The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-09-16
UNITARIANISM.
Seventh Annual Conference Con.
yened Yesterday.
Rev. DR.. Horatio N Stebbins Gives the We'll
coming Address-Treasurer's Report
Social Gathering.

Yesterday morning the seventh annual
session of the Pacific Unitarian Conference
began at the First Unitarian Church. corner
of Geary and Franklin streets, where it will
be he'd until Thursday evening.
The conference sermon was preached last
Sunday evening by Rev. It, L. Eliot, DID,,
of Portland, Oregon, who took for his theme,
1.-THE Glory and the Perils of the Liberal
Faith,'' basipg his sermon on the text,
1.-THE vol e of one crying in the wildern ess
prepare ye the way of the Lord"
The first hour yesterday was devoted to
prayer and other religious exercises, con-
Quoted by Rev. e. c. L. Brown of Pomona.
Rev. Horato n. Stebbins of this city de-
livered the address of welcome with his
usual marked and feeling eloquence.
PRESIDENT MURDoCK's ADDRESS.
President C. A. Murdoch made an ad-
dress. in which he said: But whatever
others may think, let US ourselves keep
true estimate of our position. Let us bear
in mind that we are first men, then Chris
tians, then Unitarians and never for the
sake of immediate results, or from mistaken
zeal, reverse the order. Aboye all, let us
never be guilty OF miSrepresenting or be-
little others. Let US always be charitable
in judgment, and direct our aggressive cam
palSu against SIN anu NIbHS, against
wickedneSs in high places, and weakness.
injustice ana falSehOod everywhere, and
not against our brothers in tie faith
What is most needed is repreaching OF
the gospel of Jesus-a fresh, strong living
statement of the simple truth he taught.
As Unitarians we want no better creed than
that proclaimed by Jesus: Love to God
and to Our Fellow-man." If that included
all the law and the prophets then, it does
now. Our confession OF faith IS very brief,
but 1t is all-nclusive, God and Father, Man
and Brother On these broad principles we
build, in this simple faith we fnd our life"
Let our deliberations then express and
embody this truth. Let our love to God be
made manifest by worship and obedience,
and let us show that we love our fellow
men by sympathy, heipfnlness and broth
erly kindness. Let US in the meetings strive
to reach lofter height than denomina-
tional Qualification and self-aprlause. Let
US be humble, earnest and teachable, and
go hence with more determined wills, with
uplifted purpose and more truly conSecraied
hearts,
ROUTINE BUSINESS.
After Mr. Murdock's address the confer
ence proceeded to business A Conference
Committee was appointed and the annual
report of the Secretary was read. The
Treasurer's report was not read owing TO
the absence of that officer.
AT 10 80 o'clock the reports from churches
were pronounced in order. and they were
called for in alphabetical order. Their gen.
eral tenor was one OF great prosperity and
the predictions founded thereon are very
promising. Financial aid in a great num-
Der Of cases was asked for. which Will be
granted by the conference.
Rev. Mr.. Davis of San Diego on making
his report succeeded in having a special COM
mittee appointed for his benefit.
Rev. HOratio StebbinS related the history
of the First Unitarian church in California,
founded In 1850. His account of the anus
ing history of its first pastor was the event
of the morning. Speaking Of his own min
istry, Dir. Stebbius said that it had been a
success in every department and every par
ticular.
The report of the Treasurer showed that
the receipts were S797, expenditures 500,
leaving a balance of Sl57.