General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 2
October 29, 1888
VOL. 2. - MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., - NO. 8
Ninth Day’s Proceedings INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY FRIDAY, October 26, 1888
The fourth meeting of the International Tract Society was called at 10:30 a. m. After the opening prayer the report of the committee on resolutions printed in yesterday’s BULLETIN was again read, and after lengthy discussion was referred back to the committee. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.1
Adjourned to call of chair. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.2
AMERICAN HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION
The first meeting of the annual session of the American Health and Temperance Association was called Oct. 26, 2:30 p. m., by the president, J. H. Kellogg, M. D. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.3
After prayer L. J. Rousseau was elected secretary pro tem. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.4
The report of the year’s labor was presented as follows: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.5
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AMERICAN HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION
In looking over the reports of the year’s work sent in by the State Societies, we find much reason for encouragement. Three new Societies have been organized for work during the year, - Arkansas, Georgia and Florida, and Upper Columbia. Of the State Organizations which have been actively engaged in the work, all offer the universal testimony that the interests of members is very good and that there is an appreciable improvement in public sentiment in favor of health and temperance. Most of the State Societies have held interesting and well attended meetings in connection with the camp-meetings resulting in much good and increase of membership. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.6
Special instruction in Health and Temperance and Social Purity topics was given in connection with the Special course at Battle Creek College, as also in connection with several of the State Campmeetings. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.7
Of the State Work the report is as follows: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.8
MICHIGAN. - One new club has been organized during the year, 197 new names added to the membership, one of whom was a moderate drinker, three tobacco users. Several others were tea and coffee users; 22 meetings have been held during the year, some of which have been fraught with great interest. Children’s meetings have been held in connection with the campmeetings resulting in much profit. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.9
MAINE. - Sends a report of considerable literature distributed. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.10
ILLINOIS. - Three new clubs have been organized during the year with forty-eight new members. Six meetings have been held during the year and the interest in the work is good. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.11
INDIANA. - The Health and Temperance work in this state received a new impetus at the recent camp-meeting and meetings held just previous to the meeting by Eld. Keuber. Excellent work was done at the camp-meeting, and thirty new members added. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.12
COLORADO. - A large number of lectures have been given with good interest. Three clubs have been started and more than fifty new members secured. The president has been prevented by illness from doing as much work as he desired. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.13
MINNESOTA. - Six new clubs have been organized during the year. Two hundred and seventy-four persons have become members, the majority of whom signed the teetotaler pledge. Of these seventy-five were tea and coffee users, six tobacco users and three moderate drinkers. 150,000 pages of health and temperance literature has been distributed, and over 200 meetings held. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.14
WISCONSIN. - The work in this state was wholly re-organized one year ago, since which time the work has been more active and the interest increasing. During the year four clubs have been organized. One hundred and sixty-seven full members and ninety-four pledge members have been added during the year. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.15
IOWA. - This state which already had a large membership has added sixty-nine full members and one hundred and seventy-four pledge members during the year. Two new clubs have been formed. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.16
DAKOTA. - Lectures have been given and some effort has been made in the line of health and temperance work. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.17
NEW YORK. - Interest in the work in this state is increasing. Temperance meetings have been held in various parts of the state which have resulted in much good. Fifty-two additional members have been received during the year. 112,360 pages of health and temperance publications have been distributed. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.18
PENNSYLVANIA. - Meetings of the State Society was held in connection with the camp-meetings and considerable interest awakened. Eighteen additional members are reported. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.19
KANSAS. - The work in this state has been wholly re-organized within a short time. The interest in the work is good. Two clubs have been organized and two hundred and fifty members added. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.20
