THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
By Stephen N. Haskell
There has been no time within the past twenty-five years, when it could be more truthfully said than now that “we have reached a very interesting and important period in the history of the third angel’s message.” The cause of present truth, which commenced in poverty and under very discouraging circumstances, has arisen and extended its influence until, like the rays of the sun, it is felt more or less in the different nations of the world. The object of the coming Conference is to consider what steps should be taken to co-operate with the providence of God as it leads the way before his people. The cause of truth in Denmark and Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt, and England, and in fact all over Europe, requires much prayerful consideration. The new missions in our own country, especially the one among the Russians, which the providence of God has seemed to open up before us of late, is one of no little importance. The wants of our own Conferences, camp-meetings, Sabbath-school interests, general missionary work,—all of which will be considered at the General Conference,—are matters which should command the attention of every individual interested in the progress of the third angel’s message. The dedication of the Tabernacle will add much interest and importance to this meeting. The nature of this semi-annual gathering is such that each Conference should be represented either by delegate or letter, and there is no Conference that has more interest in this meeting than the State of Michigan. There should be one hundred of the leading men of this Conference present, besides as many others as can attend. Brethren and sisters everywhere, we want your co-operation, sympathy, and prayers. The cause is one. We have but one common interest, which is a preparation to meet God, and a faithful discharge of our duties to our fellow-men. The breaking out of the truth, like the growth of plants, is only a realization of that faith expressed by the pioneers of this cause years ago. The providence of God is far in advance of us. Remember what the prophecy says respecting the loud cry of this message. Indications of the promised “latter rain” are seen in the miraculous spread of the truth. Probation will soon be past. What is done must be done quickly. Those Conferences near the State of Michigan, as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa, should be well represented at this meeting by delegates. We want to see the old, tried friends of the cause, and those who have more recently embraced the truth, at this meeting. Commence immediately to make preparations to attend. Come so as to be here Thursday morning, April 17, and remain until Tuesday. Preparations will be made to care for all the friends of the cause who may attend. S. N. HASKELL.