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
Eighth Meeting
Representatives from foreign fields gave an intensely interesting symposium on the young people’s work in their respective fields. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.3
Elder Schuberth, of the East German Union: In our East German Union we have 54 young people’s societies at present, with a membership of 1,289. We know of 40 persons that have been brought into the truth through their efforts. Our young people take great interest in our mission fields beyond, and at the same time they take great interest in our home work. We study the mission fields in the young people’s societies. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.4
Elder Raft, of the Scandinavian Union: We have been trying to do some young people’s work for five or six years, but especially since our last General Conference have we tried to work in harmony with the plan you have over here. We have companies in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and a few in Finland. We have about three or four hundred young people that are working, and we hope we can do better in the future. We are interested in this work. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.5
Elder Oblander, of the West German Union: We have in the West German Union 29 young people’s societies, with a membership of 432, and our young people are doing very well. It is not only a blessing for themselves, but also for the churches. They bring new life in the churches because they are working very hard to distribute our literature. Quite a number of young people accepted the truth last year through the labor of our young people in the churches, so they are doing a splendid work. We shall try to do all we can to sustain and support the young people’s societies in our union. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.6
Elder Tieche, of the Latin Union: We have a good number of nice young people in our Latin Union Conference. Most of them are in Switzerland. We have a few societies. They meet regularly, and try to learn all they can. A good many of the young people canvass some every week. They also hold Bible readings, and in places like Paris one good work they do is to visit the hospitals. We hope that a greater work will be done for the young people. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.7
Elder Reinke, of the Central German Union: This is a new union. It has about twenty-five young people’s societies. In German Switzerland we have two lively societies. Their work is done on Sunday. Early in the morning, at six o’clock or half past six, they meet in some part of the city, and then they launch out, leaving the city more or less to the missionary society of the church. They go to the outside places and take whole villages in one Sunday, and spread their literature and tracts. Our young people are of good courage in the Lord, and press forward to save souls. In Austria we have many hindrances, but the young people are accordingly energetic. Recently they reported that five souls were united to the church through their efforts. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.8
Elder Huenergardt, of the Danube Union: Our work among the young people is not very old. It started about three years ago, but we can report good success. Our young people take a great interest in selling our literature. We have many languages to deal with down there, which is one obstacle in our way, but we are anxious to get leaders in all of the different languages. We are thankful for what we have already been able to do, and we believe that this work will develop much more in the near future. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.9
Elder Boettcher, of Russia: It is forbidden in Russia to hold young people’s meetings. Young people under twenty-one are not allowed to assemble and conduct meetings. Nevertheless, we have very good young people’s meeting in the societies in the cities of Riga and St. Petersburg and down toward the south, even in the Caucasus. They have a program, with music, recitations, and even conduct Bible readings. Outsiders often attend the meetings and feel that it is a treat. One evening when I made a call as to how many wanted to dedicate their lives to the Master, and go anywhere, twenty-eight got up. We find the work hard, because we have no literature in their language. Our young people especially ask us to bring greetings to the young people over in America. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.10
Elder Evans, of China: We have not actually organized young people’s societies, in general, but we do have young people’s societies under local management. We have taken the Morning Watch Calendar to translate, and send out to all our schools for distribution. I think the young people’s work ought to be organized in China. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.11
Elder Finster, of the Philippine Islands: We have the opportunity of reporting merely the organization of our young people’s work, which was perfected just before I returned to the States. In the Philippines we have about one hundred members, about half of whom are members of our young people’s society. We have a large number of young people, who take a great interest in young people’s work. I think we have four societies, which meet separately. We translated the Morning Watch Calendar into their language. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.12
Miss Scharffenberg, of Korea: We have ten missionary societies in Korea, but among these ten there are but three that are composed only of young people. They meet once a week, and report each week the missionary work done. It is inspiring to note how active they are. They report so many Bible readings given, missionary visits made, tracts and papers sold, and persons taught the alphabet; and when they come together, they study doctrinal points. They go out from morning to night and do their missionary work. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.13
