General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

NOW THAT IT IS OVER

IT is the universal sentiment of those who have been in attendance at the session of the General Conference just closed, that it has been in many respects a remarkable meeting, and all in all the best and most profitable General Conference ever held. If it be asked why we thus decide, the answer will not be a direct one, but it must be comparative. For we have had many blessed and profitable meetings in the past. GCB March 5, 1895, page 487.21

But as we draw nearer the consummation, the gravity of the situation increases. It is therefore consistent that a deeper conviction of duty, a clearer perception of our position, a deeper insight into the divine will, and a more thorough spirit of unselfish devotion, should characterize the people of God. Without saying that we have attained unto all that has been designed for us in those respects, it may be said that God is leading his people to a better experience in those things; and as they increase, our work will increase in power. There were more of them manifest in our meetings this year than ever before. GCB March 5, 1895, page 487.22

Another matter that contributes to this end is the fact that as the spirit of antichrist and oppression draws about us the cords of arbitrary, worldly power, the church presses together. They become more closely united in sympathy as the issue before them becomes more distinct. There is not that distracting tendency upon the part of some to move spasmodically, and upon the part of others to become apathetic and querulous. GCB March 5, 1895, page 487.23

It has been especially noticeable that in all the deliberations of this meeting, in the discussions, and the few debates that have arisen over various questions, there has been an entire absence of captiousness, of personal feeling, of innuendo, or retort. A calm dignity has characterized all parties. The fear of God and the best use of rational powers have been the motive power. And it is a most gratifying fact that the conclusions reached have been in nearly if not in every case satisfactory to all. GCB March 5, 1895, page 487.24

We have seen these things manifested in our assemblies before; but now it has been exemplified to a better degree than before. There were about sixty recommendations received from the Committee on Distribution of Labor. But there have been no heart-burnings or bitterness. Earthly ties have been broken but the workmen have not lost their hold on God. GCB March 5, 1895, page 488.1

In the Bible work the discourses have gone deeply into the subjects. And we believe that the Spirit of God has led the way. We doubt not that the unfolding of these truths will give an impetus to the spiritual experiences of our people everywhere. GCB March 5, 1895, page 488.2

The BULLETIN has given a faithful account of the discourses of Elders Prescott and Jones, with only slight verbal changes from the verbatim form. And we have already received responses from our readers expressive of the good they were deriving from them. GCB March 5, 1895, page 488.3

The gladness we felt as we grapsed each other’s hands four or five weeks ago has in a measure been replaced by the sadness of parting. But the delegates are anxious to get back to their work, and the BULLETIN bids them God-speed in their work. GCB March 5, 1895, page 488.4