GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS.
THE General Conference has now (Thursday evening, November 17) been five days in session, and the interest has been steadily increasing. There have been six meetings of the Conference, one of the International Sabbath-school Association, one of the Health and Temperance Association, one of the Health Reform Institute Association, and one of the Educational Society. An outline of the work transacted and the measures proposed is here given. After the organization of the Conference, the Norway Conference made request through Elder O. A. Olsen to be received into the General Conference. There are four churches in Norway, containing 205 members in all, with forty Sabbath-keepers who are not yet connected with any church. Elder Olsen gave an interesting account of the work in Norway. On recommendation of Elder Underwood, the West Virginia Conference, with 5 churches and upwards of 150 members, was received into the Conference. The President then made an extended address, outlining the progress of the work during the past year, and suggesting matters for action at this session of the Conference. He stated that the paper in the Dutch language was started in February, in accordance with the vote taken at the last session of the Conference, and has met with remarkable success, having already upwards of 2,600 paying subscribers. Calls for reading matter are coming in from the Dutch in various parts of the world. Following the address, the President named the standing committees as follows:— Nominations—J. Fargo, J. B. Goodrich, J. Fulton.
Resolutions—U. Smith, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen.
Auditing—A. R. Henry, D. T. Jones, H. W. Decker, J. H. Morrison, H. W. Miller, J. W. Raymond.
Credentials and Licenses—R. A. Underwood, R. M. Kilgore, S. H. Lane.
Religious Services—J. N. Loughborough, L. McCoy, William Ostrander. On motion of Elder Underwood, it was voted that a committee of nine be appointed to consider the week of prayer and holiday gifts, the president to be chairman of the committee. The committee was named as follows: G. I. Butler, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, R. A. Underwood, C. H. Jones, W. C. Sisley, J. H. Cook, J. O. Corliss, A. J. Cudney. It was voted that a committee of five be appointed by the chair, to act with the members of the General Conference Committee, as a committee on distribution of labor. The following persons were appointed: G. C. Tenney, E. S. Griggs, J. M. Rees, A. D. Olsen, Samuel Fulton. Meeting then adjourned to the call of the chair. At 2:30 P. M. the Conference assembled at the call of the chair. Prayer by Elder R. M. Kilgore. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read, and after some minor corrections, were accepted. The president then named the following persons as members of a committee to consider the training of canvassers and Bible-workers: G. I. Butler, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, R. A. Underwood, A. T. Robinson, Clement Eldridge, F. E. Belden, H. W. Miller, H. P. Holser. On behalf of the California delegation, Elder A. T. Jones introduced to the Conference the following preamble and resolution, which was passed by the California Conference at its late session:— WHEREAS, We believe that the Third Angel's Message must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; and, WHEREAS, The islands of the Pacific, as well as other parts, demand attention from our people; and, WHEREAS, It is difficult to reach them at all by present means of transportation, therefore, Resolved, That the brethren of this Conference favor the purchase of a missionary ship adapted to the wants of the work among these islands, and that we request the General Conference to take the matter under consideration at its coming session. He then read the following resolution, and moved that it be referred to a committee of five, who should consider it and make recommendation to the Conference:— An Act to Provide for the More Efficient Transportation of Missionaries to the Islands of the Pacific Ocean— WHEREAS, The professed faith of Seventh-day Adventists requires them to carry the message of truth for this generation to all kindreds, tongues, and people; and as the islands of the Pacific Ocean are peopled with many thousands who have never heard the tidings of the soon-coming King; and there are no regular means of transportation whereby missionaries may be sent to these islands; and, WHEREAS, It is thought by many that the time has fully come in the history of this work when these islanders should receive that consideration which shall result in an organized effort to carry them the truth for these days; and believing that our people everywhere stand ready to give substantial assistance to every legitimate project for the spread of truth; therefore, 1. It is recommended by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists assembled, that a vessel of suitable size and construction for missionary purposes be purchased, or built, and equipped for missionary work among the islands of the Pacific Ocean. 2. That the cost of building and equipping said vessel for a two years' cruise shall not exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). 3. That such a vessel be made ready for service early in the year 1888. 