General Conference Bulletin, vol. 5

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN. TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1903

The newspapers of Oakland and San Francisco have been giving liberal space to notices of the Conference. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.5

Some interesting points of information are given in Elder Daniell’s Sunday evening address, which appears in this issue. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.6

The subscriptions are still coming in for the “Bulletin.” We are printing several hundred extra copies, to meet these orders. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.7

The Conference has settled down to hard work, and it is evident that very careful attention will be given to the various questions to be considered by this body. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.8

The number of delegates present at the Conference is 119. Of these, three are from Europe and six from the Australasian field. The home field is well represented. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.9

The Conference hour yesterday afternoon was occupied by Sister White. A report will appear in a future number. The address was a counsel to submission to God, a putting away of self, and to a humiliation of heart before Him. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.10

Vases of flowers and potted palms upon the platform and tables at the Oakland church are a constant reminder to the Conference that we are in “the land of sunshine and flowers.” It is hard to imagine a more beautiful country than California in April. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.11

The one voice that was heard throughout the social meeting yesterday morning was that the coming of the Lord is near. The intensity that is taking hold of every earthly element is indicative that we have reached the time when the Lord must come to redeem His people. Consecration and earnestness must characterize our work now as never before. The sisters expressed themselves that it was time that they were buckling on the armor, as well as the men. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.12

Elder George I. Butler’s many friends, especially those who were associated with him in the work years ago, will be glad to know that he is now on his way to the coast, and will doubtless be in his place in the Conference in a few days. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.13

While delegates are together seeking for God’s blessing upon the Conference, we are sure brethren and sisters in the churches will join in special prayer that God’s grace may be so received that a great work may be wrought in the Conference and in the hearts of believers everywhere. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.14

The following was inadvertently omitted from the recommendations of the first Conference meeting (page 2 of the “Bulletin”):— GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.15

“That Brethren W. T. Knox. G. A. Irwin, L. R. Conrad: and H. W. Cottrell act as a committee on the daily program of the Conference.” GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.16

The president’s report, read before the Conference Monday morning, is full of most interesting and instructive facts and figures. On the whole, the financial outlook is encouraging. The report should be studied carefully, especially by those who are in positions of financial responsibility in connection with the various departments of our work. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.17

The laborers in the Southern field will hail with joy the suggestion made by Brother Daniells that closer attention should be given to the work there by the members of the General Conference Committee. Money is needed for the support of the work in the South, but it can never take the place of warm Christian sympathy and heart-to-heart counsel and cooperation. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.18

The Lord God of heaven is constantly at work for us. His angels minister to all who will receive their guardianship. Human impulse will try to make us believe that it is God who is guiding us, when we are following our own way. But if we watch carefully, and counsel with our brethren we shall understand: for the promise is, “The meek will He guide in judgement: and the meek will He teach His way.” Psalm 25:9. We must never allow human ideas and natural inclinations to gain the supremacy—Testimony. GCB March 31, 1903, page 28.19