Some of the states where work has been done have sent in no report. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.21
On motion the chair was authorized to appoint committees on nominations and resolutions, which were subsequently appointed as follows: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.22
On Nominations - D. T. Jones, E. H. Gates, H. L. Phelps. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.23
On Resolutions - W. H. Wakeham, M. H. Brown, L. C. Chadwick. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.24
On vote a special committee of five, of which the president was to be the chairman, was appointed to frame a resolution to present before the General Conference, as follows: J. H. Kellogg, Frank Starr, A. T. Robinson, D. T. Jones, Geo. B. Starr. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.25
The president called for short reports from different laborers, which were given with interest. Preceding these reports the president gave an interesting talk upon the general work, and the importance of more thorough acquaintance with the principles of the Health Reform, enforcing his remarks with many interesting incidents from his experience among the different conferences, ministers, physicians, etc. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 25.26
Adjourned to call of chair. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.1
Tenth Day’s Proceedings GENERAL CONFERENCE SUNDAY, Oct. 28
The ninth meeting of the General Conference was called to order by the chair at 10:30 a. m. Prayer by Elder Underwood. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.2
A. Craw took his seat in the Conference as delegate from Illinois. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.3
On motion it was voted that the chair appoint a committee of five to take into consideration the future of our city missions and report. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.4
It was voted that resolutions and preamble No. 5 of BULLETIN No. 5 be taken from the table for discussion. They were read as follows: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.5
WHEREAS, Kind nursing, and the alleviation of pain by the wise use of simple remedies, is one of the surest ways of reaching the hearts of the people; therefore, GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.6
6. Resolved, That we recognize the fact that a wide and promising missionary field is open for trained nurses who have a knowledge of Bible truth, together with tact and consecration; and further, GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.7
7. Resolved, That recognizing the good work which the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium is doing in its Training School for nurses, we recommend that the officers of the various conferences seek out suitable young persons, and encourage them to attend the Sanitarium Training School in order to fit themselves for this branch of the Missionary work. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.8
Dr. Kellogg remarked that if he was a member of this body there could be no resolution presented that he could more heartily favor than this. The facts are that at least two-thirds of those who come among us to study in the school for nurses are converted to the truth, many of them being of the best of people; and a well-trained nurse can have a wonderful influence for good with the patients under their care, many patients feeling that they owe their lives to the nurses. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.9
The sanitarium has risen to such a place among the medical fraternity as we never expected. Many of our patients come because they are recommended to come by physicians. More discoveries have been made in ten years than ever before in the use of water and rational remedies for disease. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.10
Nurses can always command $12 to $15 a week. One nurse in a hospital at Chicago, who graduated at the Sanitarium, commands $50 per week. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.11
Nurses were given board and clothing (uniform, or working clothing) the first year, and wages the second year. Ladies who were not willing to dress healthfully could not qualify for nurses. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.12
We ought to have good nurses in all our churches. They are needed everywhere. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.13
Interesting remarks were also made by W. C. White, Geo. B. Starr, and D. T. Bourdeau. Dr. Kellogg hoped that this resolution would be immediately carried out. The training school would begin about Nov. 1, and it would be much better if those who desire to enter the school should begin at once. The resolutions were passed unanimously. Following this came the following report: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.14
REPORT OF THE HOME MISSIONARY SECRETARY
There are twenty-two city missions represented in the report for 1888, against thirty-four in 1887. Fourteen have been discontinued or merged into the church that has been raised in the place. London and Liverpool were included in the report last year; but this year are included in the report of foreign missions. Sixteen of the missions report 526 persons embracing the truth since they were started, and almost one-half, 258 during the last nine months, the time covered by this report. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.15
According to reports, there are 131 workers engaged in Bible work, or have been some time during the year. They have made 43,021 visits with 10,353 families. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.16
