General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 8
February 17, 1899
33rd Session. - WORCESTER, MASS., FRIDAY, - VOLUME 8. SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS. - NUMBER 2
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
| Our Pioneer Evangelist, | 9 |
| General Conference Proceedings, | 9 |
| Bible Study, | 13 |
| Report Battle Creek College, | 15 |
| Southern Industrial School, | 15 |
| Australian Publishing Works, | 16 |
| Superintendents’ Reports, | 17 |
| Map of United States Districts, | 20 |
| Statistics, | 20 |
| German Work North America, | 21 |
| Southern European Fields, | 21 |
| Statistics of Conf’s and Missions, | 22 |
| Tabulated Report, Foreign Missions, | 23 |
| Nebraska Sanitarium, | 24 |
TO-DAY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Committee on Plans and Resolutions meets at 11:45 A. M
There can be no better vehicle of truth through literature than the Signs of the Times. The recommendation of the superintendent of District 2, for a special effort to circulate this paper in the cities and towns of the South, should not pass unheeded. Much attention has already been given to medical missionary work in those parts, and this has prepared the way for the reception of the more definite and practical parts of the message, - the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. We do well to keep all branches of the work moving along with equal pace. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.3
The report from District 3 will repay diligent study by all the workers in that field. By this it will readily be seen what parts of the work are lagging; and the receptive laborer may gather suggestions which will prompt him in his future efforts throughout the churches. It is not the most cheering report which shows that, while the churches have had large additions of members, there are fewer subscribers to the church paper than before; or that during one of the most prosperous years known, the amount of tithe paid per capita was materially less than formerly. There are several valuable pointers in the report. Do not fail to get them for future reference. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.4
The comparison of population and church membership between Eastern and Western districts, as arranged in the report from District 1, is worthy of study. All may not agree with the conclusions the superintendent has drawn from his figures, but certainly it would seem that his statements and appeals should weigh in the considerations of the Distributing Committee. The questions he propounds in the closing part of his report should also have serious consideration. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.5
Much interest attaches to the report from District 6, from the fact that it includes all that part of the country permeated with Mormonism. The American Baptist Home Mission Society has published some facts concerning these people, which are here reproduced, and illustrated by the picture on page 11, kindly furnished by the Union Gospel News, published in Cleveland, Ohio:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.6
[PICTURE - ELDER JOSEPH BATES]
In Utah there are 240,000 people, 200,000 of whom are Mormons. In spite of all efforts to the contrary, the Mormon religion is steadily advancing; and as shown by the tentacles of the octopus in the engraving, it has spread over large portions of Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. It has 2,000 missionaries in Europe and America, and 60,000 converts are said to have been added to its ranks within a year. Bible truth should be so zealously propagated in District 6 as to counteract the baneful effects of polygamous Mormonism. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.7
OUR PIONEER EVANGELIST
Near the close of the year 1844, immediately following the great disappointment of the Advent believers in not meeting their expected Lord, Mrs. Rachel D. Preston, a Seventh-day Baptist of New York State, went on a visit to Washington, New Hampshire. There she came in contact with a company of Second Advent believers, and sympathized with their views of the Lord’s near coming. They, in turn, received from her the doctrine of the seventh-day Sabbath, and thus was formed the first company of Seventh-day Adventists, about forty in number. Among these, two ministers - J. B. Cook, and T. M. Preble - received the Sabbath and began its proclamation. They soon gave it up, however, while under trial; but before doing so they imparted their views to Elder Joseph Bates, who, in turn, gave the same to Elder White and his wife. From the preaching of these three, the message soon spread far and near. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.8
Elder Bates was a man of the old school, tried and true. He was born of hardy New England stock, in Rochester, Massachusetts, about seven miles from New Bedford, July 8, 1792. As soon as he was old enough, he began following the sea, and in due time mounted the several steps between cabin-boy and captain. After a varied experience, in which he was impressed into the British naval service, he retired from the sea in June, 1828, with a handsome fortune for those days. Receiving the Advent doctrine a few years later, he began to devote his entire time to its propagation, freely spending his own money for its advancement. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.9
Elder Bates, though firm as a rock, was a true Christian gentleman, an ardent laborer in the cause he loved, and a man of strong faith. He was a devoted health reformer, and in consequence continued in active ministry until he was seventy-nine years of age. He fell asleep in the triumphs of faith at Battle Creek, Michigan, March 19, 1872, and was laid to rest in Monterey, of the same State, his adopted home town. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.10
GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Address of the President of the General Conference Association - Discussion - The Financing and Management of Schools. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.11
THIRD MEETING, THURSDAY, 9:30 A. M., FEBRUARY 16. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.12
This meeting was called to order at 9:30 A. M. Devotional exercises were led by Elder E. J. Waggoner. The minutes of the previous day’s proceedings were read and approved. The consideration of General Conference Association business was then introduced by the address of the president, which follows:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.13
It is thought that perhaps we had better give a brief outline of the General Conference Association, so that our people may become familiar with it, and understand the work that it is carrying. The General Conference Association, familiarly known as the “G. C. A.,” is a legal corporation, yet it is identical in its work with the General Conference. It is the business agent of the General Conference, and holds the titles of all property that comes to the General Conference, and looks after the business part of the work of the General Conference. The General Conference itself is not a Corporation. It is simply a religious organization. The General Conference Association is the General Conference corporation, or business agent, and is recognized in law as such, and can do business, institute suits, be sued, etc., like any legal body. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.14
This association was organized in 1887, and adopted a constitution, which was amended in 1889; and it is acting at the present time under its amended charter. It is incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan, having a special act of the legislature for that purpose. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 9.15
It was originally designed that this corporation should hold the title to all property, and carry on whatever business should come to it. Later, it began to enlarge and branch out, until it reached out in many directions, even beyond the highest anticipations of those who brought it into existence. We find that along in 1893-95 it began to assume larger proportions, holding titles to property in all parts of the world, getting a large control of the publishing work, directing sanitariums in various parts of the country and taking an active and aggressive part in the foreign mission work. In fact, nearly the whole work of the denomination was carried on under the name of the General Conference Association. All the funds of the denomination that came into the treasury in a general way were entered upon the books of the association. At that time there was but one set of books, known as the books of the G. C. A. All the money received for foreign mission work, the tithes to the General Conference, and all gifts, bequests, and legacies of every description were entered upon the books of the G. C. A. Moneys paid out were charged up to this association, or credited to it. In fact, everything was done through its name. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.1
It had reached proportions so large that it began to be feared that it might get too large, - that its interests might become so great that, if persecution should arise, or any trouble should come to it, harm might be done to the cause in more ways than one. Since all the property was held under this one name, the work might become embarrassed, and many of our institutions could be closed up, which we had hoped might be kept open to the close of the work. Therefore it was thought wise, in view of the evils that might come to the work through this association, that instead of making it such a tremendous corporation, we should begin to cut down some of its work, forming separate organizations, associations, and managing boards, thus relieving it of much of the work that it was carrying. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.2
You will notice that up to 1897 the association has been carrying on the publishing work. In the fall of 1896 some Testimonies were received saying that, instead of centralizing everything in the General Conference and the association, we should divide up these responsibilities, allowing other bodies to assume parts of this great work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.3
The association had gained control of a considerable number of subscription books, and had taken many of the really profitable works, buying them from the Pacific Press or the Review and Herald. It had begun to make contracts with authors, and had gone into the publishing work extensively. Receiving this instruction not to centralize the work, recommendations were made in the fall of 1896 that we return to the publishing houses the responsibility of the publishing work in the United States of America. The management and control of the publication and sale of our denominational literature in the United States were accordingly turned back to the publishing boards of the Pacific Press and the Review and Herald offices. To these houses were sold their manuscripts, stock on hand, plates, and all that the associations held in that line. At that time the association was making a profit of from ten to twelve thousand dollars a year in this work, which income it had been thought, would be a continual resource in days to come, to meet emergencies. This work having now been turned back to the publishing houses, that income was cut off, and the association has carried on no line of publishing work in the United States since that time. The publishing work in foreign countries, however, was still in the hands of the G. C. A., including the Canadian possessions. I might mention that since that time the association has sold out to the Review and Herald Pub. Co. its Toronto house, Toronto, Ontario. The G. C. A. now has nothing to do with the publishing work in Canada and the United States, although it still controls this work in Mexico and the West Indies; and directly or indirectly, in London, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. The association is responsible for the deficits and the losses and gains of the publishing work in these countries. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.4
At the same time, 1897, we were much interested (and I trust we are now equally so) in the sanitarium work; and the association had invested considerable money in establishing sanitariums in various places. It had built a sanitarium at Boulder, Colorado: started one at Portland, Oregon: and had started one in co-operation with the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and one at Guadalajara, Mexico. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.5
After due consideration, it was thought best that the association should not be responsible for the management and control of these sanitariums; and as the Medical Missionary Association had been organized for that specific purpose, the General Conference Association relinquished its claims and control and management of the sanitarium interests; and these institutions were either turned over as a donation or sold to the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. Thus the General Conference Association was relieved of all responsibility in the sanitarium work. It took some time to bring this change about. I would say that the General Conference Association had invested about $128,000 in sanitariums and sanitarium enterprises, while it was in that line of work. At the present time all these institutions, as far as I am informed, are controlled and managed by the Medical Missionary Association, or by some subordinate corporation that is amenable to that association. Therefore the General Conference Association is not now responsible for any deficits that may accrue, nor for any investments that may be made, in that work. However, as I remarked before, I trust our interest in that work is not waning, and that we are full of enthusiasm in this important factor of the message. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.6
The schools that the General Conference Association has built up, and taken an active interest in carrying forward, are situated at College View, Nebraska; College Place, near Walla Walla, Washington; Keene, Texas; Graysville, Tennessee; and Oakwood, near Huntsville, Alabama. These schools are built up, either directly or indirectly, by the General Conference through the association, this organization being largely responsible for the financial matters connected with them. It was supposed, when they were originally started, that they would be but little expense to the G. C. A.; but financial matters coming on as they did in 1893-94, and the price of land and investments that we supposed would bring us handsome returns, rapidly depreciating in value, as you are all aware, the association found itself with these large schools and plants on their hands, and with debts incurred, for which the General Conference is responsible. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.7
These schools are important factors in the education of our youth; and it seems but just and proper that they should be scattered throughout the country, thus obviating the necessity of bringing all the youth to Battle Creek to receive a training. I believe I am speaking the mind of all the delegates before me, and of all interested in this branch of the work, when I say that it was a wise move to establish our schools in the different districts, instead of centralizing them at one or two places. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.8
These schools having been built and fitted up, the co-operation and support of the denomination are needed to make them a success. Large indebtedness having been placed upon them, it is a constant strain upon the energies of those who have the management of these institutions to keep up the finances. I think it should be an important part of the work of this delegation to devise ways and means whereby these schools can be placed upon a self-sustaining basis; and also that a large part of this indebtedness may be rapidly liquidated, so that we may be placed in a condition where we shall be much less embarrassed. I trust that the Committee on Plans and Resolutions, or the delegates from the floor, will see that this may be attained, and the schools relieved from embarrassment. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.9
In this connection I might mention that the indebtedness of our schools is somewhat alarming to every candid, reflecting mind, - not that I think we are not able to carry these debts, but a school should not be hampered with debt. It should be free; and those who are managing these institutions should have the liberty of thought and action that come with freedom from debt. Our schools throughout America are carrying a very large indebtedness. The Battle Creek College, which is not under the direction of this association, being a stock company, has a debt approximating nearly $80,000. We are owing on Lincoln College about $90,000. On our school at Walla Walla we owe about $26,500; and besides, the school is indebted to the investment of the G. C. A., above its appropriation, about $26,000, making about $53,000 that that school is struggling under. Healdsburg owes about $50,000. These four large schools are indebted, - to the denomination, to be sure, but still they are indebted, - to the extent of about $273,000. You can readily see that this makes a heavy burden for somebody to carry, and it must be a great embarrassment to those having the management of these schools. I hope this delegation will see fit to suggest some plan by which these various boards may realize some inheritance, or contribution, or some fund from some source, that they could pay off this large indebtedness, be free to carry on their school work, and develop the plans on the industrial line that ought to be set in operation. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.10
The publishing work of the General Conference Association is a thing which I believe to be of great interest to these delegates. There is a company formed, - it is not a company, but we term it so, - known as the General Conference Publishing Company. It is a company that has charge of the book business outside the United States of America and the Dominion of Canada. It furnishes books to all the foreign mission fields, such as the West Indies, Central America, Mexico, and South America. It ships books to London, to be reshipped to India, or to the Echo Publishing Company in Australia; and is carrying on large and diversified interests in the publishing work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.11
Most of the book business that the General Conference does is on credit. That is to say, in the shipment of these books to foreign mission fields, the management in these places expect time in which to pay for them. As far as I am able to tell, that work has been carried on a great deal with the tract societies, the time of credit being unlimited. Often the debtors are unable to pay, but they keep ordering books, and we hardly dare refuse to send them; so that debts keep piling up. But the publishing houses always expect cash in a short time for books we order; so the General Conference really has to pay cash for its books, and sell them on credit, which being unlimited and extended continuously, often makes it hard for it to meet its bills. It had to borrow $65,000 last fall to pay the printing-houses for books it had sent to foreign mission fields, such as the West Indies, South America, and other places. It is only right that these printing-houses should make their collections; but some plan should be devised by these delegates by which to reimburse the General Conference. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.12
The General Conference Publishing Company, it seems to me, might well be discontinued. I might as well be frank, and say that there are no profits received by the General Conference from the book business at the present time. All our branch houses expect the association to sell them books at cost. As we are not publishers of books, but only buyers, we simply have to pay the manufacturers the manufacturers’ profit; and when we ship to the branch houses, they expect us to ship them as cheaply as if we were manufacturers, so that when we ship our books to London or Australia, or any of our publishing houses, the association realizes no profit; and if it can not make prompt collections, which those acquainted with the work know is difficult to do, it has to do the clerical work for the good of the cause, and pay interest on the investment. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.13
Now if those connected with the work in other lands were able to make some arrangement by which appropriations to their fields could be taken out of the funds sent from this country, and pay the association in advance for books, it seems to me the work could be carried forward without so much loss. But I will not discuss the plans which should be devised, but trust to your good judgment to make suggestions and develop plans that will be for the best. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.14
The General Conference has a large indebtedness on its hands which these delegates must in council set in operation some plan to liquidate. The treasurer’s report will give you the details of this. Large sums of money have been borrowed to carry forward the work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.15
Some may have received the idea that money has been spent lavishly and wasted, and that the incoming board are suffering because of other men’s failures. I wish to correct any such idea, if existing. So far as I have been able to discern, there has never been a dollar squandered. So far as the present board of managers has been able to discover, no money has come into the office, which has not been legitimately accounted for. There has been no waste of money, except, perhaps, in making larger investments in plants and buildings than was wise. We were all enthusiastic in those schemes in the days when they were building, so it seems to me we are all about equally responsible. Because matters turned, and property depreciated, we can not reflect upon those in authority. I want to assure you, brethren, that as far as I have been able to discern, everything has been just as straight in the past as it is at the present; and that money has not been wasted, unless it was wasted in the construction of these buildings and institutions. Nevertheless, it remains with these delegates to settle the question as to how the General Conference shall proceed to raise money to liquidate a part of the present indebtedness. I do not say that it would be wise to try to raise the whole amount. The General Conference is abundantly able to carry a part of its indebtedness, but some plan should be set in operation by which a portion of it may be raised. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.16
There may have gone out among some people the idea that the General Conference is not able to pay the claims against it. I want to say that since I have been connected with the General Conference business, there has never been a note presented, or a claim of any kind made against the association, that it has not been able to meet. We have not always had the money on hand, and sometimes have asked our creditors to wait a few days, or perhaps a month; but I think we have never put off a creditor more than thirty days, at the farthest. True, sometimes it seemed utterly impossible ever to meet another claim: but I want to give God praise for working in a marvelous way; when we have needed money, he has put it into the heart of somebody to send it to us. Those who are managing the work do not deserve credit; for this has often been done when our hope was well-nigh gone. If a man can have his faith strengthened by seeing God work, it seems to me we have sufficient evidence that God is in this work by the way he has relieved us in an unexpected manner in the two years just past. We believe that the Lord’s hand is in this work, and that there is no fear but this denomination can, by united effort, pay every obligation it owes, and meet every demand that shall be made upon it. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 10.17
I have now taken all the time allowable, as I wish to have the treasurer’s report presented, so that it may be before you for consideration. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.1
TREASURER’S REPORT
Statement of Resources and Liabilities of the General Conference Association, Year Ending Dec. 31, 1898. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.2
RESOURCES. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.3
| Real and Personal Estate | $301,226 93 |
| Bills Receivable | 86,712 00 |
| General Conference Office Fixtures | 1,874 23 |
| General Conference Library | 533 09 |
| General Conference Publishing Company | 2,274 46 |
| Toronto Branch G. C. Publishing Company | 9,940 78 |
| Battle Creek Tent Company | 5,076 99 |
| Accounts Receivable | 2,249 00 |
| International Tract Society, Limited | 61,423 65 |
| Echo Publishing Company | 5,777 93 |
| South African Conference | 1,567 97 |
| New Zealand Tract Society | 5,146 49 |
| Australian Tract Society | 1,693 69 |
| Cash on hand, and in Bank | 61 20 |
| $485,558 41 |
LIABILITIES
| Bills Payable | $175,339 34 |
| General Conference | 6,840 58 |
| Foreign Mission Board | 95,356 11 |
| Pacific Press Pub. Co. (Oakland) | 674 20 |
| Pacific Press Pub. Co. (New York) | 551 54 |
| Accounts Payable | 24,259 89 |
| Central European Mission | 1,185 70 |
| Stock, or Present Worth | 181,351 05 |
| $485,558 41 | |
| A. G. ADAMS, | |
| Treas. Gen. Conf. Association. |
W. W. Prescott: Has the net indebtedness of the association been increased or decreased during the last term? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.4
Treasurer: It has been decreased. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.5
W. W. Prescott: How does it decrease its indebtedness without income? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.6
The Chair: The time has now come for a recess, and we will take up the consideration of the report after recess, and give opportunity for all the delegates to ask whatever questions they desire. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.7
Here followed a recess of ten minutes. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.8
The Chair: Before taking up the consideration of the treasurer’s report, I would like to call for delegates who have come in since yesterday’s meeting. I forgot to speak of that at the opening meeting this morning. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.9
The following-named persons responded and were seated as delegates: J. G. Hanhardt, Kansas; S. B. Horton, Atlantic; and Jesse Arthur and R. S. Webber, delegates at large. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.10
The Chair: We will proceed with the discussion of the treasurer’s report, and the delegates will feel free to ask any questions they desire. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.11
The Treasurer: In reply to Professor Prescott’s inquiry, I would say that the items I was presenting before the recess were not a standing of the business as a whole, but some particular accounts, to show that we had been making gains. The real thing we have to deal with is these notes; the other is owed to ourselves, mostly, and we can manage such liabilities. The money is demanded on some notes, and this is the matter we now have to look out for; that is why I read these accounts. We paid most of our money in honoring drafts on us from the South African Conference. But in doing so, we have decreased our stock account $103,000. That seems a net loss, as far as we can show on our books; but it is all among ourselves. The accounts to bills payable that we owe to others, and which we must pay in cash, have been decreased. Are there any other questions? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.12
R. A. Underwood: Has this loss come through such sources as giving $31,000 to the Boulder Sanitarium and other enterprises? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.13
The Treasurer: Yes, sir; partially in that way. There is something over $11,000 in the Rural Health Retreat; $31,000 in Boulder. Here is something that will explain part of that, too. So far as the value of these institutions to the General Conference Association is concerned, that account is represented in the real and personal estate, $301,226, - that amount we could hope to realize out of these institutions, were we to sell them; but we do not want to sell them. Those institutions must be continued. In addition to this, large sums of money have been paid out on these institutions, and these stood to our debit on our books; and unless we wrote these off our books, they would stand there as a resource, so appearing in the last published statements. In the past these debits have simply been written off to these accounts, showing them as resources. I have endeavored to get these statements down to the point where I GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.14
[MAP - THE MORMON OCTOPUS. (See first page.)]
