MEETING AT BATTLE CREEK.
By Uriah Smith
The general meeting at Battle Creek, Nov. 10-12, assumed the form of a special session of the General Conference. Two of the General Conference Committee were present, the presidents of four State Conferences, some of the delegates to the General Conference at its last regular session at Lansing, and other leading brethren, forming, collectively, a body altogether competent to take into consideration matters which come under the jurisdiction of the General Conference. From the record of proceedings given in another column, the reader will learn the action that was taken on several important subjects. We make special mention of the matter here, for the purpose of calling the attention of the brethren more particularly to these things, lest they should content themselves with simply a hasty perusal, and so fail to see their significance and realize their importance. The steps recommended to be taken, especially in the proceedings of the Tract Society, are calculated to have almost an untold influence for good upon the progress of the cause, if faithfully carried out. But the servants of God may spend much time and wearing labor in anxious, careful, prayerful thought to devise means and perfect systems for the advancement of the cause; and these may be in themselves ever so perfect, and exhibit much skill and discerning foresight, and even give evidence of the special leadings of God's Spirit, yet they will amount to nothing without the co-operation of those upon whose action depends the carrying out of the plans suggested. And in case they are not carried out, and the good is lost that would otherwise be secured, upon whom will rest the blame? Upon those to whose failure the loss is owing. We have reached a most important and interesting period in this work. The way is opening before us as never before. So favorable a combination of circumstances for carrying forward our work, we cannot expect long to continue. But mighty conquests seem now to be within our reach, if all will prove themselves equal to the occasion. What will now insure success is that all take hold in union, sympathy, and zeal, to carry out the plans of those whom they, as well as the providence of God, have set to lead out in this work. This we confidently expect to see, as it has been seen in the past; and any suggestion on the point is, perhaps, superfluous. On Sabbath the house of worship was crowded even to the gallery and aisles. After a powerful appeal from Sr. White, almost the whole congregation felt like coming forward for prayers. A move was made in this direction, but, on account of the numbers pressing forward, it was found to be impracticable. On Sunday evening, a similar move was made. Bro. White was given much freedom in exhortation. His remarks took hold upon sinners and backsliders; and among the crowd pressing up to the front seats, one came forward who had been living for twenty years in a state of separation from the church. The Spirit of the Lord came down in power; and both Bro. and Sr. White enjoyed great liberty in prayer for those who had come forward, and for the church here, with whom they do not expect to meet again for many months. The falling tear, and the hearty response, testified how fully very many appreciated the good season we enjoyed. And as these servants of the Lord, who have labored so earnestly with and for us, go again to their far western field, the sympathy and prayers of all this people will go with them. U. S.