The General Conference Responds

On the morning of April 2, 1901, the thirty-fourth General Conference session was opened at Battle Creek, Michigan. The president had rendered his report and surrendered his office, and Mrs. E. G. White stepped to the stand and began to speak. Nine years had passed since she had stood in the Battle Creek Tabernacle pulpit. She now addressed the audience with earnestness and power. Clearly she pointed out that the arrangements for the management of a broadening denominational work had sadly lagged behind its rapid expansion, and some men carrying responsibilities were unconsecrated and had marred the cause of God. The responsibilities carried in the past by the few should be distributed among many. She declared:EGWMR 18.3

“According to the light that has been given me and just how it is to be accomplished I cannot say—greater strength must be brought into the managing force of the Conference.”—The General Conference Bulletin, April 3, 1901.EGWMR 18.4

Before her address closed, she urged, “There must be a renovation, a reorganization; a power and strength must be brought into the committees that are necessary.”—Id. Then the assurance followed, “If we will take hold of the Master, take hold of all the power He has given us, the salvation of God will be revealed.”—Id. Immediately the chairman acknowledged the counsel to be from God. “These are certainly very plain words,” he said, “and it seems to me they come in very timely.... I, for one, want to accept the testimony that has been borne.”—Id. A. G. Daniells then asked for the floor and declared:EGWMR 18.5

“We all feel that our only safety lies in obedience, in following our great Leader. We feel that we should begin at the very beginning of this work at this meeting, and just as nearly as we know how, build on His foundation....EGWMR 18.6

“If we will throw away our preconceived opinions, and will step out boldly to follow the light that He gives us, whether we can see clear through to the end or not,—if we walk in the light we have, go just as far as we can today, God will give us further light; He will bring us out of bondage into glorious victory.”—Id.EGWMR 18.7

In response to the guiding counsel given, such a reorganization as was called for was effected, and the responsibilities carried by a few were placed on the shoulders of many. The way was opened for rapid and sound advance in the work of the denomination. A few months after the Conference Mrs. White wrote assuringly:EGWMR 18.8

“During the General Conference the Lord wrought mightily for His people. Every time I think of that meeting, a sweet solemnity comes over me, and sends a glow of gratitude to my soul. We have seen the stately steppings of the Lord our Redeemer. We praise His holy name; for He has brought deliverance to His people.”—The Review and Herald, November 26, 1901.EGWMR 18.9

For other outstanding accounts of the response of leading denominational men to light received during crises, see A. G. Daniells’ account, “Saved From Pantheistic Teaching” in The Abiding Gift of Prophecy, pages 330-342, and chapter 24 of The Story of Our Health Message, entitled “A Bold Venture by Faith.”EGWMR 18.10