Earlier text: PREACHING THE TRUTH IN LOVEThe Sabbath-School.
By J. W. Scoles
Notes on the International Lesson.
IN marked contrast with the gloom which burdened the hearts of the disciples upon the occasion of the death of their Lord, came the joy and gladness connected with his resurrection. And this gladness not only cheered them, but reaches on down through the centuries, and is shared by those who, to-day, rejoice in the hope of eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. IT is the resurrection of Christ which gives us the assurance that through him we shall live also. When God pronounced the penalty of death upon our first parents because of their sins, they were left without hope, and had not Christ been promised, they would have sunk at death into a grave from which there would have been no resurrection, for it is only through Christ that a resurrection is promised. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept." 1 Cor. 15:20. Then why is it that death seems so terrible? It is because that for a little while we are separated from everything pertaining to life, and, as we go down into the tomb, there comes a realizing sense that we are sinking under the power of death. The state of the dead is frequently represented in the Scriptures as a condition of unconsciousness. "For in death there is no remembrance of thee; in the grave who shall give thee thanks." Ps. 6:5. "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." Ps. 146:4. "For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun." Eccl. 9:5, 6. Paul recognized the fact that unless there be a resurrection, there is no future life: "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die." 1 Cor. 15:32. So that Christ not only becomes our Redeemer by virtue of his death, but stands in relation to us as Lifegiver also by virtue of his resurrection. YET in our rejoicing over the resurrection of Christ we should not forget that it is not this alone which redeems us, but that it is through his blood that we are saved. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Col. 1:14. The power of Christ to save comes to us primarily through virtue of his death. And while we would not disparage in any degree the resurrection of our Lord, we must not lose sight of the fact that the work of Christ as Redeemer must take its power from the fact of his having shed his blood for the sins of the world. Christ had the power to deliver himself up to death, and in this was manifested his great love for us. Having suffered and died, his work was finished, so far as the sacrifice was concerned; it now remained for God to raise him up, which he did, as we have seen. BUT some reason that because such glorious results are comprehended in the doctrine of the resurrection, and that because Christ has conquered the power of death, we should observe a day in memorial of this event. They reason that redemption is greater than creation, and therefore the first day of the week instead of the seventh361should be observed as the Sabbath. But redemption was not completed by the resurrection of Christ, neither has it yet been completed. So long as Christ pleads as our great High Priest, so long there will be probation for sinful men, and not until his work in this particular is finished will redemption be completed; therefore it is incorrect to take the position that redemption was finished by Christ's resurrection. Not only so, but even if this were the case, how are we to know the comparative difference between creation and redemption when both are beyond the comprehension of finite minds? Who has given us the privilege of deciding upon this matter? Surely we will do well to abide by the testimony of God's word in such matters as this. GOD has given us a far better memorial of the resurrection of Christ than to keep a day in his honor. That Christ rose from the dead upon the first day of the week we do not deny, but that he has ever made that day a memorial for the commemoration of the resurrection, we are not prepared to admit. Paul tells us that "we are buried with him by baptism into death," and that if "we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection." Baptism is a commemorative institution established by Christ himself and confirmed by both the precept and practice of his disciples. IT is always dangerous to perform what are called "works of supererogation;" that is, to engage in any practices which are not required by the Scripture; the performing of more than is necessary according to the principles of Christianity. By so doing we are adding to the word of God. Not only is this the case, but we are also liable to leave undone duties which God has commanded, while we turn our attention to performances concerning which the Scriptures are silent. "Every word of God is pure; he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." Prov. 30: 5, 6. Sunday was never observed as a sacred day by the apostles, nor is there any intimation, either by virtue of Scripture to this effect nor by the practice of any of the early Christian church, that this day should ever be observed. So far as the observance of the day is concerned, it is purely of pagan origin. There are only eight texts in the entire New Testament which refer to the first day of the week, and in none of these is it called the Sabbath, nor is it represented anywhere in the New Testament as taking the place of the original Sabbath, the seventh day. THE Sabbath was set apart in the