The Appointment of the Next General Conference.
By George I. Butler
AFTER careful consideration by the members of the General Conference Committee accessible, it is decided that the next session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will convene at the Tabernacle in Battle Creek, Mich., November 18, 1886, at nine o’clock, A. M., to continue its session as long as its business may demand. It is impossible to tell the exact time of its continuance, as unexpected business often prolongs the meetings. All delegates should come prepared to stay as many as three weeks; no appointments should be made which will call them away sooner, as it injures much the closing interest of the Conference for many of them to withdraw before its adjournment. Every year the sessions of the General Conference increase in interest and importance. Our work is extending to all parts of the globe, and soon the message will have encircled the earth. We make this appointment thus early in order that our brethren in distant lands may prepare their reports, appoint delegates, and arrange their business in time. We want all parts of the field represented, if consistent, by delegates; otherwise, let full reports be sent in season. These should be directed to the secretary, Elder Uriah Smith, Battle Creek, Mich., as the writer is much of the time away. Let our State Conferences send the most responsible men accessible to represent them,—persons of good judgment, and those who are intelligent in reference to the wants of the cause. Fields in great need of help should make their wants known in season. Let all our foreign missions send in statements of their accounts, financial condition, etc., for the consideration of the Conference. The appointment of the anniversary meetings of our associations, societies, and other institutions usually held in connection with the Conference, should be appointed in season. Most important questions will come before the Conference the next session. Plans will be laid for the progress of the cause in distant lands. Selections of laborers will have to be made for entering foreign fields, and going to countries far away. Our message is to the world. Already the light of present truth is enlightening more or less the most remote portions of the earth. The spirit of persecution is abroad. Already some of our brethren know what it is to be deprived of personal liberty for observing and teaching the law of God. We have in this respect reached a point never before attained in this cause. Troubles are gathering over the world. It is a time for serious thought and much prayer. May all our people pray for the success of the next General Conference. We trust our people will not forget to pray earnestly that it may have wisdom to discharge aright all its heavy responsibilities. GEO. I. BUTLER,
Pres. General Conference.