THE CONFERENCES by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 26, 1868

THE CONFERENCES.

By James White

Another annual Conference season is past, and we have abundant reason to thank God for his blessing on the meetings of the past week. The interest in this occasion was evinced by the unusual number of brethren arriving the week previous. The business sessions throughout were largely attended, and characterized by a spirit of union and an earnest desire to advance the cause. Perhaps we have never held a Conference where more perfect harmony prevailed. In this we have a complete vindication of our organization. Though our business is largely increased, as the work opens before us in every department, and new enterprises are commenced for the spread of the truth and the good of our fellow-beings, it is all transacted without inconvenience, confusion, or trial. That which would have been a task difficult of accomplishment under our former state of disorganization, is now easily disposed of to the full satisfaction of all.

This meeting was characterized from first to last by an absence of personal excitement, and by a deep feeling and earnest desire to do for the cause and make a good preparation for the time of trouble and the coming of the Lord. The preaching of the word was not doctrinal, in the usual sense of that word, but practical in every part. Especially is this true of the discourses and testimonies given by Bro. and Sr. White, who plainly pointed out past errors, and showed us more perfectly what the word of God requires in regard to the church, to backsliders, and to the world. We trust that the large number who listened so attentively to these instructions have returned to their homes with clearer views of duty, and their hearts touched with a more enlarged benevolence toward their fellow-creatures. We are pleased to add that these instructions were especially appreciated, and most highly prized, by all the ministers present.

A most important step was taken in the organization of a Benevolent Association, having for its special object, the relief of the needy, of widows and orphans. Many have seen the necessity of this before, and some have wondered why our “S. B. funds” have been entirely devoted to the spread of the gospel, and none given to the poor. It was necessary first to secure that object, and the means were raised for that purpose; but all have now an opportunity to give for the object which should be so near to every heart—true charity. Subscriptions, amounting to nearly $1,500, were taken; for this, and other charitable designs, about $1,700 were donated or subscribed at this Conference, showing that the hearts of our people are, as ever, ready to respond to the calls of the gospel. May the Lord reward the cheerful givers according to his own loving kindness.

Baptism was administered on Monday morning at 5 o’clock, when five were buried in the likeness of our Lord’s death.

Sabbath morning, the following resolution was adopted in the general assembly, as expressive of the feelings of those present:

Resolved, That we consider it a duty, as it is truly a pleasure, to express our heartfelt gratitude to our kind Heavenly Father for restoring to our beloved Bro. and Sr. White, so good a degree of health and strength. We recognize their calling of God, to an important sphere of labor in the great work of the third angel’s message, to instruct, to warn, and to reprove; and we hereby unitedly pledge to them our sympathies and our prayers in the discharge of their arduous duties.

We shall ever look back to this gathering with thankful hearts. It was a time of labor and toil; but labor was performed with cheerfulness, and burdens borne with pleasure. Though the servants of God are worn and fatigued, all appear joyful and confident. Some who came with depression or sadness, have found relief and freedom in the Lord. All praise to his name.

Brethren and sisters, let us all renew our diligence, that the prospering hand of the Lord may be over us the coming year, and that we, by divine grace, may be enabled to glorify his great and holy name.

J. H. W.