They have held 12,037 Bible readings with 16,399 persons. During the nine months past they have obtained 4,475 yearly subscriptions for our periodicals, and 644 for less than a year, making 5,119 in all. They have sold 2,359 subscription books, and sold, loaned and given away 1,560,111 pages of books and tracts. And in different ways have distributed 24,237 periodicals. The amount of sales on books is $7,674.40. Paid for rent $4,453.47. For other expenses not including board of workers, $7,121.32. The amount of tithes paid by the missions, including mission workers and those who have embraced the truth through them, $4,997.20. The amount of donations to other enterprises $1,855.25 making $6,852.45 in all. E. W. FARNSWORTH, Secretary. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.17
The following report was also given by the Home Secretary: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.18
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHICAGO MISSION TRAINING SCHOOL
It has been a little over four years since the school was opened. Over one hundred laborers have received more or less instruction, and are now working in eighteen different states and in six countries. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.19
Over one hundred persons have fully embraced the truth, and a large number are now interested. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.20
The church numbers ninety-two members. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.21
The mission has donated to foreign mission work $1,263.96. To home work - Chicago building fund, etc., $1,224.65. And about $1,200 tithe. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.22
The present plans are to receive principally ladies, and men and their wives. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.23
These persons must have a good experience at home first. They must be converted and give evidence of devotion and some ability to teach. The mission is not a place to send unconverted youth to get them under a good influence. The workers must not be burdened with this kind of work. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.24
We have connected with the Bible work, outside missionary work of every kind. There are four weekly tract societies in the city, and one at Pullman. Home and foreign missionary work is attended to through correspondence, also systematic visiting of the poor and the sick. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.25
Regular instruction will be given by competent nurses from the Sanitarium in the treatment of common diseases. And a series of lessons in Physiology and Hygiene, public and private Bible readings, practical religion, morning talks and readings on the subject of repentance, conversion and faith. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.26
A new building is now in process of erection at Nos. 26 and 28 College Place. It will contain about thirty rooms. One a chapel 28 x 40 feet, capable of seating about 300 people. The building will be heated by steam, with passenger elevator. The water for the entire house and elevator is furnished free by the city. There will be no state or city tax upon the property. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 26.27
Out of the number who have embraced the truth sixteen are devoting their entire time, and three a portion of their time to some branch of the work; making nearly one-fifth of the entire number who are laboring in the message. E. W. FARNSWORTH. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.1
The secretary remarked that he had but little time to devote to his work, as his time had been largely devoted to other work for the Conference. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.2
A full report, he said, would show that fully 1,000 persons have been converted to the truth since these missions began their work. And in Chicago 1,500 subscriptions were taken for Good Health. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.3
On motion the Conference adjourned to call of the chair. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.4
At the close of the meeting the following committee was appointed on city missions, as provided in the motion recorded in the beginning of this report: E. W. Farnsworth, W. C. White, R. A. Underwood, C. Eldridge, G. G. Rupert. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.5
HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE ITEMS
An interesting talk was given at 7:30 p. m., Oct. 27, by Dr. Kellogg. Our BULLETIN does not furnish space for the entire lecture, nor even of the greater part, but we cannot refrain from giving some of the pith of the many good things said by the doctor. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.6
The times, he said, were changing. Less than four years ago a doctor said that “hygiene” was a bad smell arising from dirty water; but now he found that many outside of us were going beyond us, although we had had light on health reform so many years. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.7
Some have an idea that health reform is to eat what we do not like; this is a mistake. We may learn to eat any wholesome food. Placed on an island like Robinson Crusoe we would relish even oatmeal. Wait till you are hungry and you will relish your food. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.8
Shortcake, hot from the oven, is a poor remedy for stomach ache. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.9
When one is sick, all seem to think that they can eat everything that they would eat when well. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.10
Without pie or cake in the house what would we do if one was taken sick in the night. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.11
