General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 8
March 16, 1899
33rd Session. - WORCESTER, MASS., TUESDAY, - VOLUME 8. BATTLE CREEK, MICH. - NUMBER 18
The Daily Bulletin,
PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF
Seventh-day Adventists.Price, Fifty Cents, Biennially.
Entered at the Post-office at Battle Creek, Michigan.
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER
| General Conference Proceedings, | |
| Thirty-seventh Meeting, | 181 |
| Thirty-eighth Meeting, | 185 |
| S. D. A. Publishing Association, | 186 |
| Financial Statement, | 186 |
| Auditor’s Report, | 187 |
| Report of Committee on Investigation, | 187 |
| Report of Committee on Plans, | 188 |
| Index, | 188 |
GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. Distribution of Laborers - General Principles Discussed
THIRTY-SEVENTH MEETING, TUESDAY, 8:00 A. M., MARCH 7
Elder George A. Irwin, presiding. Prayer by Elder J. O. Corliss. Minutes of previous day’s proceedings approved. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.1
The Chair: The first thing in order is the final report of the Committee on Distribution of Labor. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.2
C. Santee, reading: The Committee on Distribution of Labor respectfully submit the following additional report:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.3
35. That Elder R. A. Underwood take the presidency of the Pennsylvania Conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.4
36. That Elders M. A. Altman and O. O. Bernstein make England their field of labor. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.5
37. That Elder J. F. Hansen go to Scandinavia. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.6
38. That J. R. Israel go to Nova Scotia. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.7
39. That Elder J. D. Pegg go to the Cumberland Mission Field to labor under the direction of the district superintendent. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.8
40. That Elder C. McReynolds take the presidency of the Oklahoma and Arkansas conferences. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.9
41. That Elder E. T. Russell take the presidency of the Texas Conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.10
42. That Elder G. E. Langdon take the presidency of the New England Conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.11
43. That Elder S. A. Farnsworth be invited to go to the Maritime Provinces, to take the supervision of that mission field. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.12
44. That Delaware, Maryland (excepting the three counties connected with the West Virginia Conference), the District of Columbia, and Virginia be united in one conference, and that it be called the Chesapeake Conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.13
45. That Elder K. C. Russell take the presidency of the Chesapeake Conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.14
46. That Elder Grant Adkins be invited to make Vermont his field of labor. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.15
47. That Elder E. L. Sanford go to the Chesapeake Conference to labor. Virginia suggested. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.16
48. That Elder J. W. Watt take the presidency of the Vermont Conference. [Invalidating Recommendation 18.] GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.17
49. That Elder D. C. Babcock make Missouri his field of labor. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.18
50. That all other changes be referred to the General Conference Committee and the Foreign Mission Board. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.19
The Chair: What is your pleasure concerning this report? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.20
M. H. Brown: I move its adoption. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.21
S. H. Lane: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.22
The Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the report be adopted. The Secretary will read it again. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.23
The Secretary read the first recommendation, upon which Elder C. W. Flaiz stated that if the recommendation were carried out, it would leave Minnesota with but few effective field laborers. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.24
J. N. Loughborough: I think the brother’s plea will surely make the committee think they have picked on a man who can do effective work in a foreign field. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.25
W. W. Prescott: I do not have any desire to move the conference or to over-ride the convictions of any brother or committee; but I thought it might help us to a better understanding of the situation if our attention were called to two or three facts in connection with the British field. It is now being planned for some of our best workers to leave that field for the purpose of taking up work in other places. I have not objected to that. It has been that way for three years. D. A. Robinson and his wife, Ellery Robinson and his wife, and May Taylor went to India; N. Z. Town and his wife went to South America; Brother C. H. Keslake returned to this country; Brother Francis Hope returned to this country; other laborers have done the same; Brother W. A. Spicer and his wife have gone to India. These were the only experienced workers in the field except Brother J. S. Washburn, who is still in the field. Now what have we left in England, with forty million people? You talk about having experienced laborers with which to connect. We do not have experienced or inexperienced to connect with each other, and we have forty million English-speaking people there. I do not want anybody who ought not be there, and I do not want any one to feel grieved if another goes over there; but I tell you that the missionary spirit which struck us once or twice in this conference wants to be practised, and wants to be a little more permanent, or else it will amount to nothing so far as other fields are concerned. You must have noticed that this report of the Committee on Distribution of Labor is largely John to take James’s place, and James to take John’s place. Foreign fields get hardly anybody, as you can see by simply reading the report. I wanted to lay those facts before the conference, and then we can act intelligently. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.26
O. A. Olsen: I have been very much pleased with, and the Lord has signally manifested his approval of, the missionary spirit that has come into this conference from time to time; and it was a marvelous sign the other day when such a large proportion of this delegation and congregation rose to their feet, signifying their readiness to go to any field where the providence of God might call. The record of that has gone into the ledger of heaven. We have now come to consider the distribution of laborers, and I have thought that we had almost forgotten that; for you notice by the reports presented that they deal largely with local movements of workers. The report ought to have shown a much larger distribution of strong men for the world-wide field, which is reaching out imploring hands for help. I long for the time when the General Conference will be much more largely occupied in sending persons abroad. I hope, too, that the sentiment created the other day to place before the Foreign Mission Board responsible men in large numbers, will not be forgotten. But if we look so closely to the home field, we are in danger of doing just that which God can not sanction and bless. The English field offers a most excellent opportunity in which men may spend a longer or shorter period, to fit themselves for service farther abroad. Why were D. A. Robinson and his wife selected for India? - Because of their former experience in England; and the same was true with all the others. They had obtained an experience there which better fitted them to take up the work in India than they would have been if sent there directly from this country. It is with this idea that these young men have been named for their work. I thank God they are strong. I thank God they can be spoken of as men who are reliable, and in whom we can repose trust, confidence, and responsibility. They are just the ones. If they go to England soon, that does not mean that they will remain there until the Lord comes. It may be that the Lord has them in preparation, in order to send them on to some other needy field, which sorely needs the benefit of their experience. I trust, brethren, that we shall look beyond local limits, and take in the great field. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.27
The Chair: This does not end the distribution, by any means. There are several other names under contemplation to go to England; but it is necessary to have some further consultation after we go to Battle Creek. Besides, the Foreign Mission Board does not yet fully know what is best to do for the foreign fields. There are a number of persons who will yet have to be selected. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.28
J. W. Westphal: Are any of the members of these mission fields being trained into workers? I see many countries yet unopened, but God is opening the way for them to be entered, as far as means is concerned. The statement was made that England has a dearth of laborers. If I understand the matter correctly, the conference recently organized there has in it eight hundred members. Are any of these eight hundred being developed into laborers? I know that there should be good, earnest, devoted men of ability to assist in training these younger men who begin their work. This question as to whether anything is being done in the foreign fields to train men for work in their own home country has been asked me many times. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.29
J. M. Rees: I do not rise to make any objections to the recommendation from Colorado. I am glad indeed that we can furnish a laborer for the British field; but there is one thing that I do not understand in regard to the recommendation, and that is that these recommendations have been read out here without one of us having any knowledge of the matter. Concerning Elder Altman being sent to England, no one has said a word to those who are here representing the Colorado Conference. I have understood that the officers of the field from which a laborer is to go, are first consulted as to whether or not they are willing to let such laborer go. I still believe that it would be well to carry out this plan. The Colorado delegation are not at all opposed to this recommendation, yet we might learn something from those who are in the field from which men are taken, and sometimes another field might not be so anxious to get them, after hearing more about them. I do not say this because we are glad to get rid of Brother Altman. We are not. We consider him one of our best laborers. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.30
The Chair: I might just say to Brethren Rees and Flaiz that in considering the names, Professor Prescott felt anxious to get some laborers in England, and he brought in a list of possible names for the consideration of the committee, and the committee said to him: “Go and consult the interested parties; and if the matter is all clear, the committee can act more freely.” In these cases he reported everything agreeable, and so the committee acted as they did on the report. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.31
W. W. Prescott: I would like to give the information Brother Westphal asked for with reference to the workers in England. Perhaps a few facts in regard to our situation will make it clearer to you than any general statement. There is London, with nearly 6,000,000 people. We have regular Sabbath meetings in five public places, and Sabbath meetings in private houses in two or three other localities. Sometimes we can have them only every other Sabbath, not being able to maintain them regularly. Every one of these is, in a sense, a new field; that is, you can go there, and work right along. Then there is Manchester, with over 500,000 people, which has had a good deal of preliminary work done, - canvassing, Present Truth circulation, and some Bible work. At present we have one licentiate there who visits among the people, distributes papers, superintends the Sabbath-school, conducts meetings in private houses, as he can, but who is not prepared to make a general public effort. In Liverpool, with over 600,000 inhabitants, the preparatory work has been to a large extent done. A large number of copies of Present GCDB March 16, 1899, page 181.32
Truth have been circulated, some Bible work has been done, and meetings are being maintained: but there is no public worker to gather up the results, hold meetings, and establish a good company. The same is true in Birkenhead, just across the river, with about 400,000 inhabitants. In that field we have, altogether, five ministers, including Dr. Waggoner and myself. One is permanently settled in the north of Ireland. We have been utterly unable to send any one to work with him. There are Present Truth workers and canvassers there, but no other public laborers. He has been there in that way for some three or four years, or more. During the winter, two ministers have been conducting a public effort in Wales. Dr. Waggoner and myself are here. That is all the ministerial force we have. We have some licentiates, younger English workers, not one of whom is yet prepared to take an independent public effort in any of these places that I speak of, and carry it on successfully. We are doing everything we can to encourage workers in that field. One circumstance has stood in the way of this quite largely. About two years ago it was recommended that this field should be self-supporting. Well, you can see what that would mean, so far as development is concerned. It could not carry all the workers sent there by the General Conference. Only because workers kept going out of the field could it get on at all. When I went there, two years ago next month, I found that the workers there were financially embarrassed. They owed money, and could not get enough from the mission to pay it. One of the first things I had to do, after getting settled and becoming acquainted with the circumstances, was to borrow $500 from the German Conference, in order to help those workers to funds, so that they could pay private debts, which had been hanging over them for a time. The next thing was to borrow $500 more from the International Tract Society, Limited, so as to get them out of the trouble they were in, through the field being declared self-supporting when it was not. The Foreign Mission Board then came to the rescue, and paid us $1,000 with which to refund this borrowed money. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.1
Such a situation would, of course, stand in the way of giving opportunity for younger laborers to develop. We want to make every effort to develop workers there. It is true with that field, as with others, that if good workers can be developed in their home field, it is the best way; and that is the way we want to do, just as far as possible. If a missionary spirit comes in so that it will be possible, we shall start a training-school at once to prepare workers for that field, because we have young people whom we could take in if the circumstances would permit. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.2
