General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 1
November 28, 1887
VOLUME 1. - OAKLAND, CAL., - NUMBER 13
Thirteenth Day’s Proceedings
AT 7 P. M., November 26, the twelfth meeting of the Conference was opened with prayer by Elder A. T. Robinson. After the reading of the minutes, the report of the Committee on City Missions and the Canvassing Work was called for, and rendered as follows:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.1
Your committee appointed to consider the general interests of the city mission and canvassing work, respectfully submit the following report:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.2
WHEREAS, The growth and importance of the city mission and general Bible work demand that broader and more careful plans be laid for carrying it forward, therefore your committee recommend - GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.3
1. That the managers of our educational institutions located at Battle Creek, Healdsburg, and South Lancaster, secure in the Biblical and Missionary Departments more thorough instruction in the manner of preparing and method of giving Bible-readings. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.4
2. That the teachers in said departments spend a portion of each year at one of our principal city missions, to gain a practical experience in, and knowledge of, Bible work. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.5
3. That, as far as possible, all who would enter city missions should first attend one or more terms of preparatory instruction in one of our educational institutions. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.6
4. That each of the following Conferences conduct a city mission training school, so as to accommodate workers that may be selected from other Conferences to receive a thorough preparation in all branches of this work, namely, New England, Michigan, Illinois, and California, and that these schools begin courses of instruction and receive new students January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, of each year, unless in exceptional cases, when other arrangements are deemed advisable. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.7
5. That only such persons be sent to these schools as the various State Conference Committees shall recommend after consultation with the mission director, and that they shall pass a satisfactory examination before an examining board of three, two to be appointed by the General Conference Committee, to act with the mission director. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.8
6. That the Conferences from which these individuals are sent become responsible for their support, pro rata, to the amount not covered by profits on publications sold by them while at the school, until such time as the director and State Conference Committee shall deem it advisable to remove them, for whatever cause, or to make other arrangements for their support in case they remain at the mission. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.9
7. That mission training schools should not be started without competent persons to manage them; and that in all cases the General Conference Committee should be consulted as to the establishment of new training schools, or the continuance of those already started. And further, that in Conferences where it seems advisable, training schools, or institutes, be conducted during three months of the year. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.10
8. That the Home Missionary Secretary arrange the programme for such institutes, and provide the necessary help, by advice of the General Conference Committee. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.11
9. As experienced managers and thorough workers are few, and as missions are a financial burden, and if not properly conducted they result in injury to the cause, therefore caution should be exercised in establishing city missions. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.12
10. That the Home Missionary Secretary devote his time principally to the furtherance of the city mission work during the coming year, both by visiting the missions and by awakening an interest among our people generally in behalf of the Bible work. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.13
WHEREAS, The steps which have already been taken to systematize the canvassing work have resulted in great good; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.14
WHEREAS, The present status of the work demands that still further steps be taken in this direction; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.15
Resolved, That the General Conference Committee appoint an agent who shall labor for the general interests of the canvassing work in the United States. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.16
Resolved, That said general agent shall arrange for institutes specially in the interests of the canvassing work, at such places as may be selected by the General Conference Committee, and Conference Committees of those States interested. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.17
These resolutions were discussed at length by many delegates, and were finally adopted. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.18
The Committee on National Reform rendered the following report:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.19
Your committee appointed to consider the matter of Sunday laws and the National Reform movements, would respectfully submit the following report:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.20
The preamble and resolution referred to us, we would re-submit to the Conference with our approval; and in addition to these would present the following:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.21
