A Response by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 20, 1903

A Response

By Arthur G. Daniells

WE are more grateful than words can express to our dear brethren and sisters for the splendid interest they are manifesting in the removal of the headquarters of this cause to Washington, D. C.

From all quarters we are receiving assurances from our people of their confidence that the Lord is leading in this change. They tell us that they believe that the cloud has moved by divine appointment to the Nation’s Capital, and that they have moved with it. They say that although they cannot move in person with the cloud, they have moved in spirit,—that we have their prayers and best wishes, and that we shall have their means as far as may be needed. One conference president writes:—

“Personally, I wish to say that it cheers my heart to be able to address the General Conference at Washington . . . I trust that the blessing of the Lord may rest in a rich measure upon the work and workers at Washington. I feel as though I would like to have a hand in clearing up the grounds for our new headquarters.”

Another president sends these kind words:—

“I am glad that the General Conference officers are to be located in Washington, D. C. I believe this movement will be followed by the special manifestations of the Spirit of God. As I have been moving about in the conference quite a little during the last few weeks, I have come in contact with a number of ministers of various denominations, and I find that they are looking upon this movement very seriously. They see that it means something, and are free to confess that the Seventh-day Adventists are becoming the most aggressive Christian people on the face of the earth.”

It is no exaggeration to say that hundreds have voluntarily assured us that somehow this move has filled their hearts with a confidence and gladness that they have not experienced for years. Some of us upon whom was placed the responsibility of securing a new location experienced a special blessing when the final decision was reached. But we did not look for the general and signal blessing that has come to our people as they have heard of the Lord’s dealings with his people. We now see the meaning of a statement in one of the Testimonies sent us while searching for a location. That statement was to the effect that confidence would come to our people as soon as we began to move. These words have already met a fulfillment far beyond anything we had anticipated. What we have seen leads us to look for larger manifestations.

Furthermore, we are glad to tell our people that we have met with a warm welcome in Washington. The Post speaks of our coming here as one of the most significant and important events of the year. The people of Takoma Park show great friendliness. Our brethren and sisters in Washington have met us at the trains and taken us to their homes, until we could get settled in our own homes. After presenting to our people in Battle Creek the communications we had received from the Lord’s servant, and the blessed experiences we had in our efforts to find a location in harmony with the Testimonies, a large proportion of the Tabernacle congregation manifested undoubted confidence in the move, and bade us farewell with their best wishes and earnest prayers for great blessings. It was hard for many to see the offices go, but they manifested a kind Christian spirit. We shall not forget these dear souls.

We are altogether unworthy of all this goodness. It humbles us before our gracious Lord. Again and forever, we surrender all to God for the service of a perishing world. • A. G. DANIELLS.