p. 156 | Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 20. (10/16/1866)

The Two-horned Beast.

(Continued.)

Of all the views that have ever been promulgated relative to the two-horned beast, making it symbolize any other than our own government, bad as they all are in our estimation, none appears to us more mixed, inconsistent, and unscriptural than that which makes it mean the Roman Catholic church in any or all of its parts. That Bishop Newton, who died as long ago as 1782, should perceive no other place to apply it, and so tax his ingenuity to find a place for it in some feature of the Romish church, is not strange. Nor is it to be wondered at that Dr. Clarke, or rather his son, who wrote the notes on Rev. xiii, should adopt the same view, they both being Englishmen, and of course seeing no particular importance to be attached to the United States, and consequently finding no power to which it seemed that they could better apply this symbol than to the Romish church. But that a person in our own land, familiar with the principles of Adventism, living down at this late day, when knowledge has been so wonderfully increased, especially in all that relates to the closing scenes of this world's history, and to those powers which are to act a prominent part therein;—that such a person should go to another hemisphere, and to the works of a commentator of a hundred years ago, for light on these questions, is a matter of profound astonishment.

What then constitutes the two-horned beast, as set forth by H. E. C.? In looking over his articles we find all of these expressions applied to it: Paul's “Man of sin,” 2 Thess. ii, 3, “the Harlot of Rev. xvii,” the “Roman Hierarchy,” the “Romish Church Hierarchy,” the “Ecclesiastical element,” and the “Spiritual Latin Empire.” By these designations we are left in the most sublime bewilderment as to whether the Pope alone is meant, or the Pope and clergy, or the Pope, clergy, and laity, all together; for one of the expressions means only one, others include two, and others embrace all three, of these divisions.

But the Pope alone cannot be meant; for a little further along in H. E. C.'s exposition, the Pope turns out to be the image. The clergy alone cannot be meant; for they turn out to be the horns. The laity alone cannot be meant; for, independent of the Pope and clergy, they constitute no power whatever. Then where is the beast?

One of the names by which it is described above, is the “Roman Hierarchy,” or the “Romish Church Hierarchy.” What is a hierarchy? The second definition of the word given by Webster is, “The persons who have the exclusive direction of things sacred; used especially of a body of clergy of different ranks or orders.” And he defines the word “hierarch” thus: “One who rules or has authority in sacred things.” The “Roman Hierarchy” is therefore the Roman clergy or the Roman priesthood. But is not the Pope included among these? By all means. He is the highest hierarch among them. His “authority in sacred things” is supreme throughout all the Romish church. The Roman Catholic clergy, therefore, with the Pope at their head, constitute the Roman Hierarchy; and this, says H. E. C., is the two-horned beast. But we have just noticed the fact that he makes the Pope the image; hence we have the two-horned beast taking a part of himself and making an image of it; while the image must still be included in the beast himself, he not being complete without it! Puppet-shows sometimes exhibit the singular spectacle of strange figures swallowing themselves, turning inside out, &c.; but prophecy is never guilty of making its symbols perform any such antics.

But the two-horned beast, says H. E. C., is the Roman Hierarchy; and we have seen that this hierarchy is the clergy; but we find as already noticed that he subsequently takes the clergy to make the horns. We quote from his articles: “As the second beast is the spiritual Latin empire, the two horns of this beast denote that the empire thus represented is composed of two distinct spiritual powers. These, therefore, can be no other, as Bishop Newton and Faber properly observe, than the two grand independent branches of the Romish hierarchy, viz., the Latin clergy, REGULAR and SECULAR. “The first of these comprehends all the various monastic orders, the second comprehends the whole body of parochial clergy.” These two grand branches of the hierarchy originally constituted but one dominion, as the monks, as well as the other clergy were in subjection to the bishops; but the subjection of the monks to their diocesans became by degrees less apparent, and in process of time, through the influence and authority of the Roman pontiffs, they were entirely exempted from all episcopal jurisdiction, and thus became a spiritual power, entirely independent of that of the secular clergy.”

