OF THE FOURTH SPECIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTS.
The Conference was called to order by the Secretary, at the appointed hour, April 17, 1879. The President, Eld. James White, being absent, Eld. D. M. Canright was chosen to act as chairman of the meeting.
Eld. R. F. Andrews opened the session with prayer.
The list of delegates was as follows:—
Illinois: R. F. Andrews, G. W. Colcord.
Michigan: E. B. Lane, J. Dickey, J. Fargo, A. W. Maynard, Chas. Buck, J. S. Day.
Minnesota: W. H. Hall.
Vermont: A. S. Hutchins.
N. Y. and Pa.: B. L. Whitney.
Indiana: S. H. Lane.
New England: S. N. Haskell.
Ohio: D. M. Canright.
Iowa: L. McCoy.
Wisconsin: H. W. Decker.
Europe: J. N. Andrews.
The following were afterward added by vote of the Conference:—
Iowa: E. W. Farnsworth.
Wisconsin: G. C. Tenney.
New York: G. Newcome.
Indiana: S. Rogers.
Vermont: M. Kellogg.
Colorado: M. E. Cornell.
California: W. C. White.
Europe: D. T. Bourdeau.
All brethren present in good standing were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
The Chair, being empowered to appoint a committee of three on resolutions and a committee of the same number on the subject of camp-meetings, named the following:—
On Resolutions, { J. N. Andrews,
{ L. McCoy,
{ G. W. Colcord.
On Camp-meetings, { Geo. I. Butler,
{ B. L. Whitney,
{ H. W. Decker.
Three letters were read from Eld. S. B. Whitney, of Dakota, respecting the Russian Sabbath-keepers in that Territory. Upon this subject remarks were made by S. N. Haskell, W. H. Hall, L. McCoy, and D. M. Canright; and, on motion, the matter was referred to the Conference Committee.
Respecting a letter introduced from Eld. John Fulton, Ontario, remarks were made by S. N. Haskell, W. H. Hall, D. M. Canright, and J. N. Andrews; and the Committee were instructed by vote to provide a suitable helper for Bro. Fulton, if such help can be found.
A letter was read from Eld. A. C. Bourdeau, Province of Quebec, upon which remarks were made by A. S. Hutchins, D. M. Canright, and D. T. Bourdeau.
A letter was also read from Eld. I. Sanborn, of Virginia, followed by remarks from H. W. Decker, D. M. Canright, and E. B. Lane. By vote, it was recommended that Bro. Sanborn, at his earliest convenience, visit the brethren in Maryland.
Adjourned to 3 o'clock P. M.
Second Meeting. Prayer by S. N. Haskell. Minutes read and approved.
Augustus Swedberg was invited to represent the Swedish cause, in the Conference.
Bro. R. Reed of Douglas, Mich., presented credentials as delegate from the Michigan Conference. Eld. Geo. I. Butler, having arrived since the first meeting, was received as delegate from the Conferences of Missouri and Kansas. Eld. C. L. Boyd presented credentials as delegate from Nebraska.
The meeting being open for business, Bro. Hutchins presented a request for another laborer, to enable them to run another tent in Vermont the coming summer.
Bro. Colcord spoke in reference to plans for Chicago.
Bro. Haskell spoke in reference to the cause in New England, suggesting the propriety of holding, in some States, two or three general meetings, instead of a camp-meeting.
The chairman introduced the subject of the cause in Alabama, referring to several letters received from that State calling for help. In view of the situation of the cause there, it was
Moved, That Eld. C. O. Taylor, as he is laboring in Georgia, be hereby requested to visit the brethren in Alabama, and make that for the present a part of his field of labor.—Carried.
Appeals from Tennessee for the labors of some one qualified to present the truth, were read by Bro. Haskell, one of which contained the names of one hundred and twelve of the citizens of Nashville. Remarks were made by G. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, and D. M. Canright, on the propriety of presenting the truth, especially in the South, in the cities instead of in the country, as the former are to a much greater extent the centers of the intelligence and wealth of that section.
