OUR CONFERENCE by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 28, 1867

OUR CONFERENCE.

By J. H. Waggoner

The Conference, looked for with such anxiety, prayed for so much, is past; and all true friends of the cause are doubtless gratified with the result.

This was the largest Conference of S. D. Adventists that has ever assembled, and the amount of business done was much larger than on any former occasion; but the utmost harmony prevailed. Indeed, in this respect, we think it could not have been much improved. The amount of business was so large, that most of the time was employed in its transaction, and the labors of some were extremely exhausting. The large house of worship was literally packed sometimes; and we rejoiced that God had so prospered us; and brought so many together, and given us such pleasant surroundings in which to worship and serve him.

But we trust that no one feels like boasting of our house, our numbers, or our labors. No; the expressed desire of the whole assemblage was to humble themselves before God, and to seek more of his Spirit and grace, and a renewal of his blessing. In this respect our work was not done at the Conference, but only begun; and if we do not carry out our vows “by patient continuance in well doing,” we shall feel more than ever the displeasure of a just God, who is no respecter of persons.

But while we endeavor to humble ourselves before God, we may rest assured that Satan will not humble himself nor cease in his efforts to hinder or destroy the work so providentially commenced. There is always danger of sinking into carnal security and lukewarmness after an earnest effort toward reform. Our minds are in danger of reaction; we grow “weary in well doing;” we do not “watch unto prayer;” and feel strong in our resolutions. But good resolutions have no saving power, and they who lean upon them for support will stumble and fall.

We have had some humiliating experiences in relation to our Conference gatherings in the past. Many instead of seeking mercy of God and drinking more deeply into the spirit of the work, have gone up like the ten spies to Canaan; indifferent about the rich fruit provided for them, but thinking only of the giants in their way; and returning with an evil report. I well remember at one of the earliest Conferences in the place, while Bro. White was scarcely comfortable in his new home, some persons with a certain sort of zeal, took an inventory of his household goods, and retailed the news along their way home, and thereby scattered distrust and darkness in their track. For this there was no occasion; the difficulty and darkness all originated in their own hearts. And so it has been ever since. People often misjudge the reason and motive of such proceedings. Trace back the history of man and we find that their ignorance and trials have sprung from hardness of heart; though the order is too often reversed, and we excuse the wrong on account of ignorance or trying circumstances, “Be not deceived.” Caleb and Joshua saw no better fruit in Canaan than the other spies; they saw as many giants, and as large; so the difference in their report was not based on a difference of facts or circumstances, but solely because, as the record says, “they had another spirit.” The worst evil that has, perhaps, ever followed a Conference, sprung, as its originator publicly confessed, from a year’s lukewarmness and darkness before coming to Conference. It would be too much to expect, or even hope that there will be no fault-finding, no evil reports to follow this Conference. Satan is not idle. But we exhort the fault finders and grumblers to stop awhile and examine the state of their own hearts; and we would remind them that we have never found the spiritual minded and devoted engaged in such a work; and where we find such fruit we do not expect to find the tender spirit of this holy message. May the Lord give wisdom to profit by our blessings.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Battle Creek, May 22, 1867.