Conference Proceedings
By Uriah Smith
Not many from without were present on Sunday forenoon, but the storm abating, some one thousand or twelve hundred were present in the afternoon, who listened with the deepest attention to a discourse from sister White, which was well deserving of the consideration they gave it. Monday, nature seemed vieing with herself to produce one of her loveliest days, as if to make amends somewhat for the previous "unpleasantness." The work of various committees and officers of the Conference, and business matters generally, with the preaching of the word, filled up the day. Three discourses were given at the usual hours. And as the first part of the meeting had been in a measure interrupted by the rain, it was voted to continue it one day longer, till Wednesday morning. Tuesday, at 9 A. M., Bro. White spoke on the subject of baptism. At 11, after a short discourse from sister White, backsliders and sinners again came forward for prayers, and the meeting reached a degree of interest, to which the brethren thanked God for having brought it. In the afternoon Brn. Wm. B. Hill, George M. Dimmick, and L. H. Ells, were set apart for the work of the ministry. The congregation then repaired to a stream about a mile distant, and eighteen were buried in baptism. In the evening, interesting remarks were made by Bro. and sister A. C. Spicer, S. D. Baptists. Bro. S. fully committed himself to the views and work of S. D. Adventists; and at the parting meeting the following morning, the congregation by a rising vote, responded to his remarks, receiving him as a member of the body. Credentials will be issued to him by the Minnesota Conference Committee. Three new churches have been added to the Conference, and three other bodies are ready to join, when more fully organized. The membership has been increased some two hundred during the past year. Including the three ministers ordained at this meeting, they have seven ordained ministers, and eight licentiates, one minister and two licentiates being Swedes. Through the counsel of Bro. White, and the liberal proposition he made to the Minn. T. and M. Society, touching their relation to the Publishing Association, they were greatly relieved from financial embarrassment, and much encouraged. This meeting we believe will tell greatly for the advancement of the cause in Minnesota. All seemed exceedingly pleased with it, many regarding it as the best they ever enjoyed. For ourself, in addition to the general excellent character of the meeting, we acknowledge with gratitude the privilege of meeting many noble friends of the cause whom we never saw before. The memory of the happy acquaintance we have formed with them, will be a lasting pleasure. U. S.