The Conference by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 14, 1871

The Conference.

By Editor

As we are about to go to press, we take a little space for a few general remarks respecting the anniversary meetings just held in this place. The reports of the business proceedings found in this paper will well repay the careful perusal of all the friends of the cause. Financially, the past year has been an exceedingly prosperous one. We may especially mention in this respect the Publishing Association and the Health Institute. The exhibit which these two institutions are able to make of their financial workings the past year, attests the faithfulness of those who have had them in charge, and must be a matter of gratitude to all the friends of the cause. The inherent recuperative power which these institutions manifest is not a little astonishing. We wish not to be deemed irreverent when we say that it seems that God is bound to carry his work triumphantly forward over all obstacles, and through all difficulties. Or perhaps it could be better expressed by saying that, while to human shortsightedness and to human fears, difficulties and discouragements rise up like specters all along the way, there are no such things to God. He never becomes discouraged; and failure never will be written against his cause. Let Israel trust in him, and go forward.

WHO WERE PRESENT.

Among the ministers present we may mention Brn. White, Bates, Andrews, Haskell, Waggoner, Cornell, Canright, Van Horn, Butler, Sanborn, Andrews (R. F.), Lawrence, Byington, Matteson, Strong, Pierce, and Lane. Besides these there were fifteen licentiates, and a good representation of brethren and sisters from different places. It was cheering to meet with the friends once more, who are still struggling on in the cause of truth, of good hope and courage in the work.

THE CAUSE IS ONE.

Notwithstanding some of the brethren came from fields of labor so widely separated, and parts of the country so distant from each other, and all were exceedingly anxious for the people in their own States, there was no sectional feeling; but the interest of one was for all the rest. And one of the most affecting meetings of the series, was when the subject of missionary labor was taken up in the Conference, and appeals for help were read from letters, and made by the delegates, in reference to every section of the field. All the country is holding out its hands for help. Hearts are ready for the truth, as a thirsty land is ready for rain. And he who could listen to the appeals that came from the far east and the distant west and met here at the Conference, beseeching in most touching terms for assistance;—he who could listen to these and not respond, “Here am I, send me,” must be callous and unfeeling of heart.

SABBATH DISCOURSES.

Of the sermons preached during the Conference, we refer especially to those given on the Sabbath, the first in the forenoon by Bro. Andrews, the second in the afternoon by Bro. Butler. The first presented the danger of falling through unbelief, as illustrated by the Israelites, who, though they experienced a marvelous deliverance from Egypt, by being led through the Red Sea, and thought themselves, as indeed they then were, the people of God, in a state of acceptance with him, nevertheless through subsequent unfaithfulness, failed to reach the promised land, but left their bones to bleach in the wilderness. The second presented the importance of our seeking meekness and righteousness, if it may be we may be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger; the importance, in other words, of our keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus as enjoined in the third angel’s message, if we would escape the perils of the last days, and secure a place in the kingdom of God. These discourses were timely, and adapted to the wants of the people. Truths of infinite importance were brought to bear upon the hearts and consciences of those who heard; and it will be an indication of fault on their part, if they do not become, from the hearing, better men and women.

On Monday forenoon, at the last session of the General Conference, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the whole congregation present:

Resolved, That we tender our thanks to Bro. White for his labors during the past year, in bearing heavy burdens under the most unfavorable and trying circumstances; and also for his readiness to serve the interests of the cause at our request. And we pledge ourselves to sustain him according to the best of our ability, and to bear those burdens that we may be able, that he may be free to fill those stations to which we believe God has specially called him.

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with Sr. White in her present enfeebled and worn condition; and we wish to express our thanks to our kind Heavenly Father for hearing our prayers in her behalf; and we unitedly pledge ourselves to remember her in all our prayers.

There appears to be in all hearts an increasing confidence in the work of the Lord. The outlook for the progress of the cause is such as to inspire hope and courage.