To this lake of fire Christ has eleven times given the name of Gehenna. Matt. 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5. Gehenna is once mentioned by James. Chap. 3:6. The everlasting fire into which the wicked will be cast is identified in Matt. 18:8, 9 as the fire of Gehenna. But this everlasting fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, and the wicked are to share it with them. Matt. 25:41. It will fall upon the wicked when they have encompassed the holy city with Satan and his angels at their head. Rev. 20:9, 10. The dreadful punishment described in Isa. 66:24 is to have its accomplishment in Gehenna according to Christ's words in Mark 9:43-48. The punishment of Sodom was with fire and brimstone. Gen. 19:24. This will be the portion of all the wicked in Gehenna. Ps. 11:6; Isa. 30:33; Eze. 38:22; Luke 17:29, 30; Rev. 14:10; 19:20; 20:10; 21:28.
When the wicked are cast into Gehenna it will be after their resurrection, for they will be in possession of all their bodily members. Matt. 5:29, 30; 18:9; Mark 9:43-48. They will possess both soul and body when cast into Gehenna. Matt. 10:28. God is able to cast those into Gehenna who are already dead. Luke 12:5. To do this he must raise them from the dead. This is made very clear in Rev. 20. The resurrection of the just takes place at the commencement of the 1000 years. Verses 4-6. During the 1000 years the saints unite with Christ in the judgment of the unjust. Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:3. At the end of the 1000 years all the unjust rise from the dead. Rev. 20:4, 5. Then Satan gathers them from the four quarters of the earth to make an assault upon the holy city. When they are thus assembled they hear the dreadful words of doom addressed to those on the left hand. Matt. 25:41. And then God rains upon them fire, as upon Sodom, which devours them. Rev. 20:9.
We have here several facts of great importance: First, the wicked are not to be punished till they have been judged. 2 Pet. 2:9. Second, they are not punished till after their resurrection. Third, they are judged during the 1000 years and raised from the dead at the close of that period. But that which is of still deeper interest to us is the fact that this punishment takes place upon our earth. The wicked have risen from the dead and come up on the breadth of the earth against the holy city when fire comes down from God out of Heaven and devours them.
That our earth is reserved unto fire by God with the special design that it shall constitute the lake of fire in which the wicked are to receive their punishment is evident from the testimony of Peter. "But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store reserved unto fire against the day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:7. The perdition of ungodly men will therefore be when the heavens and the earth shall burn in the day of Judgment. And Peter describes this dreadful lake in these words: "The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements shall melt with fervet heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." Verse 10.
The fire which descends from heaven will unite with the fire now burning in the interior of our earth and the whole globe will be dissolved. This is the terrible Gehenna of fire and brimstone in which the wicked will be punished. Our earth will be burned by an unquenchable fire, for the streams will burn as pitch and the dust as brimstone and the whole land will be as burning pitch. Isa. 34. But though a long period will be requisite for this terrible conflagration the whole earth will be melted. The elements will be dissolved but not annihilated. Then God will create from these elements new heavens and a new earth. Peter tells us what will follow this lake of fire: "Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Pet. 3:13.
The same fact is shown in Rev. 20. and 21. The fire falls upon the unjust after their resurrection at the end of the 1000 years. But they are upon the earth when the fire descends upon them. This shows where their punishment takes place. The fire that devours them burns the earth. Thus the perdition of ungodly men is when the earth is burned. 2 Pet. 3:7. The next thing mentioned by John after the descent of the fire is the burning of the earth, and this he calls the lake of fire, and the punishment in this lake is the second death. Rev. 20:9, 10. But this lake will not exist eternally, for after it has devoured the wicked and dissolved the elements which compose our earth, it will be followed by the creation of new heavens and new earth from the ashes of the old. Rev. 20:14, 15; 21:1. Thus Peter and John agree that the lake of fire is caused by the burning of our earth in the day of Judgment, and that this terrible conflagration will finally give place to the new creation.