4. That the duly elected officers of this body for the coming year constitute a committee who shall be empowered to put in execution the provisions of this bill, and also to appoint other persons, as their judgment may dictate, to act with them in carrying out the project. The motion was carried, and C. H. Jones suggested that as Elder Corliss had given the matter considerable thought, and was well acquainted with the situation, he be asked to address the meeting at length upon the subject. This suggestion was favorably received, and Brother Corliss was requested to occupy the time, when Brother C. Eldridge stated that it is an important matter, and one in which all the people are interested, and suggested that he be asked to speak on it Monday evening, provided it would not interfere with the plans of the Committee on Religious Exercises. This suggestion was carried out, and on Monday evening Elder Corliss spoke to a large congregation, concerning the Pacific islands as a missionary field. At 9 o'clock A. M. the first meeting of the tenth annual session of the International Sabbath-school Association was held, President C. H. Jones in the chair. The president gave the following interesting statistics of the work of the association:— The first session of this association was held in Battle Creek, Mich., October 11, 1878, Elder S. N. Haskell being president. The number of schools at that time was 177. The number of schools June 30, 1887, was 977, being a gain of 800 schools in less than nine years. The Sabbath-school contributions for 1878 were $25; the contributions for the year ending June 30, 1887, were $13,440.61. The number of schools that reported for the quarter ending June 30, 1887, was 915, leaving 62 unreported. The total membership of the schools reported was 25,294, and the average attendance for the quarter was 17,978, a little over 71 per cent. of the membership. The number of Instructors taken by the schools reported is 11,330. The amount of contributions received during the quarter ending September 30, 1886, was $2,322.22; the amount for the quarter ending December 31, 1886, was $2,830.61; for the quarter ending March 31, 1887, it was $3,710.53; and for the quarter ending June 30, 1887, it was $4,577.25. Thus there has been a steady increase in this respect. The total contributions for the year ending June 30, 1887, were $13,440.61. The total amount donated to the African Mission for the first six months of the present year was $4,798.16. This does not include the large donations taken up at the camp-meetings. The following standing committees were appointed by the chair:—
Nominations—R. A. Underwood, M. H. Brown, A. T. Jones.
Resolutions—E. J. Waggoner, G. C. Tenney, H. P. Holser.
Lessons—W. C. White, E. W. Farnsworth, A. T. Robinson.
Auditing—A. R. Henry, W. C. Sisley, C. Eldridge. Reports from the various fields were then called for. Elder W. C. White spoke for Central Europe, J. O. Corliss for Australia, S. H. Lane for England, G. C. Tenney for Minnesota, L. E. Chadwick for Pennsylvania, A. T. Robinson for New England, M. H. Brown for New York, A. J. Cudney for Nebraska, W. C. Sisley for Michigan, A. J. Breed for Wisconsin, R. A. Underwood for Ohio, J. B. Goodrich for Maine, J. D. Pegg for Colorado, H. W. Decker for Upper Columbia, J. N. Loughborough for California; and all gave encouraging reports of the work of the Sabbath-schools in these places. The third meeting of the General Conference was held at 3 o'clock. Additional delegates were received from Indiana, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, and California. The following report of the Committee on the Week of Prayer was then presented by J. O. Corliss, the secretary of the committee:— Your committee recommend that this Conference indorse the action of its Executive Committee in appointing a week of prayer to be held December 17-25, and offer the following suggestions:— First, That an address be sent to the officers of the churches, Sabbath-schools, and Missionary Societies, setting forth the importance of the week of prayer, and urging them to work for a large attendance at the meeting appointed on fast-day, when they will also have plans to unfold before the brethren, that will secure the co-operation of all the members, so that the following meetings of the week may be a success, and that the Christmas offerings may be liberal. In order to accomplish this, we recommend that the address mentioned shall urge that a special meeting of the officers of the church, Sabbath-school, and Missionary Society be held on Sabbath, December 10, in which they may pray together and consult as to the best method of procedure. Second, We also recommend that a circular letter be published in the Advent Review, and be read in the churches on December 10, setting forth the objects and importance of the week of prayer. Third, We further recommend that articles on the following subjects be prepared to be read in the churches during the week of prayer:— - Reading for fast-day, Sabbath, December 17, setting forth the importance of devoting the week of prayer to the special work of seeking God.
- Sunday, December 18. The steps by which we place ourselves in a condition where God can accept us.
- Monday, December 19. The blessing of God brought to us through faith. The value of such an experience.
- Tuesday, December 20. The object of God's blessing and how it can be retained.
- Wednesday, December 21. Missionary work in the home, church, and neighborhood—Mrs. E. G. White.
- Thursday, December 22. Foreign Mission work, Great Britain, Scandinavia—Elders Olsen and Lane.
- Friday, December 23. Foreign Mission work, Central Europe, Russia, etc.—Elder W. C. White.
