The General Conference.
By John Nevins Andrews
WE are able to speak only of the opening of our Conference in this number of the REVIEW. But of this we speak with great pleasure, for never has a Conference opened with greater indications of God’s mercy than has the present one. Owing to the shortness of the notice, the number of delegates and brethren from a distance that were present at the commencement, on sixth-day last, was much less than usual. But it was evident that the Spirit of God in an unusual measure was present to bless and to guide the meeting. Sixth-day forenoon was occupied in the organization of the Conference, and in the appointment of the several committees. We were all glad to greet Bro. and sister White, who arrived from Colorado on second-day last. The remarks of Brn. White and Butler in the opening session of the Conference were especially appropriate and timely. In the afternoon, Bro. White gave the opening address to the Conference, making Rev. 10 the basis of his remarks, as being a prophetic representation of the Advent movement. He set forth the progress of the work, its present circumstances, and its demands upon us for the future. He was followed by some very excellent remarks from sister White. In the evening, at the commencement of the Sabbath, Bro. Butler preached from James 4:6, giving a practical discourse of great interest and profit. He showed the honorable and sacred character of the work of true repentance, and of self-abasement, confession of sin. The Spirit of God specially attended his words. God has greatly blessed Brn. Butler and Haskell in their faithful performance of the arduous labors which have devolved upon them as members of the General Conference Committee. These responsibilities have fallen very heavily upon Bro. Butler as the President of the General Conference, and he has faithfully discharged them in the fear of God. We have had in Bro. Butler, Haskell, and Lindsay, an efficient and faithful committee, and they are entitled to the gratitude of those they have so well served. After the close of his remarks, others followed in words of exhortation. Elder J. V. Himes, who had called on us on his way to an appointment, made a few remarks expressive of his interest in the doctrine of Christ’s near advent, and of his approval of the practical truths to which he had listened. We differ with Elder Himes in the several important particulars wherein we are not in agreement with other Adventists. But we can never cease to feel a debt of gratitude to him for his efficient labor in connection with Mr. Miller, in the great Advent movement of 1843-4, which he performed in the face of the bitterest opposition. Sabbath morning, we met at 9 o’clock for social worship. But Bro. White was led out to speak at length words of exhortation, instruction, encouragement, and admonition. The Spirit of God especially attended them to all present. At 10.30, sister White spoke on the temptation of Christ. The discourse was full of instruction, and of the deepest interest. In the afternoon, Bro. White preached on the unity of the people of God, the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, and the sacred nature of our work. All hearts were deeply touched. Then followed an hour of testimonies, in which the Spirit of God rested down in a very special manner. The remarks of Bro. Uriah Smith cheered all hearts. In the evening, Bro. Butler read an essay, a portion of which appears in this number of the REVIEW, setting forth the fact that in every important work which God has committed to his people to perform, he has raised up and qualified men to lead in the accomplishment of the same, and showing the duty of the church to strengthen the hands of those upon whom such responsibilities are laid. There was perfect unanimity of opinion and of feeling in the discussion of this subject. Our meeting thus far has been given almost wholly to religious services, and they have been of a deeply interesting character. At the time of this writing (first day morning), the delegate from the S. D. Baptists has not arrived. We trust he will arrive before the close of our Conference.