AS THE minister goes from church to church, it is hardly understood what relation he shall sustain toward the Sabbath-school work. The amount of good he might do under proper conditions can hardly be estimated. The amount of positive and negative injury that he does do is sometimes large. And while it is outside the province of the Worker to criticise the ministry in every other place, the influence they do have on the Sabbath-school work—which the Worker represents—is so important that it will perhaps be excused for attempting to advise in regard to their relations to it.
The old idea that the minister shall sit still during the school, and then make some good remarks about Bible study in childhood, mixed with a little flattery of the school, is becoming obsolete. Sabbath-school workers are beginning to think and plan and work for better methods, so that they can make their work of greater benefit to the school and to themselves. In this, ministers who are not keeping up with the advance move are falling behind. The minister is abroad from place to place, comes in contact with various schools and Sabbath-school educators, and is expected to be up with the times. And when called upon to speak, it is for the instruction, encouragement, and suggestions in better work which he is expected to give. When he fails to do this, he probably will never know that the school has patiently listened to him for the food they hoped to receive, and were disappointed at receiving only husks. But it is not by much talking before the school that the most good can be done. If you think it best to say a few words, be brief. If you have a point of general interest to make, make it, and then stop. Do not allow any regular exercise of the school to be omitted that you may have time to lecture the school. If the superintendent desires to shorten the general exercise five minutes, and you think you have something to say that will be of more benefit to the school than the completion of the exercise, take the time. But you can do more good in other directions.
Do not allow your presence to interrupt the regular order of the school. We once had temporary charge of a school on a Sabbath when a minister came in under whose labors the church was raised up. He entered as the school was being called to order and taking their seats. Of course all seemed like the nearest and dearest friends to him, and he began greeting them noisily, thus throwing the whole school into confusion. All attempts to pull them to order were futile. It was only by coming to his side, and leading him forward to open the school by prayer, that order was established, and the interrupted work of the school resumed. The minister should remember that order is Heaven's first law, and should feel that the rules of the school apply to him as to others. Never allow a superintendent to introduce you to teachers or scholars during the session. We believe in letting brotherly love continue; but its manifestation should not be allowed to mar the recitation by diverting the attention of the whole class. Two or three interruptions are almost sure to ruin a recitation. If the teacher is a good one. Pass around among the classes if you desire, but let it be understood that you do not wish to interrupt the recitation.
Shall the minister take the superintendent's place if requested to do so? Under certain circumstances this may be advisable. But in our work, if we desire to benefit the school, we prefer to allow the school to do its regular work, and thus see what they lack, and how they can be helped. By at once taking control of the school, this object is defeated. You have no means of knowing how they do their work, and have not the forces in hand to do your best work and show them how you would do it.
If you are well acquainted with the school, or on your second or third visit, it might be advisable for you to take charge, provided you have some plans of work which can better be presented in that manner. But as a rule, it is not best to interfere with the regular order. If you have been following the lessons, and are so well posted on the lesson of the day that you can do as well as, or better than, the superintendent, it would be well for you to conduct the review exercise, if invited to do so. Your best work can be done by having a good meeting with the teachers and officers, where the true standing, condition, and aims of the school can be discussed, and plans laid for an advance. We have always relied on this for doing the most good. If you are not so well acquainted with the work as you desire, you will receive an incentive from these meetings which will set you to preparing in earnest.
To be of real service, it is necessary for you to learn thoroughly the lessons as they appear from week to week in the Instructor. It is not enough to have a general idea of the subject. You must know and thoroughly understand the plan of handling the subject as brought out in the lessons, and this can only be acquired by learning them. We have known a number of budding ministers whose time was too valuable to be thrown away in learning the Sabbath-school lessons. Such might find the discipline of learning a lesson well once a week to be of as much real value as the cursory study which absorbs so much of their time. If they are so well posted that it is no task to learn the lesson, they can well afford to give the subject a systematic review. If it proves a burdensome task, we would suggest that it is about the line of study that is needed.
All should work in harmony. To do this, time should be taken to become conversant with the plans of work and the aims of the association. The ministry can be of great benefit to the Sabbath-school cause if they will prepare for it as they do for the other work they have committed to them. This preparation has been too lightly regarded in the past. The minister has, ex officio, been regarded as fully qualified for so small a work as this without special preparation. But we have only to look at what other denominations are doing to see that we are far behind them in our appreciation of the possibilities and necessities of this means of growth in the knowledge of the things of God. We ask of the ministers a careful consideration of these thoughts.—J. E. W., in S. S. Worker.
