General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

THE SABBATH SERVICES

FEBRUARY 9.

THE Battle Creek Sabbath-school being of itself so large, it was thought desirable to organize and conduct a Sabbath-school for visitors. this was held in the chapel, and superintended by Elder I. H. Evans. GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.1

The discourse in the Tabernacle at 10:30 was by Elder H. P. Holser. E. H. Gates and A. J. Read assisted in conducting the service. The subject chosen was the Saints Inheritance, based upon Romans 8:32. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” The discourse did not follow the line usually taken upon this subject, but pointed out the infinite fullness of the blessings conferred upon us in Christ. the greatest gift a father could bestow would be his son. and the fact that God has given his Son for us is the assurance that with him or through him he will give us all things. As children of God, to us belong the privileges of the family. And, if children we are inheritors — joint heirs with Christ. What he inherits we shall share. In Hebrews 1:1, 2 we learn that “all things” were created by and for him. Every created thing belongs to Christ and to the children of God. GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.2

It does not seem consistent that one who is an heir of the whole world should contend about the insignificant and perishable things of this life. the case of Abraham was referred to, who though heir of the world did not contend with Lot about the temporary possession of a small portion of Palestine. The child of God can afford to be generous. but the material inheritance, glorious as it will be, will be far excelled by the spiritual blessings laid up for the saved. All the fullness of God abides in Christ, and awaits those who accept him. All that Christ obtained is for us. But to obtain this prize for us, he humbled himself. And it is through humility that we shall obtain this great exaltation. GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.3

The discourse was one of encouragement and admonition. GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.4

In the afternoon no general meeting was held. the church met in its various districts, the Scandinavian and German brethren had services in their languages; Elder Gates addressed the Foreign Mission Band at the College, and the ministers and delegates met in the chapel for social worship. All report excellent meetings; but of the one in the chapel only we will speak particularly. GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.5

Elder Olsen had charge of this meeting. In his opening remarks he alluded to the precious opportunities the meeting is presenting and the benefit that may be derived from them. There is also opportunity for much unprofitable conversation. He urged that if anything should be said in the discourses that we did not approve of or understand, that prayer and meditation be resorted to instead of criticism; and that outside of our assemblies we guard carefully our conversation, that it be seasoned with grace. Our duty is to earnestly seek God in our individual experiences. Accompanying his remarks, Elder Olsen read from manuscript lately received from Sister White appropriate sentiments, of which the following is an extract:— GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.6

For the last forty years the Lord has been revealing to me the necessity of harmony of action on the part of ministers and the presidents of Conferences. The president of a Conference should be careful to give respect to all who are laborers together with God. One man’s mind and judgment is not to control. The ministers who are connected with him in the work are to be respected and loved; criticism should have no room to work. Let envy and evil-surmising be expelled from the soul. Nothing can grieve the Spirit of God more than dissension and depreciation of brethren. In order to have prosperity in labor, there must be confidence in and union with our brethren, who are laboring just as earnestly and disinterestedly as we are. There are those who do not possess a harmonious character in all respects, yet God has accepted them as laborers together with Christ. then, how out of place it is for one to stand apart from another because their ideas and judgment do not in all things agree. GCB February 11, 1895, page 81.7

(Continued on page 103.)