Review and Herald, Vol. 33, No. 22.
DISCUSSION IN SANTA ROSA TOWNSHIP, CALIFORNIAPage 1
Earlier text: DISCUSSION IN SANTA ROSA TOWNSHIP, CALIFORNIABUSINESS PROCEEDINGS.
By John Nevins Andrews; Uriah Smith
Of the Seventh Annual Session of the General Conference of S. D. Adventists.
CONFERENCE assembled, according to appointment in REVIEW, May 18, 1869, at 9 o’clock A. M. PRAYER by Bro. White. Delegates being called for, credentials were presented by the following brethren: Iowa Conference. M. E. Cornell, H. Nicola.
Maine Conference. Chas. Stratton.
Michigan Conference. Joseph Bates, John Byington, R. J. Lawrence, Francis Nelson, S. H. King, James Harvey.
N. Y. & Pa. Conference. R. F. Cottrell, J. N. Andrews.
Ohio Conference. By letter.
Vermont Conference. By letter.
Wis. & Ill. Conference. By letter.
N. E. Mission. J. H. Waggoner, D. M. Canright.
California Mission. By letter. Ministers present, in good standing, were invited to take part in the deliberations of the meeting. Missionaries present as members of Conference, Bro. White, Waggoner, and Canright. Minutes read and accepted. Reports from the different State Conferences presented, showing the following results: | Gen’l Conference Summary for the Year 1869. |
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| NAMES OF CONFERENCES. |
Ministers. |
Licentiates. |
Churches. |
Church Members. |
S. D. Fund Pledged. |
S. D. Fund Paid. |
S. D. Fund to the Churches. |
S. D. Fund Paid to Gen’l Conf. |
S. D. Fund on hand. |
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| Iowa. |
1 |
1 |
12 |
381 |
$2069 37 |
$413 87 |
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1645 50 |
$125 00 |
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| Maine. |
4 |
3 |
10 |
216 |
889 22 |
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| Michigan. |
10 |
8 |
47 |
1573 |
3959 34 |
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| Minnesota. |
2 |
2 |
8 |
200 |
900 00 |
3959 34 |
3849 68 |
800 80 |
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| N. Y. & Penn. |
5 |
5 |
24 |
589 |
2954 07 |
201 54 |
2752 52 |
200 00 |
232 20 |
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| Ohio. |
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11 |
185 |
1132 70 |
10 26 |
1122 52 |
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| Vermont. |
4 |
3 |
12 |
256 |
1659 20 |
242 65 |
1416 55 |
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| Wis. & Illinois. |
5 |
2 |
23 |
646 |
3639 75 |
727 95 |
2911 80 |
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| N. E. Mission. |
2 |
1 |
17 |
779 |
1224 04 |
180 00 |
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1044 04 |
227 71 |
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| California Mis’n. |
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3 |
75 |
525 00 |
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| Total. |
33 |
24 |
167 |
4900 |
$18952 77 |
$4573 61 |
$13698 58 |
$2169 84 |
$459 91 |
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On motion, the following brethren were chosen as Auditing Committee: S. H. King, of Mich., H. Nicola, of Iowa. Committee on Resolutions: J. N. Andrews, J. H. Waggoner, R. F. Cottrell. Committee on Preaching: Jas. Harvey, F. Nelson, S. H. King. Committee on Nominations: R. F. Cottrell, R. J. Lawrence, J. Byington. Special Committee to amend Constitution: J. H. Waggoner, F. Nelson, U. Smith. Bro. White reported on “Hymn Book,” as the matter was left in hands of Gen. Conf. Com. Reported the book in the hands of the binder, to be here before the Conference closes. Missionary reports called for, were presented by Bro. Andrews, Waggoner, Canright, and White. Subject of Distribution of Labor taken up. Calls for help read from Missouri and Kansas, and a letter respecting a mission among the Freedmen. Bro. Harvey appeals for Indiana. Bro. Waggoner speaks for Missouri,173 Ohio, and Maine. Bro. Canright spoke for New England; Bro. Stratton and White for the same. Bro. Cornell spoke for Iowa. Treasurer’s Report read, and accepted. Adjourned to 2 o’clock P. M. SECOND SESSION, as per appointment. Prayer by Bro. Bates. Committee on Amendment reported through Bro. Waggoner. Recommended to amend Art. I of the Constitution, by the addition of the following words: “And shall be composed of delegates from the State Conferences, and such ministers as shall have been employed as missionaries during any part of the year;” so that, as amended, it shall read, “Art. I. This Conference shall be called the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and