The testimony of Malachi is not less instructive than those testimonies already examined. "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts." Mal. 4:1-3. Here we have the same terrible conflagration that is described in 2 Pet. 3, and the same lake of fire that John several times mentions. Rev. 19:20; 20:10, 14, 15; 21:8. Malachi says that all the wicked will have their part in this dreadful fire. Compare Mal. 4:1; Rev. 21:8. He says that it will consume them root and branch. John calls it the second death. Rev. 20:14; 21:8. But Malachi shows that the lake of fire will not exist eternally. He presents the same fact that we have learned from Peter and John that the new creation is to succeed the lake of fire and that the saints are to have their inheritance where once the devouring fire consumed the wicked. After the fire has burned them up root and branch, then they will be ashes in the new creation under the feet of the just. Mal. 4:3. Isaiah tells us that the wicked will be stubble in this fire and that they will not be able to deliver their souls from the power of the flame. But when this terrible Gehenna of fire has accomplished this work, then the fire itself will cease. There will not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Isa. 47:14. See also the margin. So when the fire shall have consumed the earth, and devoured the wicked, God will create the new earth from the ashes of the old; and the wicked will there be ashes under the feet of the just.
In the February number of our journal, Les Signes des Temps, are answered certain difficulties proposed by one of our cotemporaries concerning the use of the word "eternal" as applied to the punishment of the wicked. As we quoted and explained every passage mentioned by our friend we hoped he would in like manner in his reply explain the passages which we presented. But he does nothing of the kind. He repeats his own argument without adding anything to it on this subject and he makes no attempt to show that our answer to his difficulties was not a just and proper answer. There is therefore no occasion to answer the second time the same arguments which we have already refuted.
But he makes some singular remarks upon the place of the dead, which, though not directly relating to the subject of this article, we will notice for a moment. He teaches that all the dead whether just or unjust are in hades. This is the truth. But he also teaches that the righteous while in hades are in Paradise and with the Lord. But Paradise is in the New Jerusalem as may be seen from the fact that the tree of life which is near the throne of God in the New Jerusalem is in Paradise. Rev. 22:1, 2, 14; 2:7. But if Paradise is in the New Jerusalem it cannot be in hades. Nor can the saints be with Christ while they are in hades for Christ left hades when he rose from the dead. Acts 2:27. We intend to speak at length upon this subject hereafter, but in the mean time we shall be glad to have our friend show how the saints can be with Christ in hades when Christ himself is not there.
J. N. A.
SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH.
By Uriah Smith
NUMBER TWENTY-SIX.
THE CLEANSING OF THE SANCTUARY, (CONCLUDED).
4. OUR fourth reason for this position is the very striking manner in which it harmonizes with the events to transpire in connection with the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, as far as revealed to us in the Scriptures.
We behold in the type, 1. The sin of the transgressor imparted to the victim. 2. We see that sin borne in by the priest in the blood of the offering into the sanctuary. 3. On the tenth day of the seventh month we see the priest with the blood of the sin-offering for the people, remove all these sins from the sanctuary, and lay them upon the head of the scape-goat. 4. The goat bears them away into a land not inhabited.
Answering to these events in the type, we behold in the antitype, 1. The great offering for the world made on Calvary. 2. The sins of all those who avail themselves of the merits of Christ's shed blood, by faith in him, by his blood and ministration borne into the sanctuary. 3. After Christ, the minister of the true tabernacle (Heb. 8:2), has finished his ministration, he will remove the sins of his people from the sanctuary, and lay them upon the head of their author, the antitypical scape-goat, the devil. 4. The devil will be sent away with them into a land not inhabited.
If we want a description of this event in plain terms we find it in Rev. 20:1-3: “And I saw an angel come down from Heaven having the key of the bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years should be fulfilled.”
Now we would ask, What could be more fitting than that the author and instigator of all sin should receive the guilt of those transgressions which he has incited mortals to commit, but of which they have repented, back upon his own head? And what could be a more striking antitype of the ancient ceremony of sending away the scape-goat into the wilderness, than the act of the mighty angel in binding Satan and casting him into the bottomless pit at the commencement of the thousand years.