Elder De Vinney, of Japan: We have two societies, one in Tokyo and one in Kobe. The Kobe society is largely composed of nurses in the Japanese Sanitarium. They have their regular meetings Sunday afternoons. The Tokyi society is composed largely of the young people that are gathered together in our training-school. One of the first things the young people receive after they embrace the truth is a Morning Watch Calendar translated into the Japanese, and wherever I go among the people, old and young, and have a Bible study, I see when they open their Bibles, that they have a Morning Watch Calendar in them, and make good use of it. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.14
Miss Edith M. Graham, of the Australasian Union: The Missionary Volunteer Societies of Australasia number 88. Including the state department, they have a membership of 2,099. Programs have been prepared and printed by the Australasian Missionary Volunteer Department, and are used by most of the societies. The work has been a blessing to the young people. Many who were formerly indifferent have become consecrated workers. Many have been led to give their hearts to God. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.15
Reports from other fields were deferred until another meeting. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.16
Ninth Meeting
Again the Missionary Volunteer workers met in special session to study the junior work. Some additional resolutions, together with the paper on “Work for Outside Children,” written by Edmund C. Jaeger, and the paper on “Suitable Books for Juniors,” by Mrs. L. T. Cristler, both of which had been read in a previous meeting, received consideration. In all probability these excellent papers, which cannot appear here, will be printed for the benefit of the workers who could not hear them. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.17
The following resolutions were discussed and passed:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.18
We recommend, That the person having supervision of our Junior Missionary Volunteers plan and encourage the members of the society to do personal work for outside children. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.19
We recommend, That all our young people be enlisted in a special campaign to get our literature, such as the Temperance Instructor, Liberty, and Protestant Magazine. “Temperance Torch-lights.” “The Man That Rum Made,” and other good literature, before the public; and, further,— GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.20
We recommend, That the Missionary Volunteer Department prepare a temperance program and a religious liberty program, to be carried out during such campaigns, the same to be published in the Instructor, Jugendebude, and any other paper having a young people’s department. GCB June 1, 1913, page 222.21
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
Twelfth Meeting
In the twelfth meeting of the Publishing Department the minds of all were turned to the wonderful part our conference tract society officers should be taking, particularly in relation to leading the rank and file in our churches into active service. Truly, as suggested by Miss Graham, “The conference office, which is the headquarters of the conference and its departments, should be the center of influence in the conference.” Her paper, on “The Possibilities of Our Conference Tract Societies in Spreading the Message,” appealed forcibly to all who heard it. She urged personal work among the churches by the secretary, the institution of a weekly missionary meeting, dividing the church into bands, districting territory, and planning simple work for each member on which to start. The live secretary, she believes, can by systematic work in the office be in touch with every member, and can encourage and suggest, and lead even the aged and infirm into lines of service. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.1
PHOTO-THE FLORIDA SANITARIUM, ORLANDO
The question, “How can the tract society secretary’s work be made most effective?” was answered in an excellent paper by Miss L. M. Gregg, of Australia, who has had a successful experience in both the office and the field. “For a tract society secretary’s work to be effective, he must take a broad view of the whole work of the gospel,” she said. “He must be willing to sacrifice himself for others who will claim his time and attention, and also his practical sympathy.” She divided her subject into two parts: “Work in the Office,” and “Work in the Field,” emphasizing the point that by systematizing the work in the office and properly placing responsibility on assistants, it is possible for the secretary to get into the field, where he can come personally into touch with the people, and lead them in lines of missionary work. A regular personal correspondence with the missionary secretaries in the churches is one essential to success. A similar correspondence with the isolated believers was also urged. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.2
While in the field, the tract society secretary should mingle with the people, lead in carefully planned missionary efforts, and in every possible way build up the missionary work of the church. He must be able to conduct a bright, earnest missionary meeting, having his head full of facts, and his heart full of love. When any lines of missionary work are presented, he should be prepared to say, “Come,” rather than, “go,” and thus be a leader in all practical work. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.3
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Twelfth Meeting
Two very important suggestions were made prominent in Dr. Menkel’s paper: 1 As Christ’s ministry was one of love, so our medical workers should come out from our training-schools filled with the spirit of love. Enthusiasm alone will not be sufficient. There must be instilled into the heart of every worker a love for the souls of men. 2 Those going to foreign countries should receive instruction that will fit them for their particular field of labor. It is presumption for workers to go to tropical countries without a knowledge that will fortify them against the diseases peculiar to that country. Drs. Menkel, Selmon, Fattebert, Thomason, and others emphasized the importance of this, and stated that many workers sent to India and Africa have been incapacitated and some have died because of a lack of this knowledge. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.4
Elder G. B. Starr read a paper, “Why Have a Medical Secretary?” For the proper organization, recognition and dignity of the Medical Department, there must be a head, whose work will be to lead out in directing and advising in the medical work. He can do much to unify the work as a whole. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.5