could tell as nearly as possible the exact condition of the business, and just how we stood financially. In order to do that, I wrote off those accounts. They are as follows: General Conference Association fund, $18,724.21; the Rural Health Retreat, $11,723.15 (there may be some yet to come in from that); the Nebraska Sanitarium, $2,000; Huntsville school, $10,965; Keene Academy, $5,347; Denmark school, $3,217; Milton Academy, $7,900; Walla Walla school, $33,753; Union College, $16,415; Southern Industrial School, $2,139; we have here accounts receivable, which we can not hope to realize upon, amounting to $7,000, making a total of $109,205. And then to decrease this, we have in General Conference donations, $4,257; sundry donations, $506; accounts payable, $1,200; that is, they are accounts that we shall not be called upon to meet; they are matters that are held for the time being for adjustment of trusteeships, and then will revert to the association. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.15
C. P. Bollman: Did you read the present worth of the association? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.16
The Treasurer: Yes, sir; it is $181,351.05. Are there any other questions? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.17
J. M. Rees: Does that include the church property you hold? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.18
Treasurer: No, sir; it does not. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.19
Eugene Leland: I noted an item under the heading of bills receivable, - $5,000 from the Battle Creek Tent Company. Is that a private institution, or is it something connected with the General Conference Association? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.20
Treasurer: It holds the same relation to the General Conference Association that the General Conference Publishing Company has, as Brother Evans explained a little while ago. It is controlled and managed by the General Conference Association; but Brother Evans is the manager of the Tent Company. While we count that as a resource, yet it has no real value in property and possessions, to amount to that. It is a money-making institution, and, as I showed you, it has decreased its indebtedness about $3,000 since the last published report presented before this body. Being along this line, we count it as a resource. It is paying its debt gradually. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.21
C. H. Jones: Will this report be printed? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.22
Treasurer: Yes, sir; I think it will be printed in the next issue of the BULLETIN. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.23
I. H. Evans: Are there any other questions? Just be free, brethren; if there is anything you do not understand, do not sit there and wonder, but just ask questions. This is your business. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.24
W. Ziegler: I would like to ask what are the liabilities, so far as notes drawing interest are concerned? I did not get that idea. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.25
Treasurer: I do not know just how many notes there are of this nature. There is $175,000 worth of notes that the association is directly responsible for, on the bills payable account; but not all of them draw interest. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.26
H. C. Basney: I believe that I understand that the association is $103,000 worse off than it was two years ago. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.27
Treasurer: Only from the showing. It is not so much worse off, but we are trying to get the statements down where they will tell us the exact condition of the business. And so, as I said, we wrote these accounts off the books. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.28
I. H. Evans: Any other questions? Some look as if they did not understand the matter. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.29
C. H. Jones: The reason I asked if the report was going to be printed was that if we had it before us as a whole, we could understand it much better. There are some points that I do not fully understand. Why were those accounts written off, and the accounts given to all the schools? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.30
Treasurer: The idea was that all we could hope to realize out of them was what the association could realize from them. The schools were struggling along, doing the best they could to pay their way, and this money was advanced to help them out. Why hold it as a resource against them, when it was simply an appropriation made from this body? That would make our financial showing a great deal different. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.31
C. H. Jones: Was it voted as a gift or as a loan? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.32
A. G. Adams: It was voted as appropriations to the different schools. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.33
I. H. Evans: Last year we had the General Conference Association books and the General Conference books audited by Brother Cadwallader, from Illinois, who had been for twenty years the auditor of the C. B. & Q. Railroad. He went through our books, checked every item, closed up a trial balance, and declared our books to be properly kept and in good condition. We did not bring his written statement here. This year we had our books audited by C. D. Rhodes, the treasurer of the Review and Herald. I have this statement from him:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.34
“This is to certify that I have examined the books of the General Conference Association, General Conference, and General Conference Publishing Company. Have checked journals, ledgers, notes receivable and payable. I find the books in balance, and the work well done. I believe that the statements rendered represent, as far as possible, the true situation of the organizations. (Signed) “C. D. RHODES, Auditor.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.35
The Chair: What will you do with the report of the auditor? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.36
A. J. Breed: I move that the report be accepted. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.37
R. M. Kilgore: I second the motion. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.38
The Chair: All in favor of this say, Aye. Opposed, No. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.39
Carried. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.40
The Chair: It is thought best that to-day be devoted to the consideration of some of these questions that have been brought before the conference through this report. Prominent among these is the question of the best methods by which to sustain our schools, so that they shall not run behind financially. Perhaps Brother Evans will have something to say on this subject when it is open for the delegates to express their convictions on this subject. The schools are a very important factor in the third angel’s message. We have been told that they are the most important institutions in our work, and hence their consideration by this conference is very fitting. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.41
I. H. Evans: It is perhaps not necessary that I say more than in my former remarks. What I would like to see discussed by the delegates is, how we can sustain our schools financially. As I said, the four leading schools in the denomination are in debt at the present time about $273,000. Allowing that indebtedness to draw five per cent. interest, it would annually be about $13,650; but you must be well aware that there are few of our schools paying even running expenses, - I mean operating expenses, - to say nothing of interest, or outlay needed in making improvements. It must be apparent to all that if these schools run in debt every year to the extent of nearly $14,000 in interest, besides the cost of repairs and improvements, they must run still deeper in debt. The fact that they are continually losing in their operating department, means only a few years when they will have consumed themselves. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.42
Take, for instance, Lincoln College, which is running behind a possible $2,000 this year, even though the number of students enrolled on January 1 continues through the whole year. This $2,000 does not mean the amount the school expects to pay for interest, but simply for the operating department. Take our colleges everywhere, - at Battle Creek, Healdsburg, or Walla Walla, - and they will have to struggle with large indebtedness, and it hardly seems proper that these school boards should be hampered and crippled, by being obliged to borrow. Take this school here in South Lancaster. How much more efficient work it could do if it were free from debt, instead of laboring under an indebtedness of nearly $50,000. This causes those in charge of the school to lie awake nights to plan and scheme how they can meet an obligation when it is presented, knowing that they have nothing in the treasury with which to pay it. A school ought to be out of debt, and endowed with a large income, so that it could do efficient work. The teachers ought to be sure of receiving their pay. It is not possible for a teacher to do good work when he is threatened with the loss of position if there is not enough money in the treasury to pay him. You might just as well say a preacher could preach just as well without pay as with it. Maybe we could preach better; but if it is fair for me, it is just as fair for another. These burdens ought to be divided up, and fall equally upon all. Teachers ought not to have greater burdens than ministers; neither ought one board to be burdened and hampered, and another be entirely free. Is there not some way by which these obligations may be largely liquidated, and our schools placed upon a basis on which they will owe no man anything, keeping the expenses within the income, and so conducting our schools more successfully? I hope these delegates in council may be able to devise some way to bring this about. You are aware that a Testimony was sent out last year, in which it was said that the tuition in our schools should be sufficiently increased to meet all the current expenses. That will perhaps have careful consideration here. You know there was an effort made a few years ago to cut down the tuition in order to secure a larger attendance. There may be some help along the plan the conferences carried out, each pledging to pay one teacher or more in its school. There might be some opposition to this plan; but why is it not as practicable for a teacher to be paid from the tithe as for the ministers? Could it be said that the ministry alone were entitled to it, when a teacher does efficient service in training ministers for the field? I think we may discuss these questions profitably, and possibly arrive at a unanimous conclusion, where we shall be in harmony, and so by united effort help to get these schools out of some of their obligations. I will not consume more of your time; but I hope the brethren will be free to suggest plans, and devise means, by which something may be done. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 11.43
The Chair: The matter is now before the delegates. Be free; it does not take long to lose $2.50. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 12.1
C. P. Bollman: It occurred to me that there were so many of us here who do not understand about this, that we would save time by allowing the Committee on Plans to bring in something in the form of a resolution or recommendation to meet this emergency; we would then have something to talk to, and would be educated more rapidly than we would perhaps be with random talks given from the floor. Would it not be best to leave this matter to the committee, until they can formulate something? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 12.2
H. P. Holser: This is certainly an important question, and one that needs careful attention. It is one that is difficult to handle, - more difficult now than it would have been a few years ago, had we then known what we now know. It is a great deal easier to avoid a mistake than it is to correct it after it is made, and it seems to me that the mistake was made in establishing these institutions before we had the necessary resources: but they are established, the debts are upon us, and we must answer for them. It has occurred to me, in the first place, that these debts should be divided up among the several institutions and districts, rather than concentrated in one treasury. I noticed in a late Review that there have been trusts formed, which were disapproved. I believe we are acting somewhat on this principle, in calling all these debts into one place. Do not these debts belong to the district for which they were incurred, and ought they not to be there handled, instead of being placed in one treasury, with the expectation that that treasury will assume the debt, when it has no resources? I believe if any district has a school or institution of any kind which has been worked up in that district, the burden should be carried by that district, especially in this country, where we have so many members. It seems to me that this is the only proper way to handle it. Then there is another point: most of these schools are organized and carried on on a scale that is above our people, and is too expensive. There is not enough simplicity. Too much money is expended in erecting and conducting them. [Amen] from the delegates. I have been impressed with this when visiting other institutions, and comparing them with the luxuries of our own. This is not a good training for young men who go out in missionary fields. The man who is trained here, and has these privileges for a number of years, would not fare very well in Turkey or in Egypt. [S. H. Lane, “Nor in South Carolina.”] He would get homesick in a little while. It would be better for our institutions if they were organized on a more simple basis, and less money were spent upon the diet. The students would come out with better health, and with a better spirit for the work. I believe there is room for reformation in this respect, and that the situation can be materially helped. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 12.3
S. H. Lane: I fully agree with the remarks of the last speaker in regard to the buildings and the management; but I beg to differ in regard to his first proposition. When Battle Creek College was built, it was represented from Maine to California, and was the school of the denomination. Had District 3 - by the way, it was built before District 3 was organized - had a voice in building that college, it would not have put one third of the money in it that is in it. Now I do not think it would be fair to ask the district to assume the responsibility of the debt. If District 3 had what that institution is in debt to-day, she could build a school in every State in the district, and be out of debt. And when District 3 is asked to pay for such an institution, it is asking more than should be asked. I might mention Union College as an illustration of the same thing. It was built up under the protest of some who lived in the district, and now to ask that district to assume $90,000 debt, it seems to me, is to ask more than it will be willing to do, and more than it should be asked to do. But we have these institutions. They are larger than we now need; but this is a growing cause, and just as sure as God lives and reigns, it is soon going to multiply far beyond our expectation. I hope the time will come when the institutions will be none too large. Now we have perhaps 50,000 Seventh-day Adventists in these United States. When we have 100,000, there will be twice as many students, will there not? I have been fearful - and you will excuse me for speaking thus - that we may run into another mistake, and that is that in the establishment of State schools, those in the States where they exist will say that they have their own school, and will therefore have nothing to do with the larger institutions. Brother Holser gave us the idea that if we had known, a few years ago, what we know now, we would not have done what we have. We did not need to do as much as we have. In our present condition, our schools are too numerous and are too large. There has been an aping of the world to a great extent. More teachers are employed than should be, and some of these are not teaching at all. The best thing these can do is to go to work and teach, and then there will be a different state of affairs in our schools. If I were laboring in a Southern State, I would not advise any one from the South to go to our Northern schools [Amen]; and this from the very fact that by the time they have eaten at our tables, and become accustomed to our fare, the contrast between what they left and what they are to return to, is so marked that they do not want to return. They never feel like doing as they would have done had they never come North. Therefore the sooner we get our Southern schools running on the Southern style, the better it will be. We have debts on our institutions, and in connection with these there is a factor to take into consideration. I have been a member of the Battle Creek College Board for three or four years, and I find that it takes from $1,500 to $3,000 a year to keep the plant up. When these big institutions begin to run down, it means something. What are we going to do? Shall we stand by and say, “I was not responsible, and will therefore have nothing to do with these obligations?” - No; let us put our shoulders to the wheel and lift. The question has been asked if there had been any decrease in the debt. Now if there is a single expense decreased, and this can be kept up long enough, all other things being equal, the debt will, in time, be liquidated. Let us see that there is a decrease in all the expenses, and that right along. The conferences can help pay the teachers, and I believe they are willing to do it. When the conferences are convinced that the teachers are teaching instead of superintending, I am sure that there are a good many conferences that will be willing to support more than one teacher. And when the time comes that the teachers all work as hard as the preachers, and the preachers all work as hard as some of the teachers, and all agree, it may be the conferences will pay every teacher. Then contributions can come in sufficient to keep up the plant, and some men and women of means may liberally endow the schools. Then our schools can go forward, clear from debt, and prosper. But no matter what has been in the past, we now have these institutions, and let us stand by them. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 12.4
G. M. Brown: I wish to say that this is a subject in which I am deeply interested. But I believe the testimonies have presented before us some statements that are of great value. One of these is hinted at on page 200 of the “Special Testimonies on Education:” “The church should take in the situation, and by their influence and means seek to bring about this much-desired end. Let a fund be created by generous contributions for the establishment of schools for the advancement of educational work.” Here we see that the Lord lays upon the churches the responsibility of caring for the educational work. We want to get out of the minds of the people the idea that when the school is established, and placed under the management of a board, the workers in the field have no particular responsibility in the matter. When we get back to first principles, where God wants us to stand, the brethren and sisters will feel that these are their schools; and as was suggested by the last speaker, men and women of means will give liberally to reduce this indebtedness. I do not think that we should talk about these discouraging features, and put on long faces, and think that the thing is going to ruin us. Let us talk faith; let us believe that God will hear; let every minister and every one realize that God has laid upon him a responsibility in connection with the school, and not leave it to the members of the board, the mangers, the teachers. It has been suggested that the tithe may be used to pay the teachers. I will read what the Lord has said in regard to this: “It should be the aim of our schools to provide the best instruction and training for Bible workers. Our conferences should see that the schools are provided with teachers who are thorough Bible teachers, and who have a deep Christian experience. The best ministerial talent should be brought into our schools, and the salaries of these teachers should be paid from the tithe.” Now when ministerial talent of the conference is brought into the schools, do you not see that there will be a bond that will bind the conferences to the school? When these ministers go back to their conferences, and tell the people of the school, and the good work that is being done, a real interest will be created in it, and money will flow into the treasury. There has not been as close co-operation between conferences and schools as there should be. I will continue the quotation: “At the same time the churches have a part to act. They should see that those who ought to receive its benefits attend the school. They should assist worthy persons who have not the means to obtain an education.” So you see where the responsibility rests. The school is the child which the conference has brought into existence for the education of the youth. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 12.5
R. A. Underwood: This question has weighed upon my heart more than any other one question, perhaps, with reference to our work in the United States: for, as has been presented, nearly all our schools are running behind in their expenses, to say nothing about the great debts under which they are struggling. Unless a cure is effected by a removal of the disease, they must die. We should study the question of how to conduct these schools on the simple basis in which we all believe. I can think of nothing better to illustrate the point than by narrating an incident of my boyhood days. There was an ambition among some of the boys in our neighborhood, as to who could walk on the highest stilts. After trying stilts four and five feet high, I succeeded in mounting a pair nine feet high, by getting on them from the roof of a shed. But when I got away from the shed, I was confronted with the problem of how to get off the stilts again, and down to the ground, without breaking my neck. It seems to me that we are in a similar situation; and now we are trying, in the fear of God, to get down from the artificial height upon which we have been working, to a firm basis again. I am a member of the Board of Trustees of our good school in South Lancaster; and all the time I have been in this position, that Testimony has stared me in the face night and day. I shall rejoice if this conference will devise means by which this academy can be put on a self-supporting basis. If it can not be done, it is in harmony with the Testimony to close the school; but I hardly think that would be pleasing to the Lord; for I believe that it can be placed upon a sound financial basis. I have in mind a question or two that I wish to present to the conference for consideration. I read one statement, found on page 103 of “Special Testimonies on Education:” “Let the teachers in our schools take their students with them into the gardens and fields, and teach them how to work the soil in the very best manner.” That involves the industrial plan and the cultivation of the soil. I ask how our schools can carry out this instruction if they are held at a time when nature is in bondage to the frost? Would it not be more in keeping with the light of this Testimony if we should begin the term in the spring, - say in March, - and continue the school through the entire summer, letting the three months of vacation come in the winter? Some suggest that there be school all the time; but if there are vacations, would it not be well to have them in the winter? By such a course, thousands of dollars would be saved, in a comparatively short time, in fuel, lights, and food. In the summer no steam heat would be needed; the days are longer; and on the tables might be placed fruit and vegetables fresh from the orchards and gardens, thus saving hundreds of dollars in the running expenses of the school. Since our educational institutions are very important to the interests of the denomination, I believe that it would be wise to consider carefully these questions; for I believe the Lord has light for us. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 12.6
