The First Day by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1905

The First Day

By G. B. Thompson

THE opening day of the conference will not soon be forgotten by those privileged to be present. At no conference in recent years has the very beginning been attended with such a marked manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence. A spirit of solemnity pervaded the large assembly as they gathered in the large pavilion to begin what is one of the most important gatherings of God's people ever assembled on the earth. For days the prayers of God's people have been ascending to the throne of power, that this meeting might be attended by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that there might be given such an impetus to the work as would hasten the message to all parts of the earth, and bring to an end the prolonged controversy between truth and error. And the Lord did not disappoint his people. As our laborers from all parts of the world gathered on the platform with a number of our aged brethren whose hairs have grown gray in the message of the third angel, every heart was touched, and as Elders Loughborough and Farnsworth, in brokenness of heart, invoked the divine blessing, the signal presence of God rested upon us. No special business was transacted. The joy occasioned by the presence and power of the Lord filled all our hearts, and the time was devoted to a praise service, in which many expressed their confidence in the speedy triumph of the message.

The afternoon was equally marked by the presence of God. The review of the progress of the work during the past biennial period, and the opening providences now before us in every land, for the extension of the work, presented by the chairman, and the secretary of the Mission Board, caused us all to rejoice. It was indeed a good day, and all were deeply impressed that a new era in the work had dawned, and that in very truth there should be delay no longer.

G. B. THOMPSON.