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THE LATE CONFERENCE

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1860

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 16, No. 25.

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THE LATE CONFERENCE.

By R. F. Cottrell

BRO. SMITH I am truly glad to hear from the conference, by brethren that were present, and feel to thank the Lord for the unity of spirit that exists among his people, and which pervades their assemblies. I do not feel like waiting for the full report in the paper, but upon the information received from brethren who were present, can say, I am persuaded that the means recommended are in accordance with the will of God.
Since first embracing the message, I have had full and unshaken confidence that the hand of the Lord was in the work, and would infallibly guide it to a successful termination. I do not desire to hinder the work, and could not if I would, and I wish to lay no cause of stumbling in a brother’s way.
In my first articles on the subject of organization, I was wrong in taking the position that the property of the church was properly held. This point, upon consideration, I immediately yielded. I felt then, and feel now, that I could trust the property in the hands that hold it now, but it is liable, in the inevitable course of human affairs, to fall into hands where it would be lost to the church.
My only fear relating to organization has been the fear of offending God by changing our scriptural organization for an unscriptural one. This, if I understand it, has been avoided. It is not recommended that we become incorporated as a church, but that a business association merely be formed so as to conform to the usages of the law. The wisdom of the conference has devised a plan to avoid the evil, and I trust also that they had the Spirit of God.
If any have been encouraged in a spirit of waywardness by what I have written, I am sorry for it. I did not intend it. And I would exhort such to put away such a spirit, to seek pardon for the past, and in the future endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The Lord will take care of his own cause, brethren, and will save those who are found humbly and faithfully performing their duty. By the grace of God I will be of that number. R. F. C.