General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 8
March 6, 1899
33rd Session. - WORCESTER, MASS., MONDAY, - VOLUME 8. SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS. - NUMBER 16
The Daily Bulletin,
PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF
Seventh-day Adventists.F. S. BLANCHARD & CO., Printers, Worcester.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, - 50 CENTS.
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER
| Plans and Resolutions Adopted, | 153 |
| General Conference Proceedings, | |
| Thirty-second meeting, | 153 |
| Thirty-third Meeting, | 153 |
| Special Testimonies, | |
| True Relation of God and Nature, | 157 |
| Need of Reform in Educational Work, | 157 |
| The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge, | 158 |
| The Need of Church Schools, | 159 |
| Mt. Vernon Academy, | 160 |
| South Lancaster Academy, | 160 |
| Healdsburg College, | 160 |
OLD-TIME SONGS
Reference has been made to the spirit which pervaded the Sabbath meeting of March 4. In the forenoon Elder J. N. Loughborough sang the following 1844 hymn:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.1
See Gideon marching out to fight (O, I love God; glory! halleluiah!); He had no weapons but his light (O, I love God! glory! halleluiah!). Halleluiah, halleluiah! Who will be in this band? Halleluiah! GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.2
King David on his throne of state Did belong to this band. Halleluiah! And Lazarus at the rich man’s gate Was numbered in this band. Halleluiah! Halleluiah, halleluiah! I will join this band. Halleluiah! GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.3
Sweet music in heaven is beginning to ring
(O, I love God! glory! halleluiah!)
If you touch one string,
The whole will ring,
O, I love God! glory! halleluiah!
Halleluiah, halleluiah!
I belong to this band. Halleluiah!
GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.4
In the afternoon the same spirit, only to a greater degree, being in the meeting, the following old-time Advent verses were sung by two other pioneers in the work:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.5
When I was down in Egypt’s land,
I heard my Saviour was at hand;
The midnight cry was sounding,
And I wanted to be free;
So I left my former brethren
To sound the jubilee.
GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.6
They said that I would better stay
And go with them in their old way;
But they scoffed at my Lord’s coming.
With them I could not agree;
So I left their hollow theories
To sound the jubilee.
GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.7
Then soon I joined this Advent band
Who’d just come out from Egypt’s land.
They were on the road to Canaan,
A blessed praying company;
And with them I am proclaiming
That the Lord we soon shall see.
GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.8
At the rendering of both these old hymns, a spirit of great rejoicing came into the meeting; and shouts of victory were heard in all directions. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.9
THE PREPARATION OF NUT FOODS
Among the many good things brought to the delegates of this conference session are the instructive health talks. But as if to fasten these in the mind, there quickly came after them a beautiful, bright stranger, telling how to prepare nut foods in all possible varieties. This is in the form of a book of 450 pages just from the press, entitled, “Guide for Nut Cookery,” by Mrs. Almeda Lambert. It not only tells how to prepare nuts, but also gives some history of various kinds of nuts, together with their food values. Every kind of recipe for preparing nuts for food that any one ever would want, is in the book, together with recipes for preparing lentils and other legumes, fruits, and vegetables. The preparation of the book must have cost much patient research and many experiments. It is well illustrated, and has blank pages on which to write new recipes. It is substantially bound in oil-cloth, with side-stamp in two colors. For sale by Joseph Lambert, Battle Creek, Michigan. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.10
PLANS AND RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
(Continued.) GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.11
21. Resolved, In view of the action taken last spring by the General Conference with reference to that part of the province of Ontario belonging to the Quebec Conference, it is the sense of this body that the proposition of the Quebec Conference to release to the General Conference, the territory in question, when satisfactory arrangements can be agreed upon between the parties concerned, be accepted. (See BULLETIN, page 148.) GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.12
22. INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ASSOCIATION. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.13
(a) That the headquarters of the International Religious Liberty Association be transferred from New York City to Chicago. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.14
(b) That the association own and control the American Sentinel as its official organ, provided satisfactory arrangements can be made with the Pacific Press Publishing Company; and that the question of securing the transfer be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.15
23. SABBATH-SCHOOL. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.16
(a) That the true object of our Sabbath-schools should be kept before them, namely, the study of the word of God a means of spiritual growth to believers, and the salvation of the unconverted. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.17
(b) That the Sabbath-school conventions and weekly teachers’ meetings be held as material aids to successful Sabbath-school work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.18
(c) That great care be taken in the selection of officers and teachers, lest the standard be lowered, and their influence for good destroyed, and to safeguard this that the counsel of the church elder or elders be sought, and the closest union cultivated between the church and the Sabbath-school. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.19
(d) That the donations for orphans in our Sabbath-schools be turned over to the church librarian, and in case there is no such officer, they be sent to the secretary of the State tract society. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.20
(e) 1. That the Sabbath-schools in the fields outside the General Conference of North America retain their donations in their own fields to be used under the direction of those in charge of the field in which they are located. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.21
2. That the Sabbath-school secretaries in those fields report on blanks prepared for the purpose, that the International Sabbath-school Association may have the Sabbath-school statistics for the entire field. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.22
24. INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.23
(a) That in harmony with the advice that is in Special Testimony, No. 11, page 25, paragraph 1, we advise that the office of the International Tract Society be removed to some large city. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.24
(b) In response to the earnest call for literature for the blind, we encourage the officers of the International Tract Society to issue tracts to meet this want. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.25
(c) We suggest that a greater effort be put forth to circulate English papers such as the Signs of the Times, Present Truth, and suitable tracts for English-reading people in countries where English is not generally spoken. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.26
(d) That more effort be made to circulate our foreign literature among the thousands of foreigners in America. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.27
(e) That means be provided to enable the International Tract Society to provide and circulate foreign literature more extensively in the colonies of the various nations. SECRETARY. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.28
GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
THIRTY-SECOND MEETING, EVENING AFTER SABBATH, 7 P. M., MARCH 4
Elder G. A. Irwin in the chair. Prayer by Elder J. A. Brunson. Minutes of previous day’s proceedings approved. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.29
The recommendations concerning the transfer of the American Sentinel from the management of the Pacific Press to the Religious Liberty Association, and the change of the association’s headquarters from New York to Chicago, were again brought up for consideration. But after quite a lengthy discussion, no agreement was reached upon the main question; and it was finally decided to refer the recommendations to the General Conference Committee for final action. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.30
A motion to restore to the association the Religious Liberty Library, and to make this the official organ of the association, was unanimously carried, after which the meeting adjourned. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.31
Question of Amending Constitution - Principles Again - Sabbath-school Work - Reports of Committees - Animated Discussion on Plans
THIRTY-THIRD MEETING, SUNDAY, 9:30 A. M., MARCH 5
Meeting called to order by Elder G. A. Irwin. Devotional service led by D. H. Kress, M. D. Minutes of the last meeting were then approved. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.32
The Chair: You notice from the reading of the minutes that the question of abolishing the membership fee of the Religious Liberty Association was the question pending when the meeting adjourned last night. What have you to say further on the subject? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.33
C. H. Jones: The conference does not seem to be quite ready to act upon this matter, so I move that it be laid on the table. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.34
J. O. Corliss: If the association is reorganized, it will not be necessary to take any action on this new association because they will be at liberty to make any provision in this respect which they see proper. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.35
D. W. Reavis: I would like to say a word in regard to why this question was brought up, because - GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.36
Voices: No, no; don’t bring this matter up now. Question, question. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.37
The motion to lay on the table prevailed. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.38
The Chair: Are there any other reports to be presented? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.39
C. H. Jones: It will be remembered that a few days ago the question of changing the Constitution so as to admit of a larger delegation to the General Conference sessions was under consideration, and the question was referred to the Committee on Plans and Resolutions to formulate. We have a report to present this morning, as follows:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.40
“We recommend, That the General Conference Constitution be amended so as to provide for representation as follows:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.41
“1. That each local conference be entitled to send as many delegates as it shall wish to choose. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.42
“2. That the following also be accepted as delegates: (a) Such persons as the Foreign Mission Board shall appoint; (b) such doctors as the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association shall appoint; (c) such persons as are appointed by the managing boards of our general educational and publishing institutions and sanitariums. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.43
“It is further suggested that the State conferences, in choosing delegates to the General Conference, give special attention to securing the representation of all branches of the work, such as the Sabbath-school Association, Tract Society, etc.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.44
R. M. Kilgore: I move its adoption. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.45
The Chair: You have heard the reading of the report of the Committee on Plans and Resolutions, with motion to adopt. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 153.46
L. D. Santee: There is one thing in this recommendation which seems to me an element of danger. Unless we have an equitable representation - in other words, a numerical representation - of delegates, there is danger that the strength of the conferences near where the session is held will be greater than those farther away. Now while we are all agreed, it works nicely; but should there be a division, those who are not represented, at least the minority, would feel that they were not being treated fairly. As we have said, we are a democracy, and a true democracy depends upon having every part represented. It is possible that a division will come; and if there should, these living at a distance, and unable to be present, would think it was unjust to have the representation so out of proportion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.1
Voice: We are all going to be converted, Brother Santee. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.2
E. J. Waggoner: If not, we had better not come to conference. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.3
G. B. Thompson: I notice that in seating delegates from the Medical Missionary Board, the recommendation says, “Such doctors,” etc. Does this mean that a man could not represent that board unless he was a doctor? I move that the words “any person” be substituted for “such doctors.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.4
C. H. Jones: I think there is no necessity for that, as the last suggestion provides for this. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.5
W. D. Curtis: If this prevails, I see no place for the Religious Liberty Association to be represented. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.6
