General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
Conference Proceedings. TWENTIETH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
May 27, 10 A. M.
W. T. KNOX in the chair. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.2
Prayer by E. W. Farnsworth. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.3
Elder Daniells read to the Conference a message of greeting and counsel from Sister E. G. White. The message follows:— GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.4
COURAGE IN THE LORD
Recently in the night season, my mind was impressed by the Holy Spirit with the thought that if the Lord is coming as soon as we believe he is, we ought to be even more active than we have been in years past in getting the truth before the people. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.5
In this connection, my mind reverted to the activity of the advent believers in 1843 and 1844. At that time there was much house-to-house visitation, and untiring efforts were made to warn the people of the things that are spoken of in God’s Word. We should be putting forth even greater effort than was put forth by those who proclaimed the first angel’s message so faithfully. We are rapidly approaching the end of this earth’s history; and as we realize that Jesus is indeed coming soon, we shall be aroused to labor as never before. We are bidden to sound an alarm to the people. And in our own lives we are to show forth the power of truth and righteousness. The world is soon to meet the great Lawgiver over his broken law. Those only who turn from transgression to obedience, can hope for pardon and peace. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.6
We are to raise the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Obedience to God’s law is the great issue. Let it not be put out of sight. We must strive to arouse church-members, and those who make no profession, to see and obey the claims of the law of Heaven. We are to magnify this law and make it honorable. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.7
Christ has commissioned us to sow the seeds of truth, and to urge upon our people the importance of the work to be done by those who are living amidst the closing scenes of this earth’s history. As the words of truth are proclaimed in the highways and the byways, there is to be a revelation of the working of the Spirit of God on human hearts. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.8
O, how much good might be accomplished if all who have the truth, the Word of life, would labor for the enlightenment of those who have it not. When the Samaritans came to Christ at the call of the Samaritan woman, Christ spoke of them to his disciples as a field of grain ready for harvesting. “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest,” he said. “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” Christ abode, with the Samaritans for two days; for they were hungry to hear the truth. And what busy days they were! As a result of those days of labor, “many more believed on him because of his own word.” This was their testimony: “We have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.9
Who among God’s professing people will take up this sacred work, and labor for the souls who are perishing for lack of knowledge? The world must be warned. Many places are pointed out to me as in need of consecrated, faithful, untiring effort. Christ is opening the hearts and minds of many in our large cities. These need the truths of God’s Word; and if we will come into a sacred nearness with Christ, and will seek to draw near to these people, impressions for good will be made. We need to wake up, and enter into sympathy with Christ and with our fellow men. The large and small cities, and places nigh and afar off, are to be worked, and worked intelligently. Never draw back. The Lord will make the right impressions upon hearts, if we will work in unison with his Spirit. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.10
I have words of encouragement for you, my brethren. We are to move forward in faith and hope, expecting large things from God. The enemy will seek in every way to hinder the efforts that are being made to advance the truth, but in the strength of the Lord you may gain success. Let no discouraging words be spoken, but only such words as will tend to strengthen and sustain your fellow workers. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.11
I long to be personally engaged in earnest work in the field, and I should most assuredly be engaged in more public labor did I not believe that at my age it is not wise to presume on one’s physical strength. I have a work to do in communicating to the church and to the world the light that has been entrusted to me from time to time all through the years during which the third angel’s message has been proclaimed. My heart is filled with a most earnest desire to place the truth before all who can be reached. And I am still acting a part in preparing matter for publication. But I have to move very carefully, lest I place myself where I cannot write at all. I know not how long I may live, but I am not suffering as much healthwise as I might expect. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.12
Following the General Conference of 1909, I spent several weeks attending camp-meetings and other general gatherings, and visiting various institutions, in New England, the Central States, and the Middle West. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.13
Upon returning to my home in California, I took up anew the work of preparing matter for the press. During the past four years I have written comparatively few letters. What strength I have had has been given mostly to the completion of important book work. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.14
Occasionally I have attended meetings, and have visited institutions in California, but the greater portion of the time since the last General Conference has been spent in manuscript work at my country home, “Elmshaven,” near St. Helena. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.15
