Earlier text: LIFE SKETCHESNew England Camp-Meeting
By Ellen G. White
New England Camp-Meeting. THIS has been a very important meeting. From the first we have had a large attendance from the outside, a good attentive congregation. Much labor was required. New churches had been raised up since our last camp-meeting. Precious souls had accepted the truth, and these all needed meat in due season. All needed to be carried forward to a deeper and more thorough knowledge of practical godliness. The Lord gave me freedom in bearing my testimony. Sabbath, Brother Goodrich gave a discourse in the morning. In the afternoon I was lifted above my infirmities and had freedom in speaking to the people. An invitation was given for those to come forward who wanted to be Christians, and those who had backslidden from God. Between two and three hundred responded. Fervent and effectual prayers were offered. Those who came forward were then divided in companies occupying four tents. A minister was appointed to each tent to labor for those who had come forward and who needed help. These meetings were a success, precious victories were gained. The evening following the Sabbath, Brother Smith spoke from these words, "Great and marvelous are thy works," &c. Sunday morning the weather was cloudy with some rain, which prevented so large an attendance from the outside as might otherwise have been expected; but as the prospect brightened for a fair day, the numbers increased rapidly, each train bringing more or less, until in the afternoon the crowd on the ground showed quite a marked contrast to that assembled on any other day during the meeting. Elder Smith spoke in the morning upon the subject of the sanctuary, showing that the disappointment in the time was not a failure after all. After singing, Brother Farnsworth presented the subject of the Sabbath in the New Testament, showing conclusively that there is no evidence therein for the observance of Sunday. At half past one, Elder Haskell preached. Subject: Who changed the Sabbath. At three o'clock I took the stand, speaking upon the subject of temperance. I spoke one hour, while the people listened with the deepest attention. A gentleman from Boston, the guardian of a home for orphan children in that city, desired an opportunity of speaking a few words and taking up a contribution for the benefit of the home for the friendless, which is supported purely by charity. He brought with him four of the children, from eight to twelve years of age, who sung little songs very prettily. The remarks on this occasion were brief, but to the point, and all were interested in the home for the fatherless and motherless. The meetings had been held with but little intermission from nine o'clock until nearly six. The people upon the ground were more quiet than usual upon such occasions. Monday morning, meeting at the tent commenced at half-past five. I spoke about thirty minutes upon the necessity of economy in dress and in the expenditure of means. There is danger of becoming reckless and careless in the use of the Lord's money. Young men who engage in tent labor should be careful not to indulge in unnecessary expense. The wants of the cause are many, as tents are entering new fields, and as the missionary work is enlarging. The most rigid economy should be used in this matter without stinginess. It is easier to run up a bill than to settle it. There are many things that would be convenient and enjoyable that are not needful, and that can be dispensed with without actual suffering. It is very easy to multiply expenses for hotel bills and railroad fare that might be avoided, or very much lessened. We have passed over the road to and from California twelve times, and have not expended one dollar for meals at the restaurants or in the attached dining car. We eat our meals from our lunch-baskets. After being three days out, the food becomes quite stale, but a little milk or warm gruel supplies our lack. Our morning meeting was held in the tent. I spoke again about thirty minutes in reference to genuine sanctification, which is nothing less than a daily dying to self, and daily conformity to the will of God. Paul's sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, "I die daily." His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature. The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do. They do exactly as they desire, and flatter themselves they are conforming to God's will. They please themselves in everything, and therefore have no conflicts with self. Many are successful for a time in the conflict against selfish desires for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest; but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil, and resisting Satan's temptations. Indolence seems inviting, death to self, repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes and fall under temptation instead of resisting it. The pride of life, fashionable sins, do not seem so very repulsive to them. There is no compromise in the word of God for those who conform to the world. The Son of God was manifested that he might draw all men unto him. But he came not to lull the world to sleep—not to send peace, but a sword. The followers of Christ must walk in the light of his glorious example, and, at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or sufferings we must maintain the constant battle with self, exalt the gospel standard, and push forward the triumphs of the cross. We called on those who desired to be baptized, and who were keeping the Sabbath the first time, to come forward. Twenty-five responded. These bore excellent testimonies. One gentleman of intelligence said that he