C. Santee: I don’t feel clear in regard to the first point of the recommendation. The idea of numerical representation, as it now stands, is one of the landmarks in this message. I don’t know that it has ever been questioned. I know there are those who feel quite free, and think that everything will go along all right in the future; and yet I remember that we read in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, that the present form of organization is to remain valid until the end. While I can see some advantages in this recommendation, I can see a number of disadvantages, among them the matter of equitable representation from every part of the work. I believe that a large delegation beyond the equal representation of the field will prove more unwieldy than we could well handle. As for myself, I see much more wisdom and prudence in leaving the representation as it is, than in the plan proposed by this recommendation. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.7
J. N. Loughborough: I hope we shall not get into a battle that has already been fought. Why not work in even lines, and not all the time be trying to change that which has been established in the providence of God? If you had lived thirty years ago, you would know what led to a numerical representation. I think we had better let it alone, unless we want to increase the ratio. There was a battle fought on that, and I might give you the history of it. It lasted some time, too. I am sorry that we did not have more of the Spirit of God in that battle. My impression is that you had better let that alone, unless you want to increase the ratio. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.8
I. H. Evans: We say that we do not want any numerical representation at the General Conference; yet we turn right around, and actually make a numerical representation. Instead of specifying that it may be equalized, we delegate the authority of specifying to thirty or forty different committees, and say, You specify how many shall go. Now I do not see wherein you do not have, eventually, a numerical representation. Instead of saying you will have one to every five hundred, you say to a conference, “Select just as many as you please.” That committee, or that institution, has to make up a numerical representation. Consequently you will have a numerical representation at the General Conference, but it will be unequal. The conferences near where the General Conference is held will have the advantage of less railroad fare; consequently they will say, Let us send all our ministers and all our licentiates. If the conference is held in Battle Creek, then Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois will say, It will cost us only a few dollars to go up. We will send every one of our workers. Thus it would be possible for those four conferences to have more delegates in the General Conference than all the rest of the conferences put together could have. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.9
If the General Conference is for conferring together, and to equalize the work, and if a majority vote decides a question, if this of which I have been speaking were possible, and were brought about, there would be no equality in the matter. The only consistent thing, it seems to me, is either to have a numerical representation or else have nothing, and allow everybody in good standing who comes to be a delegate. Have either a pure democracy or else a good republican form. If you should have a democratic form, your numbers would be so large as to make it unwieldy; and if everybody liked to talk as well as we do, instead of getting through in three weeks, it would take six months, and then the business would not be finished. It seems to me that it is better for us, under the present conditions, to be content with our numerical representation. It works injustice to nobody. The weakest conference in existence is represented by the organization, and has an equal opportunity with the larger conferences to deliberate upon the questions coming before us. I do not see any light in this movement to do away with equitable numerical representation. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.10
W. W. Prescott: I am not going to argue one way or the other on this motion that is before the house; but I do not like to hear political reasons given for church action. How would it do to remember that we are neither a republic nor a democracy, but a church. It does not seem to me that we are on the right basis when we give purely political reasons for our action. Let me call your attention to something in our present way of doing, if you want to work on that basis: at present the General Conference Committee has the power to appoint all the delegates at large to the meeting whose expenses it has a mind to pay. Why would it not be just as much in line with what is said, to demand that such power be taken away from them; for what would hinder them from flooding the conference with men, so as to run the conference themselves? Is anybody afraid they will do it? No; because they are Christians, not politicians. No political convention would give its State committee authority to appoint all the delegates at large that it wished, and pay their expenses out of the funds belonging to the convention, because the committee would take advantage of it at once, and pack the convention. Everybody knows that. Is it not wise to remember that we are not politicians, but Christians, and that this is neither a republic or a democracy, but a church? I am not arguing in favor of this matter of changing, or not changing. That is not the thing just now. But why is it not best to hold to Christian principles, and give just such reasons for the action as can be based upon the Scriptures and church government? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.11
J. N. Loughborough: I think there is a little matter that will help all this: I think if we return to our old usage, when we had - I will not say more of the Spirit of God than we have now, but more than is working in us, it will bridge over this difficulty. There are some before me who will remember that when the delegation met, all members of churches in good standing, present, could take part in the deliberations, but not in the voting. Our brethren know that we had free, happy times in those days. Those coming together all had an opportunity to make suggestions. They have been given that right in this conference, but all have not understood it. We used to pass a vote that they could make suggestions, and take part in the deliberations; but only the delegates voted. When this matter was being decided, it was urged one way and the other, and debated and debated, and both Brother and Sister White sanctioned the numerical representation. The thought was, those that paid their money to help on the work should have a voice in the use of it. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.12
D. H. Kress: It seems to me that even if we have a numerical representation, it would be well to allow the different conferences to appoint their own delegates, and also give that privilege to the different institutions. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.13
The Chair: They have that privilege now. The General Conference has nothing to do with appointing the delegates of the State conferences. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.14
D. H. Kress: I understood otherwise. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.15
I. H. Evans: I wish to correct any impression that one speaker’s remarks might convey, when I used the words “democratic” and “republican.” I did not use these terms with the idea of politics. A democracy is simply a convention where all the persons that are present take part. That is what I mean. A republic is where, instead of all the people’s coming together and taking part, they select representatives. That is all that I meant. There is no politics about it. The idea is simply either to have representatives or to act for ourselves individually. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.16
J. H. Morrison: It seems to me that there was a Testimony read the other day upon this very question; and I am convinced that it would be better for us to let the thing remain just where it is; for all those who assembled at the first meeting of this character did not participate in the voting. We have had other Testimonies to the effect that we shall not tear down any thing; and this representation on a numerical basis has been begun under the eye of those whom we respect; and it seems to me that I should be clear to change this recommendation, by striking out the first statement that pertains to the numerical representation. I make that as an amendment to the report. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.17
Seconded. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.18
O. A. Olsen: Then it would leave it this way. That the representation by the State conferences remain just as it is; but that these other institutions be allowed to choose their own delegates; whereas they do not now have that power. In former times it has been left to the General Conference to appoint them; but if these other recommendations carry, it leaves the States just as they are, and gives to the institutions the privilege of appointing their own delegations. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.19
J. W. Westphal: I move that this recommendation be laid upon the table. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.20
The motion was seconded and carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.21
E. J. Waggoner: I did not speak on this recommendation, because I would not vote on it anyhow, however strong my convictions may be. I am happy to believe that I have not spoken to a single question since I have been here. I hope I have not. I do not intend to. But I have spoken to some principles. I do not think that the conference is the place for a debating school. There are two expressions that I have heard used here that indicate the existence of a wrong idea, which certainly ought to be corrected. That is, we ought to understand what is the right of the matter. One is that a majority shall rule; and the other, that any actions taken here would not be considered binding by those who were not present. Now I wonder if that is the idea that really obtains among us, that a majority are to rule, - if anybody at all ought to rule. Does that idea obtain among us? It certainly ought not to, for the whole principle of religious, and even of true civil, liberty is that the majority should not rule. The majority have no rights, as against the minority. Right rules - not a majority. No person rules another; and when we all hold simply to principles of truth, those who are led by the Spirit of God will recognize truth, and will be bound by the truth, not because we have said so, or because a certain action was taken here; but because it is the truth, and is what will lead to harmonious action. We simply believe that it is the truth, and then we have continuous, harmonious action. Is not that the way? We do not come here to take action that shall be binding, so that somebody else must be bound by it, whether he sees it or not. Others will see it if it is right. If it is not right, it would be wrong for them to be bound by it. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.22
W. W. Prescott: When there is a matter before the conference, and it is necessary to have a show of hands in order to decide the question, that is not the time for a vote. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.23
A. F. Ballenger: Take for instance, the history of Iowa, when the Marion party went out from us. They were in our conference, and they were determined to carry out their wishes. It would have been impossible, inasmuch as their entire hearts had gone from us, to agree upon the question; but they were among us, a part of our conference. Would it not, in such a case, be necessary to vote? Is there any light on that? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.24
W. W. Prescott: Suppose the majority vote. Will that have any influence upon the minority? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.25
A. F. Ballenger: But in a case like this, the minority might be voting away property or money. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.26
W. W. Prescott: When it is clearly known that the assembly are agreed upon a thing, there is no necessity for voting, if no one wants to object. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.27
E. J. Waggoner: Then you can vote if you want to. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.28
J. N. Loughborough: It makes me feel happy when they vote that way; for it seems as if they were all saying Amen; praise the Lord. I was thinking of some of the old times in Battle Creek, - the time of the second conference. A Methodist minister came to Brother White and said, “Elder White, I have just come from a conference where there has been wrangling, and jangling, and voting, and demanding the floor. Why,” said he, “you all vote on one side; it makes me think of the handle of a jug.” Elder White said, “We don’t vote until we are ready. We look it all over carefully, in all its bearings; then when we vote, of course we are all on one side; for we all agree perfectly.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.29
J. O. Corliss: Yes, but some of our enemies have said that we voted that way because Elder White said so. But it was because he brought principles out so clearly that all knew just what was before them, and then they all voted on the same side. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.30
J. N. Loughborough: The very ones who said that it was a one-man power would have liked to get the one-man power if they could. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 154.31
Recess of ten minutes was here taken. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.1
G. A. Irwin: The Sabbath-school Association will now occupy the time. C. H. Jones will take the chair. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.2
C. H. Jones: Our time is very limited. There are only a few more hours, we might say, that we can spend together, and we want to be as expeditious as possible with our business; and yet do it in the order of the Lord. We will ask for the reading of the minutes of the last meeting. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.3
M. H. Brown, the secretary, then read the minutes of the first meeting of the seventeenth session of the International Sabbath-school Association held at South Lancaster, Feb. 17, 1889, which were approved as read. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.4
The Chair: We will now call for the report of the Committee on Nominations. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.5