I am thankful that the Lord is sparing my life to work a little longer on my books. O, that I had strength to do all that I see ought to be done! I pray that he may impart to me wisdom, that the truths our people so much need may be presented clearly and acceptably. I am encouraged to believe that God will enable me to do this. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.16
My interest in the general work is still as deep as ever, and I greatly desire that the cause of present truth shall steadily advance in all parts of the world. But I find it advisable not to attempt much public work while my book work demands my supervision. I have some of the best of workers—those who in the providence of God connected with me in Australia, with others who have united with me since my return to America. I thank the Lord for these helpers. We are all very busy, doing our best to prepare matter for publication. I want the light of truth to go to every place, that it may enlighten those now ignorant of the reasons of our faith. On some days my eyes trouble me, and I suffer considerable pain in them. But I praise the Lord that he preserves my sight. It would not be strange if at my age I could not use my eyes at all. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.17
I am more thankful than I can express for the uplifting of the Spirit of the Lord, for the comfort and grace that he continues to give me, and that he grants me strength and opportunity to impart courage and help to his people. As long as the Lord spares my life, I will be faithful and true to him, seeking to do his will and to glorify his name. May the Lord increase my faith, that I may follow on to know him, and to do his will more perfectly. Good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.18
I greatly desire that the old soldiers of the cross, those grown gray in the Master’s service, shall continue to bear their testimony right to the point, in order that those younger in the faith may understand that the messages which the Lord gave us in the past, are very important at this stage of the earth’s history. Our past experience has not lost one jot of its force. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.19
Let all be careful not to discourage the pioneers, or cause them to feel that there is little they can do. Their influence may still be mightily exerted in the work of the Lord. The testimony of the aged ministers will ever be a help and a blessing to the church. God will watch over his tried and faithful standard-bearers, night and day, until the time comes for them to lay off their armor. Let them be assured that they are under the protecting care of Him who never slumbers or sleeps; that they are watched over by unwearied sentinels. Knowing this, and realizing that they are abiding in Christ, they may rest trustfully in the providences of God. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.20
I pray earnestly that the work we do at this time shall impress itself deeply on heart and mind and soul. Perplexities will increase; but let us, as believers in God, encourage one another. Let us not lower the standard, but keep it lifted high, looking to him who is the author and finisher of our faith. When in the night season I am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in prayer to God, and he strengthens me, and gives me the assurance that he is with his ministering servants in the home field and in distant lands. I am encouraged and blessed as I realize that the God of Israel is still guiding his people, and that he will continue to be with them, even to the end. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.21
I am instructed to say to our ministering brethren, Let the messages that come from your lips be charged with the power of the Spirit of God. If ever there was a time when we needed the special guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is now. We need a thorough consecration. It is fully time that we gave to the world a demonstration of the power of God in our own lives and in our ministry. GCB May 28, 1913, page 164.22
The Lord desires to see the work of proclaiming the third angel’s message carried forward with increasing efficiency. As he has worked in all ages to give victories to his people, so in this age he longs to carry to a triumphant fulfillment his purposes for his church. He bids his believing saints to advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of his cause. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.1
We are to stand firm as a rock to the principles of the Word of God, remembering that God is with us to give us strength to meet each new experience. Let us ever maintain in our lives the principles of righteousness, that we may go forward from strength to strength in the name of the Lord. We are to hold as very sacred the faith that has been substantiated by the instruction and approval of the Spirit of God from our earliest experience until the present time. We are to cherish as very precious the work that the Lord has been carrying forward through his commandment-keeping people, and which, through the power of his grace, will grow stronger and more efficient as time advances. The enemy is seeking to becloud the discernment of God’s people, and to weaken their efficiency, but if they will labor as the Spirit of God shall direct, he will open doors of opportunity before them for the work of building up the old waste places. Their experience will be one of constant growth, until the Lord shall descend from heaven with power and great glory to set his seal of final triumph upon his faithful ones. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.2
The work that lies before us is one that will put to the stretch every power of the human being. It will call for the exercise of strong faith and constant vigilance. At times the difficulties that we shall meet will be most disheartening. The very greatness of the task will appal us. And yet, with God’s help, his servants will finally triumph. “Wherefore,” my brethren, “I desire that ye faint not” because of the trying experiences that are before you. Jesus will be with you; he will go before you by his Holy Spirit, preparing the way; and he will be your helper in every emergency. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.3
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.4
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.5
ELLEN G. WHITE.