There is no possibility of mistaking the import of this extract: the Latin clergy constitute the two horns of the beast. But the beast himself symbolizes the Roman Hierarchy according to H. E. C.; and the hierarchy is the clergy. Thus the beast is confounded with his horns. Horns are beast, and beast is horns. Such confusion is inadmissible. There must be a great scarcity of material here to make beast and horns of, to force a person to try to make them both out of the same. But they cannot both denote the same thing. And which is it? If the clergy constitute the beast, what constitutes the horns? And if the clergy are the horns, what is the beast? And if the clergy are the horns, according to the view before us, the prophet should have said, “I beheld two horns coming up out of the earth!”

But again, “These two grand branches of the hierarchy,” says the extract, “originally constituted but one dominion.” Then, we answer, the beast originally had but one horn, which horn finally branched out into two. Does the prophecy represent any such thing? No. The beast has two horns on his first introduction into the prophecy, and they are ever separate and distinct.

But further, we inquire, when did these horns develop themselves? The extract says that the monastic orders (one horn) did not become entirely independent of the secular clergy (the other horn) except through “process of time,” and “through the influence and authority of the Roman pontiffs,” or Popes. Then it was not till long after the Popes had arisen that the beast had two horns; and this change in the beast was brought about by their influence and authority. But remember that the Pope is the image of the beast. Then we have the two-horned beast coming up with only one horn. He goes on his career, performing his works, and even makes the image while yet he has but one horn. And finally, long years afterward, the image turns around to the one-horned beast that made him, and splits his one horn in two, and makes a two-horned beast of him! Does the prophecy represent anything of this kind? Far from it. It declares that the beast from the moment that it emerges into sight, has two horns like a lamb. Then it speaks like a dragon, exercises all the power of the first beast before him, causes men to worship that beast, does great wonders, makes fire come down from heaven; and carries on a work of deception among the people; all before the image is formed. And after he has given life unto the image which they that dwell upon the earth have made at his dictation, the only act ascribed to him is to cause all to receive a mark on pain of being deprived of the privilege of buying or selling. This is a power which occupies the stage of action till the Lord comes; and giving life to the image of the beast is next to his very last act; and any view which, like the one we are examining, makes out that he does not have two horns till ages after the formation of this image, is the baldest nonsense.

And yet this is good sense compared with some other absurdities belonging to this view, which we have yet to notice.

(To be continued.)

Hoops, Again.

OUR suggestion on hoops in Review No. 16, present volume, is creating something of a stir in quite an unexpected direction. We endeavored to make a suggestion which would commend itself to the sober judgment of all concerned, being at the time well aware that the question was a very sensitive one. Whatever opposition the article did meet, we expected would come from those who, in defiance of the Testimonies, and in opposition to the declared principles of this people, have adopted hoops and are boldly wearing them. As it is, we find the opposition coming, so far as we have learned, from just the opposite direction; that is, from those who have discarded hoops, and are most strenuously opposed to them.

Now, we are rejoiced to hear of any who are endeavoring with singleness of purpose, to walk in the light given to this people through vision, or who are endeavoring to live out the resolutions on dress recommended at our last General Conference; and wherein they think that the suggestion in No. 16, is contrary to the visions or the resolutions on dress, by all means let them not follow it. All adherence to such authorities, over any individual opinion, we shall certainly respect and honor. But we think the idea that there is any contradiction between them, arises from a misunderstanding of the article in question.

For instance, one sister in Tuscola Co., Mich., regrets the appearance of the article just at the time when the resolutions on dress were being adopted by them. But it is a fact that the article and the resolution on dress touching the question of hoops, are from the same pen; and the author of both, holding the same views still, is not yet able to perceive any discrepancy between them.

Again, all who object to the article, appeal for their first proof to the visions. Well, we have lately written a series of articles in defence of the visions, and have had our own faith in their authenticity greatly strengthened by the investigation, and we are the last one to come out now and knowingly recommend anything that is contrary to their teaching.