Reports were received from Eld. J. B. Goodrich, Maine, and Eld. I. D. Van Horn, Oregon, in reference to their respective Conferences. Remarks were made by W. C. White and D. M. Canright respecting the work on the Pacific coast, and in relation to sending help there as has been suggested through the REVIEW.
Moved, by R. F. Andrews, That this Conference instruct Eld. S. N. Haskell to visit the Pacific coast, and for a time take charge of the work there.
After some remarks, this was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
L. McCoy made a strong appeal for Iowa, followed by G. I. Butler. J. Fargo spoke in like manner for Michigan. Both these Conferences take some exception to the practice of having their ministers, as soon as they come up to be men of some strength and influence, sent into other fields, leaving the home field to suffer for want of suitable help more, perhaps, than other fields are benefited by the change.
Remarks were then made by different members of the Conference on the importance of caring for churches already raised up rather than neglecting these, and reaching out to raise up new companies. Pointed remarks were made on the evil of this course and the damage which our cause has suffered in consequence in some localities. It was thought that the plan of labor recommended at the last Conference, that ministers take a district and confine their labors principally to that locality for a year, would remedy this somewhat.
The chairman was instructed to arrange for religious meetings for the morrow.
Adjourned to 7:30 P. M., April 17.
Third Meeting. After prayer by G. I. Butler, the time was taken up with remarks on various subjects, chief among which was the propriety of making the sessions of the General Conference semi-annual, holding one session in Battle Creek and another with some other Conference, each year. This proposition was spoken to favorably by Brn. Canright, Haskell, Whitney, McCoy, Hall, Decker, Dickey, Lane, and Farnsworth.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
Fourth Meeting, 9 A. M., April 18. Prayer by C. L. Boyd. M. E. Cornell spoke of the prospects of the cause in Colorado. The brethren there are determined to do what they can to make the cause self-sustaining the present season, and think they will be able to accomplish this object.
G. I. Butler reported the condition of the cause in Missouri. New elements are coming to the surface, and a great change for the better is taking place in that State.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
1. Resolved, That we again urge our ministers not to leave new converts and churches immediately after they have embraced the message; but to visit them often and regularly till they are thoroughly settled in all the truth and organized, and all are gathered in who can be reached.
2. Resolved, That we believe it is wisdom to make a special effort to add to small, weak companies, instead of leaving them to die out while raising up similar companies in new fields to in turn be left in like manner.
3. Resolved, That in order to save time and traveling expenses, and make each minister responsible for the completion of his own work, we recommend that, as far as practicable, each minister be assigned a definite field in which to labor for at least one year.
On motion to adopt, the first resolution was spoken to by S. N. Haskell, J. N. Andrews, H. W. Decker, G. W. Colcord, A. S. Hutchins, and adopted.
The subject of the tithing system having been133made the special order at 9:30, and the hour having arrived, Eld. Canright, according to appointment, spoke for thirty minutes on this subject, after which a considerable time was spent in asking and answering questions in reference thereto. G. W. Colcord moved the following:—
Whereas, Some fail to pay the Lord's tithe as received, but use it for themselves, hoping to meet the obligation at the close of the quarter, and
Whereas, They thus frequently, by inability to pay at the appointed time, cause trial to themselves, burdens to the financial officers, and so far a virtual failure of the plan, therefore
Resolved, That all our brethren and sisters should regard it their duty to tithe all their income at the time they receive it.
The special order being disposed of, the question of the adoption of the previous resolutions was resumed.
Resolution 2 was then read and passed. Resolution 3 was read, and while the question of its adoption was pending, the Conference adjourned to 2:30 P. M.
Fifth Meeting, 2:30 P. M., April 18. Prayer by H. W. Decker. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. The question before the Conference being the adoption of Resolution 3, it was unanimously adopted without further discussion.
The subject of the European mission was then introduced by J. N. Andrews. He spoke of the difficulties under which laborers in foreign fields are placed, while the General Conference Committee are so scattered, and are so overburdened with other duties. He proposed that there be an officer selected to fill a place corresponding in some respects to the Secretary of the Missionary Boards of other denominations; and he therefore accordingly—
Moved, That an officer as above designated be selected, who shall inform himself fully in reference to all the foreign work, and be prepared to respond to the communications of laborers in foreign fields without delay; this action being considered temporary, subject to rejection or confirmation at the next annual session of the Conference.—Carried.
