General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
Department Meetings
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
Second Meeting
Monday was Religious Instruction Day for the Educational Department, and the Seminary chapel was full to overflowing when the chairman called the meeting to order. The hour was very profitably occupied by three addresses, dealing with the following subjects: “Our Schools and Our Message,” by Frederick Griggs; “The Bible as an Educator,” by M. E. Cady; “Getting Results From Devotional Hours,” by M. E. Kern. GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.15
Professor Griggs said in part: “The only excuse that can be offered for the existence of Seventh-day Adventist schools is the work that Seventh-day Adventists as a denomination have to perform in the world. Therefore our first work as educators must be a study of the great threefold message entrusted to us. The heart of this message seems to lie in the command to ‘worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water,’ that is, to acknowledge God’s work through Christ as the creator of all things. In other words, it is a reestablishment as a prime doctrine of the Christian faith that God is creator. This article of faith has been largely broken down by modern Higher Criticism, and by the evolutionary teachings of the age. We must build it up. GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.16
The question of discipline in our schools is not far removed from that of their connection with the message. Proper regulations and a wise enforcement of them are of prime importance for the development of our school work. The proclamation of the message requires vigorous, determined, obedient men. Hard, exact, diligent work must be required of students to develop the character necessary for the giving of this message. Practical gospel effort in connection with school studies and manual work will both increase the ability of the students and strengthen their faith. If the teachers properly appreciate the meaning of this message, if they have the pentecostal power which should accompany it, they will carry into their class-room a spirit of devotion that can but influence the lives of the students.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.17
Professor Cady’s paper, dealing with “The Bible as an Educator,” took up various phases of this interesting subject. He was not able to finish the reading within the twenty minutes provided by the program. The remaining portion will accordingly be read at a future meeting, and an abstract of the paper as a whole will then be given. GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.18
Professor Kern’s address occupied the remainder of the time. He said in part: “As I look over my one-time school-mates, I see that it is those who in school took time for devotion and missionary effort, who are today being used of God in carrying forward his work; while those who gave all their time to intellectual pursuits, have been less true, and have more readily come under the influence of apostasy. GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.19
“Those who have the leadership of the devotional meetings ought to take time for study in order to make them occasions of the most helpful character. As a rule, the success of a devotional meeting is in proportion to the previous prayerful preparation for it. With the right spirit, and with earnest preparation on our part, these hours may be made of more value than any other one exercise in the whole school program. GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.20
“I believe the greatest need in our schools is that attitude of mind, that devotional spirit, that seeking after God, that will bring to our lives the power of the Holy Spirit. And that power, when it comes, will not cheapen intellectual attainments. Some one has said that the Bible is not like an iron safe, the combination of which you have discovered, or a special key with which to open it, but it is like the rosebud that takes a warm atmosphere to open it. And I believe our students can gain more by the right attitude of mind, which is fostered by the Morning Watch, than by hours of hard intellectual study without that attitude of mind. And if we want our students to do these things, we must do them ourselves.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.21
SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Fourth Meeting
ELDER A. G. DANIELLS opened the meeting by paying a heartfelt tribute to his first Sabbath-school teacher. Through her teaching he received his first impression that the Bible is God’s word to him, an inspired Book. The mold which that teacher placed upon his mind has remained all the years, and the question of being a Christian was practically settled in his boyhood days. GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.22
The topic of the day was “Personal Work.” Mrs. Vesta J. Farnsworth, of California, spoke earnestly of this need. A gentleman visiting a pottery asked a workman whose hands were sore and bleeding from handling the sand used in making the vessels, why he did not use some tool or implement instead of his hands. “Ah,” replied the workman, “nothing will do but the human touch!” So in our work it takes the personal touch to accomplish the work. Life must touch life. Heart must touch heart. Jesus told his disciples that they should be fishers of men. A fisherman goes where the fish are, provides attractive bait, casts in his hook, and patiently waits and works for success. So we should seek out the unconverted, offer them bait that is attractive and appropriate, and with faith continue our efforts until we attain success. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.1