WHEREAS, The teachings of Christ entirely divorce the church and the State; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.22
WHEREAS, The State has no right to legislate in matters pertaining to religious institutions, and as Sunday is only a religious institution; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.23
1. Resolved, That we as a people do oppose by all consistent means the enactment of Sunday laws where they do not exist, and oppose the repeal of exemption clauses in Sunday laws which already exist. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.24
2. Resolved, That we recommend that a pamphlet be prepared showing (1) the true relation that should exist between the Church and the State; (2) exposing the organized effort now being made to unite Church and State, by changing the Constitution of our country; (3) showing the real effect of unmodified Sunday laws in places where they have been in force; and that said pamphlet be placed in the homes of all members of legislative bodies where efforts are being made to secure the enactment of Sunday laws. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.25
WHEREAS, To quietly and peaceably do our own work in six days in the week, as well as to keep the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord, is duty toward God, and that with which the State can of right have nothing to do, and is an inalienable right; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.26
3. Resolved, That there is no obligation resting upon any observer of the seventh day to obey any law prohibiting labor on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.27
4. Resolved, That, while asserting this right, and while practicing the principles avowed in the resolution, of laboring on the six working days, the resolution is not to be so construed as either to sanction or approve any arrogance on the part of any, or any action purposely intended to offend or impose upon the religious convictions or practices of any person who observes the first day of the week. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 41.28
WHEREAS, We deem it essential to the proper work of the Third Angel’s Message, that the true relations existing between the church and the State, and that what men owe to God and what they owe to civil Government, should be understood; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.1
5. Resolved, That we recommend that this subject be made a part of the regular course of Bible study, in all our colleges, and that special attention be given to it by all our ministers in the field. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.2
An animated discussion followed, which was participated in by D. H. Lamson, E. J. Waggoner, A. T. Jones, S. H. Lane and others, but no action was taken before the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.3
NOVEMBER 27, FORENOON
At 9:30 the fourth meeting of the Tract and Missionary Society convened, Elder O. A. Olsen in the Chair. Elder G. I. Butler offered prayer. The resolutions that were pending at the close of the last meeting were discussed and adopted, and the committee presented the following additional resolutions:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.4
Resolved, That we recommend the plan of placing our foreign periodicals in such reading-rooms as are frequented to any great extent by people who read the languages in which our papers are issued. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.5
Resolved, That we believe it to be the duty of the officers of our State societies to work through their church agents, and see that every family of Seventh-day Adventists take our excellent church paper, the Review and Herald. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.6
Resolved, That each city mission should report quarterly and annually all labor performed to the State Tract Society of the Conference in which it is located. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.7
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to secure the publication of suitable record books for city missions and Bible workers, and report blanks for city missions. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.8
WHEREAS, It is desirable to systematically carry forward missionary work, and obtain reports of the same in mission fields where no Conference organization exists; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.9
Resolved, That we recommend that a Tract Society organization be effected, as soon as deemed advisable, in any of these fields, by the General Conference Committee and those in charge of the field. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.10
Elder G. C. Tenney moved that resolution three be so amended as to include canvassers. The matter of canvassers reporting was discussed at length by Brethren H. W. Miller, C. Eldridge, A. J. Cudney, H. Hayen, L. T. Nicola, and W. C. White, and the amendment finally carried. The resolutions were all adopted. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.11
H. P. Holser moved that the Chair appoint a committee of three to consider the preparation of such books as would instruct mission workers and others in reporting labor, and also to revise the present reporting blanks. This being carried, the Chair appointed H. P. Holser, L. C. Chadwick, and C. Eldridge. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.12
W. C. White moved that the Chair appoint a committee of five to criticize all the new books that had been published in the past year. The Chair appointed G. C. Tenney, E. J. Waggoner, F. E. Belden, C. Eldridge, and E. M. Morrison. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.13
