Conference Department by M. P. Dibble

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 10, 1867

Conference Department.

By M. P. Dibble

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. 10, 25.

This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Sister Dibble.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: How good is the Lord that he has prepared a way for his scattered and tried people to cheer and comfort each other by coming together, as it were, in the Conference Department. When I unfold my paper I hasten to see what is on the last page, next, who is at the Conference, then who is to be our preacher on the Sabbath. But last week we had no conference. Why? Were there no testimonies at hand? Were the friends all sick, or have the few faithful ones done their duty, and left speaking for those who perhaps feel like myself, as if what little they say will do no good; and where little is given but little is required. We are to bear in mind that the one talent was required to be improved as much as the ten. Neither are we the judge of our influence.

May the Lord pour out his Spirit upon his people until it will flow out through the pen in words not to be mistaken. All feel their weakness no doubt; but I have never seen a testimony yet that I could for a moment think had better been left out. Let us not get weary of well-doing, but gird on the gospel armor, and be ready, with our lamps trimmed and burning, to go forth and meet our blessed Lord when he shall come to take his waiting ones home.

I truly feel the importance of keeping all the commandments of God, and had thought we were doing so to the best of our ability; but it has of late been suggested that we are violating the fourth commandment by permitting a family to live in our house who do not keep the Sabbath.

Now we do not wish to live so that the world around can condemn us, and that, too, by the very law that we are professing to obey. But it never occurred to us that it was a violation of the law, while the family were not in our service. Brethren and sisters, how is this? We are thankful for the light of truth, even though it may come from those who cannot seem to comprehend a truth when held before them in its clearest light. Our enemies sometimes prove our best friends; for they will tell us of our faults, while our friends will overlook or excuse. But as I consider the matter, and review the commandment, I feel almost sure the decision will be with our accusers. Well, truth and light is what we want, and we will try to learn obedience from the things we suffer, and still struggle on for the kingdom. Pray for us.

M. P. DIBBLE.

Wayne Co., N. Y.