shall be composed of delegates from the State Conferences, and such ministers as shall have been employed as missionaries during any part of the year.” Art. IX of the Constitution was then amended by changing the word “delegates” to “members;” so that, as amended, it shall read, “This Constitution may be altered or amended by a three-fourths’ vote of the members present at any meeting.” Committee on Nominations reported for President, Jas. White; Secretary, U. Smith; Treasurer, E. S. Walker; Executive Committee, Jas. White, J. N. Andrews, J. H. Waggoner, all of whom were elected to the offices named. Committee on Resolutions reported by offering the following, which were unanimously adopted. Resolved, That we renew the expression of our interest in the Dress Reform, believing that the teachings of the Scriptures in regard to simplicity and modesty in dress, are of great importance in this age of vice and subserviency to vain and immodest fashions; and that we recommend to our sisters conformity to the model presented in the tract on this subject, that they may recommend it, by their practice, to all observers. Resolved, That we consider the Health Reform as an important auxiliary to the cause of present truth, and recommend to all our ministers to urge it to a proper extent upon the churches, and to endeavor to be examples to all in this respect. Adjourned to call of committee. THIRD SESSION. The following resolutions were presented by the Committee on Resolutions, and unanimously adopted. Resolved, That our faith and confidence in the Gifts of the Spirit of God, so graciously vouchsafed to us in these last days, are not only unshaken by the attacks of the opposers of the truth, but greatly strengthened and increased by the warnings we have received in times of danger, the counsels and admonitions when we have erred, and the comfort in our afflictions; as well as by the purity of their teachings, and the respect and reverence they produce for the word of God. And we earnestly recommend to all the scattered flock a more careful reading of, and more strict compliance with, the Testimonies to the Church. Resolved, That we wish to express our unabated interest in the California Mission, and our pleasure in the prospect before the ministers in that field; and we still extend assurance of our hearty sympathy and co-operation in their work, and our fraternal greeting to those who have embraced the present truth in that State. Believing that we ought to cultivate fraternal feelings with all those who keep the commandments of God and teach men so, and believing that some of our brethren have not pursued the most judicious course in regard to them, therefore, Resolved, That Bro. Cottrell, Andrews, and Fuller, be a committee to address the Seventh-day Baptists, and open such correspondence with them as they may deem fit. Resolved, That we hail with joy every indication of the present truth going to the nations and tongues of the earth, and though we cannot enjoy the privilege of hearing, and speaking to, them, we wish to assure our Danish brethren of our deep interest in their welfare, and our sympathy and prayers shall ever be with them in this work. Moved, That Bro. Andrews be invited to write an appeal to young men in reference to entering the ministry. Carried. Adjourned to call of Chairman. THIRD SESSION. On motion, the resolution adopted by the Health Institute, relative to Bro. and Sr. White, was adopted as an expression of the sense of this Conference. The following resolution was also adopted: Resolved, That we consider it our duty to publicly make known our disapproval of the movement for the founding of a colony in Kansas; facts having come to our knowledge by which we are assured that those who engage in it will be subjected to disappointment and suffering. On motion, the thanks of the Conference were extended to the Battle Creek church, for their hospitality during this meeting. On motion, Bro. Waggoner was added to the Auditing Committee. Adjourned to call of Chairman. At the fourth session, Monday A. M., the following resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That this Conference recommend to the State Conferences to make preparations for, and hold, Camp-meetings, procuring the best assistance in their power, and leave it to Bro. and Sr. White to attend such of them as the providence of God may direct. Resolved, That this Conference accept the new Hymn Book at the hands of our Executive Committee, and return our thanks to them for a book which we can so cordially recommend to our people, as well suited to our wants, both in public and social worship. J. N. ANDREWS, President,
