The Seventh-day Adventists of Maine held their twelfth annual Conference on the campground in Waterville, Sept. 4, 1878, at 5 P. M. Called to order by the president, Eld. J. B. Goodrich. Prayer by Eld. B. L. Whitney.
Eleven churches were represented by delegates.
Voted, That all brethren from other Conferences, also those in good standing in our own churches, be invited to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.
Voted, That the churches at Richmond, New Sweden, and Cross Island be received into the Conference. It was also voted that the Sabbath-keepers at East Washburn, Milton, and Monticello be taken under the watchcare of the Conference, and that the band at Milton be represented by Bro. Varney, and that at Cambridge by Bro. W. R. Clark.
Minutes of the last Conference read and approved.
The chair was authorized to appoint the various committees, whereupon the following were appointed: On resolutions, U. Smith, R. S. Webber, J. A. Davis; on credentials and licenses, Geo. W. Barker, A. W. Low, T. S. Emery; on nominations, S. J. Hersum, Wm. B. Clark, Ansel T. Gifford; on auditing, T. S. Emery, J. A. Davis, A. W. Low, W. W. Putnam, C. R. Davis, and Timothy Bryant.
Adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND SESSION.
The second session was opened with prayer by the president, at 5:30 A. M., Sept. 8.
The Nominating Committee reported as follows: For President, Eld. J. B. Goodrich, Hartland; Secretary, Timothy Bryant, North Jay; Treasurer, Samuel F. Grant, Hartland; Executive Committee, J. B. Goodrich, G. W. Barker, Wm. Morton; Camp-meeting Committee, G. W. Barker, T. S. Emery, R. J. Goodrich. These persons were duly elected.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported for credentials, J. B. Goodrich, R. S. Webber, S. J. Hersum; licenses, P. B. Osborn, Wm. H. Blaisdell. Each name was taken up separately, and credentials and licenses were granted accordingly.
Adjourned to the call of president.
THIRD SESSION.
The third session was opened at 5:30 A. M., Sept. 9. Prayer by Eld. U. Smith.
Voted, That Eld. J. B. Goodrich be appointed delegate to attend the next session of the General Conference.
The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were adopted:—
Resolved, That we recommend the adoption, by all the brethren and sisters in this Conference, of the tithing system as now generally practiced by S. D. Adventists.
Resolved, That we express our gratitude that such prosperity has attended our institutions at Battle Creek that a much larger house of worship is needed, and we therefore cheerfully pledge ourselves individually to contribute toward it a dime a month according to the plan proposed for raising the means to erect it.
Resolved, That we are cheered by the reports of the general prosperity and progress of our cause in our own land and in foreign countries, and we hail with joy the proposed mission to England, pledging ourselves to give it our unqualified moral support with our best wishes and our prayers, and to aid it what we can with our means.
Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks to Sr. White for undertaking so long a journey to come to us and aid us with her words of encouragement and counsel, and also to the General Conference for other help furnished us at this meeting.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to Sr. Eliza H. Morton for the faithful reports of this meeting which she has furnished to the leading papers of the State; and also to Bro. B. L. Whitney for his assistance in the song services of this meeting.
Resolved, That we express our thanks to the Maine Central R. R. and its branches for the favor extended to those attending this meeting.
It was also resolved, that we extend a vote of thanks to the leading journals of this State for publishing the reports of this meeting.
The secretary’s report is as follows:—
No. churches, 16; No. church members, 312; No. not united to any church, 152; No. of S. S. scholars, 204; No. paying S. B., 139; amount of S. B. pledged to the Conference, $1067.84.
The treasurer reported:—
Received during year, $955.22
Paid out during year, 955.22
Adjourned. J. B. GOODRICH, Pres.
TIMOTHY BRYANT, Sec.
TOO POSITIVE.
