p. 173 | Rochester Conference

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jul 4, 1854

Rochester Conference.

By John Nevins Andrews; Uriah Smith

THIS meeting was held as appointed, the 23d—26th ult. A good number of brethren from different parts were present; and zeal and courage in the cause of truth was manifested by all. Sixth-day afternoon and evening was occupied in social meetings. The reports brought in from various portions of the field were interesting and encouraging. Especially cheering was the account of the prosperity of the cause in the West; of the power and spread of the message; of the interest manifested by the people to hear the evidences of our faith, and the openings in all directions, which are calling urgently for more laborers to go forth into the field, and labor for the spread of truth. The same is the case in Northern Pennsylvania. Discourses on subjects of present truth were delivered on Sabbath and First-day, by several of the brethren. The word was spoken with freedom.

On Second-day, several matters of business came before the meeting. The subject of the ADVENT REVIEW was taken into consideration. The disadvantages of the course pursued at present in its publication, were brought up; namely, the large number who now receive it without aiding in its publication, and the consequent burden which falls on the liberal friends of the cause who make up its wants by donations. It was therefore proposed that the REVIEW be put at one dollar a year in advance, and that all except the worthy poor, pay that sum. It was thought that at this reduced price, the subscription list might be immediately enlarged and the wants of the paper thereby made up, and thus the burden which now falls on a few devoted friends of truth be materially lessened. After due consideration on this subject, it was the unanimous voice of the conference that this course be pursued in future.

According to the wishes of Brn. Bates and Baker, also that the Publishing Committee might be near the Office, their names were dropped from that Committee, and others appointed in their stead.

The wants of the cause in Western and Central New York next claimed the attention of the Meeting. The various causes which have hindered its progress throughout this portion of the field were freely considered, and we trust some of them removed. It was thought that a change of laborers would be beneficial; and that preachers from abroad be invited to labor for the present in this section.

The case of Ira Wyman came before the conference for consideration. Such has been the baneful effect of his past course the particulars of which were familiar to many members of the conference, that it was deemed necessary that some action should be taken in relation thereto. He has been labored with, advised and admonished; has been requested to meet with the brethren to consider his case, and take measures to make amends for the influence which he has been exerting, and failed to comply with the request; has often made confessions, and as often destroyed them by subsequently pursuing the same course; therefore, it was the unanimous voice of the conference that we can no longer fellowship him as a minister of the gospel.

Great harmony and peace pervaded the entire Meeting. The brethren were unanimous in all their proceedings, and separated, strong in confidence that God will work for his people and prosper his cause.

Being designated by the conference to make a statement of their proceedings, we have given the above. J. N. ANDREWS. URIAH SMITH.