The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-08-26
SEVENTH DAY ADvENTIsTs.
Proceedings of the Fifth Day.

Yesterday morning the sun was hidden
behind a watery screen and the sky looked
cold and colorless. The tenters consoled
themselves with the hope that the mists
would soon roll in splendor from the beauty
of the hill and cold Sol'' smile upon the
camp.
The conference convened again at o'clock
and considered the ''tithing SYSTEM which
is the plan of laying aside one-tenth of ones
income for the support of the ministry. This
is not compulsory in the church, but is gen.
orally believed to be the Bible rule and
therefore is practiced to great extent. 1t
does away with the much abused contribu-
ton box and is a systematic method of pro-
yiding for the clergy.
A resolution thanking the various railroad
companies for favors received was passed.
The Maine Central road was mentioned in
particular. The usual preaching service in
the forenoon was omitted to give place to
meeting designed especially for the benefit of
the church This meeting consisted largely
of pointed testimonies to the brethren and
sisters. Extracts were read from the pen of
Mrs. E. G. White. Seventh Day Adventists
believe in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts,
and think that Mrs. White has the spirit of
prophecy. The position taken by this people
is that the gifts of the apostolic age ceased
because of the general corruption of faith
and morals which gradually crept into the
church. The revival of those gifts in the
latter days they believe to be foretold in the
Bible They think that gifts, aside from
the one mentioned, will yet be made mani
fest. The extracts read were on the subject
of conservation to God and advocated high
standard of morality.
The Health and Temperance Association
met at o'clock. The committees reported
and the following officers were chosen: S.
j. Hersum, President, and S. a. Linscott,
Secretary. Among the resolutions passed
was one recommending every Seventh Day
Adventist to sign the teetotal pledge, which
is worded somewhat stronger than that pre-
scented by most temperance organizations, in
that it prohibits the use of tea, coffee and
tobacco, as well as intoxicating liquor.
The usual preaching service was held at
go but the audience was not large as the
greeable. Ed. Robinson preached from the
words: "And there was given me a seed like
unto rod and the Angel stood, saying,
Rise, and measure the temple of God,
and the altar, and them that worship there
in" Rev. IL Il. The speaker said that this
text forms the closing part of line of
prophecy which terminates with the coming
of Christ, and hence has special applica-
ton to the church at this time. The atten-
ton of the people is called to the temple of
God or the Heavenly sanctuary, the investiga-
ton of which, in the light of the type given
in the Old Testament, brings much truth to
view. Gods great measuring rod is his law.
The last work of the church is a work of re-
form. Down-trodden truths must be uplift-
ed and character tested. Some say Seventh
| Day Adyentists are too particular in small
matters relative to character but "trifles
make perfection and perfection is no trife."
| 1t is not enough to keep the right day of the
| week for Sabbath the life must be honest
and upright in every respect.
After the services, Ed. Robinson left for
| Boston to attend to business in connection
with the New England Conference, of which
he is the President.
| Among the new arrivals are Elders Barnes
| and Osborn from Maine. The Western min
listers are on their way.
The people hope that the last of the meet
ing viii be the best of the feast.
At o'clock last evening the Health and
Temperance Association held another meet
of nature and thus maintaining health
and strength was discussed. True temper
ance was defined to be moderate use of
things beneficial, and total disuse of things
injurious.
The Western sky became red at sunset,
but the clouds soon oyerShadOWed its beauty
and the evening like the day was cold and
damp. The evening sermon was preached
by Ed Burrill, on the subject Of the 1.-TWO
any one fifty dollars who would produce a
text of Scripture proving the Ten Command
mentS to be the first covenant.
Ed FarnSWorth, from Iowa. will probably
speak this forenoon and evening" and Ed.
Van Horn, from California, in the afternoon.