had seen light upon the Sabbath commandment since these meetings commenced. He stated that he had kept the first day strictly according to the canons of Rome, but he now saw that he had not been keeping the day the Lord had sanctified and blessed. But from this time, as long as God spared his life, he should keep the seventh day specified in the fourth commandment. He also stated that the members of his church had attended these meetings, and were very much interested and stirred in regard to the things they had heard. We had a good attendance from those residing in the vicinity where our camp-meeting was held. The spirit of the meeting is having a moulding influence upon the community. The spirit of the Lord has been in our midst. My testimony has been well received. I have been strengthened and blessed of God. While trying to water others, my own soul has been watered. We were pleased to meet here our old friends of the cause whose acquaintance we made above thirty years ago. Our much respected Brother Hastings is as deeply interested in the truth today as he was then. We were pleased to meet Sister Temple, and Sister Collins of Dartmouth, Mass., and Brother and Sister Wilkinson at whose house we had been entertained more than thirty years ago. The pilgrimage of some of these dear ones may close ere long, but if faithful unto the end they will receive a crown of life. We were interested to meet Brother Kimbal who is a mute and has been a missionary among the mutes. Through his persevering labors, quite a little army have accepted the truth. We meet this faithful brother at our yearly camp-meetings surrounded by several of his mute converts. Some one who is interested, who has ears to hear, writes out some portion of the discourse, and he sits surrounded by his mute friends actively preaching to them with his hands. He has freely used his means to advance the missionary work, thus honoring God with his substance. By and by, if faithful, he will receive a precious reward. Twenty-two received baptism. We hope that the influence of this meeting will continue, that conviction will deepen, and that all who profess the truth will strive for the unity of the faith, and that oneness which Christ prayed might exist among his disciples, and with all those who should believe on their word. An early meeting of Tuesday morning closed the camp-meeting at this place. Northern California Camp-Meeting.
THIS, the best camp-meeting ever held by our people in California, closed September 5. From the very commencement a feeling of deep solemnity pervaded. The importance of the occasion was felt by those fitting up the grounds, and daily prayer-meetings were held, and thus the camp-meeting commenced nearly a week in advance of the appointed time. The feeling that characterized the meeting, from the first, not only continued, but increased to the close. The grounds were nicely arranged, and everything about the encampment bore marks of good taste and the best of order. There were over one hundred tents upon the ground, which were occupied by more than six hundred persons. The outside attendance was quite large, especially upon Sunday, when there were about fifteen hundred present. The preaching was of a close practical character, particularly relating to the message for our time. Elders Loughborough and Healey, were the principal speakers; they were assisted in their labors by Brethren Stephens, Rice, Dr. Kellogg and others. The first discourse was preached Thursday morning, by Elder Loughborough, from 1 Cor. 3:17: “Beye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” He stated that the work was not wholly for the ministers, but that all had a part to act. He presented the life of Christ as a model, and impressed his hearers with the importance of faithfulness in the cause and work of God. Sabbath a. m. Elder Healey gave a discourse from the words of Christ, on the preparation for the marriage supper. In the afternoon Elder Loughborough spoke from Rom. 14:10: “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” He portrayed in a solemn manner the certainty of the judgment, and the importance of a preparation for the event. After the discourse, an invitation was given to those who desired to make a start in the service of the Lord to come forward for prayers. A goodly number responded. The melting Spirit of the Lord was present; and much feeling was manifested, as many for the first time embraced this opportunity to express their desire to yield themselves to the service of the Lord. Both Sabbath and Sunday the time was well occupied with religious service. The prayer and social meetings were of special interest. Some who for years have been watching this people, expressed a desire to go with them. Others who were strangers to our people and doctrines confessed that the Lord was indeed with us. Many times the whole congregation were in tears. Monday, a. m., Elder Loughborough read the Conference Address. In the afternoon a discourse was given by Brother Stephens. At 5 P. M., a meeting was held for the examination of candidates for baptism; at the close of which, Brethren Stephens and Rice were ordained to the work of the ministry. Tuesday, Elder Healey spoke on baptism. Forty-three were baptized, and others decided to go with us and united with the various churches where they reside. The business meetings were well attended and characterized by harmonious action. The evening after the Sabbath, Elder Loughborough spoke of the wants of the cause. He made remarks upon the following scriptures: “Laborers together with God;” “Buy of me gold tried in the fire,” etc. He stated that perhaps some would rather hear him speak on