A Statement in Behalf of the General Conference Committee
By Arthur G. Daniells
OWING to Brother Smith’s long connection with this movement, and his valuable services in so many departments of the work, it would be eminently fitting for the General Conference Committee to offer its tribute of appreciation, were the members where they could do so. But they are widely scattered, only three being in Battle Creek at the present time. I feel confident, however, that I shall be but anticipating the wishes of the committee by saying a few words in its behalf. Although Brother Smith has not been a member of the committee during the last two years, yet he has taken a deep interest in some features of the work of the committee. He has expressed a special interest and pleasure in the efforts of the committee to distribute its administrative responsibilities among the union conferences, and to get into a position where it could give all its time and influence and power to missionary problems. And the feature that has pleased him most has been the call to revive the advent message and the old-time missionary work, with one end in view; namely, to give this message speedily to all the world. The last words he ever penned were the closing paragraphs of an appeal to the coming session of the General Conference. He said:— “I am with you in the endeavor to send forth in this generation this gospel of the kingdom, for a witness to all nations. And when this is completed, it will be the signal for the coronation of our coming King.” He recognized the true ring in this clarion note, and longed to see it rally our people for active, quick service. The members of the committee who have been in Battle Creek during the last two years have enjoyed very pleasant associations with this esteemed servant of God. It has been a personal blessing to me to be connected with him in the work during this time. His sudden death is not altogether a surprise to those who have been with him the past year. They have observed his failing strength, and feared that what has come might come at any time. And he was ready to depart. He appeared like a shock of corn fully ripe. He had laid upon the altar of service all the powers of his being. He had fought a good fight, had kept the faith, and had finished his course. He was ready to be garnered. In his departure there has passed from our midst another of the men whom God chose to use in a signal manner in the development of this great work. There are few of the old pioneers left. Must they, too, fall before their fond hopes are consummated? We pray not. O brethren and sisters, let us who remain now make the consecration of our lives and means to this work that will bring it to a speedy end. Let us not, by indifference and lack of zeal, hinder the Lord’s work, and thus add to these sad occurrences. It shall not be so. There shall be delay no longer. The way is all prepared, the message is with us, and the hearts of many thousands of believers are responding to the call to do a short, quick work. May it be even so is the prayer of many hopeful hearts. In behalf of the General Conference Committee, A. G. DANIELLS.