General Conference by Editor

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1863

General Conference.

By Editor

We are happy to give below, the harmonious testimonies of efficient and esteemed fellow-laborers, relative to the time of our General Conference. This, in the absence of testimony to the contrary, is sufficient to determine the duty of the Michigan State Conference Committee, to appoint the General Conference at the commencement of tent operations. We are not prepared to give a definite appointment; but will state that the General Conference will probably be held at Battle Creek, Mich., May 28-31.

We suggest that the General Conference be held before the State Conferences, that they may have the benefits of the doings of the General Conference to assist them in their deliberations. This might tend to greater unison of action than to hold the State Conferences first.

From Bro. Snook.

BRO. WHITE: Your remarks in reference to the propriety of having the General Conference before the tent season, I most heartily approve. I think we need the strength to be received in such a gathering, to go out upon. The Iowa conference committee, feel in union with your suggestion, that we send one of our tents to the brethren east. This we will do as a privilege for which we feel thankful. And let such act be a token of our regard for the dear brethren east, who sent us the truth. We therefore propose to leave the tent subject to the order of the General Conference, or any one who may be authorized to take charge of it.

B. F. SNOOK.

Marion, Iowa.

From Bro. Hutchins.

BRO. WHITE: We have received Review No. 15, and read your remarks in regard to the time for holding General Conference. And I would say that it seems to me that your view in the matter is correct. To hold this conference early in the season, just before the tents start out, would give united action of the brethren in laying out the work before doing it; which would seem much better to me, than to wait till the season of tent-labor had passed.

Yours in love of order.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Peterborough, N. H. March 15, 1863.

P. S. I would further add that your suggestions relative to inexperienced and self-sufficient preachers, are worthy of our most candid consideration. It is to be hoped in this case that "a word to the wise is sufficient." With deep regret we have learned of the encouragement given by Sabbath-keepers to those of a boisterous, fanatical turn of mind, to preach, and what seems worse, they are sometimes carried away in their gales of fanaticism. What evidence some of these preachers can give of their call to the ministry, we know not, unless it be the same as that given by an individual some years since, viz.: "Because I have a strong voice!" "How shall they preach except they be sent?" Rom. x, 15. A. S. H.

From Bro. Sanborn.

BRO. WHITE: I wish to say that I am much pleased with your suggestions of a General Conference the first of June; and it will be the best thing to secure union of action that can be done.

I. SANBORN.

Whitewater, Wis.

From Bro. Andrews.

BRO. WHITE: Your proposition relative to holding a General Conference this spring meets my mind. I think it would be well calculated to promote the interest of the cause of truth. I trust that you will by no means fail to visit this State immediately after the General Conference. Our State Conference will be held if possible at such time as shall secure the presence of yourself and sister White.

There is some progress in the work in central N. Y.; yet I am pretty well worn down, and should be most thankful for some one to take hold with me.

J. N. ANDREWS.

Hubbardsville, N. Y.

From Bro. Waggoner.

BRO. WHITE: Review No. 15 is received, and I improve the first opportunity of responding to your remarks respecting a General Conference. Your suggestion for holding it this spring meets my mind. I think the cause demands it, and that the interests of the cause may be much better served by such a conference this spring, than to defer it till fall. Would it not be well to give early notice that other conferences may be held before it, and delegates appointed? A conference is expected in this State; and it will be pretty late to have it after the General Conference. I make the suggestion, that we may have time both to deliberate and act. I only suggest, that the Brn. may consider these things. Let us prepare for vigorous and united efforts to advance the truth.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Milan, Ohio, March 17, 1863.

From Bro. Hull.

BRO. WHITE: There are many reasons why the spring is preferable to the autumn for the General Conference. If we are going to organize a General Conference at all the sooner we do it the better. Whether I labor in the East or West the coming season, I hope to labor under the direction of a General Conference rather than the dictation of inexperienced brethren. But I did not take my pen to argue the point. I will only say that I am heartily in favor of the conference in the spring.

MOSES HULL.

Monterey, Mich., March 16, 1863.