The Atlantic Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
THE third session of the Atlantic Union Conference was held at South Lancaster, Mass., November 1-9. The weather was beautiful, the delegates were of good courage, and the conference passed off very harmoniously. Each local conference was represented by delegates, but the delegation and the general attendance did not seem so large as at the former sessions of this conference. The general laborers present were Brethren G. A. Irwin and E. W. Farnsworth, and the writer. One excellent feature of this meeting was the time given to spiritual interests. There were Bible studies and preaching daily at 6 and 11 A. M., and at 7:30 P. M. A prayer and praise service was held at 5 P. M. The business meetings of the session were held from 9 to 10:30 A. M., and from 2 to 4 P. M. The early morning hour was occupied by Brother Irwin in a course of Bible studies on the spirit of prophecy as manifested in the church from the earliest times. This candid, thorough study of the Scriptures on this subject was a great blessing to many. It was clearly established that this gift has been manifested in the church in every age when the church has been obedient to the law of God. It was also made very clear that the age of the instrument upon whom this gift is bestowed does not impair the gift in the slightest degree. John must have been nearly one hundred years old when he wrote the wonderful prophecies of Revelation. Daniel was well advanced in years when there was revealed to him some of the great prophetic outlines of the book of Daniel. Simeon and Anna, too, although of great age, could see and understand things relating to the first advent, to which the high priest, the rabbis, and priests were utterly blind, although in the very prime of life. The spirit of prophecy does not grow old, nor in any way lose its power, authority, and value to the church, as the instrument through whom it is manifested advances in years. Although Elder Haskell was not in the best of health during the meeting, he6gave a few excellent talks regarding the importance of having a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. The evenings were occupied by the ministers from different conferences. It was my privilege to address the students of South Lancaster Academy at the chapel exercises each morning during the conference. It was cheering to meet these young people. The attendance is good this year. Many of these young people should soon be strong, active workers in the great fields now calling so earnestly for consecrated men and women. The business proceedings will doubtless be reported by the officers of the conference. The treasurer reported all bills paid up to date, and a surplus of two thousand five hundred dollars in the treasury. In his biennial address, the president recommended that two thousand dollars of this surplus be appropriated to the General Conference for the mission fields. This was heartily supported by the most of the delegates. This will rejoice the hearts of some of our missionaries who are earnestly pleading for another worker or two to help them. After serving the cause in the Atlantic States for twelve or thirteen years without interruption, Brother and Sister Cottrell are leaving this part of the field for the Pacific Coast. They do this in response to a call from the Pacific Union Conference Committee. Elder and Mrs. Cottrell go to the Pacific Coast, with the confidence, best wishes, and earnest prayers of their collaborators and many friends on the Atlantic Coast. They have labored untiringly, and God has accepted and blessed their service. Elder E. W. Farnsworth takes Brother Cottrell's place as president of the Atlantic Union.