We hold that the wearing of hoops, skeleton skirts, or whatever they are called, however small, is a direct violation of the Testimonies; and this point we expressly stated in the article in question. We hold that the wearing of hoops, however small, is also a direct violation of the resolutions on dress; and this point too, we took care distinctly to state in the article. So far, then, we are on common ground; and on these points we are as strong as any one can be. The real question then between us is, What constitutes hoops? The resolution on dress says, “Anything by which from its size or the nature of the material, the form of the wearer is liable to be immodestly exposed.” The Testimonies say essentially the same thing; for it is on the ground of exposure that hoops are condemned by them, Ex. xx, 26, being the text to which Sr. W. was referred in the matter. We took the ground that a few steel springs, four at most, of suitable dimensions, inserted in a skirt, just as cords are inserted, would not render a person liable to the exposures referred to, and hence would not be hoops under the intent of the Testimonies, and the resolutions on dress. We gave our reasons for this position; but not one of these reasons has been answered or shown to be unsound; and yet the article is assailed as though it was a departure from the positions this people have taken, and a recommendation for the adoption of hoops. If this is so, it must be singularly self-contradictory; for it is expressly claimed in the article that the wearing of hoops is contrary to the principles of this people, to the Testimonies, and to the resolutions on dress.

Let us state again the difference between what we recommended, and hoops. Hoops, when they meet an obstacle in front, will fly up behind. A skirt with three or four springs inserted, as suggested, will not so operate. Hoops, in passing through a narrow place, will elevate the dress to an immodest degree. The skirt we suggest will not so do. With a skeleton, the dress is liable to be held up by being caught between the springs. With a skirt, this cannot occur.

Hoops possess such a degree of stiffness, that the utmost care is required to keep within the bounds of modesty. The skirt requires no such caution. We say therefore, that it is not hoops, and can be in no respect contrary to the Testimonies or the resolutions on dress.

Now no one objects to cords in a skirt. But springs inserted in the same manner, limited to the number suggested, have the same effect, and in looks and operation, cannot be distinguished from them. Then where is the difference? Can we consistently take the position that hemp is so much more sacred in the eyes of God than steel, that the former can be allowed, but the latter must be excluded, in accomplishing precisely the same results?

But says one, “My conscience will not allow me to put springs in a skirt.” Very well, nobody is trying to compel, or even asks, you to do it. Continue the course your conscience dictates, and no one will have any feeling over it whatever. It was for the benefit of another class entirely, that the suggestion was made in No. 16. There are those whose consciences are not so tender, or who, in defiance of conscience, are openly and constantly wearing hoops. We are grieved at such departures from the principles of this people, and the light we have received on the subject; and what we wish, and what we are laboring for, is to see the practice entirely discontinued among us. But those who are engaged in it, plead necessity. Cords cannot be had; rawhides are worthless, and quilts are suicidal. Then what shall be done? No one likes to go, and no principle of consistency requires one to go, looking as described in the article; and we think the proposition there given, points out a substitute for cords, in every way as unobjectionable as the cords themselves. And if this is so, the material is easily obtained, and no one can have any excuse for longer wearing hoops.

But says one, “If one can use four springs, another can eight, and another twelve, and so on, until we have Miss Crinoline in full.” We beg to be excused. The article gives no warrant for any such course. We were well aware that some would be inclined to run into this very extreme; and hence were particular to expressly limit the number of springs to four. Those who go beyond this, go beyond any suggestion of ours.

And we hear of a sister in Tuscola Co., Mich., who had laid off hoops permanently as she claimed, who as soon as she read the article, went to the store and bought skeletons for every-day use. What was her plea? “There is no more harm in wearing a skeleton than in wearing hoops taken from a skeleton.” We showed in that article that the objection to a skeleton was in its effects, and that springs put into a skirt as suggested would not have that effect. There is therefore an essential difference between the two. But look at this a moment. On her own confession, springs out of a skeleton, are as bad as when worn in one. But the article emphatically condemns skeletons; hence if she is to be influenced by the article, she should reject all springs used in any form whatever. Instead of this, on the strength of the article, she immediately puts on skeletons. Is this consistent? She had laid off hoops. On what ground? Was it because they are condemned by the Testimonies? Then what excuse does she plead for taking them up again? The views of an individual, in an article to which she gives an interpretation which it expressly disclaims. Then what does her confidence in the Testimonies amount to, if it is so easily surrendered as this? She certainly has no warrant from the article, for the course she has taken; and we do not think a reader of the Review will justify her in it.

Another says that she has never had any trouble in finding something that does just as well as springs. Perhaps she has some information which she can give to others. This is just what is wanted, and all that is wanted. Others do have trouble in finding a suitable substitute; and if they can be informed of one, they will no doubt be glad to adopt it.

