CGCM Conference 6 1884
Conference 6 1884
The order of the conference was laid before those present. But as the ministers were not all there, we handled several subjects but decided nothing.
1. We handled the affirmation. Nearly all the ministers believe that it is an oath to affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury. And as a few ministers hold that the affirmation, as administered by the government is an oath and especially one, and that the government intended it as an oath;- therefore we agreed to inquire of the magistrates what they use the affirmation for. Some other things in regards to the oath: should labor be placed before the magistracy as sound teaching, this writing is to be proved by the ministers before it is sent to the magistrates.
2. It was decided that the use tobacco as a medicine is allowed. There were no scruples to use it to heal wounds; but some thought that in other diseases of the body, it would hardly be necessary if there was sufficient faith that they could be healed without tobacco but they nevertheless allowed it if they could he convinced that it was necessary. It was decided that other remedies were to be tried first, because of the danger the use of tobacco, especially by those who had been enslaved to it. It was also decided that those who use tobacco should test how little of it is necessary to ease pain or head distress. If used to heal disease, it’s use shall cease when the disease is healed.
If members will not regard this, then other ministers are to be called to aid, and when the duty has been done and such member does not heed the admonitions; and are proved to be dead; then they are to be excommunicated.
3. It was agreed upon, that a church paper could be published at some future time, but that it was too early yet.
4. In regard to ordaining ministers by lot, it was decided, that it was the last remedy. For this reason all means should be used to decide without the lot. Other ministers are to be called to aid in this case, besides those in the church where the difficulty exists. When convictions disagree as to the time of those who have a calling, to enter their ministry, and no way by conviction to decide then it may be decided by lot, but in this case no one is to be taken in the lot, who has no calling to the ministry, or of whom it is firmly believed that this man has no calling.
5. If a brother believes a calling, and that the time to enter his ministry was at hand, and the majority of the membership also believes so, (those of the members who have the best gifts), but some could not believe his calling in this case, it was decided that some ministers who do not live at the place, should be called to aid, and if all the ministers believe his calling, and that it is the time for such a brother to enter his ministry; and then after they have done their duty to convince those who do not believe it, then he can be ordained though not believed by all.
6. It was decided that a number of members should go to Michigan and decide the matter in regard to the minister who has been on trial a long time, as to whether he has a calling to the ministry, or not.
7. It was decided not to take any minister on trial, before examined by a number of ministers, and some ministers said they had no light to take any minister on trial.
8. It was decided, that a single brother can be ordained to the ministry.
9. When ministers desire to move away from their churches, it was decided that they should council other ministers and the church, and if agreed that they can move, then they have the liberty to move. One minister desired the matter placed before those ministers who have the general oversight over all the churches; and did not seem really united with the above decision. When there is no agreement amongst those who have examined the case, then it shall come before such ministers (or bishops) who have the general oversight of the churches.
10. It was decided not to take usury. The advanced opinion: that low interest, which the poor would take, is no usury, but only their living, if lent to those more able and that it is the same as rent on land, was not accepted, because the Bible teaches that God made a difference between land and money.
11. In regard to going in debt, and paying interest to the world, it seemed that all ministers would prefer not to do so, if the church was able to hinder this. But the means to reach this end fail. It was decided not to go in debt where there is no prospect to pay it. And where there is prospect to pay the debt if God bless those who want to go into debt, they shall consult the church, especially where there is danger that the burden might fall on the church to pay the debt, and if the church allows any one to go into debt and the prospect fails so that he can not pay the debt then the church shall again be counseled. The church is accountable for the counsels she gives.
12. It was decided that we have no teachings in scriptures to bind the members to a special form of dress; but that such forms of dress which prevail as new fashions, when pride provokes to follow, and is unnecessary things, and costly raiment, these should not be worn in conformity to the world.
13. It was decided that the proper use of guns is no sin, and regarded as all other allowable things of which men make conscience, but because of the weak brethren it was considered better not to eat meat than to ruin his brother. The abuse of guns to go hunting from pleasure was not allowed.
14. We agreed to call together other non resistant churches, who baptize on remission of sins, to confer with them in regard to the teachings of the unity of the church, and one baptism & ECT the invitation to the conference is to be made by letter and personal, as convenient.
15. A brother holds that feet washing should be observed as the martyrs observed it; that is when we get visitors. But the ministers could not find scripture sufficient for this mode. We practice feet washing with the supper: and are still thus satisfied.
16. The avoidance of excommunicated members was handled in the main, but some ministers and members were stricter than others, but this was left as a matter of conscience.
17. It was handled, whether I (J Holdeman) had done my duty toward the old church before I departed, but there was no special decision; but that I should have done more, it was generally thought; with which I also agreed. In the laying on of hands there was a difference of opinion; it is believed by some, that Paul had hands laid upon, twice, in his baptism, and before his baptism to receive sight and after his baptism to receive the blessings, both for his baptism and to confirm his ministry, a twofold blessing and design in one act. But this was not accepted by all. My calling was not doubted.
18. We handled 7th chapter of Romans, Some hold that from the 5th verse to the end of the chapter treats of unrepentant sinners except verse 6. Others hold that this chapter treats of the sin of weakness, and the sting of the serpent which yet remains with believers.
19. The opinion was advanced, that the withdrawal referred to in 2 Thes. 3:6 was to be understood of a withdrawal of the kiss, and not of the excommunication, but only in case of disorderly walk and not in cases of adultery and railing& ect. This opinion was not accepted, but we hold that this withdrawal refers to the excommunication, as it is plainly expressed in V 14.
This was the last article handled in the conference. There were 14 ministers and 2 deacons and a number of members, and several friends present.
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