W. T. Knox: Now we will give opportunity, if it is desired, for any one to express himself in connection with this communication. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.6
J. N. Loughborough: I can say that this communication has shed a ray of encouragement through my mind, and killed one of the lies that the devil has been trying to tell me for a number of years. That lie was that the brethren did not want to hear from me. He would say, “You keep still; they do not want to hear you.” A brother who came to me this morning said he thought I had grown so old that the devil does not bother me any more. But I thought I was like a man who said he thought the devil must let everybody else alone, he spent so much time on him. The devil tells me I have got old and had better keep still. He has told me that a thousand times, I suppose, and I guess fifty times since I have been in this meeting. But if I understand that testimony, I can say something once in a while that will encourage the people. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.7
Many voices: Amen! GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.8
J. N. Loughborough: And when that testimony spoke “courage in the Lord,” I wanted to say, “Courage in the Lord.” The Lord is talking to us yet! GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.9
S. N. Haskell: I repeat one thing that Elder Loughborough said. Of course the devil is not dead, and I have my temptations the same as he has. I have made up my mind that I will not believe him. As long as I am around, I propose to be around. And if there is anything I can say, I hope that I shall always be near enough to the Lord to say it, and not to feel as though I ought not to say anything. I know people think I am getting to be old, and I suppose I am, according to years; but I was thinking the other morning, when I felt unusually well and clear,—about as I used to feel twenty-five or thirty years ago,—I feel as though I can not live unless I am doing something to advance this work. And I know Brother Loughborough feels the same way. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.10
I am very much encouraged by this testimony. I thank the Lord that we have the Lord’s voice among us still. May the Lord help us to heed that voice, and be prepared for his coming. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.11
G. I. Butler: I feel greatly blessed and edified with this last communication we have received from God’s servant. It should encourage us all. It has the oldfashioned ring in it that is in all her earlier writings. Some thought that as she grew old her writings would be less powerful, but it seems to me that her later writings are the best. God is with that dear woman. I feel thankful for this communication. I believe it ought to encourage us all in the work of God, and especially is it encouraging to some of us who are growing old. May the Lord bless us all and save us in his kingdom. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.12
J. O. Corliss: May I say a word? I have been feeling somewhat as has been expressed by these other brethren. I presume that the experience of the past ten months, which has depressed me, has had the tendency to bring this feeling upon me. I know it is not right. But I am very thankful for one thing, and that is that I have received from my brethren such encouraging letters. I was especially encouraged by a letter from Brother Daniells. It did my heart more good than I can express. It came to me at a time when these temptations were very strong upon me. I am glad that there is yet sympathy for one another among our brethren. But I do not want to talk particularly upon that point. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.13
I feel encouraged by the exhortation we have received in this communication, to do all that is within our power to help others see the truth. That is the point that appeals to me more than anything else. I feel as though my greatest desire is to give this message, and my prayer is that God will give me the strength and power of mind to go forth with this message as in days of old. When I hear the reports of the progress of God’s work throughout the field, it seems that there is something that rises up within my heart and says, “Go!” I feel as though I can hardly keep still. I know it is thought that my best days are behind me, but I do believe that God still has a work for some of us older ones in his cause. I want to so live that I may know the triumphs of his Holy Spirit all the time, and be ready either to die or to do. (Amens.) GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.14
A. G. Daniells: I read the communication, but said nothing as to my own appreciation of it. So I wish to say that I feel grateful to our Heavenly Father, who looks down upon us in all our weakness and all our frailty, and pities us, and speaks words of encouragement and good cheer. I am greatly encouraged by the note of cheer it sounds, and which it admonishes us always to sound. And, too, brethren, let us be admonished by it always to speak words of courage and cheer to uplift and strengthen one another in the work and in the battle. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.15
Temptations are not peculiar to men who are gray or white with years. They come to some of us in middle life, and they come to young people. Trials, discouragements, and temptations of all sorts come to us, and we must take courage, even when temptations are pressing us hard, if we are to win victories. So this morning I praise God for this good word that has come to us, and I am sure that as we read it and study it, it will be a help and a strength to us. (Amens.) GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.16
