Our Conference by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 25, 1873

Our Conference.

By George I. Butler

ALTHOUGH the editor of the REVIEW has spoken freely in reference to the Conference, I wish to say a few words concerning it. This has been a most important meeting; in some of its features, the most important of any I have attended. The calls for labor in different parts of the wide harvest field were never so pressing before. Almost every State Conference sent in urgent calls for more laborers; some of which were so pathetic that tears of sympathy would involuntarily flow in spite of us. And in the wide missionary field, openings for labor were numerous.

One of the saddest things connected with our meeting was the fact, so plainly apparent, that our supply of efficient laborers was utterly inadequate to meet the demand. God’s providence is a long distance in advance of us. He is working upon the hearts of men in all directions, and among many nationalities, and their earnest cries come up to our ears, “Come over and help us.” How to meet this most pressing demand was the great perplexity of our Conference. This question involves many other important ones, such as the school, the proper condition of things in Battle Creek, and the question of the translation of our tracts and pamphlets into other languages, all of which are great and important matters of themselves. Surely we have an abundance of work before us. There is no excuse for idlers in such a time as this. A harvest of precious souls is to be gathered. And there is opportunity for every one to work somewhere, either as ministers, as distributers of our publications, and in many ways.

We were all glad to see Bro. and sister White once more with us, after an absence of nearly a year; and, above all, to see evidences of returning health. Bro. White took hold with his accustomed energy in the business sessions of the Conference, and they owed much of their interest to his efforts. He came as a delegate from the new Conference of California. His account of the advance of the cause in that Pacific State, with the many interesting incidents connected with his recent visit there, were of great interest to us all. And we all feel better acquainted with our brethren there, and of course have an increase of interest in their welfare. Surely the cause is one, and a link of tender sympathy unites all the members of Christ’s body.

We can assure our brethren of the Pacific coast that they made choice of a very faithful delegate to set forth their cause and wants. Their interests were not neglected. And yet there may be some disappointment when they learn that Bro. Canright is not coming to California this season. At first it seemed quite probable he would go; but when the condition of things in Minnesota was set before the Conference, and when it was seen that the good work accomplished there the past summer would be greatly endangered unless he could return there for a few months, till those recently embracing the truth become established, it was not deemed best for the interests of the whole cause that he should leave that State. There would be no efficient man to take his place and it would bring great discouragement upon the brethren. We believe the hearts of our brethren in California are too generous to fall into trial on this account, however much they desire the efficient labor of Bro. Canright.

Never have we had more important questions before us for consideration and immediate action than now. The denominational school must be taken hold of. We are in crying need of it, to properly educate young men for the ministry, and for other important positions connected with the office and for the translation of our works into other living languages.

The lectures of Bro. Smith in different Conferences, to which reference is made in the resolution passed by the General Conference, and which are designed to furnish instruction in the theory of our faith to those who wish to enter into the ministry immediately, is also an important matter. The proper course to be pursued in the translation of our works into other languages, so as to secure the very best, which would correctly represent our views, and not disgrace us by inaccuracies, and such as would bear the test of literary criticisms which they are sure to encounter, is a matter of great importance. Our field is the world. God has jewels among the educated and refined as well as among the common people who desire truth. We must reach them. The truth must be brought before them properly. It should everywhere be presented in the very best shape so as to affect the mind most favorably. We cannot afford to have its high claims disregarded because of carelessness on our part.

All of these are important matters. And it is no wonder that Bro. White whose life has been bound up in this cause, should think them of sufficient importance to warrant him in making a journey of thousands of miles in the winter season to assist in their consideration. We want the best counsel we can get in these important matters, which are so intimately connected with the cause. These things were canvassed fully; and we have some hope that an advance will be made in regard to them which will result in great good to the cause.

The cause is onward. We never had stronger evidence of this than now. The figures given in another article are proof of this. The calls from all directions, the earnest pleadings for help, prove to us beyond a doubt that this is no time for ease. Vigorous and persistent action on the part of every one, till our efforts shall correspond with the momentous truths we believe, is positively demanded at our hands. We believe this is the last message of warning to a sinful world. Let us act as though we believed it.

GEO. I. BUTLER.