OWING to the many meetings held at the time of the Conference, and our rather feeble condition from former labor and the effects of a severe cold, we were not able to write up the Conference during its session. But we could not give any idea of the amount of business done by any mere sketches which we could write. The official reports will present that in as brief a manner as it can be given.
After an absence of four years from our General Conference we were forcibly impressed with the fact that our cause is growing and our work enlarging, both by the large amount of business which was transacted and the new laborers whom we met for the first time. But we felt a peculiar pleasure in meeting with so many who have stood at their post so many years. Bro. Cottrell was there, whose "Letter to the Disciples" was given us by Elder O. P. Hull thirty years ago next April, and with which we were so highly pleased; more highly than people are apt to be pleased with such a tract in these days, for Sabbath literature was not plenty at that time. We found that a larger number of seventh-day Adventist ministers were there than we had ever met before, every one of whom seemed very near to us, not only for their work's sake, but for their kindly Christian bearing. We never attended any meeting where a better spirit prevailed throughout. Some difference of opinion existed on a few points, as was to be expected in so large an assembly gathered from all parts of the country. But no spirit of contention at difference of feeling was manifested.
When our cause was young and our work small, and but little business was transacted at our yearly gatherings, and Brother and Sister White were present at every one to stir us with their timely counsel and admonitions, they were truly "times of refreshing" to our eager souls. From them the laborers went forth with a cheerful courage, a strength of purpose, an ardent zeal, which can hardly be realized by those who have come in at the sixth or ninth hour of the day. Shall we ever see such seasons again? Not exactly, for Bro. White, the earnest, self-sacrificing pioneer, "rests from his labors," and the "voice from Heaven" has pronounced over him the benediction which belongs to those "who die in the Lord from henceforth." It is a matter of necessity that much business shall come before our Conferences; nor do we regret it, for it is the evidence of the growth of our cause. We only hope that the spirit of the work may never be neglected or forgotten by those who have its business matters in their charge.
There was preaching every evening at the meeting in Rome, and the sermons were spirited and instructive. The social meetings were excellent. The Sabbath schools were more than could be expected under the circumstances.
Much interest was elicited by Elder Haskell's account of his trip to Europe, and his visit to our several missions, and to other points. No written report can give a true idea of the subject. The Conference, cheerfully, and with great unanimity, voted that Bro. B. L. Whitney and family, of Rome, N. Y., go to Switzerland to join Bro. Andrews in that mission. This was according to the request of Bro. Andrews, and will be a source of great relief to him. This rejoices every heart. But the brethren of the New York and Pennsylvania Conference were put to a sore test, having either to vote away their efficient and beloved President, or to deny the request of Bro. Andrews, and leave him overburdened and discouraged. The Christian resignation which they manifested on this trying occasion was worthy of praise. We pray that God will bless them all, and make Bro. Whitney a blessing to the work in Switzerland.
The wants of all parts of the field were well considered, and it was decided to do more than has been done for the South; to set in order the work already begun there, and to open up new fields. It was also voted to establish missions in New York, Chicago, and Washington City. California did well to establish a mission in San Francisco. We hope that missions may be commenced in the cities above named with prospects equally favorable. There is a field for a great work in the large cities of the United States, and the time has evidently come to improve it.
The condition and the wants of our institutions at Battle Creek were considered at Rome. The officers were there present, and in order to look at them to the best advantage informal meetings were organized, and it7appearing that a majority of stock was represented, the stockholders proceeded to discuss the measures which were to be acted upon in the legal meetings which were appointed to convene at Battle Creek. This was the proper course to pursue, as quite a number of these who were at Rome could not go to Battle Creek, and thus they were enabled to hear the matters, and give expression to their views in regard to the election of officers.
We were pleased to learn that the Publishing Association and the Sanitarium are prospering, and that the prospects for the future of both are good. Of those we shall speak hereafter. The more we see and learn of matters in this State, the more we are convinced that the Board of Trustees acted judiciously in closing the College for a season. Much as we regret the necessity, we think it will have to remain closed for the present, and for an indefinite time in the future, until more wisdom is manifested by some parties in the city, or some hindering influences are removed. In the church a better state of things is evidently growing up, and we hope the light may increase until that church shall be a means of encouragement and strength to the cause in Michigan and throughout the country.
