“‘For I believe there is no religion in our world that gives such a blessed hope as the religion of the Bible. All others are dark and incomprehensible concerning a future state. “To be, or not to be,” was a question which the ancient philosophers of Greece and Rome could never settle among themselves. Nor all the wisdom of our modern writers were able to settle this important point for our hope. But you will acknowledge, if the Bible is the word of inspiration, then that point is forever settled, and we have an answer to the question of immortality and eternal life.
“‘I admire your frankness and generosity as an opponent, and believe you are not wishing to bind men to your particular views or creed; but are willing to search yourself, and to let all others search for true light, on so important a subject as I think this matter is,—the truth or falsity of what I call the blessed Bible. I have strong hope, my dear sir, that you will give this subject a thorough investigation. As it respects the statement of Bro. Himes, if you will keep open your columns as fairly as you hitherto have done, you will soon be convinced it was not a very random shot. I am, sir, a lover of an honest man. Yours, &c.,
“‘Wm. Miller.’
CHAPTER XVII.
MUTUAL CONFERENCE AT ALBANY—DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES—PLAN OF OPERATIONS—ADDRESS TO THE BRETHREN—ACTION OF THE CONFERENCE DEFENDED BY MR. MILLER, ETC.
“On the 23d of April, Mr. Miller, in company with Mr. Himes, visited Albany, and commenced a course of lectures on the prophecies. Mr. M. spoke with his usual clearness and ability, was in good spirits, and was listened to by a large and respectful audience.
“On the 29th, the Conference assembled at 9 A. M., at the ‘House of Prayer,’ in Grand street. After singing, and a prayer by Mr. Miller, it was temporarily organized by the choice of Mr. Miller, Chairman, and Mr. Himes, Secretary, who stated the objects for which the Conference had been called, namely, ‘to consult together respecting the condition and wants of brethren in the several sections of the country; that we may be better enabled to act in concert, and with more efficiency, in the promulgation of gospel truths.’
“After the names and residences of members were ascertained, the Conference was fully organized by the choice of Rev. Elon Galusha, of Lockport, N. Y., President, and S. Bliss and O. R. Fassett, Secretaries.
“A committee of twelve, consisting of William Miller, Josiah Litch, N. N. Whiting, J. V. Himes, Sylvester Bliss, L. D. Fleming, Erastus Parker, H. Caswell, I. R. Gates, I. H. Shipman, Prosper Powell, and Elon Galusha, were appointed to arrange business for the action of the Conference. While they were thus engaged, the others were profitably occupied in listening to statements of the condition of things in different sections of the country. The committee reported, in part, on the second day, and in full on the third and last day of the session as follows:—