C. P. Bollman: Mr. Chairman, I would like to offer a few words of explanation in regard to this report before it is read. I will say that the committee has been considerably perplexed in regard to the matter of nominations, especially in the selection of a president for the association. We have not acted upon our own wisdom alone, but have consulted different brethren and the General Conference Committee. There was a desire expressed on the part of several that there should be some one selected who could devote his entire time to this work. This was especially true, as Brother Jones did not desire to stand any longer at the head of the association. He felt that he could not do justice to himself, the work of the association, and other important interests. So it was necessary to select some other man. But after looking the field over thoroughly, and considering all the conditions, we found it impossible to select a man who could devote his entire time, and so have selected another, who is already a busy man. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.6
I would say just a few words in regard to the location of the association. There was some feeling expressed that it was not best to confine the selection of a president to the Pacific Coast, or to a certain State; but to do anything else would be either to cut the president off from the association or to remove the association. And this is an association that must be located at a point where there could be a sufficiently strong committee called together to examine Sabbath-school lessons and other Sabbath-school literature, because the association is also a publisher of our Sabbath-school literature; so we had to have it at Oakland, Battle Creek, or some other point where a strong committee could be called together. And you know what the Testimonies have said about centering everything at Battle Creek. Therefore, after considering all these things, and many more than I have time to mention, the committee has made the report, which the secretary will now read to you. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.7
S. M. Cobb, reading: Your Committee on Nominations would submit the following report: For President, M. C. Wilcox; Vice-President, C. C. Lewis; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, M. H. Brown; Corresponding Secretary, Alberta L. Little. Executive Committee: M. C. Wilcox, C. C. Lewis, M. H. Brown, W. N. Glenn, C. H. Jones, Alberta L. Little, C. L. Taylor, C. P. Bollman P. T. Magan. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.8
The Chair: You have heard the reading of this report. What is your pleasure? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.9
D. H. Oberholtzer: I move the adoption of the report by considering each name separately. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.10
The motion was seconded, and the report was adopted as read. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.11
The Chair: Is the Committee on Plans ready to report? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.12
C. N. Sanders: The Committee on Plans have spent some time in seeking God, and we made up our minds we had a few suggestions which we would bring before this body, and which our secretary will now read. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.13
A. R. Hyatt, reading: Your Committee on Plans for Work would respectfully present the following suggestions for your consideration:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.14
1. That the true object of our Sabbath-schools should be kept before them; namely, the study of the word of God, as a means of spiritual growth to the believers, and the salvation of the unconverted. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.15
2. That Sabbath-school conventions and weekly teachers’ meetings be held as material aids to successful Sabbath-school work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.16
3. That great care be taken in the selection of officers and teachers, lest the standard be lowered, and their influence for good destroyed; and to safeguard this, that the counsel of the church elder or elders be sought, and the closest union cultivated between the church and the Sabbath-school. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.17
4. That special donations in our schools on special Sabbaths be discontinued. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.18
5. (a) That the Sabbath-schools in fields outside the General Conference in North America retain their donations in their own fields, to be used under the direction of those in charge of the field in which they are located; (b) That the Sabbath-school secretaries in those fields report on blanks prepared for the purpose, that the International Sabbath-school Association may have Sabbath-school statistics for the whole field. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.19
Also the following questions:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.20
6. Are any changes needed in the Youth’s Instructor and Our Little Friend, either in matter or price, that they may better meet the needs of our youth and children. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.21
7. What plan can be devised by which the Sabbath-school work of the respective conferences can be properly represented at the General Conference sessions? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.22
L. D. Santee: I would like to inquire what is meant by the term “that special donations be discontinued.” What is included in that word “special?” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.23
The Chair: That will come up, I presume, when we come to that point of the report. It will be explained at that time. Will that be satisfactory? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.24
L. D. Santee: Yes, sir. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.25
The Chair: You have heard the reading of this report. What is your pleasure? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.26
Geo. B. Thompson: I move its adoption by considering each item separately. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.27
J. D. Gowell: I second the motion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.28
The secretary then read the first recommendation. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.29
The Chair: Are there any remarks on this suggestion? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.30
Voices: Question, question. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.31
The Chair: The question is called. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.32
A. R. Hyatt: I am sorry to have to arise on this question. We seem to be in a hurry. I believe, delegates, that this is worthy of your consideration for at least a moment. Of course it is self-evident that we ought to encourage a more earnest study of the word of God. But I would like to appeal to you, and show you what this means if you vote upon it. Every person has a certain amount of influence; and when you, as ministers, go into your Sabbath-schools, if you get off at one end of the class, and sit there looking at your Bible, and as long as the thing goes along nicely, do not say anything at all, and seem to have no particular interest in the lesson unless some knotty question comes up, - why, I would rather have almost any one in my Sabbath-school class than a minister. I hope that before you vote upon this, you will just consider what it means to carry it out. I think it shows merit in the minister if he is willing to be taught, once in a while, and if he shows a teachable spirit. I know, from experience, that many of us, as ministers, have not done it in the Sabbath-school. We have sat and listened, and have not participated in the class exercises as we ought. Now, then, if we pass this recommendation or resolution, let us carry it out, by taking an interest in the Sabbath-school work. Let us be willing to answer simple questions, and not wait for some hard problem before we will lift up our eyes from our Bibles, and look into the teacher’s eyes, and show an interest. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.33
M. H. Brown: I believe that all our ministers are going to take right hold and help in the Sabbath-school work. In fact, we have seen a growing disposition in later years to do this; and we feel confident of the hearty co-operation of all in the good work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.34
F. H. Westphal: I wish to say just a word. I am in harmony with the statement that an interest in the Sabbath-school lessons by the ministry will help the schools. I wish to add that the officers elected as representatives of the General Sabbath-school Association also take a special interest in corresponding with secretaries in foreign fields, in order to keep them in touch with the work. It seems that this would also be a help to the Sabbath-school work in missionary fields. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.35
E. J. Waggoner: I hope the suggestion of the brethren here will be adopted, and I give prominence to the thought that the preacher is not necessarily to be a teacher in the Sabbath-school. I think we will all certify to the fact that the difficulty has been to keep from being teachers. I go to a little place, and I have got to preach that day. Very likely I may be called upon to review the division. I go and sit in a class. But the teacher says, I can not teach to-day because there is a preacher in the class. You take the class to-day. Now if our people generally are teachers, our people generally can get the idea that their place is to go ahead and teach that class, no matter who may be there, and they are not to be afraid to go ahead and teach what the Lord gives them to teach, simply because the president of the conference, or any other man sits in the class. It will then be their place to go ahead and teach the class just the same. I have been out that way, and taught a class more than once. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.36
W. D. Curtis: I trust the delegates have carefully noticed the wording of this. I am in perfect harmony with the suggestion; but I would like to ask if the delegates have really considered what would be the result after they had voted? It will appear rather awkward, it seems to me, unless we put in the words “we recommend.” There is no recommendation there, nor is there a motion; it is simply a suggestion, and I thought perhaps it would be well to call the attention of the delegates to the fact. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.37
The Chair: I understand that the words will be put in if it is adopted. The question is called for. All in favor of the recommendation will say, Aye. Any opposed, No. Carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.38
2. The Secretary, reading: That Sabbath-school conventions and weekly teachers’ meetings be held as material aids to successful Sabbath-school work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.39
The Chair: The question is called for. All in favor of the recommendation manifest it by saying, Aye. Opposed, No. Carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.40
The Secretary, reading: 3. That great care be taken in the selection of officers and teachers, lest the standard be lowered, and their influence for good destroyed; and to safeguard this, that the counsel of the church elder or elders be sought, and the closest union cultivated between the church and the Sabbath-school. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.41
The Chair: The question is called. All in favor of adopting manifest it by saying, Aye. Opposed, No. Carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.42
The Secretary, reading: 4. That special donations in our Sabbath-schools on special Sabbaths be discontinued. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.43
C. P. Bollman: I would like to ask if that would affect the donations for the Haskell Home. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.44
The Chair: I should understand that it would, according to the reading of the recommendation. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.45
C. P. Bollman: Then it seems to me we ought not to adopt this recommendation, because the Haskell Home is one object that certainly ought to be kept before our people and our schools. There can be no nobler object presented to our schools than the idea that the children should assist the orphans in the home, and I feel decidedly opposed to this resolution. It seems to me that we can instill into the minds of our children nothing more ennobling or refining than the idea of helping the helpless and needy. I believe this is a recommendation we should not adopt. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.46
Wm. Covert: I don’t want to see this passed, because I regard the Sabbath-school as an agency for educating our children, and there are special donations that come up from time to time through the Sabbath-school that are helpful to the children in the way of educating them in missionary lines. If that is done entirely outside of the Sabbath-school, our children will miss the real benefit that this giving, and connecting them with the interest of these things, would give; and then again, there are many Sabbath-schools held among our people where there are no other services held, and you take this entirely out of the Sabbath-schools, and there is no way of getting at those people. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.47