the Saint's Inheritance. But the cause of God demanded sacrifice and united action. Many readily responded to the call for means to advance the publishing work. The matter was again taken up Monday evening after a discourse by Elder L., upon the subject of the talents, and the wise and foolish virgins. Appeals were made for pledges to the publishing house. The sum of nearly eleven thousand dollars was pledged for stock in the Association. The British mission was then introduced, pledge papers were circulated. The papers were returned with pledges to the amount of nearly four thousand dollars. The Dime Tabernacle was also introduced, and fifty dollars was paid in by those who had not already pledged before coming to the meeting. A contribution of jewelry was taken up for the British mission amounting to over one hundred dollars. The closing discourse was preached Wednesday evening by Elder Loughborough, upon the Christian's Hope, after which a brief testimonial was read by Brother Healey, expressing regard and esteem for Elder L. and his estimable wife. Cause for both rejoicing and sorrowing were expressed. Rejoicing that Brother L. had been selected to open the mission in California, and that through his labors many had been brought to a knowledge of the truth —sorrowing that anything should ever have occurred through which his arduous labors had been increased in this State, and a desire that God would forgive the erring. And as he enters upon his misson to England, accompanied by his wife, who is indeed a true helper, the hearts and prayers of the brethren and sisters in California go with them. The following words, composed for the occasion were then sung:— Farewell our brother, dear and true,
Farewell, may God thy footsteps guide,
Through tears for you we still can view
That meeting where no griefs abide.
On us a faithful shepherd's care
With zeal thou ever hast bestowed,
And for thy care God will prepare
A crown beyond the narrow road.
Oh may thy mantle on us fall,
Thy earnest zeal with us remain,
And may we all obey the call
To waken from our slumbers vain.
The God of Israel, pilot, guide,
Will be thy guardian day by day,
Will speed thee on thy mission wide,
Uphold thee in the righteous way.
Farewell, our words and tears are vain
To show our soul's true, earnest love;
Farewell, in God let hope remain—
A hope we all may meet above. He That Reapeth Receiveth Wages.
"SAY not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." John 4:35, 36. This text may have a general application to all times in which men have labored in the cause of human salvation. Since sin entered into the world, and the great plan of redemption was laid, there has ever been reaping to do, and all the gatherers with Christ will receive their wages. But at the first advent, a sort of reckoning time with the Jewish people came, and hence, in a peculiar sense, the fields were ready for the harvest. And at the present time, as the final judgment is pending, the demand for labor in the harvest was never more urgent. But men are apt to make good resolves for some future time. Some four months hence, they intend to enter the field. But the work is all ready, the fields are white. The reaper receives wages. Who are the reapers? Every one, minister or others, who are instrumental in the work of saving men. All may have a share in the work, and consequently a share in the wages. But what are the wages? Are they one thousand, three thousand, five, ten, or twenty thousand dollars a year? By no means. They that covet a great salary and get it, "have their reward." Such was not the wages of apostles and martyrs. Yet they will have their reward. But what will be the wages? The next clause explains it; they gather "fruit unto life eternal." They will see the souls they have been instrumental in bringing to eternal life safe with themselves in the kingdom of God. As it will be the Saviour's joy to see of "the travail of his soul," to see the redeemed by his blood in everlasting life; so the reapers in the harvest will see of the fruit of their labors, and "enter into the joy" of their Lord. And thus shall "he that soweth," the Lord Jesus Christ, and "he that reapeth," his faithful servants, rejoice together. Reader, do you not want a share in the wages? a part in the general joy, when the Sower and the reaper shall rejoice together? The fields are white already for the harvest. Enter into the work. Do not say there are yet four months. You may be too late. Go to work and you shall receive your wages. As we would have a part, when the harvest is brought home with rejoicing, let us at once enter into the work, that we may bring some sheaves with us—gather some fruit to eternal life. There is no doubt about the wages, if the work is only done. Now is the time to work. Jerslev, Denmark
By John G. Matteson
Last Sabbath we met with the brethren in Tylstrup. They are trying to be faithful in serving the Lord, and meet every Sabbath. One family has gone to America. This is a great loss to them, as that brother has led the meetings heretofore. Two dear souls were buried with Christ in baptism. On Sunday we held two meetings in new places. One was in Hellum. There are some friends here who have read our publications, and are persuaded that we have the truth. Some of them are Baptists. In the evening we held a meeting in Jerslev. About fifty attentive hearers listened to the discourse. In both these places there are opportunities for further labor after harvest. We learn by letters from Norway, that three good souls have been added to the little number of Sabbath-keepers there. August 13, 1878. John G. Matteson. To The California Sabbath-School Association.