By G. F. Haines
We are sometimes accused of being too positive in our preaching. Against the man who preaches error, the charge may be justly made; but how can one who preaches the truths of the Bible be too positive? For him to lack positiveness is to lack faith. The man who talks, and does not know what he is talking about, might as well keep silent.
When a man talks present truth, and does not know it is truth, others will not know it from his preaching. Brethren, the Lord is coming. The world is hearing from our lips the last message of warning they will ever hear; shall we give our congregations to understand that we are in doubt concerning these truths? When a man is being tried, our law requires, if there be a doubt in the case, that the prisoner receive the benefit of it, and he is always ready to take advantage of the law, though he may know he is guilty. Brethren, just give expression to a doubt, and Satan’s prisoners stand ready to use it to soothe their guilty consciences, even though they are guilty of the very things of which you have told them.
G. F. HAINES.
LESSONS FOR BIBLE CLASSES.
LESSON XV.—THE HISTORY OF THE WORLDLY SANCTUARY.
QUESTIONS.
1. When the sanctuary and all its holy vessels were completed, how were they consecrated? Ex. 40:9.
25. By whom was this temple destroyed? 2 Chron. 36.
26. By whom was it rebuilt? See Ezra.
27. Where is this temple called the sanctuary?
28. Was it the same temple that existed in the time of our Saviour?
29. What changes had been made in it?
30. Did God accept this temple as his sanctuary, or dwelling place?
31. Give proof.
32. What miracles were performed at the death of Christ to show that the worldly sanctuary was no longer sacred? Mark 15:38.
33. How was this temple destroyed?
SYNOPSIS.
When the sanctuary and all the holy vessels were completed, they were consecrated by being anointed with oil. Ex. 40:9. The priests, also, were consecrated in a most solemn manner. Ex. 40:12–15; 29:20. Finally, a cloud rested down upon the tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the sanctuary so that no one could enter. Ex. 40:34, 35.
The Levites were appointed to assist the priests in the service of the sanctuary, to encamp about it, and to remove it from place to place as they journeyed in the wilderness. Read Num. 3:5–9 and the fourth chapter entire.
As long as the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, rested upon the tabernacle, the children of Israel remained encamped; but when it was removed, they journeyed, following wherever it led. Read Ex. 40:36–38; Num. 9:15–23.
After entering Canaan, the tabernacle was first set up at Shiloh. Josh. 18:1. It was still called the sanctuary. Josh. 24:26. In the days of Saul it was located at Nob, very near Jerusalem. Read 1 Sam. 21; Matt. 12:3, 4; Mark 2:26. In the days of David and Solomon the tabernacle was at Gibeon. 1 Chron. 21:29; 2 Chron. 1:3. Here it remained until Solomon brought it, with its holy vessels, into the temple which he had completed at Jerusalem. Read 2 Chron. 5:1–5.
The ark had many years before been removed from the sanctuary by the wicked sons of Eli, and was taken into battle, where it was captured by the Philistines. The Philistines were so much troubled on account of the ark that they sent it back on a cart, drawn by two kine. The men of Beth-shemesh gathered in great numbers to see so strange a sight. They opened the ark and looked into it, and for this rash act fifty thousand of them were smitten. The ark was removed from Beth-shemesh to Kirjath-jearim; from Kirjath-jearim to the house of Obed-edom; and finally to Jerusalem, where it was kept in a tent built for that purpose by David, remaining there till taken into the temple by Solomon. Read 1 Sam. chapters 4–7; 2 Chron. 1:4.
The temple of Solomon was built according to the plan made known to David by the Lord, 1 Chron. 28:11–13, 19, and was intended to take the place of the tabernacle built by Moses. This temple is called the sanctuary. 2 Chron. 20:8; 26:16–18; 30:8, 19. When it was finished, God manifested his acceptance of it by filling it with the cloud of his glory, and also by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifices. 2 Chron. 5:13, 14; 7:1.
This temple was finally destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, who carried the children of Israel captive to Babylon, where they remained seventy years. Read 2 Chron. 36.