M. H. Brown: We expected there would be some misapprehension concerning this recommendation, and therefore it is only due to the delegates that an explanation be made that would save a great deal of discussion. It seems to me that the recommendation is necessary. One of the reasons for this recommendation is this: There has more confusion and trouble come into our Sabbath-schools by these special donations, so far as the clerical work and the machinery are concerned, than by any other thing we have ever had to deal with. To illustrate: In the year 1897 these were sent direct to the Haskell Home from our Sabbath-schools, according to the report rendered to us by the Haskell Home. I am unable to say what part of the donations came from the Sabbath-schools, and what part from the churches, because they did not segregate it. But it was reported to us as a little more than $6,000. There was sent direct to the Haskell Home, but reported to the International Association, $1,178 in 1896. Our Sabbath-school secretaries and our State secretaries have become mixed up and muddled over this question. They have applied to us again and again, that this matter might be straightened out, and some plan or arrangement be made by which this difficulty could be overcome and this confusion avoided. Another reason: Some of the schools tithe this donation, others do not. The question arises, Why not tithe this as well as the money that is raised for missions? Why the discrimination? Again, there has been confusion caused by the press for money on the part of the Haskell Home, and they urged that the money be sent at once, rather than at the end of the quarter. This donation could be taken up on the Sabbath, at a regular meeting. There would be no necessity for its being tithed; no donations need be taken out to pay for supplies, and it could be sent direct to the Haskell Home. This would avoid much confusion. Of course the children should have a part in this, and we do not think it will lessen the donation on the Sabbath. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 155.48
J. H. Morrison: Do you mean not to have any donation on the Sabbath except this one? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.1
M. H. Brown: Yes, have two donations, as usual; but have the donation taken up during the meeting sent direct to the Haskell Home. We are very sure that the brethren and sisters, if they understand this plan, will see much in it to be commended. The fact is, we shall hardly know what course to pursue, which way to turn, unless we are relieved of this thing in our Sabbath-school work. I can not see why we should take up two collections on the same day, from the same people, for the same purpose. This is the view that the Committee on Plans took of this matter after considering the difficulties which we have mentioned. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.2
Allen Moon: You mean to have the money go direct to the Haskell Home through the tract society? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.3
M. H. Brown: Yes, that is just what we contemplate. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.4
Wm. Covert: What recommendation have you for Sabbath-schools in new churches; for instance, in our conference we have eighty-five churches, and 145 Sabbath-schools, Of these there are sixty-five Sabbath-schools that do not have any meeting whatever connected with them. What would you recommend for them? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.5
M. H. Brown: We do not believe that the recommendation that we offer is something that should be iron-clad, and apply to every school alike; that is not the thought, but if possible, we want to make things just as simple as they can be made, and save the tangle we have been in over the matter. We have no disposition to tie up the work in any way; and if this recommendation should seem to complicate matters more than they are in these particular schools, then let the matter stand as it is now. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.6
Delegate: It should be stated, I think, in the secretary’s blank, also in the State secretary’s blank where the money is to be sent. I think this would obviate some of the difficulty complained of. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.7
W. W. Prescott: When that is done, where will the International Association be delivered from its confusion? As I understand from the secretary, the whole difficulty is a difficulty in the machinery. If the whole difficulty is there, it is necessary to kill the thing in order to correct it. This matter of taking up two donations from the same people, on the same day, for the same thing, does not quite apply in this connection. Everybody here is well aware that if this change is made, the donations to the Haskell Home will drop off. Dr. Kellogg explained to us the other day that at present they had only enough to get along by exercising the strictest economy. We are not at unity on this question; and as from present appearances, we are not likely to be, I suggest that we drop it, and go on. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.8
I. H. Evans: I wish to say that I view with alarm the idea that our donations should be dropped out of our Sabbath-schools, as contemplated by this resolution. Most of our brethren know that in our cities, and in many towns, children do not remain at the church service, but go home. If we take away the donation of the Sabbath-school, and confine it exclusively to our Sabbath-school work, we cut off the idea of missionary operations from a large majority of the children. There is no other way to reach them. They do not attend missionary meetings, they do not stay to church; and when you cut them off from this donation, you deprive them of what the Testimonies say they should be encouraged to do. I believe that this idea that our children should be taught to give to specific objects, for special purposes, is one of the best kinds of education. Our children are taught to save their pennies. If they are going to save them for themselves, there is no self-sacrifice involved. I believe we shall make a sad mistake in the education of our children if we do not continue to educate by teaching them to give to others. I hope, therefore, that we shall not see proper to-day to take these Sabbath-school donations, and cut off the Haskell Home and Foreign mission work; but that we shall reach out, and enlarge and teach our children to give more than ever before. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.9
The Chair: There is, apparently, a misapprehension of what is contemplated by this recommendation. It does not contemplate cutting off the donations to missions and has reference only to single donations on the Sabbath. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.10
M. H. Brown: I fear we are making a great mistake when we exalt the Sabbath-school as the only place where our children are to receive religious instruction, and instruction in missionary work. I say that we should bind our children to the church, as the major organization, with chords of love and by interesting meetings, that will draw them to the church. If we fail to do that work, we are giving them a wrong education. We should try to bring them into our churches; for it is not possible to give them all the instruction in this line that they should have in the Sabbath-school. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.11
O. A. Olsen: Do I understand that the collection for the Haskell Home is taken up in addition to the regular Sabbath-school contribution? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.12
The Chair: Yes, the regular collection will be taken up as usual, and the collection for the Haskell home will come in afterward. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.13
O. A. Olsen: I have found in this country, and in other countries as well, that the churches are not so well regulated in every matter as are the churches in Battle Creek and some other places. I find, in places where the work is not so fully organized, that parents and children all unite in one collection for the Haskell Home; and it seems to me that if you carry this measure, you will bring in greater confusion than you are trying to avoid. What I say I speak from experience. It seems to me that to avoid the difficulty, the collection should be taken the same as now, and then sent direct to the Haskell Home. Let it be turned over to the librarian of the church, and sent by him direct to the Haskell Home. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.14
M. H. Brown: Pay it to the librarian, and let it go that way to the Haskell Home? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.15
O. A. Olsen: Yes; let the librarians gather it up. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.16
W. W. Prescott: Put the two collections right together? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.17
O. A. Olsen: Yes, that is the way they should be handled. Our smaller churches throughout the country do this way. It is understood that they are gathered up by the librarian, and sent to the Sabbath-school Association. That will avoid the confusion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.18
G. B. Thompson: It seems that the chief objection that has been urged is the amount of clerical work that is brought by having the special collection; but you will notice that a great deal of confusion has resulted by having the collection taken up in an unfortunate time of year. I never was able to understand, until I came to this conference, why the collection was taken up on the first Sabbaths of April and October, - three months before remittances are made to the State offices. I have discovered that it is because it is quarterly-meeting time, and it was thought that on these occasions more pennies could be gathered in. If the collection could be taken during the last of each quarter, a great deal of confusion would be avoided, and it would not be necessary to bring in this suggestion. I think if the collection could be placed on the last Sabbath in these quarters, and the collection go through the proper channels, as has been suggested, the confusion will be relieved. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.19
C. M. Christiansen: There was a sentiment prevailing in last week’s meetings that the Haskell Home was not needed for orphans, - that we should take the children into our homes, and make orphans’ homes for them there. I believe we ought to do that more than we are. At the same time, the Haskell Home is a sort of receiving station, where children are received when no other place is open to them. They are going out from the home all the time. There are a great many children, however, who come into the home, for whom we find it difficult to get homes in families. Their morals are bad, perhaps there are other defects; and no one wants to take them. What shall we do with these poor children? Shall we leave them to the public? Should we not use the place we already have, in which to keep the children? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.20
S. H. Lane: I fully accord with Brother Olsen’s idea; I can not see why there should be two collections taken in one day. The missions are kept constantly before our children fifty-two weeks in a year. Would it not be a good change for them to be educated that there are other fields and other institutions that need their support? My idea would be to let the entire donation that day, without any being taken out for the Foreign Mission Board, be sent to the Haskell Home. Some may say, “Why not put it into the association first? Why not tithe it?” Brethren, why not teach the association to be liberal, too? Then if there is a lack of funds for the Foreign Mission board, a proper method would be to make a call directly to the churches, thus not keeping that thing before the children all the time as being paramount. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.21
I have also thought it would be a good thing to change the time, having the donations taken up the last Sabbath in each of the two quarters. But if the funds go directly to the Haskell Home, there is no need of making a change. I suppose it is a fact that those who inaugurated this collection had in mind that more could be obtained during the time of the quarterly meetings, when all the brethren come together. I believe that the Haskell Home ought to be supported, and that it ought to come into nearer touch with our workers in the field. When our ministers are asked on what terms children are taken in, they do not know. As long as I have been with this denomination, that question comes the nearest to making me answer, I do not know. I believe if we support the home, we ought to know more about it, and we ought to have some voice in saying who shall go there. I trust that we will not let any of the money go through the Sabbath-school Association. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.22
O. A. Olsen: With reference to the question why the first Sabbaths in April and October were chosen, I will say that it was on account of this being the time when our quarterly meetings were generally held. We have many scattered brethren and sisters who live a long distance from places of meeting, and they generally come out in full force during these quarterly meeting occasions. For this reason larger collections can be taken up at this time than during almost any other Sabbaths in the year. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.23
J. E. Jayne: I heartily sympathize with the thoughts expressed this morning relative to the manner in which we should care for the orphans’ home. I think they are right. There was one thought expressed by next to the last speaker, however, to which I wish to address myself a little more fully. That thought was that during the entire year we keep before our children the mission field, and that it would be a good idea to have a change on these two occasions. I hope we shall not make that idea of change too prominent. Christ is not divided; he is one. The missionary spirit is one. We have been learning here that there is no such thing as home and foreign missions. The planting of a Christian home in another land is simply foreign missions. The missionary work done by our children is one and the same, whether it is done for the home or the foreign field; and we want to teach them that from the very beginning. So let us not get the idea of giving them a change. Let it be one. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.24
H. K. Willis: I am glad to hear the sentiments expressed with reference to our orphans. That touches a tender spot in every heart, and we are all in favor of supporting the orphans’ home. I do not think they will get any more money from us than they should have. But it is a fact that our sending these donations through various channels to the home, is causing a great deal of annoyance and confusion. Scarcely any of our State Sabbath-school associations ever know just what the Haskell Home has received, because some of the money comes to the State secretary, some of it to the Sabbath-school secretary, and much of it is sent direct to the home. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.25