This is a point of transcendent interest to every believer. Then the sins of God's people will be borne away to be remembered no more forever. Then he who instigated them, will have received them back again. Then the serpent's head will have been bruised by the seed of the woman. Then the “strong man armed,” (Satan,) will have been bound by a stronger than he, (Christ,) and the house of the strong man (the grave) spoiled of its goods, (the saints). Matt. 12:29; Heb. 2:14. Then will the work of the enemy, in sowing tares among the wheat (Matt. 13:24-43), be forever remedied; the tares will have been gathered into bundles to burn, and the wheat gathered into the garner. Then our great High Priest will have come forth from the sanctuary to pronounce the everlasting blessing upon his waiting people. Then shall we have come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. Then will the redeemed, placing the foot of triumph upon the world, the flesh, and the devil, raise their glad voices in the song of Moses and320the Lamb. O glorious day! May the Lord hasten it in his good time. Who would not, in view of this, take up the petition of the beloved John, “Even so, come Lord Jesus!”
These are scenes to which the children of hope in this lower world love to look forward. On these hang their brightest anticipations. These are the very portals to the glorious city, and to their eternal inheritance.
We are aware that some will be ready to say that sins cannot be suffered for but once, and that it is absurd that Satan should suffer for those sins for which Christ has already suffered. But how long will such hold to this position? Let us see. For whom did Christ die? for a chosen few only, or for all? Evidently for all, otherwise all could not have an opportunity of repentance. “Well then,” says one who is wedded to the pleasures of sin, “if sin can be suffered for but once, and Christ has suffered for my sins, what have I to fear? There is no suffering for sin for me to endure. I will therefore cull all the enjoyment I can from the pleasures of this world, and on the threshold of eternity I will take my stand beside the holiest saint that ever lived, and claim an equal right with him to the glories of Heaven; for Christ suffered for me as well as for him; and therefore I am as free.” This is exactly the issue of the view taken; but the staunchest Universalist would require nothing better. Unless therefore we wish to yield the specific teachings of the Bible and become Universalists at once, we must abandon this theory. But its advocates may still contend that the wicked are exceptions, but that certainly sins that have been pardoned can never after be occasion of suffering to any being. But if when sins are pardoned that is the last of them, we would inquire how it happens that those very sins are transferred to the sanctuary, and impurity imputed to it on their account. That this is so is one of the plainest teachings of the Bible. It is also certain that these sins are to be removed from the sanctuary; and we would ask those who endorse the theory under consideration, what then is to be done with them, unless they are to be laid upon the head of their old author, the devil.
From the fact that our sins when forgiven are only transferred through the blood of Christ to the sanctuary, we learn that the pardon of our sins is only removing from us their guilt, by imputing to us the righteousness of another. But we are not the originators of sin. Behind all our transgressions there stands a guilty instigator; and why should it be thought more incredible or unscriptural that the guilt of those sins of which we repent, should be imputed to him who prompted us to commit them, than that the righteousness of Christ, upon our repenting, should be imputed to us? Rom. 2:22; 2 Cor. 5:21.
Why it was anciently that the sins of Israel were borne into the sanctuary and finally carried away on the head of the scape-goat into the wilderness, and why our sins are now transferred to the sanctuary through the blood of Christ, to be laid finally upon the head of the great antitypical scape-goat, the devil —why this arrangement was made instead of some other, is not for us to inquire into nor question. It is among the “mysteries of godliness;” [2 Tim. 3:16;] and, says the Prophet, [Deut. 29:26,] “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” U. S.
HOME COURTESIES.—A retired governess says: “I am one of those whose lot in life has been to go out into an unfriendly world at an early age; and of nearly twenty families, in which I made my home in the course of about thirty years, there were only three that could be designated as happy families. The source of trouble was not so much the lack of love, as the lack of care to manifest it.” The closing words of this sentence gives us the fruitful source of family alienations, of heart aches innumerable, of sad faces, and gloomy home circles. “Not so much the lack of love, as the lack of love to manifest it.” What a world of misery is suggested by this brief remark! Not more than three happy families in twenty!—and the cause so manifest, and so easily remedied! Ah! in “the small, sweet courtesies of life,” what power resides! In a look, a word, a tone, how much of happiness or disquietude may be communicated! Think of it, readers, and take the lesson home with you.
PREPARATION FOR THE WORK.