We will add in closing this article, what we might have appended to our first, that if any persons have anything better to suggest than what is contained in our article, let all concerned be duly notified of what it is, and hundreds will be grateful for the information.

The Review Enlargement.

By Editor

We have now reached a point where we can speak definitely on this subject. The proposition seems to meet with universal favor. At the large meetings in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, as shown by Bro. Loughborough's Reports, the brethren without exception approved of the plan; and now, as seen by the report in another column, the N. Y. Conference has voted in its favor. Individuals have also written quite definitely on the point.

Bro. Bates says:

“I am in favor of the statements and suggestions which have been published respecting the enlargement of the Review and Herald. And I hope the people of God who have been interested in reading its weekly issues, will cheerfully aid in its enlargement, and its circulation.”

Bro. Cottrell writes to the Trustees of the Association as follows:

“You have offered several good reasons why the Review should be enlarged. I know no reason why it should not. A carefully selected summary of passing events, is a desideratum, especially of those events which have a bearing upon the fulfillment of prophecy, and thus constitute the signs of the times. But the floating items of news must be put through the fanning-mill, and the chaff and dust all blown away.

“In regard to the price, since the Review is almost the only paper that retained the old price during the war, it seems its readers can well afford an increase of fifty cents a year for the paper when enlarged as proposed.”

“I am not so well prepared to judge of this matter as others, and especially those at the office of publication. I confide more in their judgment than my own.

“Trusting that God will guide to a proper decision, I am as ever yours to go through.”

Bro. Cornell writes from Holly, Mich.:

“About enlarging the Review, I will say that I am decidedly in favor of the plan. I have heard many express the wish that the paper was larger. I think the reasons given by the Committee in favor of enlargement, are all sufficient, and that there will be a united voice in its favor. I will do all I can to increase the subscription list, and to persuade as many as I can to pay as much more for the enlarged paper as it is worth to them.”

Bro. Clarke, of Portage, Ohio, gives the feeling of the brethren in his section on this matter as follows:

“All here are much pleased with the proposal to add four pages to the Review. Some ask if it would not be better to add eight pages, and bring the price up to three dollars to all? Would not the brethren generally be better pleased with an addition of eight than of four pages?”

That it will be necessary eventually to enlarge the paper to 16 pages weekly, as above suggested, we have no doubt. But to bring it up to twelve is quite an advance step, and is perhaps enough to undertake at present. This will be equivalent to seventy-eight Reviews in a year, instead of fifty-two, as now.

The Trustees now think they have sufficient indication of the minds of the brethren, to go on with this matter. The paper will therefore be enlarged as proposed at the commencement of the next volume. The regular price will be $2.50 per year. To the poor $2.00 per year. To those who take it on trial for investigation, $1.00 for six months. And all those who can are invited to pay $3.00 per year. And we trust that donations to the poor will not be forgotten, that those who want it, and are not able to pay for it, may not be deprived of its weekly visits.

We are preparing a new heading for the new volume, which has met the approval of the Trustees, and all who have seen it, and we hope in many respects to improve the paper, making it indeed a family paper, doubly welcome in all the households of the saints, and such as shall commend itself to every candid and unprejudiced mind without.

And we invite the brethren and sisters everywhere to carefully consider what is involved in the enlargement. Consider how the publishing department will more than ever need the earnest and constant co-operation of all who can write, that the Review may be filled with matter adapted to the wants of the times, and ever bear a stirring and living testimony. And remember the Review in your prayers, that it may be a still more potent instrument for good, silencing error, spreading abroad the truth in the power and demonstration of the Spirit, breathing forth a spirit of meekness and love to all, carrying conviction to the hearts of the honest, and thus still more powerfully aiding in this great and closing work of the Lord in the earth.

Consider also carefully and prayerfully the matter of extending the circulation of the paper. The circulation should be greatly increased and that at once; and the enlargement is undertaken to a great degree on the supposition that this will be done. At least one thousand subscribers should be added to our list before the commencement of the next volume. Shall we have them? If less than one quarter of our subscribers should only obtain one each, the thing would be accomplished. But why cannot all obtain one, and so double the list? Will you try? Try earnestly; try in the strength of the Lord. And in all your efforts for the advancement of the cause, let the path to the place of secret prayer be well trodden, and let all your desires for the success of this work be well watered with your tears. And God, who still has a care for his down-trodden truth, will send help to his people.

