Gleanings From the General Conference by K. C. RUSSELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 3, 1913

Gleanings From the General Conference

By K. C. RUSSELL

SINCE returning from the General Conference, I have been reflecting upon the experiences of that great meeting. It seemed almost impossible to find a quiet time for meditation during the whirl of a world’s conference, such as this gathering proved to be. My mind has involuntarily reverted to the familiar text of Scripture (Ps. 110:3), “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” It would seem that this scripture met at least a partial fulfilment in various striking ways during the recent Conference. Perhaps one of the most remarkable evidences was the spirit of willingness that was exhibited on the part of the faithful missionaries who were in attendance at the Conference. All manifested an earnest love for the work in which they were enlisted, and seemed anxious to return as soon as possible to their fields of labor. Certainly this was a most unmistakable proof of a willing heart. This willingness was also demonstrated on that memorable Thursday evening, June 5, when an appeal was made for funds to erect a hospital and equip a laboratory in connection with the medical college at Loma Linda, Cal. Our people contributed in cash and pledges over $18,000 for that good work.

This spirit of willingness was perhaps more pronounced in connection with the services that were especially designed for the spiritual helpfulness of the people. It was arranged to district the camp in such a way that every person in need of divine help could be reached in a direct, and if need be, a personal way, before the meeting closed. In addition to the great spiritual feasts on each Sabbath of the Conference, there were held in each of these districts meetings at 6 A. M. in the morning, for the purpose of giving every one an opportunity to get right with God. While there was no great outward manifestation, yet nearly every one present manifested a most earnest spirit to seek God for a complete transformation of character. There were remarkable answers to earnest requests for prayer, and we confidently believe that the influence which will radiate from this Conference to thousands of homes will never be fully comprehended. This great meeting where workers in every department of this world-wide work had such an unprecedented opportunity to confer with one another every day for three weeks over the perplexing features of their various lines of duty, will bring untold results in speedily completing the work. The expense of such a world’s conference will sink into insignificance as compared to the great good which will be

accomplished. Any great enterprise in this world that is successful will frequently assemble its representatives at an enormous expense in order to study the best interests and methods of promoting their various activities. So let no one say or think that the expense incidental to this Conference was needless, for every dollar will be multiplied a thousandfold to the cause, through the results which will follow in the salvation of many souls.

K. C. RUSSELL.