Before God.
"I CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ." Duty has a new meaning when it is done under the eye of one in authority. Napoleon always wanted his soldiers in battle to have in mind that the emperor was watching them. There are few servants who do not work with a fresh spur while their employers are in sight. The average school-room is commonly a very different place when the teacher has left it for a few minutes, than while he is present. A witness on the stand is more careful in his words there, than he would be elsewhere, because his every statement is noted by those who would prove him false if he told aught else than the truth. All of us speak, and learn, and work, and fight in the immediate presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and all that we do or fail to do is recorded for the day of Judgment. Do we act as if we realized this?
Wisdom Through Keeping God’s Commandments
"THOU through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Ps. 119: 98-100.
Two Great Compromises.
By Editor
(Concluded.)
IN tracing down the prospects of a compromise in the United States, we noted what the prophecies demand in their fulfillment, and brought out specially the following points:—
1. Identified the two-horned beast of Rev. 13, as a symbol of the United States.
2. Pointed out a particular characteristic of this power, that it did great wonders to deceive, which meets its fulfillment in the wonders of Spiritualism, which arose in this country.
3. That these wonders were used to establish a system of false worship.
4. That under their influence the worship of "the first beast," the papacy, and the reception of "his mark," will be enforced.
5. That a strong effort is now being made in the United States to procure "a religious amendment of the Constitution," professedly to Christianize the nation, but really to unite "Church and State;" for this must be the result of the success of this movement.
6. Pointed out the fact that religious persecution is foretold as to come in the dominion of the two-horned beast, that is, in the United States.
7. Presented the warning message of "the third angel" of Rev. 14, based upon these facts, to show how God regards the movement now being made to "make an image to the beast," that is, to unite Church and State; for in this way only can an image be made to the beast.
8. We also showed that in the erection of the image to the beast, and enforcing his mark, the commandment of God will be opposed, and an opposition Sabbath to "the Sabbath of the Lord God" will be enforced, namely, the Sunday.
9. That Spiritualism is already presenting its claims—not only as a religion, but—as the only true religion in which the power of "the Christ spirit" is manifested; and that the religious element of the country is fast incorporating Spiritualism into its faith.
The "compromise" will be effected as troubles increase (and increase they will), by uniting Church and State, and accepting Spiritualism as the true religion of the period; and the present movement toward effecting a greater union of denominations is but an effort to further liberalize the churches, so that they may unitedly work to popularize the religious amendment movement, and prove their liberality by oppressing those who are so willful as to persist in keeping "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," especially the fourth commandment, the Sabbath of the Lord, which almost all classes, secular and religious, Protestant and Catholic, unite in opposing.
And now we have further shown that the very same elements are working in Europe, that are so conspicuously operating in the United States.
1. Spiritualism is working even with greater force and to greater acceptance in Europe than in America; yet it was introduced there by American mediums.
2. There is a constant and strong tendency toward "the worship of the beast" in the Protestant countries of Europe; this is shown by the formalism of the main body of religionists in Europe called Protestants, and more prominently by the increase of Ritualism in England.
3. There is a singular tendency in Europe to a more rigid observance of Sunday. We call it "singular," because it is strange that in any part of that country there should be an effort made to change the features of the "continental Sunday" to those of the "American Sunday." Our rigid Puritan Sunday-Sabbath is scarcely known in Europe outside of Scotland. But movements in favor of the observance of Sunday have been made in several nations on the continent. Thus the way is being prepared there for the enforcement of this institution of the papal power; this "chief festival of the church."
4. The fact is more apparent in Europe than in America that there is "a time of trouble" just before us. Nihilists, communists, dynamiters, anarchists of all shades, have honey-combed society throughout the world, but especially throughout Europe. "Associations" and "unions" stand ready to destroy both property and life, when the occasion is offered. The efforts to postpone the clash of arms, partially successful for a season, are not equal to the efforts to arm and to prepare for the struggle which all confess is inevitable. And the longer it is delayed, the better will they be prepared for it, the more destructive will be their implements of warfare, and the more fierce and terrible will be the conflict when it comes.
