THE CONFERENCE | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 25, 1869

THE CONFERENCE.

Full reports of the business proceedings of the various meetings held here the past week, will be found in this paper. These will give a general idea of the standing and doings of the various organizations. The utmost harmony has prevailed throughout, and while there has not been all that enthusiasm manifested that has been seen on some occasions, there has been a hearty desire on the part of all to take such action as the present wants of the cause demand; and moves have been made which are believed to be essential to our prosperity as a people. We expect to see great good result from this Conference.

We have been cheered with the presence of many whose faces we have never before seen in this place. Twenty-two ministers and licentiates were present. The discourses were characterized by great earnestness and solemnity. The impending realities of the Judgment were held before us in all their startling colors. Faithful warnings were given, and the duty of the church in this dangerous, drowsy time, plainly pointed out. Never was a more plain and searching testimony borne; and both ministers and people seemed to receive it, and appreciate its importance, and the necessity of promptly acting thereon. In view of the dangers and perils of this time, the necessity of the gifts in the church was seen as never before.

A series of morning discourses was given by Bro. White at 5 o'clock each morning. There was also preaching each evening. Thus each day was more or less relieved of the monotony of business transactions, by being opened and closed with religious services. So well were the morning discourses of Bro. White appreciated, that the following resolution was adopted by a full congregation on first-day:

Resolved, That we tender our sincere and hearty thanks to Bro. White for the series of morning discourses delivered during these meetings, by means of which we have been enabled to call to remembrance the former days in which was endured a great fight of affliction. And we pray that they may be the means of stirring us up to renewed interest and consecration in the sacred cause of present truth, and to a comparison of our state with the self-sacrifice manifested, and the toil and suffering endured by the pioneers in this cause, that we may realize how far we, as a people, have fallen from our first state, and thereby be led to zeal and repentance, lest the faithful and true Witness spew us out of his mouth.

The meeting has been a good one. The blessing of the Lord has been with his people, not so much to produce buoyant and rapturous feelings, as to guide in the steps deliberated upon for the advancement of his cause. There is vitality in the truth. It is destined to go forth with power, and triumph in glory.