Meetings in Battle Creek.
By Editor
THEY who are acquainted with our general meetings will easily conclude that it has been a busy time in this place since October 30. An immense amount of business has been done in the Conference and the numerous associations; and it is not yet concluded. We had been strongly impressed with the importance of opening a mission in Australia, and that the time had fully come to open it. We went to the Conference with the hope of seeing steps taken to this end. And we also believed that the importance of that field would justify the President of the International Missionary Society in going himself to open and establish the mission. We are most happy to say that all this is about to be accomplished. It is arranged for Elder Haskell to go to Australia in May next, taking with him such laborers as he shall choose. By seeing the field he will be enabled to judge better when reports are made or requests presented from that country. Steps were also taken to open a mission in New Orleans in connection with the Exposition. It is expected that this will be the means of greatly extending our work in the South. Provision was also made for other fields. Elder T. M. Steward is to go to Canada West (Ontario); Elder O. F. Guilford to Delaware and Maryland; Elder G. G. Rupert to Kentucky and North Carolina; Elder S. H. Lane and wife to join the mission in England; Elder R. F. Andrews goes to Scotland and Ireland; Elder J. D. Pegg goes to Texas; and Elder R. M. Kilgore takes the Illinois Conference, left by Elder Andrews. Elder H. W. Decker goes from Wisconsin to Upper Columbia, stopping awhile in California, or until the Upper Columbia camp-meeting. Elder J. O. Corliss will go to Australia; Elder Farnsworth will labor in New England, soon to be joined by Elder Canright. Elder Wm. Ostrander takes charge of the work in Colorado; and Elder E. R. Jones goes to California. Elder F. D. Starr goes to North Pacific; Elder J. S. Shrock will go to Pennsylvania to labor among the Germans, assisted for a time by Elder Conradi; Elder J. G. Wood, of Missouri, will labor in Arkansas. West Virginia is united with the Ohio Conference, and Elder C. H. Chaffee, of Missouri, will labor in that State. That part of Dakota north of the 46th parallel is joined to Minnesota Conference. These are the principal changes and moves, and we have reason to believe that great and good results will follow. Strong and dear associations will be broken up, but new zeal is already firing the hearts of these brethren as they arrange to take their cross to follow the Master. The blessing of Heaven will surely go with them. The weather during our meetings has been favorable; much of it exceedingly fine, and none bad. The work has been hard, but the health of the many ministers and delegates has been uniformly good. All feel encouraged to renew their exertions in behalf of the good cause. As usual, Sister White has been untiring in her labors for the spiritual benefit of all here assembled, and her counsel and exhortations have been highly appreciated.