By J. E. White
It is with feelings of regret that I shall be absent from your yearly meeting. This feeling of regret is solely on account of the disappointment it will be to myself, as I always enjoy Sabbath-school work, and have looked forward to our first yearly Sabbath-school association reunion with much pleasure. As the secretary and two members of the executive committee will be with you to conduct the exercises we feel assured that the business of the association will not suffer in any particular, through the absence of your president, and we hope and expect that the business transacted at this meeting will give the Sabbath-school work in California an impetus which will be felt throughout the whole year. Changes are taking place in all the avenues and walks of life. Nothing is stationary. We are either going forward or retrograding. Christ says that we either gather with him, or scatter abroad. I never knew such a thing as a stationary Sabbath-school—one which neither lost nor gained in interest, usefulness and numbers, and my field for observation has been quite extensive. Especially have I been anxiously watching the schools of California during the past year, and it has been with pleasure that I have noticed a marked increase in their efficiency. There are some exceptions however which I wish to notice. These may be considered under two heads:— 1. Where the officers of the school take hold of the work as with the ends of their fingers, as if it were a disagreeable job; who never give the lessons and the work before them any particular study, and go through it as a matter of routine because they have to. Such a school is sure to go down. If a man undertakes to manage a farm he throws off his coat and goes to work. He considers the qualities of every field he has to cultivate, he considers what treatment they have received before him, and in this manner he ascertains the quality and adaptability of every field. He can then decide upon the kind of crop to put on each field, to secure the greatest yield. Then after selecting the seed to be sown with the greatest care he is ready to begin work in earnest. Just so with the efficient Sabbath-school superintendent. He must first classify his school as a farmer would classify his fields. He is then prepared to say what seed should be sown in each class. In other words the instruction can then be apportioned to the capabilities of the various classes. But with this, his work is only begun. He should constantly have his eye on the whole school to see that the teachers understand their duty, and perform it faithfully. 2. The other class of obstacles in the way of a good school is where the teachers and scholars feel no special responsibility, and allow the whole weight to fall on the superintendent. This is even worse than the first, as the superintendent can do but little without the full co-operation of both teachers and scholars. But where the effort of officers, teachers and scholars are all united the Sabbath-school is a power for good. There is one thing in our favor this year. Our new constitution will be found much better adapted to our wants than the old one. The matter of the management being left with an executive committee will be appreciated by all. Then taking the reporting system, and the representation by delegates, and we have as complete a system for Sabbath-school work as can be found. Assured that every effort in the right direction will be crowned with success, I close these hastily penciled remarks by saying, God bless our Sabbath-school. August 22, 1878. J. E. WHITE. California State Conference.
THE seventh annual session of the California State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at the Christian camp-ground near Yountville, Napa county, August 29 to September 5, 1878. FIRST SESSION—AUG. 29, 5 P. M. Meeting opened by Elder J. N. Loughborough, president of the Conference, who after some appropriate introductory remarks called for the credentials of delegates, when the following names were read by the secretary as having presented duly accredited credentials from the different churches composing the Conference :— Fair View church—J. D. Rice.
Bloomfield—Frank Lamb.
Napa—W. G. Myers, Joseph Eggleston.
Healdsburg—Wm. Harmon, John Cook.
St. Helena—W. A. Pratt, John Mavity.
Sacramento—Isaac Cross.
Santa Rosa—W. B. Dennison, John Morrison.
San Jose—J. M. Santa Ana.
Woodland—Wm. Saunders, Alfred Mason.
Petaluma—T. M. Chapman.
San Francisco—M. C. Israel, Joseph Fieger, Frank Brown.
Oakland—W. J. Bostwick, J. W. Cronkrite, Geo. Manuel, E. R. Gillett, John I. Tay.
Red Bluff—D. S. Hemstreet.
Vacaville—J. W. Bond. On motion, the following persons were authorized to represent companies not fully organized. Vallejo—D. P. Whitney.
Placerville—George Vickery.
Lafayette—Henry Brown.
Rocklin—B. A. Stephens.
