Meetings at Battle Creek Since the Conference.
By John Nevins Andrews
The report of the Conference gave an account of the meetings for devotional purposes, which were held each day during its continuance. The interest in these meetings has been so deep that they have been continued each evening, with one or two exceptions, till the present time, and on several occasions have been held in the daytime. It has not been a period of excitement, though the meetings have been solemn and heart-searching. But they have been characterized by a general, united effort to seek God. On one occasion when an invitation was given to those who desired the prayers of the people of God, to come forward, the entire body seats of the house were filled by those who responded. It was a time of the deepest interest. A very large part of those who thus came forward were young persons. The blessing of God was granted in large measure, and many hearts were made partakers of its saving power. The meetings have largely related to the duties and the responsibilities of the Battle Creek church, and to the proper relation which it should sustain to the several institutions located in this place, and also to the relation which we should, as a people, sustain toward those whom God has called to bear the greatest responsibilities in this work. There has never been a time when these points have been so clearly seen as at the present time. It is also true that there never has been a time when such perfect unanimity of judgment and of action on these points has prevailed. The spirit of sacrifice and of consecration to the work, a love for reproof, and an earnest desire to save souls for whom Christ died, are getting a large place in the hearts of this people. It never seemed before so much like all taking hold to become workers for God as it now does. With clearer ideas of the best methods of working in the vineyard of the Lord, comes also a more perfect spirit of consecration to the work. Those who have been idlers in the work much of the time during their past experience, now feel like entering into the service of Christ with all their hearts. And these purposes do not seem to be mere transient thoughts, but deeply settled convictions, which will remain with them to govern their future lives. The meetings of yesterday (Sabbath) were such as will not soon be forgotten. The day was set apart for fasting and humiliation before God. After the services of the forenoon, at 12.30, the church convened for the election of officers. Although Bro. White is not expected to be a resident of this city, after a few days, for some months to come, he was, by unanimous vote, requested to assume the pastoral care of this church, and he acceded to the request. The elder of the church having removed from this city, Bro. U. Smith and H. Lindsay were chosen elders. Brethren M. J. Cornell and O. B. Jones were chosen deacons. Twelve persons were received into the church. After this, followed one of the most deeply interesting social meetings we have ever enjoyed. The church having entered into solemn covenant with the Lord and with each other to hold up the hands of those whom God has called to lead out in the work, and to stand in the forefront of the battle, and that they would faithfully regard reproof, and be true helpers in the work of God, Bro. Uriah Smith made some very impressive remarks proposing that the pen, the inkstand, and the paper to which they had attached their names, should be laid up together as a memorial before God. In the evening, the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, some two hundred persons participating. The services were conducted by Bro. White, who made very interesting and instructive remarks. It was an excellent season. Bro. and sister White expect to leave immediately for California to spend a few months in the performance of important duties there. They will go with the prayers of many ascending to God in their behalf, and with our earnest desire that they may return in due season in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.