Mrs. G. F. Watson, of Texas, referred to her own experience in getting teachers to work personally for the unconverted. The winsome Sabbath-morning greeting, the weekly visit, a card of remembrance to the absentee, flowers sent to the sick, small acts of courtesy and attention, will win a place for us in the heart of indifferent ones, and pave the way for prayer and labor with them. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.2
J. L. McConaughey, of South Carolina, became a Christian as the result of the personal work of a Sabbath-school teacher. Later, becoming a teacher in the Sabbath-school, he has tried the same methods, and has had the privilege of leading his entire class to Jesus, by the same personal work. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.3
The attendance continues excellent. The room is crowded at each meeting. Hearts are made tender by the excellent words spoken. The Spirit of God is present in a marked degree. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.4
THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
Fourth Meeting
The problem, “How Shall Literature Be Provided for the Many Small Foreign Nations?” was taken up. L. R. Conradi and W. C. White presented papers on this topic. The question of how the foreigner in the United States can be reached with our literature, was discussed, O. A. Olsen leading out. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.5
Brother Conradi said that in preparing literature for the millions of people speaking many different tongues, the missionary feature of the work must ever be the principal point considered. He urged the necessity of carefully-prepared literature, great care in translation, and a close cooperation between publishing houses in bringing out new literature in various languages. In fields where it is absolutely impossible for a colporteur to make a living on the regular rate allowed, he recommended increasing the amount of percentage, rather than putting the laborer on a salary. “Study the needs, the people, and the country, taking care to prepare such literature as will pass censorship where religious intolerance prevails,” were other points emphasized in Brother Conradi’s excellent paper. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.6
W. C. White spoke particularly of supplying reading matter at small expense. He referred to the part student labor has taken in this work in such places as the Avondale School, near Cooranbong, Australia, and in other places where literature in a number of different languages has been produced. If in foreign countries our literature must be entrusted to publishing houses not of our faith, Brother White urged that a good house be selected, for its influence, its help in editing, etc. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.7
PHOTO-TWO SOUTH RUSSIAN COLPORTEURS
Brother O. A. Olsen noted four points in outlining effective work with our literature among foreign people in this country: First, have the real missionary interest to do something. Second, learn what nationalities of people live in your neighborhood. Third, from the church librarian secure tracts or papers in the languages of the people. Fourth, always be supplied with this literature, passing it out, with friendly greeting, at every opportunity. Brother Olsen urged that not too much literature be given at once. All this work should be carefully followed up. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.8
Fifth Meeting
W. C. Sisley acted as chairman of the fifth meeting of the Publishing Department. Leading bookmen, among them Brethren Bellah and Harrison, made strong appeals for the publication of our large books in the Bohemian language. Others expressed the same desire with reference to this and other foreign languages, urging that there is a strong demand on the part of these foreigners for our large subscription books. H. H. Hall read a recommendation passed at the recent Bookmen’s convention at Mountain View, as follows:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.9
“We recommend, That steps be taken at once to provide ‘Patriarchs and Prophets’ in Portuguese, Italian, and Polish, and ‘Great Controversy’ in Finnish and Russian, and, as soon as possible, that subscription books be provided in the other predominant languages in the United States and Canada.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.10
Brother Hall stated that negotiations for the translation of those books in most of the languages named, are well under way. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.11
“The Bookman as a Pioneer in Mission Fields,” was the subject of a brief but pointed talk by W. A. Spicer. He said in part: “We have not time to send a preacher to the field and pound away awakening an interest, finding hearts that may respond, searching for those to whom we can preach the message. We can do that where it is impossible to send a bookman to prepare the way, but in whatever field we labor now, we endeavor to send the bookman with the literature to prepare the field, and then send the preacher after him; when the preacher gets there, he does not need to spend weary months in starting the work, but his field is partly prepared, and he hears on every hand the cry, ‘Come and teach us about the things we have read in your literature.’ Where a new field is to be opened up, they send out a plea for a bookman. that is the story everywhere. Around the whole circle of the world the first thing is to throw out the line of men behind the books. We hear in military phrase about ‘the man behind the gun,’ but it is the man behind the book with us, who opens the way for the evangelistic worker, who follows on and gathers fruitage.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.12
