General Conference Bulletin, vol. 2

BRIEF EXPLANATION AND SUGGESTIONS

L. T. NICOLA

AT a recent meeting of the General Conference Committee the financial needs of the cause received much careful consideration. One of their recommendations in substance following will be of special interest to our readers, and will indicate the design of the matter contained in this issue of the BULLETIN:— GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.1

That the General Conference Committee prepare a special number of the BULLETIN, containing four readings for a special season of prayer May 15, 22, 29, and 30, respectively, the readings to set forth the conditions and wants of the cause; and that on one day of the special season of prayer there should be a special donation taken to help the General Conference in its present urgent needs. GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.2

In the selection and preparation of matter for this issue of the BULLETIN, in harmony with the above recommendation, it will be observed that two things have been kept prominently in view: First, the importance of a more thorough consecration to God on the part of all our people; and, second, the necessity of more general and liberal financial support of the cause of God. These are considerations of the most weighty importance, vitally affecting the salvation of individual souls, and the progress of the cause as a whole. These two phases of our work have never assumed such solemn significance as of late. GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.3

The arrangements of the details for the work of the special season of prayer have been left to the several State Conference Committees and the General Conference mission directors, who have manifested from the first an unusual interest in the suggestion of the General Conference Committee. The aim of the BULLETIN has been simply to supply the readings for the occasion, leaving the Review and the Conference Presidents with their varied facilities for reaching the people, to deal with the matter in a way commensurate with its importance. GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.4

But little remains to be said in this connection. First, particular mention should be made of the importance of isolated Sabbath-keepers, of which there is a large number, observing this special season for seeking God, and contributing to the support of the work. Except these co-operate in the effort, the occasion cannot be made successful. Special pains will be taken to supply this most important class with full information in regard to the matter; and, second, reference should be made to the sending of funds to the General Conference treasury. It has been recommended that our isolated members and our churches mail their remittances direct to the treasurer of the General Conference, A. G. Adams, Battle Creek, Mich. The safest way to send money is by bank draft, or post-office or express money-order. Full reports will be published of all donations received, acknowledgment being made of what is done by the churches and isolated members of each Conference. GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.5

A large number of extra copies of this paper will be printed, with a view of supplying the great demand that will doubtless be created for it. For extra copies address International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich. GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.6

THE next number of the BULLETIN will appear soon, and will contain the revised denominational directories, official reports of our leading organizations, besides other valuable matter. Workers having recently changed their location should send their post-office address at once. Subscribe for the BULLETIN; price, fifty cents, including the numbers issued during the General Conference. GCB April 1, 1897, page 84.7