THE “CONFERENCE ADDRESS.”
By Roswell F. Cottrell
To me this address has been most interesting and encouraging. It is cheering to hear how God is causing the truth to be introduced and take effect in the various nations of the earth, as well as in almost every State of our own country, calling the humble poor, the pious of all creeds, learned men, ministers, and professors of universities, to embrace the down-trodden truth of God, and unite with us in proclaiming it. It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes! When I look back to the state of the cause twenty-five years ago when I embraced it, think of the little handful of those who then believed that the time had come to preach this last most solemn and important message, and compare that with the present, see the increasing evidences of the truth of our position, as well as accumulating numbers, strength, and facilities, I can but feel grateful to God that he gave me to see and embrace this cause in its feebleness, and that, though so unworthy, he has kept me still and suffered me to have a place with his people, and is answering my earnest prayer that I may still have some part in his work. And the state of our College is not the least interesting feature of the work. And the success of the efforts of the Boarding Club, in furnishing good, healthful board at so moderate a price, is not the least recommendation of this institution. A health reformer who is obliged to take his chances with various people, from place to place, can hardly refrain from coveting the advantages of the healthful and regular diet of the students of this school. I will not envy, but congratulate them upon their advantages. And may God still bless abundantly our school, and those who labor for its success. Blessed be God for what he is doing!