beginning, before man had ever sinned, and the work of Christ as Redeemer of the world cannot antedate the time when sin rendered a Saviour necessary. The Sabbath stands as God's great memorial of his creative work, and as such must exist as long as creation endures. It is worse than absurd to talk about transferring the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day. The seventh day may be properly called the birthday of the world, as well as the rest-day of God. God recognizes the sacredness of this day in scores of places in both the Old and New Testaments, and also shows in words too plain to be controverted, that the seventh day, and not a seventh part of time, is to be observed forever as a memorial of the events just referred to. "Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work. . . . For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day, and hallowed it." Ex. 20: 8-11. Until some direct reason is given by God himself why the observance of that day should cease, it will ever stand as a grand memorial in accordance with his own direct command; and until a "Thus saith the Lord" can be given for the observance of the first day, it will form no part of the duty of Christians to render obedience to the traditions of men by observing this day which God never commanded, nor blessed, nor sanctified. SABBATH means rest, but so far from the day of Christ's resurrection being a day of rest, there was nothing like a spirit of rest connected with it. Having observed the seventh day, according to the commandment (Luke 23: 56), the disciples upon the first day of the week went about their work. The inhabitants of the whole country did likewise. All Jerusalem was astir over the rumor of the resurrection of the Nazarene. Not only so, but all hell was astir. The devil and his angels were furious with disappointment and rage over the event which had robbed them of their prey. Under these circumstances we may rest assured that this particular first day was the most singularly inappropriate of all days to be observed as a day of rest. Nor are the facts in the case any different to-day. The first day still remains as the day upon which God began his work; the seventh day is still the Sabbath by virtue of God resting upon it, and commanding us to keep it. Why should we to-day ignore these facts and virtually reverse his plan? Why should we do violence to his direct command by resting upon and observing a day which has never received his sanction, while we ignore the seventh day, the only day which God ever commanded, and the only day which Christ ever kept? Old Testament History.
By M. C. W.
SUGGESTIONS FOR QUARTERLY REVIEW.
(Lesson 26, June 29, 1889.)
[Note.—It is not expected that the teachers will use just these questions in their review. They are only suggestive, and do not cover near all the ground. Some lessons are not even referred to. It would be an impossibility for any teacher to cover in one lesson all the principal points that have been passed over during the quarter, and therefore each teacher should carefully review all the preceding lessons, and select just those points which impress him as being the most important, or containing thoughts most necessary for that special time, and confine his attention to them. Points that received insufficient attention in the first instance, may now be dwelt upon at greater length.
We would advise that the superintendent or division leader do not go over the same ground that the most of the teachers do, but take up some other portion of the review, as by so doing much more ground can be covered.] - By what means was the sanctuary built?
- Tell how it was repaired.
- What was the result when the people gave willingly?
- What enabled them to give so willingly?
- In order to have our gifts of money acceptable to God, what must we first do?
"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God." 2 Cor. 8:5.- What is the only kind of giving that God loves or will accept?
- What was the tabernacle for?
- In what part was God's presence specially manifested?
- What was represented by the ark, with the cherubim of glory overshadowing it?
- What was signified by the fact that underneath the cherubim of glory was the law of God?
- What is sin?
- What is indicated by the fact that immediately above the law which had been transgressed, was the mercy-seat, and the cherubim between which the glory of God appeared?—That God sits upon a throne of grace, and delights in mercy, and that wherever there is sin there is the remedy. "Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. Whenever a sin is committed, the remedy is immediately at hand.
- By what various judgments did God show that it is not a light thing to speak against his servants?
- On what various instances did the Israelites show their wicked unbelief of God?
- What is the foundation of all goodness?
"And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge." 2 Pet. 1:5.
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 20, 21.- Then what must be the universal besetting sin?
- To what then must we take heed?
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To-day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Heb. 3:12, 13.
"Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." Heb. 4:1, 2.- What evidence have we that God will not make the slightest excuse for sin, even in his most highly honored and best-beloved servant?
- By what were the people in those days saved, when they sinned?