J. M. Rees: I move we adjourn until three o’clock this afternoon. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.1
Benediction by Elder I. H. Evans. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.2
BIBLE STUDY
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
Synopsis of Address by Dr. E. J. Waggoner. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.3
Survey of the Work of John the Baptist - Revealing God - The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy - The Loud Cry - Now Is the Accepted Time. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.4
In the third chapter of Luke, second verse, we read, “The word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.5
That word has wonderfully impressed itself on me in our work during the last summer. The word of the Lord came to John the Baptist. If we take but a brief survey of the scope of John’s work, we shall see that this same message may be a wonderful comfort for us all. Remember that when John came preaching, he came (Isaiah 40:4) as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, saying: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.6
The word of God came to John, and he was the voice. The word of God is a living word. The word of God is a living entity, - a real thing. The word of God came to John, and uttered itself by his mouth. He was only the voice. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.7
Now let us read the message, as in the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, that we may see our relation to it: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. [In another place it says, “The salvation of God.”] The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field; the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever. O thou that bringest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain: O thou that bringest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; ... Say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.8
Keep fixed in your minds this thought, that the work of John the Baptist was not a circumscribed work. It was not a work limited to one place, to one time, or to one man. John the Baptist was not a man simply who had a work to be finished when he died, but he was a voice, the embodiment of the word of God. And that message by John the Baptist was to prepare the way of the Lord. The angel who foretold the birth of John said that he would go before the Lord in the spirit and the power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the Just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. From this we see that the way of the Lord is prepared by preparing a people. And when the way of the Lord is prepared, as spoken by Isaiah, “the crooked shall be made straight.” Mark that, and “make straight paths for your feet”; then “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” The Lord makes known his way to his people, and his way is in his people. So when a people shall be prepared for the Lord, the glory of the Lord will be revealed: God’s way is prepared when his people are prepared. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.9
Why did not the Lord come years ago? Why does he not come to-day? There must be a reason for it. What is it? We are not ready. There are many people who are not ready, who will yet be ready; many people who do not now know anything about the Lord will yet say, “This is our God.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.10
The Lord can not come, because his way is not prepared. Mark this, brethren and sisters: there is more to this work than the mere saving of a few souls on this earth. That is a mighty thing, - a thing which is more than our minds can grasp, - but God’s mind is infinitely greater than that. The glory of the Lord is to be revealed; and that glory is to be revealed to all on this little planet as they have never seen it before. “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles [heathen] the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Here the earth is to be made known, through the church, unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, the manifold wisdom of God, - the glory and power of God. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.11
When the Lord Jesus comes from heaven in a flame of fire, the heavens will be covered with his glory. This message, however, prophesies that the glory of God shall be revealed preliminary to his coming. The way of the Lord is prepared when his way is seen in his people; then the glory of the Lord is revealed. It shines forth from his people. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.12
Many people will be saved, who have not yet heard God’s truth. Thousands have died with just a glimmering of the light. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.13
The questions may arise, Why should we in the last days have so much more light than somebody else? and why should more be required of us in the very last days than of somebody else? If persons formerly were saved with only a glimmering of light, why should it be necessary for a great flood of light to come on the people of the last days? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.14
As I said, the gospel of God means more than the salvation of a few souls: it is the revealing of his glory. When Jesus Christ was on the earth, the Word was made flesh; and this was the glory of the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. The Son of Man is like unto a man gone unto a far country, who gave authority to his servants, and “to every man his work.” That work is to go and preach the gospel to every creature. In sending us out he says, “Lo, I am with you;” for his name is Immanuel - God with us. If we could only grasp these simple truths, and put them into practice, a mighty work would be done. I am not saying anything new when I tell you, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself.” The question is, Who are “us”? - Those whom he has reconciled. How many are us? - All. The next verse tells who, and how many, these are: “Who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” Who are “we”? - Every one who is reconciled. You can not make the pronoun unlimited in one case, and then narrow it down to a few in the other. When we read that God has reconciled “us,” we do not want to limit the “us” to Peter, Paul, James, and John. We do not want to leave ourselves out of that. He has reconciled us. Thank the Lord! Not imputing unto us our trespasses, not counting us guilty, he has put into us - the same “us” whom he reconciled - the word of reconciliation. How did he reconcile us? By the word of reconciliation. He sent unto us the word of reconciliation, and that reconciled us; so that we - all who are reconciled - are ambassadors for Christ; as if God were beseeching by us, we pray you, in Christ’s stead, Be ye reconciled to God. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.15
It does not need a multiplication of words for one who takes that text, and believes it, to see that, in the purpose of God, every soul who receives the message of reconciliation from God is to be a reproduction of the Lord Jesus Christ. The work and the life of Jesus of Nazareth are to be reproduced in every one who receives the message of reconciliation; and they will be, if he receives the message of reconciliation in its fulness. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.16
The message of John the Baptist reaches clear down to the coming of the Lord, when he comes with his reward. The same work is going on now to prepare a people for the Lord. Therefore, just as the word came to John in the wilderness, so to every one who receives the reconciliation of God, the word of God comes. We do not appreciate our privileges; we do not appreciate the gift of God to us. The word of the Lord came to John, and he knew it, and spoke it. Even so is it to be with each one of us. Christ is the Word, and we are to present him. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.17
Look again at this text in Corinthians: “He ... hath put in us the word of reconciliation.” What is that but that which he said in the first chapter of Acts: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me”? It is Christ reproducing himself, - the Spirit of God speaking through each individual directly to the people. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.18
Now when Christ spoke, it was as by one who had authority. The word came from him as direct from God. He was a prophet like unto Moses, - a great prophet, raised up to speak God’s word to the people. He said, “I speak not of myself.” His Father gave him a commandment, what he should speak. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.19
This testimony of Jesus is in the church. In the twelfth chapter of Revelation we read something about this: “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus.” How many of the people there spoken of keep the commandments of God? - All. Is commandment-keeping a denominational affair, an individual matter? It is an individual matter. All have the same righteousness, because each one will have the righteousness of God. How many are to have the faith of God? - All. Do they have it simply as a mass, or will each person have the faith of Jesus for himself? - Each one will have it for himself. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 13.20
We read that the manifold wisdom of God is known to the principalities and powers by means of the church. But the church is composed of units, individuals; the church is the house of God, the temple of the living God, because each individual member is also the temple of the living God. Just as the human body is composed of an infinite number of cells, each cell having life, the life of God, and the life of the body is the united life of all these, so the church of God is composed of a vast number, each one having life from God; and the life of the church is the union of all those units. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.1
This is simple enough. “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God.” Does the dragon make war with the church as a whole, or with individuals? - He comes pretty close to us as individuals sometimes; and the fact that somebody in the church has successfully resisted him, while it is an encouragement to us, is not resistance for us. I like to hear the testimony of how brethren have met the enemy, and conquered him in the faith of Christ; but that does not conquer him for me. I also must resist, steadfast in faith. “Here are they [the individuals] that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” They all keep the commandments of God, and they all have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Each individual of the body keeps the commandments of God, and each individual has the testimony of Jesus Christ. That is not a rash statement; we all believe that. It is not anything new; just simply what we read here. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.2
Now read in Revelation 10:10 what the angel whom John was about to worship said to him: “See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.3
You have made the application already. “Here are they that keep the commandments of God,” “and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Can we not substitute for that last phrase the divine synonym, “The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy”? Thus we read, “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the Spirit of prophecy.” How many have the Spirit of prophecy? - All who keep the commandments of God. Is that so? Now, brethren, do not be afraid to say amen to this, because it is not presumption. If it depended upon us, it would be presumption to say, “My sins are forgiven,” or “I am a child of God.” If it was from me, it would be presumption to say, “I am a servant of God;” it would be presumption to come to God’s throne to pray. I would not dare to do that if he had not told me to come; but when he has told me to come, I dare not stay away. It is not presumption for me to come directly to the throne of God. There is no door keeper to bar the way. God has not put an intermediary between himself and us, but he has a Mediator to bring us to him; for through him we have access to God by the one spirit. Sometimes a fanatic will make a rush to get into the presence of an earthly king, but that is presumption; he has no authority, no right to do so. How much greater presumption it would be for us to come into the mighty presence of God for ourselves, if we had no right there, and we have no right there, unless he provides the way. But thank God, he himself is the way. Even so it is not presumption for us to believe that God has given us the spirit of prophecy, when he himself says so. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.4
Now I know this is a stupendous truth, but I thank God that salvation is a stupendous thing. If we should speak out bluntly at first, and say that the Spirit of prophecy is for every individual, somebody would think it was almost blasphemy. But here when we read ourselves into it, we can not back out; and why should we want to? Why should we want to reject, or hold away from us, any good thing that comes from the Lord? It is not presumption to take anything that God gives to us, because we get it only as we are humble; and no presumptuous soul ever receives the gift of God. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.5
“Here are they that keep the commandments of God.” Now would you feel as if that scripture were fulfilled if we could point but to one or two, or even a dozen, among us, and say, They are good people; they keep the commandments; therefore we are a commandment-keeping people. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.6
We must have the same righteousness that Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul, and John had; we must be those men. God reproduces himself in his works; but O, what infinite variety there is! God reproduces himself in his people, but each individual is to get his fulness from the Lord; for the Spirit divides to every man severally as he will. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.7
Some one will think, - I know the thought that is in some of your minds, - when we come to this matter of the testimony of Jesus, the Spirit of prophecy, and when we come to making the substitution which the angel himself has made for us, that we are treading on sacred ground, because we have got one among us who has the spirit of prophecy, and therefore we must not have that as individuals. The idea is that we have the Spirit of prophecy because there is one among us who has it. That is to say, we are keeping the commandments of God because we have got a good man among us, who keeps the commandments of God. Some of you think that the reading of this, and the saying of this, must necessarily put a slight on the one who has been chosen for a special work, - a work that no other person in the world has or will have. Does it? - No. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.8
In the eleventh chapter of Numbers we read of seventy who were chosen, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon them. “But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.” They did not put on a clerical coat and collar, but they were right there among the common people, as a part of them, and they prophesied. “And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua, the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them!” Well, the last part of that thing has been done. More than eighteen hundred years ago, after a little period of waiting, there came the sound of a rushing, mighty wind, and filled all the place where the people were; and they began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance, and were counted mad by some. Then Peter, filled with the same Spirit, rose and said: “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” How many are left out? - Not one. Moses, the man of God, was filled with the Spirit. He uttered this prayer, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them!” Why do not all have the Spirit of prophesy? - Because they haven’t received it. That is the only reason. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.9
This prayer has been answered: the Lord has poured out his Spirit upon all; for he is no respecter of persons. And this is that they might all prophesy. But we have a narrow, circumscribed idea of what prophesying is. We have our minds fixed upon one thing, and we imagine that everybody must do just that way, or it is not the Spirit of prophecy. Now mind this: God reproduces himself in an infinite variety of ways, and never twice in the same way; therefore it is utterly useless for any one to think to impose upon God or upon God’s people by copying somebody else. So when we find a person coming up, and professing to have the testimony of Jesus, and modeling that testimony as nearly as possible after the real, because that is the way - O, that is not the way! GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.10
Coupled with that prayer of Moses, and the fact that the Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh, waiting only that everybody shall receive Him, take the words of the apostle Paul in the first epistle to the Corinthians, fourteenth chapter: “Follow after charity.” Who shall do this? - just a few? - No, everybody. “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” He does not say that some should follow after charity, and that others may prophesy. No; the one is as broad as the other: all should walk in love, and all should have the Spirit of prophecy. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.11
In this same chapter we read: “If all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.” Who do the prophesying? - All the church. If one comes in, he is judged of all, convicted of all. Thus the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth. This will be the case when God is in his people. But if God is not in the church, - in each individual member of the church, - something is wrong. But when God is truly in the church, these things will be manifest. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.12
What is a prophet, - A speaker for another. We have it plainly illustrated in the Bible. When Moses was called by the Lord to go down and speak to Pharaoh, he objected, demurred, refused, saying he could not speak. Then the Lord rebuked him, and said, “Who hath made man’s mouth?” Then Moses still demurred, and God said, as recorded in the 14th verse, “Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.” Exodus 4:14-16. Now read Exodus 7:1: “The Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” Thus we see that a prophet is simply a mouthpiece. He does not originate anything, but is the instrument through which another expresses himself. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.13
In Jesus of Nazareth we have the restoration of that which was lost through the first man Adam. Now Adam was not simply one individual; but God made them male and female, and called their name Adam. Genesis 5:1. Christ is the second Adam. Why, there is only one seed; but if we are Christ’s, then are we Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Then the second Adam is not simply one man, Jesus of Nazareth, but all males and females who are in him. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.14
There have been faithful men in all ages who have not known all the truth, or had the power that God was willing to manifest in them; yet they will be saved. We are bringing no accusation or condemnation against any man in whom all the power of God has not been manifest. The fact that there will be some people in the last days who will keep, not a part, but the whole of the commandments of God, - who will have the complete faith of Jesus manifest in them, in whom the testimony of Jesus will be perfectly reproduced, - does not prove that they are any better than some of these others. If we, by the grace of Christ, shall be among the number in whom that testimony shall be reproduced, that will not give us the right to boast over some who are less favored; neither will it give us any higher place in the kingdom. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.15
But God must show, not only to the world, but also to the angels, what he can do with poor, fallen, humanity, so that the perfect life of Jesus may be reproduced in all the true church for a testimony to the power of God. The glory of God must be revealed, and all flesh shall see it; it must be so, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.16
You remember that in the account of Saul’s going to consult Samuel, it is written, “Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.” Now read the message to the Laodicean church: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.17
To whom does this message come? - To everybody. Each one needs the eye-salve, that he may see. And when he sees, what will he be? - A seer. What will he see? - God, and the things of God, the message comes, Go, and tell what thou hast seen. That is the whole thing. Then it will be the testimony of Jesus, will it not? Christ said, “I speak that which I have seen with my Father.” When we get our eyes open, that we may see, we shall be seers, and we shall simply go and tell people what we have seen. We shall be speakers for God, the Holy Spirit filling us, and speaking through us. Our mouths will simply be the mouths of God. O, when God speaks with multitudes of mouths, yet with but one voice, what a mighty voice it shall be! I can not speak loud enough, neither is there any person who can utter the voice loud enough; but when that one voice has utterance through ten thousand - yea, ten thousand times ten thousand - mouths, what a mighty sound it will be! GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.18
A. T. Jones: It will be the loud cry, then, will it not? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.19
Yes. What a mighty cry! “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.20
Some may have feared that this meant a depreciation of the Spirit of prophecy as we have known it in the church. The Spirit of prophecy is there; but until the Spirit of prophecy is in every individual in the church, the Spirit of prophecy, as it is there, will never be appreciated. The reason the message that has come to us again and again has been slighted, though nominally accepted, - has been printed, and marked, and put into our pockets unheeded, - is because we have not the Spirit of prophecy ourselves. “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11. Therefore when the Spirit of God takes the things of God, and gives them to us, it is only as we have the Spirit that gives them that we are able to receive them. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.21