Some had questioned the propriety of holding the General Conference away from Battle Creek, but we think without good reason. Our work is not a local work, and the General Conference does not belong to any one locality. The Battle Creek church had ceased to prize the privilege they so long enjoyed, and neglected the meetings of the Conferences. Had the members attended, and heard the measures considered, and learned the reasons for the steps taken, there would not have been so many complaints of what was done. To neglect to learn reasons, and then murmur because they do not understand why action is taken, is a cruel and inexcusable method of sowing discord. We had some severely stormy weather at Rome, but there were sisters in attendance at every meeting, who remained to the last, and appeared to take a lively interest in all the business that was transacted. We hope that, hereafter, the General Conference will not be held a second time with any church which does not take sufficient interest in it to attend its meetings.
The various parts of the field were well represented in this meeting. Delegates were present from Maine, New England, Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Virginia, and California. The European Missions were also represented, by Eld. Haskell, and Upper Columbia by the editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
This week we have to attend the General Missionary meeting of Michigan at Greenville. As Bro. W. C. White has to go East on business, we do not expect to start on our return trip before Jan. 15. We are beginning to feel away from home when away from the Office and look forward to the time of our return with considerable anxiety.
Burlington, Mich., Dec. 25.
English Sabbath-keepers.
By John Nevins Andrews
(Concluded.)
ONE of the most eminent Sabbatarian ministers of the last half of the seventeenth century was Francis Bampfield. He was originally a clergyman of the Church of England. The Baptist historian, Crosby, speaks of him thus:—
"But being utterly unsatisfied in his conscience with the conditions of conformity, he took his leave of his sorrowful and weeping congregation in . . . 1662, and was quickly after imprisoned for worshiping God in his own family. So soon was his unshaken loyalty to the king forgotten, . . . that he was more frequently imprisoned and exposed to greater hardships for his nonconformity, than most other dissenters."
Of his imprisonment, Neale says:—
"After the act of uniformity, he continued preaching as he had opportunity in private, till he was imprisoned for five days and nights, with twenty-five of his hearers in one room . . . where they spent their time in religious exercises, but after some time he was released. Soon after, he was apprehended again and lay nine years in Dorchester jail, though he was a person of unshaken loyalty to the king."
During his imprisonment, he preached almost every day, and gathered a church even under his confinement. And when he was at liberty, he ceased not to preach in the name of Jesus. After his release, he went to London, where he preached with much success. Neale says of his labors in that city:—
"When he resided in London he formed a church on the principles of the Sabbatarian Baptists, at Pinner's Hall, of which principles he was a zealous asserter. He was a celebrated preacher, and a man of serious piety."
On Feb. 17, 1682, he was arrested while preaching, and on March 28, was sentenced to forfeit all his goods and to be imprisoned in Newgate for life. In consequence of the hardships which he suffered in that prison, he died, Feb. 16, 1683. "Bampfield," says Wood, "dying in the said prison of Newgate . . . aged seventy years, his body was . . . followed with a very great company of factious and schismatical people to his grave." Crosby says of him:—
"All that knew him will acknowledge that he was a man of great piety. And he would in all probability have preserved the same character, with respect to his learning and judgment, had it not been for his opinion in two points, viz., that infants ought not to be baptized, and that the Jewish Sabbath ought still to be kept."
Mr. Bampfield published two works in behalf of the seventh day as the Sabbath, one in 1672, the other in 1677. In the first of these he thus sets forth the doctrine of the Sabbath:—
"The law of the seventh-day Sabbath was given before the law was proclaimed at Sinai, even from the creation, given to Adam, . . . and in him to all the world. . . . The Lord Christ's obedience unto this fourth word in observing in his lifetime the seventh day of the week as such, is a part of that perfect righteousness which every sound believer doth apply to himself in order to his being justified in the sight of God; and every such person is to conform unto Christ in all the acts of his obedience to the ten words."