J. W. Westphal and E. C. Boger, from South America, gave incidents showing that the work with our literature pioneers the way in that great field. J. S. James told how, in Southern India, he viewed the masses, feeling utterly helpless to reach them with the gospel. Four tracts were translated into the Tamil language. He began their general distribution, later organizing a band of colporteurs, and now from the educated class of Indians they are receiving scores of letters indicating that interest is aroused. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.13
An enthusiastic exchange of experiences followed, until the hour was more than taken. All present felt greatly encouraged. GCB May 22, 1913, page 102.14
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Third Meeting
After a short devotional exercise, the third meeting was given over to the report and papers prepared by the committee on spiritual work. The Morning Watch Calendar was first to receive consideration. Four plans for the calendar were suggested by Miss Katherine French, after which the following recommendation was passed:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.1
Whereas, The greatest need among our young people as well as parents is a deepening of the spiritual life in the home and a growing personal experience; and,— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.2
Whereas, Experience has proved that the Morning Watch is one of the most helpful factors in accomplishing this result: therefore,— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.3
Resolved, That more earnest efforts be put forth to encourage the use of the Morning Watch Calendar in every Seventh-day Adventist home, and that some recognition be offered to all who faithfully observe it throughout the year. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.4
Together with Mrs. Watson’s excellent paper on “Missionary Volunteer Work at Camp-Meeting,” the following resolution was presented, and, after a brief discussion, it was passed enthusiastically:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.5
In view of the great opportunities afforded by our camp-meetings for special work for our young people— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.6
We recommend (a) that earnest efforts be made for the most thorough and well-organized personal evangelism from the beginning of the meeting. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.7
(b) That special pains be taken to assist and encourage parents in their work by conducting carefully planned parents’ meetings. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.8
(c) That each conference provide two reading tents, one for young men and one for young women, and supply them with the reading-course books and other suitable literature. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.9
(d) That the observance of the Morning Watch be encouraged at camp-meetings by use in the devotional meetings. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.10
(e) That not more than two or three persons bear the burden of the Missionary Volunteer meetings at camp-meeting, with the exception of general workers who may be present. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.11
The talk on “Spiritual Work in Our Schools,” by Professor Griggs, was much appreciated. It brought again to our minds the absolute necessity of leaders demonstrating in their daily lives the saving power of the gospel, and also the importance of students’ engaging in definite Christian service. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.12
Fourth Meeting
The fourth meeting began with a discussion of the plans for the Morning Watch Calendar submitted the previous day. The four plans which had been suggested were to outline in the calendar the reading of the New Testament, and suggest a memory verse for each day; to make the texts for each week a study of some Bible character; to have a year of topical study helpful in Christian living; and to base the calendar texts on a study of the life of Christ. The majority desired to adopt the first plan for 1914, with a continuation of the report blanks and sunset feature. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.13
The time which remained was given to a paper on “Marrying Unbelievers,” by C. C. Lewis. The audience made an urgent appeal for its publication. This request will doubtless be granted. Until then we can favor our readers with two brief extracts only:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.14
“Love is godlike; for ‘God is love.’ But love and lust are far removed. Love leads to marriage, but lust severs the marriage tie. Strange that they should seem so near and yet be so far apart. It is a matter of the utmost importance to all young men and women to know how to relate themselves properly to one another. The proper association of ladies and gentlemen is a blessing to both. Men receive from such association a refining, subduing influence. Women receive strength and integrity of character. But improper associations produce evil results. In their intercourse with one another, young people should maintain a proper reserve. They should associate together as friends and companions in a frank, manly and womanly way; but at the same time there should be a bound of reserve through which no one would dare to break. Womanly reserve and modesty constitute a bulwark of purity and safety. When we forget this proper reserve, we fall into danger. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.15
“By these means we may not be able to save all our young people from unwise and disastrous marriages; but I do know from experience that we shall be able to direct the feet of many into that pathway which leads to the highest and purest bliss this world affords,—a congenial and happy married life.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.16
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT
Third Meeting
May 19, 4:30 P. M.