The Chair: You noticed, in my report, that one hundred and seven missionaries had gone from this country to foreign lands during the last biennial period. The way the work is now organized, the Foreign Mission Board is constantly calling for missionaries, so we do not fully realize the number that do go until we count them up. Heretofore we used to do this at the General Conference: but now the calls come according to developments. A good many more are going from this conference before it is over with. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.3
C. W. Flaiz: We have a considerable number of young men who have just started in the work the last year; and if this action passes, we shall have but three experienced field laborers with whom to yoke up these inexperienced workers. The Foreign Mission Board has been calling upon us for some of our best laborers, and who have already been sent away. But we are not at all discouraged. Our trust is in God. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.4
W. W. Prescott: With all this talk there have only been three laborers recommended for England from this conference. That is a very small number. One has been recommended, and two are under consideration. This seems a very little matter for England, with 40,000,000 people. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.5
A. J. Breed: It seems to me that there ought to be a little further consultation with conferences when laborers are consulted with about exchanging their fields. Especially should the president of the conference be talked with. It is a fact that the General Conference Committee has many times lost its influence in these fields by just such work as has been done here; and it does not take more than a very few words by these laborers to set something in motion that causes a feeling to arise against the General Conference laborers when they do go into these fields; and in that way their influence has been hurt. As long as it would not take any more time, it seems to me that it would be better to consult more with these men. I believe they have an interest in the work, and for that reason should be consulted about the matter. They might possibly have an opinion to express which would be valuable. I think we ought to follow that custom more than we have done; and if it would do any good, I would like to have this conference place itself on record on this point. To go first to an individual and talk to him about a field rather unsettles him, because he does not know but it is a call from the Lord. But as these are employed by some conference, surely the officers of that conference ought to be consulted before very much is said to the individual. If we would do that, our influence would be strengthened among the laborers in the field. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.6
W. W. Prescott: I would like to say a word about the recommendation of Elder Langdon for president of the New England Conference. I call attention to the fact that that is going outside of the United States, and bringing a good laborer to work in the United States, which I think is turning the thing backward. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.7
S. H. Lane: I also believe our conferences ought to be taught to stand alone, as well as our churches. When our churches are taught to stand alone, I believe our conferences will have the same spirit. Would it not be a good thing, usually, when a man is taken from a conference, to put in his place of responsibility some man from the same conference? Oftentimes a man is sent in who is not so good a person for the place as some man already in the State. I think we ought to look at these things fairly and squarely. We ought not to think that the only man fit for responsibilities must necessarily live outside the State from which a responsible man has been taken. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.8
I. H. Evans: I think there is one thing on which we are a little weak. We seem to fail to appreciate a good field laborer, - a man who is successful in the field in raising up and developing churches. As soon as a man develops talent in that line, we think it is a call for him to hold some official position, in which all his strength as a field laborer will be neutralized. When in office, he runs around from church to church, and rather destroys the power that he had. I wish we could realize that a field laborer who is successful in raising up new churches and companies is one of the most important factors of the third angel’s message. [Voices: Amen.] When we get an idea that to be president of a conference, or to be on the conference committee, constitutes the highest achievement of the successful man, we are in bad shape. [Voices: Amen.] When the idea prevails that the man who goes out and builds churches, and makes converts, and brings people into full harmony with this message, is the man, we are in the way of prosperity. There ought to be a reformation on this. The idea that a man who has developed ability to raise up churches, and to establish his converts firmly in the faith, has to come in and bind himself up with institutions, where there are other questions to face, so that perhaps in all the course of his ministry, for several years, he will not raise up a single church, is a mistake, especially since there are other men who can not raise up churches, but who could manage these perplexing business affairs even more successfully than the good field laborer. Brother Farman says that Brother Langdon has developed more strength than any man who has been sent to the Maritime Provinces. I regret that we are contemplating taking him out of his field, to tie him up with these perplexing questions, when there are other men with good judgment who could just as well deal with a local board. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.9
W. W. Prescott: I move that this name be referred back to the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.10
A delegate: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.11
R. A. Underwood: We should not overlook the point of being able to get hold of the work. We can change from State to State in the United States. Crossing the State line does not make much difference; but there is a marked difference just as soon as you cross the line of Uncle Sam’s boundary over into Canada. It takes years to become acquainted with the field, and adapted to its peculiarities. The brethren from these provinces will bear me out in this statement. In view of Elder Langdon’s residence in the provinces for some time, and his ability to raise up churches, I believe it would be well for him to continue work there, as the prospects are that in two years that will be quite a strong work, if the work continues as it has. Another man sent there would have to spend years in the provinces to get where Brother Langdon now is. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.12
I. H. Evans: I do not wish to declare that I am opposed to this one measure. It may be absolutely necessary. But I am not thoroughly convinced that it is absolutely necessary. I was speaking on general principles. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.13
G. E. Langdon: I do not know as it is best for me to say much. It is not my mind, of course, to come here. I do not care to do so, unless it is the mind of the Lord. I would rather be left where I am. I have already said that I do not feel as if I ought to take this place. It is a hard field; and I never have had much experience of this kind. I am not desirous of passing through these experiences, unless it is the will of the Lord. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.14
The Chair: The question is called for. All in favor of referring to the General Conference Committee the recommendation concerning Elder Langdon, signify it by saying, Aye. Opposed, No. Carried. Of course that invalidates the other appointment that we have already passed upon, concerning Elder S. A. Farnsworth. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.15
C. P. Bollman: I move that anything pending upon the recommendation concerning Elder Langdon be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.16
Seconded, and carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.17
J. W. Watt: With reference to the recommendation for me to go to Vermont, to take the presidency of that conference. I had no idea of such a thing until I came to the church this morning, and the brethren called me to one side, and spoke of it. I would not dare object; and yet, as you all know, I have always labored in the West; so I presume I shall be awkward in a new field, where I have no idea of the methods and plans followed in the past. But if it is the counsel of the brethren, I am willing to abide by it, and do the best I can. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.18
A. E. Place: I would like to ask a question. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.19
The Chair: Certainly. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.20
A. E. Place: In the recommendation to send Brother Sanford to Virginia, that would put him in the Chesapeake Conference. I would like to ask the Committee on Distribution of Labor if they took into account the laborers in the Atlantic Conference, in making that proposition to put a new man, who is outside entirely, into the Chesapeake Conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.21
The Chair: That matter will be arranged by the General Conference Committee, in consultation with these two conferences, so that the expense will be equalized when the division is made. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.22
A. E. Place: The point was simply this: Cutting off the territory from the Atlantic Conference, as has been proposed, takes out of the conference the best paying church in the whole conference, - a church whose tithes run up to over $500 a quarter. That means considerable to us. I was wondering whether the laborers would be divided up so that everything would be equalized. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.23
The Chair: That will be an after-consideration. I think, however, that the matter will be adjusted satisfactorily. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.24
W. B. Tovey: We would respectfully ask that Recommendation 49, relating to Elder Babcock, be laid over for further consideration. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.25
R. A. Underwood: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.26
It was carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.27
O. O. Bernstein: Inasmuch as my name appears as one of the laborers to be sent abroad, I will say just a few words. The change was proposed to me only yesterday, so I have had little time to consider it. I wish to confer first with Mrs. Bernstein and some others before deciding this question. I would say, however, that I have taken it up for favorable consideration. I hope the delegates will grant me this privilege before I fully decide what is the best thing to do. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.28
W. W. Prescott: May I ask whether the brother means that no action should be taken, or whether action may be taken, subject to his decision? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.29
O. O. Bernstein: It would be well to take the action conditionally. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.30
H. W. Cottrell: If there is nothing before the house, I would move the reconsideration of the name of G. E. Langdon, which has just been referred back to the committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.31
G. B. Thompson: Thinking it only fair that Elder Cottrell be heard on this matter, I second this motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.32
W. W. Prescott: Let him speak. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.33
The Chair: I think, Brother Cottrell, that you can speak. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.34
E. E. Andross: Could he not present his views before the General Conference Committee and the Committee on Distribution of Labor, just as well as before the conference? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.35
H. W. Cottrell: Twice I have appeared before the General Conference Committee and Distributing Committee. I now wish to speak before the assembly. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.36
O. A. Olsen: I was very sorry that the action was taken while Brother Cottrell was out, when he could not have the privilege of speaking to the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 182.37
H. W. Cottrell: I do not wish to sway this delegation; but I do claim that as a delegate to this conference, I have certain rights as well as others. As delegates from New England, we have rights. The name of Brother Langdon is the third choice of our conference delegation to replace a removal from the conference; and if the removal is to be permanent, it seems to me that this delegation ought at least to allow a third choice to fill the vacancy. The first and second choices were not granted. The third choice was granted last night, when presented before the Distributing Committee, in my presence. I had not the faintest idea that this assembly would refer it back to the General Conference Committee, or I should have been here to oppose such a motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.1
Consider the importance of the conference; there is no one more important, according to its numbers, than the New England Conference. We have institutions here that are heavy weights to carry, financially. I speak of this, having been connected with them for five years and a half. This is the reason we were so particular, and gave first, second, and third choice. We wished, first, to get men that were acquainted with this financial situation. When this could not be done, we agreed upon another man. I called our delegates and ministers together. They voted, but I did not. It was their vote, not mine. They asked me to present the name before the proper committee. I did so. First, it was refused; but last night they granted the request. When we consider the other phase of the argument, to show that Brother Langdon should remain in the field he now occupies, we can go back and show that about all our leading officials have at some time been very successful out in the field, doing pioneer work. If the argument is good in one case, it is in another. I would rather be president of the New England Conference than be in my present position, and I would much rather be a field laborer than to be president of the conference; for I was blessed, under God, while out in the field. So, brethren, this is no argument at all to keep Brother Langdon from taking this position. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.2