By S. N. Haskell
God does not call men to work for him without fitting them for his work, if they will allow him to do so. They may refuse to be benefited by his efforts to instruct them, but it is nevertheless true that he does give them an opportunity and means of preparation to fit themselves for his work. It is not for the honor of God that men should enter into his work till they are prepared to do it in a manner he can approve. “ When we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom ; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus, whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Col. 1 : 28, 29.
God gave to Isaiah a vision of heavenly glory. When he had seen it he cried out, “ Woe is me ! for I am undone ; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips ; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isa. 6 : 5. Upon this, one of the seraphim took a live coal from off the altar and laid it upon his lips and said, “Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Then he heard the Lord make this inquiry, “ Whom shall I send, and who will go for us ?” And thus he records his response : “ Then said I, here am I, send me.” The Lord then bade him go forth to fulfill his solemn commission.
This teaches us an important lesson. Before men go to work for God they must have this work first wrought within themselves. When the live coal from off the altar had touched the lips of Isaiah, his iniquity was purged. Then he could speak for God, for he had something to say, and he was fitted to say it in a manner that God would accept.
God does not want men to go out to labor for him until they have had their iniquity taken away. No man can lead others to Christ till he has first become personally acquainted with him ; neither can he present the truth acceptably without having first felt its saving power in his own heart. Wherever selfishness exists, the work of God will be marred. It is not enough that the truth should be presented ; it must be presented from pure motives. The honor of God and the salvation of men are the only reasons which should prompt the acts of those engaging in the missionary work. When they labor from any other motive God will not accept their work. Whatever is done to be seen of men or to exalt self, will have no reward from the God of Heaven.
Before we can successfully work for God we must be soundly converted ; when our hearts are right in his sight our motives will be pure before him. We shall not then seek our ease and worldly interests, nor the praise of men, but shall seek only the honor which comes from God. For this we will cheerfully bear burdens, make sacrifices, and suffer privations without one word of complaint. God will regard what men do with such motives as these. Such acts will certainly bear fruit.
It is no light thing to work for God. The sacredness of the work cannot be over estimated. God will not be trifled with. He sees through all disguises and he detects the most secret motives of the heart. The action is valued according to the motive which prompts it, and all our actions are weighed in the balances of God's sanctuary. Those who name the name of Christ must depart from all iniquity. None must bear the vessels of the Lord without being themselves clean in his sight. Who, then, is sufficient for these things ?
S. N. HASKELL.
MISSIONARY WORK IN CALIFORNIA—DISTRICT NO. 7.
THE district quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society was held according to appointment, and although the attendance was not so large as on other occasions, the interest in the success of the work manifested by those present was cheering to witness. Elds. Haskell and Waggoner were present, and interspersed the exercises with appropriate and encouraging remarks. Sister Ireland, librarian of the Pacheco society, was also present, and gave a very interesting account of the progress of the missionary work in that place. Pacheco is probably one of the most difficult places in the entire district in which to do missionary work. The opposition is intense and unscrupulous, and the little company there have had a difficult task to stem this tide; yet by persevering and untiring missionary effort coupled with faith in God they have succeeded in bringing two persons, heads of a family, into the truth, thus adding to the number of Sabbath-keepers as well as to the Sabbath-school, for where the parents go, at least in this case, the children follow.
From this we would learn a lesson: never to be discouraged in the missionary work. Although we may not immediately see good results follow well directed missionary effort, we have no reason to think good will not come of it. The Lord takes his own way and his own time to bring these things to a head, and all there is for the servant to do is to sow in faith, even mingling the seed with tears, and commit the work to God. He will take care of it; he will water the seed with his Spirit, and finally an abundant harvest of souls will appear to the glory of God and to the joy of the worker.
We regret to say that we have received no report from the Lafayette society. We fear these brethren are not so wide awake in regard to duty as they might be. A few strong draughts of the spirit of the world will soothe the most vigilant into slumber. And what a time to slumber, with time so short and the enemy so watchful and energetic! Let us arouse, brethren, and put on the garments of strength. Let us not place ourselves in the position of the evil servant who says in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming, for then we will act according to what is in our heart; but let us always have our lights burning, so that when the Lord cometh and knocketh we may open unto him immediately.
