General Conference by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 46.

General Conference.

By Editor

THE report of the General Conference is all at hand, and we give below the principal resolutions that were passed, which embody the actions of the Conference. The decisions in regard to the change of laborers from one field to another were given last week:—

Resolved, That, in view of the difference of opinion existing in regard to ministers paying tithes, we express it as the sense of this Conference that it is the duty of ministers in this respect, as in all others, to be ensamples to the flock; that they should pay tithes, and urge upon all others to do the same.

Resolved, That in view of the perils of the last days upon which we are entering, we deem it to be the duty of all believers to keep themselves free from all worldly entanglements; and as such we would especially designate all secret organizations.

Resolved, That we approve of the action of the California Conference in opening a mission in the Sandwich Islands; and we view with gratification the indication that in other places, also, our brethren are partaking largely of the missionary spirit.

Resolved, That, in our judgment, steps should be immediately taken to open a mission in Australia.

WHEREAS, The Third Angel's Message has been committed to us to give to the world, and we now have but three laborers in Great Britain, where there are forty millions of English speaking people; therefore,

Resolved, That, in consideration of the magnitude of the work to be done in Great Britain, it is our duty to send two more able ministers to engage in the work in that mission.

Resolved, That the urgent need of the publishing interests in Switzerland and Norway demands that special efforts be made to raise funds for their relief. And we urge upon the Presidents of the Conferences the duty of raising money on the pledges made in their respective fields, knowing that the cause must suffer in respect to their publishing work unless the buildings in Bâle and Christiana are soon erected.

Resolved, That we hail with great pleasure the publication of Vol. IV of "The Great Controversy;" that, while we anxiously looked for it, expecting that it would give important information concerning the closing scenes of this world's history, we can freely say that it more than meets our most sanguine expectations; and that we earnestly urge all our people to read it carefully and prayerfully, and to use all proper means to place it before the world.

Resolved, That we regard the pamphlet entitled "Honor Due to God," as one giving much light upon the Bible teaching on the subject of tithes and offerings, and that we recommend its careful study by all.

Resolved, That this Conference recognize the duty of individuals in changing their place of residence; to transfer their membership, and to pay their tithes to the churches with which they thus unite.

In addition, the Constitution of the General Conference was revised, a copy of which, as revised, appears in the "Year Book," and steps were taken to legally incorporate, so that property might be held in this and foreign countries. The officers of the Conference for the coming year are as follows: President, Elder Geo. I. Butler; Secretary, Elder U. Smith; Executive Committee, Elders G. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, J. Fargo, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen.

Elder Uriah Smith was elected Editor of the Review, and Elders J. H. Waggoner and G. I. Butler corresponding editors.