The Second Session of the Atlantic Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
The second biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference was held, according to announcement, in South Lancaster, Mass., November 4-11. Most of the conferences of the union were fully represented by delegates. Besides these there were a number of deeply interested brethren and sisters present from the churches in the vicinity of South Lancaster. The business of the conference was attended to during the forenoon and afternoon hours, leaving the early morning hours and evenings for Bible studies and preaching. Elder S. N. Haskell occupied most of the morning hours, giving a series of studies on the spirit of prophecy from a Bible standpoint. Some valuable lessons for our people at this time were drawn from the Scriptures. Some of these ought to appear in the REVIEW for the benefit of a larger number than could be reached in the conference. During the evenings some very impressive sermons were preached by Professor Prescott, Elder Underwood, and others, regarding our time, our message, our mission, and our field. The attendance of the South Lancaster church-members and the students of the academy at the evening services filled the church, and helped to make the services important and impressive. The business proceedings passed off harmoniously. A condensed report of the proceedings will appear in another column. But slight changes were made in the officers of the conference. Elder Cottrell was re-elected president, with the same staff of willing and efficient helpers who worked with him last year. One of the most stirring themes of the conference was the missionary campaign planned for the coming winter. It was very noticeable that every topic relating to the preparation of workers or the doing of earnest, faithful work touched a responsive chord every time. This is a most hopeful and cheering omen. The hour has come for the Lord’s work to be finished. He has prepared the facilities, and raised up the people to finish it. What is now required is for the people raised up to do the work, to become thoroughly aroused to the demands of the cause for their service. When this8moves every believer to earnest service, the work will soon be done. The proposal to sell a million copies of the Capital and Labor number of the Signs of the Times met with the most hearty approval of all the conference officers and ministers present. The plan for carrying on the medical work in the union and State conferences was considered with deep interest and great care. The decision arrived at is presented in the recommendations relating to the medical work. No doubt all will study these recommendations with much interest. Immediate steps were taken in the Atlantic Union Conference, and also in the Greater New York Conference, which followed the Atlantic Union Conference, to carry the recommendations into effect. A fuller statement regarding this plan, and the reasons for its adoption, may be made later. The most interesting and stirring meeting of the session was the one held in the academy chapel with the students. The entire delegation was present. Our object in holding this meeting with the students was to give them the benefit of the discussion of the recommendations relating to the training of young men and young women for the various branches of our denominational work. This was truly a live meeting. Many stirring experiences were related by ministers who entered this ministry a quarter of a century or more ago. The majority of the students manifested a deep interest in the counsels given. The academy is well filled with young people of mature years and real worth. Professor Griggs and his associates feel a pressing and growing burden to prepare the young people for the ministry, Bible work, and canvassing. From the large number of young people in this school there should come forth a good company of strong, earnest, efficient workers. The prospects are excellent. Altogether, this was a pleasant and valuable meeting. Our hearts were cheered and united in the bonds of brotherly love. We returned to our posts of duty with new heart.