A. T. Jones: The principal reason presented why he should come here - to take the financial burdens of this conference - is the reason I think he should not come here. To bind him to these institutions, where he must have bothersome financial troubles, would be ruinous. If you want to know the truth of it, I will read it to you; this came in that Testimony to me: “A grave mistake has been made in allowing engrossing business matters to burden the ministers who are handling sacred things.” That is the mistake that is being made; and the mischief that comes to the minister himself is a warning to every Seventh-day Adventist minister in this world: “So that their sense of the sacred becomes dim, and mingled with the common, crushing out godliness from the soul.” I do not want to see any Seventh-day Adventist minister in a mill that will crush out godliness from his soul. Let our ministers separate from all business matters, and preach the gospel. If there can not be found business men enough in the cause to conduct the business, then let the business wait until such men can be raised up. It is no argument at all to say that the business men are not qualified to do the work. I would like to know how much worse it could be done than it has been already. There is no risk at all in our ministers’ separating absolutely from all the business matters in this cause, and turning them over to the business man. Why not follow the Testimonies in these things? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.3
I object to taking Brother Langdon from where he is doing efficient work, unless he comes here not to connect with the institutions at all, to have nothing to do with the business matters, but simply to preach the gospel. We must have presidents of conferences, that is true; but what the Lord calls for is ministers to preach the gospel, and that business men attend to business matters. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.4
H. J. Farman: There is one other point to consider. I have been in the Maritime field four years, and it took me two years to get where I felt that I could do any efficient work; in fact, brethren, I do not feel as if I could now. I feel as if that four years’ experience is only a beginning. There is a vast difference between laboring there and here. The people there have a strong colonial feeling, and do not like all Yankee ideas. It seems to me that when we have a good man trained there, one who has been efficient, it is a decided mistake to move him. The Testimony Elder Jones has just read ought to settle the mind of every minister to get out of business. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.5
The question was called. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.6
C. P. Bollman: I move that this recommendation and the one concerning Brother Farnsworth be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.7
Voice: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.8
The motion prevailed. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.9
The Chair: Now the report, as amended, is before you for adoption. All in favor of its adoption will say, Aye. Any opposed, No. It is carried. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses has a further report to make. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.10
R. M. Kilgore: This is the final report of the Committee on Credentials and Licenses. Your committee would respectfully submit the following:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.11
FOREIGN MISSION DIVISION
Ministerial Credentials: John Hoffman, David Ostlund. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.12
Ministerial License: H. A. Henderson. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.13
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Ministerial Credentials: S. B. Horton, N. C. McClure, H. W. Pierce, J. D. Pegg. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.14
Missionary Credentials: J. R. Israel. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.15
M. M. Olsen: I move the adoption of the report. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.16
John F. Jones: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.17
R. A. Underwood: I understood two years ago that a recommendation was made that the Foreign Mission Board should have the right to grant licenses or credentials to workers in the field under its oversight. Later on, there seemed to be no record of such an act. The Medical Missionary Board grants credentials and licenses to its workers: and it seems to me there are instances when the Foreign Mission Board ought to have the privilege of recommending licenses to individuals when it is difficult to get the General Conference Committee together. Should they not have the privilege of doing this? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.18
The Secretary: There is definite record of an action on that question; that the General Conference should grant the credentials. The question was raised at our last General Conference, as to whether the Foreign Mission Board should not issue credentials to its own workers. The official minutes state that they are to be issued as formerly. So unless there is an action now, that is the way the matter should stand. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.19
The Chair: The question is on the adoption of the report of the Committee on Credentials and Licenses. As many as favor this say, Aye. Any opposed, No. It is carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.20
W. W. Prescott: I would like to bring a matter directly before the conference, without the formality of its going through the hands of the committee; and that is with reference to another laborer for the English field. Having talked with the brother himself, and he feeling free to accept the appointment from the conference; and having talked with the conference committee from which he would come, and they having given their consent, I move that Brother Stephen G. Haughey, of Ohio, be recommended to labor in the English field. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.21
A. T. Jones: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.22
R. R. Kennedy: I would like to say a word to that, as it concerns our Ohio Conference. We have a number of large cities in Ohio; and we are sadly in need of just such young men as Elder Haughey to enter these cities and carry forward the work. However, we do not want to be selfish. Therefore, we freely give our consent, provided Elder Haughey is willing to go to England. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.23
The Chair: The question is called for. As many as favor it will say, Aye. Opposed, No. It is carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.24
A. T. Jones: Is the business all done? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.25
The Chair: All that I know of. As soon as we get through the business, the Secretary will read the minutes, in order to have them approved. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.26
C. Santee: A question came up in Iowa in regard to insuring our churches. Having about sixty of these, and perhaps two thirds of them insured, the question came before us, and will be a live question, perhaps, next spring, as to whether it would not be well for our conference to raise a fund that, perhaps, would equal a common church building, and then encourage the brethren to put the money that they were putting into insurance policies into the cause. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.27
The suggestion I wanted to have considered is the thought of our conferences being encouraged to raise a fund by which to replace a church destroyed by fire, letting the money usually paid for insurance policies be turned into the cause. Another thought: As far as I can get the records, we do not have an average of one church burned down in eight or ten years. That being so, there are thousands and thousands of dollars paid out, against every church that is burned down. That church may cost from $1,000 to $2,000; and in the last ten years I think there is a record of only two church houses being burned down, and they both together would not average $3,000. But against that money thousands of dollars were paid out. And, at the same time, calls are being made for money in every branch of the work. It seems to me this is a question that should be considered, and some suggestions given to our people, telling them how to raise a fund to replace houses that may be burned down, holding this fund in reserve. Then let all the funds that would be paid for policies go into the cause; and if it is found that the money is not needed at last, it will be in the treasury, and can go into the cause. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.28
John F. Jones: I presume the idea would be to levy a tax, if one church building was burned down. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.29
C. Santee: Yes, I suppose so. Have a fund that could be used as I have stated. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.30
J. O. Corliss: There is no motion before the house. I therefore move that the chair appoint a committee of three to examine into this matter, and make recommendations. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.31
John F. Jones: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.32
The Chair: At the conference at Battle Creek, you mean? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.33
J. O. Corliss: Yes; whenever convenient. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.34
The Chair: Are you ready for the question? All in favor of the appointment of this committee will say, Aye. Opposed, No. It is carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.35
The Chair: I appoint Elders S. H. Lane, C. Santee, and R. S. Donnell. What is the further pleasure of the conference? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.36
A. J. Haysmer: Our field in Jamaica is under English rule, and we have been trying to make a special effort in the canvassing work; but we have been laboring under great disadvantages. Present Truth has been taken in our field ever since I have been there, and I think it is one of the best papers we have for missionary work; yet we have not been able to handle it in our field at all, and for this reason: Here on the back page our books are advertised. It says here, “Steps to Christ” will be sold for 1s. 6d. and 1s. 3rd. If we buy these books at the American prices, we have to sell them there for three shillings, and it has been 3s. 6d., in order to sell them at all. We have not been able to use our paper because we could not get our books to sell at the English prices. What books we sell come from England, and they are much cheaper than the American books. Whenever we take our books, and sell them at such high prices, they look upon us as robbers. This has done more harm in our field than anything we have had to fight against. Some arrangements ought to be made in which, under all English territory, books could be sold, and yet give the canvasser the regular per cent. at the English prices. They look upon us as robbing the people when we sell our books at American prices in English territory. I would like to see some steps taken by which we can be relieved from this embarrassment. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.37
H. H. Hall: Is not this a matter of discount rather than of price? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.38
Voices: No, it is not. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.39
The Chair: These matters can not be arranged now. We shall have to adjourn the conference pretty soon. I see some of the brethren are getting uneasy, and are leaving. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.40
E. O. Parker: I want to say that Newfoundland is handicapped in the same way. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.41
J. O. Corliss: If they will take papers enough down in the West Indies, say, a few hundred copies, and also in Newfoundland, enough to pay, I do not see why, when an edition is run for those fields, the ads. of those books could not be left out, and other prices inserted. If enough subscriptions are received, it would pay to do that. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.42
A. J. Haysmer: The question is not with reference to the papers, but with the books. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.43
O. A. Olsen: Is not that a fact on other goods? When I was in Africa, I saw many things that were bought there, and the English prices were on them; but we had to pay more for them in Cape Town than we could buy them for in London. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.44
A. J. Haysmer: It is so in some things; but we can go in Jamaica and buy books the size of ours for about one half what our books are selling for in the States. You may pass it off here as a light thing because you are not in that field: but it is a question that ought to be considered by this conference, and some adjustment made. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.45
A. T. Jones: That is so. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.46
C. P. Bollman: Inasmuch as it is evident that the discussion of this question will take some time, I move that it be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.47
The motion was seconded and prevailed. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 183.48
I. H. Evans: Inasmuch as the members of this church have so kindly opened their homes and entertained us, extending to us the kindest hospitality, and putting themselves to a great deal of trouble, I would like to move a vote of thanks as an expression of our appreciation of their kindness toward us. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.1
S. H. Lane: I not only wish to second that, but I wish to include in the wish of the mover that this vote of thanks be extended to the sexton and his assistants, who have done everything in their power to make this church comfortable. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.2
The Chair: We will let the whole congregation vote on this. As many as are in favor of this will say, Aye. It is unanimous. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.3
E. J. Waggoner: I do not believe in moving votes of thanks; but I believe honest work and zealous labor are deserving of appreciation; and I would like to have you remember that the editor of the BULLETIN [Elder J. O. Corliss] and the stenographers who have worked day and night are worth being thought of; and had it not been for their faithful work, we would not have a great many things that we now have in the BULLETIN. I would therefore move a vote of appreciation. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.4
J. O. Corliss: I am greatly in favor of passing a vote of appreciation of the work of the stenographers and proof-readers; but I do not think the editor deserves a vote, because he has done but his duty. I would, however, like to have a vote of appreciation extended to these other workers. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.5
E. J. Waggoner: Simply to let them know that we remember the work they have done. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.6
The Chair: As many as are in favor of extending a vote of thanks to our faithful stenographers will say, Aye. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.7
R. A. Underwood: Should not that include those who worked at the other end of the line at Worcester, as well as those here? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.8
The Chair: A motion to adjourn to convene in Battle Creek, Thursday, at nine o’clock, will be in order, because the conference will not be adjourned here. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.9
S. H. Lane: I move that when this meeting adjourns, we adjourn until the next meeting of the conference at Battle Creek, in the Tabernacle, on Thursday, March 9, at nine o’clock in the forenoon. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.10
F. M. Roberts: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.11
The motion prevailed. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.12