URIAH SMITH, Secretary. Full reports of the business proceedings of the various meetings held here the past week, will be found in this paper. These will give a general idea of the standing and doings of the various organizations. The utmost harmony has prevailed throughout, and while there has not been all that enthusiasm manifested that has been seen on some occasions, there has been a hearty desire on the part of all to take such action as the present wants of the cause demand; and moves have been made which are believed to be essential to our prosperity as a people. We expect to see great good result from this Conference. We have been cheered with the presence of many whose faces we have never before seen in this place. Twenty-two ministers and licentiates were present. The discourses were characterized by great earnestness and solemnity. The impending realities of the Judgment were held before us in all their startling colors. Faithful warnings were given, and the duty of the church in this dangerous, drowsy time, plainly pointed out. Never was a more plain and searching testimony borne; and both ministers and people seemed to receive it, and appreciate its importance, and the necessity of promptly acting thereon. In view of the dangers and perils of this time, the necessity of the gifts in the church was seen as never before. A series of morning discourses was given by Bro. White at 5 o'clock each morning. There was also preaching each evening. Thus each day was more or less relieved of the monotony of business transactions, by being opened and closed with religious services. So well were the morning discourses of Bro. White appreciated, that the following resolution was adopted by a full congregation on first-day: Resolved, That we tender our sincere and hearty thanks to Bro. White for the series of morning discourses delivered during these meetings, by means of which we have been enabled to call to remembrance the former days in which was endured a great fight of affliction. And we pray that they may be the means of stirring us up to renewed interest and consecration in the sacred cause of present truth, and to a comparison of our state with the self-sacrifice manifested, and the toil and suffering endured by the pioneers in this cause, that we may realize how far we, as a people, have fallen from our first state, and thereby be led to zeal and repentance, lest the faithful and true Witness spew us out of his mouth. The meeting has been a good one. The blessing of the Lord has been with his people, not so much to produce buoyant and rapturous feelings, as to guide in the steps deliberated upon for the advancement of his cause. There is vitality in the truth. It is destined to go forth with power, and triumph in glory. MICHIGAN STATE CONFERENCE.
By Uriah Smith; Wm. C. Gage
Pursuant to call of the Committee, published in the Review, the Michigan State Conference assembled at Battle Creek, Wednesday, May 19, 1869, at 9 A. M. Meeting called to order by the President, and opened with prayer by Eld. Waggoner. The credentials of delegates were called for and passed in, which upon examination showed that the number of delegates present was forty-four, representing 32 churches. Several churches were represented by letter, and several not at all. Upon motion, the following-named churches were admitted to the Conference: Montcalm, Alaiedon, Blendon, Leighton, and Casnovia. The church at Duplain not being yet organized was admitted to the watchcare of the Conference. The Secretary's report was read and approved. The Treasurer's report was read, showing the following result: Amount on hand May 1, 1868, $2,758 79
Received during the year, 4,617 75
7,376 54
Paid out during the year, 3,529 58
Balance on hand May 1, 1869, $3,846 96 On motion, the report of the Treasurer was accepted. The church in Owosso requested the privilege of disbanding, which after some discussion was not granted, the brethren thinking the few left there had better remain as a nucleus for future accessions. Moved, that an Auditing Committee be appointed by the chair, which was carried, and the following brethren were announced as that committee: James Harvey, Chas. Jones, J. G. Whipple, W. H. Littlejohn, A. Gleason, Adolphus Smith. On motion, the following brethren were appointed as a Nominating Committee: E. S. Griggs, J. P. Kellogg and Franklin Howe. The reports of ministers and licentiates were called for, when the following brethren