Many injure themselves by following the rule of subtraction; we ought to add two or three good things for every bad one subtracted. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.12
Are meats worse than sweets? No; meats unless diseased are better than sweets. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.13
Many become gluttons and suffer from dyspepsia, and then charge it to the health reform. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.14
Do the best you can. We cannot lay down an iron rule for every day. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.15
Haven’t eaten two pounds of meat in 25 years. The best authorities in the world agree that the highest degree of health can be maintained without a flesh diet at all. In Italy I saw many boys with plates, entire roast chestnuts for their breakfast. They had nothing else, and they were robust and healthy. At least nine-tenths of the people of the world do not eat flesh. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.16
Which is the greatest sin, to eat cucumbers, pickles or pork. Answer. This is about like asking, which is worse, to lie or to steal. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.17
Vinegar is worse than alcohol, in its effects upon the stomach. The same quantity used. Vinegar generally is simply decayed apple juice. The home made is the worst, for in it we find the vinegar eels. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.18
We had better chew our dinner than to chew gum. Hard food thoroughly chewed will harden the gums and bring health to the teeth. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.19
Vegetables are not good for all, it takes too much time to digest, and there is but little food in it. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.20
Pure buttermilk is a healthful food; eat it, do not drink it. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.21
In the health reform there are three ways - good, better, best. Do the best way possible. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.22
A little common sense is needed by us all in carrying out the principles of “Health Reform.” GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.23
INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY
FIFTH MEETING, 2:30 P. M., OCT. 28, 1888. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.24
After singing “Sunlight In the Heart,” and prayer by Elder W. J. Stone, the secretary read the minutes of the previous meetings, which were approved. The committee to consider the blanks for members, district and state secretaries, reported as follows: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.25
Your Committee appointed to examine the blank reports in the members’ pass books, and those for the use of librarians, district and state secretaries, and to suggest such changes as will make all such blanks correspond, would respectfully submit the following: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.26
We find by a careful examination of these blanks, that the reports in the members’ pass-books contain a few items that are not in the other blanks. We find further, that all these blanks have been prepared with a place for reporting the amount of first day offerings paid in the librarians by the members. We find that this item was inserted in these reports to assist in carrying out recommendation 4 of the committee on finance, found on page 45 of the year book for the year 1888; said recommendation having been adopted by the general conference at its last session. We find further, that after the last general conference closed, a recommendation was made through the Review, that the first day offerings be paid to church treasurers, instead of librarians, although we cannot find that any reason was given for the change. We find by consulting with several state secretaries, that this change has caused a great deal of confusion and necessitated a great many explanations of the blanks. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.27
THEREFORE, In view of these facts, we recommend, GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.28
1. That the committee on resolutions, either in the International Tract Society, or General Conference or both, present a resolution at this session of these bodies, endorsing the recommendation adopted last year, above referred to, and advising our people everywhere to pay their first day offerings to the librarians with their quarterly reports. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.29
If the resolution above suggested is adopted, we recommend, GCDB October 29, 1888, page 27.30
2. That a resolution be presented to the International Tract Society asking our publishing houses to revise the blanks for librarians, district and state secretaries, making them correspond in every particular with the reports in the members’ pass-books and print a supply of them at once; and we request our state secretaries to order the new blanks in time to furnish the librarians and district secretaries with them before the close of this quarter. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.1
We find further, that in case the present plan of paying the first-day offerings to the church treasurers is continued, that another recommendation will be necessary, covering certain changes that will need to be made in the reports in the members’ pass-books. We withhold any recommendation on this point at present, trusting that the foregoing recommendation will meet the approval of the society. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.2
E. W. FARNSWORTH,
L. C. CHADWICK,
R. M. KILGORE,
Committee.