One speaker suggested that possibly it would be better to have our collection on the last Sabbath in these respective quarters. I am in favor of that idea. I am also in favor of relieving our associations of this unnecessary confusion. I believe in order, and therefore I would like to offer an amendment, as follows: GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.26
“That the collection of the Haskell Home be taken up on the last Sabbath in the quarter, and that the money donated be sent direct through our State secretaries; that is, from the various schools and churches to our respective State secretaries of the tract and missionary societies, and from there to the orphans’ home, thus relieving the Sabbath-school Association of handling the money at all.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.27
The Chair: First and third quarters? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.28
H. K. Willis: Yes, sir. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.29
W. W. Prescott: If the money is all put in one fund and sent that way, why do you suggest changing it? What difference is that? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.30
H. K. Willis: It simply relieves this one point: The time mentioned is a period when we send off our money - the various donations and various moneys are sent in to the general organizations about that time; and it would relieve our secretaries of having to make a special order. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.31
W. W. Prescott: Is not this really a small thing compared with changing a fixed habit? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 156.32
H. K. Willis: It may be. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.1
F. W. Howe: I simply rise to ask a question for information: Does not the Medical Missionary Association, in sending the envelopes to receive this collection, furnish all the machinery that is necessary for taking up the collection, and forwarding the money, without any recommendations? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.2
The Chair: If it is understood, then there is no difficulty. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.3
F. W. Howe: I move that this recommendation be laid upon the table. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.4
Delegate: I second the motion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.5
Wm. Covert: I second the motion of Brother Willis. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.6
The Chair: I think the motion to lay on the table was seconded first. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.7
The motion to lay on the table was carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.8
H. K. Willis: Would it not be in order to reconsider this question, and offer a suggestion that we take up the collection as usual, but send out the funds through the State Tract Society? That would certainly relieve the State association of some of the confusion, - at least that which has existed. I make that as a motion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.9
Wm. Covert: I second the motion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.10
H. K. Willis: It seems to me that we ought not to ignore this, and not give our association a chance of relieving itself of confusion and extra work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.11
The Chair: Sending all the donations taken up, not to the Sabbath-school Association, but to the State Tract and Missionary Society secretary? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.12
C. P. Bollman: Which secretary is contemplated in this motion? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.13
The Chair: The State secretary of the tract society. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.14
T. A. Kilgore: Then we understand that the Sabbath-school donation taken up on this particular Sabbath, will go to a secretary that does not receive the regular Sabbath-school contributions? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.15
O. A. Olsen: That the librarians gather it up, instead of the Sabbath-school secretary. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.16
The Chair: No; the Sabbath-school secretary gathers it up, and turns it over to the librarian, when that person forwards it to the State Tract Society secretary? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.17
D. W. Reavis: I do not understand that now; and if we do not understand it here, how will the people in the field understand it? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.18
The Chair: Would it not be better to leave the matter where it is? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.19
J. F. Ballenger: Is it the sense of this body that we are to have but one orphans’ home in all the country, and that all our children, and all our donations are to be sent to the Haskell Home? We have an orphans’ home in London, Ontario, which is doing a good work; and I think that this home needs our help and our support just as much as does the Haskell Home. The question is, If we pass this, are we obliged to send our donations to the Haskell Home, and neglect our own orphans? I would like to have some one answer this question. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.20
H. K. Willis: You can see how our local Sabbath-schools, librarians, and different individuals are liable to become mixed up. We have a good example of it right here. The motion is simply this: That we take up our regular collection for the Haskell Home, as usual, on the first Sabbath of the first and third quarters, in the Sabbath-schools, as it has always been done. When the money has been collected in the Sabbath-school, as it always has been, it is turned over to the Sabbath-school secretary, and this secretary will turn it over to the church librarian, who sends it to the secretary of the State tract society, and it is then forwarded to the Haskell Home thus relieving the Sabbath-school Association from having anything to do with it. It seems to me that this is plain. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.21
W. T. Knox: Why could not the Sabbath-school secretary do this business, in case there is no church organization? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.22
W. K. Willis: That is contemplated in the motion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.23
Question called for and carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.24
The secretary then read items marked (a) and (b). GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.25
The Chair: The question is called for. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.26
It was carried unanimously. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.27
The secretary read items “1” and “2.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.28
The Chair: Are you ready for the question? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.29
Question called for, and carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.30
Secretary: There are some questions asked here for your consideration. [Further reading.] GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.31
O. A. Olsen: In view of the fact that it is nearly twelve o’clock, that the committees have a great deal of work to do, and that if we now enter upon the discussion of these questions, it will interfere with their work, I move that we adjourn until three o’clock this afternoon. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.32
Carried. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.33
SPECIAL TESTIMONIES
The afternoon service of Sabbath, March 4, was devoted to reading several Testimonies received since the opening of the session of the conference, Elder G. A. Irwin conducting the service:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.34
THE TRUE RELATION OF GOD AND NATURE
Since the fall of man nature can not reveal a perfect knowledge of God; for sin has brought a blight upon it, and has intervened between nature and nature’s God. Had man never disobeyed his Creator, had he remained in his state of perfect rectitude, nature would never have been marred by sin, and it would thus have revealed to man the perfection of the character of God. But when man disobeyed God, when he ate of the tree of knowledge, he united with the apostate leader, and separated himself from the knowledge of God. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.35
When Adam and Eve listened to the voice of the tempter, they sinned against God. The light, the garments of heavenly innocence, departed from these deceived souls, and they drew about themselves the dark robes of ignorance of God. The clear and perfect light of innocence which had hitherto surrounded them had lightened everything which they approached; but deprived of that heavenly light, the posterity of Adam could no longer perfectly trace the character of God in his created works. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.36
After the fall, the things of nature could not fully teach the lesson of the great and marvelous love of God. Therefore the Father sent his well-beloved Son into the world, and declared him to be a perfect revelation of himself to man. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal, spiritual night, the God of nature met in Jesus Christ. He was “that true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.37
The most difficult and humiliating lesson that man has to learn, if he is kept by the power of God, is his own inefficiency, and the sure failure of his own efforts to read nature correctly. Sin has obscured his vision, so that, of himself, man can not interpret nature without placing it above God. He is in the same position as were the Athenians who erected their altars for the worship of nature, upon which they might well inscribe, “To the unknown God.” Nature is not God, and never was God. The voice of nature testifies of God, declaring his glory; but nature itself is not God. As God’s created work, it but bears a testimony of his power. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.38
The ancient philosophers prided themselves upon their superior knowledge, but God has said of them: “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.... Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.39
Christ came to the world as a personal Saviour. He represented a personal God. He ascended on high as a personal Saviour, and he will come again as he ascended to heaven, - a personal Saviour. We need carefully to consider this; for in their human wisdom, the wise men of the world, knowing not God, foolishly deify nature and the laws of nature. Those who have not a knowledge of God by their acceptance of the revelation God has made of himself in Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of God in nature. Those who think they can obtain a perfect knowledge of God, aside from the Representative whom the Word declares is the “express image of his person,” will need to become fools in their own estimation before they can be wise. This knowledge, so far from giving elevated conceptions of God, so far from elevating the mind, the soul, the heart, and bringing the whole being into conformity to the will of God, will make men idolaters. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.40
Though it is impossible to gain a perfect knowledge of God from imperfect nature; yet the things of nature, marred though they be, inculcate truths regarding the skillful Master Artist. One omnipotent in power, great in goodness, in mercy, and love, has created the earth; and even in its blighted state, much that is beautiful remains. Nature’s voice speaks, saying that there is a God, the Creator of nature. Nature in its imperfections can not fully represent God; it can not reveal the character of God in his moral perfection. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.41
It was for the purpose of giving to man a perfect representation of the character of God that Jesus came to our earth. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.... Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork, but Philip could not accept nature as his God. “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” We are to behold the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God has revealed himself in Jesus Christ. In the person of his only begotten Son, the God of heaven has condescended to stoop to our human nature. The Father in heaven has a voice and a person which Christ expressed. Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become so infatuated with the laws of matter and the operations of nature as to overlook or to refuse to acknowledge the continual working of God in nature. Deity is the author of nature. The natural world has in itself no inherent power but that which God supplies. How strange, then, that so many make a deity of nature! God furnishes the matter and the properties with which to carry out his plans. Nature is but his agency. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.42
The hand of God is continually guiding the globe in its continuous march around the sun. The same hand which holds the mountains, and balances them in positions, guides and keeps in order the respective planets. All the wonderful glories in the heavens are but doing their appointed work. Vegetation flourishes because of the agencies employed by the great and mighty God. He sends the dew and the rain and the sunshine, that verdure may spring forth, and spread its green carpet over the earth, that the shrubs and the fruit-trees may bud and blossom and bring forth fruit. It is not to be supposed that a law is set in operation for the seed to work of itself, - that the leaf appears because it must do so of itself. It is through the immediate agency of God that every tiny seed breaks through the earth, and springs into life. Every green leaf grows, every flower blooms, through the working power of God. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.43
The physical organism of God is under the supervision of God; but it is not like a clock that is set in operation, and must go of itself. The heart beats, pulse succeeds pulse, breath succeeds breath; but the being is under the supervision of God. Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. In God we live and move and have our being. Each heart beat, each breath, is the inspiration of that God who breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life, - the inspiration of the ever-present God, the great I AM. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.44
