Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

The 1869 General Conference Session

The General Conference session of 1869 was a lackluster meeting, the business meetings running from Tuesday to Sabbath. James White had a devotional meeting each morning at five o'clock. Business was routine, with resolutions on dress reform, health reform, the California mission, the church's relation to the Seventh Day Baptists, et cetera. One forward-looking action, and probably the most important, pertained to camp meetings. It read: 2BIO 269.7

Resolved, That this conference recommend to the State conferences to make preparations for, and hold, camp meetings, procuring the best assistance in their power, and leave it to Brother and Sister White to attend such of them as the providence of God may direct.—Ibid., May 25, 1869 2BIO 270.1

In the light of conditions at Battle Creek, and the experience they had passed through, another resolution, related to spiritual gifts, was quite significant. It was most likely worded by outgoing President J. N. Andrews and read: 2BIO 270.2

Resolved, That our faith and confidence in the gifts of the Spirit of God, so graciously vouchsafed to us in these last days, are not only unshaken by the attacks of the opposers of the truth, but greatly strengthened and increased by the warnings we have received in times of danger, the counsels and admonitions when we have erred, and the comfort in our afflictions; as well as by the purity of their teachings, and the respect and reverence they produce for the Word of God. And we earnestly recommend to all the scattered flock a more careful reading of, and more strict compliance with, the Testimonies for the Church.— Ibid. 2BIO 270.3

The nominating committee brought in the following recommendations for officers and General Conference Committee: 2BIO 270.4

For President, James White; Secretary, U. Smith; Treasurer, E. S. Walker; Executive Committee, James White, J. N. Andrews, J. H. Waggoner.— Ibid. 2BIO 270.5

These were duly elected. 2BIO 270.6

At the constituency meeting of the SDA Publishing Association, James White was elected to serve as president and George Amadon as vice-president. At the meeting of the Health Reform Institute, seven directors were chosen, with James White's name at the head of the list (Ibid.). The financial report that was given of the Health Institute failed to bring cheer to the hearts of the stockholders. As they met in the afternoon J. N. Andrews introduced the following significant resolution: 2BIO 270.7

Resolved, that we consider it due to Brother and Sister White, and to our brethren abroad, that we make a statement of the following points: 2BIO 271.1

1. That they have acted a noble and generous part toward the Health Institute, and that the errors committed in its management are not to be in any wise laid to their charge, Brother White being unable at that time from sickness to have any part in the business. Those, therefore, who attribute blame to them concerning it act unjustly and without any ground for such censure. 2BIO 271.2

On the contrary, they are entitled to the thanks of all our people for their efforts in sustaining the institute, and for counseling a course of sound wisdom in its management. Nothing therefore can well be more unjust and cruel than to hold them responsible for the errors of others. 2BIO 271.3

2. We make the same statement respecting the Publishing Association. The errors committed in connection with the Publishing Department have not been caused by following their counsel, but by neglecting it. We consider it our duty to exonerate them from all blame, and to bear testimony to the fact that they are in these things worthy of the entire confidence and support of our people everywhere. 2BIO 271.4

3. And finally, we express our hearty sympathy with them in their arduous labors, and we pledge ourselves to cooperate with them in their work, and to sustain them by our prayers, our moral support, and our means.—Ibid. 2BIO 271.5

This comprehensive resolution was voted. A good deal of unfortunate history relating to the SDA Publishing Association and the Health Institute is suggested in its wording. There is no record of the reaction of either James or Ellen White to these resolutions. Events of the ensuing months made it clear that it is easier to put such matters on paper than to carry them out. At the annual meeting of the Publishing Association, Uriah Smith, who had been connected with the Review for sixteen years, was released from his editorial responsibilities, and he turned his attention to evangelism. J. N. Andrews, who had served for two years as president of the General Conference, was chosen to edit the Review. James and Ellen White returned to their Greenville home. For a few days in mid-June they joined Smith and W. H. Littlejohn in a tent meeting at Orange, Ionia County, in northern Michigan. 2BIO 271.6