Earlier text: THE WORD OF THE LORD“FATHERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.”
By Editor
THIS is the title of a book of about 400 pages, by Elder E. J. Waggoner, editor of the Signs of the Times, published by the Pacific Press, Oakland, California. We do not hesitate to say that this is one of the most valuable books ever issued by that enterprising publishing house. Indeed, considering how blindly people have been led to reverence the opinions of the so-called Fathers of the second and third centuries, we know of no book more timely and valuable than this. The first three chapters are full of information on subjects underlying the whole investigation, namely, the Heathen World, Heathen Philosophy, and the Apostolic Church. Here we have a fair comparison of the simplicity and consistency of the truth as taught by the apostles, and the inconsistent, contradictory, and immoral teachings of the philosophers, at the head of whom stands Plato, who is to this day so highly reverenced even in the Protestant churches. Then follow the Fathers,—the impostor Barnabas, Hermas and Clement, Ignatius, the recently found “Teachings of the Apostles,” Irenæus, Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Origen. The character of each of these Fathers, their teachings and influence on the church, are thoroughly examined, the positions of the writer being fortified by copious quotations from the best authorities. Chapters 14 to 18 take up the Great Apostasy in its various stages and phases. The chapter on sun-worship is of special interest. It contains an Appendix, treating of the Sabbath, and of the first day of the week, with several pages of brief biographical notes of the principal authors quoted. Also a full index of subjects, of authors quoted, and of Scripture texts. The book shows extensive research, and the author presents his subjects in a clear and forcible manner. It is completely reliable; nothing is taken on credit, but direct proofs given at every step. This work ought to be translated in every tongue, and used in all our missions. How beautiful the inspired word of God appears in contrast with the follies and contradictions of the so-called Fathers! We can but believe that if Protestants generally knew the true nature and tendency of their teachings, they would not so tenaciously cling to their sayings as they have done. The book will be sent by the publishers, post-paid, at the moderate price of $1.00. Address, Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, Cal., or 43 Bond Street, New York.—Editor Les Signes des Temps, Basel, Switzerland. The Sabbath-School.
By J. W. Scoles
Notes on the International Lesson.
GOD did not manifest his power in connection with the ark, when the Israelites carried it out to aid them in their battles with the Philistines, because they were presumptuously sinning against him. As soon, however, as the ark was taken by the Philistines, his power was manifested against them in a marked degree. The ark, as we have already seen, contained the law of God, the ten commandments. This law was, and still is, the reflex of his divine will. It represents the character and perfection of the almighty God. Not one jot or tittle has ever been abrogated or set aside, and never will be. Each commandment of the decalogue is as immutable and unchangeable as when God, with his own finger, wrote it on the tables of stone and presented it to his people. This being the case, the ark might be said to be, in one sense of the word, a type of God’s presence. And the fact that the image of Dagon, a false god, and representing a false system of religion, fell before the ark and was destroyed, shows that the God whose law was contained in that ark was the true God alone. It is always safe to walk in conformity with his will, but death and destruction surely come as the result of disobedience. GOD does not accompany us when we walk in forbidden paths. It is a sad enough thing to ignorantly walk in the ways of evil; but to willfully continue to practice iniquity after we have seen its sinfulness is the height of presumption. God reveals his will to us that we may follow it, and walk in the path that leads to life eternal. WE must be willing to wait for and to receive the counsel of God. During the twenty years spoken of in this lesson, a majority of the children of Israel were walking contrary to the Lord. Because of this he had left them to their own devices, and as the result, they were brought into subjection to the Philistines. Doubtless there were some of them who were loyal to God. But as a people, they had not learned the lesson that God had given them. It remained for them to be brought under the power of the enemy, in order that they might recognize how God had been leading425and protecting them in the past. The Philistines were hard masters, and for fear that the Israelites would revolt against them, refused to allow them to make any implements lest they should also make weapons of war. So that when Saul came to the throne there were no weapons of war among the Israelites at all. And in the meantime the worship of Baalim and Ashtaroth and the practice of wretched idolatry of the Philistines prevailed among the majority of the people. From this we learn that if we allow ourselves to be brought into bondage to Satan, we may confidently expect that he will attempt to hedge up every possible way whereby we might escape from his power, and will be continually on his watch lest we, recognizing our own inability to overcome his wiles, shall take such steps as to connect us with God, and enable us to use the weapons which God gives us for our defense. IT is not safe for us to separate ourselves from God for a single moment, as by so doing we place ourselves upon the enemy's ground. We cannot serve two masters. In the Christian warfare the conflict is sharp, and clearly defined. For us it is either connection with God or affiliation with the prince of this world. And if God deserts us and suffers us to be overcome by the enemy, it is certainly because we first desert him and refuse to fight under his banner. THROUGH the ministration of Samuel, the people recognized the enormity of their transgressions against the Lord, and began to cry unto him for help. Samuel at once put their repentance to the test by requiring them to put away idolatry and other sins, and worship the true God. The surest test of our repentance for an error, is to put away the wrong and turn to God with all our heart. If we truly love God and desire to keep all of