of all that shall be raised on said soil.
These resolutions were immediately followed by the following from Sister Redman, of Maine, expressing the sentiment of the young ladies:—
Resolved, That we, the young ladies of the Lancaster school, feeling anxious to do our part in sustaining the same, will be responsible for the laundry work, and for all necessary repairs in the clothing of the young men who devote their time in cultivating land for the benefit of the school, and that we will be glad to help in any other way whenever opportunities present themselves.
All the resolutions were unanimously adopted. Those young ladies who board together are expected to receive instruction in those things which pertain to household duties. An acre of land has already been furnished to the students, according to their request, and all will be cultivated in the interests of the school. The missionary work will also be taught in a manner to connect theory with practice. The SIGNS will be remailed to localities where tent labor is to be put forth the coming season, and this will be near such churches as can co-operate in the missionary work. Then, during vacation, or at other proper times, the students will have an opportunity to visit those to whom they have sent the periodicals, to canvass and to do colporter work. Then those fitting themselves to labor in the cause, will have an opportunity to be gaining an experience with instructions received.
The Fear of the Lord
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."
THE Seventh Annual Meeting of the above Association was convened at the Pacific Press, Oakland, on Monday, April 24, 1882, in accordance with notice published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Having been opened by prayer, the Vice-President was empowered by vote to appoint Committees on Nomination and Resolutions—Elder J. H. Waggoner, Elder Rice, and W. A. Pratt were accordingly appointed to act in the former capacity, and Elder Waggoner, C. H. Jones, and Wm. Saunders, in the latter.
The meeting then adjourned to the church, for greater convenience.
On re-assembling it was found that 1,012 shares were represented by those present and 1,147 by proxies, being 414 more than was required by law.
The minutes of the Sixth Annual Meeting were read and approved, the Vice-President explaining what steps had been taken about the issuing of Mortgage Bonds as authorized at said meeting.
The revenue account and balance sheet for the year were then read, and after remarks by the Vice-President, C. H. Jones, and Elder Waggoner, were accepted.
The Committee on Nomination handed in their report recommending, S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, J. Morrison, M. C. Israel, and C. H. Jones, as Directors for the coming year, and being balloted in form they were elected.
Addresses from the President, S. N. Haskell, and Elder George I. Butler, relating to the past, present, and future of the Association were read by Elder J. H. Waggoner.
C. H. Jones on the part of the Committee on Resolutions read the following, which on being put to the vote, were unanimously adopted:—
WHEREAS, We recognize the hand of God in establishing the publishing work on this coast, and
WHEREAS, This branch of the work has been the means of building up and establishing the truth in our midst, and bringing many souls to a knowledge of it, both at home and in foreign lands, therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God for the degree of prosperity that has attended the work during the past year.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to sustain the work both by our means and our prayers.
WHEREAS, This being largely a missionary enterprise, we cannot look for large profits from the business to sustain the work, and
WHEREAS, There are many that have embraced the truth of late years, who have taken no shares in the Association, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend that some person be appointed in each church and company of Sabbath-keepers on this coast, to visit all the members and set before them the nature of this work, and invite them to take shares in the Association, to the extent of their ability.
WHEREAS, The evidences are thickening all around that we are fast approaching the close of the work of the Third Angel's Message, and that Jesus will soon reveal himself in the clouds of heaven,
Resolved, That we deem it our duty to employ every means in our power to set a knowledge of this truth before the people, and that we recommend that special attention be paid to the circulation of our denominational books during the coming year, and that proper persons be employed to canvass the country for such works as "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation," "History of the Sabbath," "Constitutional Amendment," and other works calculated to create an interest in the truths of the Third Angel's Message.
Resolved, That we express our sorrow at the loss of our dear Brother Chapman, one of our Directors, and the great affliction brought upon his family, and that we extend to them our heartfelt sympathy in this their bereavement.
Resolved, That we regret the necessity for the absence of Elder Haskell from this meeting. We feel that we greatly need his counsel and advice at this time, and trust that the providence of God will soon open the way for him to return to this Conference.
Elder J. H. Waggoner was then elected Editor, Elders Andrews and Uriah Smith corresponding Editors of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and J. H. Waggoner a Publishing Committee for the ensuing year.
It was proposed, seconded, and adopted, "That the thanks of this meeting be given Elders Haskell and Butler for the addresses which they had kindly written for the occasion."
The meeting was then closed by prayer.
W. K. VICKERY, Sec.
Directors' Meeting.
By W. K. Vickery
At a Meeting of the Directors held on the evening of Monday, April 24, 1882, S. N. Haskell was duly elected President, W. C. White, Vice-President, W. K. Vickery, Secretary, W. N. Glenn, Auditor, for the ensuing year.