GENERAL CONFERENCE

Wednesday, Oct 24, 1888.MMM 376.3

[original illegible] eighth meeting” of the General Conference was Prayer by Elder J. E. Swift. [original illegible] of last meeting lead and approved.MMM 376.4

E. J. Waggoner again spoke upon the resolution regarding prohibition. He said we are Prohibitionists, but not partisan Prohibitionists.MMM 376.5

The regular business of the Conference was suspended to listen to a letter from Elder G. I. Butler, the President, who declined bearing any more heavy responsibilities the coming year on account of his health. It would be much better for him to rest awhile. He has been president for thirteen years, and regretted leaving the work to which he had consecrated his life, but his health was such that he could not bear responsibilities at present; and he thought it would be better for his future labors to lay aside the burdens for a time.MMM 376.6

It was moved by R. A. Underwood to amend the motion in regard to the adoption of the resolutions so that each should be voted on separately. Lost.MMM 376.7

Resolutions 6 and 7-(Bulletin resolution 5)-on motion by W. C. White, were by vote made the special order of some evening in the future, when Dr. Kellogg would be present.MMM 376.8

A motion was made by Mr. H. Brown to amend Resolution 4-(Bulletin resolution 3)-so that it would read; “Resolved, That we heartily endorse the principles of the American Health and Temperance Association in protesting against the manufacture and sale of all spirituous and malt liquors as a beverage, and in discarding,” etc., was lost by a thin vote.MMM 376.9

The resolutions were then adopted.MMM 376.10

The committee on resolutions reported further as follows:MMM 376.11

Whereas, We see in the fast increasing strength and influence of the National Reform Party a menace to religious freedom in this country, and also a proof of the correctness of our positions, andMMM 376.12

Whereas, Many are not aware of the results which will follow when this party shall secure its aims; therefore,MMM 376.13

8. Resolved, That we will awake to the importance of this question, and will put forth greater exertions to scatter the light of Bible truth upon it by circulating the American Sentinel and other literature of a similar nature.MMM 376.14

9. Further Resolved, That we believe it to be the solemn duty of our ministers and laborers to qualify themselves to present the correct views of the relationship between religion and the state in their labors everywhere.MMM 376.15

Whereas, Many have not the books of reference necessary to obtain full information on the subject of National Reform, and,MMM 377.1

Whereas, We deem the instruction given on this subject by Eld. A. T. Jones very important; therefore,MMM 377.2

10. Resolved, That we request that the same, or the principal part of it, be furnished in pamphlet form.MMM 377.3

Moved and seconded that the resolutions be adopted by acting on each one separately.MMM 377.4

The eighth resolution was passed without discussion.MMM 377.5

The ninth resolution was discussed by E. J. Waggoner, A. T. Jones. R. A. Underwood, and others, who urged the importance of the resolution. It was unanimously carried.MMM 377.6

The tenth resolution was discussed by A. T. Jones and others, and carried unanimously.MMM 377.7

The Committee on Finances presented the following report:MMM 377.8

Your committee appointed to take into consideration the financial wants of the cause, find that it requires not less than $50,000 a year to carry on the missions already established in different parts of the world. These missions have been established in the providence of God, and must be supported by free-will offerings from our people, and as we are permitted to carry the light of the third angel’s message to the world, and sustain this important work by our means and our prayers, we offer the following suggestions:MMM 377.9

Whereas, The plan adopted for the last two years of having a week of prayer in December, with important instructions to be read each day to our people, has proved a great spiritual blessing to all our churches which have carried out the plans suggested; therefore, we recommend:MMM 377.10

1. That Dec. 15-22, 1888, be set apart by all our churches as a week of prayer.MMM 377.11

2. That Sabbath, Dec. 15, be appointed as a day of fasting and prayer for our brethern and sisters in all parts of the world.MMM 377.12

Whereas, We recognize that the harvest is great, and consecrated laborers are few, and the cause is languishing for devoted persons to till responsible positions in all branches of the work; therefore, we recommendMMM 377.13

3. That Sabbath, Dec. 22, also be set apart as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, that God may raise up faithful laborers, and sustain those already in the field.MMM 377.14

4. That appropriate articles or Bible readings be prepared to be read in all our churches, setting forth more definitely the wants of the foreign missions, and the dangers and duties of the present time.MMM 377.15

5. That a council of church, Sabbath-school, and T. and M. officers be held on Sabbath, Dec. 8, to prayerfully consider this matter, and lay definite plans to successfully carry out the same.MMM 377.16

6. That a committee be appointed to make out a program of Christmas exercises to be sent to all our churches.MMM 377.17

7. That on Monday evening, Dec. 24, or on Christmas [original illegible], our people, everywhere assemble in their, respective places of worship prepared to manifest their love for God and interest in his work by making liberal donations to foreign missions.MMM 377.18

Whereas, From all parts of the world calls for work and laborers multiply, and missions in operation are suffering at present from lack of means and help; therefore, we recommend,MMM 377.19

9. That we herewith anew call the attention of our people everywhere to the provision made in the Word of God in 1 Corinthians 16, 2; also to the resolution passed at our last General Conference, and most heartily recommend its execution.MMM 377.20

10. We further recommend that the Executive Committee of the International S. S. Association be requested to furnish a series of S. S. Lessons, to continue one quarter, or more, bearing upon the principles of love and sacrifice as exemplified by the life of Christ, and those whom God has made prominent in past ages in the work of saving men; also a series setting forth the Bible plan of supporting the ministry. And we further urge that these lessons appear as soon as consistent with arrangements already made.MMM 377.21

10. That we urge upon all our ministers and conference laborers the importance of becoming familiar with the work being carried on in the foreign fields, in order to be able to set the matter before our people in the proper light.MMM 377.22

11. That they take a special interest in the Sabbath school, and tract and missionary work, becoming familiar with all the details so as to give practical instruction on these important matters. C. H. Jones,MMM 377.23

For Committee.MMM 377.24

E. J. Waggoner moved the adoption of the report by acting on each item separately. After remarks by R. A. Underwood, the first recommendation was unanimously adopted. On the second recommendation it was queried by D. T. Jones and others if it would not be better to bring the fast on some other day. R. M. Kilgore thought that Isaiah 58:5, meant more than a mere day’s fasting; it meant humiliation of heart more than a day. W. C. White said that the seventh verse ought to be brought in with the fifth, till the fast should become a time of joy and praise. On motion of G. G. Rupert the recommendation was referred back to the committee.MMM 377.25

The third recommendation was also referred back to the committee.MMM 377.26

The fourth recommendation was carried without discussion, as were also the fifth and sixth.MMM 377.27

The seventh resolution called out discussion as to whether Christmas was the better day. While the question was pending the meeting adjourned to the call of the chair.MMM 377.28