The Chair: I would like to say, before closing, that this has been a most wonderful experience to us all. There never has been such a conference held by Seventh-day Adventists, and never will be another just like it, I presume. It has been a conflict and a victory, a conflict and a victory, every day in our experience, and that sometimes two or three times a day. It has been a means of education to me as I have watched the progress of this work. There have been times when it seemed almost as if the devil would get the ascendancy in the conference; and if I had not known that God was at the helm, and his blessed Spirit was leading, I should have trembled; but we would come up to a certain point, and the gentle Spirit of God would come in, and subdue every turbulent spirit. I have gained more experience in this conference than I ever had in my whole life before. I believe I have had more battles with the old man and the desires within than I have ever had before. But I thank God to-day that I never had more courage and faith in the work of the message, and more hope and trust in God; and I thank God for the victories I have obtained during this conference. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.13
And now as we separate, - all will not go to Battle Creek, - the persons who have composed this congregation from day to day in all probability will never all be together again. We separate to our different homes, and to our different fields. And, brethren, whether the vows of consecration made here at this conference are to be carried out, and whether they are felt throughout the entire field will depend, not upon the action of the General Conference Committee or some other committee, but upon the action of each individual; and if each one of us shall feel the responsibility to square our lives in harmony with the testimony of God’s word, the influence will be felt throughout the entire denomination. I believe it is our duty to do that as individuals, whether anybody else under the sun does that thing or not; and I believe that this is true in the institutions, whether any other institution does that thing or not. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.14
Now we have tried to talk along these lines in the past. We held some meetings in Battle Creek prior to the week of prayer; and when these principles were brought out before the brethren, they said, “Yes, I see that: it is just what we ought to do; but if the other fellow would do that, then I can do it; but I do not see any use in my undertaking this thing when the others do not do it.” Brethren, that has nothing to do with it, in my opinion. As I told those brethren there, the thing to do is to get right ourselves, and stay right; and if any other persons or institutions do not get right, they are answerable alone to God. If one, two, or three individuals get right and stay there, it will have an influence upon others to get right. If we wait until everybody else gets right according to our ideas, we shall never accomplish very much. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.15
And so it seems to me that this work must begin right at home; just as Joshua of old said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” I have confidence in the work of God, and I have confidence in this people, because, brethren, if it had not been for the large measure of the grace of God and his Spirit, we certainly would have had conflicts here that would have been disgraceful. I am glad that while we all have decided opinions and minds of our own, we can come together in a conference like this, and deliberate upon questions upon which we do not always just see eye to eye, and yet at the same time have the blessed Spirit of God with us. I am sure that the proceedings of this conference will go out before the world, and will not be a disgrace to us, as was a conference held not very long ago. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.16
The two years that are before us are big with events. We are on the threshold of mighty events in connection with the last message of mercy to the world. Things are going to develop very rapidly from this time forward. We need not be surprised at anything that may come to us in the next two years. Nobody can foretell the events that will occur between now and then. But this one thing is sure: If the same blessed Spirit that has been present in our conference during the last three weeks shall continue to abide with this people, and increase more and more as the Lord designs, it will be well with the cause, whatever comes. God is able to carry us through and over every obstacle that the enemy can place in our way. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.17
I am glad that the Spirit of God is coming in. As we separate from this conference, it certainly must be to mark a new era in the history of this work and in our own individual experiences. I feel very grateful to the conference for the kindness and courtesy with which you have borne with me during these meetings. My heart is knit to yours this morning as the heart of David was to Jonathan’s. There is not a brother here for whom I do not have the kindliest feelings. After you have been separated, and gone to your fields, there is one request that I do beg of you, and that is, that you will remember the men that you have, by your votes, placed in positions of responsibility. Brethren, we are all simply poor, fallible men. We have no wisdom nor judgment beyond any other men; and if there are any who need the prayers of God’s people, they are those who have to wrestle with these problems constantly. There are business perplexities which must be confronted. The Lord has told us to separate from these more and more, and I believe that is right; but there are perplexities that somehow confront us, in spite of everything, and have a tendency to dwarf us spiritually. Now, brethren, pray for these men, that God may uphold and sustain them. Let us constantly pray that from this time forward the voice of the General Conference - I do not mean by that the few men who are chosen to represent the conference in the interval between the sessions of the General Conference - will be the voice of God. And I do bespeak for myself your earnest prayers. I do not suppose there is a person in the congregation this morning who feels his need of divine help as I do. I realize my inability. Whatever is accomplished through my chairmanship, the glory certainly will belong to the Lord, and not to the instrument. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.18
I do not know that I can say anything more this morning, only to beg an interest in your prayers. If the General Conference Committee and the different boards could feel that in every Adventist family throughout the land they were remembered at least once a day at the throne of grace, it would be a source of inspiration to them. I am sure it would help them over many hard places when the enemy presses hard and sore upon them. May the Lord bless us, brethren, and direct and guide us constantly by his blessed Spirit, is my earnest prayer. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.19
Now I do not think that we shall have time to remain very long together. I am sure that almost everybody in the house would like to give a closing testimony. I understood you had a good testimony meeting last night, continuing until eleven o’clock; but we shall not have time for that to-day. I had thought that it would be a fitting thing in closing this conference, to have Elder Loughborough lead us in a season of prayer, in which we may all unite. I do not think we would have time for anything more, unless some one feels specially burdened to speak a word. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.20
A. T. Jones: I would like to have four or five minutes. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.21
The Chair: All right. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.22
A. T. Jones: It is always proper, at the beginning of a conference, for the president to address us, and lay before us the field to be covered, and give suggestions, and so on. It occurred to me that we might look back at the close of the conference and see what suggestions we might find to profit between this and the next time; so that when we come together again we may profit by these. You will remember that at the beginning of the conference there was a strong tide in favor of the examination and study of principles of the whole work. Considerable time was spent at that, in spite of the longing - as it was put - to get down to business. At last that was left behind, and the conference was supposed to have got down to business. When the business came in, you know that some of it was referred to Australia, some to the General Conference Committee, other parts were wiped out almost bodily, and the rest referred back to committees, so that the least part of all the business was really acted upon by the conference. Now just look back over the record as you remember it, and see that that is so. When you come to read the BULLETIN through, you will see that that is so. When we got down to business, and the question was presented on the floor, it was like tossing a ball backward and forward until we got it out, either to the Conference Committee, to Australia - anything to get it out. Take, for instance, an illustration here this morning, - the report of the Committee on Distribution of Labor. That report was worked upon by the committee through all the conference until the last two or three days. When they brought it in, the report did not satisfy. There was a large discussion on it, and touching principles, too. I am not objecting to the discussion; for the discussion involved principles. Now, brethren, if we had spent two or three days on the principles upon which rest the distribution of labor, couldn’t we have got through with that report a good deal easier and better than we did? I want to appeal to you to look through the BULLETIN, and to take time to consider this question, even from this time to the next General Conference; and I think you will find it a fact that we could have spent all but two days of the time of this General Conference on the study of principles, and then in those two days have done all the business that has been actually done. I am satisfied that everything that has actually been done could have been done in a single day; not all that we did in discussing and referring back to the committee, but that which has actually been done. All this conference has put in operation could have been done in a single day, if not in a single meeting. Then how much time has been gained by leaving the discussion of principles, and getting down to business? Brethren, I am perfectly satisfied that this method of bringing in a report, and tossing it back and forth like a ball, until finally we toss it out of the conference altogether, is treating things altogether too lightly. If we will put ourselves strictly to the study of principles, the application may be temporal, but the principles are eternal. When we are dealing with these, we are dealing with eternal interests, and we shall gain solidity ourselves, a steadiness of mind and nerve, that will enable us to do far more in the field, and a thousand times more good. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.23
Now it is a literal truth that we shall gain far more time by spending the bulk of the time of the General Conference in an investigation - genuine, honest, prayerful, spiritual investigation - of the principles of the word and work of God, and then in the little time that is left, the business can all be done in a good deal better way than by the old way. State conferences can be conducted the same way, too. They are all the same. There will be a gain in our State conferences, in our boards, General Conference councils; and business will drop into its place. But there is where the gain will be. It will be not only a gain of time, but of experience and power that must come to the worker, so that God can use us, and we shall know that the work is being carried on as the work of God indeed. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.24
Much has been done. We have gained a great deal in the study of principles; but we have lost a good deal by not following them closely all through, and letting the little time that was needed for business be spent in applying the principles, and then everything would have gone forward easily. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 184.25
L. C. Sisley: As the time comes for us to turn our faces to our homes, I feel a very earnest desire that the meetings in Battle Creek shall go right on with the same spirit that we have had here. You know that for the last three years we have had there what might be called quite stormy, annual meetings. There has been a good deal in the meetings besides the Spirit of God. I feel anxious that this meeting shall not be one of that kind. We have had good meetings here. We have been under the influence of the Spirit of God, and I trust that every one of us has learned a great deal. But I think of our brethren there who have not been here, who have not had these opportunities. We are going there to finish up our work. The work of the Publishing Association will come up, and I feel so anxious that the Lord’s will shall be done in that meeting, and I know that the position that we take in the work is that which will influence it very much. Now if we can take the Spirit, if this whole body of delegates can take the Spirit from this meeting, it will have a good effect upon the people there; but if we should lose the Spirit, the good influence of this meeting will be lost. I feel anxious that it should not be that way. Brethren, I want you to pray for the Review and Herald Office, that the Lord’s will may be done there, that his reproach may be taken away from the institution. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.1
J. N. Loughborough: It was the least of my expectations, two months ago, that I would be here at this conference. I wrote to Brother Irwin that I had been for two years disconnected more or less from conferences; the Lord had blessed in the work in which I was engaged; and as the Testimony seemed clearly to point out that I should go and relate the experiences of what I had seen and known of the rise of this message, the question arose whether I would not better stay over there, and not come to the conference. But when I received his letter in return, the vow I had made to the Lord and the way the letter came, settled it. I told the Lord if Elder Irwin said, All right, stay there, that would settle it; but if he said, Go, I would have to go. Well, the letter came. He said: “It is not only I that say so; but the leading brethren say you must come.” “Well,” Brother Snyder said, “I guess you will have to go.” I said, “That is all settled. I must go.” Now, brethren, there have been some things that have been given me in personal Testimonies that I do not wish to speak of here, that have been quite a study to me for years as to what they meant in relation to what the Lord would have me to do. I have tried to be more careful in later years, Brother Ballenger, than I was sometimes in Illinois. The Lord has had something to say. I hope I have profited by the lessons. But, brethren, I thank God for what I have seen. I am glad that I have been at this conference. It has been an oasis not only in the desert, but in the green fields of God’s blessing. A good many times it has come to me to get up when the Spirit of God has come in, and give my testimony, as did John of old, “Little children, love one another.” It seemed that I could see the apostle coming in and saying to the disciples, “Little children, love one another.” It is recorded of him that when he was so old that he could not walk to the place of meeting, they brought him in, and he would say, “Little children, love one another.” Some said, What makes you keep saying that? Well, he said, when you get that thoroughly learned, it will be time enough to learn some other lessons. So when we get that thoroughly learned, the other lessons will come right along. But the most glorious thing is that one Testimony came after another, year after year, right along; but one was, If you will take a straightforward course, you will come out a triumphant conqueror. I said, O Lord, I want to take a straightforward course. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.2