Report from Iowa.

By A. C.; D. T. Bourdeau

BRO. WHITE: On our way from Wisconsin to this State, Sept. 17, we held an evening meeting with the brethren and sisters in Crane's Grove, Ill., at the house of Bro. Newton. Several attended who were on their way home from the Monroe Meeting. We had a profitable time for all that were present. The day following, at two o'clock, P. M., we held another meeting in a school-house in the place, and we together spoke three hours on the rise and progress of the third message; especially on the Health Reform.

We think that the church in Crane's Grove have a desire to advance in the way of holiness; and that they have an increasing interest and confidence in the moves which have so much engrossed the attention of God's people of late. We were two days in traveling from there to Laporte City, and suffered some on account of traveling in the night by private conveyance, and by stage, in rainy and cold weather, from the effects of which we have not yet fully recovered.

Sept. 22 and 23, we met with the few at Laporte City. We enjoyed freedom in all the meetings. At the business meeting we appointed church officers, and organized systematic benevolence amounting to $51.48. Eleven came up promptly with their figures on S. B., and it is expected that three or four more will soon unite with them on this point. The church at Laporte City have lately sold their meeting-house to the Albrights, reserving a right to hold meetings in it for three years. They have learned, from experience, that unpleasant feelings and much trouble can be avoided in having our meeting-houses built exclusively by our people, and in not soliciting means from outsiders to help in such enterprises.

At Waterloo we held a profitable evening meeting, and were glad to see the brethren and sisters manifesting an increasing interest in the cause of present truth. It is expected that they will soon be prepared to fully adopt and carry out Systematic Benevolence, as set forth by our people.

Sept. 29 and 30, we held meetings in the meeting-house at Anamosa. A goodly number of brethren and sisters were present from Marion, Springville, Clarence, and Lisbon. On the Sabbath we gave two discourses. The Lord gave us great liberty in speaking the word, and the brethren and sisters enjoyed largely of the good Spirit in giving their testimonies on the side of truth. Sunday morning a meeting was held for the church, and we spoke one hour on organization, and church order; then sixteen entered into church fellowship. We also appointed an elder, a deacon, clerk, and S. B. treasurer. Four or five more are expected to soon unite with this church. In the afternoon we made a special effort in giving a discourse on the signs of the times, particularly modern Spiritualism. A trance speaker had been lecturing in the place on Spiritualism, and several were being drawn into this latter-day delusion. When the discourse

was being given, the Spiritualists squirmed, while members of other denominations were greatly delighted with the remarks which were made. At the close of the meeting a Methodist preacher thanked us for our effort, and said that he was not a sectarian bigot, and cordially invited us to visit him. We trust that our effort in this direction was not in vain.

A. C. & D. T. BOURDEAU.

Lisbon, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1866.

Fifth Annual Session of the N. Y. and Pa. Conference.

By N. FULLER; R. F. COTTRELL

Conference met Sept. 28, 1866, at Roosevelt, N. Y. The President, A. Lanphear, not being present, Bro. N. Fuller was called to the chair. Prayer by Bro. Andrews.

Delegates being called, it was found that twenty-three churches were represented by twenty-three delegates and two letters. A newly-organized church at Genoa, Cayuga Co., N. Y., applied for admission to the Conference, and was received. Also an unorganized church at Ridgeway, Orleans Co., N. Y., was, after the adoption of the amendment of the constitution relating to such, admitted to a voice in the Conference. Bro. J. N. Loughborough was invited by vote to act with the Conference.

By a vote of Conference, the following committees were appointed by the chair:

On resolutions, J. N. Loughborough, J. N. Andrews and S. B. Whitney.
On nominations, J. N. Andrews, Ira Abbey and J. N. Loughborough.
Auditing committee, Wm. Treadwell, Edward Witter, J. M. Lindsay, I. Abbey, Samuel Walworth and Elias Goodwin. By vote Bro. Loughborough was invited to act with this committee.

