The General Conference.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting, was held as per appointment, April 17-21. Much disappointment was felt by the brethren that the state of Bro. White's health did not admit of his being present, on which account they were deprived of the pleasure of the presence, and the benefit of the labors and counsel, of both himself and Sister W. In other respects the meeting was the most successful and interesting Conference ever held by our people. A larger number of delegates than ever before responded to the call, and all parts of the field not represented by delegates were represented by letters. Thirty-nine ministers were in attendance. Among these it was cheering to notice an unusual degree of spiritual life, hope, and courage. And all these were still further increased as the good meeting progressed. A short sermon from fifteen to twenty-five minutes in length was given at the opening of each business meeting. The preaching, especially on Sabbath and Sunday, was full of point, plainness, life, and power. An interesting Sabbath-school was held at the usual hour Sabbath morning, showing the convenience of the new house of worship for such occasions. The brethren were well pleased. It was similar to the grand Sabbath-school held at our last camp-meeting. On Sunday four were baptized, and six more on Tuesday, the 22d, among whom was Bro. De Vos, a young man who took a position four months ago in the job room of the REVIEW Office, and has become a full convert to our faith, and who now wishes to prepare himself to translate our works into the Holland language, and thus labor among his own people; and three from a company of fourteen Sabbath-keepers in Philadelphia, of whom we had no knowledge before this meeting, who have come to an understanding of the truth by reading our publications, and searching the word of God for themselves. The Business Proceedings were of more than ordinary interest, and much more largely attended by the church in general than heretofore. A careful reading will show the important subjects and the wide field canvassed, -matters intimately connected with the prosperity of the home work, the foreign work, the publishing work, the S. S. work, the T. and M. work, and the spiritual prosperity of our churches. We would fain pen some word which would arouse all whom it may concern to pay more regard to the doings of the Conference by carrying out the measures recommended. Here are gathered the representative men of the cause, those who see the wants and feel for the prosperity of the work, as clearly and deeply as any can. They bestow anxious thought and importunate prayer upon the subjects under consideration, and conclude that certain steps are necessary to secure prosperity in one direction, and other moves to guard against evils in other directions. Is there no importance to be attached to their action? Should it be passed over lightly? The church can render it effectual, or they can transform it into a dead letter. As a Conference, the members do their duty when their deliberations are set forth in proper form. It then remains for the church to act. And if the good which might be reached is not attained because the counsel which would secure it is not followed, upon whom will rest the responsibility? We will give the points of business when we receive the full report.—ED. SIGNS.