5. The probability is that when these troubles culminate there will be a strong reaction in favor of the pope, as the only ruler who could hold out a promise to reconcile or control the discordant elements. While the nations are all jealous of each other, the acknowledged spiritual supremacy of the pope would point to him as the one—the strong central power—who alone could restore peace and prosperity. No merely secular power could accomplish the purpose; could gain the respect of all nations and factions to the extent that he could whose followers—we may say, worshipers—are numerous everywhere. And no other religious power could possibly attempt to stand in the breach, for the only strong church powers, or State churches, are the Greek Church and the Church of England. But the Czar is the head of the Greek Church, and Russia and England are the most prominent among the belligerents. Therefore the pope is the only one to whom all eyes would instinctively turn in the hour of trouble and perplexity.
6. And this conclusion is more than probable, it is rendered certain, by the prophecy which says the kings of the earth will unite to give their power to the beast. Rev. 17. And this elevation of the beast to the control of secular matters is laid just before the entire overthrow and complete destruction of this great harlot power.
7. And this is further confirmed by Rev. 18, wherein is shown that this same antichristian power rejoices that the sorrow of her widowhood is past, and that she sits a queen, ruling with the combined power of the kings of the earth. And this rejoicing is immediately before she is cast down and utterly destroyed—burned with fire.
These results, so plainly standing before us in the prophecy, and so evidently in process of being fulfilled, can only be brought about by a compromise between powers and influences now in opposition to each other. And the results are the same on both continents. A more intimate union of Church and State is the ambition, the first and last desire, of Catholicism. The Romish Church at this time claims, as we have shown, that her rightful jurisdiction is paramount to that of kings and emperors; that she is unjustly divorced from the secular authority; and that the pope being the infallible vicegerent of Christ, and the head of the Catholic Church, proves that that is the only true church, other systems of worship having no right to exist, and will not be permitted to exist where she has power.
Notwithstanding this assumption of the papal church, there is a growing tendency among Protestants to acknowledge her claims and to give her honor. In Protestant America there is an almost universal concession that a closer union between Church and State is desirable; that our Government is lacking in one important particular, namely, that in its Constitution it does not recognize Christ as the ruler of the nation, and his laws as the rule of the nation's conduct, and thus place Christianity, or its laws and institutions, on a legal basis in the fundamental law of the land. And the main object of the effort which is now being made to accomplish this purpose is, as we can abundantly show, to enforce the Sunday as a "Christian Sabbath," though the majority of its friends acknowledge that there is no proof that it is a law of Christ, or that it is in truth a Christian Sabbath, or Bible institution. It can be abundantly and incontestably proved that it is an institution of that power which should "think to change times and laws;" which should "exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped."
The "present truth" for the world is the Third Angel's Message of Rev. 14:9-12. The warning against the worship of the beast is world-wide. There is no part of the civilized world where the influence of that power is not felt. And wherever there is any pretense to Christianity, there is felt its influence in a marked degree. It would indeed be singular were it not so, considering that the Papal Roman Church once bore sway, not only over the Roman Empire proper, but over the mightiest kings of the earth. By the subservience of kings to that church she moulded and fashioned the faith and practice of almost the entire world. Well might it be said, "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" This applied to the days of its power, when the saints of the Most High were given into its hand. See Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:4.
That part of the message which refers to "the image" has its special application in the United States. But "the mark" is as extensive as the influence of the beast has ever been; for wherever Catholicism has had sway, she has left as a legacy the observance of "the venerable day of the sun," by her adopted from the worship of Apollo, the sun-god. By an examination of Rev. 13, it will be seen that the real object of making the image is to enforce the worship of the beast and the receiving of his mark. And thus in the fulfillment, for which men are now striving, the great object of the religious amendment of the Constitution of the United States is the enforcement of the papal Sunday under the plausible name of the "Christian Sabbath." So that in truth the great burden of the message is the warning against worshiping the beast and receiving his mark, which applies in Europe with full as much force as in America. The making of an image is more a local matter, and will be done because in the locality to which it applies it is the only means of securing the end desired, namely, enforcing the worship of the beast and the receiving of his mark. To elevate the pope in Europe is to strengthen the ties of Church and State, for the pope will accept no elevation at the expense of his secular authority. He will be "Sovereign Pontiff" or nothing.
But in the United States it is different; here there is no recognized union of Church and State, and without this neither the worship of the beast nor the receiving of his mark can be enforced. Our Constitution forbids a congressional law establishing religion, or restraining the free exercise thereof; and it forbids any religious test as a qualification for office. This the "Religious Amendment Party" calls an "infidel Constitution." And, in confirmation393of the view here given of the real object of that party, the Christian Statesman, the organ of that party, has already declared that if the amendment which they seek is secured, no one shall hold office in the United States who does not observe the Sunday! And it was openly demanded in their National Convention held in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1874, that Congress shall make laws respecting religion; this was declared as necessary as that Congress shall establish uniformity of weights and measures! Thus they put matters of conscience, of Christian religion, on a level with commercial transactions before the law.
