THE CONFERENCE | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 17, 1878

THE CONFERENCE.

The largest gathering of Christian Sabbath-keepers ever assembled in this country, and we may also say, in any other country, so far as we are in possession of any historical records, has just met in Battle Creek. There were not as many tents on the ground as at Lansing last year; and two causes for this were very apparent: first, one camp-meeting had already been held in the Eastern part of the State, which of course reduced the attendance from that section; and, secondly, the members of the large church at Battle Creek, the students, and others occupied here, mostly lodged at their homes. Yet there were one hundred and thirty-five tents pitched, and on Sabbath, Oct. 5, at least twenty-five hundred Sabbath-keepers were together.

More than forty ministers were present. Twenty-seven regular discourses were given during the meeting, which held over to the 14th. But this hardly gives an idea of the meeting in this respect; for talks and addresses about as good as sermons were sandwiched into almost every business session.

The presence of our missionaries from Europe, and brethren from distant parts of our own land, as Oregon, California, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, and almost every Northern State from Maine to Nebraska, gave the greatest interest to the occasion—as good an illustration as we may perhaps ever expect to see this side the reality, of that time when the servants of God shall come from the East and the West, the North and the South, and shall sit down together in the kingdom of their Father.

The mammoth Sabbath-school, at 9 A. M., Sabbath, Oct. 5, at which there were present fifteen hundred scholars, and sixty teachers, the largest Sabbath-school (we do not say Sunday-school), probably ever assembled in the world, was a thrilling scene and a soul-inspiring occasion.

At times during the meeting, the Spirit of God moved with power upon the congregation. On several occasions from two hundred to three hundred were forward for prayers. Hearts were not only convicted but converted. Infidelity and tobacco were among the things openly abandoned and denounced on these occasions by some who had been their slaves. In the good work thus wrought in the direction of seeking the Lord, the zealous and untiring labors of Bro. and Sr. White were chiefly instrumental.

We are happy to be able to state that Bro. White was so far recovered in health as to have strength to take hold with his usual energy in behalf of the meeting, giving six of the regular discourses, besides all his labors in revival meetings, business sessions, and committee work. When it was thought that at the last camp-meeting he was unable to preach at all, or to take any special part in business proceedings, the contrast was a matter of very great gratitude with the brethren and sisters.

Eld. N. Wardner, the delegate from the Seventh-day Baptists, arrived Monday, Oct. 7, and was cordially received. By request, he favored us with a discourse Tuesday evening, speaking from John 15:14. His sermon was one of masterly logic and power, and such as few could listen to without being benefited. We regretted that he could not have been with us at the commencement of the meeting, and that he could not remain till its close.

At noon, Tuesday, the 8th, seventy-three were baptized by Bro. White, Lamson, Miller, and Jones. A more lively and impressive baptismal scene we never witnessed. At times the four administrators, each with two candidates, would be in the water together, performing the solemn service of burying these candidates in the likeness of their Lord’s death, in quick succession, yet without unseemly haste, without interference with one another, or any confusion. The entire number were baptized in a little over a half an hour. It was a solemn and interesting scene.

There was another baptism on Sunday, the 13th, at which thirty-six went forward, making one hundred and nine in all.

The ordination of Bro. W. H. Littlejohn, at the conclusion of the forenoon service, Sabbath, Oct. 12, was a season of great interest. Bro. White preached the ordination sermon. Bro. White, Andrews, Waggoner, Longborough, and Haskell, engaged in the laying on of hands. Prayer, charge, and right hand of fellowship, by Bro. Andrews.

Eight different organizations held their yearly business sessions at this meeting. A large amount of business was transacted, as the reader will see by the reports to which he is referred. The utmost harmony prevailed throughout. Some of the reports are very encouraging. From the General Conference report, it appears that we have 68 more who are preaching the truth, 71 more churches, and 1,369 more members now than one year ago, with some increase of systematic benevolence. The S. B. figures would be largely increased by more full returns. The Publishing Association has transacted business to the amount of over fifty thousand dollars more than last year, which is a pretty good showing for these hard times; and the $15,000 gain at the Institute, and $18,056.53 at the Publishing Association, shows that these institutions have been managed in an unselfish and economical manner.

The singing was conducted by Bro. J. E. White, in attendance at the Conference from California, who introduced the new music book he has just published, entitled, “The Song Anchor.” With Bro. Stone at the organ, the choir rendered some of the beautiful pieces of this collection in a manner to please all lovers of good music and good singing.

Sr. B. L. Whitney, from New York, performed an important part in connection with the meeting, in furnishing full and faithful reports to the leading papers of the State.

The work of the Conference for this session, except what is left in the hands of the committee, is now closed; and once more the brethren separate for their respective homes, knowing that we are one year nearer the grand consummation than at our last meeting, and greatly confirmed in the faith that that consummation is indeed at the door.