After their return, the temple was rebuilt. A very interesting description of this work is found in the book of Ezra. This temple is also called the sanctuary. Neh. 10:39. This was the same temple that existed in the time of our Saviour, only it had been repaired, enlarged, and beautified by Herod. God accepted this temple as his sanctuary, or dwelling place, as we see from Zech. 2:10; Matt. 23:21.
When Christ was crucified, the vail of the temple was miraculously rent in twain from top to bottom, thus showing that the most holy place was no longer sacred. A few years later the building was destroyed by the Roman army under Titus.
CONFERENCE DIRECTORY
For Ohio the present Conference year.
SECRETARY.
E. H. Gates, North Madison, Lake Co.
TREASURER.
J. B. Gregory, Bowling Green, Wood Co.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
O. Mears, Bowling Green, Wood Co.
H. H. Van Camp, Bowling Green, Wood Co.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
J. Sprinkle, Nova, Ashland Co.
W. D. Sharpe, Clyde, Sandusky Co.
J. Rowe, Clyde, Sandusky Co.
TO THE PENNSYLVANIA BRETHREN.
By J. G. Saunders
OUR tent season is drawing to a close, and thus far God has greatly blessed our efforts. In view of this, we should promptly redeem our pledges made for the tent enterprise in our State this season. When these pledges were obtained, it was thought we should be able to put three forty-foot tents in the field, and New York to match us with three more; but at the Fillmore Park camp-meeting in Western New York it was thought best by the State Conference Committee in connection with a member of the General Conference Committee that we should run four tents in Pennsylvania, and that Pennsylvania should purchase one fifty-foot tent and one forty-foot, and New York should do the same. You will readily see that we could not visit all the places we had intended to visit, and we hope none will be offended on this account. Brethren, let us have no sectional feelings; the cause is one everywhere, and it is world-wide. Let us thank God for its prosperity, and take courage.
Will Bro. Hiram Stebbins look after these pledges in the Ulysses church; O. P. Rice, in the church at Thorn Bottom, Tioga county; Ceylon Tubbs, in that at West Pike, Potter county; and C. H. Barrows, in the church at Port Allegany, McKean county? These pledges should all be paid by the time the New York and Pennsylvania Conference is held. Let us be found at our post, like minute men.
J. G. SAUNDERS.
THE RESCUED BOATMAN.
A few years since, while visiting among the boatmen on the Erie canal, a captain related an interesting incident in his own experience. “Some years ago,” said he, “while in port at New York, a little boy came on the boat where I was then employed as a hand, with Bibles, inquiring for the captain. He was pointed out to the little fellow, who most respectfully said, ‘Captain, won’t you have a Bible?’ The hard-hearted man, with stern look and surly voice, replied, ‘No; I don’t want any of your Bibles,’ and abruptly turned away. The little head went down, and upon the boyish face I saw a tear, and that tear—it went to my heart, infidel though I was. Instantly I said, ‘Little boy, I’ll take a Bible.’ The youthful missionary’s face brightened with smiles as he handed me the volume, to which I was then a stranger.”
“Finding myself in the possession of such a book, I resolved to see what it was. So whenever I had time I would go amidships and read. I commenced at the beginning, and soon became so interested that I would take time to read. Upon finishing the Old Testament, I was bewildered. I saw and felt the justice of the divine law and the guilt of man; but what was to be done? I was not long left in doubt, however. The New Testament—oh, that furnished the key! That solved the mystery! In the blessed Jesus I saw the symbols, the types, the prophecies, all unfolded, fulfilled, realized. I was able to exclaim with the joyful psalmist, ‘Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other.’ I found peace in believing. And now, though still engaged in this rough business of boating, I find a verification of the promise in my Bible, ‘God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’”
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
The Word as Guide and Comfort
“No saint can grow or live without the word,” said an eminent servant of God. “Most sweetly has it spoken to me. When I walked, it led; when I slept, it kept; when I awaked, it talked with me. It has been my guide, my staff, my bread, my counselor, my comfort, all through this lonely pilgrimage.”