Idolatry of nature is a farce; it is the invention of men who know not God, and who are trying to keep out of sight a knowledge of the true God. The words of Holy Writ say nothing of the independent laws of nature. They teach us that God is the superintendent as well as the Creator of all things. The divine Being is engaged in upholding the things which he has created. God has laws which he has instituted; but they are only his servants, through which he effects results. It is God who calls everything into order, and keeps all things in motion. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.45
We may look up, through nature, to nature’s God. The beautiful things of nature have been given us for our pleasure. Then let us not turn our blessings into a curse by being led away from God in the worship of the creature rather than the Creator. Let nature’s beautiful ministers of love answer the purpose of God, drawing our hearts to him to adore his goodness, his compassion, his inexpressible love, and to be filled with the beauties of his character. E. G. WHITE. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.46
THE NEED OF REFORM IN OUR EDUCATIONAL WORK
“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” “And thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” These words of inspiration present before those who claim to believe present truth, the work that should now be done in educational lines. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.47
The Lord has thought it essential to give reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness on many things in regard to the management of schools among Seventh-day Adventists. It is the third angel’s message that needs attention in our schools. The work for this time is increasing; for this is a world-wide message. All are to obtain a knowledge that will prepare them to be co-laborers with God in giving this last message to the world. Then let our lessons be appropriate for the day in which we live.... More earnest attention must be given to that education which will impart a knowledge of salvation. The urgent necessities that are making themselves felt in this time demand a constant education in the word of God. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 157.48
Satan will get up every kind of theory to pervert the truth. The work will go hard; for since the fall of Adam, it has been the fashion of the world to sin. But Christ is on the field of action. The Holy Spirit is at work. Divine agencies are combining with the human in reshaping the character according to the perfect Pattern; and man is to work out that which God works in. Will the human agent do this God-given work? Will we carefully heed all the light that has been given, keeping constantly before us the one object of fitting the students for the kingdom of God? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.1
A decided reform is needed in the lessons given to the children and youth in our schools. Students need lessons which they have not yet received. We are not at liberty to teach that which shall meet the world’s standard or the standard of the church, simply because it is the custom to do so. The cross of Christ is to be the theme, revealing the lessons we must learn and practice in this life, that we may represent Christ in character. The lessons given in the Old and New Testaments should be carefully selected and arranged, so as to be interesting and attractive to the minds of the children. The lessons which Christ has taught are to be the standard. Jesus came to give the highest class of education in lessons adapted to the comprehension of humanity. The excellence of Christ is to be our study through time and eternity. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.2
The minds of children are easily impressed, and the impressions given should be of the right character. In every department we must move upward. Our Sabbath-schools give the youth instruction in regard to the truth, and then as they go to the day-school, books are placed before them which confuse the mind, and lessons containing falsehoods are given them to learn. These things need close criticism; for if the young are educated from books that contain a perversion of truth, how will the influence of this education be counteracted? The mind will be of the same character as the food upon which it feeds; the harvest, of the same nature as the seed sown.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.3
It is so easy to drift into worldly plans, methods, and customs, and have no more thought of the time in which we live, or of the great work to be accomplished, than had the people in Noah’s day. Our institutions are in constant danger of traveling over the same ground as did the Jews, conforming to customs, practices, and traditions which God has not given. With tenacity and firmness, some cling to old habits and a love of various studies which are not essential, as if the salvation of both teachers and students depended upon those studies which for years have found a place in the schools. By doing this, they turn away from the special light God has given in the word, and give to the students a deficient education. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.4
Christ taught the people as one having authority, and not as the scribes. There was an uncertain hesitancy in their manner of teaching. Higher education did not come through their instruction; for they dwelt upon an endless round of trivial ceremonies, which were powerless to leave one correct impression upon the mind or character. These foolish religious ceremonies were confirmed by an authority which had not the least significance; for it did not proceed from God. If anything would exclude God from their hearts, it would be these outward observances. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.5
The teachings of Christ went to their hearts and consciences, showing them that they should be striving for immortality rather than dwelling upon trivialities unworthy of their attention. They were convinced that he spoke the truth, yet they would not give up their own traditions for the words of Christ, and this was their condemnation. All time devoted to that which does not cause the soul to become more conformed to the likeness of Christ, is so much time lost for eternity, and this we can not afford; for every moment is freighted with eternal interests. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.6
The Lord has signified that a reform must be made by those who have placed human wisdom in the place of the living oracles. Human wisdom is foolishness; for it misses the whole of God’s providence, which looks into eternity. The word must be searched, yea, eaten, in order to purify and prepare men to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. From the first, schools conducted by Seventh-day Adventists should take the word of God as their lesson-book; and in doing this, teachers and students will find hidden treasures, the higher education.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.7
That which the Lord has spoken concerning the instruction to be given in our schools is to be strictly regarded; for if there is not in some respects an education of an altogether different character from that which has been carried on in some of our schools, we need not have gone to the expense of purchasing lands and erecting school buildings.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.8
The Bible has been brought into our schools to some extent; but teachers and students have depended largely upon books containing ideas and sentiments that are misleading. When the light of truth for these last days came to the world in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angel’s message, we were shown that a different order of things must be brought in; but it has taken much time to understand what changes should be made in the lines of study in our schools. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.9
It is most difficult to practice right principles after having been so long accustomed to the practices of the world; but reforms must be entered into with heart, and soul, and will. Errors may be hoary with age; but age does not make error truth, nor truth error. Altogether too long have the old customs and habits been followed. The Lord would now have every idea that is false put away from teachers and students. Above all other books, the word of God must be our study book, the basis of all our education, irrespective of previous habits and customs. Its living principles, woven into our lives like threads of gold, will be our only safeguard in trials and temptations; its divine instruction the only way to success. Teachers are to bring this instruction into their class work, yoking up with Christ, the great Educator. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.10
How this can be done has been the question of long-established schools. Efforts have been made; but so many doubtful questions have been asked, so many counsel meetings held, that every difficulty might be discerned, that reformers have been handicapped, and some have ceased to urge reforms. They seem unable to stem the current of criticism and of doubt. But if by faith they had advanced in the right way, following the great Leader, light would have shown along their pathway, removing the difficulties. The approval of God would have made them hopeful, ministering angels would have co-operated with the human agent, bringing light, and grace, and courage, and gladness.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.11
The work which God requires of his people in faithfully reforming their educational work has not been done. The first attempt to change the old customs and practices has brought severe trials upon those who would walk in the way which God has pointed out; but we must understand that a soldier’s life is one of aggressive warfare, or perseverance and endurance. We are not engaged in mimic battles; we have to meet the most powerful adversaries; for “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” We are to find our strength just where the early disciples found their strength. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.12
This is the work that needs to be done. Principals and teachers need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.... All are now to obtain an experience which will establish their whole hope and faith and confidence in Christ, that when conflicts come which tear the soul asunder, they may have a refuge..... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.13
We are living in the closing work of these perilous times, when “truth hath fallen in the street, and equity can not enter:” when “he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” The great, grand work of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord, is to be accomplished.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.14
The truth is light and power; and to present it so that impressions should be made upon hearts, should be the work of our schools as well as of our churches, of the teacher as well as the minister.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.15
God expects his institutions to excel those of the world, for they are his representatives. Men truly connected with God will show to the world that a more than human agent is standing at the helm. Satan has used his most ingenious methods to weave himself in, and thus make of none effect the divine agencies. I tell you, in the fear of God, the standard of true education must not be lowered, but must be lifted higher and still higher, far above where it now stands. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.16
I call upon our school faculties to be philosophers to work on a higher plane in educational lines. Our facilities for education must be purified of all dross. It is not men whom we are to exalt and worship; it is God, the only true and living God.... If man lays hold of the divine nature, working upon the plan of addition, adding grace to grace in perfecting a Christian character, God will work upon the plan of multiplication. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you,” he says, “through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” E. G. WHITE. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.17
THE TREE OF LIFE AND THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE
“And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.... And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.18
It was not the will of God that the sinless pair should know aught of evil. He had freely given them the good, and had withheld the evil. But, contrary to his command, they ate of the forbidden tree. The disobedience to God’s express command, opened the flood gates of woe upon our world. The tree of knowledge had been made a test of their obedience and their love to God. Satan could have access to them only at the forbidden tree. Should they attempt to investigate its nature, they would be exposed to his wiles. They were admonished to give careful heed to the warning which God had sent them, and to be content with the instructions which he had seen fit to impart. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.19
Filled with enmity against God, Satan lurked in the forbidden tree, making it the field for carrying out his plan to ruin the human race. Appearing to Eve in the form of a serpent, he addressed the woman, saying: “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.... For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” By partaking of this tree, he declared they would attain to a more exalted sphere of existence, and enter a broader field of knowledge. He himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit, and as a result had acquired the power of speech. He insinuated that the Lord jealously desired to withhold it from them, lest they should be exalted to equality with himself. He said it was because of its wonderful properties for imparting wisdom and power, that he had prohibited them from tasting or even touching it; that God had been seeking to prevent them from reaching a nobler development, and finding greater happiness. Satan claimed to have received great good by eating of the forbidden fruit; but he did not let it appear that by transgression he had become an outcast from heaven. He concealed his own misery, in order to draw others into the same condition. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.20
