MY VISIT TO THE CONFERENCE.
By Geo. W. Parker
BRO. SMITH: By attending the General Conference at Battle Creek, I have been greatly strengthened in my hope. I desire to get nearer to God. I will enumerate some of my new resolves in reference to the future. The first thing which called attention during my stay at Conference, was the self-sacrifice and brotherly kindness which the brethren and sisters exhibited in making distant friends comfortable at their homes. This taught me to emulate their example. Next I saw wisdom, economy, and health in the food which was bountifully placed upon their tables before us twice a day. Again I was blessed; for the Lord gave me strength, and that one useless meal has with me forever passed away. My desire is to be “not overcharged in surfeiting.” General Conference is called. I there see new faces but their names as they are spoken, are all familiar. I believe God loves those names. Why does he love them? Because of their meekness and forbearance shown in all those weighty questions which came up before them. And God gave them great endurance to accomplish a great amount of mental and physical labor. By their example meekness and humility could be learned. Let us all pray in faith that we may have this blessing bountifully. A visit to the Health Institute was another blessing. A home for the invalid, not only as a place to regain health, but also a school where each can learn to preserve health when it is regained. Not only this, but they can treat their family and friends for disease upon hygienic principles. By this means and the blessing of the Lord, this knowledge will become widespread in its beneficial results in preparing a people to receive and sound the loud cry of the third angel's message. Yes, it will take pure bodies and clear intellects to sound this cry. The teachings at the Institute, if followed, will give these important qualifications. At the Institute I could see that those who had the oversight of the work were much engaged in their work, to make a place entitled to the name it bears, “Health Institute.” Dear brethren and sisters, one visit was sufficient to teach me, as poor as I am, that but a few of us have made sacrifice enough, or labored sufficiently for the cause, to be pleasing in the sight of the Lord. This caused me to resolve to be more economical of my means in other ways, and give more to this praiseworthy cause. If we cannot give much let us contribute our mite; for the hand of God is plainly to be seen in this work. God will bless us if we do so. One noticeable feature at the Institute was the modest, neat and healthful dress of the females. Dear sisters, one and all, will you adopt it? Is it a cross to do so? I have had many opportunities, but as yet have never heard it mentioned by any, even unbelievers, but with regard for its neatness and comfort. Has not all of the good teachings of the Spirit, through the preaching brethren, and above all, the thrilling Testimonies to the Church made us strong to take up every cross? May God give us strength to do so. God met with the little band in Chicago the first Sabbath after Conference in a special manner, in social meeting and prayer. Twelve testimonies for Jesus, yes, weeping testimonies, from softened hearts. It was a joyful meeting. Three new voices raised for the keeping of the commandments of God. Our hearts were filled. Yes, I believe the hosts of Heaven were filled with praises to Him that dwelleth in the holy places above. May God prosper his precious cause here. May we all come before the Lord in meekness and humility, that he may work by and through us to the salvation of souls. May our knowledge of the truth be sanctified, and be used to the honor and glory of God.