W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
May 15, 2:30, P. M.
A. G. Daniells in the chair. GCB May 16, 1913, page 6.41
R. A. Underwood offered prayer. GCB May 16, 1913, page 6.42
A number of new delegates were seated, whose names appear in the printed list. GCB May 16, 1913, page 6.43
A. G. Daniells presented his report, as follows:— GCB May 16, 1913, page 6.44
WASe
Necessary Preparation for the Finishing of the Work
To the delegates of the thirty-eight session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Greeting. GCB May 16, 1913, page 6.45
As we gather here today for the opening of this session of our General Conference, we greet the largest number of delegates from our world-wide field ever assembled in the history of our cause. And with us are a large number of our brethren and sisters who, at their own personal expense, have come to this meeting to be with us in our deliberations, and to receive with us the inspiration and spiritual uplift which all are hoping this Conference will bring. GCB May 16, 1913, page 6.46
The members of the General Conference Committee most heartily greet the delegates from all the fields, and we all unite in extending a cordial welcome to our people who have been pleased to come to the Conference. GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.1
Nor must we forget the thousands of our associate workers and fellow believers in all parts of the world, who will be with us in spirit, in prayer, and all good wishes. Truly this interest is mutual. We most sincerely pray that this Conference will bring new courage, hope, and consecration to them as well as to us. GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.2
The quadrennial period which closes with the opening of this Conference session has been crowded with evidences of God’s love and care for his people, and of his presence in the work they have endeavored to do for him. In the many terrible disasters at sea and in the frequent railway wrecks on land, not one of our workers has perished, nor has any been seriously injured. In the destructive fires, storms, and floods that have wrought havoc in so many places, only two of our people, so far as we know, have lost their lives, and our losses in property have been small. There has been some sickness among our workers in the foreign fields, and a few dear ones have fallen in death; but when we remember that we are scattered over nearly all the world, living and working in the most unhealthful climates and in daily contact with the most deadly diseases, we feel that truly God’s protecting care has been over us. We have enjoyed a large measure of liberty in the proclamation of the message committed to us, notwithstanding the difficulties under which we labor in many lands where freedom of conscience is not recognized. For these and many other blessings too varied and numerous to mention, we praise and magnify the Lord. Truly we may all say with the psalmist:— GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.3
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121:1-8. GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.4