A motion being made that the General Conference Committee select a man to act in the capacity indicated in the foregoing motion, the motion was amended by designating W. C. White as said officer, and as amended was then passed.
Eld. Andrews also spoke of the slight increase of expense that would be necessary to issue a paper in the German language, and the urgent need already existing for such a paper; and he asked that sometime before the session closed an expression should be made by the Conference with reference to the project of issuing such a paper.
The subject of the Danish mission was next introduced, and discussed at some length. Whereupon it was
Moved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three to take into consideration the subject of the Danish mission, and report what action they think can be taken to best sustain the same.
W. C. White, A. B. Oyen, and G. I. Butler were appointed as such committee.
The subject of changing the form of the Tidende, and issuing it semi-monthly, instead of monthly as heretofore, was presented by W. C. White. He reported that the Danish brethren, so far as heard from, are in favor of the change. After being discussed by Brn. Haskell, Decker, Oyen, Butler, and Andrews, all favoring the change suggested, the question was referred to the Committee on the Scandinavian mission.
Sixth Meeting, 9 A. M., April 21. Prayer by S. N. Haskell.
The following resolutions were introduced by Eld. Haskell:—
Resolved, That this Conference approve of the creation of a “Home and Foreign Educational Fund,” to assist worthy young men and women to prepare themselves for missionary work, and we recommend all our people to contribute toward this object; said fund to be under the control of the General Conference Committee.
Elders Haskell, Lane (S. H.), Miller, and Butler spoke to this resolution, after which it was adopted.
Whereas, The Sabbath-school work and tract and missionary interests in Michigan require more especial attention than can be rendered by the presidents and proper officers of these organizations, therefore
Resolved, That this Conference hereby recommend that W. C. White visit the churches, as far as consistent with his other duties, in the interest of the Sabbath-school and missionary work.
This was advocated so forcibly by S. N. Haskell that other brethren added no more; and it was unanimously passed.
Whereas, There is a constant immigration of Sabbath-keepers into Battle Creek, some of whom greatly weaken their home church by leaving, and can be of no benefit to the cause here, therefore
Resolved, That we entirely disapprove of this course, and recommend that those who contemplate moving to Battle Creek first consult their own State Conference Committee and the elders of the church in Battle Creek.
This was greeted with several motions to adopt, a still greater number of seconds, and the cry of “question” all over the house. It being a recommendation of self-evident propriety, it was unanimously adopted without discussion.
Eld. J. N. Andrews offered the following:—
Whereas, The ill health of our beloved Bro. White has made it impracticable for him to return to this part of the country to be present at this Conference, therefore
Resolved, That we express our deep sympathy for him in his affliction, and our great regret that we have been deprived of his counsel in our business, and his assistance at the dedication of our Tabernacle. We hold in grateful remembrance the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White, and shall never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to them.
This was unanimously and most heartily adopted by a rising vote of the whole congregation.
Resolved, That we recognize the hand of God in the advancement of his cause among the Scandinavians, and that we hereby express our gratitude to him, and our sympathy with our missionaries who are laboring in that field; and we pledge ourselves to sustain them by our prayers and with our means.
This was presented by J. N. Andrews, who moved and advocated its adoption, which was sustained.
Resolved, That we request the General Conference Committee to select from all parts of the country the most suitable of our young people, to be educated at our College for the missionary work, whether home or foreign. In all cases such young persons should be educated at the expense of their own friends so far as this is possible; but where necessary they should receive assistance, either from our missionary fund or from their own church or Conference, as the General Conference Committee may advise.
Some time was devoted to remarks upon this resolution by J. N. Andrews, G. I. Butler, D. T. Bourdeau, D. M. Canright, and W. C. White. Adopted.