May God hasten that day! Hasten it? - O, it is here now! Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation. Here is the message. I say, Hasten the time when all who profess to be among the number who keep the commandments of God shall have the testimony of Jesus, so that they will speak as if God were beseeching through them, - as if it were Jesus of Nazareth. O, what a marvelous thing it is! “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” But, thank God, he has revealed them to us by his Holy Spirit. Shall we take them? They are ours; he has given them to us. O, let us receive them just as freely as he hath given them! GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.22
“The best wine has its lees. All men’s faults are not written on their foreheads; and it is quite as well they are not, or hats would need very wide brims; yet as sure as eggs are eggs, faults of some sort nestle in every bosom.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.23
“There’s fire in the flint, cool as it looks; wait till the steel gets a knock at it, and you will see.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 14.24
REPORT FROM BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE
“The primary object of our college was to afford young men an opportunity to study for the ministry, and prepare young persons of both sexes to become workers in the various branches of the cause. These students need a knowledge of the common branches of education, and above all, of the word of God. Here our school has been deficient.” - “Testimony for the Church,” No. 31, page 56. These words were penned in 1882, yet for some years afterward the school seemed to go much after the old sort. In 1894, however, these encouraging words were given: “Our institutions may swing into worldly conformity. Step by step they may advance to the world, but they are prisoners of hope, and God will correct and enlighten them, and bring them back to their upright position of distinction from the world.” - The Review and Herald, January 9, 1894. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.1
At the last meeting of the General Conference the managers of the college felt that the time had fully come to remodel the institution after the original design. No radical reforms were put into effect at once, but a series of studies were conducted with teachers and students on the importance of manual training, and its proper relation to a Christian education. The result was that money was pledged by the churches in this school district for the purchase of a college farm, and work was at once begun. The several lines of industry already in existence were enlarged, and others were opened. Instruction from the Bible and the Spirit of prophecy on manual training opened minds to see the necessity of a change in literary work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.2
In accordance with a vote of the stockholders at their meeting in March, 1897, the managers of the college attempted some reforms in the manner of conducting the school. This matter, however, was delayed for a time; but in April, 1898, a definite plan of organization was laid before the stockholders by letter. This plan will probably be legally completed about the middle of next August. Recognizing the principles upon which the college had finally taken its stand, the sanitarium, which had for several years conducted an industrial school, turned its students over to the college, and since the spring of 1897 has supported from one hundred to one hundred and fifty students, by allowing them to work for their board, room, and tuition. The Review Office has also shown a kindly interest in behalf of the student canvassers. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.3
During the winter and spring of 1898, a few church schools had been started, in accordance with instruction that each church should support a Christian teacher. To provide for these, a teachers’ institute was arranged; and in July about sixty young men and women gathered for the summer school. As a result, over forty teachers took the field by the middle of September. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.4
Before the opening of the fall term of school in October, 1898, the members of the faculty, together with a number of workers from the several conferences in the school district, met in a five days institute. All departments of work connected with the educational system were carefully considered. Reports of the work done at these meetings have appeared in the Review and Herald from time to time. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.5
One decided change made at this stage of the work was in the manner of conducting the boarding hall. About the first of July, the European plan was introduced as an experiment, and, proving satisfactory, was continued when the fall term opened. According to this plan, the student regulates his own expenses for board. He also has the choice of food and food combinations in his own hands. At present there are nearly two hundred boarders. These pay from $1.25 to $1.50 a week for their meals. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.6
The October opening of the college was encouraging, both in numbers and in the character of the students. It was the most promising initial enrollment for several years, and a large proportion of the students became members of the home families. The first week was wholly spent choosing definite lines of work. The plan of having long courses of study was dropped, and there were offered lines of instruction adapted to the needs of students desiring an education which would fit them to enter some branch of the Lord’s work. The higher mathematics, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, and a protracted study of the advanced sciences, were offered to those who desired them; but at the close of the week, out of three hundred students there were but six who had not chosen their line of work in accordance with the general plan. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.7
PICTURE - LADIES’ DORMITORY, BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE
The seal of God was placed upon the attempt to follow closely the instruction of the Lord in matters of education. In an extraordinary manner the Holy Spirit rested upon the students. The refreshing from the presence of the Lord brought about perfect unity on the part of the faculty with regard to making God’s word the basis of teaching; and all were agreed that “a genuine change of thoughts and methods of teaching is required to place them where they will have a personal relation to a living Saviour.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.8
As a result, the students are offered more lines of work, with less time to devote to each branch. All departments of manual training have been enlarged. Perhaps the most rapid growth has been in the broom-shop. This now gives employment to about thirty students from two to five hours a day. Over one thousand dozen brooms have been sold since the first of October. The farm, too, has proved a good investment. Its winter work has kept seven boys in school, and during the summer many more earn enough to pay their tuition. A year ago, Brother C. M. Christiansen and his wife also placed at the disposal of the college a fine fruit farm of sixteen acres. This was given free of charge, and has been a great benefit to the college. The tailor has work to keep four boys busy out of school hours: a number of girls work in the dressmaking department; a shoe-shop has been opened for business; and enough are working at the carpenter’s trade to make the necessary repairs about the college. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.9
For years a heavy debt has been hanging over the college. This has been a great drawback; for the interest alone has amounted to $3,500 annually. The policy of the present business managers has been to limit expenses to the income. This has required great care, and could be done only by practising the strictest economy. By employing fewer teachers than were necessary under the old plan, the expenses have been materially lessened; and it is hoped that at the end of the year no additional indebtedness will be found. The old debts are being gradually met, and we believe that God will soon open a way for them to be entirely paid. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.10
A new era has opened for the educational work. Its watchword now is, Go forward. In every direction, obstacles are being removed, and doors are being thrown open for workers trained at the college. Since the college has become a training-school for Christian workers, a demand has been created for small schools throughout the conferences, where younger students may receive the necessary preparation to enter Battle Creek College. Michigan has taken the lead in this, and has located the first school of this character at Cedar lake. Wisconsin has followed the example of Michigan, and other conferences are soon to establish similar schools. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.11
Special attention is being given to the training of students for the ministry. About forty-five young men are taking this course, in order to be prepared to carry the gospel to new fields; and opportunities to develop them rapidly in this line are daily afforded in the work that is open to them in the city and neighborhood. It is the aim of the college to furnish workers as fast as they may be wanted. Calls have come from different parts of South America for teachers; the islands of the sea send in their plea for young workers; from Africa the same calls are made. Surely the field for educational work and for Christian workers is the world; and the promise is, “Lo, I am with you alway.”
E. A. SUTHERLAND.
GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.12
REPORT FROM SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
The Southern Industrial School, formerly known as Graysville Academy, is now in the third year of its career under General Conference management. During these three years the institution has steadily grown in almost every department of its work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.13
Perhaps the most evident advancement has been made in the inception and promulgation of an industrial department. At the time of the last General Conference, the school owned practically nothing in the way of tools and fixtures for industrial work. The patrons of the school have come nobly to its support in this matter, so that now it is supplied with horses, wagons, plows, harrow, and other appliances for the purpose of carrying on agricultural work. The institution owns about forty acres of tillable land, a large part of which is devoted to general agricultural products, and a small part to berries. The land not yet under cultivation will be prepared for fruit culture. It is the purpose of the management to make all the manual labor connected with the school educational. To this end the students did a large share of the stone and carpenter work required in the construction of the new dormitory, working, of course, under the instruction of skilled workmen. Plans are being laid to introduce, at the earliest possible opportunity, simple trades, which will be both educational and a source of revenue to the school. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 15.14
ATTENDANCE
A total enrollment of seventy-five at the Graysville Academy was reported two years ago to this body. The total enrollment is now one hundred and thirteen. This increase in attendance is indeed gratifying to the friends of the school, and bears evidence of the fact that our Southern people, during these two years, have taken an increased interest in the subject of Christian education. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.1
COURSES OF STUDY
Thoroughness and practicability have been the watch-words in the class instruction, special stress being laid on the mastery of the common branches. A complete business course has been introduced, based on the “actual business” plan of instruction. This is as good a business course as any school in the State offers, besides being a Christian course, taught by Christian teachers for the purpose of developing Christian workers. A small class will complete this course at the close of the present year. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.2
Inasmuch as so great a demand is made for church-school teachers in the South, and noting the fact that workers for the Southern field are much more likely to succeed if educated on the ground, the school has taken steps to start a teachers’ course. Instruction is already being given to a class in pedagogy, or the principles of teaching. It is expected that by another year a definite line of study will be offered for those who are preparing to act as missionary teachers. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.3
BUILDINGS
For some time the school has sorely felt the need of enlarged facilities, especially a dormitory for young ladies. During the camp-meeting seasons of 1897 and 1898, an effort was made in the Southern district to raise money to build another dormitory. The amount raised was so greatly augmented by personal contributions that the board felt warranted in beginning the new building. Work was begun in May, and the building was ready for occupancy in December, although in an unfinished condition. It is a substantial wooden structure of three stories above a high stone basement. Its dimensions are thirty-two by sixty-four feet, and it contains twenty-eight private rooms, besides a commodious parlor, a dining-room, a kitchen, and necessary storerooms. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.4
The school also needs a suitable building for laundry and bakery purposes. This building will be erected the coming spring. The academy building has been overhauled, rearranged, and papered throughout, thus making it more convenient and attractive. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.5
FINANCIAL
On the subject of financial management, we have received this instruction from the Lord: “If education had been carried on in accordance with the mind and will of God, the dark shadow of heavy debt would not today be hanging over our institutions.” “Shun the incurring of debt as you would shun leprosy.” “Owe no man anything.” In accordance with this instruction, the board of managers have determined to keep the school free from debt, and not to borrow money on the Lord’s credit, but to use only so much as he may see fit to entrust to them. Several times last summer the work on our new building was brought almost to a halt because money failed to come in as we expected; but just at the last moment the money came, and the work went forward. By these tokens we are fully convinced that the “faith method” is the best kind of business policy. Such a policy, conducted in accordance with the Lord’s plan, insures a healthy mental and spiritual tone in the whole institution. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.6
RELIGIOUS INTERESTS
Spiritual growth on the part of the students is the first thing to be sought in the Lord’s school. The missionary spirit is the true index of spiritual growth. The students of the Southern Industrial School have been progressing in their Christian experience, especially during the last few weeks. This has manifested itself in a strong desire on their part to do practical GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.7
PICTURE - GRAYSVILLE ACADEMY AND HOME
home missionary work. They have gone out singly, and by twos, to the neighboring towns and surrounding country, selling and distributing papers, tracts, and religious literature. Some have talked prayed, and sung with families in their homes; others have held cottage meetings, and services for the benefit of the prisoners in the county jail. The latter were especially glad for a word of sympathy and help, over half of them manifesting a desire to lead a better life, and asking for prayer. Still other students have cared for the sick and looked after the poor and needy. Lately the students have organized themselves into bands, that they might concentrate their efforts in carrying the gospel to those who are in the highways and byways. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.8
NEEDS
The needs of such an institution are various, but it is the desire of the management to call attention to only one item. Neither the village nor the school has either a physician or a trained nurse. Consequently the school has no one suitable to teach the principles of healthful living, simple remedies for disease, healthful cookery, and kindred subjects that are so necessary a part of training for the Christian worker, especially in the Southern field. It is the greatest desire of the managers of the school that Graysville may become a center from which light on the subject of healthful living and medical missionary work may be diffused throughout the whole Southern field. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.9
We earnestly ask you to consider this matter, and furnish us with suitable help to give this needed instruction in our school. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.10
In conclusion, we desire sincerely to thank the General Conference for its financial aid, moral support, and for the various ways in which it has contributed to the success of the school. C. WALTER IRWIN. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.11
Our troubles and cares are heavy and burdensome because we do not bear the yoke of Christ, which he says is light. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.12
Christ never disappoints any one who comes to him. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.13
SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
The question of connecting trade industries with student life has been debated among Seventh-day Adventists ever since the introduction of denominational schools among them. Spasmodic attempts, with varying results, were made by some of the older schools to enter upon such a system. However, a brother who was desirous of seeing a model school, based on Christian principles, opened a private establishment in 1892 near Graysville, Tennessee. The climate and scenery of the place were delightful; pure spring water abounded; and the native quiet of a Cumberland Mountain valley gave promise of all that could be desired for a successful enterprise. The school, however, came under the control of the General Conference in 1896, when the general plan of its work was revised, to correspond with the basis of the older denominational establishments. Its original name - Graysville Academy - gave way to another, which more nearly indicates its design and plan of operation. Its buildings consist of a central structure of two stories, resting on a commodious and well-lighted basement, a boys’ dormitory, and a home for the girls. Fifty acres of good land afford opportunity for fruit-raising, vegetable-gardening, and poultry-raising. Some lines of mechanical work are also undertaken. In the house, cooking, sewing, and housekeeping in general are taught by competent instructors. The Southern Industrial School now carries a full corps of capable teachers, and is prepared to give the educational advantages needed by those who shall patronize it. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.14
OAKWOOD INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
This is a school for colored people. Some opportunity for this class of young men and women, which was not afforded by the public schools, was long contemplated by the General Conference. A committee was therefore appointed in the autumn of 1895 to select a central location, and purchase the needed property. A find old estate of three hundred and sixty acres was found and secured near Huntsville, Alabama. The old manor-house of the plantation still stands, as when occupied by its former holders, on a beautiful eminence, among giant century oaks, with the undulating landscape and distant mountains to complete the charming scenery. Lack of time and money have prevented the contemplated improvements in the way of more and larger buildings; but notwithstanding this, the school has, so far, lent encouragement to the hope that the object of the founders will soon be realized. The three hundred acres of land now under cultivation gives ample occasion for working off any lethargy that may be induced in the study or class-room, and for creating healthy appetites. A good practical English course is all that this school now offers, and this meets the present demand. The expense of tuition is placed in line with the peculiar financial situation of those expected to attend. For a limited number of those who may be obliged wholly to work their way to the fountain of knowledge, a place is provided where they may labor days, and attend school at night. Everything, in fact, is done to meet the condition and needs of the lowly. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.15
AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHING WORK
The aggressive work of Seventh-day Adventists in Australia began in September, 1885, when evangelistic services were opened in a tent in North Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne. The publication of a religious journal - the Bible Echo - was begun in January, 1886, which appeared in the form of a sixteen-page monthly. This was printed in a small rented shop at the corner of Rae and Scotchmer streets, which was equipped with a printing outfit costing about four thousand dollars, mostly given by the laborers, and by newly acquired friends of the cause in that country. The increase of business soon made it necessary to move to larger quarters; consequently a site was purchased about four blocks distant, where a suitable building was erected. In 1893 the Bible Echo began to be issued as an eight-page weekly. The same year the company began to publish the Southern Sentinel, a monthly journal, as an exponent of religious liberty. The corporate name of the association is “Echo Publishing Company, Limited.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.16
The third angel’s message is a distinctly separating message. Such a conclusion can not be avoided short of a denial of Christ and disloyalty to God. It is impossible to preach the faith of Jesus without preaching the commandments of God; and vice versa, - the commandments of God can not be preached without preaching the faith of Jesus. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 16.17
SUPERINTENDENTS’ REPORTS. NOT UNDERSTOOD
NOT understood! We move along asunder. Our paths grow wider as the seasons creep Along the years; we marvel, and we wonder Why life is life; and then we fall asleep - Not understood. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.1
Not understood! We gather false impressions,
And hug them closer as the years go by,
Till virtues often seem to us transgressions:
And thus men rise and fall, and live and die -
Not understood.
GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.2
Not understood! Poor souls with stinted vision,
Oft measure giants by their narrow gauge.
The poisoned shafts of falsehood and derision
Are oft impelled ‘gainst those who mold the age -
Not understood.
GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.3
Not understood! How many hearts are aching
For lack of sympathy! Ah! day by day,
How many cheerless, lonely hearts are breaking.
How many noble spirits pass away,
Not understood!
GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.4
O God! that men would see a little clearer,
Or judge less harshly when they can not see;
O God! that men would draw a little nearer
To one another, and be nearer thee,
And understood. Selected.
GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.5
District 1
District 1, including nine organized conferences, and the mission fields of the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland, is much the largest district, and, in some respects, the most important of any of the districts of the General Conference in North America. The district contains about 27,000,000 inhabitants, more than one third of the entire population of the United States, or more than eight times the population of District 6. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.6
It will be remembered that from this region the third angel’s message began its course toward the great West. The devoted sacrifices of the early believers in the message residing in New York and the New England States, sent the message to Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, and the Pacific Slope. If the same spirit of consecration should now characterize the believers in the message that actuated these pioneers, this very year would see the messages take a mighty hold upon the masses. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.7
To this end, the large cities of District 1 should receive special consideration. A little comparison will help to an understanding of the importance of this field. Taking twenty of the largest cities of all America, outside of this district, such as Chicago, St. Louis, San Francisco, Cincinnati, etc., we have a combined population of 6,900,000; while twenty of the largest cities in District 1 have a total population of 8,678,000. Similar results would be reached by comparing a given number of cities of less than 100,000 population in District 1 with the same number in all the rest of the American fields. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.8
It is this congested population of the East that makes it a harder field than the more sparsely settled districts of the great West. This partially explains why the growth of the work in the East has been slower than in the West. This disparity may be more fully seen by a careful study of the “Statistics of Conferences and Missions in North America,” presented by the secretary of the General Conference. It will be seen from this report of the secretary that one conference in District 1 has a population of 7,023,000; another has a population of over 5,000,000. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.9
If we should compare some of the conferences outside the district with some in the district, taking as a basis the membership, the amount of tithes paid during the last year, and the population in the conference, we would find that for every dollar expended in some of the conferences in District 1 for each thousand of the population, other conferences could spend from ten to eighteen dollars upon the same number of the population, in bringing them the message. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.10
While it is the duty of each conference to look well after its home work, in the light of these facts, both of population and of means, does it not seem that the important cities of the East deserve more consideration than they have received? Would it not be pleasing to God to have a more even distribution of men and means over the field? The superintendent believes that this question should have due consideration in the deliberations of this session of the General Conference, and that some provision should be made by which the crying need of the Eastern cities may be supplied. He can not help feeling that with the second largest city of the world, the capital of the United States, and the vast population within the borders of the district, it has yet an important part to act in the closing work of the gospel. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.11
WORK DONE IN THE DISTRICT
In several ways the work of the district has made perceptible gains during the two years just passed. Our camp-meetings have been marked with considerable power and much of the blessing of God, and this spirit has been carried into the local church work. Some of the smaller conferences need the special oversight of the General Conference. There seems to be a dearth of promising young men who are developing for the ministry, and therefore the demand for laborers is not being met as it should be. This brings us to the question, What can be done for the district in the way of developing laborers suited to the needs of the work in these large cities? Is not this a point worthy of consideration by this body of delegates? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.12
The trustees of South Lancaster Academy have taken some steps to relieve the academy of considerable of its debt. Improvements have been made in the line of industrial work in connection with the school, yet there is room for much more to be done. At the district council held Dec. 9-14, 1897, a recommendation was passed to raise $20,000 with which to establish a sanitarium at South Lancaster, and that the new school dormitory be devoted to that purpose. The desired sum has been secured during the last year, and the academy trustees have authorized the sale of the new home to the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, to be used for sanitarium purposes. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.13
We hope this conference will give the subject of education and the management of our schools all the attention their importance demands. The following questions suggest themselves, in view of recent instruction received regarding the proper method of conducting our schools:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.14
1. What arrangements should be made to have the teachers with their pupils in the garden or field for the study of agriculture, without changing the time of beginning and ending the school year? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.15
2. What would be the effect on finances if the school year were to begin in March, and continue through the summer, closing in November or December? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.16
3. Shall each conference support from its tithe one or more teachers in our schools? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.17
4. Shall the tuition of students be raised? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.18
5. Shall there be a uniform price for tuition in all our schools where equal advantages are afforded? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.19
District 1 looks to the General Conference for counsel on these questions and others of equal importance. May the spirit of sound judgment and wisdom guide the body in all its deliberations. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.20
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
District 2
The territory of this district includes Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. There are but two organized conferences in the district, - Tennessee River and Florida. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.21
TENNESSEE RIVER CONFERENCE
The western portion of Kentucky and Tennessee compose this conference, with office headquarters at Nashville, Tennessee. The laborers are three ordained ministers, three licentiates, two supported missionaries, five partially self-supporting missionaries, and five canvassers. There are eleven organized churches, with a membership of about 300; twelve local tract societies; nineteen Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 386; one city mission; and one church school, having three church buildings. The tithe for last year was $2,047.62. The amount of book sales and the various offerings were not reported. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.22
FLORIDA CONFERENCE
This conference is gradually recovering from the severe shock to its commercial interests four years ago, caused by the “freeze,” which killed many orange-groves and severely damaged others. Since that time many have left the State, and a number of those remaining have turned their attention to growing early vegetables for the northern markets. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.23
The laborers of this conference are two ordained ministers, three licentiates, five missionaries, and twelve canvassers. It has ten organized churches, with a membership of 262; and sixteen unorganized companies, with a membership of 210, making a total of 472 Sabbath-keepers. The conference has three church buildings, and one in process of construction. It has also five local tract societies, with a membership of 167; twenty-two Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 351; and one church school. Tithe for last year, $2,689.45; book sales, $955.30; offerings of various kinds, $504.25. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.24
THE MISSION FIELD
Eighteen ordained ministers, eight licensed ministers, and twenty-three missionaries are at present working in this field. Forty canvassers sold our publications last year. Efforts to increase the circulation of the Signs of the Times have been encouraged, and we are confident that more definite and systematic plans should be adopted for the advancement of this excellent work, as well as the more thorough introduction of health literature. This field has thirty-four organized churches, and several unorganized companies, besides several scattered families of Sabbath-keepers, carrying an approximate membership of one thousand. It has fifty tract societies, with a membership of 933; ninety-nine Sabbath-schools, with 1,315 members; and sixteen church buildings, valued at $6,000. The tithe for the last year amounted to $5,950.94. Seven tents were used during the past summer, with varied interests and success; and six camp-meetings were held, which were a source of much encouragement to the brethren, many of whom had not before had the privilege of such meetings. Here, the brethren became better acquainted with the spirit and work of the message, making it possible more thoroughly to organize the work. A spirit of self-helpfulness, and a desire to help sound the message throughout the district, are coming into the hearts of the brethren. The expense of the camp-meetings was met by the brethren; and $800, in cash and pledges, was raised for a tent and camp-meeting fund. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.25
SOUTHERN TRACT SOCIETY
By direction of the General Conference Committee, at the spring session of March, 1898, the business of the Southern Tract Society was turned over to the Atlanta branch of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, thus relieving the conference of secretaries’ salaries and office rent. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.26
EDUCATIONAL WORK
It is being rapidly demonstrated that the educational work is to be one of the principal factors in getting the message before the people of this district. The interest in local and church schools is fast increasing, and the demand for their establishment is becoming measurably greater. The fourteen schools now in operation are doing a good work, and exerting a salutary influence. This feature of work in the district should receive special attention at this conference. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.27
CENTRAL SCHOOLS
The work and growth of the Southern Industrial School at Graysville, Tennessee, goes steadily forward, and there are marked evidences of special providential blessings during the past and present years. The board of management thought that though the needs of the school were many and urgent, it did not need an indebtedness. The Lord was sought in earnest prayer, and means began to come in. The teachers were supported by the General Conference for the school year which closed in May, 1898. Cash offerings have been received, with which much-needed improvements to the school building and grounds have been made; teams and tools have been provided; and a neat and commodious four-story dormitory, 64 x 32 feet in size, has been erected, and is now occupied by the ladies and teachers. The attendance is good, and the prospect encouraging for a steady growth of the institution. In behalf of the school and its friends, I would take this opportunity to extend grateful thanks for the kindly interest and support given our Southern Industrial School by the General Conference. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.28
OAKWOOD INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL
This institution for the colored people was established nearly four years ago, by the purchase of a farm of three hundred and sixty acres near Huntsville, Alabama, in one of the best agricultural sections of the South. Since our last General Conference, several needed improvements have been made. A large and convenient barn has been built, some improvements in small buildings have been made, and the water supply has been much improved. The accommodations for the present attendance are wholly inadequate. Immediate provision should be made to enlarge the students’ quarters, and so give facilities for a larger attendance. A cottage suitable for a teacher and his family should also be provided, and facilities secured by which some of the useful mechanical trades may be taught. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.29
GENERAL OUTLOOK
In regard to the advancement of the general work of this field, I would suggest that special efforts be made to establish local and church schools, and to organize systematic work with the Signs of the Times in cities and towns, and the medical missionary and canvassing work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.30
N. W. ALLEE.
District 3
Attention is first called to the comparative standing of the district as a unit, and then to the State conferences of which it is composed; namely, Michigan (including a part of Ontario), Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The Wisconsin Conference was added to this district during the last year. The district now covers a little more than one fourth of the entire membership of the denomination in the United States. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 17.31
The district has 418 churches, with a membership of 15,929, showing a gain of 108 churches, with 3,512 members, since the last General Conference. The tithe paid during this time by the district is $207,886, which is an increase of $29,352. This gain does not include the $30,000 which was given by the addition of Wisconsin. The tithes per capita amount to $13.14, - a gain of $1.04 for the biennial period. The First-day offerings have been $5,394; annual offerings, $14,936; Sabbath-school offerings and other gifts, $13,596. Total, $33,926, - a decrease of $12,269. Tithes, offerings, and donations to both the local and the general work amount to $241,812, showing a gain of $54,910 over those of the last two years. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.1
There are 221 conference workers in the district, divided as follows: eighty-two ministers, fifty licentiates, and eighty-nine Bible workers, this being about the same number the district had two years ago. Something over forty church schools are in operation. The number of subscribers to the Review and Herald is 3,980, showing a gain of 545 to the whole district. Taking from these figures 577, the number taken in Wisconsin, there is a falling off of thirty-two in the district. Twenty-seven camp-meetings have been held, with an aggregate attendance of 15,700. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.2
MICHIGAN
This conference stands first on the family records, being thirty-seven years old the 24th of last October. It was the first one organized, and contains more members than any other conference among us. It has within its limits three of the largest institutions in the denomination; namely, the Review and Herald Publishing House, the Battle Creek Sanitarium, and Battle Creek College. Of these interests and institutions we need not speak, as they will probably be reported by their respective managers. Suffice it to say, they are growing in interest and power each year of their existence. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.3
This conference has 144 churches, with a membership of 7,411, which is an increase of 411 since the last General Conference. Total tithe paid during this period, $94,736, - an increase of $15,757. Tithes per capita, $12.80, - a gain of $1.52. First-day offerings, $1,627; annual offerings, $8,173; Sabbath-school collections, $4,745. Total amount, $14,585, - a shrinkage of $5,873. Total of all the tithes and offerings, $109,321. The general work received $41,319 of this amount. Copies of the Review and Herald taken, 1,929, - a decrease of 111. The conference has eighteen church schools in active operation, besides one state school and Battle Creek College. It maintains eighty-seven workers, comprising twenty-eight ministers, twenty-seven licentiates, and thirty-four Bible workers, - a decrease of fifteen since the last report. Nine camp-meetings have been held in the State since the last General Conference, with an aggregate attendance of about 6,000 campers. A number of city missions are established, and are doing good service. Progress is being made in all lines of work throughout the State. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.4
OHIO
This conference comes fourth in point of age, Minnesota and New York coming in between it and Michigan. Its working force consists of eighteen ordained ministers, seven licentiates, and fifteen Bible workers. Tithes paid during the last two years, $34,083. This is an increase of $4,077, or an average of $16.23 for each member, - a gain of $1.23. The conference has seventy-nine churches, with a membership of 2,100, - an increase of eight churches, and about two hundred members. The First-day offerings have been $1,203; annual offerings, $1,335; Sabbath-school and other contributions, $2,913. Total, $5,451, - a decrease of $1,713. The total of tithes and other offerings reported amount to $39,534, $8,057 of which went to the general work. The conference has a few church schools and three city missions in operation, one of which is as seemingly prosperous as any in our whole work. Review and Herald subscribers in the State number 560, being a shrinkage of forty in the two years, The brethren of Ohio, however, have distributed a large number of the quarter-centennial issue of the Signs of the Times, a work in which that conference excels all others of the district. Mt. Vernon Academy is situated in this State, and is doing a good work. It has enjoyed a liberal patronage during the last two years, and has paid off a large amount of its indebtedness; hence its managers are full of courage. The conference has had two State camp-meetings, at which about seventeen hundred camped on the grounds. Good results have followed their efforts, and a steady growth seems to characterize all the work of the State. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.5
ILLINOIS
This was the sixth conference organized by Seventh-day Adventists. It has within its borders the second largest city in the United States, and probably there is no city in the whole district where more and better work has been done. This conference has forty-seven churches, with a membership of 1,550, being an addition of nine churches over the last biennial report. Two church buildings have been erected. Its working force consists of ten ministers, seven licentiates, and six Bible workers. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.6
The amount of tithes paid during the last two years is $25,468. This is an increase of $4,367, and an average of $16.90 for each member, - a decrease of two cents per capita. The First-day offerings have been $601; annual offerings, $2,002; and Sabbath-school collections, $1,575, making a total of $3,978. This is a decrease of $1,672 since the last report. The grand total of tithes and offerings rendered by this State is $29,646, $6,524 of which went to the general work. The conference has two church schools and two missions. Review and Herald subscribers in the conference number 467, - an increase of ninety-two. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.7
This conference has made a new departure, by putting into the field a colporter wagon, which is, so far, a decided success. In this work the colporter goes from house to house selling books and tracts, and distributing papers gratis. During the last eight months the Illinois colporter has sold about two hundred dollars’ worth of books, and given out 2,500 papers to interested readers. Several hundred families have been visited, and, in many cases, prayers and religious conversations have been held, and subscriptions for our papers have been obtained. Indeed, many friends have been made, with whom the colporter is now a welcome visitor. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.8
This conference is improving every year, both financially and, we trust, spiritually. Seven thousand dollars in real estate has been given during the last year to the local work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.9
WISCONSIN
This conference is just thirteen days younger than Illinois, being twenty-seven years old last June. It has now eighty-three churches, with a membership of 3,085, which is an increase of six churches and 441 members in the last two years. The tithe for this biennial period is $33,912, - a gain of $5,464. The rate per capita is $10.91, - a decrease of thirty-nine cents. First-day offerings since the last General Conference have been $1,467; annual offerings, $2,603; Sabbath-school offerings, $2,967. Total, $7,037. The grand total of tithes and all offerings, $40,949, $10,428 of which has been used in the general work. These figures do not include gifts for local enterprises, which are upward of $3,000. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.10
Fifty workers are employed in the conference, fourteen of whom are ordained ministers; nine are licentiates, and twenty-seven are Bible workers. Five hundred and seventy-seven copies of the Review and Herald go to members of this conference. It has ten church schools and seven missions in successful operation. Three church schoolhouses have been built, and a State school building is now in process of construction. Two State camp-meetings have been held, besides five local camp-meetings, where about three thousand people camped on the ground. This conference gives evidence of determined zeal to push the message. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.11
INDIANA
This is the youngest conference in the district, being about one year and three months younger than Wisconsin, and standing ninth in numerical order in the United States. It has sixty-four churches, with a membership of 1,831, which is a gain of five churches over the last report. The First-day offerings for this biennial period amount to $456; annual offerings to $823, and Sabbath-school offerings to $1,396, making a total of $2,275, - a decrease of $2,811 since the last report. The tithes paid since the last General Conference amount to $19,687, being an increase of $587. The amount paid per capita is $10.75, - a gain of fifteen cents over the last report. The total amount of tithes and offerings paid in by this State during the biennial period is $22,362, $4,643 of which was devoted to the general work. The conference has erected four churches during the last two years. Two general State camp-meetings and five local camp-meetings have been held, with an aggregate of about 2,000 campers in attendance. Eight church schools and several city missions are being conducted. The number of copies of the Review and Herald now taken in the State is 444, - a gain of thirty-three. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.12
The twenty-one conference workers are made up of ten ministers, four licentiates, and seven Bible workers. While the work is somewhat embarrassed financially, all are working with good courage. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.13
A few words before closing, about Ontario: The western half of this field is operated by the Michigan Conference, and the eastern portion by the General Conference. In that province we have 450 church-members, besides several unorganized companies. There seems to be a sentiment among them to be organized into a separate conference. The propriety of such a move should be considered by this delegation. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.14
On the whole, this biennial period in this district has been successful. There is nothing that we need more than that of which the world lacks so much - Christ. Entire, whole-hearted consecration on the part of the workers ought to do a great and good work where there are over fifteen thousand engaged. Christ has not promised all we may desire, but he has promised to supply all our needs according to the riches of his glory; hence we need not go empty-handed. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.15
J. H. MORRISON.
District 4
Soon after my appointment as superintendent of District 4, the Union College Board, consisting of the presidents of the conferences in this district, requested me, by vote at their annual meeting, to connect with the work at Union College, two members of the General Conference Committee being present and concurring in the vote. I consented to accept the call, with the understanding that I spend only the vacations in district work. I have had but little time to devote to the work in the district, except by limited correspondence, and attending general and camp-meetings for a few weeks each year; hence the larger part of this report is gathered from reports of State conferences in the district. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.16
Soon after the last General Conference, Wisconsin was annexed to District 3, leaving in District 4 the State conferences of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, the two Dakotas, and the Manitoba Mission Field. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.17
The following is a report for the year 1898, showing the increase over the year 1897:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.18
The membership of the district is 10,127, an increase of 600; the number of laborers, 221, an increase of 13; the number of ordained ministers, 54, a gain of 2; the number of licentiates, 44, a gain of 6; Bible workers, 75, tithes received, $70,833.01, a gain of $12,514.27; donations received, $11,600.07, a gain of $952.57; surplus tithes, $12,753.19, an increase of $7,403.18. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.19
The work in general presents some encouraging features. More is being done than formerly in the way of helping the poor and fallen. Several city missions are already established for this purpose. There seems to be a revival of interest in the circulation of literature; something has also been done in establishing church schools. A wide field opens before us in this work. We need consecrated and educated laborers, - men and women who know God, and walk with him. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.20
Union College and the Nebraska Sanitarium, both denominational institutions, are situated in this district. These are working harmoniously in the training of laborers. Already encouraging returns come from their work and influence. Our report ought to show a much larger increase in the number of laborers. From the light given us on health and education, many more of the young people ought to be in training. Some definite and effective plan ought to be set in operation to give a larger number of persons proper education for the work. The field demands greater effort in this direction. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.21
Hundreds of calls are being received for nurses and church-school teachers. The lack of trained workers has stood in the way of freely responding to these requests; and the great question now is, What shall be done in the immediate future to answer these demands? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.22
