An Important Word to All Coming to the General Conference
By A. G. DANIELLS
As this number of the REVIEW is being printed, preparations are well along for the opening of the coming General Conference. Profiting by past experience, our committee has for some time given much careful thought to the many details essential to the holding of such a conference as we expect. We have tried to anticipate every need of what we believe will be the largest gathering of our people we have ever had. We feel very thankful for the progress made thus far. Some months ago we appointed a number of committees to have in charge the various lines of work connected with the preparation of the grounds and the care of the people. These committees have been at work for some time, studying, planning, and providing for the needs of the meeting. We have had men at work laying out the grounds, cutting trees, and making walks. Early arrangements were made for securing tents, lumber, cots, mattresses, dishes, and other things needed, nearly all of which has been already received. To make sure of having everything in readiness at the opening of the Conference, we asked a number of our experienced men to come early to assist in preparing the camp. They responded promptly, and have been hard at work nearly a month. We also asked the Foreign Mission Seminary to close school two or three weeks so that the students could help, and they have given much assistance. While we are endeavoring to do everything possible for the comfort and welfare of all who come, we find there are some things we can not do. We can not put all the living-tents “near the pavilion.” The large number required take some room, so the camp stretches out a block or two each way from the large meeting-tent. We believe, however, that most persons able to attend General Conference can go this distance if necessary. We can not make the weather; so can give no assurance that it will not rain, nor that it will not be warm some days nor cool some nights. We shall all have to take this as it comes, making such provision as we can with bedding, clothing, overshoes, etc. We are not able, at a time like this, to provide all the facilities and comforts of home life. Caring for two or three thousand people will, of necessity, be a little difficult at best. There will be somewhat crowded conditions. We can not help it, so all will have to make the best of it, trying to get along as well as possible, and seeing that others do the same. Our Locating Committee has been at work some time, trying to place all in suitable quarters. It has been impossible to secure rooms near the grounds for all who have asked for them. As far as possible, persons have been assigned locations in harmony with special requests or needs, but the calls for such have far exceeded the possibility for granting them. Preference in near location of tents has been shown the aged, feeble, and those whose work required it, and those who ordered early enough to secure it. Any location on the grounds will not be far, and we trust that all will find it a blessing to be here. Indications are for a large attendance. Letters are being received from many in all parts of this country and elsewhere telling of people coming and of their interest in this meeting. It is to be appreciated that the people of God have such a desire to attend a spiritual gathering like this. All will find a cordial welcome, and, as already stated, we shall do all we can to make them comfortable and to make the Conference a great blessing. Those who come can help in this. Come with good cheer. Expect some inconveniences, but make the best of them. Determine not to find fault nor grumble. Plan as far as possible for health conditions. Purpose to do your part toward a prompt observance of the program. Come to make it a spiritual gathering, and not a mere vacation or pleasure trip. Do what you can to help others. Pray before coming, and after, that God will greatly bless his people at this time. Those who feel they can not adjust themselves to such conditions as go with a meeting like this would do well to consider it carefully. If they can not accept some inconveniences, if they can not endure some unpleasant weather, some delays in meal service or other needs; if they can not accommodate themselves to some deprivations of home life, it would be better for them not to come. Let such remain where they can make their own conditions, and where they will find no occasion for complaint. Do not bring to this meeting the spirit that would militate against the very purpose of the gathering, robbing both yourself and others of the blessing to be obtained. Let all do everything possible to make this General Conference a great blessing to the cause of God and his people.