OUR BEST MEETINGS

THERE are some features of the present General Conference which can not be produced in the minutes of the proceedings, largely verbatim though they be. The unification of disjointed parts, and the blending of sympathy which has taken place as the result of efforts to reorganize the work on broader and truer lines, has to be seen, and felt in personal contact, to be appreciated.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.8

Before the Conference convened, many throughout the field had grave apprehensions, lest grave obstacles should be met which would divide the sentiment of the workers and so retard the precious message of truth. Those, however, who have been present in the meetings, now greatly rejoice that the symptoms of such disturbance has abated, and delightful fellowship has become the prevailing condition.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.9

This has not come through any human skill in diagnosing the case. The Great Physician has graciously bestowed his attention, in his ever-merciful way, to the healing of wounds that sin had made. This work has been largely carried on in the early morning meetings held by the ministers. In these the Lord has spoken through Sister White to correct wrong methods of policy, and to reprove distracting theories. Those involved have responded, acknowledging the voice to be from heaven, and pledging themselves to live in harmony with it.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.10

Tuesday morning, April 16, Sister White spoke in the College Chapel, on the relations which should be sustained between workers in the various branches of the cause, and also between the older and younger ministers. The meeting was a deeply solemn one, and the impressions then received seemed to rest on the brethren all the day, to temper their words and conduct.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.11

Wednesday morning the meeting was of a little different nature. In this Dr. Kellogg occupied considerable time, giving an interesting account of his connection with the message from early boyhood. Entering the Review Office at eleven years of age, he passed from that to become editor of Good Health, and three years later, physician at the Sanitarium. During his twenty-five years in the latter position, he has diligently sought to build up in the hearts of people the principles of true health reform, which he has considered an important branch of the third angel’s message.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.12

At first all were united upon the necessity for a diet which would give sound bodies and clear minds, but through lack of the best methods, many drifted away, until they found themselves almost unconsciously opposing that which their better judgment must have admonished them to be a principle of right. This was but one of Satan’s methods by which to alienate the sympathies of those who ought to have stood shoulder to shoulder in the work of complete reform.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.13

Criticisms began to abound, and every movement originating at the Sanitarium was passed under the microscope of human judgment, and the storm-center rested upon those who were thought to be responsible for the movements. Medical missionary work was regarded as absorbing too much energy and means; the methods employed in conducting that part of the work were complained of; those who were at the head of that branch were thought to be employing disintegrating tactics. Everything, in fact, that would tend to neutralize the efforts of all concerned, was put into the minds of the people, and the severest strictures were passed from lip to lip, to the evident delight of him who would destroy the work of God.GCB April 18, 1901, page 305.14

All this was talked over among fully three hundred of the brethren, to the satisfaction of all. After it was made plain that the evil rumors in circulation were without foundation, by one united, hearty amen, all agreed to drop all these things from their conversation, and, to do all in their power to correct the false impressions which have already gained a footing in the minds of brethren throughout the field.GCB April 18, 1901, page 306.1

If this shall be done, suspicion will be allayed, dark hints of covert wrong will cease to be given, and even remote allusion to that which would create suspicion will soon become a thing of the past. Such a state of things is most earnestly desired by all the delegates, we believe, because most of them see that by such means alone can be brought about the unity of purpose and of effort necessary to carry the great truths of the third angel’s message to a needy world. In this condition of things, the ministry will recognize the medical missionary work as an essential factor in evangelizing the world, preparatory to the Lord’s return to claim his people. Not only will the medical branch be recognized, by the ministry, but it will be fostered, and upheld in its laudable work. May God speed that day.GCB April 18, 1901, page 306.2

“Our thoughts are odors, and we can not seal them
So close with actions but they will creep out;
And delicately fashioned souls will feel them,
And know them sweet or vile, beyond a doubt.” —Ella Wheeler Wilcox.GCB April 18, 1901, page 306.3

“My hope for the human race is bright as the morning star; for a glory is coming to man such as the most inspired tongues of prophets and of poets have never been able to describe.”GCB April 18, 1901, page 306.4

Unless religion is converted into terms of conduct, that holy thing becomes a mockery.—Francis Willard.GCB April 18, 1901, page 306.5

IF we would refresh others, we must ourselves drink of the Fountain that never becomes dry.”GCB April 18, 1901, page 306.6