The topic under consideration was the standard bill for one day’s rest in seven, which has been introduced in many of the State legislatures during the past legislative year. The text of the bill was read by the chairman. The title is, “An act to Promote the Public Health.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.17
Following this a paper, which had been prepared by W. M. Healey, of San Diego, Cal., was read by the chairman, the author not being present. Two extracts follow:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.18
“Facts do not sustain the assertion that working seven days in the week is destructive of health. The Japanese and Chinese have paid no attention to a weekly day of rest, but have been almost incessant toilers for centuries, and now their powers of endurance are so great that Sunday-keeping laborers ask for state protection against their competitive labor. Where Sunday is a day of general enforced idleness, Monday finds fewer men able to work than are found on any other day of the week.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.19
“No act of the legislature of a State can make one babe hungry or sleepy. It does not have to appoint a commission to teach ducks to swim. The foot-sore traveler is weary, and no civil law can prevent it. No stated time of rest can be made to meet the physical needs of all. Such rest must be varied according to the strength and labor of each individual. Nature attends to that. Human lawmakers cannot.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.20
This paper was eminently the feature of the meeting. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.21
Following was a fifteen-minute talk by J. E. Jayne, religious liberty secretary for the Atlantic Union Conference, in which he related the success which had attended the work against this bill in the legislatures of the States in his union. The bill has been defeated, so far, in every legislature, except Ohio and Pennsylvania, it having been favorably reported out of the committees to whom it was referred in those States. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.22
Brother Anderson, from Australia, stated that in that continent there is at present a movement toward legislating not only concerning Sunday, but also Saturday, as a day of rest. “This,” he said, “will bring in a peculiar situation, and may tax our people’s resourcefulness to meet it properly.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.23
Those taking part in the discussion were: J. H. Westphal, H. A. Weaver, C. S. Longacre, F. W. Stray, W. A. Colcord, A. J. Clark, K. C. Russell, C. H. Edwards. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.24
Fourth Meeting
The subject for the day was “The Papal Program for America.” A. J. S. Bourdeau, of Takoma Park, D. C., presented the subject in the form of a forceful and convincing paper. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.25
His opening statement was as follows:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.26
“Rome has a very definite program laid out for America. So complex and cunningly devised is her plan that were it not clearly outlined in Bible prophecy, it would be very difficult to comprehend. Unfortunately for America, this long and varied program is not simply being planned; it is actually being carried out. So confident, indeed, have the papal leaders become that they regard the Catholic conquest of the United States as imminent. Briefly expressed, the program is to make America Catholic.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.27
Ample and rare quotations from Catholic authorities, which reveal a definite and carefully planned program toward controlling America soon, featured the paper. One authority is quoted as saying, Roman “Catholic truth will travel on the wings of American influence, and with it encircle the universe.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.28
Thirty-six items dealing with definite Roman Catholic plans for Romanizing America were set forth, a few of which are as follows:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.29
Improvement of every opportunity to unite the church and state, in public processions, Thanksgiving ceremonies attended by the President, members of the Cabinet, and other state officials. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.30
Securing positions of power in the government for the upbuilding of the church. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.31
The censorship of all public libraries, involving the elimination of staunch Protestant books, papers, and magazines from the shelves and tables. This is usually done by securing the appointment of a Catholic librarian, reader, or other official. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.32
The control of the police forces of American cities, as is now done in ninety-two per cent of the positions. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.33
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Fourth Meeting
The attendance at the meetings of the Medical Department has outgrown the capacity of the room assigned; so these meetings have been moved to the large pavilion, where the hundreds who attend can be accommodated. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.34
The first paper, by Julia A. White, M. D., was entitled, “The Relation of Health Reform to a Preparation for the Latter Rain.” It was replete with quotations from the Bible and the “Spirit of Prophecy,” indicating that the purpose of God is to translate a people who shall be “in the likeness of him,” and that the time has come for this likeness to be developed. “God’s purpose for his children is that they shall grow up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. In order to do this, they must use aright every power of the mind, soul, and body. A solemn responsibility rests upon those who know the truth. They have no time to spend in the indulgence of appetite.. GCB May 22, 1913, page 103.35
Elder J. O. Corliss’s paper was along the same line, and indicated clearly that if health reform is left out of the message, we have not a perfect message,—we are not “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.1
Dr. Miller said that health reform is a conformity to right principles, and that reason for abstinence from the use of objectionable articles of diet, are based on hygienic principles found in the Bible. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.2
PHOTO-The late Elder Uriah Smith, the first secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dr. Kress read from the special Testimonies to the workers in New York City in 1902: “Absolute truth, righteousness, and honesty, are always to be maintained. Keep the work of health reform to the front, is the message I am bidden to bear. Show so plainly the value of health reform that a wide-spread need for it will be felt. It is possible to have a wholesome nutritious diet without using flesh meat.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.3
