An Interpretation of the Conference
By G. B. THOMPSON
As the conference proceeds with its daily work, the thought which impresses us most is the definite purpose and aim to which the entire proceedings are devoted. Here is a large body of men, gathered from all parts of the United States, and from all the principal countries of the world, studying and forming plans,—for what? With an unshaken faith they are deliberately and carefully planning to finish a work which means the end of the world, with all that this comprehends, in this generation. This is the theme toward which the entire deliberations of this world's conference are devoted. Every note which has been sounded thus far in the meetings has testified of an unwavering faith in the belief that in fulfilment of prophecy this whole movement is in the earth to proclaim to every nation, kindred, and tongue that the Son of man is soon to come, and with a fixed determination plans are laid accordingly. This thought impresses us much. There has been no such movement since the creation of Adam, God has had special movements in different ages in the work of the gospel, but never since the fall of man has there been such a movement as this. The time has come when the Lord purposes to bring an end to sin, and usher in the long-hoped-for period of everlasting righteousness, and the people necessary to fulfil the prophetic announcement of this sublime consummation are in the earth. Such a gathering as we see here is in itself an infallible proof that the end will quickly come. The same unity which characterized the opening of the meeting continues. There is no time wasted in needless discussion, or wrangling over plans. As a result, the deliberations of the conference are carried forward with dispatch. The reports from the various departments, and from the fields in general, have been a strong factor of the meeting, and all have been intensely interesting. The departmental work of the conference has been more fully systematized and developed, and placed on a firmer and more substantial basis than ever before. Advanced steps were taken to place the medical branch of this work on the same basis as the other departmental lines of the work. This was given the most careful and prayerful consideration, both by large subcommittees and in the open conference, and in all the steps taken great harmony of action has prevailed. There can be no question but that the work of this department will develop very rapidly, and fill an important place in the work of the message in the future. Special emphasis was given to the advisability of this step made in the interests of the more complete unification of the work, by a talk given by Sister White the same day, concerning the union which exists between all parts of the work. We were strongly urged not to remove the coupling-pin, and separate this branch of the message from other parts of the great work given us to do in the earth.