Now I never seemed so little in my own eyes as I have in this meeting, and I realize that I could not do anything without the help of God. The Lord has permitted me to have a rich early experience in the work. He says it is valuable to the cause, and should tell for its full value. It is not anything that belongs to me, but it belongs to the Lord. In his providence he has placed me in all these positions, and granted me all these experiences, not only with Brother and Sister White, but also in New England, where she had all her early experience. Now if it is valuable to the cause of God, it must be that the Spirit of God will quicken that, and bring it up to me with the Spirit, so that I can tell it to my brethren. Now it is not that we are going to live on the past; but God has said, the midnight cry was a light that would shine all along the path. How can that be, unless there is something said to the people concerning it, to keep it up? I tell you, brethren, you never looked so good to me in the world. You are all the brethren of Jesus; he is our Elder Brother. And I want you to pray for me, that wherever God wants me on earth, I may want to be there. I do not want any will of my own. It is not any farther from heaven from one part of this world than it is from another. And if we are where God wants us, when the trumpet sounds, and the Lord comes, we shall all go. I am confident that the Spirit of God is going with us, brethren. It has gone ahead of us. That BULLETIN is stirring things all over the country; it is only for us to step right in, and say, Amen. God has met with us in mighty power, and he is with us still. I thank God that when the Saviour sent his servants out to preach, he also said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” Some of the brethren and sisters have said to me, “Brother Loughborough, I hope the Lord will go with you.” I said: “You need not tell it that way. The Saviour said not only to go and preach the gospel, but also, ‘Lo, I am with you.’ The Lord is with me to start with.” Brethren and sisters, the Lord is with us right here. We do not want to lose the Lord by the way, and we are not going to. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.3
Elder J. N. Loughborough, praying: O Lord, our gracious and merciful heavenly Father, we thank thee that it is our privilege to come to thee as children to a father in whom they have perfect confidence. Thou art the Lord God, merciful and gracious, and full of compassion. What greater evidence could we have of it than the precious gift of thy beloved Son! And what greater evidence could we have of his love than that he yielded up freely himself! And what a token we have in this, that thou hast said through thine apostle, that the Lord who freely gave up his Son, how shall he not with him freely give us all things. O Heavenly Father, we do thank thee for thy hand that has been so evidently manifested in this conference. We thank thee that thy gentle Spirit has come in to quell all turmoil that Satan desired to bring in, and we believe thou hast forgiven any indulgence of wrong, or any spirit unlike thee. O Lord, we thank thee that we have all seen it, and trust that all have seen the wrong of any such thing, and in heart look to God, and thou hast forgiven; for, Lord, thou hast drawn every one to thy service and thy people. We thank thee that thou hast strengthened thy servants and thy handmaid whom thou didst send here to bear these testimonies relating to principles. O Lord, help us each to study them, and seek to carry them out in our lives, and in our labors. O Lord, we pray that thou wilt especially bless the president as he has requested; bless him in his work; bless those that are associated with him; bless those that are placed at the head of different institutions, and those that have to manage affairs. O Lord, we pray thou wilt give wisdom to each one, and we pray that thou wilt guide these by thy counsel and Spirit just as each needs. And we crave thy special blessing on Sister Henry in that work to which thou hast so evidently called her. Lord, thou hast directly spoken to her, giving her instruction as to how she should stand in this work. O Lord, grant thy blessing upon her. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.4
We pray thee, Lord, to bless us each, as Brother Ballenger has requested here. Lord, can we not have not only here this morning, but as we go from this place a still closer connection with heaven, and more and more of the outpouring of thy Spirit? Thou hast said if this Spirit should be poured out in its mighty power while thy people were in indolence and neglecting to take hold of the work which thou hast so evidently pointed out to us, that they would rest down satisfied, and think they were right; but that when we should take hold in the lines in which thou hast marked out for the work, - should take hold of that work which has been so long neglected, - the Spirit of God would come in. And we have seen a manifestation of it right here, Lord, and as we have taken hold to confess wrongs, and lay plans for extending the work to the needy fields, then, Lord, thou didst grant thy blessing in showers upon us. So, Lord, work still, we pray. And we pray thee to bless these brethren that are with us from foreign lands. These brethren in a few weeks will be crossing the waters to their fields. O Lord, let thy mighty power go with them, not only to keep them in the way, but to guide them in all these various fields and lines of work. Bless the laborers in the different missions throughout the world; bless these delegates and ministers, the presidents of the different conferences; all these that go forth. O Lord, may they go forth with a realizing sense that we must have more and more of what was presented by Brother Prescott and others of a connection with heaven, of being one with God, and then we will be one with each other. The Lord will stand by our side, and we shall see the work go forward to a mighty triumph. And we pray thee to bless those that have taken their stand with us, - these ministers, and Brother Norman, - that have taken their stand, and kept their first Sabbath. O Lord, bless each of them, and guide them. Bless all these brethren and sisters. Bless our families at our homes. Prosper us in our journey to Battle Creek. Regard the request of Brother Sisley in regard to the work there. O Lord, let angels go before us to prepare the way, and whether we are detained on the way, to seek more of thy blessing. Whatever may be thy design, Lord, bring us safely through, and grant thy mighty power to be manifested before we get there, and especially when we assemble to consider further important interests in that place. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.5
So guide us all our journey through; and when the Lord shall come, a little way in the future, when the conflicts are over, when the battle of life shall have been passed, when Christ shall come with the chariots of angels to bear all his children home, O Lord, may we each then have our eyes open to see our guardian angel coming to gather us up, and place us in a chariot, that we may be borne up to the city of God, and join in that song of triumph: and when the gates shall be opened that the righteous nation that have kept the truth shall enter in, and when they shall cry, Who is this King of Glory? and when the portals of the gates of the city shall be thrown open, O Lord, grant that we may be among that company that shall pass triumphantly through, singing, The Lord God of Hosts, he is the King of Glory; he is the King of Glory. O Lord grant that we may all so safely, by thy strength, pass through the journey that we may have a part in that city of God, for Christ’s sake. Amen. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.6
The congregation then all joined heartily in singing: “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” and were dismissed with the divine benediction pronounced by Elder W. W. Prescott, at 11:15 A. M. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.7
Election of General Conference Association Board - Final Adjournment
THIRTY-EIGHTH MEETING, THURSDAY, 9 A. M., MARCH 9
The adjourned meeting of the conference met in the Tabernacle at Battle Creek, Michigan, and adjourned to the Review and Herald chapel, where its proceedings were continued at 9:15 A. M. Elder G. A. Irwin in the chair. Hymn 784 was sung, and Elder Wm. Covert led the delegates in prayer. Minutes of the last meeting were then approved. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.8
The Chair: It will now be necessary to elect twenty-one persons to form the General Conference Association, the legal corporation created under the laws of this State. Is the Committee on Nominations ready to report? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.9
J. N. Loughborough: The committee in selecting these names thought it should, to a large extent, represent different parts of the field. We present the following names to form the General Conference Association: S. H. Lane, A. G. Adams, G. A. Irwin, J. H. Morrison, A. J. Breed, R. M. Kilgore, T. A. Kilgore, C. H. Jones, C. M. Christiansen, N. W. Allee, W. C. Sisley, J. S. Comins, G. A. Nichols, C. F. Stevens, J. Sutherland, H. W. Decker, J. W. Westphal, H. W. Cottrell, C. McReynolds, C. Santee, A. E. Place. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.10
I. H. Evans: I move the adoption of the report as a whole. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.11
H. Shultz: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.12
The Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the report of the committee be adopted as a whole, and these brethren in that way be elected to this position. As many as favor the adoption of the report will say, Aye. Any opposed, No. It seems to be unanimous. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.13
I. H. Evans: I move that we adjourn sine die. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.14
N. P. Nelson: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.15
The Chair: All in favor of the conference now adjourning sine die will say, Aye. Opposed, No. The conference stands adjourned. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.16
Time: 9:35 A. M., Thursday, March 9, 1899. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.17
“Somebody has said: ‘The popular conception of power is something to use; the divine conception is somebody willing to be used.’ We can not use the Holy Ghost. He can use us. The power is in him; we receive power, the Holy Ghost coming upon us. His is the sovereignty, not ours.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 185.18
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
Thirty-ninth Annual Meeting, held in the Tabernacle, Battle Creek, Michigan, March 9, 1899, 10 A. M. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.1
W. C. Sisley in the chair. The meeting was opened by singing, after which prayer was offered by Elder J. N. Loughborough. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.2
The Chair: Before we can proceed with any business, it will be necessary to ascertain just who are stockholders, also those who are to act as proxies for stockholders. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.3
The secretary of the association called the roll of stockholders and those holding proxies, and all such present responded. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.4
On motion, the reading of the minutes of the last annual meeting was waived. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.5
The Chair: As stockholders we are assembled in our thirty-ninth annual meeting of this association. It has been thirty-nine years since the work of this association was established. This morning we see a number present who have been connected with this work from the very beginning. The most of us, I believe, are thoroughly acquainted with the history of the work from the beginning, and it is a pleasure and comfort to look back over the past, and see how graciously the Lord has led in the work, and how he has blessed the feeble start and brought it up to the present time - how during all these years he has watched over it. It is very encouraging to us to look back and see that in every time of need, whenever the institution came into a crisis, the Lord was always on hand to help us out. We feel that he has been guiding and keeping us through all the way, and especially that this last year has not been an exception to those of the past. As directors, we feel that the Lord has been near us, and has helped us many times, when in most difficult places. We believe that he will continue to help in the affairs of the association clear through to the end. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.6
The time for which you elected the present directors to act is at an end. As directors, we now lay down the cares and responsibilities that you imposed on us one year ago, and we now turn the association over into your hands. It is your duty to take up the work of this association for the few days you are here together and it seems to me that it would be a privilege to you, and a duty as well, to examine carefully into the working of the association. Go through the plant as far as you can, and examine into the records and books of the association; take pains to see if the work has been conducted satisfactorily to you: if not, it is your duty to make such changes on the incoming board as you think necessary. It is your duty at this time to elect a board of directors to care for this work during the coming year. This should be done with care. The responsibility of this institution, of course rests almost entirely upon the directors between the annual meetings. You should be careful to select just such men as you feel will carry out the purposes for which the institution was established. In order to aid you in your investigation, we have prepared a report of the doings of the association for the last year. This report, for convenience and to save time of reading here, has been published in the GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN. I suppose you have all received that. We have also prepared a financial statement which has not been published, but is here to be read, and you are at liberty to ask such questions as will make the matter perfectly clear so you can get at the working of the institution. We have some suggestions which we may present to you later on in the meeting. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.7