his commandments, let us show our love and desire to serve him by putting away everything which he has not commanded and turning our feet unto his testimonies. ISRAEL might have put away the idolatry which prevailed among them and have remained quietly in their homes, but they preferred to take decided steps in showing their return to God and their allegiance toward him. They therefore unitedly came together to Mizpeh to confess their sins and renew their covenant with the Lord. We should certainly be no less fearless to-day. As soon as we realize that we have been walking in ways of error we should be willing to fearless and boldly confess the fact before men, and to walk in the way of truth even though the whole world oppose. God wants his children to show their colors. We must be either for him or against him. Where do you stand? WHILE the people sacrificed at Mizpeh the Philistines came against them to battle. Twenty years before this the Israelites had lost the battle at this very place, because of their failure to recognize God, but, on this occasion, the tables were turned and victory crowned their efforts. It is thus that God deals with his children to-day. If, in our effort to develop character we fail to trust in him, and, relying upon our own strength, we thereby yield to temptation and are overcome, we may regard it as a sure fact that sooner or later we shall be compelled to go over the same ground again in our Christian experience. It is thus that God brings us again and again over the same places in order that we may be fully tested upon our weak points, and may learn to have that power with him which will enable us to gain precious victories instead of suffering humiliating defeats. As the Lord sent the thunderstorm to discomfit the enemies of his people, so he will overrule events for our eternal good if we only trust him. The deliverance wrought on this occasion was a supernatural occurrence, and not a fortunate combination of circumstances. The record distinctly informs us that the Lord heard the cry of his children and delivered them. If, in similar manner, God opens up the way for our deliverance out of great temptations let us not be afraid to give him the glory. There is a great tendency upon the part of many professed Christians to explain away, by so-called natural causes, many signal instances of God's direct interposition in their behalf. Why should we not believe in the power of God to save and help his people to-day, as much as in the past. If he does assist us, let us not be afraid to acknowledge the fact before our fellow-men. As a memorial of the momentous occurrences of that day, Samuel raised up a stone upon the field of battle, and called the name of it "Ebenezer," which literally means "the stone of help." Why should not we raise such memorials in our experience? If we, after carefully investigating any point of doctrine, or anything concerning the truth of God's word, find it abundantly sustained by the direct testimony of the Scriptures, let us raise there an Ebenezer, and let the fact that the Bible sustains that truth be so firmly fixed in our minds that no amount of controversy will ever cause us to doubt. We need more stones of help along the pathway of our Christian life. (Lesson 4, July 27, 1889.) 1. WHAT was Christ's position with the Father before he came to this earth? "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." John 17:5, 24. 2. What relation did he sustain to the Father? "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." John 1:18. 3. From what time did he become a sacrifice? "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8. 4. In what manner in the former dispensation did the people show their appreciation of this gift of Heaven? "And to bring the first-fruits of our ground, and the first-fruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the Lord; also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God; and that we should bring the first-fruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage." Neh. 10: 35-37. 5. Is God robbed by the withholding of offerings? "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings." Mal. 3:8. 6. What is it to be guilty of robbery? "Thou shalt not steal." Ex. 20:15.
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10. 7. What special promise is made to those who give an offering of all their first-fruits? "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Prov. 3:9, 10. 8. How is the continuation of offerings taught in the New Testament? "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." 1 Cor. 16:2. 9. What other churches had previously been instructed to do the same thing? "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye." Verse 1. 10. What other churches were encouraged by the example of those at Corinth? "For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many." 2 Cor. 9:2. 11. In Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians, which was written one year later, how does he allude to the instruction he had given them in his first epistle? "And herein I give my advice; for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have." 2 Cor. 8:10, 11. 12. To what miracle in the Old Testament does the apostle allude to encourage them in bestowing their liberalities? "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality; As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." Verses 12-15. "This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating." Ex. 16:16-18. 13. What further encouragement does the apostle give on the same point? "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2 Cor. 9:8. 14. How should Christians give? "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver." Verse 7. 15. How would this affect those who received the donation? "Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God." Verses 11, 12. 16. What would the poor saints at Jerusalem be led to do in return for this liberality? "Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you." Verses 13, 14. 17. What argument from sowing grain does he bring to encourage their liberality? "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." Verse 6. 18. What argument does the apostle use to show that this act ever will be remembered in Heaven?426"As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness." Verses 9, 10. 19. How many think it worth while to do this? How many studying this lesson are doing it? How many not doing it will do it? A CHAPEL AT RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.
