General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
Departmental Meetings
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Sixth Meeting
The devotional exercise, conducted by J. L. Shaw, of India, was a call for missionaries who have received the heart preparation needed to do the Master’s work as he did it. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.5
H. M. Hiatt, in his paper on “Missionary Work Fundamental, and How to Reach the Masses,” said that the chief requirements in society missionary work are: 1 Organization, 2 leadership, 3 enthusiasm, 4 individual responsibility, 5 simple plans of work pursued, 6 continuous work. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.6
In his paper on “Plans for Educational, Temperance, and Religious Liberty Work,” B. L. House emphasized the importance of our young people being urged to do strong, systematic, continuous work in temperance and religious liberty lines. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.7
The secretaries met in special session in the evening to continue the discussion of the report and the papers of the committee on missionary work. At this time, the following resolutions were discussed and passed:— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.8
Whereas, We need well-prepared literature in convenient form for the instruction of officers of the Missionary Volunteer societies; and,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.9
Whereas, This department was requested at the General Conference held in 1909 to prepare a manual containing this information; we therefore,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.10
Recommend (I), That such a manual be published, setting forth the aims and purposes of the Missionary Volunteer work, and containing General Conference recommendations relative to this department, its plans of organization, instruction in methods of missionary work, how to conduct society meetings, and any information that might be helpful to inexperienced leaders and other officers. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.11
Whereas, Our tract work has proved to be a very efficient method in bringing the truth to the people; we, therefore,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.12
Recommend 2, That all our Missionary Volunteers adopt the King’s Pocket League plan. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.13
We also recommend:— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.14
(a) That the local societies purchase the Missionary Volunteer leaflets for distributions among their members; and,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.15
(b) That every conference provide its local secretary with the same, to use in missionary correspondence; and,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.16
(c) Whereas, A large number of our young people are yearly leaving the truth through marrying unbelievers; therefore,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.17
We urge that each conference place in the hands of every young person the leaflet entitled “Marrying Unbelievers.” GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.18
Realizing that the cigarette habit is making destructive inroads upon the youth of this generation, and that it is important that all our people should be encouraged to make a special effort to save them from this course; we, therefore,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.19
Recommend 3, That the department prepare an anti-cigarette pledge card to be used in an aggressive, continuous campaign. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.20
Seventh Meeting
“What shall we do for our juniors?” was the question which the Missionary Volunteer workers tried to answer in their seventh meeting. The committee on junior work had been studying the problem for months, and rendered a much appreciated report, suggesting name, plan of organization, program topics, etc. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.21
Mrs. Vesta J. Farnsworth, with a paper full of practical suggestions, led out in an interesting and helpful discussion of the report. She said: “But the organization of children into working bands is beset with difficulties. Men and women of warm, loving hearts and wise judgment should plan to organize and direct the active minds and bodies of our intermediate children. These younger members of the Lord’s family must not be frowned down, left unnoticed, and given nothing to do. Many bad girls and boys simply need to be interested, to be employed, and to have some channel provided through which to work out their tireless energy. They must be loved, prayed for, planned for, and thus be made one of the most valuable assets of the church.” GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.22
Sister Farnsworth suggested: (a) That our junior organization be known as the Junior Missionary Volunteer Society; (b) that the organization be as simple as possible; (c) that church membership be not required; and (d) that the work be under the supervision of the conference Missionary Volunteer secretary. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.23
The greatest problem before junior workers is that of providing efficient leadership. The discussion of the junior work was continued at a special evening session. The following resolutions were passed:— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.24