His brother, Mr. Thomas Bampfield, who had been speaker in one of Cromwell's parliaments, wrote also in behalf of seventh-day observance, and was imprisoned for his religious principles in Ilchester jail. About the time of Mr. Bampfield's first imprisonment, severe persecution arose against the Sabbath-keepers in London. Crosby thus bears testimony:—
"It was about this time [A. D. 1661], that a congregation of Baptists holding the seventh day as a Sabbath, being assembled at their meeting-house in Bull-stake Alley, the doors being open, about three o'clock P. M. [Oct. 19], whilst Mr. John James was preaching, one Justice Chard, with Mr. Wood, an headborough, came into the meeting-place. Wood commanded him in the king's name to be silent and come down, having spoken treason against the king. But Mr. James taking little or no notice thereof, proceeded in his work. The headborough came nearer to him in the middle of the meeting-place and commanded him again in the king's name to come down or else he would pull him down; whereupon the disturbance grew so great that he could not proceed."
The officer having pulled him down from the pulpit, led him away to the court under a strong guard. Mr. Utter continues this narrative as follows:—
"Mr. James was himself examined and committed to Newgate, on the testimony of several profligate witnesses, who accused him of speaking treasonable words against the king. His trial took place about a month afterward, at which he conducted himself in such a manner as to create much sympathy. He was, however, sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered. This awful sentence did not dismay him in the least. He calmly said, 'Blessed be God; whom man condemneth, God justifieth.' While he lay in prison, under sentence of death, many persons of distinction visited him, who were greatly affected by his piety and resignation, and offered to exert himself to secure his pardon. But he seems to have had little hope of their success. Mrs. James, by advice of her friends, twice presented petitions to the king [Charles II.], setting forth the innocence of her husband, the character of the witnesses against him, and entreating His Majesty to grant a pardon. In both instances she was repulsed with scoffs and ridicule. At the scaffold, on the day of his execution, Mr. James addressed the assembly in a very noble and affecting manner. Having finished his address, and kneeling down, he thanked God for covenant mercies, and for conscious innocence; he prayed for the witnesses against him, for the executioner, for the people of God, for the removal of divisions, for the coming of Christ, for the spectators, and for himself, that he might enjoy a sense of God's favor and presence, and an entrance into glory. When he had ended, the executioner said, 'The Lord receive your soul;' to which Mr. James replied, 'I thank thee.' A friend observing to him, 'This is a happy day,' he answered, 'I bless God it is.' Then having thanked the sheriff for his courtesy, he said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.' . . . After he was dead his heart was taken done and burned, his quarters were affixed to the gates of the city, and his head was set up in White chapel on a pole opposite to the alley in which his meeting-house stood."
Such was the experience of English Sabbath-keepers in the seventeenth century. It cost something to obey the fourth commandment in such times as those. The laws of England during that century were very oppressive to all Dissenters, and bore exceedingly hard upon the Sabbath-keepers. But God raised up able men, eminent for piety, to defend his truth during those troublous times, and, if need be, to seal their testimony with their blood. In the seventeenth century, eleven churches of Sabbatarians flourished in England, while many scattered Sabbath-keepers were to be found in various parts of that kingdom. Now, but three of these churches are in existence! And only remnants, even of these, remain!
To what cause shall we assign this painful fact? It is not because their adversaries were able to confute their doctrine; for the controversial works on both sides still remain, and speak for themselves. It is not that they lacked men of piety and of learning; for God gave them these, especially in the seventeenth century. Nor is it that fanaticism sprang up and disgraced the cause; for there is no record of anything of this kind. They were cruelly persecuted, but the period of their persecution was that of their greatest prosperity. Like Moses' bush, they stood unconsumed in the burning fire. The prostration of the Sabbath cause in England is due to none of these things.
The Sabbath was wounded in the house of its own friends. They took upon themselves the responsibility, after a time, of making the Sabbath of no practical importance, and of treating its violation as of no very serious transgression of the law of God. Doubtless they hoped to win men to Christ and his truth by this course; but, instead of this, they simply lowered the standard of divine truth into the dust. The Sabbath-keeping ministers assumed the pastoral care of first-day churches, in some cases as their sole charge, in others, they did this in connection with the oversight of Sabbatarian churches. The result need surprise no one; as these Sabbath-keeping ministers and churches said to all men, in thus acting, that the fourth commandment might be broken with impunity, the people took them at their word. Mr. Crosby, a first-day historian, sets this matter in a clear light:—
"If the seventh day ought to be observed as the Christian Sabbath, then all congregations that observe the first day as such must be Sabbath-breakers. . . . I must leave those gentlemen on the contrary side to their own sentiments; and to vindicate the practice of becoming pastors to a people whom in their conscience they must believe to be breakers of the Sabbath."