Several books were then presented for consideration. Brother White spoke of the “Life of Christ.” This book is Vol. II, and part of Vol. III, of “Great Controversy,” and is printed in English, French, and German. C. H. Jones presented the “Sacred Chronology” and some Sentinel tracts. Elder E. J. Waggoner spoke of the value of “Sacred Chronology,” and of the specially interesting nature of the portion entitled “Peopling of the Earth,” stating that every minister and Bible worker ought to have it. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.14
Dr. Kellogg brought forward the new book, “Sunbeams of Health and Temperance.” Brother Olsen presented “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” in Norwegian. The Chair then appointed the following-named persons as a committee of five to prepare or secure matter for the fourth Sabbath readings for the year 1888: W. C. White, M. L. Huntley, W. C. Sisley, E. J. Waggoner, J. G. Matteson. Meeting then adjourned. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.15
Immediately following the adjournment of the Tract Society, at 11 o’clock, Elder Butler stated that, at the request of the Nominating Committee of the Educational Society, he would call a meeting of that society. Preliminary exercises being waived, Elder D. T. Jones moved that the action on the Nominating Committee’s report be rescinded. This was carried. An amendment to the report was then adopted, substituting the name of Elder G. I. Butler for that of W. S. Nelson. On motion of Elder J. B. Goodrich, it was voted that all the discussion concerning the nomination be expunged from the minutes, and that the amended report be placed on the minutes as the original report. Adjourned to call of Chair. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.16
Following this meeting there was a brief meeting of the Publishing Association, to receive the final report of the Nominating Committee. The report was the same as before, with the exception that the name of A. H. Mason was substituted for that of F. E. Belden. It was moved and seconded, and, after some discussion, voted that the name of A. H. Mason be replaced by that of F. E. Belden, after which the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.17
AFTERNOON
At 3 P. M. the third meeting of the present session of the American Health and Temperance Association was called to order by the President, Dr. J. H. Kellogg. Prayer was offered by Elder D. E. Lindsey. The Secretary being absent, the reading of the minutes was dispensed with, and Brother G. K. Owen was chosen secretary pro tem. The Association then resumed the consideration of the resolutions presented at the second meeting, and after some discussion the resolutions were adopted as presented with the exception of resolution four, which was amended to read as follows: GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.18
Resolved, That we recommend to all our people that they live according to the principles of health and temperance, in the matter of not eating between meals, and in refraining from such injurious articles as tea and coffee. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 42.19
This resolution was adopted with the others as amended. The committee also submitted the following additional report:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.1
WHEREAS, It is important that all possible safeguards should be placed about the young to protect them from the prevailing evils of society at the present day; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.2
WHEREAS, Much good has resulted from the holding of mothers’ meetings in various communities in calling attention to the dangers which surround their children; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.3
Resolved, That we recommend the establishment of such meetings in our large churches and wherever they may be organized with propriety and a fair prospect of success. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.4
Resolved, That this Association request Sister White to prepare a small pamphlet, composed of selections from her writings, or such other writing as she may deem best, on the subject of health and temperance, similar to the one used a few years ago on the subject of education. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.5
Resolved, That we recommend that each church or company of Seventh-day Adventists be made as far as possible a health and temperance club as well, and an earnest and continued effort be made to get every Seventh-day Adventist to become a consistent and faithful teetotal pledge member. And further, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.6
Resolved, That we recommend the organization of health and temperance reading circles wherever practicable. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.7
These resolutions were carefully discussed as they were read. The one on the organization of clubs in all our churches called forth remarks from several. The question was asked how it could be carried out by our scattered country churches. In answer to this, the President explained that in such places it is not necessary to hold weekly or even monthly meetings but that quarterly meetings might be held. The work to be done in mothers’ meetings was spoken of. These afford an opportunity of considering some features of the health work which cannot be introduced in mixed meetings. The President also spoke of the practical importance of temperance and said that we must not be too modest in presenting its claims. We must push the work and claim for it that place to which it is entitled. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.8
The resolutions presented were all adopted unanimously, after which the Committee on Nominations reported, recommending the following-named persons as officers of the Association for the ensuing year:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.9