If there is no objection, we will now listen to the report of the treasurer:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.8
The Treasurer: The following slip which I will read gives in a condensed form the resources and liabilities of the institution:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.9
FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION FOR YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1898
| Resources | Liabilities. | |
| Real estate | $ 70,326 00 | |
| Personal property | 116,766 08 | |
| Cuts and engravings | 4,427 85 | |
| Type11, | 393 63 | |
| Materia | l25,200 96 | |
| Work in progress | 9,362 82 | |
| Cash on hand | 4,324 33 | |
| Cash in bank | 4,439 02 | |
| Bills receivable | 20,500 55 | |
| Accounts receivable | 138,792 00 | |
| Stock in sales-room | 77,933 84 | |
| Stock in retail dept | 1,303 23 | |
| Fuel on hand | 498 60 | |
| Notes payable | $150,289 72 | |
| Demand notes | 15,918 29 | |
| Accounts payable | 80,287 39 | |
| Capital stock | 149,160 00 | |
| Stock not issued | 61,897 27 | |
| Surplus | 33,631 10 | |
| Donations and legacies | 3,085 14 | |
| $494,268 91 | $494,268 91 | |
| Capital stock | $449,160 00 | |
| Stock not issued | 61,897 27 | $211,057 27 |
| Surplus | $ 31,275 08 | |
| Net gain | 2,356 02 | 33,631 10 |
| Present worth. | $244,688 37 |
F. D. Starr: I would like to inquire regarding the item of “capital stock, $149,160.” Does it mean that this amount has been paid up in cash, or is that an increase by the multiplication of five - the increase caused by the accumulated value of the shares? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.10
C. D. Rhodes: When our old association expired, we took the surplus and the old capital stock, put them together, and issued new stock for the combined amount, and issued the new stock of the combined amount, pro rata. This will take in all the old surplus and the original capital stock; and, so far, there has been $149,160 of stock issued. But there is still quite an amount of stock that has not been issued, because it belonged to stockholders whose whereabouts we were not able to ascertain. They are dead, or gone somewhere. Every effort has been made to notify these persons of what is wanted. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.11
F. D. Starr: Do you know how much cash was actually paid in? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.12
C. D. Rhodes: The original capital stock paid in was $40,000. This was increased fivefold, and there is now in the new corporation $61,897 of stock that can not be found; hence it is reported as stock not issued. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.13
Voice: Should not some disposition be made of this stock? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.14
W. C. Sisley: There should be. But it would be quite difficult to ascertain the exact division which ought to be made. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.15
W. C. Gage: Do I understand that this unissued stock is naturally a liability? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.16
W. C. Sisley: No. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.17
W. C. Gage: Then it should be placed there as a resource. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.18
C. D. Rhodes: This $61,897.27 has been forfeited. It really now belongs to the association and the present stockholders, and this has been done by the expiration of the time that is allowed by law to make application. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.19
J. O. Corliss: I understand that this stock, if disposed of, would be paid in stock to the stockholders? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.20
W. C. Sisley: Yes. I will say with reference to this that the last legal stock was taken a year ago last July, or thereabouts. Then the court declared that the stock was abandoned, and reverted to the stockholders. It now belongs to them, and can be divided at any time; but as there is no profit in it, no dividends to be paid from it, there would be nothing in it, except it were put in the surplus, and drawn out at the end of thirty years. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.21
J. O. Corliss: Why not issue the stock direct to the stockholders, if they request it? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.22
W. C. Sisley: Yes, that would be all right; but as I said before, it would be rather difficult to divide it pro rata. It can be done, however. With reference to the report of loss and gain on our periodicals, this is simply in the handling of the papers. It does not include whatever loss or gain there may be in the manufacturing department. The manufacturing department has made a small profit on these periodicals, so whatever loss or gain is reported here does not include that. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.23
O. C. Godsmark: I would like to inquire about this loss and gain. If the subscription list could be increased on these papers, of course the loss would be less, would it not? And I would also like to inquire in regard to the report as compared with other years. Are the papers getting nearer a cash basis, or how is it? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.24
W. C. Sisley: I have prepared a slip giving the standing of these papers for the last six years. [The slip was here read.] In reference to the Review, I would say that about eighteen months ago the subscription price was reduced from $2.00 to $1.50. This would have some tendency to decrease the receipts. It was hoped that the subscription list would materially increase. It did increase a little, but not as much as was hoped. Then, too, we have had a pretty strong editorial force this year, have used more illustrations; and some other things, such as the supplement, have made it cost more than usual. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.25
H. Shultz: This is a wholesale report. When we give a report of our labor, we have to itemize things so that the cost will be fully known, and how we spent every dollar. Can’t we have some of the details? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.26
I. H. Evans: I wish to ask if the statement of the stock not issued, which was closed up a year ago last July, was correct? If so, I would like to ask the treasurer why he reported, at the last annual meeting, stock not issued as $62,297, and this year $61,897, if he had no authority to write it out. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.27
C. D. Rhodes: I think this matter came up once or twice; and the brethren thought it only justice that these old brethren who had stock in the institution, and who had not heard anything about the reorganization, have the same privilege as others. The brethren, therefore, took the liberty to transfer the stock, the same as they had done with the others. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.28
W. C. Sisley: I think Brother Rhodes has stated the matter about as it is. Legally, we are not holden to pay this money back; but since the stock was legally abandoned, we have received letters from some of the stockholders, stating, in effect, that they were not apprised of the matter, so we wrote them out their stock. We did not pay them money, but simply gave them their stock. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.29
W. C. Gage: Will that be done right along? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.30
W. C. Sisley: That depends on how lenient the boards are that are in charge of affairs. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.31
C. D. Rhodes: I don’t know that I could itemize the report any more than I have. I have given every item, - all the expense of the type, freight, express, everything that goes on the books. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.32
J. O. Corliss: If any one desires more details, he can secure them by examining the books. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.33
W. C. Sisley: Not only look through our books, but also take time to go through our manufacturing department. We shall be pleased to render you all the assistance we can. Of course these books are in use the most of the day, but there are hours during the day when you can get access to them; and it is the privilege of every stockholder to do that, and we invite you to do that. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.34
A. T. Jones: And I will say that that is what the stockholders ought to do, too. And when you do, you will find out that on some of these papers there is no loss at all. I don’t believe that a profit is a loss, when you come to look the matter squarely in the face. I know that there are plans and contrivances and artful presentations that men can make so it will appear that way; but if I work and make you a thousand books for a thousand dollars, and these books cost me only $700 to manufacture, I don’t believe that other $300 is a loss to me, and I don’t believe that we can honestly report it a loss. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.35
J. I. Gibson: I move that a committee of investigation be appointed by these stockholders to examine into this matter, - a committee of business men, to report to the stockholders, the committee to consist of five persons. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.36
Voice: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.37
The Chair: You have heard the motion. It is open for remarks. The purpose of the committee is to look into the matter, and determine whether there is any misrepresentation of loss or gain on our periodicals. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.38
W. C. Gage: I think it is high time that such an investigation should be made, because there are rumors in the air that ought to be laid. It has been said that there has not been a straightforward financial report made for five years. What that means ought soon to be made clear. We should know whether it is so or not. For that reason I am heartily in favor of this motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.39
A. T. Jones: In none of this am I bringing any charges against these brethren who are here, but against the system. This system has been worked for many years to present just such reports as this, rather than in the right way. It is a question for the stockholders to decide, and the Lord himself is calling for an investigation of every principle. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.40
J. I. Gibson: Suppose this has been going on for a number of years, as you say it has, and the profits and losses are figured on the same basis, either loss or gain, as the case may be, wherein has there been a false representation? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.41
A. T. Jones: What I am calling your attention to is that when the Office prints the Review and Herald, sets the type, makes an electrotype, etc., it is figured out, on what is called a blanket-order, in each department, just what it costs the department. But instead of billing that across the street at exactly what it costs, it is billed at what would be charged a man who came in and got a job done. A commercial profit is added to it, and then it is charged across the street at that. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.42
C. H. Rhodes: Should not these papers be charged anything for incidental expenses? I want to know if, after that blanket-order has been brought in, that is just what must be charged? Does it not belong to this institution to charge up something to these papers for all the expenses that are constantly being incurred? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.43
J. I. Gibson: That is the point. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.44
I. H. Evans: I think that when the report is brought in, it should contain a suggestion as to what proportion of profit should be charged to cover the expenses, such as insurance, taxes, wear and tear, etc. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.45
S. H. Lane: I do not think there is a stockholder or officer in the association, but who wants to do just right. It is an easy matter to condemn a system, but it is not so easy to correct it where it is at fault. And feeling that the future officers would be glad to have suggestions, I second Brother Evans’s motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 186.46
Voice: Was what he said intended for a motion? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.1
Voice: It could be so meant. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.2
C. D. Rhodes: Nothing that Brother Jones has said can in any way be construed as a charge of misrepresentation of the net gain of the institution. Nothing that he has said affects the thing one way or another; because if we charge the Review less than some other department, the profit would go in the net gain just the same. No matter what may be said, the net standing of the institution is just the same. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.3
On motion, the following committee to investigate this matter was appointed: L. McCoy, W. A. Wilcox, C. H. Jones, G. A. Nichols, and J. Sutherland. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.4
The auditor’s report being called for, R. H. Cadwalader made the following statement:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.5
AUDITOR’S REPORT
BATTLE CREEK, MICH., Feb. 1, 1899. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.6
Mr. W. C. Sisley, GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.7
Pres. Review and Herald Board, City. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.8
DEAR SIR: I hand you herewith a statement of the accounts of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, after having completed an examination for the year ending Dec. 31, 1898. This examination was made through arrangements with Elder S. H. Lane and Mr. C. D. Rhodes. In making this I was allowed free access to the records and to all matters pertaining to any part of the accounts, a careful record was taken of the funds on hand, a list of which you will also find herewith. This agrees with the amount shown on statement, and the examination has been of such a character that I am prepared to say that the statement herewith presented is a true and correct representation. I find the condition of the records good, having been kept in a very complete and intelligent manner, with evidence showing that special efforts have been made in the work of the Office for the interest of all concerned. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.9
Mr. C. D. Rhodes, cashier, extends an invitation to any who are personally interested and who desire to make an investigation to visit the Office, when all necessary information and assistance will be cheerfully rendered. Very truly yours, R. H. CADWALADER, Auditor. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.10
On motion, the report was accepted. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.11
A. O. Burrill: I move that the Chair appoint the usual committees. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.12
Voice: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.13
R. A. Hart: I am aware that this is quite a responsibility to place upon the Chair, under all the circumstances; and I move to amend the motion by suggesting that the incoming board of directors be nominated by informal ballot, and that fourteen names be chosen, the directors to be chosen from these. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.14