Doubtless there have been noble exceptions to this course; but the body of English Sabbatarians for many years have failed to faithfully discharge the high trust committed to them. J. N. A.
Light and Darkness.
By James White
A FEW weeks since we offered a few thoughts to show why the truths which we believe are specially applicable to this time were not found out centuries before they were; or, rather, why they were not generally known; for in all the centuries since Christ, there have been some Christians who have religiously observed the Sabbath of the Lord. The time of papal supremacy was compared to a dark night, and the Reformation to the dawning of the morning. This comparison is warranted by the language of Scripture. The time of our sojourn here in this life is called night, and the time of deliverance is called day. Thus in Isa. 21:11, 12, we read: "The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night; if ye will enquire, enquire ye; return, come." When man was in Eden, when God talked with him, and angels were his daily companions there was bright day. There could be no darkness then for man, for he was continually in the enjoyment of the light of God's presence. But Adam's transgression caused God to withdraw from him in a measure; a sinful being could not look upon God and live; and as man was driven out from the presence of God, the night of earth commenced. This night will continue until God's people are redeemed, and then they will enter upon an eternal day.8
The prophet says, however, that "the morning cometh, and also the night." This is true, for the same event that brings light and joy to the righteous, brings only darkness and anguish to the wicked. To them is reserved "the blackness of darkness forever." Jude 13.
But man was not left to grope his way in darkness, through the long night of earth. God's word was given, that he might see to walk in the right way. The psalmist says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:105. And also, "The entrance of thy word giveth light." The apostle Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19.
Those who follow the teachings of this word, and listen to its warnings, know of the times and the seasons, and are preparing for the coming of their Lord. They are termed "the children of light, and the children of the day." But those who ignore the word of prophecy, and settle down content with the world, are termed children of the night, and of darkness. 1 Thess. 5:1-8.
In harmony with this thought are the words of Solomon: "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. 4:18. This also gives an additional answer to the question why the reformers did not see all the truths that are now preached as composing the Third Angel's Message. The Christian life is progressive. "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine;" but it is not promised that he shall know it all at once. We are exhorted to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. 3:18. They came out of great darkness into light, and accepted all that they saw. Judging from their lives, we can but suppose that had they continued to live they would have advanced still farther, as the light grew brighter.
But while the whole period from the fall of man to his redemption, is a night, there have been periods when the light shone quite brightly; and these times were when the Bible was most perfectly understood. When Christ was on earth, bright light shone in upon the darkness. As Matthew quotes the prophecy of Isaiah, "the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up." Matt. 4:16. Christ was the true light of the world, because in his life the law of God was perfectly exhibited. There were but few, however, who were willing to accept the light; and some who saw it, shut their eyes to it, so that soon the darkness set in. As the darkness appears the more intense when contrasted with bright light, so after the light of Christ's life had shone upon the earth the darkness appeared tenfold deeper than ever before. Then the Bible was entirely lost sight of, and scarcely a ray of light appeared. But in God's appointed time the clouds began to scatter, and the light began to appear. This light we are told will grow brighter and brighter till it ends in the perfect day. In the beginning man obeyed the will of his Maker perfectly. If he is ever to be restored to his original position, he must be as fully conformed to the divine will, must walk in the light as at first. And thus we read: "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid." Zeph. 3:13.
Now another illustration: Suppose that in the early morning, when the first faint glimmer of light appears, a man should say that because he could not then see much light, there never would be any more. Suppose he should utterly refuse to behold the light as the sun reached the horizon, and should bandage his eyes so that no more light could reach him. Everyone would say that he was extremely foolish, and that he would be likely to so weaken his eyes as to render them unable to ever endure bright light. Well, that is just the relation that many sustain to the light that God has given them. When Christ was on earth, the priests would not believe that there was any more light than what they already had. In the time of the Reformation it was the same; and it is the same to-day. At different periods as the light increased, certain ones took their stand and refused to receive any more. And what result follows such action. Here it is in the words of Christ: "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you." John 12:35. By rejecting light men soon become incapable of receiving it; they are then blind. Men who are in that condition, say, I cannot see such and such things; and God will not punish me if I do the best I can, because I cannot understand the Bible as others do. Hear what he says: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee." Hosea 4:6. What a terrible fate! Let these words stand as a warning to us not to reject any light, but to heed the apostle's exhortation: "The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Rom. 13:12. E. J. W.