From the Committee on Resolutions:—
Whereas, The spiritual prosperity of our churches depends largely upon the watchcare of their respective Conferences; and
Whereas, This watchcare, to a great degree, depends upon a correct understanding of the condition of these churches, therefore
Resolved, That the elder or leader of each church be hereby requested to make a report of the spiritual standing of his church to the President of the Conference, immediately after each quarterly meeting.
This was spoken to by H. W. Decker, E. B. Lane, J. Fargo, and W. C. White, and adopted.
Moved, by H. W. Decker, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to prepare the requisite blanks for such church reports as are called for in the foregoing resolution.—Carried.
W. C. White, J. Fargo, and S. N. Haskell were appointed as said committee.
By S. Brownsberger:—
Whereas, The influence among the youth in the public schools and colleges of the land tends to corrupt our children, and cause them to lose their interest and confidence in present truth, therefore
Resolved, That we endeavor to impress upon our brethren the importance of sending their children to Battle Creek, to receive the educational and moral benefits offered at our College.
After remarks by S. Brownsberger, A. Carpenter, S. H. Lane, J. Dickey, S. N. Haskell, and G. I. Butler, the resolution was adopted.
Moved, That this Conference hereby invite G. I. Butler to write an article on the subject of the foregoing resolution.—Carried.
Moved, by S. N. Haskell, That the chairman appoint a committee of two to act with himself to prepare a manual of instruction for church officers.—Carried.
Brn. Haskell and Butler were appointed as said committee.
By S. H. Lane:—
Whereas, The works of Sister White, which of late have been introduced into some of our churches throughout the various State Conferences, have already accomplished much good, therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend the presidents of our State Conferences, and the directors of all our T. and M. districts, to use every proper effort to introduce these works into all our churches throughout the country.
Discussed by Brn. Haskell, Butler, Farnsworth, Smith, and Andrews, and passed.
Moved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three to act with the General Conference Committee to consider the question of the republication of Experience and Views.—Carried.
The committee appointed at the last annual Conference to suggest a course of study for ministers reported through the chairman, Prof. Brownsberger, and the meeting adjourned.
Seventh Meeting, 11 A. M., April 22. Prayer by E. W. Farnsworth. The subject of the report of the committee on the course of study for ministers was resumed. After some discussion, the report was referred back to the committee.
A communication from Bro. De Vos, a young man who took a position four months ago in the job room of the Review Office, and has since become a full convert to our faith, and who now wishes to prepare himself to translate our works into the Holland language, and thus labor among his own people, was received, and referred to a committee composed of the Michigan Conference Committee, with the addition of W. C. White, U. Smith, and H. W. Decker.
The following resolutions were then introduced and adopted:—
Resolved, That the General Conference recommend E. W. Farnsworth to labor in Iowa the remaining part of this Conference year, while Bro. McCoy, the President, is employed at the Sanitarium, and further, that Bro. Farnsworth (if the remaining members of the Iowa Conference agree) act as president during that time.
Resolved, That we express our heartfelt gratitude to God for the prosperity attending the Scandinavian mission, and the labors of our beloved Bro. Matteson in Christiana, Norway; and that we recognize in his success a cheering token of the approach of that time when all the earth will be lightened with the glory of the closing message.
Resolved, That we have read with deep interest the earnest appeals for help made by Bro. Matteson to his American brethren; and that we most earnestly desire, in the infancy of the work, to render all the assistance possible consistent with the prosperity of the work in other important fields, we recommend Bro. Martin M. Olsen, of Wisconsin, to go to his assistance as a laborer at once, also Sr. Anna K. Rasmussen, to assist in the work of printing the paper and other publications.
Resolved, That we recommend Bro. J. P. Jasperson to arrange his affairs to go to Bro. Matteson's assistance as soon as he can consistently leave the important field of Minnesota, and Providence of God shall open the way before him to go.
Resolved, That we approve of Bro. Matteson's action in starting a paper in Christiana, and recommend that he continue to publish it in such manner as advised by the General Conference Committee.
Resolved, That we advise Eld. Matteson to purchase the type and material necessary to the publication of the paper and our smaller tracts.