N. W. KAUBLE.
District 5
This district includes the States of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas, and Oklahoma, Indian, New Mexico, and Arizona territories. These compose six conferences, with Arizona as a territorial mission field, under the direction of the General Conference. In 1897 the territory of New Mexico was annexed to the Colorado Conference. The field is large, and in some parts is very thinly settled, with but few large and prosperous cities. With one exception, the conferences have increased their membership and financial strength. Two years ago some of these conferences were embarrassed with debts; these have been lifted, and now they are free and unencumbered. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.23
The spiritual condition in all these fields is good. The message, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost,” has been presented, and widely accepted. As a result, there has been a revival in other important lines of truth. The standard of healthful and holy living is being sustained, and our people are making an earnest preparation for the solemn events before us. The exception referred to above is the Arkansas Conference, which, two years ago, was burdened with a debt of $1,700, while its tract society owed $6,000. Then it reported a membership of more than 400. It now stands with a membership of 250, and owes $265, while its tract society has reduced its obligations to about $4,000. This reduction in members results from a correction of the church lists, made in obtaining a true standing of the membership. The discovery of this false showing will create no surprise in those who have acquainted themselves with the true condition of its churches. It is but proper to say that those in charge are now more hopeful than they were prior to this work among the churches. Tent-meetings and camp-meetings have been held in the several conferences of the district, and God has wrought good results in all of them. A number of church buildings have been erected, and new churches organized. The interest in the Sabbath-school work is good, and new schools have been organized. Some of the conferences have had a surplus of funds after settlement with their laborers. These have generously contributed to the general work and to weak and destitute fields. Could this spirit permeate more of our conferences, and cause them to unite with the Mission Board in supplying teachers and other workers in some needy foreign field, new life and power would come into the churches and members that are now dying because of their inactivity. This missionary spirit would stimulate the believers to greater zeal for the advancement of the work in the home field. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 18.24
The increase in the district above that reported June 30, 1896, is as follows: Increase of ministers, 16; increase of licentiates, 11; increase of churches, 26; increase of members, 1,700. Total paid in tithes, $79,627.37. The contributions made for missions in foreign fields amounted to $17,712.88. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.1
City missions have been established, and are successfully operated, in St. Louis, the two Kansas Cities, Topeka, Denver, Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory, Galveston, and Fort Worth, Texas. These are all in a prosperous condition financially, and are doing excellent work in saving men and women, and are exerting a good influence. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.2
SCHOOLS
The Industrial School at Keene, Texas, stands in the front rank of our denominational schools, being up to date in all that pertains to the “higher education.” Its present facilities for the accommodation of students are crowded. Improvements are being made about the home and farm which will add greatly to its attractiveness and power for good. The teachers, students, and constituency are all full of courage as to its future. Its influence is good, and is felt throughout its entire territory. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.3
Some of the conferences have opened church schools, and others are contemplating doing so; but a still greater effort in this direction must be made if we meet the mind of the Spirit. We are glad to see that increased interest is developing among our people in this work. The value of the training of our children and youth according to God’s plan should not be measured by the amount of money used in employing good Christian teachers to assist the parents in this, our first and most important work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.4
SANITARIUMS
In this district we have two sanitariums, - one at Boulder, Colorado, the other at Keene, Texas. The former is fully equipped, its appointments are first-class, and with its facilities a much larger patronage could be cared for. A healthy religious atmosphere prevails, and several conversions are reported. At Keene the building formerly occupied has been sold, and a new and more commodious structure is in process of erection. A small bakery is also projected in connection with the sanitarium and school, as a means of practical training for the students as well as to supply health foods for that territory. This is deemed a necessity on account of high freights. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.5
CANVASSING WORK
This branch has received its share of attention, and is under the leadership of S. C. Osborne, our district agent. The State agents in all the conferences are also active in bringing this branch of the cause up to a still higher standard. During the last two years our book sales amount to $113,096.25. The work is now better organized and better equipped with agents, and more canvassers are at work, than at any time during this biennial period. The prospects for a good work are more flattering than they have been. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.6
In closing, the limit of this report only permits me to say that a good spirit of union and harmony prevails in District 5. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.7
R. M. KILGORE.
District 6
This district includes the conferences of California, North Pacific, Upper Columbia (including Idaho), and Montana, also the Wyoming and Utah mission fields. This is more than one fourth of the territory of the United States, yet it has a smaller population than the State of Missouri. This situation gives some disadvantages not met in other parts of the United States. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.8
The work in this district has gone steadily forward since the last General Conference, notwithstanding the discovery of gold in the Klondike and the war with Spain have caused considerable excitement. These things have had a tendency to keep people from being interested in their salvation; yet as we compare the facts and figures with those of the biennial period preceding this, things appear comparatively favorable. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.9
Since the last General Conference there have been laboring in the district fifty-five ordained ministers, twenty licentiates, ten Bible workers, and forty-five canvassers. The amount of money raised for the support of the work was $185,637.21, an increase of $35,281.31. Of this, $122,861.70 was tithe, - an increase of $17,021.71 since the last report. There has been devoted to the general work $5,547.88. The Sabbath-schools have raised $14,135.16, - an increase of $841.43. From the funds raised by the Sabbath-schools, $6,683.97 went to foreign missions. This was $16.59 less than was reported at the last conference. Book sales have amounted to $48,088.37, - a gain of $21,229.34. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.10
The district has 8,008 church-members, 945 having been added to the list during the last biennial period. It has 276 Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 7,477. Fourteen church buildings have been erected during this time, and nine men ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.11
The following periodicals are taken: The Review and Herald, 1, 901; Signs of the Times, 7,998; American Sentinel, 2,964; Youth’s Instructor, 1,544; Missionary Magazine, 599; Medical Missionary, 223; Good Health, 2,018; and Gospel of Health, 330. Other periodicals are taken, but no list of these was obtainable for this report. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.12
The work, as represented by the different Conferences and mission fields, is as follows:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.13
CALIFORNIA
This Conference has sixty-two churches, with a membership of 4,200. It has twenty-two ordained ministers, three licentiates, nineteen persons bearing missionary credentials, and ten regular canvassers, who put in full time. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.14
The amount of tithes raised for the support of the ministry is $75,000. The annual and semiannual offerings have been $5,532.67. The Sabbath-schools have raised $9,162.14, of which amount $4,119.17 has been used for the work in foreign lands, making a total of $9,641.84, raised to support the work in needy fields outside our own country. There has been an increase of $10,710.47 in the tithes, but a falling off of $1,389.94 in the other offerings. The membership has increased 520. Book sales have amounted to $25,000. Six church buildings have been erected, and four persons ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. The Sabbath-schools of the conference number 135, with a membership of 4,032. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.15
NORTH PACIFIC
The States of Washington and Oregon are naturally divided by the Cascade Mountains, and the western half is known as the North Pacific Conference. It includes also a portion of British Columbia. The laboring force of the Conference consists of thirteen ordained ministers, five licentiates, five Bible workers, and sixteen canvassers. The church membership numbers 1,977, which is an increase of 285 since the last biennial report. The tithe paid has amounted to $19,741.70. Sabbath-school collections are $2,406.20, of which amount $1,165.80 has been given to the general work. The offerings, including First-day, annual and semiannual, have been $2,796.68, making a total of $5,202.28, raised in that conference for the general work. The tithes have increased $991.70. Books have been sold to the amount of $12,894.58. Three persons have been ordained, and three church buildings erected. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.16
UPPER COLUMBIA
This conference is that part of the States of Washington and Oregon lying east of the Cascade Mountains, and including Idaho. Its membership is 1,321, - an increase of three hundred during the last biennial period. It supports eleven ordained ministers, seven licentiates, one Bible worker, and twelve canvassers. There has been raised for the support of the work $22,986.82, of which amount $19,713.47 is tithes. Of this, $1,856.39 are annual and semiannual offerings. The Sabbath-schools have raised $1,416.96, giving $773.27 of this amount to the general work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.17
MONTANA
The Montana Conference was organized with thirteen churches, having 308 members, at the time of the camp-meeting held at Helena, Sept. 29 to Oct. 9, 1898. It now has five ordained ministers, three licentiates, and four canvassers. During the last two years the brethren there have paid tithes amounting to $5,773.48, and have given to the foreign mission work $370.27. They have seventeen Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 308, the tithes from which have been $989.07. Of this amount $571.06 has been used for mission work, making a total of $941.33 raised for foreign lands. Books have been sold to the amount of $2,936.46. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.18
UTAH
Utah is a mission field. The work there has made some advancement during the last two years. In that field are three ordained ministers, one licentiate, one Bible worker, and three canvassers. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.19
Its church membership rates at 115. They have raised in tithes for the support of their own work, $1,739.40; and for the general work, $87.65. They have five Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 165, which have contributed $160.79, $54.67 of which went to the foreign mission work. Book sales have been $688. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.20
WYOMING
This is also a mission field. There has been some advancement in the work since the last General Conference. One minister and one licentiate are laboring in that State. A part of the territory is connected with the Nebraska and Colorado conferences, and these carry the greater number of its members on their rolls. They report $893.65 in tithes, $100.43 in Sabbath-school collections, and $102.60 for the work in foreign lands. They have six Sabbath-schools, with a membership of seventy-three. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.21
REVIEW OF THE FIELD
Throughout the district there has been some advancement in all lines. The volume of work done by the Pacific Press has been greater than that for any two years preceding the biennial period just closing. In order to keep up with current demands, about twenty thousand dollars has been expended for new machinery. A special effort has been made to increase the circulation of Signs of the Times, which finally resulted in issuing a quarter-centennial edition of a million copies. This move met with a hearty response from the workers in the district, and before the first of January this year, 79,546 copies had been distributed. This resulted in awakening an interest among the people, and many yearly subscriptions were secured. Reports from all parts of the district show the laborers to be of good courage; and success is attending the efforts put forth in the work with the Signs of the Times. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.22
There is not that degree of prosperity attending the educational work in California that we had hoped for. That State had a continuous drouth for three years; and many who had planned to continue their work in school, delayed attending until a change for the better could be seen. Two hundred and one students have been enrolled at Healdsburg school the last year. The college is making special efforts to fit laborers for the field in a shorter way than has been done in the past, and success seems to be attending their efforts. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.23
The work at Walla Walla College is encouraging. The number of students enrolled the last two years is 406. The attendance has kept up well. The present year 222 have been enrolled, and the spiritual interests of the school have been good. During the week of prayer the Spirit of the Lord came into the school; and before the meetings closed, fifty-three students were baptized. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.24
A special feature of the work in District 6 during the last biennial period has been city missions. It has six in active operation, where unfortunates can find food and lodging. Many have been supplied with clothing, and made comfortable during sickness. These missions are situated in San Francisco, Portland, Walla Walla, Spokane, Butte, and Salt Lake City. Besides these, there are some incipient homes for the friendless. In order to be better prepared for carrying on this work, a medical missionary and benevolent association has been organized in California. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.25
The health work has had a fair degree of prosperity. The Rural Health Retreat has enlarged its facilities for manufacturing health foods, and is now shipping from forty to fifty tons a month. At Portland, the work has not, as yet, been placed before the public as it will be when the manufacture of health foods is begun. Some private sanitariums are doing good work. District 6 is a good field for such operations, the people being generally friendly to new things; and though they have a very good opinion of their own ability, they are willing to listen to and receive instruction. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 19.26
[MAP - MAP OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE DISTRICTS OF THE UNITED STATES.]
The camp-meetings the past season were marked by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This resulted in bringing a close bond of union among the brethren, and has been the means of revival efforts in several places. We thank the Lord for what has been done, and pray for his Holy Spirit to guide the work in the future. A. J. BREED. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.1
When the children of God, while in the line of duty, are compelled to be associated with the world, they are under the protection of God as much as if they were in the house of God. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.2
[CHART - STATISTICS OF CONFERENCES AND MISSIONS IN NORTH AMERICA.] For year ending June 30, 1898
| DISTRICT NO. 1. | ||||||||||||
| CONFERENCES AND MISSIONS | Area | Popul. | No SDA Church Members | Total Workers | No Ministers | Licenciates | Bible Workers | Canvasers | Total Area Each Worker | Total popul. each Worker | Tithes | Tithes per Mem. |
| Maritime Provinces(N.S.,N.B.,Pr.Edwar I) | 50,800 | 880,881 | 300 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4,618 | 80,080 | 671 | 2.26 |
| Newfounland | 42,200 | 198.000 | 20 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 42,200 | 198,000 | 120 | 6.00 |
| Main | 3,040 | 700,000 | 481 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3,304 | 175,000 | 3,320 | 6.99 |
| Vermont | 9,565 | 340,000 | 495 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 957 | 68,000 | 3,043 | 6.15 |
| Quebec | 347,350 | 1,488,586 | 200 | 5 | 3 | 1 | - | 1 | 69,470 | 297,720 | 720 | 3.60 |
| New England(NH,Mass,RI,Conn) | 23,860 | 4,150,183 | 1,075 | 23 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 1,037 | 180,440 | 10,783 | 10.03 |
| New York(ex. New York City, Long Is.). | 48,105 | 3,398,075 | 1,466 | 29 | 15 | 4 | .. | 10 | 1,659 | 116,970 | 8,284 | 5.65 |
| Atlantic(Gtr.N.Y.,L.I.,N.J.,Del,Md,D.C.) | 23,210 | 7,022,875 | 1,284 | 28 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 829 | 250,820 | 11,157 | 8.69 |
| Pennsylvania | 45,215 | 5,904,936 | 1,505 | 39 | 7 | 3 | .. | 26 | 1,160 | 151,410 | 11,261 | 7.42 |
| Virginia | 42,450 | 1,800,000 | 309 | 11 | 5 | 4 | .. | 6 | 3,857 | 163,640 | 1,292 | 4.18 |
| West Virginia | 24,780 | 950,000 | 223 | 11 | 1 | 2 | .. | 8 | 2,253 | 863,640 | 1,060 | 4.75 |
| TOTALS | 690,575 | 26,833,536 | 7,358 | 178 | 54 | 30 | 22 | 72 | 3,879 | 150,750 | 51,720 | 5.97 |
| DISTRICT NO. 2. | ||||||||||||
| North Carolina | 52,850 | 1,815,000 | 70 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5,806 | 201,670 | 623 | 8.90 |
| South Carolina | 30,570 | 1,750,000 | 40 | 4 | 1 | 1 | - | 2 | 7,643 | 437,500 | 139 | 3.48 |
| Georgia | 59,475 | 2,175,000 | 135 | 8 | 2 | - | 1 | 5 | 7,434 | 259,380 | 1,010 | 7.48 |
| Florida | 58,680 | 500,000 | 262 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4,514 | 38,461 | 2,311 | 8.82 |
| Alabama | 52,250 | 1,724,737 | 140 | 21 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 2,488 | 82,130 | 1,020 | 7.28 |
| Mississippi | 46,810 | 1,550,000 | 50 | 13 | 2 | - | 6 | 5 | 3,601 | 119,230 | 214 | 4.28 |
| Luisiana | 48,720 | 1,300,000 | 90 | 10 | 1 | - | 3 | 6 | 4,872 | 130,000 | 813 | 9.03 |
| Tennessee River (West. Tenn & Kntk) | 41,225 | 2,300,000 | 410 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2,945 | 164,280 | 1,986 | 4.84 |
| Cumberland Miss.(East. Tenn & Kntk) | 41,225 | 2,300,000 | 325 | 24 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 1,734 | 91,250 | 3,752 | 11.54 |
| TOTALS | 431,205 | 15,314,737 | 1,522 | 116 | 25 | 14 | 33 | 44 | 3,718 | 132,020 | 11,869 | 7.07 |
| DISTRICT NO. 3. | ||||||||||||
| Michigan (including Ontario) | 280,915 | 4,364,475 | 7,282 | 108 | 31 | 18 | 34 | 25 | 2,601 | 40,400 | 35,741 | 6.71 |
| Battle Creek Church | ....... | ......... | 1,995 | .. | 2 | .. | .. | .. | ..... | ...... | 20,308 | 10.18 |
| Ohio | 41,060 | 4,500,000 | 2,100 | 60 | 15 | 8 | 18 | 19 | 684 | 75,000 | 17,978 | 8.56 |
| Indiana | 36,350 | 2,900,000 | 1,810 | 29 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 1,253 | 100,000 | 10,404 | 5.75 |
| Illinois | 56,650 | 5,686,915 | 1,500 | 35 | 9 | 5 | 14 | 7 | 1,619 | 162,480 | 10,218 | 6.81 |
| Wisconsin | 56,040 | 2,137,315 | 3,102 | 62 | 15 | 10 | 29 | 8 | 904 | 34,470 | 18,500 | 5.96 |
| TOTALS | 471,015 | 19,566,705 | 15,794 | 294 | 80 | 45 | 102 | 67 | 1,617 | 66,630 | 112,899 | 7.31 |
| DISTRICT NO. 4. | ||||||||||||
| Minnesota | 83,365 | 1,725,000 | 2,528 | 44 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 1,895 | 39,200 | 21,764 | 8.61 |
| Iowa | 56,850 | 2,146,500 | 3,417 | 88 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 20 | 637 | 24,390 | 17,705 | 5.18 |
| Manitoba | 73,956 | 187,926 | 150 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | .. | 8,217 | 20,880 | 1,201 | 8.01 |
| Dakota(North and south) | 148,445 | 635,000 | 1,530 | 30 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 2 | 4,948 | 21,170 | 11,732 | 7.67 |
| Nebraska | 77,510 | 1,275,000 | 2,034 | 50 | 10 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 1,550 | 25,500 | 17,752 | 8.73 |
| TOTALS | 439,301 | 5,969,426 | 9,659 | 221 | 52 | 44 | 72 | 53 | 1,988 | 27,010 | 70,155 | 7.64 |
| DISTRICT NO. 5. | ||||||||||||
| Missouri | 69,415 | 3,350,000 | 1,750 | 35 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 1,983 | 95,710 | 7,667 | 4.38 |
| Arkansas | 53,850 | 1,500,000 | 437 | 15 | 2 | 5 | .. | 8 | 3,590 | 100,000 | 743 | 1.70 |
| Texas | 265,780 | 3,250,000 | 1,027 | 52 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 18 | 5,111 | 62,500 | 5,459 | 5.32 |
| Oklahoma(Incl. Indian Terr.) | 70,430 | 496,390 | 776 | 30 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 2,348 | 16,550 | 4,480 | 5.77 |
| Kansas | 82,080 | 1,366,789 | 2,950 | 67 | 13 | 10 | 27 | 17 | 1,227 | 20,400 | 18,960 | 6.43 |
| Colorado(Including Nevada) | 226,505 | 747,839 | 1,700 | 51 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 18 | 4,441 | 14,650 | 13,558 | 7.98 |
| Arizona | 113,020 | 90,000 | 66 | 3 | 2 | 1 | .. | .. | 37,673 | 30,000 | 302 | 4.58 |
| TOTALS | 881,080 | 10,801,018 | 8,706 | 253 | 53 | 50 | 59 | 91 | 3,483 | 42,690 | 51,170 | 5.16 |
| DISTRICT NO. 6. | ||||||||||||
| North Pacific (West.OR & WA & BC) | 438,370 | 719,280 | 1,361 | 34 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 12,900 | 21,160 | 11,466 | 8.42 |
| Upper Columbia(East.OR & WA & ID) | 194,940 | 413,823 | 1,172 | 47 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 12 | 4,148 | 8,800 | 10,590 | 9.04 |
| Montana | 146,080 | 240,000 | 310 | 16 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 9,130 | 15,000 | 3,000 | 9.68 |
| California (Including Nevada) | 269,060 | 1,558,130 | 4,122 | 57 | 23 | 3 | 20 | 11 | 4,720 | 27,340 | 42,291 | 10.26 |
| Utah | 84,970 | 270,000 | 144 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | .. | 12,110 | 38,570 | 1,048 | 7.28 |
| Wyoming | 97,890 | 85,000 | 40 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .. | .. | 48,940 | 42,500 | 294 | 7.35 |
| TOTALS | 1,231,310 | 3,286,243 | 7,149 | 163 | 59 | 27 | 39 | 38 | 7,554 | 20,160 | 68,689 | 8.67 |
THE GERMAN WORK IN NORTH AMERICA
Since the work started among the Germans, it has been like the growth of an oak, - slow, but steady and sure. Within about fifteen years the last message of mercy has spread among the Germans from Pennsylvania on the East to the Pacific Ocean on the West, and from the Gulf of Mexico on the South to the borders of the uninhabited wilds of the North. There are now in the United States fifty-nine organized churches, with a membership of over three thousand. In British America there are three organized churches, - one in Manitoba, one in Saskatchewan, and one in Alberta, Northwest Territory, - with eighty-two members, making the total number of organized churches sixty-two. Besides these, there are nearly a dozen churches in which, with about one hundred German members, there are English and Scandinavian people intermixed. During the time in which the work has thus grown on this continent, it has also spread to Europe and South America. Of the work in those countries I will not here speak, since the laborers there will doubtless tell of their own work. Thus we see the hand of God in every part of the field. I need not mention the amount of tithe and contributions from the German work, as these are doubtless noticed in the reports of the district superintendents. Our German brethren are not behind those of our American churches, but give freely to support the cause. Our workers throughout the different conferences are nineteen ordained ministers and fourteen licentiates. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.3
When I remember that we have an unpopular truth to carry to the world, and then see the advancement it has made in such a comparatively short time, I can only exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” And whereas I have seen the German work grow, under my supervision, from nothing to its present condition, I am emboldened to ask this conference to place the work I have carried so long upon some other man, and so release me from the responsibility weighing upon me. May the blessing of God be with you in your deliberations during the conference.