The Missionary.
Proceedings of General Conference.
WE give the following report of the proceedings of this meeting, condensed from the Review and Herald. The items are not given in the order in which they occurred, but all the actions of general importance are given.
Forty-six delegates were present. Eld. U. Smith stated that a Conference had been organized in Colorado, that wishes to be received as a member of the General Conference. The Conference has three churches with 164 members, and has a full corps of officers. It appointed him as delegate to the General Conference, provided it should be received. On motion, the Colorado Conference was received into the General Conference.
Eld. S. N. Haskell gave an account of his visit to the Scandinavian countries the past summer, showing that an encouraging work is being done there, there being now about four hundred Sabbath-keepers in the three countries. Particulars were also given in regard to the publishing work in Norway.
The following resolutions were presented at different times during the meeting, and were adopted:—
Resolved, That we recognize the necessity of publishing a German paper in Europe, and we hereby recommend the Conference Committee to arrange for such publication at the earliest possible opportunity.
Resolved, That the Swedish Conference be admitted to the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, according to their request.
Resolved, That ministers laboring outside their own Conferences, should after an absence of one year or more, be considered members of the Conference in which they labor, and should receive credentials therefrom; and ministers laboring in missionary fields should receive credentials from the General Conference.
Resolved, That the above resolution shall not prevent any Conference from issuing credentials to its members who are laboring in the general interests of the cause.
WHEREAS, Some ministers find it necessary to change their field of labor from one Conference to another, and confusion is liable to arise; therefore—
Resolved, That we recommend that before such changes are made there should be an understanding between the Conferences concerned, or the change should be made in accordance with instructions from the General Conference.
WHEREAS, The establishment of such schools as those recently created by our people in Massachusetts and California is necessarily attended with many perplexities, and will cost much more than would be imagined by one who has had no experience in such matters; therefore—
Resolved, That we recommend to our brethren in different Conferences that they proceed in the organization of schools with great caution; and that before doing so they counsel with the General Conference Committee.
WHEREAS, Confusion is liable to occur in the accounts of our S. B. treasurers, resulting in the loss of funds, unless all pecuniary transactions are conducted according to careful business principles; therefore—
Resolved, That we recommend that all persons paying tithes require from the treasurer a receipt for all moneys paid him, and that the treasurer be required to present quarterly to the church, or to an auditing committee appointed by the church, an itemized report of all money received, and all that is paid by him into the Conference, showing the receipts of the State treasurer as vouchers therefor.
WHEREAS, The usefulness of our Publishing House in California was seriously imperiled by the threatened enforcement of the Sunday laws of that State; and—
WHEREAS, By a mysterious Providence the very party which passed that law originally, arrayed themselves against the same in the last political contest in that State, so that their triumph rendered its repeal certain; therefore—
Resolved, That we recognize in this result the hand of God so shaping and directing the affairs of men as to render possible the full and free proclamation of his truth, until such time as the world shall have been thoroughly warned in regard to their duty to observe the Sabbath of the Lord, and to prepare for the advent of his Son.
The above resolution drew forth interesting remarks from Elds. Littlejohn and Waggoner, showing how the Lord had worked for his people during the Sunday excitement in California, after which it was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That our ministers be instructed to pay more attention to the subject of health reform; to study it in the light of the Bible and to enforce it in our churches as an element of Christian character; and to counteract in a careful and judicious manner the prevailing tendency among our people to backsliding in regard to this important grace.
WHEREAS, Counsel has been given to us as a people that it is the duty of Eld. Uriah Smith to labor in the cause at large, and especially in holding Biblical Institutes, and not to confine his labors to Battle Creek; therefore—
Resolved, That we hereby request our Executive Committee to assign to Eld. Smith such labor as will give the various Conferences the benefit of his ability and experience, as indicated above.