The Folly and Harm of Profanity
PROFANITY never did any man the least good. No man is the richer, or happier, or wiser for it. It commends no one to any society. It is disgusting to the refined; abominable to the good; insulting to those with whom we associate; degrading to the mind; unprofitable, needless, and injurious to ourselves and society.
BIBLE LESSONS FOR YOUTH.
By G. H. Bell
LESSON XV.—CIRCUMCISION.
QUESTIONS.
1. What did the Lord renew to Abraham at the time when he changed his name?
2. What did he give him as a token, or sign, of that covenant? Gen. 17:11; Rom. 4:11. Read Gen. 17 throughout.
3. What purpose did it serve?
4. In what relation were those known to be who had received this sign?
5. To what nation were they known to belong?
6. Had God entered into covenant with the people of any other nation?
7. Is any such sign necessary in the present dispensation?
8. Why not?
9. In the old dispensation, what did people have to do who wished to become servants of the true God?
10. What may now be said of those who by faith and obedience become the children of Abraham?
14. What will all do who are led by the Spirit of God?
15. What, then, must we conclude in regard to this circumcision of the heart?
16. What fruit will the Spirit bear in those whose hearts are thus circumcised? Gal. 5:22.
17. What may we know by this sign, or token?
18. How may we know that we dwell in him and he in us? 1 John 4:13.
19. Will those who have this circumcision of the heart have faith in Christ?
20. Will they love God and keep his commandments?
21. Are faith and love fruits of the Spirit?
22. What is said of the love of God in 1 John 5:3?
23. Circumcision of the heart, then, is just what is required for what?
24. Is every child of Abraham a child of God?
25. Who, then, must have had this circumcision of the heart?
26. Did they all have faith in Christ?
27. Did they all have the gospel preached to them?
28. Did they all have the love of God written in their hearts?
29. What is it to have the love of God written in the heart?
SYNOPSIS.
At the time when the Lord changed Abraham’s name, and renewed his covenant in regard to the promises, he gave him a token, or sign, of that covenant. Gen. 17:11; Rom. 4:11. This was a rite called circumcision; and was a mark by which Abraham and his descendants, the nation of the Jews, were distinguished from all other nations. By this outward sign they were known to be in covenant relation with God.
In the present dispensation no such sign is necessary; for God does not now enter into covenant with any particular nation, but with all persons who, through faith in Christ and obedience to his commandments, become children of Abraham and heirs according to the promise. These are the children of God, as we have seen.
In the old dispensation those who wished to become servants of the true God had to be circumcised, and become a part of the Jewish nation; but now, those who by faith and obedience become children of Abraham, are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. 2:19. Read Eph. 2:11–22.
Such are counted as Jews in reality; “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Rom. 2:28, 29.
This circumcision of the heart must be something that shows that those who have it are in covenant relation with God,—that they are his children. Now “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God,” Rom. 8:14; and all who are led by the Spirit of God will bear the fruit of the Spirit.
We must conclude, then, that circumcision of the heart is that change in the hearts of men that causes them to bear the fruit of the Spirit,—that indwelling of the Spirit that begets love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Gal. 5:22.
This is the sign, or token, by which we may know that God accepts us, and will fulfill to us the precious promises of his word. In 1 John 4:13 we read that, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” Read Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:9.
Those who have this circumcision of the heart will have faith in Christ, will love God and keep his commandments; for faith and love are the fruit of the Spirit, and “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” 1 John 5:3.
We see, then, that circumcision of the heart is just what is required to make one a child of Abraham.
Every child of God is a child of Abraham; so all the children of God, in every age of the world, must have had this circumcision of the heart. They all had faith in Christ; they all had the gospel preached to them, as did Abraham; they all had the law of God written in their hearts, for they loved its principles, and delighted to obey its precepts.