Satan is still doing the same work begun in the garden of Eden. He is working vigilantly, that men may accept his assertions as proof against God. He is working against Christ’s efforts to restore the moral image of God in man. By every species of deception, he is endeavoring to induce man to eat of the forbidden tree. He thus tempts man to disobedience by leading him to believe that he is entering a wonderful field of knowledge. But this is all a deception. Elated with his ideas of progression, man is setting his feet in the path that leads to degradation and death. Satan, in a deceptive garb, still lurks in the tree of knowledge. The words of God spoken at creation, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it,” come sounding along the line of ages to us to-day: for “they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.21
The garden of Eden was not only Adam’s dwelling, but his school-room. As in that school, so in the school of earth to-day, two trees are planted, - the tree of life, which bears the fruit of the true education; the tree of knowledge, yielding the fruit of “science falsely so called.” All who have a connection with Christ have access to the tree of life, a source of knowledge of which the world is ignorant. After sin entered this world, the heavenly Husbandman transplanted the tree of life to the paradise above; but its branches hang over the wall to the lower world. Through the redemption purchased by the blood of the Son of God, man may now partake of its life-giving fruit. The tree of knowledge has its roots in the earth - it is of the earth, earthy. All who have tasted of the heavenly fruit, the Bread of Life, are to be co-workers with God, pointing others from the tree of knowledge to the tree of life, that they also may partake of its fruits. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 158.22
Jesus Christ is to the world as the tree of life to which Adam and Eve had access in the garden of Eden. When, by disobedience, the fallen pair were deprived of the fruit of this tree, thy lost everlasting life. The tree of knowledge became a curse to them, not because of its poisonous qualities, but because of their act of disobedience. It was attractive to them; and in their great desire for it, they partook of it, and lost their purity and their allegiance to God. But Christ presents himself as the Life-giver, the tree of life for the world. By feeding upon his flesh, and drinking his blood, our spiritual life is perfected. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.1
Shall the education given in our schools be after God’s order, or after the wisdom of this world which the Lord pronounces foolishness? Shall the hearts of the students become estranged from God by eating of the tree of knowledge, which hardens the heart into disobedience and administers to vanity and pride? Shall not the education given in our schools be of that character which will give a more decided knowledge of God’s word, and which will bring the soul into a vital connection with God, keeping God before the mind’s eye, and arousing every better feeling of the soul? This is the kind of education which is as enduring as eternity. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.2
There are many beliefs which the mind has no right to entertain. Adam believed the lie of Satan, the wily insinuations against the character of God. It is well and essential to obtain a knowledge of the world in which we live; but if we leave eternity out of our reckoning, we shall make a failure from which we can never recover. It will be as the knowledge gained by eating of the fruit of the forbidden tree. All the speculative opinions which, through the devising of Satan, have been brought into educational work, are to be separated from the truth. This was the work of the Redeemer in coming into the world. The opinions and speculations of men had become abundant; they occupied the ground with a multitude of theories which made it difficult to distinguish truth from error. In view of the near coming of him who is the Truth, now of all other times, we are to know the truth, and the truth is to make us free. Obedience to the commandments of God does not bring the soul into bondage. The sayings of Christ have a value above that of silver or gold. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.3
All who receive Christ in truth will believe him. They will see the necessity of having Christ abiding in the heart by faith. They will escape from the control of their hereditary and cultivated tendencies, their pride, vanity, self-esteem, worldliness, and every sin, and will reveal Christ in their lives. If God’s word is eaten as the bread of life, they will become thoroughly aroused to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God that worketh in them, both to will and to do his own good pleasure. Men must co-operate with God. By obedience to his laws, they must reveal the respect they have for his word. They will not then disobey the commandments of God, eating of the forbidden tree of knowledge. They will heed the requirements of God. In this they are eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, who is represented by the tree of life. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.4
Age after age the curiosity of man has led him to seek for the tree of knowledge; and often he thinks he is plucking fruit most essential, when, like Solomon, he finds it altogether vanity and nothingness, in comparison with that science of true holiness which will open to him the gates of the city of God. Human ambition has been seeking for that kind of knowledge that will bring self-exaltation and glory and supremacy. Thus Adam and Eve were worked upon by Satan, until God’s restraint was snapped asunder, and their education under the teacher of lies began in order that they might have the knowledge that God had refused them, - to know the consequences of transgression. The sons of men have had a practical knowledge of evil; but Christ came to the world to show them that he had planted for them the tree of life, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.5
Satan is playing the game of life for every soul that is upon the earth. All who will study and obey the directions of God, will have the mind of Christ. Then all passions, all dissensions, will be put away. There will be a cultivation of the higher faculties of the mind. It is essential that we gain a knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. False religion and erroneous educational ideas and sentiments are prevalent. Because there is so little study of the word, there is with many scarcely any desire to know what saith the Lord. Errors have come in and usurped the place of truth. The wild branch has been grafted in, and has borne wild grapes. The result has been centuries of darkness and error. Men have introduced human theories, thinking as did our first parents when tempted by Satan to eat of the tree of knowledge, that they would thus become as gods. But these sentiments are not in harmony with the Word. They are false and ruinous theories. The one, the word of God, is the tree of life; the other is the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge, and all who pluck and eat of this possess a disorderly imagination.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.6
We can not, in this day of peril, accept teachers because they have been in school two, three, four, or five years. The question which should decide whether they are qualified for their work should be, Have they, with all their acquisition of knowledge, searched the Bible and dug beneath the surface for truth as for hidden treasures? or have they seized the chaff in the place of the pure wheat, thoroughly winnowed? Are they partakers of the fruit of the tree of life? We can not consent, at this period of time, to expose our youth to the consequences of learning a mixture of truth with error. The youth who come from school without feeling the importance of making the word of God the first study, the main study, above every science in educational lines, are not qualified in these days of peril to enter upon the work of the teacher.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.7
The question of how to obtain a knowledge of God is to all a life and death question. Read Christ’s prayer to his Father, intended not merely as an important lesson in education for the disciples, but to come down through all time for the benefit of those who should read the inspired writings. “Father,” he prayed, “the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee; as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is the life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.8
Christ promised his disciples that he would send them the Holy Spirit, who would bring all these things to their remembrance. All those who render obedience to God’s commands will be given free access to Eden restored and to the tree of life. He who is the fountain of all knowledge has stated the condition of our fitness to enter the heaven of bliss, in the words, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” E. G. WHITE. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.9
THE NEED OF CHURCH SCHOOLS
In all our churches, and wherever there is a company of believers, church schools should be established; and in these schools there should be teachers who have the true missionary spirit; for the children are to be trained to become missionaries. It is essential that teachers be educated to act their important part in instructing children of Sabbath-keepers, not only in the sciences, but in the Scriptures. These schools established in different localities, and conducted by God-fearing men and women, as the case demands, should be built upon the same principles as were the schools of the prophets.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.10
Special talent should be given to the education of the youth. Few have the necessary instruction in religious lines. Few understand distinctly what they must do to be saved. If the instructors themselves have a religious experience, they will be able to communicate to the students that knowledge of the love of God which they have received. These lessons can be given only by those who are themselves truly converted; and this is the noblest missionary work that any man or woman can undertake. Teachers must love the children because they are the younger members of the Lord’s family. The Lord will inquire of them as of the parents, “What have you done with my flock, my beautiful flock?” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.11
There is earnest work to be done for the children. Before the overflowing scourge shall come upon all the dwellers upon the earth the Lord calls upon all who are Israelites indeed to serve him. Gather your children into your own houses; gather them in from the classes who are voicing the words of Satan, who are disobeying the commandments of God. Get out of the cities as soon as possible. Establish church schools. Gather in your children, and give them the word of God as the foundation of all their education. Had the churches in different localities sought counsel of God, they would not need to be thus addressed on this point. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.12
When the children of Israel were gathered out from among the Egyptians, the Lord said: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment; I am the Lord.... And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side-posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through and smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side-posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and thy sons forever.” Any one of the children of the Hebrews who was found in the Egyptian habitations was destroyed. The blood upon the lintel of the door symbolized the blood of Christ, which alone saved the first-born of the Hebrews from the curse. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.13
We have a special work to do in educating and training our children that they may not, either in attending school or in associating with others, be influenced by those of corrupt habits. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.14
The education that is generally given in the schools of the world is not that which can be accepted as true education. Educators of youth should be Christians, who are themselves under the discipline of God. They will then have a sense of their responsibility which, as Christians, they will maintain under all circumstances and provocations, never displaying a passionate or an arbitrary spirit. They will reveal sound principles, unswerving integrity, pure sentiments. These are the high thoughts which will draw the youth to the higher education. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.15
Let us view the case correctly. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and are to be so educated that they may be the younger members of the Lord’s family, prepared by proper instruction to serve the Lord in their childhood life. Shall the members of the church give means to advance the cause of Christ among others, and let their own children carry on the work and service of Satan? What the Lord Jesus expects in all believers is something besides being occupied and active; this activity should be trained in Christ’s lines. God requires wholeness of service. For want of this, all things else are inferior. Children should have a moral fitness to do the work which is due their Redeemer. They should be fitted to witness, in a careless, Christless world, that their Saviour has not died for them in vain. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.16
God wants every child of tender age to be his child, to be adopted into his family. Young though they may be, the youth may be members of the household of faith, and have the most precious experience. They may have hearts that are tender, and ready to receive lasting impressions. Their hearts may be drawn out in confidence and love for Jesus, and they may live for the Saviour. Christ will make them little missionaries. The whole current of their thoughts may be changed, so that sin will not appear a thing to be enjoyed, but to be hated and shunned.... Children who are properly instructed will be witnesses for the truth. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.17