Resolved, That the ordinances of the Lord's supper and feet-washing are important, and should never be separated in their administration, except in cases where such separation shall be absolutely necessary.
WHEREAS, Many of our ministers have found it a very difficult matter to carry out our system of quarterly meetings successfully, so as to derive from them the benefits contemplated, and in many cases are obliged to set them aside or appoint them on another day than the one assigned; therefore—
Resolved, That the Chair be authorized to appoint a committee of three to consider this subject with its various bearings, and report, making such recommendations as they may deem proper.
The Chair named J. H. Cook, R. F. Andrews, B. L. Whitney, as the committee provided for in the latter resolution.
Resolved, That we recommend that the General Conference Committee prepare, or cause to be prepared, instructions to church officers, to be printed in the Review and Herald or in tract form, as they may deem the better way.
The Chair appointed W. H. Littlejohn, J. O. Corliss, H. A. St. John, as a committee to take this matter into consideration, and report at the next annual session of the Conference.
Resolved, That we recommend that our churches purchase copies of the General Conference proceedings, and make themselves intelligent in reference to the business matters connected with our annual meetings.
Resolved, That another section be added to Art. II. of the Constitution, to read as follows:—
"SEC. 2.—The Executive Committee shall have power to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number by death, resignation, or otherwise."
WHEREAS, The English mission is now organized so that colporters and other persons distributing our literature can keep in operation the work now being done in Southampton and elsewhere; therefore—
Resolved, That in view of the wants of the cause in America, our Executive Committee be instructed to make such changes in the English work as shall secure, as soon as consistent, the services of Eld. Loughborough in the United States.
WHEREAS, It is the judgment of those who understand the condition of the cause that a paper will sometime be needed in England, and it is also judged that the time for publishing it is not yet come; therefore—
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that persons should be selected and educated for that work, to whom the duty of conducting the paper can be entrusted at the proper time.
Resolved, That this General Conference indorse the action of the Board of Trustees of the Educational Society in closing the College, under the circumstances, and we indorse the resolutions passed at an informal meeting of the Educational Society in this place.
It was voted that the General Conference Committee prepare a report of all foreign missions, and an appeal to be read in the churches at some quarterly meeting, together with an address encouraging donations to the mission funds.
Eld. O. A. Olsen gave a brief history of the Scandinavian work in America, showing that the cause among the Scandinavians is in a thriving condition. He also spoke of the great need of having some of Sister White's works issued in the Danish-Norwegian language, and asked that something of the description be published. It was thereupon
Resolved, That it be the expressed sense of this Conference, that a book containing selections from the writings of Sister White be published in the Danish-Norwegian language.
Resolved, That we consider the tract and missionary work, in its different phases, one of great importance, and we recommend that special efforts be put forth for the increased circulation of all our periodicals.
Resolved, That it is the judgment of this General Conference that the blessing of God attends the canvassing work; and we think that an experience in this work is an excellent preparation to efficiency in other departments of the cause.
Resolved, That we request the President of the General Conference to arrange with the Publishing Committee of the S. D. A. Publishing Association to publish a book to be entitled, "The Seventh-day Adventist Year-Book," which shall contain such portions of the proceedings of the General Conference, and such other matters, as the Committee may think best to insert therein.
Resolved, That we express our unabated confidence in the Testimonies which have been so graciously given9to this people, which have guided our ways and corrected our errors, from the rise of the third angel's message to the present time; and that we especially express our gratitude for Testimony No. 31, which we accept as a token of the care of God over us,—an evidence that he has not forsaken us, notwithstanding our many backslidings.
The committee appointed to consider the wants of the Scandinavian mission, presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted:—
WHEREAS, Considerable sums of money have been sent by our Scandinavian brethren to men who were strangers, and in some cases to unworthy persons; and—
WHEREAS, The General Conference Committee exercises a watchful care for the wants and necessities of all the missions, receiving authentic information from our experienced missionaries, and is thus prepared to judge of the importance of private appeals; therefore—
Resolved, That it is the safe and wiser plan for all persons wishing to aid the European missions to forward their donations to the authorized treasurers of the mission funds.