Dr. Ruble said the Medical Department should be as strong as any department, but this is impossible without strong leadership. The importance of the medical work, together with the proportions it has assumed, render it imperative that the department be fully manned by those who are called of God to give their entire time and best endeavor to this line of the Lord’s work. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.6
Brother L. A. Hansen called attention to the many opportunities and openings before the Medical Department, which, when taken advantage of, tend to advance not only the interests of the department but the entire message as well. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.7
SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Twelfth Meeting
The introductory talk was given by Mrs. Joel C. Rogers, on “How We Do in Africa.” She spoke of the great lack of facilities in the Sabbath-schools held in the heart of Africa, and of the keen interest among the natives. Sister Rogers said: “If a member is absent just once, we immediately find out why. You would do well in this country to observe the same rule rigidly. We love those black people. I find that if we love them, they will love the Lord. It works that way. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.8
“They give liberally to missions. Even when we had a severe famine, they gave. I noticed that the bark was chewed off a number of government trees. When I inquired about it, they told me they simply had to chew the bark because they were so hungry. Our native teachers were getting along with only one meal in three days, and I lived on bread and water for three months. We take our offerings once a month. When things were going so hard, I purposely omitted mentioning the offering, hoping they would forget it. They did not forget, and reminded me of it, and insisted upon giving, and actually brought a larger offering than they had before. I do not feel backward about urging you people to give liberally, when I remember the self-denial of those poor black people in Africa.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.9
An unusually interesting kindergarten exercise was then conducted by Mrs. Alice M. Bourdeau, of Takoma Park. Instead of preparing a paper upon the topic of “Kindergarten Methods,” a demonstration was given, which illustrated most forcibly the difference between right and wrong methods. A kindergarten teacher first demonstrated numerous common faults and failures. She came on the platform five minutes late, and hurriedly arranged the chairs, and other fixtures. One child was already there marking on the blackboard. No provision was made for coats and hats, and they were placed anywhere. The pennies dropped to the floor, and the hunt for them continually interrupted the exercises. The prayer was forgotten, the singing too fast, and the voices loud and harsh. The papers and cards were misplaced. The discord was general and continuous. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.10
The second teacher came in good season, prepared her room carefully, and had time for a moment’s silent prayer before the first child came. As the children arrived, they were greeted pleasantly, their wraps placed in order, and each one seated in his accustomed place. Every exercise was conducted quietly, carefully, and effectively. The children were the same that the first teacher had, and their misbehavior was evidently due to her lack of method and preparation. With the second teacher, they were quiet, attentive, and reverent. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.11
Mrs. J. F. Moser, of Takoma Park, D. C., read an interesting paper on “Methods in the Primary Division.” She said: “Primary teachers should work for the conversion of their pupils now. We should insist upon pupils studying their lessons from the Bible, because that is our text-book.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.12
A warning was given against using too many illustrations in one lesson. A wise choice should be made and that chosen should be adapted to the division in which it is used. GCB June 1, 1913, page 223.13
SABBATH DAY AT THE CAMP
During the praise service held late in the afternoon in the main pavilion, one sister testified that, to her, this third Sabbath of the encampment had been “a day of days—the great day of the feast. As I was crossing the bridge over the Sligo,” she continued, “early this morning, I thought to myself, This is the most beautiful Sabbath day I have ever seen. Conditions without have remained favorable, and peace has reigned within. It has been a glorious day for me.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.1
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A knowledge of sins forgiven; readiness for our Lord’s return; assurance of providential guidance; consecration of every power of the being to the one purpose of finishing God’s work in the earth in this generation,—these were the key-notes sounded by the various speakers of the day. The trumpet was given a certain sound, and there was a general and hearty response. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.2
At the beginning of the Sabbath, May 30, the discourse was given by Elder E. W. Farnsworth. While he was speaking, prayers were ascending in his behalf and in behalf of the congregation. In fact, during Friday some had been out in the surrounding forest, pleading for personal deliverance and for decided victory in the camp; and so when the speaker appealed to the large congregation to dedicate themselves anew to God and to his service, it is not surprising that his words had weight, and that many definitely decided to make an immediate and complete surrender. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.3