responded: Joseph Bates, John Matteson, John Byington, R. J. Lawrence, I. D. Van Horn, Philip Strong, J. H. Waggoner, B. P. Chase. Bro. White, Burrill, Lane, and Littlejohn, reported verbally, at the request of the Conference. On motion, credentials were granted to the following ministers: James White, Joseph Bates, John Byington, R. J. Lawrence, J. N. Loughborough, I. D. Van Horn, M. E. Cornell, Philip Strong, D. M. Canright, J. H. Waggoner, and John Matteson. On motion, the following brethren were granted license to improve their gift in preaching as the way may open: Uriah Smith, Wm. C. Gage, Jas. G. Sterling, B. P. Chase, Elbert B. Lane, A. O. Burrill, W. H. Littlejohn, S. E. Sutherland, D. H. Sanborn, C. Stoddard, Adolphus Smith. By vote, the churches were instructed to pledge their funds to the State Conference, leaving this body to make such appropriation to the General Conference as the case may demand. Inquiries as to the standing of churches not reported, were answered verbally by brethren acquainted with the circumstances, and remarks were made by the Secretary concerning the manner of making reports, &c. Adjourned to 2 o'clock P. M. Met according to adjournment, and opened with prayer by Bro. Bates. Voted, That the following churches be allowed to retain their s. b. funds for the ensuing year, for the purpose of building meeting houses: Oneida, Windsor and Charlotte, Convis, Alaiedon, Blendon and Otsego. The church at Vassar were granted the same privilege, on condition that immediate measures be taken to build a house. The Committee on Nominations reported a list of Officers. The report was accepted, and after some action and discussion, was referred back to the Committee, which was increased by the addition of Eld. M. E. Cornell and James Harvey. Resolved, That we deprecate the course of Bro. E. S. Hamlin in the matter of the Kansas Colony, and advise our brethren to move with great caution in reference to it. Adjourned to call of Committee. Conference called in session by the Committee, Friday afternoon, May 21. The report of the Auditing Committee was read and approved. Nominating Committee presented their final report, which was acted upon by the Conference. The list of officers for the following year is as follows: President, H. S. Gurney; Secretary, Wm. C. Gage; Treasurer, J. W. Bachelier; Executive Committee, H. S. Gurney, S. H. King, E. H. Root. The Secretary reported the present standing of the churches of the Conference as follows. Whole number of churches in the Conference, May 1, 1869, 51
Whole number of church members, 1,749
Amount of s. b. funds pledged to the Conference, $4,256 97 On motion, the resolution adopted by the Health Institute concerning Bro. & Sr. White, was also adopted as the sense of this Conference. Moved to publish the proceedings of the Conference in the Review. THE DECEITFULNESS OF THE HEART.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jer. xvii, 5. Never was there a more truthful declaration than the above. God, who knows every heart and who has tried all hearts for the last six thousand years, knew full well the truth of this strong language, by this long trial. Yet it is a fact that none but a thoroughly converted, contrite, humble heart will he accept. Man loves to trust in his own ways, and the carnal heart, rather than yield these, will set aside the plainest requirement of God’s law. I have seen many illustrations of this while preaching the present truth, and presenting the claims of God’s law. I often find persons who say that they would do anything, and make any sacrifice to please God and obtain eternal life, if they only knew what to do. They evidently think that they would. They do not know their own hearts. They are deceived. They think that they are very good and willing to do right, but that somehow God is to blame for not giving them174 more light and knowledge and making duty plainer. Now, I have seen scores of just such persons have the light of truth presented before them so plainly and clearly, that they would acknowledge that they saw it and saw their duty to keep God’s commandments. They had not a Bible objection to bring. Then did they do as they said they would? Did they obey? Far from it. They now began to plead inconvenience, business, opposition of the world, &c. Here the deception of their own carnal hearts is revealed, and it is plain to be seen that they love the world more than God. How unwise then to trust our own hearts. S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
By E. S. WALKER
ITS NINTH ANNUAL MEETING.