"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Rom. 15:4. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world [age] are come." 1 Cor. 10:11. The above words of inspiration are for us who live in the last days of probation, the former passage referring to all the Old Testament, the latter to the last four books of Moses, which contain a record of God's dealings with the children of Israel. No more important lessons are contained in the Bible than these. It is for this reason that they are referred to with such emphasis in the New Testament, especially in 1 Cor. 10, and Heb. 3 and 4. The Sabbath-school lessons for the last quarter have considered most of the important events of the important period of the exodus from Egypt to the entrance into the promised land. The narrative alone, a mere knowledge of the facts, will profit us little unless we learn the deeper spiritual lessons which God designs to teach. It may be well for us to review some of these important lessons of God's wisdom, justice, mercy, and love.362
First, God's call of Moses teaches us that the greatest worldly wisdom will not fit us to do God's work. While "Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds" (Acts 7:22), and while he thought himself sufficient to lead Israel from bondage, the Lord teaches him that he is not yet ready. His education is only begun. For forty years more he must learn in the deserts of Midian, caring for his flock by night and day, man's littleness and God's greatness, and also that compassion and tenderness necessary to be a true shepherd to the flock of God. These lessons he learns and the Lord then calls him. We may also learn from God's rebuke to Moses, when Moses did not think himself sufficient, that to whatever work God calls us, if we will but depend on him, he will fit us for that work and supply all our need. God's dealing with Pharaoh reveals his wondrous mercy. The Lord's manner in dealing with the king, if Pharaoh had desired to do right, would have certainly led him to light and truth. But the proud king hardens his heart till the Lord withdraws his mercy, and the king is forever doomed. The same sun that develops the good grain and plants of usefulness, also develops noxious weeds. "Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness." Isa. 26:10. The rejection of light and favor from God always brings unbelief and hardness of heart. The mighty miracles by which God wrought deliverance for his people are an encouragement to those who live when the great time of trouble and the last period of persecution are about to come upon the earth. The same God who delivered then, can deliver now. And his promise that "at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book" (Dan. 12:1), and the other precious promises found in Ps. 91 and elsewhere, will all be fulfilled. And while the wicked are calling for mountains and rocks to fall upon them, the righteous will sing in the triumph of faith, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." Ps. 46:1, 2. Our God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. The Passover should teach us that we should never rest content till we know that the blood of Jesus covers every sin of the past, and that we are living every day so that when probation shall close and the plagues shall fall upon a world forsaken of God, we will be sealed for eternity, clad in the righteousness of God through Christ forevermore. What a lesson we have of God's wondrous mercy to that rebellious people in the constant supply of food and water furnished by his own miraculous power. He thus led and supplied them that they might learn "that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." Deut. 8:3. God's goodness was designed to lead them to repentance, but often their hearts grew hard under the droppings of his most abundant mercies. How do we regard God's daily blessings? The giving of God's law was designed not only to impress Israel with a sense of its holiness, but the world itself, which should afterward read the record. The manner in which God spoke the law, the terrible majesty attending the event, the way in which it was given, separate, and distinct from all others on tables of enduring stone,—all was designed to show how holy and sacred were the ten words of God, the sum of all morality, the compendium of all righteousness. Here it is said God made known his holy Sabbath. Neh. 9:14. What is meant by this seeing that the Sabbath was understood before? Gen. 2:2, 3; Ex. 16. This, evidently: God knew that men would say that the Sabbath was ceremonial in character, and therefore not binding, as were other moral precepts; therefore he made known its true character by placing it in the very bosom of the decalogue, guarded before and behind by immutable moral precepts, so that men could never with any reason say that the Sabbath was not as binding as the first, or sixth, or any other commandment. The law of God's rest-day, as of all the other parts of that law, is immutable and eternal. Israel's making of the sun-god, or golden calf, is an emphatic lesson of man's natural depravity. They had promised, but in their own strength, that they would obey God's voice (Ex. 19:5), and they were no doubt honest in this; but their hearts were unregenerate, and deceived themselves. A deceived heart turned them aside. Isa. 44:20. The only way by which we can do God's will is to be regenerated, born again, the heart of enmity to God's law taken away, and the new heart given. The only means by which we can keep God's commandments is by his strength, put on through faith in Christ. Every other way, every covenant in our own strength, will, like that of Israel at Horeb, gender to bondage. Gal. 4:24. The holiness of God's work, and how particular God is that everything shall be performed exactly, may be learned from his instructions concerning the sanctuary and his worship. And that these rules were not meaningless is shown by the swift punishment visited upon Nadab and Abihu. The sacredness of his ordinances is also shown in the punishment which followed the sin of Miriam and the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The sin of Moses and the judgment of the Lord upon him is another most forcible lesson that God is particular, that he is no respecter of persons, that the greatest among men or his own people will be treated even as the lowest, with strict justice, that no outward provocation is an excuse for sin, and that its root is wholly in the heart of man. These are the lessons God would have us learn from these occurrences. Concerning the spies, it has been thought by some that Moses showed unbelief in sending them after what God had told him concerning the land, but Moses only obeyed the Lord in this. Num. 13:1, 2. But what a lesson is here taught! Right on the threshold of deliverance the people rebel. God's design in sending the spies was evidently to assure the people of the truthfulness of his word. They found all as God had said. It was no business of theirs how great the giants or how strong the cities; God had given them abundant proof of his power to overcome all opposition. But their deceived hearts catch upon the seeming difficulties as excuses for rebellion, and they again reject God, just at the very time when he was about to end their journeyings. How often do professed Christians do the same. They trust God for a while under the trials, and often when God is about to deliver, they rebel against him and their heart becomes hardened. The only way is to renounce all, to trust God to the end, trial or no trial. "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." The above are some of the precious lessons of obedient faith and loving trust which God would have us learn. They are precious admonitions by which he would have us take warning. "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip [run out as leaking vessels, margin]. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:1-3. God will require of us according to our light. Therefore, if like Caleb and Joshua we "wholly follow the Lord," we will say with all the redeemed host when the journey is ended, and our weary feet press the promised land: "Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof." Amen.