A. C. Bourdeau: I thank the Lord for this testimony that came to us this morning. It applies to each one of us. It is a word of encouragement to God’s people, to this servants, and even to the aged like me, who have felt as though they should lay down the armor and be quiet, I feel full of courage, and am determined by the grace of God to go through with this people. Brethren, be of good courage in the Lord. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.17
D. T. Shireman: I am glad to hear this testimony of encouragement that has come to us this morning. I am of good courage, and am glad I have a part in this work. I want to buckle on the armor anew, and press on. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.18
Wm. Covert: I am very thankful to be with you. I have been in this work a good many years. I have felt the presence of God with me all these years. I thank the Lord because I am associated with a class of workers who love the Lord and love one another, and I am glad that I love them with all the fervor of my heart. I still hope to live to see Jesus come. By the grace of God, I will strive to keep my place, and work with all the strength God gives me. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.19
O. A. Olsen: I cannot be denied the privilege of expressing my gratitude for the blessings of this message. I am glad that all my life, from a child, so to speak, has been lived in connection with this work. And I am so thankful for what that blessed gift has been to me in the various experiences of my life. I thank God today for the courage he has given us, and for the admonitions that have come to us. I want to be faithful to the end. GCB May 28, 1913, page 165.20
W. T. Knox: I am sure we all appreciate this message of courage that has come to us from Sister White, and that all pray that God may continue to bless her, and be very near to her. It is gratifying to know that while she is not here, still her heart is with us, and through her God has sent this message to us. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.1
PHOTO-AT THE FIRST TENT-MEETING IN JAPAN
J. W. Watt: I have now been in the ministry for thirty-two years, have grown old in this cause. I am glad this morning for the world that has come to us. God has a place still for those who grow gray in his cause. My courage is good in the Lord. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.2
W. T. Knox: It is suggested that we give all the privilege of voting their appreciation of this message that has been received by us, by rising. (All the congregation arose.) GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.3
C. P. Bollman: I move the president and secretary of the General Conference be asked, in behalf of this body, to convey to Sister White an expression of appreciation of the counsels given in this message, and of assurance of our Christian love and regard. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.4
O. A. Olsen: I second the motion. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.5
The motion prevailed. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.6
W. T. Knox: We have as yet received no report from Japan. We will therefore take advantage of this occasion to call upon Brother De Vinney and others to report. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.7
GREETING FROM JAPAN
F. H. De Vinney: We bear a letter of greeting from the believers in Japan, and, thinking that you would like to hear it read in the Japanese, I have asked Elder T. H. Okohira, one of the pioneer workers in Japan, to read it for you. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.8
T. H. Okohira (dressed in Japanese costume): It is my great joy and privilege to present our hearty greetings to you, which I brought from Japan. I hope you may understand it. If you do not understand it, please listen how it sounds to you, and afterward Elder De Vinney will translate to you. In Japanese manner, when we present such a greeting, we always bow down this way [making the bow], and then we step back three steps, and read for the president and to you. (The letter was then read in Japanese.) GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.9
F. H. De Vinney: I will read the translation (reading):— GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.10
“The members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Japan feel greatly honored to be accorded the privilege of extending their most hearty greetings to the brethren assembled in conference at Washington. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.11
“The believers in the Land of the Rising Sun, by fasting and prayer, are pleading with the Heavenly Father that his Spirit may be poured out, as in the day of Pentecost, upon the General Conference Committee, the delegates, and the brethren from all the world gathered at this council. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.12
“We are praying that all the actions taken at this conference may be in accord with the will of God, that they may help extend the work in the whole world, and hasten the setting up of God’s glorious kingdom upon the earth. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.13
“Especially are we hoping, with a longing that counts one day as a thousand autumns, that the brethren who have been accorded the privilege of representing the work in the Japanese field may receive Heaven’s blessing, and be able to faithfully perform their duties, and quickly return, bringing an excellent report of the Conference. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.14