Resolved, That we gladly recognize the hand of Providence in the openings appearing in Sweden for the spread of the truth, and in the conversion of some who promise to be helps to the cause in the future. And in view of the fact that there is no living preacher laboring there, we recommend Bro. Matteson to take a special interest in the cause in that country, and by correspondence or personal labor render all the assistance he can consistently with his other duties.
Resolved, That we feel the deepest interest in the work in Italy and Egypt, and deeply sympathize with Dr. Ribton in his affliction.
Resolved, That we advise Eld. Andrews, on his return to Europe, to visit England, Egypt, and Italy, and become acquainted with the progress of the work in these countries; and that as soon as the work in Switzerland will admit of his absence, he should also visit Denmark and Norway.
Resolved, That we deem it desirable for Dr. Ribton to labor for a time with Eld. Andrews in Switzerland, if there be no plain duty to remain in Egypt; and that we favor the publication of an Italian paper as soon as practicable.
Whereas, The duty of paying a tithe of our income to the cause of the Lord has been shown by unanswerable arguments from the Scriptures to be binding upon us, and
Whereas, This practice, where it has been adopted, has proved a most gratifying success, resulting in improving the financial condition of our Conferences, therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly request our brethren everywhere to take their stand fully and heartily upon this system, believing that it will not only improve the financial condition of the cause, but bring a great blessing to themselves personally.
Whereas, It appears evident that the labors of Bro. Haskell are very much needed at the present time on the Pacific coast, therefore
Resolved, That he visit immediately California, Oregon, and Nevada, to labor as long as in his judgment it may be necessary.
D. M. Canright, Chairman.
U. Smith, Sec.
(Concluded next week.)
THE CONFERENCE.
By Editor
We delay the paper one day this week, in order to present as much as possible of the doings of this meeting, which was held as per appointment, April 17–21.
Much disappointment was felt by the brethren that the state of Bro. White's health did not admit of his being present, on which account they were deprived of the pleasure of the presence, and the benefit of the labors and counsel, of both himself and Sister W. In other respects the meeting was the most successful and interesting Conference ever held by our people.
A larger number of delegates than ever before responded to the call, and all parts of the field not represented by delegates were represented by letters, as will be seen by the communications referred to in the record of Business Proceedings.
Thirty-nine ministers were in attendance. Among these it was cheering to notice an unusual degree of spiritual life, hope, and courage. And all these were still further increased as the good meeting progressed. A short sermon from fifteen to twenty-five minutes in length was given at the opening of each business meeting. The preaching, especially on Sabbath and Sunday, was full of point, plainness, life, and power.
An interesting Sabbath-school was held at the usual hour Sabbath morning, showing the convenience of the new house of worship for such occasions. The brethren were well pleased. It was similar to the grand Sabbath-school held at our last camp-meeting.
On Sunday four were baptized, and six more on Tuesday, the 22d, among whom was the Bro. De Vos mentioned in the Business Proceedings, and three from a company of fourteen Sabbath-keepers in Philadelphia, of whom we had no knowledge before this meeting, who have come to an understanding of the truth by reading our publications, and searching the word of God for themselves.
Of the dedication of the Tabernacle we speak elsewhere.
The Business Proceedings give a better picture of the Conference than could be given in any general remarks. They were of more than ordinary interest, and much more largely attended by the church in general than heretofore. A careful reading will show the important subjects and the wide field canvassed,—matters intimately connected with the prosperity of the home work, the foreign work, the publishing work, the S. S. work, the T. and M. work, and the spiritual prosperity of our churches.
We would fain pen some word which would arouse all whom it may concern to pay more regard to the doings of the Conference by carrying out the measures recommended. Here are gathered the representative men of the cause, those who see the wants and feel for the prosperity of the work, as clearly and deeply as any can. They bestow anxious thought and importunate prayer upon the subjects under consideration, and conclude that certain steps are necessary to secure prosperity in one direction, and other moves to guard against evils in other directions. Is there no importance to be attached to their action? Should it be passed over lightly? The church can render it effectual, or they can transform it into a dead letter. As a Conference, the members do their duty when their deliberations are sent forth in proper form. It then remains for the church to act. And if the good which might be reached is not attained because the counsel which would secure it is not followed, upon whom will rest the responsibility?