For President, J. H. Kellogg; Vice-President, D. A. Robinson; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. E. E. Kellogg; Executive Committee, J. H. Kellogg, W. C. White, J. N. Loughborough. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.10
On motion of J. B. Goodrich, the report was adopted, and the persons named elected. Meeting then adjourned sine die. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.11
SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Promptly at 4 P. M. a meeting of the International Sabbath-school Association was opened by singing, “Work, for the night is coming.” Prayer was offered by Elder S. H. Lane, followed by the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.12
The Secretary then presented the following statement of the Association for the past year:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.13
Balance on hand, Nov. 19, 1886:-
| On General Fund | $ 133 28 |
| On Publishing Fund | 304 24 |
| On “S. S. Worker” account | 29 95 |
| Received on tithes | 150 20 |
| Received on sales | 28 65 |
| Received on donations | 243 19 |
| Credited on Sabbath-school lessons | 235 00 |
| Received on Mission Funds | 5,298 13 |
| Received on “S. S. Worker” subs to Feb. 1 | 9 75 |
| Due Association on accounts | 14 50 |
| Total resources | $6,446 89 |
| Expended for camp-meeting and other supplies | $ 262 37 |
| Paid to lesson writers | 279 00 |
| Transferred to Mission Fund | 22 83 |
| Paid for postage and stationery | 24 68 |
| Paid to English Mission | 7 16 |
| Paid to Australian Mission | 6 70 |
| Paid to African Mission | 4,753 70 |
| Due on unexpired “Worker” subscriptions | 138 07 |
| Due South African Mission | 543 63 |
| Total | $6,038 14 |
| Balance in favor of Association | $ 408 75 |
The President spoke of the matter of Sabbath-school supplies, and also of the map of Africa, which has been prepared especially for the Sabbath-schools. He asked how the map should be paid for, and inasmuch as it was designed to stimulate giving to the African Mission, it was voted that the expenses be paid out of the funds donated for that mission. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.14
The Committee on Resolutions then presented the following:-
Resolved, That we urge that greater importance than heretofore be attached to the holding of children’s meetings at our camp-meetings, and that the President be authorized to name two persons to act with himself as a committee to prepare, as soon as possible, recommendations and suggestions on children’s meetings and how to conduct them, which shall be sent to the officers of each State Conference and Sabbath-school Association; and further. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.15
Resolved, That the Conference Committee of each State be requested to appoint, at least two months before the State camp-meeting, one or more persons, in whose hands these prepared suggestions shall be placed, and whose duty it shall be to prepare a plan of exercises to be followed in the children’s meetings, and to have charge of such meetings at the camp meeting. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.16
Resolved, That we recommend that lessons on the subject of God’s love to man be prepared for the Senior, Intermediate, and Primary Divisions of the camp-meeting Sabbath-schools, and that the lessons for the two lower grades be so prepared as to cover two Sabbaths. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.17
These resolutions were spoken to by J. N. Loughborough, R. S. Owen, J. B. Goodrich, and the Chair, and adopted. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.18
In harmony with the first of these resolutions, the President appointed R. S. Owen and Jessie F. Waggoner to act with himself in the matter of preparing and circulating suggestions relative to children’s meetings. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.19
Upon invitation of the President, H. P. Holser presented some very instructive and deeply interesting thoughts upon the subject of “Illustrations, and How to Use Them in the Sabbath-school.” The time of the Association was limited, and Brother Holser had to make his remarks quite brief, and the President no doubt voiced the sentiment of all, when he expressed regret that more time could not be devoted to the consideration of so important a subject. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 43.20
Following Brother Holser’s remarks, the President made a few excellent suggestions relative to practical Sabbath-school work. This was followed by several questions and answers upon the same subject, after which the meeting adjourned sine die. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.1
At 7 P. M. the thirteenth meeting of the Conference was called. After the usual preliminary exercises it was moved by W. C. White and seconded by E. J. Waggoner that the resolutions pending at the close of the last meeting, be made the special order for Saturday evening, December 3, at 7 o’clock. Carried. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.2
Sister White made a few remarks concerning the importance of considering ways and means for doing missionary work in certain lines not yet followed. She spoke of the Vaudois, and how they conducted their missionary work. Children should be educated to be missionaries, and parents should feel the burden of training their children in this direction. Elder E. P. Daniels followed with a few remarks, showing how ways for work are opened. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.3
The report of the Finance Committee was called for, and rendered as follows:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.4
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
1. We recommend that the mission property in Central Europe be transferred by deed to the General Conference Association. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.5