Pursuant to notice given in the Review, the ninth annual meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was held at Battle Creek, Mich., May 20, 1869. Vice President in the chair. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. J. N. Andrews. The roll was then called. Members present representing 141 shares. The Auditor's report being called for, the following statement was read and approved: To the Ninth Annual Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association for the year ending May 1, 1869. |
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| Cash on hand May 1, 1868, |
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$752 27 |
| Received on Review & Herald, |
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$6,146 53 |
| “ “ Youth's Instructor, |
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434 62 |
| “ “ Office Sales, |
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8,933 15 |
| “ “ Accounts & Deposits, |
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53,465 95 |
| “ “ Donations, |
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272 28 |
| “ “ Shares, |
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100 00 |
| “ “ Job Work, |
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6,819 27 |
| “ “ Mich. Conf. Fund, |
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4,617 75 |
| “ “ Gen. Conf. Fund, |
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2,146 24 |
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$74,935 79 |
| Total, |
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$75,688 06 |
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| Paid out on Deposits, |
49,256 62 |
| “ Stock, |
9,349 90 |
| “ for Office Labor, |
7,793 47 |
| “ Materials & Sundries, |
681 81 |
| “ Wood and Incidentals, |
1,341 74 |
| “ Mich. Conf. Fund, |
3,529 58 |
| “ Gen. Conf. Fund, |
2,834 64 |
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$74,787 76 |
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$900 30 |
| Cash on hand May 1, 1869, |
900 30 |
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| Total value of the property and accounts of the Association as per inventory, |
$54,020 20 |
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$54,020 20 |
Association owes as follows: |
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| On Notes, |
2,419 14 |
| “ Deposits & Accounts |
18,864 53 |
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21,283 67 |
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| Assets after all debts are paid, |
$32,736 53 |
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| Amount it owed the Publishing Association May 1, 1868, |
$2,881 96 |
| Amount paid out during the year, |
8,464 22 |
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$11,346 18 |
| Amount received during the year, |
$3,978 87 |
| Balance due the Association, |
$7,367 31 |
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| Received during the year ending May 1, 1869, |
$3,402 60 |
| Paid out during the year, |
$483 07 |
| Cash on hand to balance, |
2,919 53 |
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$3,402 60 |
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| Amount on hand May 1, 1868, |
732 80 |
| Received during the year, |
1,198 97 |
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$1,931 77 |
| Paid out during the year, |
$1,217 48 |
| Cash on hand to balance, |
714 29 |
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$1,931 77 |
This is to certify that I have carefully examined the books and accounts of the Publishing Association, and find them correctly kept, and that the above report is a true statement of its financial condition according to my best information and belief. The general business was then introduced by the Secretary, in a written statement of the business to come before the meeting, viz: - Election of Officers.
- Election of Editors.
- Salaries of President, Editors, Secretary, and Treasurer.
- Compensation of Auditor.
Business was then called up for discussion and action. On motion of J. H. Waggoner it was Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Officers. The following persons were then duly nominated and elected to fill the offices of the Association for the ensuing year, viz: President, James White; Vice President, George W. Amadon; Secretary, E. S. Walker; Treasurer, Sands H. Lane; Auditor, I. D. Van Horn. Committee on Publication: James White, J. N. Andrews, and J. H. Waggoner. On motion of J. H. Waggoner, Resolved, That J. N. Andrews be elected Editor of the Review. On motion of J. H. Waggoner, Resolved, That G. H. Bell be elected Editor of the Instructor. Carried. On motion of James White, Resolved, That the President of the Publishing Association, and the Editor of the Review & Herald receive $10.00 each per week for their services. On motion of James White, Resolved, That the Editor of the Youth's Instructor receive $12.00 per week for the time engaged in the duties of his office. On motion of James White, Resolved, That the Treasurer and the Auditor of the Publishing Association receive for their services at the rate of $8.00 each per week for the time engaged in the duties of their office. Adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M. Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. On motion of Bro. Andrews, Resolved, That the Secretary receive the sum of $12.00 per week for his services for the ensuing year. Bro. Matteson introduced the matter of publishing a Hymn Book for the Danes, which was referred to the Trustees. Adjourned to the call of the Chair.