The Conference by Editor

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 24, 1864

The Conference.

By Editor

THE paper is about to go to press as we sit down to pen a few lines relative to our late Conference. But we are unwilling that the anxiety which the readers of the Review will naturally feel to hear from the meeting, should remain unanswered for another week, even though it be by but a few words.

The cause of present truth has advanced too far, the hearts of its friends are becoming too deeply imbued with its life-giving spirit, and the glorious consummation of our hopes is evidently too near, to have such meetings as these prove blank and profitless occasions. When brethren come together with hearts filled with love to God and his truth and glowing with the blessed hope, to cheer each other by their words and presence, the meeting can be nothing less than a season of refreshing and encouragment.

Such has been the Conference that we have just enjoyed. The blessing of the Lord, to the glory of his name we would record it, has been with us from the commencement to the close; and that blessing the hearts of those present seemed to be in tune to appreciate and enjoy. May it lose none of its power as they return with it to their homes.

Perhaps nothing can give a better idea of the meeting than the fact that one of the ministers testified during its progress that it seemed to him thus far to be the best conference he ever attended. Such testimony from a minister, none of a less public calling have any grounds to deny. And why should it not be so? Why should not each meeting be better than any of the preceding? We believe it may. The light will shine brighter, the truth will grow clearer, the hope, faith, trust, and spirituality of the true people of God, must and will increase, as we draw near to the day of translation. Good as this meeting has been, therefore, we shall look for a better one next year, and so on, increasing in interest and power, until they finally culminate in the great meeting of all the redeemed around the throne of God.

Almost the entire business of the General and Mich. State Conferences, and the Publishing Association, was accomplished before the Sabbath. The utmost harmony and union prevailed throughout. The religious meetings were characterized by spirituality, and love and zeal for the cause of truth. The social meetings, in one of which seventy-five testimonies were given in one hour, were feasts of good things.

There were in all eight discourses given: the first by Bro. White, Thursday evening, at the meeting-house. On Friday morning the tent was pitched on the green a few rods from the Office; and in that the remainder of the religious services were held. Discourse at the commencement of the Sabbath by Bro. Ingraham. Sabbath, at 9 o'clock A. M., social meeting, preaching on the subject of baptism by Bro. White at 10, followed by an interesting season of baptism, eight going forward in that solemn and impressive ordinance. At half-past one we listened to a discourse from Bro. J. N. Andrews, on the qualifications, calling, and responsibilities of the gospel ministry, at the conclusion of which, Bro. Isaac D. Van Horn, after an interesting statement of his experience in the truth, and convictions of duty in regard to proclaiming it publicly before the people, was solemnly set apart to the work of the ministry, by prayer and the laying on of bands. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough, right hand of fellowship and charge by Bro. White.

At 5 o'clock P. M., discourse by Bro. Waggoner, at the conclusion of which between three and four hundred in the tent, engaged in the advent ordinance of partaking of the emblems of the broken body and spilt blood of the Saviour, by which we are to show forth the Lord's death till he come. At the conclusion of this exercise, four more went forward in the ordinance of baptism.

Sunday, social meeting at 8 A. M. Preaching by Bro. Loughborough at half past 10, A. M., by Bro. Andrews at 2 P. M., and by Bro. Ingraham at half past 7 P. M. The subjects chosen by the various speakers were such as were calculated to warn, instruct, comfort and encourage the friends of truth.

And thus the meeting closed, leaving, as we trust, all hearts more deeply impressed with the fact that the third angel's message is the work of God; that God is calling out a people, and marshaling his servants for a great work just before us, and for a final triumph even unto salvation at no distant day. Reports of business proceedings next week.