BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1857

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

of the Battle Creek Conference.

THE Conference called its Business Meeting on First-day morning, the 12th inst. Eld. Joseph Bates was chosen to the chair, who opened the meeting with prayer. Delegates from N. Y., Ohio, and Ills., and a good representation from the churches in Mich., were present.

The points to come before the Conference for consideration were not numerous. The subject of furnishing the REVIEW Office with a power press, in order to meet the demands for publications was first taken into consideration. The matter was set before the Conference, very much as has already appeared in the REVIEW, whereupon it was unanimously

Resolved, That such a Press be obtained for the REVIEW Office.

Opportunity being then offered for those present who might be so disposed to present their pledges for this object, the following brethren came forward, pledging one hundred dollars each toward procuring the press: Jas. Stiles, St. Johns, Mich., E. Aldrich, (by delegate) Addison, Mich., Geo. Leighton, Otsego, Mich., Geo. T. Lay, Monterey, Mich., E. Wilbur, Hillsdale, Mich., S. Rumery, Monterey, Mich., Church in Jackson, Ohio (by delegates.)

It was then further

Resolved, That all business pertaining to the purchasing the press, &c., be confided to the hands of the Publishing Committee.

Tent Operations came next before the Conference for consideration. Many remarks were made by various brethren concerning the numerous fields now opening before us in all directions which promise to faithful labor a rich harvest of honest souls to the truth. The prayers of the church are requested for the various Tent Enterprises, and for an increase of laborers in the vineyard. Bro. White spoke at length upon the important station a messenger occupies, and how much care and caution should be used in entering new fields, so as not by injudicious moves to close the ears of the people, and imbitter their feelings against us; not to add to the amount of prejudice in many places existing against any thing that wears the aspect of adventism, but to endeavor to remove it, that the people may listen, unbiassed, to the truth; not above all things to use the plain arguments by which the truth is supported, as clubs to browbeat and triumph over an opponent, but to possess a spirit of christianity and meekness, and speak accordingly; to win, instead of endeavoring to drive people to the truth. "He that winneth souls is wise."

Resolved, That all business connected with Tent Operations in Mich., for which there are now pledged $242.25, to be entirely left with the Mich. Tent Committee, which is composed of the following brethren: C. Smith, J. P. Kellogg, and J. R. Lewis, of Battle Creek, D. R. Palmer of Jackson, and C. S. Glover of Saline.

The third subject presented to the Conference for action was the Sabbath Tract for the Germans: concerning which it was

Resolved, That the committee chosen at the conference of 1856 to prepare it, move forward with its publication, and that it be issued under the patronage of the general Book Fund.

The subject of a meeting house in Battle Creek, sufficiently large to accommodate such conferences as it will probably be necessary to convene from time to time at this place, was next considered. The necessity for this was very sensibly felt by most of those present. It was therefore

Resolved, That a house that will conveniently seat about three or four hundred people, is much needed in this place and should be erected as soon as possible.

Resolved, That the doings of the Conference be published in the ADVENT REVIEW.

The utmost harmony prevailed through the entire meeting, no movement which was thought best for the good of the cause and the advancement of the truth, meeting with a dissenting voice. The business was promptly dispatched so that all was finished evening after Firstday, when with the singing of the 225th hymn and prayer by Bro. Bates, the meeting adjourned sine die.

JOSEPH BATES, Chairman. URIAH SMITH, Secretary.