By John Norton Loughborough
THE Rural Health Retreat is an institution which has been founded in the providence of God to accomplish a work for afflicted and suffering humanity, not only in affording relief to diseased bodies, but that their minds may be made hopeful, cheerful, and happy. To this end it is important that proper facilities be connected with the Retreat, that it may do all the good possible. The managers thus far have had about all they could do to raise means for the construction of buildings, and furnishing the necessary accommodations of increasing patronage. Religious worship and a Sabbath-school are conducted every Sabbath, as well as one other meeting each week. These exercises have been held in the gymnasium, but it is not really a suitable thing to call the people together for the worship of God in a place where, perhaps a few hours before, they met for gymnastic exercises. If the room were suitable otherwise, it is becoming too small for the increasing patronage of the Retreat. At the time of the annual meeting of the stockholders, last spring, the situation was considered, and the following resolution was passed:— Resolved, That we advise the immediate erection, at Crystal Springs, of a commodious chapel, for religious meetings, and to be used as a class-room for the School of Temperance and Hygiene. In harmony with this recommendation of the stockholders, the Board of Directors took the matter in hand and decided that it was not advisable for the Retreat to increase its debt to construct a chapel, but that they would go forward to put up the house, provided means could be raised for this purpose in extra stock and donations, or without increasing our obligations. A committee was appointed to look over the ground and report to the Board relative to the dimensions and proper construction of the house. Taking into consideration that the present gymnasium is already too small for that purpose, and that it can be turned to much better account to be made into two wards for patients, it has been decided that the chapel building should be the size of 30x60 feet, two stories; the lower room to be used as a gymnasium, and for the contemplated School of Temperance and Hygiene, and the upper room as an auditorium. The height of the lower room to be 11 feet, in the clear, and that of the chapel 15 feet. The estimated cost of construction and finishing, with heating apparatus, is about $3,000. Now the question is, how shall this means be raised? The St. Helena church do not require such a house, for they have a building in the village, about two and a half miles from the Retreat, which they occupy for meetings. The Retreat Association has nothing to fall back upon for its erection except the contributions of the liberal. This is not a local affair, but one that interests our people everywhere, especially upon this coast. The question now is, Shall we have a chapel at the Retreat? shall the means be furnished in stock and donations to erect the same? Shares of stock are $10 each. Are there not many who wish to subscribe for ten or more shares each to help on such an enterprise? Are there not scores who could take one share each? Are there not others who would esteem it a pleasure to make donations of various sums to help at this important moment? And lastly, Are there not some persons to come forward who will become responsible for the interest on the $3,000, that the work of building may go on without the delay of waiting until all of the means shall be otherwise raised. The house should be commenced at once if it is to be erected this season. The directors do not see how they can get along without it much longer, but they are powerless in the matter unless the rank and file of the people come up to supply the wherewith. Let those who wish to respond favorably to any of the above propositions write at once to Elder J. N. Loughborough, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
Pres. of Rural Health Retreat. CHRIST'S position with the Father, being equal to him, made him the only being who could pay the penalty of the broken law. He was first and the best that Heaven possessed. The first religious services of which we have any account were the bringing of offerings and sacrifices by man. The sin-offering was a lamb without blemish, for it represented Christ. Men were also to bring the first-fruits of everything which they received, as a wave, or thank-offering to God. By withholding these offerings, they robbed God, and showed that they did not appreciate the sacrifice that Heaven had made for their salvation. We do not read in so many words in the New Testament that men were to bring the first-fruits of all they received as an offering to God, but the apostle, in writing his second epistle to the Corinthians, referred directly to their offerings, and taught them to believe that God would help to make up their offerings if they had willing hearts, even to the working of a miracle such as was wrought in the supplying of an omer of manna to each man in the wilderness. Certainly no one can read the eight and ninth chapters of Second Corinthians without feeling that the apostle attaches great importance to this matter of weekly offerings. More than this, it is an institution owned and approved directly by God himself; and none will be poorer in this life for following the instruction thus given; but it will secure to them promises that they otherwise would fail to receive. Another important thought gathered from these chapters is that the apostles would not have the brethren give because they felt compelled to, but from choice. This spirit is a most precious gift of the grace of Christ. The natural feeling, to see that self is cared for first, arises from a love of self more than from a love for the cause of Christ; but to do for the cause of Christ first, arises from a heart, renewed by the grace of Christ. THE PROGRESS OF THE CAUSE.