Below we give a report of the work done in the district the past quarter, as far as received:—321No. pp. tracts, pamphlets, and books loaned - - 70,936
” “ ” “ “ ” given away - - - 56,702
” Periodicals distributed - - - - - - 7,306
” Letters written - - - - - - - 172
” Subscribers for periodicals - - - - - 17
It is of course understood that only tracts can be given away at the expense of the Society, pamphlets and books being at the expense of the donor. In regard to finances, our district is a little in debt to the State, but the prospect for having this removed the present quarter is very good, and no doubt the incoming conference year will see district No. 7 free from all indebtedness and with a balance in its favor.
We hope our missionary members will take hold of the work the present quarter, with energy and perseverance. Let us remember that we shall soon stand before the judgment seat of God, where every one will be judged according to his or her works. Let us heed the injunction of our Lord: Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” W. J. BOSTWICK, Director.
LABORERS WITH CHRIST.
By Ellen G. White
THE true followers of Christ will be laborers with him. They will feel their obligations to do for others, to use the talents committed to their trust to the glory of God. They will love their brethren, and be in harmony with them. They will love their fellow-men as Christ has given them example, and will make any sacrifice if they can by so doing persuade souls to leave their sins and be converted to the truth.
But many who profess the truth seem to have no realizing sense of their responsibility before God. They do not realize that they are required to strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many will seek to enter in and will not be able. No one can occupy a neutral position—doing nothing to encourage others and doing nothing to hinder others. Says Christ, “They that gather not with me scatter abroad.” There are none who have reasoning powers but that have some influence; and that influence is used to encourage souls, by an example of earnest, persevering efforts to advance the cause of Christ; or it serves to hinder them, by a careless indifference in these things. We are either doing the work of Christ to save souls, or the work of Satan to lead to perdition.
The young may exert a powerful influence for good, if they will put away pride and selfishness, and devote themselves to God. If they will educate themselves to make this work their first interest; if they will sacrifice pleasure and inclination, for the truth's sake, and learn to bear burdens for others, the blessing of Heaven will rest upon them. God will be to them wisdom and strength. He will glorify himself by working with and through those who wholly follow him. “If any man will serve me, him will my Father honor.” But there must be in the heart a willingness to yield all, even themselves upon the altar of God.
The character and disposition of the real Christian will be like the Master. The truth deeply rooted in the heart will spring up and bear fruit unto righteousness. Their words and works are the channels through which the pure principles of truth and holiness are conveyed to the world. Especial blessings and privileges are for those who love the truth, and walk according to the light they have received. If they neglect to do this, their light will become darkness; if they become self-sufficient, the Lord leaves them to their own wisdom. But mercy and truth are promised to the humble in heart, the obedient and faithful. E. G. White.
THE CAUSE IN ENGLAND.
By John Norton Loughborough
Since my last report we have been made glad by another earnest worker taking her stand to obey the truth, as the result of reading and missionary correspondence. Two others who have decided to obey, expect to move to Southampton next week, and as they commence business here, commence also to observe the Lord's Sabbath.
We get many interesting letters from persons reading the papers. In these they express their thanks for them, and speak of the new light thus imparted to their minds.
On a recent Sunday I held two meetings in the Town Hall in Ramsey, seven miles from Ravenswood. I found a good interest to hear, and learned that a number there are already believers in the doctrine of "No eternal life out of Christ." We decided to pitch our tent in Ramsey. It is a neat city of some six or seven thousand inhabitants.
We have this week erected our tent in a beautiful meadow in the eastern part of the Borough. Our first meeting will be on Sunday, June 20, at 3 P. M. For the present I hold only four meetings a week in the tent, and Bro. Ings is acting as tent-master. Bro. Andrews expects to join me in a few days if his health will admit of it. If he does we will then have more meetings.
Our tent comes out in much better condition than we feared it would after such an exposure to the wet as it had last year. There seems a fair prospect of a better season for tenting this year. As yet we have had no more rain than is needful for the prosperity of the crops.
May the Lord give success to the proclamation of the truth, and may its light spread until many shall see and obey; and thus a people be made ready for the coming of the Master.