M. C. W. The Missionary.
By C. A. Wyman
REPORT OF THE N. P. TRACT SOCIETY, FOR THE YEAR ENDING MAY 22, 1889.
THE first annual meeting was held May 16, at 5 P. M., in connection with the camp-meeting. Elder Loughborough was called to the chair. After singing, prayer was offered by Brother W. C. Ward. The report of the previous year was read and approved. Interesting remarks then followed, relating to the resolutions of last year, particularly in reference to the work in British Columbia, and the fourth-Sabbath donations. Elder Loughborough gave a brief review concerning the establishment of a branch house in Canada, and the benefit to be derived from it. All felt to appreciate the work that has already been accomplished, as it places the work in that field on an equality with that in the United States, at least as to first cost of books. In reference to the fourth-Sabbath donations it was ascertained that most of the local Tract and Missionary Societies had entered into the plan quite heartily, and as a result the financial standing was better than previous years. In most instances the donations were sufficient to maintain the work for the year. The following committees were appointed:
On Nominations—J. E. Graham, W. C. Ward, and J. M. Cole.
On Resolutions—William Potter, H. W. Reed, and Albert Benson.
On Auditing—H. W. Reed.
Meeting adjourned to call of chair. Second meeting was held May 20 at 9 A. M. Elder Loughborough in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder Reed. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The report for the past year was then called for, read, and approved. The Committee on Resolutions then presented the following:—
WHEREAS, The plan of doing a credit business with individuals seriously hinders the financial success of the State society, and through it the publishing houses; therefore,
Resolved, That so far as possible a cash basis shall be established, and those desiring credit should secure it through the local societies of which they are members, or through persons who will assume the credit.
WHEREAS, There is great expense and much risk from fire by maintaining our depository in its present quarters; and,
WHEREAS, The advantages that may be mentioned on account of its central location are not of sufficient importance to warrant the expense and risk; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Conference Committee take the matter into consideration, and are authorized, if it shall be deemed best, to cause the sale of the present building, and locate either in connection with the school or upon grounds where the expense of its maintenance and the risk of loss shall be greatly lessened, and yet good mailing and shipping facilities be maintained. The resolutions were responded to by several; and many facts were presented to show that the steps indicated were not only just, but would be conducive to the best interests363of the work. They were unanimously adopted. The report of the Nominating Committee being called for, read as follows:—
For President, E. D. Hurlburt; Vice-President, William Potter; Secretary, C. A. Wyman; Directors: Dist. No. 1, J. C. Bunch; Dist. No. 2, J. W. Will; Dist. No. 3, L. A. Logan; Dist. No. 4, G. W. Davis. The names were voted upon separately and each one elected to the office named. A meeting was held with the directors and librarians near the close of the meetings, and many matters of interest in relation to the first resolution, and other important features of the work, were discussed, and a unity of feeling and sentiment prevailed. The directors and librarians seem to have a good understanding of the duties resting upon them, and are alive to the great interests of the present time. We feel confident that the coming year will be one of marked interest and growth of the Tract and Missionary work in this field.
C. A. WYMAN, Sec. NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
THE thirteenth annual session of the North Pacific Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in connection with the East Portland camp-meeting, May 14-21. The first meeting was held May 14, at 5 P. M., the president, Elder S. Fulton, in the chair. After singing, prayer was offered by Elder J. N. Loughborough. The president then stated that owing to his poor state of health, he desired that Elder J. N. Loughborough should preside over the meetings of this session. The minutes of the last annual session were read and approved. At the first meeting the following churches were represented by their respective delegates: East Portland, Spring Brook, Grand Ford, Lynden, Aldany, St. John's, Tacoma, Maple Valley, Vancouver, Artondale, Seattle, Coquille, Salem, Carrollton, and Beaverton. A written request was presented from the Ilwaco church, stating a desire to be admitted into the Conference, and, upon its admission, that J. E. Graham and H. W. Reed be its delegates. A statement was made that it was recently raised up and organized, and contained fourteen members. It was then voted into the Conference. The chairman appointed the usual committees as follows:—
On Nominations—O. Dickinson, G. W. Davis, E. D. Hurlburt.