“Finally, O Lord, bless all our assembled brethren. We thank thee for what thou hast done for Japan through thy faithful children; but, Lord, grant that thy children may quickly answer the Macedonian cry of the Far East. Amen. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.15
“From all the believers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Japan.” GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.16
This greeting was received with amens. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.17
F. H. De Vinney (reading further):— GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.18
REPORT OF THE JAPAN MISSION
The work of the third angel’s message had its beginning in Japan in November, 1896, when Elder W. C. Grainger and T. H. Okohira, a young Japanese from California, reached Yokohama, as our first misionaries, under the support of the California Conference. Elder Grainger had formerly served the cause as the principal of Healdsburg College, and Brother Okohira had accepted the truth four years before, at a tent effort in Southern California, and had connected with the college as a student. From an acquaintance thus formed, Elder Grainger was inspired to give himself to the work in Japan. They began work in Tokyo. A little later Brother Okohira opened the work in Kobe, and among the first converts there was a young lady, who later became his wife, and a young man, who developed into an effective public laborer and was ordained to the ministry a few years later, and who will be remembered by those attending the last General Conference as Elder H. Kuniya, one of the delegates from Japan. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.19
The development of the work was of necessity slow. We were of the very last of the Christian denominations to enter the field, and had to encounter all the opposition found at home from the established churches, and the self-satisfied indifference of a heathen people. Elder Grainger, who was well along in years, and other foreign laborers who followed, did not acquire the language, which, by the way, is admitted by the best authorities to be one of the most difficult to learn in the world. But step by step the message has advanced against all opposition, young workers have been developed and trained, earnest efforts have been made to acquire the language, and by experience workers are learning to avoid many of the early difficulties, and how to reach the honest-hearted; for there are many honest souls in Japan who hear and receive the truth gladly. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.20
The distance between the outposts of the mision is now more than twelve hundred miles by rail. This makes it both difficult and expensive to administer our affairs. This development is not the result of any planning, but came through the calls for help which resulted from the canvassing work. All our laborers, when necessary to travel by cars, use the second and third class. Most of the other foreigners use the first class. Wherever a company is established, we encourage resident canvassing; but when necessary to go from place to place, whenever possible the canvasers walk, thus saving the car fare and distributing the tracts and papers by the way. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.21
While nearly all other denominational literature is given away, ours is all sold. To give it away makes it of less value in the minds of the people, and is not a good training for them. Though the price is very small, yet it entails some sacrifice upon the purchaser, and is much better for them; besides helping to give the truth to somebody else, by producing more literature. The people of the middle class are poor, by American standards, very poor; they have very little money left after the most common, meager essentials of life are procured. Those who have come in contact with the ordinary mission work have been trained to receive rather than to give anything to the support of the gospel. In this way they fail to receive the blessings, and to make the development in Christian character, which come from making a sacrifice to the Lord by giving; but we are raising another standard. Our tithes and offerings are yet small; but are increasing each year, and even the poorest are encouraged to give of their slender means as they receive the additional blessings from the Lord by so doing. GCB May 28, 1913, page 166.22
We have seven organized churches, with two good church buildings, and one in course of construction, also money on hand for the fourth. Total membership, 281; tithe for the year 1912, $1,493; offerings, $322. Foreign laborers, 7; Japanese laborers, 40. There are, besides, those counted as carvassers who receive a certain amount of books, tracts, or papers free each month, making 56 laborers supported entirely or in part. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.1
All our Sabbath-school donations are given to missions, and Japan is joining with her sister schools of the world in the thirteenth-Sabbath offerings, and will try to do her part toward the mark set before us of a million dollars for missions during the next four years. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.2
Our mission training-school work was first opened as a three months’ workers’ institute in the fall of 1908, in Tokyo. Our great need of more trained workers made imperative the continuation of the school. The following winter, again the school was opened in Tokyo. A portion of a foreign dwelling-house was used for the schoolrooms, and three Japanese houses were rented for dormitories. Since that time the school has continued each year, with an average attendance of about twenty-five. At pres-out we have few workers. When the school can be properly housed, and sufficient competent teachers can be secured, we know that a better school can be conducted. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.3