WHEREAS, The building in Christiana, Norway, used at present for printing and holding meetings, is larger than is necessary, and will require a large amount of means to provide for interest and future payments; and—
WHEREAS, Another building can be erected, better suited for their work, at less cost; therefore—
Resolved, That we approve of their effort to sell, and make other arrangements
It was recommended that the Executive Committee issue special credentials to those in the direct employ of the General Conference, showing the relation of each to the Conference; also the issue of local credentials and licenses to those laboring in fields outside of organized Conferences; these credentials and licenses to be continued from time to time by the General Conference, or at the discretion of the Conference Committee. Also that the California Conference supply Nevada with such help as it can consistently give; that an experienced laborer be sent to the Southern Atlantic States, to develop and build up the interest already existing, instruct those laboring there who are deficient in experience, and have a supervision of the work, with the object of bringing up the cause in all its branches; and in view of the fact that Eld. J. O. Corliss has already some acquaintance with that field, has felt a deep interest in it, and has a burden to go there to labor at the present time, that this field be assigned him till the providence of God shall indicate that his duty lies in a different direction.
These recommendations being discussed at some length by the Conference, they were adopted as the sense of the body.
Resolved, That Eld. E. W. Farnsworth be recommended to labor a part of the year, as the way may open, in the Missouri Conference.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses suggested that credentials be granted to Elds. J. N. Andrews, J. G. Matteson, J. N. Loughborough, A. A. John, B. L. Whitney, Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, J. Fargo, J. O. Corliss; and that local credentials be given to Elds. C. O. Taylor of Alabama, Wm. F. Killen of Georgia, L. P. Hodges of North Carolina, H. A. Rife of Virginia; also that a Ship Missionary License be granted to Geo. R. Drew of England.
The Committee on Nominations presented the following names for officers of the Conference for the coming year: For President, Geo. I. Butler; Secretary, A. B. Oyen; Treasurer, Mrs. M. J. Chapman; Executive Committee, G. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, J. Fargo. These persons were elected to their respective offices.
Washington Territory and Oregon.
By Charles L. Boyd
THE following is from a private letter to the editor of the SIGNS:—
I am here in the northwest corner of the United States, where the foot of an Adventist minister never before trod. I came in response to a call from Bro. Jas. O'Neil.
When I came to this coast, I was told by those who should know that there was but little chance to labor in this Conference during the winter months, on account of mud and rain. I felt much discouraged at such a prospect; but on approaching, I found "the lion chained." It requires more of an effort, though, on the part of both the congregation and the minister. I make the fires, and have the room all warm and lighted up, and am ready to greet the new-comers. There are many more openings than I can meet, notwithstanding the mud and rain. I am sorry that our new ministers do not take more to new fields.
Considering the sparsity of inhabitants, the attendance here is good, and I trust a church may yet be organized. I look with much hope for new organizations, whose standard may be at a Spiritual height.
I am thankful that the Lord enabled you to so successfully defend his truth during the California struggle.
We have since received the following report:—
Our meetings at this place closed on Sunday evening, Dec. 17. A leader was chosen to take charge of their Sabbath meetings. A Sabbath-school and a T. and M. society were organized. Upwards of twelve dollars' worth of books were purchased, beside those taken by the T. and M. society.
Sabbath afternoon three souls were baptized in the Nooksachk River. Two of these had never before found hope in Christ, one being the husband of a Sabbath-keeping lady, and the other a son of believing parents. Happy families. "This is the happiest day of my life," said the devoted mother, as we walked from the banks of the river. I hope a church may be organized at this place before our next Conference.
Portland.—A number of our people are temporarily located here, among whom a Sabbath-school was organized by Bro. R. D. Benham, a few months since. Last Sabbath and Sunday labors resulted in arrangements for Sabbath-meetings, the election of a leader, the organization of a branch missionary society, and social evening readings of the "Spirit of Prophecy." May the Lord help these friends to realize the importance of keeping their lamps trimmed and their lights constantly—I do not mean occasionally,—burning lest some poor soul, while watching in vain for some beacon light, be wrecked in this dangerous harbor.
Then, to whom would the blood of their souls be charged?
I held ten meetings with the church at East Portland. They are actively engaged in their missionary work, and their labors are being blessed of the Lord.