- Sabbath, December 24. The obligation, privilege, and blessing of giving, and also setting forth the branches of the work most in need.
Fourth, We still further recommend that the delegates of this Conference do all in their power to enlist the interest, and secure the co-operation of the ministers, in their several fields of labor, to help forward this work. Moved by S. H. Lane to adopt the resolution by considering each item separately. Carried. At 9 o'clock A. M. a meeting of the American Health and Temperance Association was held, the president, Dr. J. H. Kellogg, in the chair. Reports were called for from various parts of the field. Elder711S. H. Lane reported for England, and gave a most interesting account of the temperance cause there. He said that in order to break down the influences of the public houses, the temperance people have started vegetarian restaurants, which had sprung at once into popular favor. In these lemonade is the strongest drink that can be had, and no meat at all. The Good Health has been placed in these restaurants, and has met with the greatest favor. Health literature has been sold in large quantities, and the influence of our health publications is most favorable in opening the way for the reception of the other parts of present truth. Elder O. A. Olsen reported the same influence being exerted by the health literature in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. There are seventeen colporters in Sweden, who are so successful as to be able to support themselves on the commission which they receive from the sale of health publications alone, and the commissions are not so large as in America. One young man, not of our faith, read the Swedish health journal and liked it so well that he subscribed for 400 copies to circulate among the public schools in that country. Sister E. G. White, who had just arrived from St. Helena, then spoke for a few minutes on the importance of improving every opportunity to set ourselves before the people as a temperance people. The temperance work must go with the Bible doctrine. As our first parents lost Eden through indulgence of appetites, a way has been opened by the sacrifice of Christ whereby we may gain it by denial of appetite. Our people do not take the extensive view of this work that they ought to. She then drew a parallel between Paul's time and ours. He would labor for a long time, drawing arguments from the types and shadows, showing an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, and would thus gain the favor of the people. Then he would teach them that this Christ prefigured by the types had already come. So we should begin to work with the people from a standpoint where we can gain the favor of the people. How shall we leaven the world, unless we have something with which to lift them up? We must labor unselfishly for humanity. Conference assembled at 3 o'clock. Reports from foreign fields were called for. Elder W. C. White spoke for Central Europe, and said that the workers were all of good courage, and the work prospering. Germany is really a more promising field than England. Elder O. A. Olsen spoke for the Scandinavian work. The Denmark Conference has 9 churches with 230 members. The Swedish Conference has 10 churches and 288 members, besides 97 Sabbath-keepers who are not joined to any organization, making 385 in all in that country. Elder Matteson held a four months' mission school in Stockholm, Sweden, and although the material upon which he had to work was most unpromising, some of the young people being ignorant to the very extreme, the result was excellent. They soon began to take subscribers for health journals, besides selling books. In nine months they took 2,335 subscribers for the Danish-Norwegian health journal, and received $3,500 on subscriptions and book sales. There are some difficulties, but none which cannot be overcome by the grace of God. Elder Lane said that there had never been a time when he was discouraged over the work in England. In one city he began meetings, speaking to eight people, but the congregation soon increased so much that another place had to be secured. There are four churches in England, and their donations and tithes have reached $625. Erelong a church will be organized in London. A room for a book depository has been secured in Paternoster Row, and the foundation is being laid for an extensive work in that city. Elder Corliss spoke of the work in Australia. There are now 3 churches there and 150 members. The church at Melbourne numbers 90, and the one at Ballarat about 50. There is a church in Adelaide, and a few Sabbath-keepers in Sydney, and some in other places. Between 300 and 400 people have embraced the truth in Australia, but some have given it up. It is impossible for a man to get work after he begins to keep the Sabbath, and so some of them, after holding on for a while, give up. It costs very much to carry on tent work there. Lumber comes from California and Oregon, and lumber suitable for seating costs $100 per thousand. To avoid expense, chairs were bought. It cost $200 to seat a fifty-foot tent, but the advantage is that chairs can be shipped at moderate cost. W. C. White, A. R. Henry, and C. H. Jones were appointed a Committee on Year Book. W. C. White then requested to be released from the Committee on Resolutions. His request was granted, and the president appointed E. J. Waggoner in his stead. At 9 A. M. the annual meeting of the Sanitarium Association was held. Dr. Kellogg gave an interesting sketch of the growth of the institution from its organization in 1866 until the present. The net profits last year were $40,000, and this year nearly as much. The net worth of the institution is now over $200,000, and the amount of charity work done is more than twice as much as the amount of the original capital. Sister White followed with remarks touching the necessity of broader plans for judicious charity work. She also spoke of the Rural Health Retreat, as did also Elder Loughborough. There is now represented in the Health Retreat an investment of $60,000. Conference assembled at 3 o'clock. Elder S. Fulton spoke of the work in Florida. The cities and towns are largely inhabited by Northern people. Some people from New York City who were visiting in Florida attended the meetings and began keeping the Sabbath. One of the ladies told him that she never would have attended the meetings if the tent had been pitched in New York City, and would never have heard and accepted the truth if it had had to find her in that city. The president stated that Brother C. W. Olds, of Wisconsin, who went South to canvass, had sold $1,500 worth of books in Birmingham and vicinity, in Alabama. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