June 18, 1880. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS AT THE MILTON, OREGON, CAMP-MEETING.
By Editor
FIRST MEETING, MAY 25, 9 A. M.
ELDER I. D. Van Horn in the chair. Prayer by Eld. Jones. The following delegates presented credentials: Walla Walla, A. T. Jones, T. Chabot; Milton, Wm. McCoy, J. A. Smith; Dayton, Ambrose Johnson; Pataha Prairie, Moses Hunt, by Wm. Gibson. Bro. Nicholas Ownbey was received as representative of the brethren of Grand Ronde Valley, and Bro. J. Cowles for the brethren of Klickitat Co., W. T. Elder S. N. Haskell of the General Conference Committee and all S. D. Adventists in good standing, were invited to participate in the deliberations of the meeting.
Moved by Wm. McCoy and seconded by Ambrose Johnson that a division of the North Pacific Conference, on the line of the Cascade Mountains, is advisable. After considerable discussion the meeting adjourned.
SECOND MEETING, MAY 26, 9:15 A. M.
Prayer by Eld. Haskell. Discussion of motion to divide Conference was continued. The motion was finally submitted and carried unanimously.
A committee of three was appointed on resolutions and nominations, to which were added two persons outside of the delegates to act with said committee. Committee—A. T. Jones, Ambrose Johnson and J. A. Smith. To act with these, Wm. Goodwin and Wm. Nichols.
THIRD MEETING, MAY 27, 5 P. M.
Prayer by Eld. Haskell. The following was submitted as the report of committee on resolutions and nominations:—
Whereas, It has been, by unanimous vote, deemed advisable to divide the North Pacific Conference on the line of the Cascade Mountains, therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby respectfully request the regular session of the N. P. Conference, which is to be held at Salem, Oregon, June 9–15, 1880, to grant this our appeal and recognize us as an independent Conference to be known as the Upper Columbia Conference of S. D. Adventists. [Granted. See minutes of N. P. Conference.]
Resolved, That we adopt as a whole the Constitutions of the Conference, the Tract and Missionary Society, and the Sabbath-school Association that have already been adopted by the N. P. Conference.
Resolved, That our gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise, are due to our Heavenly Father for his mercy and lovingkindness in allowing us the privilege of another camp-meeting; for the testimonies of his Spirit in this meeting, and for the counsels of his servants.
Resolved, That we thank the General Conference Committee for their care for us manifested in the assistance they have rendered us in the labors of Elder S. N. Haskell and Sister E. G. White.
Resolved, That we thank the General Conference for the presence of Elder G. W. Colcord, and that we hereby extend to Elder and Sister Colcord our hearty welcome and support, and our earnest invitation to remain and labor among us in the great work of God.
Resolved, That we respectfully request that Eld. Alonzo T. Jones be allowed to remain and labor among us.
Resolved, That we all, as churches and individuals, hereby pledge ourselves to work to the fullest extent of our ability to push the great work of the Third Angel's Message to a successful issue in all its departments.
Resolved, That we deem it a duty enjoined in the Scriptures, and therefore we recommend that every member in this Conference adopt the tithing system, and carry it out faithfully in all things.
Resolved, That we deem it necessary for the efficient working of the T. and M. Society, that a Reserve Fund of such amount as may be deemed advisable by the Conference Committee, be raised, by means of which a stock of publications can be kept on hand.
Resolved, That we recommend that the ministers act as agents of the T. and M. Society.
Resolved, That we recommend that each and every one of the scattered S. D. Adventists in this Conference be corresponded with for the purpose of getting them enlisted heartily in the work in all its parts.
Resolved, That we deem it essential to the success of the cause that Vigilant Missionary Societies be organized in every company of Sabbath-keepers where practicable.
The resolutions were taken up one by one and adopted unanimously.
The committee placed in nomination the following persons as officers, all of whom were elected:
Conference—President, Elder G. W. Colcord; Secretary, Elder A. T. Jones; Treasurer, Wm. Nichols; Executive Committee, Wm. Goodwin and Ambrose Johnson.