Whereas, The spirit of prophecy has said, “The work that lies next to our church-members is to become interested in our youth,” and, “The Lord of heaven is looking on to see who is doing the work he would have done for the youth and children,” we, therefore,— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.25
1. Recommend, (a) That, wherever there is a church-school, the school itself be organized as a Junior Missionary Volunteer Society; (b) That in places where there is no church-school, and where conditions seem favorable, the church and conference Missionary Volunteer secretary cooperate in organizing a Junior Society; (c) That all isolated children be encouraged to join the Conference Missionary Volunteer Society as junior members. (d) That each society have a leader and secretary, and that in the school societies these officers be arranged for by the teacher; while in the church societies the leader be elected in the same manner as the leader of the young people’s society; the selection of the secretary to be under the direction of the leader: (e) That the general supervision of this work be under the direction of the Conference Missionary Volunteer secretary or department. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.26
2. Recommend, (a) That the lessons for the Junior Missionary Volunteers be easy studies in Bible doctrines and up-to-date mission work; (b) And that we request those in charge of the magazine Christian Education to take into consideration the printing of these lessons in the magazine. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.27
SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Ninth Meeting
When the Sabbath-school workers assembled for this meeting, their eyes rested upon a new and quite elaborate exhibit of devices for interesting the children in Sabbath-school lessons and in children’s meetings. By invitation of the General Conference Sabbath School Department, Mrs. Martha W. Howe, of Portland, Maine, had brought her homemade collection of devices as a help to those who are bearing responsibilities in this line of work. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.28
Mrs. Howe spent about ten minutes in explaining the use of the various devices. She described a “reading room” which she has sometimes provided for the children who attended the children’s meetings held in connection with tent-meetings. She arranged a tent for this purpose, and invited the children to come at stated times, and inspect the pictures, cards, and books which she had prepared. The children’s interest was greatly increased by this method. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.29
Brother R. J. Bryant, of New York, spoke of his impression of first seeing the exhibit, and the wonderful possibilities that opened before his mind as to its use. He spoke of the value of children’s meetings held in connection with tent-meetings, as a means of interesting parents. He considered these devices of great value, on account of their simplicity. Nearly all can be easily made, and with but small expense. He urged every secretary to examine the various cards, pictures, charts, symbols, and diagrams, and plan to make use of the suggestions. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.30
Topic: “Children’s Meetings at Camp-Meeting.” Mrs. J. F. Moser, of Takoma Park, read the first paper. “Every one who attempts to lead a camp-meeting ought to realize that the time in which they have to work is very short. What can we say, in a few short days, to convince the children of their lost condition, to lead them to be born again, and to teach them how to grow up into the fullness of Christ?” The speaker emphasized the following points:— GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.31
1. The one who leads the meetings must be thoroughly prepared. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.32
2. The planned series of lessons should not be broken into. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.33
3. Helpers are needed to keep order and to do personal work. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.34
4. The work between meetings is as necessary as the work in the meetings. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.35
5. Give the children something to do between meetings. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.36
6. Order is essential before, during, and after the meeting. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.37
7. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.38
Mrs. L. T. Crisler, of Georgia, referred to the statement in Joel, “Gather the children,” and to the example of the Master as he “gathered” the children to him, when on earth. The children should be welcomed to our camp-meetings, and an attractive place prepared for them. The leader of children’s meetings must be converted—one who loves God and also loves children. Christ should be the center of every lesson. Personal work should not be neglected. GCB May 29, 1913, page 190.39
Mrs. Anna D. Brown, of Kentucky, related some personal experiences in children’s meetings, and related the story of the prodigal son, in simple language, and in a manner that would not fail to impress the smallest child. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.1
Tenth Meeting
“Right Use of the Memory-Verse Cards” was presented by Mrs. Martha Howe, of Portland, Maine. The speaker urged that greater care be taken by teachers and parents to teach the children to preserve the memory-verse cards. These cards are an invaluable aid in teaching the children portions of the Word of God. The cards should be ordered in good time, and each child given one each Sabbath. Cards should be sent to absentees. The verses should be reviewed each Sabbath. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.2