On Credentials—T. H. Starbuck, J. E. Graham, J. N. Loughborough.
On Auditing—G. W. Davis, H. A. Baxter, G. E. Tyszkiewicz, C. A. Wyman, J. D. Manning, J. C. Hall.
On Resolutions—E. P. Daniels, W. C. Ward, Isaac Morrison. SECOND MEETING, MAY 16, AT 9 A. M. The Newton and Corvallis churches were represented by their delegates. The number of delegates who had presented their credentials now numbered fifty-three. The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. Upon request, the West Union church, consisting of eleven members, was received into the Conference. The resolutions adopted at the last camp-meeting were read, and appropriate remarks were made, showing how fully they had been carried out. Resolution 4 recommended "that we send T. H. Starbuck to attend the council of teachers soon to be held in Battle Creek, Mich., and to visit schools which have made a marked success in methods which we propose to follow." To this resolution Brother Starbuck said: "I went to Battle Creek, Mich., and attended the teachers' meeting. Spent the month of July in the Chautauqua summer school, in Bible study. Attended the State annual meetings in Ohio and Michigan. Spent nearly one month in Battle Creek, Mich., and most of that time was devoted to the study of methods of instruction, and management of the Students' Home. Attended the General Conference, and the institute which preceded it. It was the most profitable five months, to myself, ever passed, and I hope that it may prove to be of lasting benefit to the work in which I am engaged." THIRD MEETING, MAY 17, AT 9 A. M. Four more delegates presented their credentials. One of them represented the Marshfield church. A request was made that the Woodland church, consisting of six members, be received into the Conference. It was voted to receive the church. The Committee on Resolutions offered the following:—
Resolved, That article three, section one, of the constitution of the North Pacific Conference, be amended by striking out the word three and inserting the word five.
This resolution was adopted. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made a partial report, as follows:—
For credentials—Samuel Fulton, H. W. Reed, Wm. Potter, W. C. Ward, Fried Jorg.
For ministerial licenses—Isaac Morrison, H. A. Baxter, J. M. Cole, G. W. Davis, Carl Scheiper, J. C. Bunch.
The report was adopted. The Conference treasurer's report was read, as follows, and adopted:—
Whole amount of tithes received, - - - $7,205 72
Whole amount of tithes paid out, - - - 5,907 95
Amount on hand, - - - - - $1,297 77 FOURTH MEETING, MAY 17, 4:30 P. M. At this meeting the Damascus church was represented. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
WHEREAS, It is deemed advisable in the conducting of Conference schools to combine manual labor with other instruction; therefore,
Resolved, That we will provide grounds and other facilities in connection with our school buildings for carrying out this object.
WHEREAS, It is essential to the correct discipline and proper guardianship of the morals of our students that a boarding-house, or students' home, be connected with our school; therefore,
Resolved, That we will provide means for the erection and equipment of such a home.
Resolved, That the Executive Committee of this Conference are hereby empowered and instructed to secure means by loans, donations, etc., with which to obtain lands, erect proper buildings, etc., for the objects stated in the above resolutions; and further,
Resolved, If these facilities cannot be secured in East Portland, that the said committee are hereby empowered to dispose of the present school property on the best terms possible, and obtain a suitable site at some feasible point centrally located in our Conference. Resolved, That an Educational Society be formed in this Conference, which shall hold our school property, and legally manage the temporalities of the same.
Resolved, That we will raise at once, at least five thousand dollars ($5,000) in stock, in shares of the par value of ten dollars ($10) per share.
Remarks were made in favor of these resolutions, and they were carried by unanimous vote. FIFTH MEETING, MAY 20, AT 8 A. M.
An informal meeting of the Conference was held for the purpose of raising stock for the Educational Society. Pledges were taken to the amount of five thousand three hundred and six dollars ($5,306). SIXTH MEETING, MAY 20, AT 10 A. M.
Prayer by O. Dickinson.
Upon request, the name of the Newton church was changed to Elk City.