We ask the brethren to look the record over carefully, and not let a single recommendation fall to the ground unheeded. If they will do this, these meetings of the General Conference will give to the cause a mighty impetus to speed it on to prosperity and victory.
CLEANSING THE TEMPLE.
By D. A. Robinson
I NOTICED an article in REVIEW of March 27 on “Cleansing the Temple.”
The question is asked, “Did Christ cleanse the temple twice?” and the remarks following go to show that he did not. I think, however, the criticism is not correct, and that Christ did actually cleanse the temple twice.
1. John records the four passovers which Christ attended.
2. The last passover he speaks of in chap. 12: 1–15.
3. This last one is identical with the account quoted in Matt. 21:12, 13. Compare the two.
4. Passing back over John's testimony we come naturally to the first passover as recorded in his second chapter, verses 13–17.
By a careful consideration of the matter, I think it will become apparent that Christ cleansed the temple twice, once at the commencement and again at the close of his ministry. D. A. ROBINSON.
TO CHURCH ELDERS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Dear Brethren: Whether you have been ordained to the eldership of the church, or simply chosen to lead in the meetings, the spiritual welfare of that company is committed to your oversight. The elder or leader of a church has a large influence in giving tone and spirit to the entire society. You should realize the solemn and holy office which you hold. God will hold you accountable for the sheep under your care.
Let me suggest that you pray much to God for wisdom and grace to fill your place acceptably. Simply to lead the meeting is but a small part of your duty. You should personally visit all the Sabbath-keepers in your section, whether they belong to the church or not. And right here let me say that we find everywhere a large number of Sabbath-keepers who do not attend meeting. They live some miles from the place of meeting, or they have no way to come, or they have lost their interest. Now it may be that they have done wrong in some things, that they have neglected their duty. We are all liable to discouragements and to sin. A precious soul should not be cast off too readily. I am satisfied that a large number of these persons might be saved to the cause of Christ if they were properly visited.
In almost every case where I have visited these persons who do not attend meetings, and particularly those who are regarded as being on the back-ground, the very first thing they say is, “The brethren and sisters do not care for me. Nobody comes to my house; nobody looks after me, and the church is cold and careless of me.” And thus they go on stating their grievances. On inquiry, I find that these persons have not been visited for months by any one, not even by the elder himself. In some cases, not a Sabbath-keeper has been in their house for a year.
Now, my brother, if you are neglecting your duty in this respect, you are sinning against God. You go to the house of God every Sabbath, and you pray for the Spirit of God to come upon you; you pray for the missionary work and for the cause of Christ; then you go home, and there it ends. There are precious souls all around you who already love the truth and believe it, but they have discouragements that you know nothing about.
If you want to be a man of God, and fill your place, one of your first duties is to look up these scattered sheep, and bring them to the fold. Visit them; pray with them; dine with them, and show that you have an interest for them. Let me recommend something further. Get up a load or two of brethren and go around among these discouraged ones. Have a little prayer-meeting with them. If you want to work for Christ in a missionary field, here is just the place to begin.
I therefore request that the elder or leader of each church immediately propose to the members of that church to hold a meeting on one evening with some family that has not attended the meetings regularly, and the next evening with some other one; and if only a few can go, get up one load and go to those disheartened ones. Talk courage and hope and love to them, and you will see the cause of God revive in your church as never before. What a splendid missionary field this is! If they are six or eight miles from the church, go and stay with them all night, or at least spend an evening, and invite in their neighbors and have a little prayer-meeting. Then do missionary work.
Come, my brethren, in the name of our Saviour, let us be men of God, and wake up to the opportunities that lie before us to do something for Christ. How can you give account for these souls in the day of Judgment? Perhaps you have no confidence in them; but cannot sinners repent and reform? But I have found that in a large number of cases the trouble lies with the elder himself. He is so cold and formal that he has no heart in the work. We appeal to you, brethren, to take hold of this matter, and begin now. We shall inquire, when we come to see you, whether you do this or not. May the blessed Jesus let his spirit rest upon you. D. M. Canright.