H. SHULTZ.
GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.4
SOUTHERN EUROPEAN MISSION FIELDS
The work of the third angel’s message was opened in these fields by Elder J. N. Andrews twenty-five years ago. The center of the mission was established at Basel, Switzerland, where a building was erected at a cost of $32,000. At first the work was begun in the French and German, and afterward in the Italian, Rumanian, Spanish, Greek, Armenian, and Arabic languages. Passing over the intermediate history, we will notice the general features of the work in these fields since the last General Conference, two years ago. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.5
The work in Switzerland has gradually increased, though we are constantly losing members by migration; and half of the usual workers of this field have spent much time in France and Belgium. Some of the French churches have added a considerable number to their membership: but the most marked increase has been at Zurich, under the labors of Elder Erzenberger. For a number of years the work here went heavy, and at times it seemed as if our little company would go down. But from a membership of fifteen, the church has been increased to sixty-six. The interest is still good, with a prospect of further increase. Zurich is now the largest city in Switzerland, and is a leading educational center. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.6
Colportage still continues, about twenty-nine persons being engaged in this work. During the last two years, nearly $20,000 worth of publications were sold. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.7
The sanitarium established in the mission house at Basel is gradually coming up. The number of patients treated in two years is one hundred and thirty-six. But even with this small patronage, by care in management of the finances, the institution has been able to pay running expenses, besides maintaining the nurses’ training-school. It would be difficult to find a place with more obstacles born of prejudice than we at first encountered at Basel; but the tide is slowly turning in our favor. The work of the institution is creating a favorable impression both in the city and throughout Switzerland. Some outsiders are very active agents for the institution. The patronage could have been increased more rapidly had we provided a meat diet; but we have maintained vegetarian principles, in the belief that in the end more good will be done, and the patronage become greater. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 21.8
The nurses’ class of 1897 numbered eight, and that of 1898 the same number. These are French, German, English, Dutch, and Armenian; and all have entered the course with the full purpose of devoting their lives to the spread of the gospel. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.1
The sale of our health foods is increasing, and is helping to advertise the sanitarium. Our health journals in the French and German are doing a grand educational work, which is much needed. Their combined circulation is over 11,000. The German journal was started in January, 1898, and at the close of the first year it had 3,500 subscribers in Switzerland. We expect that it will exceed 6,000 before the end of the present year. In addition to the journals, several thousand health books have been sold in France and Switzerland. With this work of education and advertising, we expect that a good patronage will soon be developed. Though the minds of the people here change slowly, when once changed, they are more likely to stay changed; hence, though the work is slow, it is more sure. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.2
FRANCE
About half of our working force in the French tongue has been engaged in this field during the last two years. Efforts have been made in the eastern portion, near the Swiss frontier, and in the south. Some vantage-ground has been gained at Montebeliard, Grenoble, and Anduze; and medical missionary work has been carried on at Nice, by Paul Roth, his wife, and two French sisters. Nice is an international health resort, with a population of 100,000, and is visited annually by nearly 80,000 people. While the field here is very hard, the work of our laborers is gradually increasing, and a few souls have been gained. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.3
As expressed by a Swiss journalist, the general condition in France resembles that just prior to the French Revolution. The history of the Dreyfus case gives some idea of the state of the public mind. On the other hand, there is a marked tendency on the part of the Catholic clergy to renounce the mother church and accept Protestantism. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.4
ITALY
Although work has been carried on here for many years, but little progress has been made. In the north we have a small company among the Waldenses. Among the 30,000 of this people, much French and Italian literature has been circulated, and some fruit is seen as far away as South America. Besides the work among the Waldenses, efforts have been made at Turin and at Genoa, especially in ship mission work at the latter place. At Rome there is a sister who accepted the truth while under treatment at Basel. Mrs. A. L. Prescott, with her daughter Grace, and a sister from Canada, are also passing the winter in Rome, and are sowing the seeds of truth in the shadow of the Vatican. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.5
One can not fully appreciate the effects of the principles of the papacy till he preaches the truth in a land where for centuries the minds of men have been molded on the papal block. The bread riots of last year are an index of the general state of affairs in this field. Yet there are doubtless many jewels among the 31,000,000 souls in Italy. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.6
BELGIUM
Work was begun in this field in the autumn of 1897, and a small company has been raised up near Liege. This field is strongly Catholic, and the tide of spiritual life is about as low as the tide of corruption is high. Two French brethren from the Swiss field are now laboring here. Our Swiss field is to the Catholic countries roundabout what the Waldenses were in the time of the Reformation. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.7
TURKEY
Our work in Turkey has been gradually extending to new fields. We now have members at Constantinople, Adrianople, at seven places in Bithynia (modern Nicomedia), at Tarsus, Adana, Marash, Alexandretta, Alleppo, Hadjin, Albustan, Caesarea, and Ezroom. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.8
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS OF CONFERENCES AND MISSIONS, For six months ending December 31, 1898
| DISTRICT | Conference or Mission. | Date of Organization | Ministers. | Licentiates | Missionary Licenc | TotalLab. | Churches | Membership. | Tithe | |
| $ | ||||||||||
| 1.Atlantic | Atlantic........ | Sep 27, 1889 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 20 | 22 | 1,331 | 5,663 | |
| Maine | Nov 1, 1867 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 22 | 517 | 1,167 | ||
| Maritime | *........... | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 300 | 637 | ||
| New England | Aug 24, 1871 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 15 | 38 | 1,100 | 5,489 | ||
| New YorkOct | Oct 25, 1862 | 14 | 5 | .. | 19 | 63 | 1,527 | 4,811 | ||
| Newfounland | *........... | 1 | .. | .. | 1 | 1 | 20 | 24 | ||
| Pennsylvania | Sep 17, 1879 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 55 | 1,552 | 5,392 | ||
| Quebec | Aug 16, 1880 | 3 | 1 | .. | 4 | 6 | 200 | 365 | ||
| Vermont | Jun 12, 1863 | 3 | 1 | .. | 4 | 19 | 500 | 1,447 | ||
| Virginia | Aug 5, 1884 | 5 | 4 | .. | 9 | 11 | 309 | 650 | ||
| West Virginia | Sep 15, 1887 | 1 | 2 | .. | 3 | 9 | 225 | 649 | ||
| Totals................... | 56 | 27 | 20 | 103 | 255 | 7,581 | 26,295 | |||
| 2.Southern | Alabama | *........... | 3 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 6 | 165 | 606 | |
| Cumberland | *........... | 4 | 5 | 2 | 11 | 10 | 397 | 1,467 | ||
| Georgia | *........... | 2 | .. | .. | 2 | 5 | 158 | 262 | ||
| Louisiana | *........... | 1 | .. | 3 | 4 | 4 | 68 | 122 | ||
| Mississippi | *........... | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 41 | 77 | ||
| North Carolina | *........... | 3 | 1 | .. | 4 | 5 | 111 | 300 | ||
| South Carolina | *........... | 1 | 1 | .. | 2 | 2 | 35 | 67 | ||
| Florida | Sep 22, 1893 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 265 | 1,481 | ||
| Tennessee Riv. | Oct 14, 1879 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 380 | 911 | ||
| Totals................... | 21 | 16 | 22 | 59 | 57 | 1,620 | 5,292 | |||
| 3.Lake | Illinois | Jun 9, 1871 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 23 | 47 | 1,500 | 6,248 | |
| Indiana | Sep 20, 1872 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 21 | 64 | 1,831 | 6,248 | ||
| Michigan & Ontar | Oct 6, 1861 | 28 | 23 | 34 | 85 | 144 | 7,382 | 17,312 | ||
| Battle Creek Chu | Oct 24, 1861 | 2 | .. | .. | 2 | 1 | 2,031 | + 7,409 | ||
| Ohio | Feb 22, 1863 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 36 | 79 | 2,100 | 6,788 | ||
| Wisconsin | Jun 22, 1871 | 14 | 9 | 27 | 50 | 83 | 3,085 | 8,590 | ||
| Totals................... | 82 | 46 | 89 | 217 | 418 | 17,929 | 52,552 | |||
| 4.Northwest | Dakota | Sep 16, 1880 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 26 | 45 | 1,515 | 4,333 | |
| Iowa | Sep 20, 1863 | 17 | 23 | 27 | 67 | 101 | 3,417 | 11,263 | ||
| Manitoba | *........... | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 198 | 417 | ||
| Minnesota | Oct 4, 1862 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 36 | 84 | 2,800 | 8,827 | ||
| Nebraska | Sep 25, 1878 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 36 | 55 | 2,200 | 8,965 | ||
| Totals................... | 54 | 44 | 75 | 173 | 292 | 10,127 | 33,804 | |||
| 5.Southwest | Arizona | *........... | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 71 | 170 | |
| Arkansas | May 21, 1888 | 1 | 5 | .. | 6 | 17 | 482 | 518 | ||
| Colorado & N.Mex | Sep 26, 1883 | 16 | 3 | 8 | 27 | 37 | 1,900 | 8,284 | ||
| Kansas | Sep 10, 1875 | 11 | 15 | 28 | 54 | 93 | 3,200 | 8,231 | ||
| Missouri | Jun 2, 1876 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 24 | 45 | 1,820 | 5,474 | ||
| Oklahoma & I.Ter | Aug 31, 1894 | 4 | 10 | 3 | 17 | 29 | 855 | 2,905 | ||
| Texas | Nov 18, 1878 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 35 | 25 | 1,050 | 2,875 | ||
| Totals ................... | 54 | 52 | 62 | 108 | 247 | 9,328 | 28,458 | |||
| 6.Pacific | California & Nev | Feb 15, 1873 | 22 | 2 | 18 | 42 | 62 | 4,122 | 18,452 | |
| Montana | Oct 5, 1898 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 12 | 308 | 2,038 | ||
| North Pacific | Oct 25, 1877 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 53 | 1,361 | 5,740 | ||
| Upper Columbia | ------- 1880 | 13 | 16 | 9 | 38 | 30 | 1,500 | 5,077 | ||
| Utah | *........... | 3 | .. | 2 | 5 | 3 | 144 | 291 | ||
| Wyoming | *........... | 1 | 1 | .. | 2 | 3 | 42 | 274 | ||
| Totals ................... | 59 | 27 | 36 | 122 | 163 | 7,477 | 31,872 | |||
| * Mission fields supported by the Gen. Conf., the Gen. Conf. receiving all their tithe. | ||||||||||
| + This is three-fourths entire amount paid by church. The remaining one-fourth is included | ||||||||||
| in amount reported by Michigan Conference. | ||||||||||
The last two years have witnessed increasing difficulty on account of a new order sent throughout the empire to forbid Sabbatarians holding public meetings or teaching on the streets or in the markets. Wherever our workers went they were confronted with this commandment, being often arrested, and sent from place to place. In many instances they have had to appear before the pashas (governors) to explain their business, and tell what they were teaching. In no land have our workers been so often called to bear testimony before rulers. It must be that the Lord has a special work to do for and through these rulers. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.9
At present there is no prospect of a change for the better. Our people are of good courage, and are planning to extend the work. Their tithes are sufficient to sustain five native workers, leaving only Brother Baharian to be supported by the Mission Board. At present a school for the education of workers in the Armenian language is being conducted in Nicomedia; and at its close, another will be held near Tarsus, for workers in the Turkish language. The class in Nicomedia numbers seven. Two Armenians are now in the training-school at Basel; and a third, a young physician, a graduate of the Constantinople medical school, is now at Battle Creek, fitting himself for work in Turkey. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.10
PALESTINE
Our first work in this country was done in the spring of 1898, when I visited the four German Temple colonies. There being a good opening here for work, J. H. Krum, of Pennsylvania, who had been working for several years in Germany, was sent from the European Union Conference at Hamburg to labor in Palestine. He began work at Jaffa in November, and is at present canvassing the colony at Haifa, at the foot of Mount Carmel. Later, he will place our publications in the colony at Jerusalem, and then follow up the work with Bible readings and meetings. During his first week of canvassing at Jaffa, he sold over twenty dollars’ worth of publications. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.11
The visit of the German emperor to the Orient did much to increase German influence, and awaken a general interest in Palestine. This, combined with the Zionist movement, the German Temple colonies, and the general interest in the Age-to-Come doctrine, make Palestine a land of unusual interest, especially to those interested in the prophecies. It is therefore important that those knowing the truth should be there to proclaim it to those who are searching for it. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.12
EGYPT
Our work began here a little over two years ago, through Armenian refugees, who settled at Cairo and Alexandria. The one at Cairo, while working as a sculptor, is unusually active in proclaiming the truth. Through his efforts several others have become much interested in the truth, and two have begun to obey it. He is now closing his work preparatory to giving all his time to spreading the truth. He is now able to converse in the Arabic, - the language of Egypt. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.13
Last May our first worker was sent to Port Said as a ship missionary. He labored there until December, when he canvassed the French, Germans, and Italians in Cairo, and is now doing the same in Alexandria, where he will also give attention to ship mission work. Since the British occupation, Egypt is a free country, and by the victory at Omdurman, the way is open to the Sudan. The railway, which now extends some five hundred miles up the Nile, is being pushed forward; while that from the south is also being rapidly extended, in the hope of opening a line the whole length of Africa. Thus the way to the interior of Africa is being opened from Egypt. Considering the general use of the Arabic language in all these fields, Egypt becomes a field of double importance. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.14
The total membership of the Southern European Field is 727, the gain of the last year being ninety-five. One out of every nine of these is engaged, either directly or indirectly, in the work. The average tithes for each member amount to $6.40; besides this, the average amount of other funds per member for the work in the home field is $2.36; and that for foreign fields, $3.04. Total, $11.80 for each member. There is a growing interest in First-day offerings, Sabbath-school donations, annual offerings, and special gifts for missions. Besides the tithes and various offerings, there was a net gain of $3,892.07 during 1898 from the publishing work and other branches of a business nature. Taking this last item into account, the funds raised in the field are sufficient to sustain all the laborers now engaged in the work. The publishing house and similar enterprises having been founded and carried on by mission funds, it is but legitimate that the proceeds of these enterprises be turned into the mission treasury, instead of belonging exclusively to the various institutions. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.15
NEEDS OF THE FIELD
First, in the fields already entered, the working force should be increased. In France, with 38,000,000 people, there are but six workers; in Belgium, with a population of 6,000,000, there are two workers; in Italy, with over 31,000,000, one worker; Turkey, with a population of 30,000,000 has but seven workers; and Egypt, with 10,000,000, has but one worker. Besides these fields the following have no workers: Spain, 18,000,000; Portugal, 5,000,000; all of North Africa, except Egypt; Greece, with over 2,000,000; Persia, with 9,000,000. The people of these countries, being Catholic and Mohammedan, are among the hardest in the world to reach, yet other missionary societies are working in them, and are having some success; how much more may we not expect to accomplish, with the full light of the gospel? In Portugal, for example, Protestant schools succeed well. Though it is a criminal offense to convert Romanists, public opinion is such that no one attempts to enforce this law. Protestants have opened work at Lisbon and Oporto. The Y. M. C. A. has also made a beginning in the Swiss center. In Persia, where nine tenths of the population is Mohammedan, there are some 3,000 Protestant converts. In general, there is quite a spirit of reform in Persia. A hopeful indication for Greece is that the Greeks in Turkey show much interest in the study of the Bible. A considerable number of our membership in Turkey is from this nationality. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 22.16
Among the most important immediate wants of the Southern European Field are the following:- GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.1
1. A general worker for the Swiss Conference. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.2
2. A superintendent for the Turkish mission. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.3
3. A superintendent for the work in Palestine and Egypt, or work in the Arabic field. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.4
4. A general worker to open work in Greece. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.5
5. A missionary physician for Egypt. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.6
We are of good courage for these fields, knowing that the Master of the harvest sees every corner of them, knows every heart, and understands just where to place every one who says: “Here am I; send me.” If any feel a special call to any part of the Mediterranean field, they will please communicate with the president of the Foreign Mission Board, or the undersigned. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.7