2. We recommend that the General Conference Association employ a financial agent to travel and labor in its own interests and that of the missions, and our other associations. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.6
3. WHEREAS, The General Conference Association was created a legal corporation for the especial purpose of holding property for the general interests of the cause, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.7
Therefore we recommend those desiring to give real estate or personal property by deed, bequest, or otherwise to the general interests of the cause that they should give it to the General Conference Association. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.8
4. We further recommend that our people everywhere literally carry out the advice of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered Him,” as a weekly free-will offering in behalf of the foreign mission work. This is to be laid aside each week at home and at the end of each quarter the sums paid to the Tract Society officers to be sent to the general treasury. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.9
5. WHEREAS, Some of our people have made pledges in one State and have changed their residences and paid these pledges in another State, thereby embarrassing their brethren who have undertaken enterprises upon the strength of these obligations; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.10
Resolved, That it is the voice of this Conference that those who make pledges for any purpose should pay them where they are made. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.11
WHEREAS, In the past many pledges have been made to various objects in the cause, some of these being of large amounts and value257 upon selling homes or other property; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.12
WHEREAS, Many of these persons have felt unwilling to make other donations in view of their old pledges still unpaid, thus standing year after year where they do little or nothing to help the cause with their means, because they cannot sell their property; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.13
Resolved, That this Conference earnestly request every one of those who have made these pledges, whether conditional upon selling property or otherwise, to pay what they can of those pledges, and receive credit for what they pay. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.14
Resolved, That our Conference and Tract Society officers make earnest efforts in every Conference to induce those who have made these unpaid pledges to pay what they can on them, and thus help the cause in this time of its great need. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.15
Resolved, That we request each person having unpaid pledges to the foreign missions, to make payment in full or in part on Christmas, and we recommend that this payment be put in with the Christmas offerings, provided it is accompanied by a written statement specifying that it is in payment of a certain pledge. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.16
Resolved, That those who have no pledges now due to foreign missions, and are not prepared to make cash donations on next Christmas, may make such pledges to those missions, which may be received as Christmas offerings. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.17
Resolved, That it shall be the duty of Tract and Missionary officers and Church Clerks and Treasurers to co-operate with the financial agent of the General Conference in carrying out the plan suggested in the foregoing resolution. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.18
Resolved, That this Conference cordially endorse the action of the General Conference Committee in appointing a week of prayer to be followed by Christmas donation to our needy foreign missions and the General Conference Association. And we urge our people most earnestly everywhere throughout this country to be liberal in their gifts on that occasion, and thus lift the burden of indebtedness crippling our foreign missionary work, and thus encourage the hearts of our sacrificing laborers, who have, for the love of Christ, left their homes and friends to labor among strangers. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.19
These resolutions were read, section by section, and explained by the President. Much enthusiasm was manifested over the resolution concerning first-day offerings, and the resolutions, as a whole, were adopted. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.20
Elder O. A. Olsen gave a detailed financial report of the publishing house in Christiania, Norway, which showed the absolute necessity for immediate help. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.21
The Committee on the Distribution of Labor made the following final report, each item of which was adopted:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.22
43. That Brother Russel Hart go to Norway to assist in the publishing house in Christiania for a year or so, until efficient help can be educated. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.23
44. That Sister Carrie Mills go to Portland, Oregon, to take a position in the school and Bible work. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.24
45. That Elder W. W. Sharp take the place on the Wisconsin Conference Committee made vacant by the removal of H. R. Johnson. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.25
46. That Elder Oscar Hill and wife go to Alabama and Mississippi to labor. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.26
47. That furnishing labor for the Pacific islands be referred to the General Conference Committee, with the recommendation that someone be selected to supply the urgent needs of that field. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.27