WHEREAS, There has been during the past year steady and tangible progress in all departments of our work, notwithstanding increased obstacles thrown in its way, and more active opposition than heretofore, on the part of those who desire to hinder its progress; therefore, 1. Resolved, That we recognize in this prosperity an evident token of God's willingness to respond to the prayers and efforts of his people, and a prophecy that his counsel will guide and his hand defend and sustain this his work in the future; and, WHEREAS, The increasing demands for our publications have rendered it necessary that both the Central and Pacific Publishing Associations should increase their facilities by enlarging the offices of publication at Battle Creek and Oakland, to nearly double their former capacity, 2. Resolved, That we commend the prompt action of the managers of both these Associations in making their provision to meet the demand for our books and periodicals; and we regard this great increase in the circulation of our literature as a cheering evidence that this message is soon to arrest the attention of this generation. 3. Resolved, That we hail with pleasure the addition to our other periodicals, of a paper in the Holland language, and we are peculiarly grateful to God for the success which has so far attended its publication, and for the marked progress of his work among that people. WHEREAS, The great religio-political crisis, in which will be involved the last conflict between truth and error, is even now overshadowing our land; and, WHEREAS, In these troublous times the Lord by the prophet (Dan. 12:1) has assured protection to those only whose names are written in the book of life, and whose robes are washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb; and, WHEREAS, The success of the cause of truth depends not upon human efforts, but solely upon the power of God, which power can be secured only by bringing ourselves into such harmony with his will that we may become partakers of the divine nature, therefore, 4. Resolved, That we will, by the help of God, strive as never before to heed the injunction of the Scriptures, "Be ye holy, for I am holy," and so separate ourselves from all sin and impurity of heart and life, that the divine counsel may guide, and the divine power attend, all our efforts. WHEREAS, The General Conference Association is a legally incorporated organization, capable of holding property and transacting business in any part of the world, and is therefore the proper body to look after the financial interest of our missions and other pioneer enterprises; and, WHEREAS, This association, in order to do the important work it is designed to accomplish, must have funds; therefore, 5. Resolved, That we recommend to those who have means to donate for the general advancement of the cause, or money which they can loan temporarily without interest, to deposit such means with this association, rather than with any institution which is more local in its operations. WHEREAS, The opening of missions in foreign lands involves much expense, and is attended with many difficulties, therefore, 6. Resolved, That we hail with much gratitude the progress of the work in the different countries of Europe, as seen in the organization of four Conferences, the establishment of three offices of publication, and the large interest that has been awakened all over Europe. 7. Resolved, That we approve of the efforts made in England, Central Europe and Scandinavia, in holding mission schools for the purpose of educating canvassers and colporters; and we hereby express our gratitude at the success of the canvassing work in those countries as a potent means of bringing the truth before the masses. 8. Resolved, That we approve of the removal of the office of publication in England from Great Grimsby to London, and the opening of a depot for our publications in Paternoster Row; and we bid the mission workers there Godspeed in their efforts to establish the cause on a firm basis in the very heart of the English-speaking world. 9. Resolved, That a standing committee of five be appointed by the Chairman, to confer with other committees which should be appointed in the various Conferences, in reference to the defense of those who may suffer persecution under oppressive Sunday laws, and also to direct in efforts that may be needed in various States to oppose the passage of such Sunday laws. These resolutions were all carefully considered, and with the exception of resolutions four and nine, were adopted. The two resolutions excepted were referred to a special committee of nine, who should consider the whole subject broached by them, and should frame a resolution defining our relation to the work of National Reform and to Sunday laws. The committee were also to plan for a daily class for instruction in National Reform principles and how to oppose them. U. Smith, A. T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, L. McCoy, D. T. Jones, J. M. Rees, J. N. Loughborough, E. W. Farnsworth, and A. R. Henry were named as said committee. Later items of interest will be found on the last page.