Middletown—R. D. Hicks. J. D. Rice was then duly authorized to represent the companies at Lone Oak, Locust Grove, Lemoore and other bodies in Fresno and Tulare counties. On motion, by M. G. Kellogg, Lone Oak church was, in accordance with its request, received into the Conference. On motion, by Wm. Saunders, all members in good standing were invited to take part in all deliberations of the Conference, except voting. Minutes of last meeting read, and on motion corrected as follows : R. S. Rickett, delegate from Healdsburg, changed to Green Valley ; also statement that T. M. Chapman, John Cook and A. B. Atwood had received licenses. On motion, by E. L. McCapes, the chair was authorized to appoint committees and auditor. The president then stated that he wished time to consider further the matter of the committees, and that he would announce them at some future meeting. Meeting adjourned to call of the chair. SECOND SESSION—AUG. 30, 5 P. M. Meeting called to order by the president. The only business of any importance transacted was the announcement of the following committees : Committee on Nominations—T. M. Chapman, J. I. Tay, J. W. Cronkrite.
Committee on Resolutions—W. M. Healey, J. D. Rice, A. Mason.
Committee on Credentials—M. C. Israel, John Mavity, Wm. Healey.
Committee on Auditing—Wm. Saunders, Ruel Stickney, W. A. Pratt, John Cook, D. S. Hemstreet, Rufus Parker.
Conference Auditor—Wm. Saunders. THIRD SESSION—SEPT. 2, 11:30 A. M. Meeting called to order by the president. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Committee on nominations reported as follows :— For president, Geo. I. Butler ; secretary, Geo. Manuel ; treasurer, L. M. Hall ; executive committee, John Morrison, E. R. Gillett.
T. M. CHAPMAN,
J. W. CRONKRITE,
J. I. TAY,
Committee on Nominations. On motion, report of committee accepted and committee discharged. On motion, by John Morrison, the nominees were elected as a whole, after which the meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FOURTH SESSION—SEPT. 3, 4:15 P. M. Meeting called to order by the president.
Committee on resolutions submitted partial report as follows :— Whereas, In the good providence of God, we have been permitted to assemble in another annual gathering for the worship of our Creator, and to learn more of our duty toward him and our fellow man, Resolved, That we do most heartily thank him for the increase in our numbers, for the financial means necessary to carry on this work, for the many openings that have been presented before our ministers, and the spirit which has accompanied the word spoken by them, and the manifold blessings that have been bestowed upon us during the past year. Resolved, That we thank the General Conference and our Eastern brethren for their regard for us, and their liberal patronage of our publishing institution, and in this connection would especially remember the efforts of Brother and Sister White. Resolved, That we endorse the action of our General Conference committee for broadening our plans of labor in both Europe and America, and believe their suggestion for occasionally changing laborers is a good one, and promise if they see fit to send Elder George I. Butler to labor in our Conference, that we will give him a hearty welcome, and all assistance in our power to advance the cause. Resolved, That we tender our most heartfelt thanks to Elder J. N. Loughborough for his long and faithful labors upon this coast, and as other fields seem to require his removal from us, we shall miss his counsel and care, yet we feel that the cause is one, and wish him success in his new place of labor, and pray for the blessing of God to attend him. Resolved, That we thank our camp-meeting committee, G. D. Hager, E. R. Gillett, John Custer, and the brethren who have worked with them to prepare the camp-ground and labored in many other ways to make our meeting a success. Resolved, That we feel under obligations to Mr. George Linn, for the use of ground and straw furnished us free of charge for our camp-meeting. Resolved, That while we are grateful to God for his good Spirit, we will by his grace consecrate ourselves more fully to him, and desire to walk humbly in all his ways and purify ourselves in body and in spirit, and to this end feel the need of carefulness in our general demeanor, our dress, and the carrying out in our lives the principles of health laid down in the Bible, and taught by our people. Resolved, That we earnestly recommend all our churches to use only unfermented wine in the communion, as being more in harmony with scripture and our faith than the use of intoxicating wine. On motion, the report of the committee was accepted as far as read. On motion, the resolutions were adopted as a whole. On motion, by M. G. Kellogg, resolutions four and seven were again called for, and both passed by a rising vote of the Conference. Auditing committee reported as follows :— Your committee to whom was assigned the duty of examining and auditing accounts, etc., beg leave to report that we have examined all the accounts for ministerial labor, etc., for the past year, and made arrangements for the final settlement of the same. We have considered the recommendations of the president of the Conference in regard to the necessity of raising means to meet pressing demands against the Conference, to relieve the publishing house from debt, and to enable the great work in which we are all trying to bear an humble part, to go forward as the way seems to open in the providence of God, without being hampered from lack of the