It was thought best to discontinue our mission sanitarium in Kobe during the year 1909, and since that time the conditions have led us to confine our medical work to local treatment-rooms and personal medical missionary work. Dr. W. C. Dunscombe was with us in 1910 and 1911, prior to his call to Cape Town. In Kobe, Dr. Noma, a Japanese lady and a sister in the truth, a Japanese-trained physician, have built up an institution, popularly known as the Eise-In, which is doing a splendid work among the Japanese, a work that any foreign managed institution could not hope to do. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.4
Since the closing of the mission sanitarium, Brother J. N. Herboltzheimer, our trained nurse, has been connected with the Eisei-In as a teacher of nurses, and general adviser; but with the beginning of the present year, he has opened medical missionary work in Yokohama, one of the principal ports of the empire. In the spring of 1911 the mission lost the services of Elder F. W. Field, who had long and faithfully served as superintendent and principal of the training-school, and who had been called home to take up work on the Pacific Coast. All parted with him with regret, as he had endeared himself to both old and young by his kindly traits and Christian character. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.5
Prior to 1899 the mission had had printed about one dozen different leaflets containing short Bible readings; but in July of that year our missionary paper, the Owari No Fukuin, first made its appearance, as a monthly. From its first issue, its influence was seen in the inquiries and calls for help which came from different places. Faith and courage in large measure were required in those days; for the needed funds for the continuance and upbuilding of the publishing work were meager. Small contributions from friends on the Pacific Coast, and some profits from the sale of health foods, constituted the sole source of support. About the time mentioned, Brother W. D. Burden connected with the mission, and though he was not a printer, he arranged for enough type and necessary equipment to do the most of our own printing. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.6
During our period of development, a number of different tracts and pamphlets, and two books have been published. We have just begun the publication of a monthly church paper. We trust that this will be to our Japanese people what the Review and Herald is to our English-speaking believers. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.7
In the summer of 1911, Brother Chas. N. Lake, of the Pacific Press, and a practical printer, joined our force of workers. This released Brother Burden, who has since led in the canvassing work, and last summer went into the field with a class of young people, instructing and directing their work. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.8
In the year 1905 a tent, which had been secured by gift from the States, was pitches, and has been in constant use for meetings. The tent has been found to be the best means for reaching the people. In 1910 the second tent, and in 1911 the third tent, and this present year the fourth tent was procured. Our tent experiences are remarkable for nothing except for the number of children who gather. We always have to hold a children’s meeting in the hour previous to the regular meeting, and then dismiss them from the tent, or we would not have room for any adults. After a couple of evenings the little children will sing our good Christian hymns as though they had been acquainted with them all their lives. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.9
PHOTO-KOBE CHURCH, JAPAN
The greatest need of the mission work in Japan, second only to that which Heavenly help and blessings affords, is men and women filled with the love of souls. For the work of the message to be made a success in our field, more native laborers must be trained and sent out, and those already in the field must be given additional training to become effective laborers. They must be associated with the foreigner who has been educated and trained under Christian influences, and who has the spirit of the message. There is that something that the Japanese language cannot readily convey to them from the teacher, but which they must observe and absorb from him. We must have enough young people of this stamp who can get the language, win the love and confidence of the workers, and be to them the confidant and friend from whom they are willing to receive counsel and advice. Much, very much, has been lost in effort and money in the past from not having such associate work, and this condition must not continue longer. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.10
We are laboring for success, endeavoring to be just as little a charge upon the loyal, devoted, and liberal friends here as possible; and we are hoping and trusting that we may in time become not only self-supporting, but may bear a share of the burden of spreading the great warning message to the regions beyond, until every nation shall know of the salvation of God, and the power of his Christ. And in the great consummation, just at hand, as the result of the devotion and loyalty of those who have loved righteousness more than convenience or pleasure, loved souls more than life or ease, the truth more than houses and lands, may there stand in that great blood-washed throng a mighty tribute from the “Land of the Rising Sun” from among the sons of Nippon, who shall join in the everlasting song of praise, and honor, and glory to him that sitteth on the throne. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.11
