p. 10 | CONFERENCE ECHOES by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 7, 1901

CONFERENCE ECHOES

By Uriah Smith

The meeting which has just closed in Battle Creek, possessed some characteristics that are worthy of more than ordinary notice. We refer to the harmony of feeling, the unanimity of sentiment, that prevailed during the whole session. Day after day, the delegates assembled in the Tabernacle, which was crowded with friends and visitors (wholly unlike previous gatherings of this kind), and gave their attention each day to a large variety of matters, involving almost interminable interests, on which it was clearly apparent that friction and conflict of opinion might arise; yet nothing of this kind appeared; and through all the meeting, not one word was spoken, either on the floor of the house or out of meeting, so far as we are aware, that could be construed to be an attack upon a brother, or an unkind reflection upon any of his views or positions. The paramount desire seemed to be to come together in a permanent understanding with one another, and view all things with the same feelings, and in the same light. If anything was not understood, an explanation was kindly, earnestly, and sincerely asked, and given, and thus every query was cleared up, that all the subject might be fully understood, and all agree in the conclusions reached. In this course there was no room for disagreement; and so there was a drawing together, not a discordant note being heard in all the deliberations. The pervading influence, which was so strong as to be almost sensibly felt, was for “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This state of things is what has been held in view, for years, as the desirable and ideal condition to be reached, but never so fully approached as on this occasion. This manifestation of a desire for a spirit of harmony and co-operation, was a great source of gratification and rejoicing to all present, so much so that the remark was often heard, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”

The last two meetings of the session, on the afternoon and evening of April 23, were devoted to praise services, and were memorable occasions, especially the latter. Although beginning at seven o’clock in the evening, the time was crowded more than full, and it was found impossible to bring the exercises to a close before ten o’clock. On this occasion, Brother N. Z. Towne was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands—ordination prayer, by A. T. Jones; charge, investing him with the duties and obligations of a minister of the gospel, by S. N. Haskell. The testimonies of all were full of thanksgiving and praise for the good season enjoyed throughout the Conference. The current of joy and praise, of confidence and courage, that swept over the congregation was so strong that it seemed that nothing could stand against it, and that we were beginning to have a foretaste of Acts 3:19, and a little of that refreshing which is to come from the presence of the Lord when He is about to send Jesus for the restitution of all things. It seemed that no misgivings nor doubt nor skepticism could stand before the spirit of that meeting.

We do not say that all possibility of surmising, distrust, and alienation, was eliminated from the occasion; for it is said that unbelief will always find a hook to hang itself upon; but the encouraging feature in this case was the fixed and settled purpose that was manifest in regard to the manner in which to meet such temptations when they arise. The promise is that when “the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

Confidence in the Lord and His work will neutralize most of the assaults of the enemy upon us, and baffle him in his work. When things seem strange and unaccountable, is it best to embarrass the situation still more, by indulging in jealousy, and mistrust, and surmising? or would it be better to woo that Spirit which is to lift up a standard? And, assured that God has charge, and is leading in the work, leave to Him those matters which are beyond our control, and which we should only make worse by trying to manage by our puny arms and by our blind wisdom. Shall we have faith in God, faith in one another? Shall we put the best construction on everything we meet with, and hold it in the best light, above all things looking to that which is most important to us,—our own standing in the sight of God, and our relation to Him? In this way we can make constant progress, and not be disturbed or stumbled by the obstacles which the enemy will always try hard to throw in our way.

It was a great privilege to the brethren and sisters to have Sister White again among us, and to listen once more to her words of counsel and admonition. Though laboring under the weight of more than three-score years and ten, besides a measure of bodily feebleness, she has been remarkably sustained both mentally and physically, in her untiring labors for the good of the people.

Looking back upon this first Conference of the new century, the writer can join the large number who gave their verdict concerning this occasion by saying, “This is the best meeting we have ever attended.”

U. S.