necessary means, and the committee heartily endorse the recommendations there made, trusting that they will be heartily responded to by Seventh-day Adventists, and with a liberality corresponding with the urgency of the case. WM. SAUNDERS, Chairman of Committee. On motion, the report of the committee was accepted as far as read. Committee on licenses reported as follows :— We, your committee appointed on licenses, beg leave to report as follows : After prayerful consideration over the business committed to us for our action, we would recommend that all the ordained ministers of this Conference receive credentials for the coming year, viz., Elders J. N. Loughborough, Wm. Healey, J. L. Wood, John Judson, M. G. Kellogg and M. C. Israel. We would also recommend that Brethren B. A. Stephens and J. D. Rice be ordained, and receive credentials, and that Brethren R. A. Morton, J. E. White, W. C. Grainger, S. M. Meeker, Wm. Price and E. L. McCapes have licenses granted them, to exercise their gifts in presenting, publicly or otherwise, the doctrines of our faith. We also recommend that Brethren Geo. Manuel, J. B. Dymott, D. Crouch, Millard and L. Church and Frank Lamb each receive colporteur's licenses. The case of G. A. Garey, as he is in the N. P. Conference, with others that have come before us we would submit to the Conference committee for their consideration. M. C. ISRAEL,
JOHN MAVITY,
W. M. HEALY,
Committee on Licenses. Moved, by Wm. Harmon, that all ordained ministers as recommended by the committee receive licenses. Carried. Moved, by J. W. Bond, that B. A. Stephens and J. D. Rice be ordained and receive credentials from the Conference. Carried. Moved, by J. I. Tay, that all the cases recommended by the committee receive licenses. Carried. Moved, by M. G. Kellogg, that all the colporteurs recommended by the committee receive licenses. Carried. On motion, meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FIFTH SESSION—SEPT. 4, 4:15 P. M. Committee on resolutions submitted further report as follows :— Resolved, That we appreciate the Conference address of Elder J. N. Loughborough and request the same to be furnished for publication in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Resolved, That we elect Elder J. N. Loughborough to represent us in the General Conference to be held by the Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek, Mich., October 1, 1878. Resolved, That we feel gratified that the Rural Health Retreat has been founded by a few of our brethren at St. Helena, Napa county, Cal., and placed in charge of so efficient and conscientious a physician as Dr. M. G. Kellogg, and we bespeak for it that liberal patronage which its principles and success deserve. Resolved, That we feel a deep interest in the welfare of our public institutions at Battle Creek, Michigan, and endorse the action of the General Conference committee in the erection of the "Dime Tabernacle," and promise our assistance in its erection. On motion, by E. R. Gillett, the report of the committee was adopted as far as read. Meeting adjourned to call of the chair. SIXTH SESSION, SEPT. 5, 3:15, P. M. Meeting called to order by the president.
Auditing committee submitted further report as follows :— Your committee would report that they find that after settling all the bills of ministers, and others thus far presented, there remains a balance in the hands of the treasurer, as shown in that officer's report. This Conference having chosen, by resolution Elder J. N. Loughborough to act as its delegate in the General Conference, it is recommended that his expenses to Battle Creek, Michigan, be paid by this Conference. We have noticed with satisfaction the liberality with which the brethren and sisters have responded to the calls made upon them to aid with their means the various branches of the great work in which we are all engaged, and we believe that they have thereby performed their duty in a pressing emergency, and that it will tend to help them on toward the kingdom. WM. SAUNDERS,
RUEL STICKNEY,
W. A. PRATT,
JOHN COOK,
D. S. HEMSTREET,
RUFUS PARKER,
Auditing Committee. On motion, by J. D. Rice, the report of committee was accepted and the committee discharged. Conference auditor, Wm. Saunders, submitted his report as follows :— Having been appointed to examine and audit the books and accounts of the Conference treasurer and the church s. b. treasurer, and to compare the same, I beg leave to report that I have done so to the best of my ability ; but that the work is necessarily very incomplete, from the fact that only a part of the s. b. treasurers in the Conference have furnished their books for examination. Those of St. Helena, Christine, Vacaville, Healdsburg, Green Valley, and Napa churches are found to agree with that of the State treasurer ; but those of Petaluma, Bloomfield and Woodland show discrepancies from that officer's account which can only be explained by the treasurers themselves. The Petaluma church is the only one in the Conference that exhibits the new style of books specially gotten up at the Signs Office for the use of s. b. treasurers and church clerks, and it is especially recommended that all of those officers procure them for use hereafter, so that there may be uniformity in the manner of keeping the accounts in all the churches in the Conference. Brother Chapman can show samples of these books. It is important that all the s. b. treasurers hereafter bring or send their books to the annual Conference, in order to effect a satisfactory yearly settlement with the State treasurer.
