The General Conference by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 4, 1883

The General Conference.

By Editor

OWING to the many meetings held at the time of the Conference, and our rather feeble condition from former labor and the effects of a severe cold, we were not able to write up the Conference during its session. But we could not give any idea of the amount of business done by any mere sketches which we could write. The official reports will present that in as brief a manner as it can be given.

After an absence of four years from our General Conference we were forcibly impressed with the fact that our cause is growing and our work enlarging, both by the large amount of business which was transacted and the new laborers whom we met for the first time. But we felt a peculiar pleasure in meeting with so many who have stood at their post so many years. Bro. Cottrell was there, whose "Letter to the Disciples" was given us by Elder O. P. Hull thirty years ago next April, and with which we were so highly pleased; more highly than people are apt to be pleased with such a tract in these days, for Sabbath literature was not plenty at that time. We found that a larger number of seventh-day Adventist ministers were there than we had ever met before, every one of whom seemed very near to us, not only for their work's sake, but for their kindly Christian bearing. We never attended any meeting where a better spirit prevailed throughout. Some difference of opinion existed on a few points, as was to be expected in so large an assembly gathered from all parts of the country. But no spirit of contention at difference of feeling was manifested.

When our cause was young and our work small, and but little business was transacted at our yearly gatherings, and Brother and Sister White were present at every one to stir us with their timely counsel and admonitions, they were truly "times of refreshing" to our eager souls. From them the laborers went forth with a cheerful courage, a strength of purpose, an ardent zeal, which can hardly be realized by those who have come in at the sixth or ninth hour of the day. Shall we ever see such seasons again? Not exactly, for Bro. White, the earnest, self-sacrificing pioneer, "rests from his labors," and the "voice from Heaven" has pronounced over him the benediction which belongs to those "who die in the Lord from henceforth." It is a matter of necessity that much business shall come before our Conferences; nor do we regret it, for it is the evidence of the growth of our cause. We only hope that the spirit of the work may never be neglected or forgotten by those who have its business matters in their charge.

There was preaching every evening at the meeting in Rome, and the sermons were spirited and instructive. The social meetings were excellent. The Sabbath schools were more than could be expected under the circumstances.

Much interest was elicited by Elder Haskell's account of his trip to Europe, and his visit to our several missions, and to other points. No written report can give a true idea of the subject. The Conference, cheerfully, and with great unanimity, voted that Bro. B. L. Whitney and family, of Rome, N. Y., go to Switzerland to join Bro. Andrews in that mission. This was according to the request of Bro. Andrews, and will be a source of great relief to him. This rejoices every heart. But the brethren of the New York and Pennsylvania Conference were put to a sore test, having either to vote away their efficient and beloved President, or to deny the request of Bro. Andrews, and leave him overburdened and discouraged. The Christian resignation which they manifested on this trying occasion was worthy of praise. We pray that God will bless them all, and make Bro. Whitney a blessing to the work in Switzerland.

The wants of all parts of the field were well considered, and it was decided to do more than has been done for the South; to set in order the work already begun there, and to open up new fields. It was also voted to establish missions in New York, Chicago, and Washington City. California did well to establish a mission in San Francisco. We hope that missions may be commenced in the cities above named with prospects equally favorable. There is a field for a great work in the large cities of the United States, and the time has evidently come to improve it.

The condition and the wants of our institutions at Battle Creek were considered at Rome. The officers were there present, and in order to look at them to the best advantage informal meetings were organized, and it

appearing that a majority of stock was represented, the stockholders proceeded to discuss the measures which were to be acted upon in the legal meetings which were appointed to convene at Battle Creek. This was the proper course to pursue, as quite a number of these who were at Rome could not go to Battle Creek, and thus they were enabled to hear the matters, and give expression to their views in regard to the election of officers.

We were pleased to learn that the Publishing Association and the Sanitarium are prospering, and that the prospects for the future of both are good. Of those we shall speak hereafter. The more we see and learn of matters in this State, the more we are convinced that the Board of Trustees acted judiciously in closing the College for a season. Much as we regret the necessity, we think it will have to remain closed for the present, and for an indefinite time in the future, until more wisdom is manifested by some parties in the city, or some hindering influences are removed. In the church a better state of things is evidently growing up, and we hope the light may increase until that church shall be a means of encouragement and strength to the cause in Michigan and throughout the country.

Some had questioned the propriety of holding the General Conference away from Battle Creek, but we think without good reason. Our work is not a local work, and the General Conference does not belong to any one locality. The Battle Creek church had ceased to prize the privilege they so long enjoyed, and neglected the meetings of the Conferences. Had the members attended, and heard the measures considered, and learned the reasons for the steps taken, there would not have been so many complaints of what was done. To neglect to learn reasons, and then murmur because they do not understand why action is taken, is a cruel and inexcusable method of sowing discord. We had some severely stormy weather at Rome, but there were sisters in attendance at every meeting, who remained to the last, and appeared to take a lively interest in all the business that was transacted. We hope that, hereafter, the General Conference will not be held a second time with any church which does not take sufficient interest in it to attend its meetings.

The various parts of the field were well represented in this meeting. Delegates were present from Maine, New England, Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Virginia, and California. The European Missions were also represented, by Eld. Haskell, and Upper Columbia by the editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

This week we have to attend the General Missionary meeting of Michigan at Greenville. As Bro. W. C. White has to go East on business, we do not expect to start on our return trip before Jan. 15. We are beginning to feel away from home when away from the Office and look forward to the time of our return with considerable anxiety.

Burlington, Mich., Dec. 25.