He who knows how many two and two make, can be at no loss to tell the result of such laws as they demand. Somebody's religion will be stamped out, or that somebody will be condemned as "heretic" and a malefactor. They do it to Christianize the nation. And so was the other Inquisition established for the glory of God. But alas for the honor of God and the purity of his church when they whom he has commissioned as ambassadors usurp his authority and turn executioners.
These things are so evident that we can appeal to the world, as Paul did to his brethren: "For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge."
It is fitting that we close our remarks with the words of the message—the last message—which the Lord is giving to the world. See Rev. 14:9-14. When the message has been proclaimed, then the Son of man appears to reap the harvest of the earth. And because probation is soon to close, and the pleading of Jesus as a priest is soon to end, and the fearful judgments of God descend upon all the guilty, the terms of the message are the most terrible that the word of God contains, as follows:—
"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:9-12.
Upper Columbia Camp-Meeting.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
This meeting was held on the old camp-ground at Milton, Or., and was preceded by a ten days' session of Bible study. The attendance at the meeting was much smaller than last year; the excessively cold winter and dry spring had put crops back so much that many felt unable to come. Much-needed rains fell a few weeks before the meeting, which caused some to take courage and reverse their decision to stay away. If our brethren allow the fear of hard times to hinder them from obtaining the spiritual blessings God places within their reach, they will lose much. If the Lord is indeed soon coming, we cannot look for long-continued seasons of temporal prosperity, yet our spiritual needs are greater than ever. We need the blessings to be received at our annual gatherings more than ever before, and sacrifices must be made to obtain them.
Sometimes the Lord tries us, and we find that the sacrifice does not prove so great as we thought it would be. One brother who hesitated long about attending, finally left his work and attended a portion of the Institute and the camp-meeting. On his return home, he found that his business had prospered in his absence more than when he was present.
Two class exercises of the Institute were held each day before the meeting, and one every day after the meeting began. The intervals between classes during the Institute were devoted to study and to work on the ground. Morning and evening prayer-meetings were held each day, and these, together with the influence of the Bible study, gave those present a good preparation for the meeting. As people came onto the ground just before or at the beginning of the regular camp-meeting, they found the Spirit of the Lord already present, and a deep interest manifested. Indeed, it was not possible, as one brother said, to tell when the camp-meeting really began.
The business sessions were marked by a spirit of union, and a desire to see the cause advance. The ten days' session of Bible study allowed the workers present to mature plans and to arrange business so that it could be attended to with dispatch. The Lord helped in the preaching of the word, to a marked degree, and the social meetings were seasons of blessing. Many said that it was the best camp-meeting that they had ever attended; this was not because of the smoothness of the preaching, but because there was a willingness on their part to carry out the instructions given.
In closing, we wish to mention two benefits resulting from the holding of a Biblical Institute before and during a camp-meeting: 1. The people have something to think and talk about. We never attended a camp-meeting where there was so little visiting and idle talk. Wherever a little group was gathered, they were engaged in earnest study, preparing for the next recitation. 2. As a natural consequence, the spiritual interest of the meeting was quickened. The Holy Spirit came into hearts as they meditated on the word. If no permanent increase of knowledge had been gained by those present, these results alone would amply repay for the effort. We trust, however, that lasting impressions have been made, and that all have received a new impetus in Bible study.
We are now on the pleasant camp-ground in Portland, ready to begin the work to-morrow morning.
E. J. W. Portland, Or., June 13, 1885.
"Awake! Awake! Put on Strength."
By Stephen N. Haskell
WE have but to open our eyes to see that the Lord has gone out before his people to prepare the way to accomplish a great work in a brief space of time. There are many things that distinguish this age of the world from all others. It presents advantages for carrying forward the work of God that no previous generation has ever enjoyed. What could be accomplished in our missionary enterprise without the art of printing? Truly our publishing work is the right arm of our strength. Within less time than it would have taken in our Saviour's time to distribute the New Testament in Palestine, we could, by a united effort, send the truth throughout this entire country, including Canada and the British possessions on the north. In less than two weeks every State and Territory could be flooded with reading matter. This to a certain extent is true in the Old World.