H. P. HOLSER.
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FOREIGN MISSION BOARD
In delivering up the charge committed to them, the members of the Foreign Mission Board desire, first of all, to express gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the prosperity that has attended the work during the two years just passed. To his name alone be all the praise. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.8
At the last General Conference it seemed good to the brethren to separate our work into four grand divisions, these to be under the direction of separate boards, of which the Foreign Mission Board is one. This board was to have the direction and supervision of all work not placed in charge of the three other divisions. The conference also decided that the Foreign Mission Board should locate its headquarters in some Atlantic State, and there form a legal corporation. Accordingly, at a meeting of the board, held in New York City in April, 1897, Elders O. A. Olsen and W. C. White being present by invitation, it was unanimously decided to locate the headquarters of the board in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In June of the same year the office of the Foreign Mission Board was moved from Battle Creek to its present quarters in Philadelphia. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.9
According to recommendations, the Home Missionary was removed to Philadelphia, and its name changed to the Missionary Magazine. The subscription list has increased several thousand, and is still growing, although little effort has been made to increase its circulation. Considerable attention has been given to securing correspondents in all parts of the mission field to give our people the best information obtainable on mission work. By the blessing of God, the Magazine has been the means of interesting many in our foreign work, some of whom are not of our faith. There is need of better co-operation on the part of believers in all lands in carrying the message to the dark places of the earth. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.10
From lack of funds, the board has not been able to enter upon work in the various fields, as was demanded. Superintendents of foreign fields and others have called for money to build new institutions, and to assist in paying for those already in operation; but in the majority of cases the board has been powerless to answer these favorably. In some cases additional laborers have been supplied, and in others the number has been reduced. In nearly every field the work is in a prosperous condition. In some fields excellent progress has been made, and similar results doubtless might have been attained in other fields if proper help and means could have been supplied. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.11
WEST INDIES
The work in the West Indies has been strengthened by the addition of the following laborers: Brother and Sister Enoch, Elder F. I. Richardson and his wife, and Brother E. V. Orrell, in Jamaica; Elder and Mrs. J. O. Johnston and Sister Rachel Flowers in Trinidad; and Brother and Sister Herbert Owen in the Bay Islands. It is well known that Sister E. W. Webster, a former laborer in the West Indian field, was taken away by the yellow-fever scourge of a year ago. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.12
Important fields have been opened up in Cuba and Puerto Rico. In Haiti a few are keeping the Sabbath, but we have not succeeded in sending any one to baptize them. These fields should be entered at an early date. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.13
Our boat on the Caribbean Sea can now be utilized for carrying missionaries to all parts of the West Indies, its headquarters GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.14
CHART - TABULATED REPORT OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
having been transferred from the Bay Islands to Kingston, Jamaica, where we have a book depository. From this place we can obtain canvassers and other native laborers. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.15
Elder A. J. Haysmer has been appointed superintendent of the West Indian Mission Field, and will no doubt report at this meeting the progress of the truth among the people of the islands where he has labored during the last seven years. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.16
SOUTH AMERICA
Urgent calls for laborers in various departments of work have been made for this country, but only a small portion of the field is yet occupied. Elder James Leland and his wife have been sent to the Argentine Republic, Elder and Mrs. D. U. Hale and Elder and Mrs. Fortner to British Guiana, one teacher to the Argentine Republic, and two to Brazil. Elder Baber is alone in the Chilean work, the board having been unable to find additional help for that district. There is a wide-spread demand for laborers of all classes in both Chile and adjoining states. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.17
A beginning is made in Peru by those who have accepted the truth under the labors of Elder Baber. Some self supporting work has been done in Bolivia, Ecuador, and United States of Columbia. The need of the western part of South America is Spanish laborers, - persons to canvass, and those competent to teach health principles. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.18
In Brazil but little has been done for the Portuguese, who form the larger part of the population. Young men are needed at once to learn this language. The labor now being done there is for the Germans and English. Argentine, Paraguay, and Uruguay need many more laborers. The German, French, Spanish, English, and native languages are spoken in all these parts. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.19
INDIA
India has received no help except that of Elder Spicer, his family, and Sister Winifred Allen, until very recently, when Elder and Mrs. Brown, Dr. Ingersoll and his wife, and three canvassers, sailed for that country, which no doubt they have reached by this time. For many months the brethren in India have been calling for more laborers, so that the several lines of work there might be pushed forward. A paper has been successfully established, and the medical work placed on a more permanent basis; the labors of Brother Robinson and others in Calcutta have been blessed of the Lord to the ingathering of Europeans and native Indians. We hope to see the truth make greater progress in India as the result of the extensive sale of our books and other literature, and the added labor of the company of workers from this country. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.20
With the exception of the book work, our labor is confined to Calcutta. But the brethren there believe that the time has now come for operations to take a wider range. The heat of the city is great, and the health of the laborers is endangered. They recommend the establishment of a country place, where the laborers may be recruited, and the children and patients cared for. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.21
The influence of the truth must be extended by the addition of more laborers and better facilities for carrying on the work, if it ever reaches the millions of India. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.22
JAPAN
During the last year, Brother and Sister B. O. Wade, graduates of Union College; B. S. Hasegawa; and Brother and Sister Burden, of California, have gone to the city of Tokyo to take part in the school work in that city, in connection with Professor Grainger. No work has yet been attempted in any other part of Japan. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.23
The work may be enlarged almost indefinitely. All the laborers in Tokyo have all they can do, in the way of school work among intelligent people. The work necessarily goes slower than in lands where the people have been reared amid Christian surroundings. In working with the people of Japan, one must begin at the very foundation, and teach the historical knowledge of Jesus Christ. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.24
What is being accomplished for the people of Tokyo should also be done in other cities. The present is the most favorable time in which to teach pure Christianity in Japan. The Catholic religion is now being taught to that people, without the Bible; and soon it will be more difficult to break the power of Catholicism than the idolatry of the present time. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.25
AFRICA
Since our last General Conference, Elder Tripp, Sister Armitage, Dr. Carmichael, and our native teacher have all died of fever in Matabeleland; and it became necessary to send a superintendent and several laborers to assist in the work at that mission. Elder F. L. Mead, with his family and six others, has recently gone to take up the work in Central Africa. Professor Ruble and his wife and Sister Ellen Burrill have gone to South Africa to assist in the school work. Elder W. S. Hyatt has become connected with the work in that country, and has been elected to the presidency of the South African Conference. Other help has been sent to the sanitarium at Cape Town. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.26
Africa is one of the most needy fields. The conference in Cape Colony has been unable to furnish laborers to meet the demands of the European population of South Africa. About one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers in the South African Republic have had little or no ministerial help. The Mission Board has been unable to supply them a minister. Calls have come for missionaries for the Basuto tribe, a few of whom have accepted the truth. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 23.27
The company that has gone with Elder Mead will be scarcely sufficient for one mission, with the surrounding kraals that are calling for missionaries. We have no laborer at present on the West Coast. Millions of the people of Africa are now waiting for the word of God. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.1
POLYNESIA
On account of the failing health of Elder Cole, it became necessary for him to return from Fiji; and Brother Calvin Parker and his wife were sent to work with Brother Fulton in that group. With these exceptions, no laborers have been sent to the Pacific Islands until recently, when Elder Baxter Howe, with his family, and Brother and Sister Doble went to Honolulu to teach in the Chinese school. Elder D. D. Lake was sent to Samoa in December, 1898. The missionary ship “Pitcairn” - Captain J. E. Werge, with a crew of seven - sailed from San Francisco on the 22nd of January, this year, for a cruise among the Pacific Islands. Elder E. H. Gates is aboard as superintendent of the island field. Brother W. M. Crothers returns to his field of labor in New Zealand on the same vessel; and Brother B. S. Young, a resident of Pitcairn Island, is also a passenger, returning to his native land. The vessel has a full load of supplies for the island stations, including some building material. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.2
It is the opinion of the board that to continue to run the “Pitcairn” from San Francisco is a most expensive way of reaching the islands with missionaries and supplies. Means of transportation on the Pacific Ocean are so increased and extended that almost all parts of the island field can now be reached much cheaper than by a sailing vessel. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.3
MEXICO
Several changes have been made in the working-force at Guadalajara. Several of the laborers have returned home. Mexico appears to present a fruitful field for missionary operations; and yet, with the exception of Guadalajara, little work has been done among the people of that country. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.4
The sanitarium at Guadalajara is nearing completion. During the year 1898 the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Board took charge of the building. The Mission Board has charge of the medical work for the poorer classes in that city. Professor Caviness, who was selected by the General Conference Committee and the Mission Board to represent the denomination on the committee for the revision of the Spanish translation of the Bible, has made excellent progress in the study of the Spanish language, and is now, with the committee, engaged in the work of revision. To complete this work will require about two years. Mrs. Caviness and Miss Phoebe Elwanger are now prepared to take up labor among the Spanish-speaking people. Several others have also learned the language. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.5
EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA
Several laborers have been sent to Europe and Australia. These have been of various classes. For Australia, the larger part were medical missionaries; but among them were Elder Tenney and his family and G. W. Morse and his family. For the year 1897 the board made appropriations for the work in both Europe and Australia; but finding that its funds were greatly inadequate to carry the work in all lands where a beginning had been made, it was finally decided to request the brethren in charge of the union conferences of Europe and Australia to arrange their work in such a manner as to make it as nearly self-supporting as possible. To this proposition they assented. These conferences now receive the tithes and offerings of all classes in their territory for the support of their work. In carrying out the request of the board, it became necessary on the part of some of these conferences to reduce their laboring force and to make retrenchments in other ways. There is a vast field for missionary work in the territory of these conferences. In Great Britain very little has been done except in England; and all the laborers in that entire field would not be sufficient for London alone, while all Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, with their dense populations, have scarcely any one in them to represent the work. The force ought to be greatly increased at once, so that the little British Conference could reach out into these lands. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.6
The German Conference has one of the most important fields in the world, where many millions of people, yet unwarned, must be given a knowledge of present truth. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.7
The Central European Conference includes millions to whom the sound of the last message has not come. France, Italy, and Turkey, with the smaller states bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, have a population twice as great as that of the United States; yet comparatively little has been done in these countries. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.8
The Scandinavian conferences have also a large amount of unoccupied territory, while Finland and Iceland are almost without laborers. These conferences are struggling under a weight of indebtedness upon their institutions, yet they have taken it upon themselves to support several laborers who were formerly sustained by the Foreign Mission Board. It is highly important that the work should be maintained in these countries, and that the truth should be properly represented there. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.9
In Australia only a small portion of the territory has been occupied by our people. The conferences there are trying to build institutions with which to carry forward the work; and at the same time, to enlarge their field of operation by sending men into new fields to proclaim the last message. It is very important that the work should be strengthened in those colonies, and so be placed upon a permanent basis there. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.10
In a letter recently received from Sister White, our attention was called to a certain agreement requiring the brethren in America to furnish the Australian field a sum equal to the amount raised in Australia. Thus we are reminded of our duty toward the people of Australia; and I am convinced that we should put forth renewed efforts to assist the Australian work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.11
CHINA
The providence of God clearly vindicates that the time has come to enter the open door of this country. In our Chinese school at Honolulu, many of the young men have openly accepted Christianity, and there is a growing interest in the school work. Chinamen of influence and wealth are lending it their support. Some of these have suggested that we ought to go to China, and carry on our work the same as in Honolulu. One Chinaman has offered the use of property for mission purposes. There are those who are anxious to return to China, and engage in mission work, directed by our people. There are also young men in this country, who are soundly converted to the Christian faith, and who would welcome an opportunity to labor for the conversion of the people of China. And this, with the word of God and the Testimonies, which tell us that what is done for other nations and people must be done for China, makes it plain that we have a work to do at once for this people. Shall we not walk in the opening providence of God? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.12
GENERAL FEATURES
Our people in the United States paid in tithes during the year 1898, about $445,000 for the support of the ministers at home. This was besides their contributions for benevolent work, which no doubt would swell the sum to $600,000 or more. This is not a large sum for 50,000 people to pay, and does not represent a tithe of their income; but we spend it to evangelize seventy millions of people. We spend about $10,000 for all South America, hardly $15,000 to convert 260,000,000 in India, and less than that amount for the enlightenment of darkest Africa; in short, we pay more than seven times as much each year for the conversion of America as we do to convert a thousand million heathen outside of the United States; and as yet not one cent for the conversion of the people in China, who comprise one third of the living human family. Yet we are called to give the last message of mercy to the world, and, in the language of a late Testimony: “The last years of probation are passing into eternity. The great day of the Lord is soon to be upon us.” GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.13
THE NEEDS
In looking over our financial report, it will be seen that the receipts are far too small for the present demands of those laborers already in foreign lands. We have but three sources from which to gather money for foreign work, - the annual offerings, the Sabbath-school offerings, and miscellaneous offerings. The first two have varied greatly in different years. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.14
One of the most essential questions for consideration at this time is the system of contributions for foreign work. Shall we have some plan by which we are reminded periodically of our duty in this respect? Shall we, like the Hebrew people of old, have a receptacle at the door of our house of worship, in which to deposit our offerings, and then shall we educate ourselves to obey God’s injunction, “None shall appear before me empty”? Or shall we appoint men over this business, who will remind us frequently of the movings of the Lord in heathen lands, and of the work that God has entrusted to us? GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.15
We have tract and missionary societies; why not constitute them missionary societies indeed, and begin to pray for missions, work for missions, and then give ourselves for missions? Our income for this work should be as permanent as the tithes for our home work. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.16
THE BOARD
We must not overlook the fact that at the last General Conference the Mission Board was separated from the General Conference Committee, or made a separate board from all other committees and boards. But in doing this, the real relation this board was to sustain to other boards was not made sufficiently plain; and as a result the Foreign Mission Board has been somewhat embarrassed, especially in view of its inability at all times to provide itself with money. No consideration can be more important than that this board have the direction of, and the planning for the departure of, all missionaries for whom it is expected to provide transportation and sustenance. In brief, it is essential that the Foreign Mission Board, under the General Conference, have power to carry on its work in accordance with the means placed in its hands. While it is essential that strict economy be practised, yet since it is necessary to make frequent changes of laborers in tropical fields, economy demands a proper amount of money for making such transfers. Distances are so great that even by the most direct routes and the cheapest transportation, the expense each year is great. More attention should be given to the education and preparation of laborers in the many lands where the truth is established. Competent instructors should be provided for young men who have accepted, and who may accept, the truth in foreign lands, that they may be confirmed in the Scriptures, and enter upon the work of teaching in the various languages of their own nations. God would have us make a beginning in all lands as rapidly as possible, in order that we may the earlier begin to send out laborers speaking the languages of all the peoples of the earth. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.17
NEBRASKA SANITARIUM
On an elevated site five miles from Lincoln, Nebraska, stands a beautiful brick structure four stories high, commanding an extensive view of many miles of surrounding country. This is known as Union College. For several years prior to its founding, scores of young men and women from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Kansas, and Missouri went to Battle Creek College for their educational training, preparatory to entering places of responsibility in the Lord’s work, but the long distance to that point made attendance there a hardship for many who were short of money. It was therefore decided to have another school GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.18
PICTURE
equally as well equipped as the Battle Creek institution, at some central point farther West. After much consideration, the present site of Union College was chosen, and buildings affording every facility for a liberal education were provided, at a total cost of over one hundred thousand dollars. Astronomy, physical geography, mineralogy, and advanced physics are there taught, in addition to the usual college branches. Departments for German and Scandinavian pupils are special features of the work at College View. Nothing appears to be left undone to make superior the educational advantages of that school. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.19
DO YOU KNOW
That those two history text-books by Alonzo T. Jones, “The Empires of the Bible” and “The Great Empires of Prophecy,” will carry you, in your historical studies from the confusion of tongues at the tower of Babel, to the fall of the Roman Empire? Have you read either of these books? If not, send for them. The first-mentioned book contains 410 large pages and 21 full-page maps, and sells for $1.50. “The Great Empires of Prophecy” contains 712 large pages, besides 22 full-page maps, designed by the author especially for this book, and printed in from three to thirteen colors. Price, only $2, post-paid. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.20
Both these splendid books should be in the hands of every minister, Bible worker, and student of history. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.21
Order of your State tract society, or of the publishers, Review and Herald Pub. Co., Battle Creek, Mich. 25 The Daily Bulletin Of the General Conference “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. GCDB February 17, 1899, page 24.22