Voice: I second the motion. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.15
J. N. Loughborough: In all that has been said by the Testimonies, it seems to me that the greatest objection has not been against the machinery, but that there was not enough of the Spirit of God in the work. I therefore can not see that this is the thing to do. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.16
The Chair: The question is now on the substitution, or amendment. All in favor of it say, Aye. Contrary, No. The amendment is lost. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.17
Now the question is on the original question. All in favor of it say, Aye. Contrary, No. Carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.18
The Chair: I announce, as committees, the following: On nominations: J. N. Loughborough, I. H. Evans, Allen Moon. On plans: J. I. Gibson, O. A. Olsen, C. H. Jones. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.19
On motion, the meeting adjourned until Monday, March 13, at 10:30 A. M. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.20
SECOND MEETING, MONDAY, 10:30 A. M., MARCH 13
Meeting was opened with singing the hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” after which Elder U. Smith offered prayer. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.21
The roll of proxy-holders was called, and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.22
Elder J. O. Corliss then made a few remarks, in the course of which he read the following:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.23
“Resolved, That the trustees elected at this meeting be classified as follows: The three trustees receiving the highest number of votes shall serve for three years; the two trustees receiving the next highest number of votes shall serve for two years; and the two trustees receiving the next highest number of votes shall serve for one year. Should there be a tie vote as to any of said classes, then the classification shall be determined by lot among the trustees themselves.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.24
In order to facilitate such a measure, he offered the following preparatory resolution:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.25
“Resolved, That Article 8, of the Articles of Association of this corporation be, and the same are, amended to read as follows:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.26
“‘The stock, property, business, and affairs of this corporation shall be managed by seven directors, who shall all be chosen at the annual meeting for 1899; two for the term of one year, two for the term of two years, and three for the term of three years, and until their successors are elected and appear to enter upon their duties. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.27
“‘As the term of service of each of said class of directors shall expire, others shall be elected by the stockholders, at the annual meetings, at such time and place as shall be provided by the by-laws, who shall serve respectively for the term of three years and until their successors are elected in the same manner, and for a like term of service. And so on thereafter annually each of said class of directors shall be elected for three years, and until their successors appear to enter upon their duties. Said directors must be stockholders, and of full age.’” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.28
The motion to adopt was seconded, after which remarks were made by Elders Olsen, McCoy, Holser, Mitchell, F. E. Belden, and others, when it was voted to lay the whole matter over for consideration one year hence. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.29
The report of the Committee on Investigation was called for; and L. McCoy, the chairman, offered the following report:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.30
“Your committee appointed to investigate the system of charges used by the Review and Herald Publishing Company in its accounts with your denominational papers, beg leave to submit the following report:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.31
“First: We have made a careful investigation of the cost of the production of the Review and Herald paper for the four months ending Feb. 1, 1899, and find that the manufacturer’s profit over and above the cost of production, is eight per cent. of the cost of production. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.32
“For the Instructor for the same time, five and one-third per cent. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.33
“For the German Hausfreund for the same time, without profit above production. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.34
“Second: We then made an investigation on two blocks of accounts, including about fifty jobs of commercial work, upon which there had been a gain above the cost of production of, on the first lot, eight and two-thirds per cent.; second lot, twenty per cent. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.35
“You will notice by the above report, that there is a manufacturer’s profit of eight per cent. on the Review and Herald, and five and one-third per cent. on the Instructor, which is below the profit for commercial work. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.36
“Third: As to the manner of ascertaining percentages upon the cost of production upon our denominational papers, we are not prepared to suggest anything better. We do suggest, however, that, in the annual report a statement be made of the manufacturer’s profits on each one of these periodicals; and yet this will involve an additional expense. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.37
“Fourth: In reference to the deficit on the Review and Herald paper for 1898, it can be partially accounted for as follows: (1) The reduction of the subscription from two dollars to one dollar and fifty cents per annum; (2) additional expense in the editorial department; (3) the publication of the ‘Sunset Calendar,’ which was furnished free to subscribers; (4) the Canvassers’ Supplement. The latter, we think, should have been charged to the Book Department, instead of the Review. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.38
“Fifth: In regard to the comparatively small net profit of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, of $2,356.02, as shown by the Treasurer’s report for 1898, we find that this can be accounted for largely by the heavy discount on type and machinery, amounting to about $13,000, which should have been distributed over the last four or five years. During 1894-5-6 no discounts whatever have been made. “L. MCCOY, “C. H. JONES, “J. SUTHERLAND, “G. A. NICHOLS, “W. A. WILCOX, “Committee.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.39
It was moved by Elder Underwood, seconded by I. D. Van Horn, that the report be accepted. The question was spoken briefly to by R. A. Hart, and at length by Elder A. T. Jones, who was interrogated in the course of his remarks by Elders Underwood, Santee, J. I. Gibson, and others. Elder Jones dwelt upon the principles involved in the matter in controversy as set forth by the Spirit of God. The Testimonies called for a reformation of principles on which the institution was run, and he pleaded for that, rather than to endorse some definite method of dealing. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.40
At one o’clock, P. M. the meeting adjourned, to meet at three o’clock the same afternoon. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.41
THIRD MEETING, MONDAY, 3 P. M., MARCH 13
Elder Kilgore offered prayer. The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was waived. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.42
The Chair then made a reply to a question that had been raised relative to the report of the investigating committee, as to depreciation in value of machinery, etc., in which he took occasion to say that he had no fear of the closest investigation into the conduct of the business, from a business standpoint, but that the way the Lord looks at things may be different from the way man looks at them. He desired to receive whatever lesson the Lord has for him, and that every wrong thing may be searched out, and righteousness and equity prevail throughout the institution. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.43
Elder I. H. Evans then offered the following motion, which was seconded by Prof. F. W. Howe:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.44
“I move an amendment to the Treasurer’s report to the effect that the gain or loss on our denominational papers shall be based upon the cost of production, plus a proper percentage for covering the insurance, taxes, interest, and incidental expenses.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.45
This was spoken to by Elders S. H. Lane, A. T. Jones, C. H. Jones, R. A. Hart, and others, after which it was carried. The original report of the committee, as discussed and amended, was then voted. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.46
Before adjourning, J. I. Gibson, the superintendent of the Manufacturing Department, said:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.47
“I wish to state, for the benefit of some of my friends who have spoken to me, as well as for the guidance of the nominating committee and others, that I am not a candidate for nomination. I have decided to withdraw altogether my connection from the Review and Herald. I have prayed over it, and that is the conclusion I have arrived at. I make this statement in order to save any embarrassment to any one. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.48
On motion, the meeting adjourned until 6 P. M., same day. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.49
FOURTH MEETING, MONDAY, 6 P. M., MARCH 13
After singing, prayer was offered by W. B. White. Minutes of previous meeting approved. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.50
The report of the Nominating Committee was then presented, placing the following-named persons before the stockholders, from whom to choose seven directors: W. C. Sisley, C. D. Rhodes, Uriah Smith, S. H. Lane, J. I. Gibson, J. N. Nelson, L. McCoy, I. H. Evans, G. W. Amadon, R. A. Underwood, J. H. Morrison, Joseph Smith, M. J. Cornell, and H. Nicola. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.51
Elder S. H. Lane asked permission to bring before the stockholders a matter that he considered of importance. In 1849 the Review and Herald was first published, so this is the year of jubilee, when, according to Bible custom, wrongs were and should be righted. He then referred to the debt of $47,000 which the Review and Herald Publishing Association held against the Battle Creek College, and thought it proper to instruct the board to remit at least the interest due, which is not far from $15,000; and, in addition, make a donation of, say, $5,000 worth of books, to be sold by the canvassers now being educated by the College, which could be used to help clear that debt. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.52
Remarks were made by several persons, including Elders Loughborough, Westphal, Burrill, Mitchell, McCoy, Morrison, and E. A. Sutherland, after which it was moved that the suggestion be adopted. Then a motion was made to amend the report so as to include the entire debt. This was seconded, and an amendment to the amendment was offered, to forgive but $30,000 of the College debt, and give the balance in books. This was objected to by several, among them I. H. Evans, who could not see how a man could rejoice in his own jubilee and in the bondage of his brother. For it is known that the Review and Herald is itself owing $240,000, while the College is owing only $80,000. He thought it was a fine thing to forgive, and it was also a fine thing to pay. He was in favor of remitting the interest, but not the principal. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.53
A substitution was then offered to the effect that the Review Office remit to the new College Association the interest that has accrued on its indebtedness. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.54
Professor Sutherland considered this a very critical time. He had no desire to urge that any particular part or all of the debt be forgiven, but he believed that there would come such a blessing to the Review and Herald by such an act of liberality as would start a wave of liberality and prosperity that it has not known for many years. The question with him was, Who will get the blessing that comes from giving? GCDB March 16, 1899, page 187.55
At this juncture the meeting adjourned until 7:30 the following morning. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.1
FIFTH MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 7:30 A. M
After the opening exercises, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.2
The question before the house was the substitution moved by Elder McCoy, which was as follows:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.3
“That we, the stockholders of the Seventh-day Adventist Association, instruct our directors to remit to the new Battle Creek College Association, when formed, a sum equal to the accrued interest on the debt due by the College to this association.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.4
Nearly the whole session was spent in discussing the matter, in which Dr. Kellogg, J. H. Morrison, C. D. Rhodes, J. I. Gibson, R. A. Underwood, E. A. Sutherland, and others joined, when it was put to a vote, and carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.5
On motion, the meeting adjourned. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.6
SIXTH MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2:30 P. M
After the opening song, prayer, and reading of the minutes of previous meeting, the Chair said that the question before the house was the resolution of Dr. Kellogg, requesting the stockholders to remit the balance of the College debt. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.7
This was spoken to by several, after which it was laid over until the next annual meeting. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.8
On motion, the Treasurer’s report was accepted. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.9
On motion, the Chair was empowered to appoint three tellers to count the votes cast. These were W. O. Palmer, W. H. Hall, and Frederick Griggs. The roll-call showed that 1,731 shares were represented in person, and 4,308 by proxy. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.10
The Committee on Plans submitted the following report:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.11
“Your Committee on Plans would respectfully submit the following suggestions for your consideration:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.12
“We beg to call the attention of the shareholders to the deficit in the running of the Instructor for the year 1898, which, we understand, was caused, in part, by the expensive form in which the paper is printed; and would suggest that the shareholders express their opinion with reference to the betterment of the paper, and the best means to increase its circulation. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.13
“We would suggest the propriety of discontinuing the publication of the Christian Educator, because its field of operations is so limited, being largely covered by other papers. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.14