The means of traveling is such that every principal nation on the earth could be visited, and with the aid of co-laborers in these nations, every portion of them could be reached by personal labor within six months. Truly we are living in an age of wonders with respect to traveling facilities, and the means of communication. The low rates of postage bring the opportunity of taking a part in the spread of the truth within the reach of all, in the most direct manner. By the telegraph the different parts of the whole world are in direct communication with one another. The daily papers of to-day give us the news of yesterday, not only from different parts of this country, but from other countries. This affords an opportunity for disseminating light and truth which no other period has ever had. We shall be held responsible to God for the improvement that we make of these privileges. Surely, if we do not make good use of our time and talents, we shall be without excuse. More will be required of this generation than of any that has ever lived.
God invites us to enter his vineyard and labor; yes, more, he tells us to go and labor, and whatsoever is right he will give us. Now is the time to do this; soon, very soon, the opportunity will be past. It is God's providence that has so favorably opened the way before us. It is a time of comparative peace throughout the world, but it will not long remain thus. Already we can see the war cloud arising. Nation is arraying itself against nation, and when the winds are loosed from the unseen restraining influences that are upon them, the present opportunities for doing good will be at an end. There never has been a time since man fell, when God has placed within the reach of his people such facilities for accomplishing a great work as now. There never was a time when means could be used to greater advantage than now, or when it would go as far in warning men and women of the Judgment.
For those who ever expect to appropriate means to the cause of God, now is the time to do it. Men can afford to sacrifice on their property in order to help when the help will count most. If the amount of good which can now be accomplished by putting means into the cause is properly taken into account, those who have the burden of the work upon them will feel that they can make some reduction from the estimate they formerly placed on their property. If the present is not the time to use our talents to the best advantage, then we would like to know when that time will come. Will it be when we can not buy or sell? Will it be when the angels of God loose their hold of the four winds, and the Lord raises up a whirlwind from the coasts of the earth, when the slain of the Lord is from one end of the earth to the other?
We appeal to our friends everywhere to improve the present opportunities for doing good. This present year will witness important advance moves, such as we have not seen in the past. God is encouraging his servants in Europe. They have special indications of God's power in their work. New missions are to be opened. God will go before his people in every enterprise to carry forward his precious cause; he has gone out before us, and bids us follow, and will we do it? How many will this present year give themselves to God in a special manner to work for him? How many will transfer their substance to the other shore by selling and giving alms? We believe that there are many who will do this. And while the way is opening before God's work, there are those who will not only see, but experience largely of the salvation of God.
Is it not reasonable that men who have means should apply the same principle, to some extent, in estimating the value of their property, that God gave to his people anciently? As they approached the year of jubilee, God instructed them to decrease the estimate which they placed upon their property. The nearer they were to that time, the less it was worth. Should we reason from this standpoint, we think that there would be more of an anxiety to dispose of lands, before they shall be rendered worthless by the things that are coming upon the earth. Those who hold mortgages and bank stock would be anxious to have them invested in the cause at the time when it would receive the most benefit from them. The time will come when the treasures of earth will be thrown to the moles and the bats; now they will yield a large interest in the cause of Christ.
We have looked to see who would come to the help of the Australian Mission. The first man who pledged any large amount was a person who is not a believer in the truths which are so precious to us, and that was on conditions that a printing office be established in that distant land. If this be done he will help in the enterprise to the amount394of $2,000. The next man who made a public pledge of a large sum was in no wise connected with us as a people. He gave $1,000. Since then some of our brethren have done the same. Will the cause in connection with this particular enterprise go forward? We have faith to believe that it will. There are men and women who will step into these openings and help, not only those who will give one or two thousand dollars, but five or ten thousand. It is not from the stingy, or those who would be distressed by giving, that offerings are wanted, but from the willing who have their property on the altar, waiting God's providence.
The cloud is rising from one end of the earth to the other. God by his providence is saying to his people, "Go forward." We are of good courage in the work, and are looking forward with happy anticipation to see what God will do next for his people. In the language of another we wish to say, "Have courage in God." Expect that God will do great things, and work to that point. He will not leave those who put their trust in him. Have courage, therefore, in God, and look to him for his help. It will come.
S. N. H.
The Upper Columbia Institute and Camp-Meeting.