Reports from ministers being called for, written reports of labors, receipts and expenditures were presented by N. Fuller, C. O. Taylor, R. F. Cottrell and S. B. Whitney. Also a report of labor by J. W. Raymond, Licentiate.

The question of the ordination of Bro. Whitney was referred to the Executive Committee.

Adjourned to afternoon.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

After prayer, the committee on nominations reported the following for officers of the Conference the ensuing year; for President, N. Fuller; Secretary, S. B. Whitney; Treasurer, C. O. Taylor; Executive committee, N. Fuller, J. N. Andrews and R. F. Cottrell.

The report was accepted, and the persons named unanimously elected.

The committee on resolutions reported the following, which were unanimously adopted.

Resolved, That the resolutions passed by the General Conference to allow unorganized churches to be represented by delegates, be adopted as Sec. 2 of Art. I of the State Conference Constitution, viz.:

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 State 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 of the N. Y. and Pa. State Conference: 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 in the matter of expulsion of members from churches, we endorse and adopt the resolutions of the General Conference passed upon this subject as follows:

Resolved, That in our judgment the expulsion of members from church fellowship should never be effected by less than a two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the church in question; and such action should not take place without previous faithful labor with the erring member, and also due notice of the trial. The only circumstances under which these regulations should be departed from at all are in the case of outrageous crime in which the guilt is manifest; in which case, at the discretion of the church this previous labor may be dispensed with.

Resolved, That in case of church trials involving the expulsion of members, we deem it advisable that our brethren, if possible, secure the aid of some experienced preacher; if this is not consistent that they make application to their own State Conference Committee for the aid of some experienced and judicious lay-brethren to aid by their counsel and advice, excepting such cases only as are excepted in the preceding resolution.

Resolved, That the State Conference adopt the resolutions on dress, as passed by the General Conference.

Resolved, That we acknowledge the health reform as set forth in the testimony of Sr. White, as part of the work of God incumbent on us at this time; and that we pledge ourselves to live in accordance with these principles, and that we will use our best endeavors to impress their importance upon others.

Resolved, That we fully approve of the establishing of a Health Institution in Battle Creek, Mich., by our people, and that we will aid in this enterprise by our means and influence.

Resolved, That we re-arrange our Systematic Benevolence pledges at the time of electing our delegates to State Conference, so that our s. b. year may correspond with the Conference year.

Resolved, That we pay to the Conference 90 per cent of all moneys received into s. b. fund.

Resolved, That the Conference year commence the first of October, and that our quarterly reports to the Secretary commence from that date.

Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of $150 to aid in the erection of a meeting-house at Battle Creek.

Resolved, That this Conference donate $155 to the General Conference Missionary Fund.

Resolved, That this Conference donate $100 to the S. D. A. P. Association.

Resolved, That the Conference committee be empowered to publish a suitable number of minutes in pamphlet form, for the use of the Conference; said minutes to contain the State Conference Constitution, and some of the doings of the Conferences of 1862-3-4-5 and 6.

Resolved, That this Conference furnish suitable Blanks to the different churches and ministers within its limits.

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to district the Conference field, and arrange Quarterly Meetings.

Resolved, That we invite one or more of the General Conference Committee to meet with us in our future sessions.

Adjourned to the call of the committee.

Sept. 30, P. M. Conference convened again. The auditing committee reported. Report accepted and approved. It appeared that the s. b. fund for the year was $2,676.87.

Appropriated to preachers, missionary fund, S. D. A. P. Association, Battle Creek meeting-house, &c., (see resolutions,) $2,615.54. Balance in treasury, $61.83.

As the Roosevelt church had added fourteen feet to the length of their house of worship, at an expense of upwards of $200, expressly to convene the present and future sessions of Conference, it was therefore

Resolved, That the delegates of the several churches of this Conference be a committee to solicit and receive means in their respective churches to aid in defraying this expense, and send it to L. R. Chapel, Gilbert’s Mills, Oswego Co., N. Y.

Resolved, That we express our gratitude to the church at Roosevelt for the diligent care and unwearied pains which they extended toward us during the sessions of this Conference.

Resolved, That the proposed enlargement of the Review meets the hearty approval of this Conference, and that we will cheerfully pay the increased price for the paper thus enlarged.

