p. 3 | The Opening of the General Conference by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 20, 1909

The Opening of the General Conference

By F. M. W.

MORE than three hundred earnest, God-fearing men and women representing a world-wide gospel message—this constitutes the personnel of the thirty-seventh session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The delegates have come from every land and clime. They represent the millions of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the islands of the sea. The occasion of their meeting is not one of personal moment or selfish interest. For this they would not have entailed the heavy expense and numerous inconveniences in their journeyings by land and sea. That they may exchange ideas and experiences and plan and counsel for the promotion of the message of truth in all lands is the great purpose for which they are met together. One purpose possesses every heart, one desire is paramount in the minds of all, to make this conference a potent and effective means for the speedy accomplishment of this closing work.

Together with the regular delegates, a large number of brethren and sisters are attending the meeting, so that altogether upward of one thousand believers were present at the opening service. Representing as they do many parts of the field, the presence of these believers indicates the deep and wide-spread interest felt in this important Conference.

The session opened auspiciously. Nature appeared in her happiest mood. The weather conditions were ideal. The large pavilion is pitched on the Seminary campus. The green lawns, the shady trees swaying in a gentle breeze, the merry songs of birds, the sunlight glinting through the leaves,—all presented a beautiful picture of peace, and served to create an atmosphere inviting communion with the Prince of peace and a nearer approach to the God of nature. And as the large congregation, at the opening service, united in singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” they seemed but to voice the universal note of praise—ascending to God from both his animate and inanimate creation.

A special feature of the first few days has been the reports of the president and secretary, and of others representing important fields and departments, showing the wonderful progress of the work during the last four years. This has led many to thank God for what he has wrought in behalf of his own work in the earth. This Conference appears to be free from all that borders on the fanciful or sentimental in religion, but an earnest spirit of devotion is apparent. This is seen in the addresses given, the supplications and prayers presented, and in the testimonies in the early morning meetings. With all there appears to be a longing for a greater measure of spiritual power and godliness, a Spirit-filled preparation for the loud cry of the closing message.

This Conference is confronted with many questions of far-reaching importance. The determination of these questions will require great wisdom and wise counsel. As never before these representatives of this great world-wide movement will need divine wisdom for their solemn responsibilities. That they may be thus endowed, and that this session of the General Conference may mark the beginning of a great forward movement in the speedy completion of the work of the third angel’s message, should be the prayer of every believer. F. M. W.