By John Norton Loughborough
It was a question of much doubt with our people in the U. C. Conference, whether, in a season of so much financial depression, a seventeen days' meeting—ten of the Biblical Institute and seven of camp-meeting—could be profitably held; whether it would not fail because of the meager number who would attend it. As to the Institute, many did not seem to comprehend its nature. They supposed it must be something to especially instruct ministers and colporters, instead of furnishing an opportunity for all to study the Scriptures. Now that these meetings are in the past, we can all look back upon them with thanks to God that they were held. The attendance at the Institute was greater at the first than he anticipated, and the number increased until it was merged into the camp-meeting proper.
Not only did the Institute furnish a rare opportunity for the study of the Bible, but, as prayer and social meetings were held each day, the religious interest was in full sway at the very opening of the camp-meeting and Conference. There was also ample time during these ten days for the preparation of all business to come before the meeting, so that there was not the slightest interference of business with other services, or even the detention of any person from any of the meetings for committee work. All accounts to be audited were so prepared and simplified that three short sessions of the auditing committee completed the work. This left not only the regular services of each day intact, but gave much time for instruction in Sabbath-school and church work, and how to do church business. It was indeed a season of instruction, in which many learned how to do the duties they were expected to perform when they should return home.
Some important changes were made in the officers of the various associations of the Conference, but all officers were elected early in the meeting so as to have ample time (which they improved) to learn how to do their respective duties.
The Spirit of the Lord was present in a marked degree from the commencement of the meeting to its close. Some testified that they had never felt more of its power than on the last Sabbath of the meeting, when over fifty came forward for prayers. Several started in that meeting to seek God for the first time. Fourteen were baptized in the Walla Walla River on Monday. Some of these were re-baptisms of those who had been baptized in other denominations, but said they now felt as if they were starting to serve the Lord anew, and they wanted to do a thorough work.
The financial condition of the Conference is much better than we feared. The treasurer remarked that notwithstanding there had been three days of real work this year to one of the year before, the Conference did not owe more than half as much at its close as last year. If all will be as persevering to pay their honest tithe as some have been, the Conference may be entirely out of debt before its next session, and also meet its running expenses. The people of God went to their homes from the meeting with good cheer, and the laborers go out into the field expecting the Lord to bless the seed sown, and that sheaves will be gathered to the garner of the Lord.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Upper Columbia T. and M. Society.
The first meeting of the fifth annual session of the Upper Columbia Tract and Missionary Society, was held on the Milton camp-ground, June 4, 1885. The president in the chair. Prayer by Elder Bartlett. The secretary, Mrs. G. W. Colcord, being absent, B. F. Winkler was elected secretary pro tem. Minutes of last session read and approved. Committees were then appointed as follows:—
On nominations—J. Bartlett, A. Johnson, Wm. Semple; on resolutions—Elder H. W. Decker, Elder E. J. Waggoner, Wm. Goodwin.
Second meeting.
The report of labor and finance for the past year was then read. Reports of committees called for. Committee on Nominations reported as follows:—
For president, Elder H. W. Decker; vice-president, Wm. Goodwin; secretary, Sarah McEnterfer. For directors: District No 1, H. W. Decker; No. 2, Wm. Raymond; No. 3, J. J. Smith. The committee also recommended that the districts be rearranged as follows:—
No. 1 to include all of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains; No. 2 all of Washington Territory east of the Cascade Mountains; No. 3, all of Idaho. The report was adopted as a whole.
Adjourned to call of chair.
Third meeting, June 7, 9:30 A. M.
The Committee on Resolutions reported the following:—
Whereas, The plan of getting the truth before the people by means of tract distributers, as recommended by the International Society, has been effectually tested in California and other Conferences with encouraging results; therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend that distributers be placed in available situations in this Conference as soon as practicable.
Elder Loughborough then spoke of the resolutions adopted at the camp-meeting last year, and of the work done in Idaho and Montana. The Lord has blessed, and the prospects for good are very encouraging.
Fourth meeting, June 8, 5:30 P. M.
Elder Loughborough spoke of the Health Journal soon to be published on the Pacific Coast, and of the Health Retreat at St. Helena, Cal. He said it would prove an excellent means of getting the truth before the people. He was followed by Elder Decker, who urged all to give the Journal a hearty welcome. He then offered the following resolution, which was adopted:—
Resolved, That we as a people will use our influence to circulate the Health Journal and to call the attention of the people to St. Helena Health Retreat.
Adjourned sine die.
J. N. Loughborough, Pres.
B. F. Winkler, Sec. pro tem.