REPORT OF CONFERENCE AT ASHLAND, MINN.
By F. W. Morse
THIS meeting was one of deep interest, considerable trial, and yet of much benefit. The cause was perhaps more decidedly advanced at this conference than at any which has ever been held in the State. Of the laborers there were present, Bro. J. N. Andrews, W. Morse, and Jno. Bostwick. One very excellent feature of the meeting seems to have been that it secured concert and unity of action among the laborers, and also that it inspired the brethren generally with new zeal in the plan of systematized and intelligent direction of their efforts to advance God's truth. The brethren not assembling until sixth-day, all business matters were deferred until after the Sabbath. Sabbath eve found a good representation of Sabbath-keepers assembled at the school-house near Bro. Sanford's. A short and appropriate discourse by Bro. Andrews, cheering and pointed remarks by several present, made up the interesting services of the evening. The exercises upon the Sabbath were timely and interesting, a portion of the time being occupied with discourses, and a portion with social exercises. We were much cheered by the encouraging testimonies of our brethren who have lately embraced the truth. In the evening after the Sabbath the conference entered into the consideration of business matters connected with the tent operations, and the wants of the cause throughout the State. An adjourned session was held first-day forenoon. In the afternoon Bro. Andrews addressed a large and attentive audience for two hours, with freedom. Many of them were citizens from the surrounding settlements. There seems to be a good field for labor in this region. In the evening the brethren assembled at the residence of Bro. Sanford to witness the ordination of Bro. Jno. Bostwick. It was a very interesting season. The Lord's blessing was indeed present. On second-day morning Bro. Andrews left for his home, Bro. Bostwick to join Bro. Allen at Cleveland, the brethren for their places of residence, all much pleased with the termination of the meeting. Brn. Allen, Bostwick, and Morse, will very soon pass through the State and establish order in the churches. Bro. Calvin Kelsey was appointed to the chair. The first business was the examination of the finances, when it appeared that nearly $140 had been pledged for tent purposes, one-half of which had been paid. What cash remained in the hands of the tent committee (being about $80) was appropriated to Bro. Andrews, and by vote $30 of the unpaid pledges; which vote was afterwards re-considered, and by the earnest request of Bro. Andrews, the sum appropriated toward the payment of the note for Bro. Bostwick's horse. The remaining portion of the unpaid pledges, being about $40, was appropriated to Bro. Allen, to be paid to him when received, which we hope will be soon. It was also found that about $100 had been pledged, and paid in part, for Bro. Bostwick's horse and buggy, and about the same amount for a home for W. M. Allen, making total pledges upwards of $300. The unpaid portion of this sum brethren will bring forward as soon as they can draw away wheat and procure money. Donations have been made to the cause in the State from several sources; $33,05 from the Wawkon, Iowa, church; $80 in books, and $23 in cash from the missionary fund, by the hand of Bro. White. For these liberalities a vote of sincere thanks was taken by the conference. It being decided that with some repairing the tent will be suitable for another season, therefore Voted, That we send out and support the tent the next season; that we earnestly solicit the labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews the coming winter, and with the tent the next tent season; that Brn. W. Morse, Wm. Merry, and — Stowel continue to act as tent committee. It was also moved and unanimously carried that we adopt organization, and gospel order in our churches, by subscribing our names to a church covenant, choosing church officers, &c.; that we take the name, Seventh-day Adventists; that we enter, collectively, and severally, upon the plan of systematic benevolence; that we desire Bro. and sister White to visit us this fall, and hold ourselves ready to redeem our pledges made last spring for paying their expenses to this State. Voted, That the Secretary report this meeting through the Review; that this conference hold an adjourned meeting on the first Sabbath and first-day of February next, at Oronoco, Olmstead Co., Minn., for the purpose of raising funds for the support of the tent, and transacting other necessary business. Adjourned to the above-named date and place. C. KELSEY, Chairman.
F. W. MORSE, Secretary.