Topic: “Institutes and Conventions.” Mrs. Lee Wheeler, of New York City, presented a helpful paper. She had found that one excellent way to help the inexperienced in a convention, was to assign them work to do. By referring them to books and papers dealing with their respective topics, the writers of the papers are developed as they seek for that which will help others. Three or four weeks should be given for preparation. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.3
Mrs. Wheeler also presented a small chart entitled “A Handful of Plans for Sabbath-School Progress.” The palm of the hand bore the inscription, “Daily study of the Sabbath-school lesson, with prayer;” the thumb bore the words, “Sabbath-School Workers’ Training Course;” and the fingers were labeled respectively, “Consecration services,” “All regular contributions to missions,” “Home department,” “Present by letter when absent.” As the hand would be crippled for service if a finger is disabled, so a school is proportionately weakened by the omission of these prominent features. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.4
Mrs. Wilhelmina Knight, of the Northern New England Conference, explained the difference between an “institute” and a “convention.” At an institute instruction is given to Sabbath-school officers and teachers covering the details of their work. The following are suggestive topics: “Methods of Conducting Sabbath-School Work,” “Methods of Teaching,” “Duties of Officers.” At a convention general instruction is given to the Sabbath-school as a body, and every one is invited to discuss the subject under consideration. “How the Sabbath-school May Become a Soul-Winning Agency,” “Relationship of the Sabbath-School to the Church,” “Daily Study of Lesson,” are suitable convention topics. Mrs. Knight exhibited a drawing of a wheel, each spoke of which was named an important feature of the Sabbath-school work. The breaking of a spoke meant the weakness of the wheel. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.5
Mrs. F. A. Washburn, of Springfield, Mo., spoke of the tremendous advantage of convention work in pushing the various lines of work, such as teachers’ meetings, reading course, and our general plans. She thought a secretary should, if possible, visit all schools at least once a year. When this is not possible, correspondence should be carried on most carefully and faithfully. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.6
EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT
Fourth Meeting
The meeting opened with an enthusiastic talk on “Home Schools,” by Miss Edith Shepard. In response to the objections that mothers naturally make to the idea of teaching their own children,—that they have no normal training, are not original, or capable,—she shows them our magazine, Christian Education, calling their attention to the work outlined in it, and to our various other school helps. Last fall, the home schools in her conference were carefully organized. The mother-teachers follow the church-school course, keep a daily record, and report weekly. The children are also Junior Missionary Volunteers, and report once a month. Miss Shepard related personal experiences showing how consecration work can be done in such a school. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.7
Mrs. Anna Rambo told of home-school work in New Jersey during the past four years, giving, with interesting detail, the methods and results in certain homes. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.8
In a strong paper on “How to Extend and Improve Our Church-Schools,” Professor Russell emphasized that increased efficiency in the teaching will increase the attendance, increase the demand for schools, and increase the desire of parents to patronize them. The world wants our children, and is willing to pay the price, but are we willing to accept the price? We must gather all the children into Christian schools. To do this, workers and parents must be converted to their importance and necessity, and carry on an educational campaign among all the people. Inspire the people with confidence by increasing the efficiency of the teaching, and the schools will multiply. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.9
With her characteristic clearness and simplicity, Mrs. Flora H. Williams told us what to look for in selecting teachers to place a right mold upon our children. If we have twenty ideal teachers and twenty schools calling for teachers, we must still study the special needs of each school and the fitness of temperament, experience, and strength of each teacher, before placing them. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.10
At the close of the meeting, it was voted to hold extra sessions of the council at 8 A. M. on alternate mornings, beginning Wednesday, May 28. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.11
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
Tenth Meeting
Enthusiasm ran high in the Publishing Department meeting held at 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. Elder Daniells spoke on the subject, “The Scope and Work of the General Conference Publishing Department,” referring to the sales chart, which was prominently displayed. He enlarged on the following points:— GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.12
