p. 132 | BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 24, 1879

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

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 been

made 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.)