“We would respectfully recommend that this association handle the books published in other languages besides the English by our European publishing houses, and that we request these houses to reciprocate by handling the foreign books published by us; and, further, that we request the General Conference Committee to assist us in securing the services of a properly qualified person to look after this work, and also to look after the interests of our foreign papers. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.15
“That a new tent hymn-book be published as soon as expedient. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.16
“We would also suggest that the stockholders instruct the incoming board of directors to use their best endeavors to carry out the recommendations that have been made from time to time to put God-fearing young men in training for filling responsible positions in connection with the publishing work.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.17
It was moved that the report be adopted by considering each item separately. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.18
To the first resolution, S. H. Lane, C. H. Jones, A. T. Jones, B. M. Shull, A. J. Breed, Mrs. S. M. I. Henry, Mrs. Ada Hibben, and several others spoke, after which Elder F. M. Wilcox presented the following amendment to the resolution:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.19
“Moved, That the board of directors be instructed so to change the style and character of the Youth’s Instructor as to make it conform to, and answer the design of, its original purpose as far as possible; and that such difference be made in the price of the journal as shall be permitted by the change.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.20
This was supported and carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.21
The Chair then stated that he wished to exonerate the editors of the Instructor from any blame in the matter of the policy of the paper during the last year or so; for they had acted according to instructions. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.22
On motion of Elder Irwin, the suggestion concerning the Christian Educator was referred to the General Conference Committee, inasmuch as the Educator was first started in pursuance of a recommendation of the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.23
The fourth suggestion was spoken to by Elder J. M. Rees, who stated that of making song-books among us there was no end, and he would prefer a cheaper edition of the hymnal collection. He therefore submitted the following resolution:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.24
“Whereas, There seems to be a general call for a cheaper edition of our regular song-book for use in tent and revival effort; therefore, - GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.25
“Resolved, That we ask the Board of Directors to issue an edition of the church hymn-book at a price suited to this demand.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.26
This was referred to the General Conference Committee. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.27
To the sixth suggestion, Elder A. T. Jones spoke, stating that part of the increased expense in running the Review was due to the editorial help in the way of young men who were in training for similar work in other fields. There had been two such in the office, and now one of them had been called to England to assist in the work on Present Truth; and he therefore insisted that that was not expense, but an investment in brains, which he considered just as good an investment as to put the money in machinery in the press-room. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.28
After the adoption of the report as amended, Elder C. McReynolds submitted the following resolution, which was seconded by Elder C. Santee:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.29
“That Article 1 of Section 7 of the by-laws of this association be so amended as to provide for a committee to audit the accounts, and set the wages of the heads of the departments of the association.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.30
After some discussion, the motion was laid on the table. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.31
The following motion was then made by Elder Westphal:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.32
“Whereas, It seems necessary that the Christlicher Hausfreund be made a thoroughly missionary paper, and it is therefore necessary to have some other paper as a special means of communication to our people; therefore, - GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.33
“Resolved, That a monthly church paper about the size of the Zions-Wachter published at Hamburg, to cost not more than twenty-five cents a year, be published to meet the demand.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.34
This matter was referred to the General Conference Committee and the board of directors of the publishing association. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.35
On motion, the meeting adjourned to 7:30 P. M. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.36
SEVENTH MEETING, TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 7:30 P. M
This meeting was called for the purpose of receiving the report of the tellers appointed to count the votes cast for the board of directors. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.37
In behalf of the tellers, W. H. Hall made the following report:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.38
Total number of votes cast, 5,190, as follows:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.39
| J. I. Gibson | 4,718 |
| C. D. Rhodes | 4,679 |
| S. H. Lane | 4,411 |
| U. Smith | 3,892 |
| W. C. Sisley | 3,453 |
| I. H. Evans | 2,936 |
| L. McCoy | 2,794 |
These persons were declared duly elected as directors of the Publishing Association for the ensuring year. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.40
Elder C. McReynolds moved that the old debt due to this association by the Arkansas Tract Society be canceled. This was spoken to by several, after which it was referred to the board of directors. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.41
Following this, F. E. Belden offered the following resolution:- GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.42
“Whereas, The sale of our subscription books has been the greatest of all sources of profit to this association in the past, in addition to the spiritual good accomplished by such books; therefore, - GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.43
“Resolved, That as individuals and officers of conferences and tract societies, we give special attention to this important branch of the cause, by encouraging suitable persons everywhere to engage in this work.” GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.44
This motion was supported and unanimously carried. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.45
Then after several short talks by different persons, including I. H. Evans, A. R. Henry, and others, on motion of W. W. Prescott the meeting adjourned sine die, and was dismissed by Elder J. H. Morrison. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.46
INDEX
| PAGE. | |
| Australian Publishing Work | 16 |
| Australia, Situation in | 129 |
| Australian Field, Donations to | 132 |
| Addresses - | |
| Of Welcome.Elder H. W. Cottre | ll2 |
| In Response.Elder Geo. A. Irwin | 2 |
| Of the President of the General Conference | 5 |
| Of the President of Sabbath-school Association | 28 |
| Preparation for Translation.Sermon, Elder J. A. Brunson | 39 |
| Medical Missionary work.Dr. J. H. Kellogg | 44 |
| Design of Sanitariums.Dr. J. H. Kellogg | 117 |
| Divine Way of Diet.Dr. J. H. Kellogg | 139 |
| The Best Food.Dr. J. H. Kellogg | 143 |
| Good and Bad Foods.Dr. J. H. Kellogg | 151 |
| Health.What Is Best Worth Eating?Dr. D. H. Kress | 109 |
| Of President of the International Tract Society | 164 |
| Woman’s Work.Mrs. S. M. I. Henry | 172 |
| Academy, Mount Vernon | 160 |
| South Lancaster | 160 |
| Keene Industrial and Missionary | 109 |
| Another Glorious Day | 145 |
| Bible Study. | |
| Spirit of Prophecy.Dr. E. J. Waggoner | 13 |
| Church Organization.Elder Geo. A. Irwin | 31 |
| Church Unity.Elder Geo. A. Irwin | 36 |
| The Books of Daniel and the Revelation.Elder A. T. Jones | 46 |
| Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar.Elder A. T. Jones | 55,67 |
| God’s Message to the World.Elder A. T. Jones | 94 |
| The Handwriting of God.Elder A. T. Jones | 111 |
| The Roman Republic.Elder A. T. Jones | 136,174 |
| United States in Prophecy in the Book of Daniel.Elder A. T. | |
| Jones | 174 |
| Republics True and False in the Book of Daniel.Elder A. T. | |
| Jones | 177 |
| The Feast of Belshazzar.Elder Lewis C. Sheafe | 56 |
| The Loud Cry.Elder A. F. Ballenger | 69 |
| Victory.Elder A. F. Ballenger | 69,110 |
| True Education.Dr. E. J. Waggoner | 70 |
| The Water of Life.Dr. E. J. Waggoner | 79 |
| BULLETIN, The Current | 1 |
| Constitution, Proposed Change of | 7,140 |
| College, Healdsburg | 160 |
| Walla Walla | 48 |
| Medical Missionary | 47 |
| Union | 108 |
| Delegates, Roll Called | 5 |
| Evangelist, Our Pioneer | 9 |
| European Mission Field, Southern | 21 |
| Educator, Our Pioneer | 57 |
| Financial Statement of the Foreign Mission Board | 8 |
| Fellowship | 8 |
| General Conference Proceedings | 2,5,9,25,28, |
| 30,33,34,41,43,49,51,57,60,73,82,83,85,88, | |
| 89,91,98,99,104,113,116,121,124,128,137, | |
| 139,140,145,146,149,153,161,166,169,181 | |
| Herald of Truth, An Early | 33 |
| Haskell Home for Orphans, The | 73 |
| Health.Address by Dr. D. H. Kress | 109 |
| Illustrations. | |
| Elder James White.Portrait | 1 |
| S. D. A. Church, South Lancaster | 3 |
| Review and Herald Publishing House | 8 |
| Elder Joseph Bates.Portrait | 9 |
| The Mormon Octopus | 11 |
| Graysville Academy and Home | 16 |
| Map.General Conference Districts.United States | 29 |
| Elder J. H. Waggoner.Portrait | 33 |
| Elder J. N. Andrews.Portrait | 25 |
| Keene Academy Home | 38 |
| Elder M. E. Cornell.Portrait | 41 |
| The Medical Missionary College | 47 |
| Walla Walla College | 48 |
| Elder J. G. Matteson.Portrait | 49 |
| Prof. Goodloe H. Bell.Portrait | 57 |
| Pacific Press Publishing House, Oakland, Cal | 64 |
| Haskell Memorial Home, Battle Creek, Mich | 73 |
| Claremont Union College, South Africa | 84 |
| The James White Memorial Home | 89 |
| Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Mich | 97 |
| Union College, College View, Neb | 108 |
| Battle Creek Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich | 113 |
| Oakwood Industrial School, Huntsville, Ala | 121 |
| Publishing House, Christiania, Norway | 145 |
| Industrial School, Outline of Plan for Establishing | 139 |
| Keene Industrial and Missionary Academy | 109 |
| Logical Necessity, A | 2 |
| Light | 57 |
| Missionary, Our First European25 | |
| Minister, Our First Scandinavian | 49 |
| Mission Board, Foreign, Financial Affairs, Etc | 73 |
| Mission Field, Needs of the Argentinean | 142 |
| Southern European | 21 |
| Tabulated Report of Foreign | 25 |
| Statistics of in North America | 21 |
| European | 54 |
| Notable Day, A | 25 |
| Oakwood Industrial School | 16 |
| President of our General Conference, The First | 1 |
| Publishing Work, The | 8,116,121 |
| Publishing Work, Australian | 16 |
| Preparation for Translation.Sermon, Elder J. A. Brunson | 39 |
| Publishing Enterprise, Pacific Coast | 64 |
| Plans, etc.Discussion of Report on | 88,98,104,114 |
| Plans and Resolutions Adopted | 97,113,145, |
| 153,161 | |
| Publishing work in Scandinavia | 145 |
| Reports from - | |
| Treasurer General Conference | 7 |
| Treasurer Foreign Mission Board | 8 |
| Treasurer General Conference Association | 11 |
| Battle Creek College | 15 |
| Southern Industrial School | 15 |
| Superintendent District | 117 |
| ” District | 217 |
| ” District | 317 |
| ” District | 418 |
| ” District | 518 |
| ” District | 619 |
| Superintendent German work in North America | 21 |
| Superintendent Southern European Mission Fields | 21 |
| President Foreign Mission Board | 23 |
| Recording Secretary Sabbath-school Association | 29 |
| Treasurer Sabbath-school Association | 29 |
| Keene Industrial Academy | 38 |
| The Corresponding Secretary International Religious Liberty | |
| Association | 47 |
| The Treasurer International Religious Liberty Association | 48 |
| Oakwood Industrial School | 48 |
| Healdsburg College | 48 |
| Committee on Plans | 49 |
| European Union Conference | 53 |
| Denmark | 54 |
| German Russian Field | 54 |
| Pacific Press Publishing Co. | 64 |
| Scandinavia | 66 |
| Committee on Plans | 89 |
| Workers in Foreign Fields | 83 |
| Brazil | 135 |
| Committee on Credentials and Licenses | 137 |
| Nominating Committee, Action on | 139 |
| Nominating Committee, Further | 141 |
| Australasia | 141 |
| the Avondale School | 142 |
| Committee on Credentials and Licenses | 147 |
| Treasurer of International Tract Society | 165 |
| Committee on Distribution of Labor, Partial | 166 |
| Committee on Plans | 170 |
| S. D. A. Publishing Association | 171 |
| General Canvassing Agent.E. P. Boggs | 172 |
| South Lancaster Academy | 179 |
| Walla Walla College | 180 |
| Corresponding Secretary International Sabbath-school | |
| Association | 180 |
| Religious Liberty Association, International | 145,153,161, |
| 170 | |
| Report of Corresponding Secretary | 47 |
| Financial Statement | 48 |
| Review of the Thirty-Third Conference | 161 |
| Southern Industrial School | 16 |
| Statistics of Conferences and Missions in North America | 21 |
| Statistics of Conferences and Missions in European Fields | 54 |
| Statistics of Conferences and Missions.Summary | 22 |
| Statistics of Conferences.Tabulated Report of Foreign | |
| Missions | 29 |
| Sabbath-school, The | 25 |
| Sabbath-school Association.President’s Address | 28 |
| Sabbath-school Work, Object of.M. H. Brown | 30 |
| Sabbath-school Association | 156 |
| ” ” Work | 169 |
| Sabbath, A Good | 81 |
| Sanitariums, Design of.Address by Dr. J. H. Kellogg | 117 |
| “Sentinel, American”, Transfer of | 153 |
| School, Oakwood Industrial | 16 |
| Scandinavia, Publishing Work In | 145 |
| School, Industrial Plan for Building | 139 |
| Stockholders’ Meetings of S. D. A. Publishing Association | 186 |
| Tabernacle, S. D. A, South Lancaster | 3 |
| Tent Preacher, Our Pioneer | 41 |
| Testimonies, Reading of Special | 128,157 |
| Tract Society, President’s Address | 164 |
| Financial Statement | 163 |
| Volume Eight | 1 |
PICTURE AND TEXT GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.47
THE NEW Webster Dictionary
By E. EDGAR MILES.
Full Pronunciation
45,800 Words.
600,000 Sold.
192 pages, 5 5/8 x 2 5/8 inches.
Weight, 2 ounces.
This is probably the most helpful pocket companion in the world. It contains, also: (1) A Pronouncing Gazetteer of the World; (2) A complete Parliamentary Manual; (3) Short Cuts in Figures, with Business and Social Forms; (4) A Letter Writer and Literary Guide. No other dictionary, short of an unabridged, is absolutely self-pronouncing, and no other contains so many words. Every reader of the BULLETIN should secure a copy. Cloth binding, 25 cents; Leather, Gold Stamp, gold edges, 50 cents; Extra Morocco, with Calendar, Memorandum, and Stamp Holder, 60 cents. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.48
For sale by all our Publishing Houses and Tract Societies. GCDB March 16, 1899, page 188.49
AGENTS WANTED.