After the thorough discussion of the recommendations the report of the committee was adopted: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.3
The committee on resolutions reported as follows, which was unanimously adopted: GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.4
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY
Resolved, (1) That article 2, section 2, be stricken out. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.5
(2) That section 3, be numbered 2. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.6
(3) That section 3 shall be: “To publish and to secure the publication of tracts and pamphlets in those languages wherein there is a call for reading matter, that cannot be readily obtained from any of the Seventh-day Adventists publishing houses.” GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.7
(4) To add the following, which shall be called section 6: “To place religious books and periodicals in public libraries and reading rooms in all parts of the world. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.8
Resolved, That article 3 be so amended as to read: “The officers of this society shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Treasurer, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and as many assistant secretaries as may from year to year be deemed necessary, and an executive board of nine, of which the president and vice president shall be members.” GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.9
Adjourned to call of chair. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.10
INTERNATIONAL SABBATH SCHOOL
A model Sabbath school was conducted in the S. D. Adventist Church, Minneapolis, Sabbath morning, Oct. 27, by C. H. Jones, President of the International Sabbath School Association. The school was called to order promptly at 9 a. m. Three divisions were made viz.: Senior, Intermediate, and Primary or Kindergarten. The president took the charge of the first, Mrs. E. J. Waggoner the second, and Miss Lilly Affolter the third or Kindergarten work. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.11
Just fifteen minutes were devoted to opening praise service, when twenty minutes were given to class recitation in the different divisions. There were forty teachers chosen from the delegates, who are assembled from all parts of the missionary field. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.12
There were 44 classes organized, with about 350 pupils. Besides these over 50 became visitors to view the working of the school, especially in the intermediate and primary departments. Altogether the full attendance was between 450 and 500. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.13
Dr. E. J. Waggoner, of “Pacific Press, conducted the general review exercise in the senior division. Great interest was manifested by all. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.14
The lesson in the Intermediate Division was a review of the history of the Israelites from the beginning of their bondage in Egypt until their deliverance. The following were the main points impressed upon the children in the general review exercises. The Israelites were treated as slaves, scolded, and beaten. The children whom they loved were torn from their arms and cast into the River Nile. It seemed as though they had no friends and no hope. But there was one true Friend who saw their trials, heard their groans and cries, and pitied them, and in His own good time He caused all these things to work together for their good. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.15
One poor mother saw that no one on earth could help her, so she did all she could herself and then cried to God to save her child. God heard and answered her prayer by sending bright angels to watch over the little basket among the flags, where she had left her baby boy, and by directing the footsteps of Pharaoh’s daughter to the place. She found him (this was pictured on the blackboard), pitied him, and adopted him as her own son. He thus had the privilege of becoming a learned man. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.16
When God sent him to ask Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. Pharaoh said he knew not the Lord, neither would he let them go. God showed both him and the people who he was by sending the ten plagues. God let the king choose each time whether he would humble himself or receive the plague. But he resisted God, and the oftener he did this the harder it made his heart. But after the first-born were slain he let the Israelites go. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.17
The destroying angel knew which houses God’s people lived in, because there were spots of blood on their doorposts, and he “passed over” their houses and did not kill their first-born. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.18
That was a terrible time of trouble, but there will soon be a greater time of trouble the seven last plagues. But God’s people will be safe (Psalm 94:5-11). They will not have blood upon their door-posts, but the blood of Jesus applied to their hearts. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.19
We cannot wash the stain of sin away with anything in this earth (Jeremiah 2:22); Jesus alone can do it, and he will if we confess our sins and ask him to (1 John 1:9); he does it by washing it away in his own precious blood (Revelation 1:5). We cannot see him do it, but we know he does for he says so. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.20
The children were then begged to have this done and try to live every day so as to please Jesus, that when the trouble come they may be protected by the angels of God, and be delivered and taken to live with Jesus. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.21
The lesson for the little ones was the third day’s creation in advance and a review of the first and second days. The earth was represented by two small boxes of sand. The earth being covered with water and darkness was represented by covering the boxes with green and black French tissue paper. The creation of light was represented by white and of air by light blue. The gathering of the waters was shown by gathering the green paper between the boxes and then placing a dish of water for the seas. The little folks then placed short twigs of evergreen for grass, larger twigs were placed in the boxes of sand for trees, and then they placed bright flowers here and there. As their little hearts throbbed with pleasure at making this pretty spot they were led to see the beauty of the earth and the greater beauty of the earth when created. Then as God made it for a home for them how great was his love for them. GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28.22
28a GCDB October 29, 1888, page 28