The Missionary | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 19, 1883

The Missionary.

North Pacific Conference.

SEVENTH ANNUAL SESSION.

PURSUANT to appointment, the Conference assembled on the camp-ground at Beaverton, Oregon, June 21, 1883, at 9 A. M. The meeting was called to order by the President, Eld. C. L. Boyd. After singing a hymn, prayer was offered by Eld. S. N. Haskell.

Delegates from nine churches presented credentials. By vote, Eld. S. N. Haskell and W. C. White were invited to act with the delegates in all the deliberations of the Conference. Minutes of the last annual session were read and approved.

The President being authorized to appoint the usual committees, named the following: On Nominations—O. Dickinson, H. Atkins, J. D. Fleck; on Credentials and Licenses—R. D. Benham, W. L. Raymond, E. W. Barnes; on Resolutions—S. N. Haskell, W. L. Raymond, O. Dickinson; on Auditing—O. Dickinson, R. D. Benham, J. Fleck, Jas. Chitwood, H. Atkins, E. Squires.

After remarks by Eld. Haskell, the meeting adjourned to call of chair.

SECOND MEETING, JUNE 24, 9 A. M.

Prayer was offered by Eld. Colcord. Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. All S. D. Adventists present, in good standing, were invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference.

By vote, the following churches were received into the Conference: East Portland, consisting of 20 members; Renton, 15 members; Linden, 8 members. Adjourned to call of chair.

THIRD MEETING, JUNE 24, 4 P. M.

Prayer by Eld. E. W. Barnes. The Committee on Resolutions then presented the following:—

Resolved, That we hereby express our faith in the Third Angel's Message, that it is the special work for this time, and that we will renewedly consecrate ourselves to God, that he may bless our efforts in the furtherance of the same.

WHEREAS, The providence of God clearly indicates that the time has come when advance steps should be taken in the missionary work, and

WHEREAS, Canvassing for short term subscriptions on trial for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and colportage connected therewith, has proven to be an efficient means of getting the truth before the people, and preparing the way for public effort, and

WHEREAS, Experience goes to show that when individuals first become interested to read the paper, it awakens a desire for other publications; therefore

Resolved, That we encourage a thorough and systematic canvassing and colportage in the towns and villages within the limits of this Conference.

Further Resolved, That we consider it expedient for young men and women who wish to enter the field as laborers, to first secure an experience in canvassing for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES according to the plan which is being adopted, and then to furnish reading matter to the subscribers such as they may demand.

Further Resolved, As "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation" is a clear and concise exposition of those prophecies which have an important bearing on our work, we recommend that it be introduced to those who have become interested to read the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God that there has been a school established on the Pacific Coast, where education is being given to those who wish to enter the ministry, and a practical experience connected therewith; and that we recommend that those who are able to do so, avail themselves of the advantages thus offered.

Resolved, That we consider it for the interests of the cause that there be more of general consultation in regard to our labor, and that it is the sense of this Conference that there should be an annual meeting where the representative men of the three Conferences on the Pacific Coast can meet for general deliberation and consultation.

WHEREAS, Large fields are opening before us which, if occupied, must have a great increase of means to carry the work forward, and

WHEREAS, A number of children among us are moved by the Spirit of God to come forward into the church; and as childhood is the forming period of the human mind and character; therefore

Resolved, That it is our duty to encourage children to help on this cause by giving such little sums as they can earn; that to this end parents ought to throw into the way of their children opportunities of getting money which they can call their own, and by giving which they will develop habits of benevolence such as will bring them into full sympathy with the blessed work, and fit them in after life to lay all upon the altar for the salvation of men.

These resolutions were spoken to by different members of the Conference; the second particularly, called forth remarks from a number of the brethren, several testifying to their interest in the plans advanced for missionary labor, and their desire to co-operate in them.

The Committee on Nominations reported, recommending the following officers for the ensuing year: For President, C. L. Boyd; Secretary, J. C. Hall; Treasurer, O. Dickinson; Executive Committee, C. L. Boyd, W. L. Raymond, T. Starbuck. The officers named were elected with the exception of Bro. Hall, whose name was withdrawn at his own request. That part of the report which concerns the Secretary was referred back to the committee for further deliberations.

The Committee on Credentials and Licenses recommended that credentials be granted to Elders C. L. Boyd, W. L. Raymond, and E. W. Barnes, and that colporteur's license be given to Mrs. C. L. Boyd. These were granted, and the committee was retained. Meeting adjourned to call of chair.

FOURTH MEETING, JUNE 25, 3 P. M.

Prayer by Eld. Colcord. The following resolution was then adopted:—

WHEREAS, The daily, prayerful study of the word of God is essential to a growth in grace and a knowledge of present duty; and the Scriptures teach that we should be ready always to give the reason of our hope with meekness and fear, and

WHEREAS, There is a manifest lack of the spirit of study among us, and we are not as familiar with the teachings of the Word as we should be; therefore

Resolved, That we believe it our duty to revive our interest in daily study, to encourage one another in the same, and to assist the youth and children to understand and appreciate the Sabbath-school lessons and other portions of the Scriptures.

Upon the further report of the Committee on Nominations, Bro. J. E. Graham was elected as Conference Secretary for the coming year.

The Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented an additional report, recommending that the matter of licensing colporteurs be referred to the Executive Committee. This report was adopted; those who go out as colporteurs were assured of sympathy and financial support, and three hundred dollars was pledged to aid in this cause.

A vote of thanks was extended to the O. & C. R. R. Company, East and West Side Division, for their courtesy toward those attending this camp-meeting. Adjourned sine die.

EDITH DONALDSON, Sec. C. L. BOYD, Pres.