By John Norton Loughborough
FROM June 14 to 20, in company with Brother Ings, I visited the companies of believers in Sonoma County, this State, holding meetings one day in each place. The points visited were Petaluma, Penn's Grove, Santa Rosa, Green Valley, and Healdsburg. These were among the first places where an effort was made to introduce present truth upon the Pacific Coast. As we passed over these grounds it was a source of rejoicing to us to see those who first embraced the truth still holding on firm to the faith. Seeing these old places called up many scenes of the past, with the trials, conflicts, and victories connected with the first meetings to promulgate the truth in California. As we thought and talked over these we were led to render praise and thanksgiving to God for what has been wrought for his work upon the Coast. Petaluma was the first place in California in which we pitched our tent. That was twenty one years ago the 13th of next August. As I passed the old tent ground I could but say, "Praise God for the privilege enjoyed then in introducing the truth to the people in this then entirely new field," and "praise God for what has been wrought in its spread since those days," and "thank God for the increased facilities that have been developed since 1868 for the spread of a knowledge of the truth." In this brief visit to the county our meetings were well attended at each point, and we were glad to find the brethren and sisters, old and new, ready to advance with the work, and all of good cheer. At nearly every point I was introduced to some who were just newly coming to the faith. May the Lord bless them, and may his work still be advanced gloriously in Sonoma County. After leaving that county it was my privilege to spend a Sabbath with the church in Oakland. I am glad to see that there is a stability to the work in this important church. There has been a growth in grace with many since the revival last winter, and the good work, both in the church, and in the mission school, which is being conducted in Oakland, is onward. I am pleased also to find that the church is awake to the importance of a church school, for the children, and are unanimous in their vote that this enterprise shall be set on foot at once. They have already elected a school board who are taking steps looking to the immediate opening of a school with a kindergarten and primary grade, also a grammar grade to be added as soon as it can be consistently done. This school will probably soon be opened, in the lower rooms of the new church building. I have been privileged to spend two days each with the tent companies in Sacramento and Wheatland. I was glad to find in the former place that a number have already identified themselves with the work since the tent was pitched. In the latter place the tent has not been up so long, but there seems to be a fair attendance with good attention and interest on the part of those who come. Although the laborers there are comparatively new beginners in tent work, the Lord is blessing them, and giving them favor with the people. The news received from all the seven tents in the California field is quite favorable. We hope for good results all around. Young People and Loyal Obedience
By Dr. Pierce
THE evidence before me is, that nine-tenths of our young people now entering into the church practically ignore what has proceeded from the mouth of the Lord, as the rule of his people, namely, loyal obedience.—Dr. Pierce. THE NEW YORK CAMP-MEETING.