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During week days devotional services are held in various parts of the camp, and in the large pavilion, every morning at six o’clock. It had been arranged not to hold these meetings Sabbath morning; but the day dawned so clear and bright that many assembled as usual in the places set apart for prayer and praise. The leaders in the large tent were Elders J. N. Loughborough and G. B. Starr. The theme was deliverance from sin. According to the promises given in Micah 7:7-9, 18, 19, God does hear us when we pray. When we fall, we may rise again. The Lord promises to be our light, and to reveal unto us his righteousness. He purposes to subdue the evil nature of the human heart. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit he will paralyze the power of the enemy to overcome those who have long struggled against inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.4
These words of encouragement by Elder Starr were followed by a season of prayer, after which Elder Loughborough related an experience he had once had with an elderly woman who had asked him to pray for her, that she might feel that her sins were forgiven. This he refused to do; but he did offer to pray with her, if she would be willing to take the Lord at his word, and believe. Finally she yielded; and when she began to pray, “Lord, I have repented; I have confessed my sins; and now I believe thou dost forgive me,” the joy she had so long desired, filled her heart, and she praised God for deliverance. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.5
To impress upon the minds of all the importance of our believing God when we plead his promises, Elder Loughborough read portions of a testimony dated Christiania, Norway, July 7, 1886, from which we select the following:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.6
“I do not think many of our people know what it is to believe in Jesus in the fullest sense of the word. When we do, we shall have a heart filled with such a sense of the salvation it is our privilege to accept, that we will gladly receive it, and be trustful and happy in the assurance of his love.... With this faith appropriating the blessing to ourselves, we shall have glad, and hopeful, and joyful hearts all the time. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.7
“Bright hopes become those who have such a Saviour. We should not have sadness and gloom, and painful sympathies for our supposed afflictions and hardships. Humbled we may be ever because of our sinfulness, and because we have grieved the Saviour, but glad that we can believe that Jesus has promised to forgive the sins of the contrite heart, and that these sins through Jesus Christ shall be blotted out from the book of his remembrance. Now why should we not be the most grateful of mortals that such ample sacrifice, in infinite mercy, has been made in our behalf? Let these words be on our lips, if we have complied with the conditions laid down in the Word of God,—‘The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth from all sin.’” GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.8
A praise meeting followed, the tent being divided into sections, so nearly all in attendance, five or six hundred, were able to bear testimony during the fifteen or twenty minutes allotted to this portion of the service. Many spoke of victories gained since coming to the Conference, and of renewed confidence in God and in the assurance of his forgiveness and love. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.9
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The third Sabbath-school of the General Conference was conducted as usual, by the general officers of the Sabbath School Department. Elders E. J. Hibbard and F. Griggs led out in the review and the lesson study in the senior division, while elsewhere experienced leaders were meeting with sections of the big school representing the kindergarten, primary, youth’s and foreign divisions. A full report, with statistics, will appear in our next issue. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.10
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The Sabbath sermon, by Elder W. A. Spicer, on personal readiness for the Saviour’s return, was followed by a consecration service, in which many took part. The main pavilion was filled to overflowing, and many hundreds were seated on the lawn without, where they could hear and take part. A stenographic report of this sermon is already in hand, for publication in an early issue of the BULLETIN. The forenoon service will long be remembered by those in attendance as a time of close heart-searching, of quiet yet thorough work in the putting away of sin, of full surrender, and of renewed vows of consecration. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.11
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Elder L. R. Conradi occupied the afternoon hour with recitals of marvelous providences, evidencing God’s care for his servants, whom he declares he holds in his right hand. Revelation 1:20. Upon his people today is shining the light of the prophetic portions of Holy Scripture, particularly the books of Daniel and the Revelation. Those whose eyes have been anointed to see, may discern in connection with the spread of the third angel’s message throughout the world, the wondrous workings of Providence through human agencies; and this brings, confidence and joy, and inspires willing service. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.12
The speaker made very plain the thought that God has a work for every one to do, often in the neighborhood and in the home; and that faithfulness in making the most of the little opportunities given, will lead to greater opportunities, and to ever-enlarging fields of usefulness. The discourse has been reported in full, and space for it may be found in an early issue of the BULLETIN. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.13
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At six o’clock another consecration service was held, this time for the youth who during the past year have been students in our schools. Educational leaders set before these young men and young women God’s call to the highest of all service; the youth, in response, pledged themselves to share with their elders the burden of finishing the work of God in the earth in this generation. Thus closed this day devoted to heart-searching and to renewed consecration, this day of rejoicing, this “day of days—the great day of the feast.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.14
ERRATA-“MARRYING UNBELIEVERS”
This timely paper, which was printed in the BULLETIN of May 30, was by Prof. C. C. Lewis. The omission of his name was due to oversight. GCB June 1, 1913, page 224.15