Resolved, That the report of this Conference be published in the Review.

Adjourned to the call of the committee.

Oct. 1, 7½ A. M., Conference met again.

During this session, Bro. S. B. Whitney was set apart for the gospel ministry by fasting and prayer, and the laying on of hands.

Licenses were granted to E. B. Saunders, J. W. Raymond and H. Edson.

The following resolutions were passed.

Resolved, That we approve the principle of the following resolution of the General Conference, viz.:

Resolved, That in the judgment of this Conference it is a great error in the course of some of our brethren that they leave their fields of labor, to go elsewhere, when the work is not completed where they are; so that they not only leave the interest to die out among the people, and thus fail to reach a large number that might have been converted to the truth, but they also leave many of those already identified with the work too feeble to stand securely against their enemies.

Resolved, That in our judgment, the ordinances of the Christian church belong only to those who accept the duties and responsibilities of church membership.

Resolved, That we deem it duty to caution our brethren against purchasing patent rights; and that we express our surprise and regret that our friends should so often forget the warnings given on this subject through the Testimonies.

Resolved, That in the judgment of this Conference, it is to be regretted that some persons travel about without a license from the Conference, introducing a few points of present truth, and those points in an objectionable manner; and we hereby enter our protest against such a course.

Resolved, That in our judgment it is more for the advancement of the truth to live it out before our neighbors, than to be constantly contending with them.

The Executive Committee, aided by Bro. Loughborough, proceeded to district the Conference field and appoint Quarterly Meetings. By this arrangement, it is intended that the several churches throughout the entire field, shall have the benefit of evangelical ministerial labor once in each three months; so that none shall be neglected, as has been the case, while others enjoy these privileges frequently. Systematic labor should be had, as well as systematic contributions to sustain it.

The Conference field was divided into three districts and fourteen Quarterly Meetings.

The western district has seven Quarterly Meetings, as follows:

Rochester and Clarkson.
Ridgeway, Olcott and Lockport.
Lancaster.
Wheeler and Allegany Co.
McKean Co., Pa.
Farmington and Alba, Pa.
Catlin and Genoa.

The central district, four Quarterly Meetings.

Adams’ Center and Mannsville.
Oswego, Roosevelt and West Monroe.
Kirkville and Verona.
Brookfield.

The northern district, three Quarterly Meetings.

Buck’s Bridge, Norfolk and Bangor.
Champlain.
Middle Grove.

Adjourned sine die.

N. FULLER, President,

R. F. COTTRELL, Secretary.

N. Y. and Pa. Conference.

By R. F. COTTRELL

At the late meeting of this Conference were assembled the largest number of Sabbath-keepers, probably, ever convened in the State of New York. The brethren at Roosevelt had added fourteen feet to the length of their meeting house, expressly for this and future gatherings of the kind; and on the Sabbath it was filled almost to its utmost capacity, and on first-day the house could not hold the congregation. It was thought that one-third, and some thought one-half of the people were on the outside. But the weather was fair and warm, so that those without gathered around the doors and open windows, could hear.

Five discourses were preached during the meeting, freighted with practical truth adapted to our times, and full of admonition to all—ministers, professors of religion and the unconverted. May these all-important truths not be forgotten by us who heard. Sr. White spoke to us, both on the Sabbath and on first-day. Her testimony on the Sabbath related to our afflictions as a people, in the crippling of the testimony of the servants of God. May we all feel it, and humble ourselves, and feel the burden as we ought, continuing in earnest prayer and zealous reformation till the Lord shall send deliverance and revive his people. On first-day she spoke of the importance and necessity of the health reform. Bro. Loughborough followed with a discourse bearing upon the same subject. Much light on this subject was given. And may a practical adoption of the principles inculcated have the effect to lead the people of the Lord to a preparation for the latter rain and the time of trouble.

The social meetings were lively and encouraging; and the unity apparent in every good word and work speaks of unshaken confidence in the work of the Lord, and a spirit of determination to go through and see the end of the race, and to share in the reward so soon to be given. Yes, those who come up to every test, and engage heartily in every work of reform, will soon see the King in his beauty and be like him.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Continue reading: Respect to Superiors