By S. H. Lane
THIS meeting was held at Rome, New York, according to appointment, June 11-18. The camp-meeting proper was preceded by a workers' meeting, which lasted one week. The workers' meeting was well attended, better than in previous years. The instruction in the canvassing work was imparted to a large class of canvassers by Brethren F. E. Belden and N. Z. Town. The latter will act as State agent during the coming year. The canvassing work has been very successful during the past few months in this State. Several new canvassers have entered the field since the close of the camp-meeting, and many rays of light will be scattered throughout the State through their labors. Books sell readily here, and New York is a grand canvassing field for our workers, and if they work diligently many dollars' worth of books will be sold during the coming year. Elder A. T. Jones arrived during the workers' meeting, and from the first energetically and clearly instructed those present in regard to church relationship and the duties of members towards each other, and also in regard to civil government and religion, and our relation to them, clearly showing how rapidly the prophecy is being fulfilled in making the image to the beast in our own time and nation. During the camp-meeting we were favored with the labors of Elder W. C. White, Mrs. E. G. White, Elders A. T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, A. T. Robinson, and Brother Harmon Lindsay. The attendance at the camp-meeting proper was fully as large as last year, there being about three hundred present. The preaching was mostly done by Elders Jones, Waggoner, and Sister White. They ably presented the wonderful themes of justification by faith, the righteousness of God, and the consecration to God and his cause which our work demands at the present time. As these themes were presented, light, joy, happiness, and peace of soul seemed to take possession of the meeting, and filled each heart with joy and gladness which were expressed by the flowing tear and heart-felt expressions of praise to God. The Sabbath-schools during the workers' meeting and camp-meeting were excellent, both being seasons of profit. The Russian Mission was quite liberally remembered in the donations offered. The attendance from the city was good whenever the weather would permit. All seemed deeply interested in the subjects presented, and an excellent impression was made by the meeting in favor of the truth. The last day of the meeting was one of special interest. In the forenoon eighteen were immersed, some of whom were converted during the meeting. After a powerful discourse given by Sister White in the afternoon, in which hearts were deeply moved by the Spirit of God, Brother F. M. Wilcox was solemnly set apart by ordination to the work of the gospel ministry. The scene was so affecting that there were but few dry eyes to be seen in the congregation, although there were a number of outsiders present. The solemnity of that occasion will not soon be forgotten. Most of our people remained until the close of the meeting. All left the ground much encouraged, many declaring that it was the best camp-meeting they ever attended, and returned fully determined to aid the cause, both financially and spiritually, more than they had ever done in the past, because of increased faith in, and love for the cause with which we are connected. To the Lord be all the praise for the blessings of the meeting. S. H. LANE. UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE.
THE tenth annual session of the Upper Columbia Conference convened on the camp-ground at Colfax, W. T., May 22, 1889, at 9 A. M. President H. W. Decker in the chair. Prayer by Elder G. W. Colcord. The churches at Milton, Walla Walla, Dayton, Alba, Pataha, Highland Valley, Franklin, Boise, Moscow, Spokane Falls, Echo, and Farmington, were represented by thirty-four delegates. Newly organized churches at Garfield, Viola, and Heppner were received into the Conference by vote. Garfield and Viola were represented by four delegates, making a total delegation of thirty-eight. All visiting brethren were invited by vote to take part in the deliberations of the Conference. Voted that the chair appoint the standing committees. They were named as follows:— On Nominations—W. W. Steward, L. D. Cargill, F. S. Hafford. On Auditing—T. L. Ragsdale, N. McCormick, T. Chabot, Aaron Miller, P. D. Larabee, Ambrose Johnson. On Credentials and Licenses—G. W. Colcord, Wm. Kerr, Henry Carnahan. On Resolutions—E. P. Daniels, D. T. Fero, G. H. Rogers. Meeting then adjourned to call of chair. SECOND MEETING, SUNDAY, MAY 26, AT 4 P. M. Prayer by Elder Kime; minutes of last meeting read and approved. Committee on Nominations recommended the following: For President, Elder H. W. Decker; Secretary, E. E. Andross; Treasurer, F. S. Hafford; Executive Committee, H. W. Decker, G. W. Colcord, T. L. Ragsdale. On motion the names were considered separately and the recommendation was adopted. Committee on Credentials and Licenses then recommended that credentials be given to H. W. Decker, D. T. Fero, G. W. Colcord, G. H. Rogers, J. Bartlett, S. H. Kime; and that ministerial licenses be given to W. W. Steward, E. L. Stewart, E. E. Andross, F. S. Hafford, J. O. Beard, H. A. Wilder, and D. E. Scoles. On motion the names were called out separately and the recommendation adopted by unanimous vote. Committee on Resolutions then offered the following:— WHEREAS, The past year has been one of prosperity in our Conference, not only in an increase of four churches, with an aggregate membership of about sixty, but also an increase in the membership of the older churches and an increase of $1,500 in the funds of the Conference; therefore, 1. Resolved, That we hereby express devout gratitude to God for these blessings. WHEREAS, It has been proposed by the General Conference to make a special effort to build up and establish the work in Montana; therefore, 2. Resolved, That the Upper Columbia Conference relinquish that part of our territory to the General Conference. WHEREAS, There