General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE EARLY MORNING MEETING

Thursday was a praise service, in which the entire congregation had an opportunity to tell of the Lord’s goodness and mercy. The meeting was opened by singing; prayer by S. N. Haskell. J. O. Corliss gave a few introductory words of exhortation, in substance as follows:— GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.3

The possibilities of eternity are shut up in every hour. There are great possibilities even in this morning meeting. Some of us, perhaps, will never again have such an opportunity as this one that is before us, so we should improve this time to the best possible advantage to ourselves and for the glory of God. GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.4

I desire to read a few words, to see what we have to be thankful for. So many of us pass these privileges by, apparently not realizing why we are under such great obligations to God. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities [Is not that enough to praise the Lord for?]: who healeth all thy diseases.” The forgiveness of sin, and the healing of disease, are connected in the same sentence; and since the Lord does this, every one of us present has the privilege of expressing gratitude to God for the blessings under which we are living this morning. The Lord “redeemeth thy life from destruction:” he “crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies;” he “satisfieth thy mouth with good things: so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.5

There is a vast assemblage of people here who desire to praise God, and so our words must be few and well-chosen, in order that we may not take the time of others. To bless the Lord, is to speak well of him and honor him, thus bringing him to the notice of others around us. “The humble shall see this, and be glad.” GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.6

After these remarks, the congregation was divided into sections, and a minister placed in charge of each division, that all might take part. After a few minutes, during which hundreds participated in magnifying the name of the Lord, the sections were again united, and many of the Lord’s servants testified, before the entire congregation, of the light and courage which they have already received during this Conference. The service closed with a solo by L. C. Sheafe, all uniting in the chorus. GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.7

Sister White gave an earnest talk at the nine o’clock meeting Thursday morning, concerning the needs of outside fields. In bringing out the struggles of the work in Australasia, and the help contributed to that field, it was revealed that before her visit to that field the brethren there had built meeting-houses in six places, as follows: Auckland, Napier, Gishome, and Kaeo, New Zealand: Bismarck, Tasmania; and Panamatta, New South Wales. GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.8

With the means which our brethren in America and Africa have sent us, we have helped to build fifteen meeting-houses, in: Stanmore, Ashfield, Prospect, Keelleyville, Cooranbong, Hamilton, and Morrissett, New South Wales; Brisbane, Queensland; North Fitzroy, Victoria; Hobart, Tasmania; Wellington, Christchurch, Ormandville, Hastings, and Epsom, New Zealand. GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.9

At the same time there have been built without assistance from the fund, as follows: Kaikouri, and Wanganui, New Zealand; and Ballarat, Victoria. GCB April 5, 1901, page 65.10