W. T. Knox: We shall be glad to hear further from Brother Okohira. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.12
T. H. Okohira (whose words will be better appreciated with little change in editing): I am very timid to stand here because Japanese cannot speak English, but I must say something for God. I am so thankful for what God has done for Japan in past through you brethren and sisters in this country. Especially I am very thankful that you have given your beloved sons and daughters to the cause of God and sent them over to the heathen land. I know it is a great trial to you to separate from your children,—your beloved sons and daughters. I realize more so in this time. The day I was starting to this Conference, I took my children to the steamer. When the steamer began to move, my daughter of thirteen could not stand to see me, and my boy of ten cried out. So I realize it is a very hard trial to you to separate your children; but that time I thought, I have a Father in heaven who loves me more than I love my children. And the word came to me at that time, “So God loveth the world that he gave his only-begotten Son.” These words comfort you. GCB May 28, 1913, page 167.13
Now we need sure more help in Japan. I am very thankful for what you have done in the past, but we need more young men, young women, to help our work in Japan. I was glad because you sent Elder DeVinney—you sent a man and a woman needed here. Don’t you think that we children in heathen lands need a good father, good mother more than you need here? Don’t you think that? I thank God because you also sent good young men, good women in the past. Just as I was leaving home they [B. F. Hoffman and Fred DeVinney, in Tokyo language school] had examination. I saw their report card. Every lesson they got excellent. There were many students from other denominations. There were graduates of the university. But our young men got ahead over the class. So you young men, young women, do not be afraid that you have not enough education to go to heathen land. You don’t need to be afraid. If you have the knowledge from on high, that is enough. If you have a spirit of consecration, that is enough. Those young men had such a good report in examination just like Daniel and the three Hebrews in Babylon. So I hope you may decide to come to Japan this fall. Now I wish to say more, but the time is limited. If I have time more I will say another time. I am thankful to you. GCB May 28, 1913, page 168.1
PHOTO-JAPANESE EVANGELISTS
W. T. Knox: We would be glad to hear from Brother H. F. Benson, head of the school in Japan. GCB May 28, 1913, page 168.2
H. F. Benson: I had not expected to speak this morning, as I made my report and handed it over to Elder De Vinney, and you heard it with his. However, we have a fine class of young men and young women. They are able to present the truth clearly, and with as much force as graduates from our schools in the States. We have one exceptional young man. We found him in Hiroshima, when he was a small boy, undersized, and of poor physical development. That was about four years ago. At the present time he is out in the tent work. He was with me last year for a short time, and this year he as one of the main speakers in our tent efforts. He is doing excellent work. The Lord has helped him spiritually, mentally, and physically. We have others who are doing as well. Our chief trouble is getting more matrons or preceptresses to work in the school. The foreigner cannot do that work nearly as well as a consecrated Japanese sister. At present we need such help. GCB May 28, 1913, page 168.3
We do have a difficult language. There is not a foreigner, perhaps, who has ever really mastered the Japanese language. We have three languages to deal with—the ordinary colloquial, the original language, and the public speaking language. The language used in public speaking is about half way between the literary language and the colloquial. We must learn all the Chinese characters, and quite a bit of Chinese, to be able to read the Japanese. It is difficult; it is no easy work learning the language. But all our students who have been to the language school in Tokyo, have done well, and have got good grades. What the other missionaries can do, we can do, and they have been able to get enough of the language so that they can do acceptable work. We can do work in preaching and teaching. GCB May 28, 1913, page 168.4
PHOTO-COLPORTEURS IN JAPAN
As some one has expressed it, “If Japan is ever converted, it will be over the hibachi”—a small charcoal burner that they have in their houses practically all the year round. When you are talking with a man, you are generally on one side of the hibachi and he on the other—“around the fireside.” That is the only way that Japan—and I think it is just about as true of other countries—can be converted, going to the people in their homes. We must have the same amount of supervision of those who have been raised up in this message as we have in all other countries. We cannot get along any better in Japan than they can in other countries without having young men to push the work. So when you are sending your sons and your daughters to China and India and Africa, remember there is along the east coast of Asia an empire needing your help. We are hoping that while we are here in the States, we can get in touch with a large number of young men to come over and help in the work in Japan. GCB May 28, 1913, page 168.5
Following reports from Japan, the Conference adjourned. GCB May 28, 1913, page 168.6
W. T. KNOX, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.