is a grand field constantly opening in foreign lands for the spread of the truth; and, WHEREAS, The plan proposed by the General Conference that each member of our body of people make first-day offerings to sustain the work in those fields, seems to be an appropriate and feasible method; therefore, 3. Resolved, That we will adopt this plan and make weekly contributions for foreign missions as the Lord may prosper us. WHEREAS, We hail with gratitude the evidence that God is moving upon the hearts of our people in many places to search out sin and seek purity of heart before God and union with each other; therefore, 4. Resolved, That we advise all our churches to carry on this good work in their respective localities. WHEREAS, The General Conference has deemed it necessary that Elder Fero should transfer his labor to another field; and, WHEREAS, The blessing of God has attended the labors of Elder Daniels at our late camp-meeting; and, WHEREAS, there is great demand for such labor in the churches of this Conference; therefore, 5. Resolved, That this Conference request the California Conference to permit Elder Daniels to labor in this field for a time when circumstances will admit of his doing so. The first and second of the above were discussed by Elder Loughborough and others, and adopted. The third was spoken to by Brethren Loughborough, Decker, and Steward, and adopted by a rising vote of the congregation. The fourth received a hearty adoption. The fifth was presented as a minority report, and was spoken to by Elders Loughborough and Decker, and adopted. Meeting then adjourned to call of chair. THIRD MEETING, MONDAY, MAY 27, AT 3 P. M. Prayer by Elder Fero. Minutes read and accepted. Committee on Resolutions further presented for consideration the following:— WHEREAS, The rapidly increasing strength of the National Reform party is a growing menace to religious freedom in general, and to us as a people in particular; therefore, 6. Resolved, That we recommend all our people to put forth earnest efforts to place the American Sentinel in the hands of all within their reach who may be benefited by it, and we request all our people to do all in their power to secure the signatures to the petitions to Congress opposing religious legislation, and that they do this as rapidly as possible. WHEREAS, The principles of health and temperance reform are an important part of the present truth; therefore, 7. Resolved, That we urge all our people to become intelligent on these subjects by careful study of the Testimonies and other literature, and to put into practice the principles taught; and, 8. Resolved, That the President of the Health and Temperance Society be requested to visit our churches and instruct them in this branch of our work, or secure this by any other means practicable. WHEREAS, The canvassing work is one of the best means of spreading the truth; therefore, 9. Resolved, That we encourage suitable persons in all parts of our Conference to devote their time, talents, and lives, to this branch of the Lord's work; and, further, 10. Resolved, That we recommend such persons, as far as practicable, to work in companies; and, further, 11. Resolved, That a State agent be appointed as soon as deemed best. WHEREAS, Souls are endangered and lost for lack of timely counsel, exhortation, and reproof, from those who are appointed to feed the flock of God; therefore, 12. Resolved, That we urge the officers of every church, Sabbath-school, and missionary society, in our Conference, so far as practicable, to meet together for counsel and prayer once a month, when all proper steps may be taken by them to learn the standing, both spiritual and temporal, of every member in their organization, and such assistance rendered as may be necessary. 13. Resolved, That we extend our thanks to Mr. Livingston, the owner of these grounds, for extending to us their free use. The sixth resolution was spoken to by Elders Rogers, Loughborough, and Fero, with a view of showing the effectiveness of the12American Sentinel as an educator of the people in the Third Angel's Message. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Elder Loughborough spoke to the seventh resolution, expressing his interest in the matter. He called attention to the Pacific Health Journal, showing that it was not to supersede the Good Health, but was adapted to a class of minds not reached by Good Health. He gave some interesting facts concerning the establishment of the two health institutions. The resolution was adopted. Brother Leland spoke to that part of the ninth resolution relating to canvassing in companies, showing the advantages of such a plan. Elder Rogers gave some account of the rise of company work. The tenth resolution was spoken to by Elders Loughborough, Decker, and Fero, and adopted. The eleventh resolution was unanimously adopted. Meeting then adjourned to call of chair. FOURTH MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 28, AT 7:30, P. M. Prayer by Elder R. S. Owen. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Committee on Credentials stated that Elder S. H. Kime's credentials given him by the General Conference would expire in the fall; and upon their recommendation he was given credentials from this Conference. Committee on Resolutions further reported:— 14. Resolved, That we extend our thanks to the General Conference and the Conference of California, for the highly appreciated labors and help of Brethren Loughborough, Daniels, Owen, and Leland. WHEREAS, The General Conference has called our brother, Elder D. T. Fero, to labor in the new field of Montana, separating him from us; therefore, 15. Resolved, That we express our regrets at the loss of his faithful labor among us, and realize that we shall miss his counsel and ministry, and that our Tract and Missionary Society will lose in his wife a faithful secretary; and, further, 16. Resolved, That our high esteem and prayers shall accompany them to their new field of labor. The above were adopted, and the meeting adjourned sine die. H. W. DECKER, Pres.
D. T. FERO, Sec.