HOW TO COME TO CONFERENCE.
We do not speak of route nor mode of conveyance, but of the purposes and feelings with which we wish all to come to this great annual gathering. We shall be happy to see our friends from every direction, those who are endeared to us by the strong ties of the truth, and those who are desirous of learning and embracing that which is so precious to us. And in behalf of the church here, we wish to say to all our brethren and sisters, 1. Do not come as strangers. Though we may never have seen each others' faces, if we have sincerely sought an interest in Christ, we are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise; we are all members of the same family; having the same faith, walking the same road, loving the same truths, having the same interests, cherishing the same hope, and expecting soon to join immortal hands on the glorified shore. Then let us act toward each other with the same familiarity, frankness, cordiality and love, that would become the members of a harmonious and happy household. 2. Do not come as spectators, simply to see what others may have to say or do. In the meetings do not feel that they are for others, not for you, and suffer yourselves to be bound by a feeling of restraint. Let all fear of man be put away; and let each one consider himself an individual member of that company upon whom it is now incumbent, not simply to listen to the good words of hope and encouragement that others may have to utter, but to all speak often the one to the other, and to exhort one another and so much the more as they see the day approaching. 3. Do not come to criticise and find fault. And while we say this, we do not wish nor ask any one to shut their eyes to any wrong. But we will suggest what would seem to us to be a proper course: If any one shall see things here, which do not, on a careful and charitable consideration, appear to be in accordance with right and truth, let him inquire of some member of this church concerning them. Such inquiry will be respectfully entertained, and an explanation, if the matter is susceptible of one, will be given. Above all things we protest against persons' locking up in their own bosoms what they may suppose to be wrongs in us, yet parting with us with apparently the most satisfactory and friendly feeling, and going away with hearts filled with bitterness, calculating to spread reports which will be to our discredit and injury. Such a course is instigated from beneath not from above. We know not that there is any occasion for these remarks at this time; but our experience in the past, prompts us to write them. 4. Remember that on such occasions where the crowd is large, there is much to be done, and many to look to. No one should therefore expect a large amount of particular personal attention, nor feel slighted if they do not receive it. Each one must contribute to, as well as draw from, the general fund of entertainment. In this way the occasion may be made one which will be uninterruptedly pleasant and full of good cheer. 5. Come with much prayer that the Lord will show us some special token of his love, revive his work, and advance his cause. 6. Come with hearts unalterably set in the resolution to contribute your part for the further success of the work of the Lord. Each day adds to the evidences that we are in the closing hours of time. All who learn the truth must learn it soon. All who are to be saved, must be saved soon. We stand on the threshold of the eternal kingdom. It is time that all who wish for a part therein, were entering upon the work of the great preparation.