O, for a clear conception of what we might accomplish if we would learn of Jesus! The springs of heavenly peace and joy, unsealed in the soul of the teacher by the magic words of inspiration, will become a mighty river of influence, to bless all who connect with him. Do not think that the Bible will become a tiresome book to the children. Under a wise instructor, the Word will become more and more desirable. It will be to them as the bread of life, and will never grow old. There is in it a freshness and a beauty which attract and charm the children and youth. It is like the sun shining upon the earth, giving light and warmth, yet never exhausted.... GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.18
We may bring hundreds and thousands of children to Christ if we will work for them. Let all who read these words be melted and subdued. Let us in our educational work embrace far more of the children and youth than we have done, and there will be a whole army of missionaries raised up to work for God. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 159.19
I say again, Establish schools for the children wherever there are churches. Where there are those who assemble to worship God, let there be schools for the children. Work as if you were working for your life to save children from being drowned in the polluting, corrupting influences of this life. Schools should have been placed in different localities instead of centering so many large buildings in one vicinity. Various places should have representatives of the truth in their midst, that character might be given to the work of the Lord. We are far behind what the Lord would have us do in this matter. There are places where our schools should have been in operation years ago. Let these now be started under wise directors, that the children and youth may be educated in their own churches. It is a grievous offense to God that there has been so great neglect to make provision for the improvement of the children, when Providence has so abundantly supplied us with facilities with which to work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.1
Can we wonder that the children and youth drift into temptation, and become educated in wrong lines, when they are continually associating with other neglected children? These children are not wisely educated to use their minds and muscles to do a helpful work. There is a world to receive the light of truth, and workers must be educated. Schools which will provide for the education of children and youth must be opened in places where they are so much needed. In the last days, children’s voices will be heard proclaiming the message. As Christ in the temple solved the mysteries which priests and rulers had not discerned, so in the closing work of this earth, children in their simplicity will speak words which will be an astonishment to men who now talk of “higher education.” Then let the church carry a burden for the lambs of the flock in its locality, and see how many can be educated and trained to do service for God. E. G. WHITE. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.2
THE BLOOD ON THE DOOR-POST
During the reading of the Testimonies printed in this number, the reader interjected, as an illustration of a certain point, the following extract from the The Review and Herald, May 21, 1895:- GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.3
The father was to act as the priest of the household; and if the father was dead, the oldest son living was to perform this solemn act of sprinkling the door-post with blood. This is a symbol of the work to be done in every family. Parents are to gather their children into the home, and to present Christ before them as their Passover. The father is to dedicate every inmate of his home to God, and to do a work that is represented by the feast of the passover. It is perilous to leave this solemn duty in the hands of others. This peril is well illustrated by an incident that is related concerning a Hebrew family on the night of the Passover. The legend goes that the eldest daughter was sick; but that she was acquainted with the fact that a lamb was to be chosen for every family, and that its blood was to be sprinkled upon the lintel and side-posts of the door, so that the Lord might behold the mark of the blood, and not suffer the destroyer to enter in to smite the first-born. With what anxiety she saw the evening approach when the destroying angel was to pass by! She became very restless. She called her father to her side, and asked, “Have you marked the door-post with blood?” He answered, “Yes; I have given directions in regard to the matter. Do not be troubled; for the destroying angel will not enter here.” The night came on, and again and again the child called her father, still asking, “Are you sure that the door-post is marked with blood?” Again and again the father assured her that she need have no fear; that a command which involved such consequences would not be neglected by his trustworthy servants. As midnight approached, her pleading voice was heard saying, “Father, I am not sure. Take me in your arms, and let me see the mark for myself, so that I can rest.” The father conceded to the wishes of his child; he took her in his arms, and carried her to the door; but there was no blood-mark upon the lintel of the posts. He trembled with horror as he realized that his home might have become a house of mourning. With his own hands he seized the hyssop bough, and sprinkled the door-post with blood. He then showed the sick child that the mark was there. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.4
Are parents placing the mark of God upon their households in this their day of probation and privilege? Are not many fathers and mothers placing their responsibilities into others’ hands? Do not many of them think that the minister should take the burden, and see to it that their children are converted, so that the seal of God is placed upon them? They do not restrict their children’s desires, referring them to a “Thus saith the Lord.” Many suppose that the Sabbath-school influence will be all-sufficient, that the Sabbath-school teacher will instruct and educate their children in such a way as to lead them to Christ. Fathers and mothers place their responsibility in the hands of others, and thus perilously neglect their own households. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.5
“He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men [men of responsibility] which were before the house.” E. G. WHITE. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.6
MT. VERNON ACADEMY
In the two years that have passed since the last meeting of the conference, earnest study has been given to the problems confronting the academy; and with the blessing of God, some advancement has been made toward their solution. While much yet remains to be done, we are greatly encouraged by the help and presence of the Lord in all this work. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.7
The thought which impressed itself most forcibly upon our minds was the belief that the school was not altogether in harmony with the instruction given by the Lord concerning the subject of industrial education; and while circumstances were not the most favorable for making any marked changes, a beginning was made, and each student was given the privilege of doing one, two, or three hours work each day, the majority choosing three hours. A piece of ground was rented; and this, with the land owned by the academy, afforded work for the young men during a large part of the year. In addition to cultivating the soil, an orchard and a vineyard were planted, and much small fruit was set out. The plan seemed to meet with general favor, and at the last camp-meeting, plans were laid for buying a farm, which we hope to have at no distant day. Other ways and means for meeting these needs of the school have been suggested, but no definite steps have yet been taken for their realization. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.8
A second important and very vexing problem was the financial question, whose demands were many and imperative, and would admit of no delay, as the school was coming far short of paying expenses, and the contributions which had previously supported it were becoming fewer and fewer. Again the wisdom and blessing of God were manifested; and during the last year and a half, the school has paid all its expenses, without using a dollar of its contributions, which have largely increased during this time, and have been applied on the debt, reducing it to between five and six thousand dollars. This has been a source of encouragement both in the school and throughout the conference; and is, we firmly believe, a direct result of the decision to make the academy just such a school as the Lord would have it, not only in name, but also in fact and in power. Years ago the Lord sent the message that the Mt. Vernon Sanitarium should be converted into a school, to give character to the work in Ohio; and since this is the mission of the school, it becomes the officers and teachers to let the Lord himself control all its aspects and relations. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.9
But better than the gift of gold and silver, better than the confidence and good-will of our brethren, is the gift of the keeping and controlling power of God, which has been manifested in a marked manner among both teachers and students, and which has given the teachers the best opportunity to work for our youth. More than once we have been face to face with conditions which no human power could control; but uniting and praying together as one man we have seen the power of God come in, and bring complete victory over every form of evil. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.10
Under these influences the religious interests of the school have outrun the intellectual, in that they are given the first place in the hearts and minds of the students as well as the teachers; and at the present time work is being done in the life and experience of these youth that I have never before seen during my connection with our educational work. A spirit of earnestness and a desire to be wholly on the side of right, is taking possession of many; and the missionary spirit - the spirit of labor - is coming in, and leading them diligently to inquire what they can do for the advancement of the Lord’s work. Some are finding work at their very doors, while others are going into the city to seek out and relieve such as they can help. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.11
All these things rejoice our hearts and lead us to believe that God’s purpose in establishing the school is being realized, in part at least; and with his fostering and preserving care during coming days, what may we not expect at his hands? GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.12
Numerically, the school is not large, and can not be, unless more territory shall be given it by the Conference; but this very condition makes it possible for the teachers to do an individual work for the student, which could not be done if the numbers were largely increased. Our chief regret in being unable to work outside our territory, lies in the fact that in these adjacent fields many youth are growing up without receiving the advantages offered by our schools, some of whom could doubtless be induced to attend the academy if personal work could be done with them. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.13
Looking at the school as it is to-day, with a body of students who are growing spiritually, and whose purpose is to give themselves without reserve to the Lord; with a faculty whose every decision is unanimous, whose interest in the work is deepening, and whose hearts God has touched; and with the overshadowing power and presence of God to direct and control in all its work, we feel to humbly place our hands in his, and to rejoice for the privilege of a part in this service. J. W. LOUGHHEAD. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.14
SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY
The second school established by this people was at South Lancaster, Massachusetts, in the early part of 1882, under the direction of Elder S. N. Haskell. For several years its sessions were conducted in the basement of the old church, which still forms a part of the Seventh-day Adventist house of worship in South Lancaster, the home of the present session of the General Conference. In due time a tract of land, consisting of fifteen or more acres, was secured in the village, and a neat building was erected, suitable for a school of 275 students. Two dormitories have since been built, which affords ample room and comfortable accommodations for the non-residents in attendance. Besides the study of the Bible, departments of history, natural science, drawing, music, phonography, Greek, Latin, etc., are provided for; and opportunity is afforded for a limited number to work on the garden lands, to help meet their expenses. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.15
HEALDSBURG COLLEGE
The college at Healdsburg, California, was the second school of this rank established by Seventh-day Adventists. It was opened for students, April 11, 1882, and received its charter, October 2 of the same year. Like all the pioneer schools of this denomination, it has had an eventful history. Its work was gradually built up by the sacrifices of its friends and the devoted love of its students, until it reached a station from which hundreds of trained missionary workers have gone out to all parts of the world. Its geographical location and climate give it pre-eminent advantages as a training-school for missionaries to the Pacific Islands and other tropical and semitropical regions. Under its influence a Chinese boys’ school has already been established in Honolulu; and in our growing relations with the Orient, Healdsburg College should continue to act an important part in the educational and evangelistic work of the denomination. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.16
ERRATA
In the “Report from the Avondale School,” on page 142 of DAILY BULLETIN, under the heading “Financial Statement,” in the second column, instead of L73,726-9-9 as the present worth of the institution, read L3,727-9-9. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.17
On page 147 of the BULLETIN, first column, in motion of A. T. Jones, “I move that the name of A. J. Breed be substituted,” read the name of J. H. Morrison. 161 DOUBLE NUMBER. The Daily Bulletin Of the General Conference “We are laborers together with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9. GCDB March 6, 1899, page 160.18