The Annual Meetings by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 19, 1883

The Annual Meetings.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

It may be unnecessary to say anything more than has already been said as to the importance of these meetings; yet, being desirous to see as many present as can possibly attend them, I add a few words. All of our general meetings increase in importance and interest from year to year. The work of God for these times is an aggressive one. It is to enter new fields, to take advance steps in the work of placing before our fellow-men a knowledge of the truth. The question is not, Shall we merely labor as last year? but, How can we labor more successfully than heretofore? What more can we do than last year to carry out the design of God in causing his glorious truth to shine in our pathway? Our people are widly scattered. Organized efforts are being put forth in every part of this country to more extensively spread a knowledge of those truths which are to prepare a people for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our experience should better qualify us to advance each year in the cause of our divine Lord and Master.

We are living in a time when a greater earnestness is needed than even in the apostles' days, and no less sacrifices will be required now than then. The coming annual meeting will be of great interest to the cause in the State. Not only will the labor for the present season be discussed, but consultations will be had concerning questions of vital importance relating to the work on the Pacific Coast. We hope therefore to see as many friends of the cause in this Conference present as can consistently come. Provision will be made for all who may attend. Come prepared to remain through the week, so as to attend the meeting at Healdsburg. Special meetings will be held. The officers of the Conference and tract societies should be present.

S. N. HASKELL.