Dr. Kress said that we are to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh,” not that we may become the sons of God, but because we are the sons of God. “I delight to do thy will.” If we are truly converted, we shall delight to do his will. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.4
Fifth Meeting
With more than one thousand in attendance, the meeting was opened with an earnest prayer by Elder R. W. Munson, of Java. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.5
Elder I. H. Evans spoke of the qualifications necessary to successful missionary work in foreign lands. All who go to mission fields should be good Christians. They should be good Christians at home, then they can be good Christians in foreign lands. Medical missionaries should be good Seventh-day Adventists. To make converts to the truth, one must be a lover and a doer of the truth. A medical worker should be a good evangelist, able to lead men to believe in Jesus Christ, Doctors can gain access to homes and individuals where the minister cannot go. His first thought and motive should be to win souls to Christ. His profession should not be first, but be used as an auxiliary to the main all-important purpose of saving men and women. He must be one in whose heart the message burns, and who will put forth every power of his being to implant in the hearts of others a love for the message. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.6
Elder F. H. DeVinney, superintendent of the Japan Mission Field, read a paper entitled, “Shall We Have Sanitariums in Mission Fields?” In this paper he suggested that in many mission fields it is better to have doctors and nurses, with facilities for treating patients where they find them, than a large building of brick and mortar, where the sick must be brought. In many heathen lands the most effective work can be accomplished by native workers trained in the art of simple, rational treatments. Every effort should be to heal and cure the sin-sick soul. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.7
Elder C. L. Butterfield read a paper prepared by Dr. Riley Russell, of Korea, telling of his medical dispensary work in that country. The Koreans are extremely ignorant of the science of medicine, and the practise of medicine in that country is often barbarous and cruel. The people have implicit faith in the medical missionary who in kindness and love visits the sick and ministers to their needs. The doctor must travel from place to place through the country, as the people are so poor they cannot go long distances to visit the sanitariums. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.8
Dr. A. B. Olsen, of England, spoke of the high standard to which it is the privilege of the medical missionary to attain. The supreme object of doctors and nurses should be to save souls in the kingdom of God. It is a great thing to be the means of healing men’s bodies, but it is a thousand times greater to be instrumental in healing the souls of men. Medical missionaries should be warm-hearted, kind, and sympathetic, seeking to inspire the sick with courage and hope, persuading them to look to God, the great Physician. And the doctors should always in faith bow down before God and ask his blessing on the treatment given. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.9
Dr. H. C. Menkel, of the India Mission, said: “No matter what the thoughts and purposes of the medical student as he finishes his school work and prepares for his field of labor, when he reaches his field, and sees the great and awful need of the thousands and millions of human beings, he is soon swallowed up in the one great, over-mastering desire to heal sin-sick souls by leading them to Jesus, the great Physician.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.10
HALF A CENTURY AGO
The Formation of the General Conference
Fifty years ago today there were assembled in Monterey, Michigan, a small but representative group of Seventh-day Adventist believers, who had gathered in connection with the annual meetings of the Michigan Conference and of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, for the purpose of forming a General Conference organization. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.11
During the days the brethren were together, from May 20-23, 1863, they united in organizing a General Conference. In a report of the meeting published in the May 26, 1863, issue of the Review, it is revealed that those who united in this action discerned, with far-seeing vision, the place that the General Conference would occupy in connection with the work of God in the earth. According to this report, the Conference was formed “for the purpose of securing unity and efficiency in labor, and promoting the general interests of the cause of present truth, and of perfecting the organization of the Seventh-day Adventists.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.12
The delegates at the Monterey meeting, representing the six State conferences then in existence, went forward in the fear of God in effecting a permanent organization, adopting a constitution, and electing officers for the ensuing year. Recognizing the advantage of uniformity, they also drew up and recommended a form of constitution for State conferences. GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.13
Harmony prevailed throughout the four days the brethren spent together. Elder Uriah Smith, the secretary, in a Review editorial (May 26) descriptive of the meeting, wrote:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.14
“Perhaps no previous meeting that we have ever enjoyed, was characterized by such unity of feeling and harmony of sentiment. In all the important steps taken at this Conference, in the organization of a General Conference, and the further perfecting of State conferences, defining the authority of each, and the important duties belonging to their various officers, there was not a dissenting voice, and we may reasonably doubt if there was even a dissenting thought. Such union, on such points, affords the strongest grounds of hope for the immediate advancement of the cause, and its future glorious prosperity and triumph.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.15
Of the benefits accruing to the cause of God as a result of the steps taken at that time, Elder James White wrote late in 1873 in “An Earnest Appeal” addressed to the General Conference Committee and to the committees of State conferences and other officers:— GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.16
“As numbers have increased, and missionary fields have opened before us, we have all come to prize our simple, and, to human view, complete organization. The history of our cause bears a decided testimony in favor of our system of organization. The men who framed it, and introduced it, felt the importance of their work. The Guiding Hand was with them, which is the reason why the lapse of more than ten years has not revealed defects demanding changes. We unhesitatingly express our firm convictions that organization with us was by the direct providence of God.” GCB May 22, 1913, page 104.17