1. This department stands for the securing of literature adapted to the needs of all classes, ranging from the simplest people in heathen lands to those of the highest intelligence in civilized countries. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.13
2. It must see that proper translations are made so that all nationalities may be reached. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.14
3. It should be on the constant lookout for writers who have real ability in presenting the truth in a strong, attractive manner. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.15
4. While it does not own the great printing houses of the denomination, it should unite them in one common endeavor. The General Conference Committee looks upon the men engaged in these houses as having just as important a part in the work as do the ministers. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.16
5. This department should educate our people until they cannot look upon one of our books without a thrill of satisfaction and desire for service. This should be a great department of service, interesting our people generally in the study and circulation of our literature. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.17
6. We must do more than educate; we must provide a system that will enable our people to sell this literature most successfully and effectively, until the system used becomes world-wide. It is business-like, honest, and successful. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.18
7. Having established this system, we must constantly hold up its advantages, so that it may be adhered to everywhere. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.19
8. I believe this department should not be content with directing and assisting in the sale of subscription books and magazines, but it should foster home missionary endeavor as well. It should use its influence toward putting the rank and file of our people at work in the circulation of periodicals and tracts. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.20
Brother J. A. P. Green told of methods and progress in Mexico. He said that all but three of the cabinet members of the former President Diaz, the president himself, church prelates, and a large number of governors and other men in prominent position, had purchased our books. He told of the success attending their efforts in Merida, Yucatan, and of the experiences they had in recanvassing a territory with “Patriarchs and Prophets” two years later. Five large cases of this book in Spanish were shipped to Yucatan by faith, and the results were beyond their expectations, for only three of those who had purchased the health book two years ago, failed to subscribe for “Patriarchs and Prophets.” A canvass with our periodicals in the same section has just been finished, during which orders amounting to $600 were taken. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.21
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Ninth Meeting
In Elder Underwood’s paper on “Divine Healing,” attention was called to the fact that the work of healing is a work of creation. All healing is the working of a divine law; God is the only healer. Satan may be allowed to afflict people, and may at times remove affliction, but he has not the power to heal. It is his studied plan to lead the thoughts of men away from God, to give glory to any one else rather than to God. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.22
Elder Parmele: The disciples were sent out to preach the gospel, and heal the sick. Wonderful cures were wrought. Is the time not here when we must give to God the credit for results from our efforts for the healing of the sick? While making a wise use of rational remedies, we should not forget the divine power of God in the results experienced. GCB May 29, 1913, page 191.23
Elder Burden: God wants coworkers. We may be coworkers together with him. We must learn to recognize the fact that the power of God is manifest in the results obtained from a right use of rational remedies. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.1
Dr. Thomason: Our work is comparable to the work of John the Baptist, and we are given great principles of healing, that must be believed and practised. We dare not wait for some great display of His power in the shape of a special miracle, but must realize that God is healing every day in our medical work. I want to have faith in God, and be enabled to offer up daily an acceptable prayer to him, that he will bless in my medical work, and help me to recognize the divine in every case of healing. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.2
Dr. Ruble: We must see even greater results than we now see in our institutions. We must have more of the mighty healing power of God in connection with the treatment of the sick. We get this power on our knees. Medical men of the world have all the skill and ability we have, aside from the power of God, and with this power left out of our work we may well inquire as to our being in advance of the world. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.3
Dr. Kress: On one occasion the Saviour said, “Some one hath touched me.” Virtue had gone out from him. We must be channels through which God’s blessing may flow on to others from the great Physician. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.4
AFTERNOON MISSIONARY TALK