Respectfully submitted.
WILLIAM SAUNDERS, Auditor. On motion, by J. D. Rice, the auditor's report was adopted and the auditor discharged. On motion, the appointment by the president of J. W. Bond as collector of the publishing fund, British Mission and Dime Tabernacle pledges for the State of Nevada was confirmed. Committee on resolutions submitted a further report as follows :— Resolved, That our northern California camp-meeting for the year 1879, be held in the month of September provided no good reason shall arise for changing that time of meeting. Provided further, that the president of the Conference shall at any time during the year appoint a committee of three who with the president shall determine the time, place, and the length of said meeting. Resolved, That our ministers, our licentiates, and our colporteurs, are expected to counsel with the Conference committee in respect to the place and manner of their labor. Resolved, That the secretary of this Conference be hereby instructed to procure by mail or express the unaudited systematic benevolence books, and compare the same with the treasurer's book and return the same to the proper officers. Resolved, That the SIGNS OF THE TIMES be furnished by the secretary with a copy of these resolutions and requested to publish the same.
W. M. HEALEY,
A. MASON,
J. D. RICE,
Committee on Resolutions. Whereas, An effort is being made, by those who observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath, to have incorporated in the new constitution of the State of California a clause recognizing the said first day of the week as the Sabbath, and requiring the legislature to enforce its observation by legislative enactment, and, Whereas, There is not in the entire Bible, either Old or New Testament, a single precept, requiring the observance of the first day of the week as a Sabbath or holy day, and, Whereas, There is not in either the Old or New Testament a single record of the first day of the week ever having been observed as a Sabbath, or as a holy day by either Christ, the apostles, or early Christians, and, Whereas, The seventh day of the week commonly called Saturday is the only weekly Sabbath referred to in either the Old or New Testament, and, Whereas, There is not to be found in the entire Bible any text of scripture from which even a reasonable inference can be drawn that the fourth commandment of the decalogue which requires the observance of the seventh day has been abrogated, and that the Sabbath therein named has been changed, and, Whereas, There exist in this State a large body of Christians (the Seventh-day Adventists), who are good and law abiding citizens who observe the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath, as required in the Bible. Therefore, Resolved, That this Conference appoint a committee to visit the convention and set before it the facts regarding the religious sentiments and practices of Seventh-day Adventists, and to endeavor if possible to induce the convention to abstain from incorporating in the said constitution any clause that shall in any way give preference to the religious opinions of any religious body, or that shall in any way bind the consciences of any person, or that shall in any way interfere with the religious opinions of any person. Resolved, That said committee be authorized to circulate petitions relating hereto for signatures. Resolved, That Brethren W. M. Healey, Wm. Saunders and Geo. I. Butler constitute said committee. On motion, by John Mavity, the resolutions were adopted and committee discharged. Moved, by M. G. Kellogg, that Wm. Saunders, W. M. Healey and Geo. I. Butler constitute a committee to manage the petition to the constitutional convention according to their best judgment. Geo. Manuel, the treasurer, submitted a report as follows :— TREASURER'S REPORT.
Balance on hand September 13, 1877 $ 583 61
Amount returned from San Francisco 1,000 00
Donations during the year 102 90
Received from churches 2,808 87—4,495 38
Paid out as per books and vouchers $4,111 44
Balance on hand September 5, 1878 $383 94 M. G. Kellogg then introduced the following resolution which was carried by a vote of the Conference. Resolved, That we will do all in our power as a society and as individual members thereof to assist in the work of spreading the good news of the second coming of Christ, and we will each do what we can to relieve the office of publication from financial embarrassment. On motion, J. N. Loughborough was requested to write a history of the cause on the Pacific Coast. Carried. Moved, That the proceedings of this Conference be furnished for publication in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Carried. The meeting adjourned, sine die.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, President.
GEO. MANUEL, Secretary pro tem.