The Committee on Resolutions offered the following:—
WHEREAS, Already one bill has been introduced into the Senate of the United States to secure the enactment of a national Sunday law; and,
WHEREAS, A National Sabbath Union has been organized to secure the enactment of an oppressive Sunday law by the Congress of the United States, and is vigorously pushing forward its work in every State and Territory, through the pulpit and the press, and by the circulation of petitions to Congress favoring the same; and,
WHEREAS, We see in this a striking fulfillment of the prophecies in reference to our country; and,
WHEREAS, It is to be one of the last events in the history of our country, which will usher in the time of bitter persecution that will greatly hinder our work in spreading the truth; and,
WHEREAS, It is a striking evidence that our work for the world is soon to close, and what is done must be done quickly; therefore,
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to renewed energy and diligence in taking subscriptions to the American Sentinel, and in circulating the remonstrative petitions, calling attention of the people to what is coming, and what must be done to be prepared to meet it.
After some very interesting remarks, the resolution was adopted. WHEREAS, The health of our beloved brother, Samuel Fulton, is such that it is thought necessary to the preservation of his life that he should be relieved from the office of president of the North Pacific Conference; therefore,
Resolved, That we deeply regret the circumstances which compel the change, and as a Conference express our sincere gratitude for all the benefits resulting from his faithful and unselfish labors during the past two years.
This resolution was unanimously adopted. WHEREAS, During the past year the prosperity attending our Conference labors, and the blessing of God manifestly displayed in the preservation of both the health and the property of our people, continually deserve grateful remembrance; therefore,
Resolved, That we express our united thanks to God for his unmerited care and providence, and that we deeply deplore our lack of spirituality and faithfulness to duty.
After adopting this resolution the whole congregation arose and sang the Doxology, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow." The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made further report, as follows:—
To receive ministerial licenses—A. Benson, T. H. Starbuck. The report was adopted. The Committee on Nominations made the following report:—
For President, Elder R. C. Porter; Secretary, H. W. Reed; Treasurer, O. Dickinson; Conference Committee—R. C. Porter, T. H. Starbuck, G. W. Davis, J. E. Graham, J. C. Bunch. SEVENTH MEETING, MAY 20, 6 P. M.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
The chairman called for a reading of the resolution touching the formation of an Educational Society. After its reading, the chair364stated that the law of Oregon in reference to corporations is very liberal; that we need not form a corporation by joint stock, as provided by the resolution, but that we can have it under the control of the Conference, if we so desire. It was voted to reconsider the motion adopting said resolution.
Voted to amend the resolution so that it will read as follows:—
Resolved, That we will raise by donations five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the Educational Society. Moved that those who have paid and pledged stock for this Educational Society be allowed to vote. Carried by an almost unanimous vote.
Conference then adjourned to the call of the chair. EIGHTH MEETING, MAY 20, 9:30 P. M.
The minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported, recommending that Brethren Isaac Morrison and G. W. Davis be ordained and receive credentials.
The report was adopted. Voted that the Conference Committee appoint a corresponding secretary, who shall devote such portion of his time to correspondence as the committee shall deem best. Voted that the Educational Society be organized according to the law of Oregon. The following articles were read:—
THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
ARTICLE 1. The name of this society shall be, The Educational Society of the Seventh-day Adventists, and the duration of the same shall be unlimited.
ART. 2. The object and business of this society shall be to maintain a denominational school, where biblical and scientific instruction shall be imparted, and where manual labor shall be combined with mental instruction.
ART. 3. The estimated value of school property already in the hands of this society is $5,000. The resources are the property on hand, donations, legacies, tuitions.
ART. 4. The business of this society shall be managed by a board of five directors, who shall be chosen annually by the North Pacific Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and this board shall choose a president, secretary, treasurer, and auditor from their own number immediately after their election.
ART. 5. The location of this society, and its principal place of business, is East Portland, Oregon. Voted that these articles be adopted. Voted that the Nominating Committee present names for the board of directors. The following names were presented and elected: T. H. Starbuck, J. E. Graham, C. A. Wyman, E. D. Hulburt, O. Dickinson. Voted that the Conference Committee be requested to procure a tent of suitable size to be used at our next annual gathering. Voted that the Conference Committee provide for a camp-meeting this season in the Puget Sound country. Voted that those who wish to re-subscribe to the $5,000 Fund do so, making their subscription more or less as they may choose.
Adjourned sine die.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres. pro tem.
H. W. REED, Sec.