1865 - General Conference Resolution

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Third Annual Meeting—May 17, 1865

VOTING

RESOLVED, That in our judgment, the act of voting when exercised in behalf of justice, humanity and right, is in itself blameless, and may be at some times highly proper; but that the casting of any vote that shall strengthen the cause of such crimes as intemperance, insurrection, and slavery, we regard as highly criminal in the sight of Heaven.  But we would deprecate any participation in the spirit of party strife.

OUR VIEWS OF WAR

RESOLVED, That we acknowledge the pamphlet entitled 'Extracts From the Publications of Seventh-day Adventists Setting Forth Their Views of the Sinfulness of War,' as a truthful representation of the views held by us from the beginning of our existence as a people, relative to bearing arms.

OUR DUTY TO THE GOVERNMENT

RESOLVED, That we recognize civil government as ordained of God, that order, justice, and quiet may be maintained in the land; and that the people of God may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.  In accordance with this fact we acknowledge the justice of rendering tribute, custom, honor, and reverence to the civil power, as enjoined in the New Testament.  While we thus cheerfully render to Caesar the things which the Scriptures show to be his, we are compelled to decline all participation in acts of war and bloodshed as being inconsistent with the duties enjoined upon us by our divine Master toward our enemies and toward all mankind.

Source: General Conference session minutes, General Conference Archives web site.