While the various department meetings were in session, at the 4:30 hour, Elder J. E. Fulton spoke in the large tent on the work in the South Seas. He had just received a letter from Elder Parker, reporting the selection of a mission station on the island of Ambrim, in the New Hebrides. It is an island with no Christians on it. Thus a new group has been entered. We have heard of the New Hebrides chiefly through the story of John G. Paton’s life among the wild people of Tana and other islands. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.5
Elder Fulton, who formerly labored in Fiji, told of the work of grace seen in the transformation of lives in this group. Our school work in Fiji has turned out trained workers, now doing good service, their simple faith and burning zeal sending them out to win others to the truth. The South Sea islanders have keen minds, and our missionaries are often surprised to see how strikingly the native worker sets forth the truth to the people. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.6
There are thousands of islands dotted over the south Pacific on which no representative of this message has as yet set foot. The Australasian Union Conference has taken the burden of sending the light to these island fields. The believers are praying for the latter rain in larger measure, in order that the work may be done. They are giving their means and their children to this service, even as our brethren are doing in other lands. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.7
ANOTHER PIONEER AT REST
In his remarks regarding the meeting that organized the General Conference, May 21, 1863, Elder Loughborough said that there was but one man now living, aside from himself, who took part in that meeting. (BULLETIN, page 100.) That man was Elder Isaac Sanborn, past ninety years of age. Since Elder Loughborough’s remarks, the conference has learned with sorrow of the death of Elder Sanborn, at his home in St. Thomas, Ontario, on Sabbath, May 24. It was arranged for Elder A. J. Breed, in earlier years an associate of Elder Sanborn in labor, to go to Ontario for the funeral service. From an obituary notice in a St. Thomas paper we take the following facts: He was ordained in August, 1858, by Elders James White and W. S. Ingraham. He traveled and labored in nineteen states of the Union, and during the past seven years in the Province of Ontario. Elder Sanborn is survived by one sister, residing in the State of Iowa, and his widow, to whom he was married in December, 1895, in the State of Wisconsin. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.8
Elder Sanborn was beloved by all, and his strong faith and confidence in the truth were an inspiration to the end. Our deep sympathy goes out to Sister Sanborn in this bereavement. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.9
THE EVENING SERVICE
May 27, 7:30 P. M.
The speaker, Elder J. W. McCord, of San Francisco, chose as his text Revelation 3:20-22: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.10
These verses contain three points of supreme importance; namely, 1 a last-day prophecy; 2 a last-day warning; 3 a last-day promise. As a prophecy of the last days, the passage is in complete harmony with Matthew 24:33 and other scriptures. All about us are evidences showing that we are nearing the end. There is danger, however, that this great event of our Lord’s return may find us unprepared. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.11
This last-day warning is addressed to the last church. Revelation 3:14-22. It contains the straight testimony of the true witness, and is just as great a test to the church as the Sabbath is to those without the church. The same warning is found in 1 John 2:12-18. This message belongs to the last days (verse 18), and is addressed to the fathers, to the young men, and to the children (verses 12-14). The things it warns us against are “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” These are the very things that caused Eve to sin, that brought destruction to the antediluvian world, and death to the cities of the plains. When Jesus came, he was likewise tempted, but he triumphed gloriously through the Word. Thank God, we can do the same. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.12
The passage under consideration is a promise, as well as a prophecy and a warning. It is a promise of infinite possibilities to the redeemed. Jesus said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.” GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.13
Look up, brethren; for the end is near. Look up, brethren; for soon we shall reap if we faint not. Jesus took our humanity that we might partake of his divine nature, partake of his joy, his peace, his character, his destiny. Brethren, let us sense this prophecy, accept the warning it contains, and share in the boundless possibilities of the promise. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.14
CHILDREN’S MEETINGS
Interest in the children’s meetings held at 8:30 each morning continues to deepen. Mrs. H. W. Carr has the general supervision, with Mrs. E. C. Boger and Miss Gertrude Sims, as leaders of the two divisions. Practical lessons are given, also interesting missionary talks by foreign missionaries. A few moments are spent each day in the study of the Sabbath-school lesson. Consecration services are held, the children responding in a very encouraging way. Some in the older divisions take notes of the talks. The Morning Watch verses are a special feature. A special offering has been made for the Solusi Mission in Africa. About one hundred fifty children attend regularly. Earnest work is being done in behalf of the lambs of the flock. GCB May 29, 1913, page 192.15