The President appointed the following persons as the Committee on the Missionary Ship: C. Eldridge, C. H. Jones, J. N. Loughborough, W. C. Sisley, A. T. Robinson. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.28
The Nominating Committee made the following recommendations: For Foreign Missionary Secretary, W. C. White; Home Missionary Secretary, E. W. Farnsworth; Educational Secretary, W. W. Prescott. Also the following: For members the Book Committee, G. I. Butler, U. Smith, W. C. White, J. H. Kellogg, C. Eldridge, F. E. Belden, C. H. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, E. M. Morrison, J. G. Matteson, E. W. Farnsworth, R. M. Kilgore, A. T. Robinson. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 44.29
For Labor Bureau: A. R. Henry, C. Eldridge, H. W. Kellogg. These various recommendations were acted upon as a whole, and the persons named were elected. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.1
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses then presented the following recommendations:- For Credentials: Elders Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, O. A. Olsen, W. C. White, R. A. Underwood. U. Smith, R. M. Kilgore, Mrs. E. G. White, B. L. Whitney, D. T. Bourdeau, A. A. John, J. G. Matteson, E. W. Whitney, E. G. Olsen, J. H. Durland, A. C. Bourdeau, L. R. Conradi, S. H. Lane, William Ings, M. C. Israel, D. A. Robinson, C. L. Boyd, E. W. Farnsworth, H. Shultz, W. D. Curtis, W. H. Saxby, J. F. Hansen, A. G. Daniells, S. Fulton, T. H. Gibbs, S. H. Kime, L. P. Hodges, J. C. Laubham, J. M. Rees, G. C. Tenney, H. P. Holser, Ira J. Hankins, D. E. Lindsey, O. C. Godsmark, G. G. Rupert, N. Orcutt, Victor Thompson, J. P. Henderson, J. M. Erickson, M. Enoch, N. Clausen, Oscar Hill. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.2
For License: C. Eldridge, W. Baird, N. B. England, A. Barry, A. La Rue, Henry Scott, L. H. Crisler, J. I. Tay, G. E. Langdon, Mrs. Ruie Hill. It was voted that all these persons receive credentials and licenses as recommended. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.3
The resolution concerning the General Conference Association was called up, and A. R. Henry read the Act under which the Association was formed, and made some remarks upon it, when the resolution was adopted. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.4
The following resolutions were then presented:- GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.5
WHEREAS, In the Providence of God the South Lancaster Academy has been established in the New England Conference, for the purpose of qualifying men and women to labor in the cause of God; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.6
WHEREAS, Many are now successful laborers who were not such before entering the Academy, thus showing its usefulness in the past, and as under the circumstances it would have been impossible for these persons to have attended Battle Creek College; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.7
WHEREAS, A printing establishment has been connected with the Academy to qualify individuals in that department which has also given evidence of its usefulness; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.8
WHEREAS, The freight on publications from our offices of publication to the Eastern States is quite large, and there are many large cities where our publications are to fall as the leaves of autumn; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.9
Resolved, That the General Conference recommend that the Book Committee permit the tracts and pamphlets used in the Eastern societies to be printed at South Lancaster; and, further, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.10
Resolved, That the Review and Herald and Pacific Press Publishing Houses be requested to furnish for said purpose at reasonable rates, the plates of such tracts and pamphlets as may be desired. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.11
WHEREAS, Our Saviour has laid down the one sole ground on which parties once married can be divorced; and, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.12
WHEREAS, The practices of society have become most deplorable in this respect, as seen in the prevalence of unscriptural divorces; therefore, GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.13
Resolved, That we express our deprecation of this great evil, and instruct our ministers not to unite in marriage any parties so divorced. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.14
Resolved, That we exhort our people when about to contract matrimonial alliances, to bear in mind, and give due weight to, the injunction of the apostle, “Only in the Lord.” GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.15
The first two resolutions and preambles were referred to the Book Committee. The other resolutions were discussed at some length and adopted. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.16
Brother A. R. Henry requested that a committee be appointed to confer with him relative to the business of the expense in coming to this Conference. The matter was referred to the General Conference Committee. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.17
The question was raised as to where the next session of the Conference should be held, as requests were made from California, Minnesota, New England, and Michigan. After various motions, and much good-humored debate, it was voted that it be held at South Lancaster, Mass. Moved and carried that the next General Conference be appointed to begin from the middle to the last of October. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.18
Adjourned to call of the Chair. GCDB November 28, 1887, page 45.19