Tract and Missionary Society—President, G. W. Colcord; Vice-President, Wm. Goodwin; Secretary, Mrs. G. W. Colcord; Board of Directors, A. T. Jones, George Beck and Ambrose Johnson.
Sabbath-School Association—President, Elder G. W. Colcord; Secretary, Miss Adna Johns.
The officers of the T. and M. Society were appointed a committee to district the Conference. Their action to be final.
FOURTH MEETING, MAY 28, 3 P. M.
Prayer by Elder Raymond. Further report of committee on resolutions:
Resolved, That we hereby tender to the P. C. S. S. Co., and the O. R. & N. Co., a vote of thanks for their courtesy toward Elder S. N. Haskell and his party on their visit to this place to assist in establishing the missionary work in this field.
Resolved, That we hereby request the recognition of the Upper Columbia Conference by the General Conference.
Resolved, That we hereby tender a vote of thanks to Bro. Wm. Nichols for the free use of these pleasant grounds for our camp-meeting.
Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to the camp-meeting committee, and the Milton church for their kind labors in so pleasantly fitting up our camp-ground.
Voted that this Conference pay quarterly to the General Conference one-tenth of all tithes received by our Conference Treasurer.
FIFTH MEETING, MAY 31, 6:30 A. M.
Credentials were granted to Elder G. W. Colcord, and renewed to Elders A. T. Jones and W. L. Raymond.
Voted that the granting of licenses be left to the Conference Committee.
Voted that we have a camp-meeting next year. Also, that we have a general meeting in October of this year.
The districting committee presented the following report:
District No. 1—To include Walla Walla county with all of the Territory north and west of the Columbia river, and east of the Cascade Mountains. Director, A. T. Jones, Walla Walla, W. T.
District No. 2—With the exception of Walla Walla county, to include all of the country in Washington Territory east of the Columbia river. Director, Ambrose Johnson, Dayton, Columbia Co., W. T.
District No. 3—All of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains. Director, George Beck, Milton, Umatilla Co., Oregon.
Voted that a copy of these minutes be furnished the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and Review and Herald for publication.
Adjourned sine die.
G. W. COLCORD, President.
ALONZO T. JONES, Secretary.
NORTH PACIFIC T. & M. SOCIETY.
By William L. Raymond
The State annual meeting of this Society was held at Salem, Oregon, June 10, 1880. The meeting was opened with singing; prayer by Elder Haskell. The Secretary read a report on the financial standing of the Society. Eld. Haskell made excellent and practical remarks on reporting, after which the President announced the following committees:
On Resolutions—W. L. Raymond, R. D. Benham, and A. W. Benson.
On Nominations—John Donaldson, Jas. Chitwood, and J. B. E. Young.
The second meeting was called June 15, and opened with usual exercises, and reading of the minutes of previous meeting. The committee on nominations reported: For President, I. D. Van Horn; Vice-President, W. L. Raymond; Secretary, A. P. Van Horn; Directors—No. 1, J. C. Bunch; No. 2, T. H. Starbuck; No. 3, R. D. Benham. The report was accepted, and the officers named declared elected.
The committee on resolutions reported as follows:
Whereas, We see the urgent need of labor in the T. and M. work of this Conference, and that we are hastening to the Judgment wherein we shall be judged according to our works; and
Whereas, We have the means extended to everyone of us to do something in this work with our publications and periodicals, therefore
Resolved, That we work with the might the Lord has given us to put our periodicals and publications into the hands of all whom we can prevail upon to read them, and
Resolved, That we follow the rules of the T. & M. Society in keeping account of such labor, and report the same at the regular quarterly meetings of the Society.
Resolved, That we raise $1000 for a reserve fund for the T. & M. Society, to enable it to carry a stock of books, tracts, and such other material as the Society may need to keep up the interest and funds of the Society.
Resolved, That this Society purchase the stock of books and tracts which Eld. Haskell has with him at this time.
The resolutions were considered separately and adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
By order of the President.
WM. L. RAYMOND.
Understanding Christianity
By Cecil
To fully understand Christianity we must be Christians. To know what a natural life is we must be alive; and rightly to conceive of a spiritual life we must possess it; and until men do possess it they will go on mistaking and probably despising it.