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
SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Thirteenth Meeting
Topic: “Methods of Teaching in the Intermediate Division.” Mrs. Fannie D. Chase, editor of the Instructor, presented a striking paper. She said: “What are distinctive characteristics of boys and girls from nine to thirteen years of age? That age is characterized by boundless energy, curiosity, acquisitiveness, and religious inclination. It is a matter-of-fact period, a fun-loving, hero - worshiping, affectionate age. These characteristics determine the teacher’s general method. The mental and physical activities of the pupils must be encouraged by the assignment of work to be done by pupils, work in which the hand will be made to express in drawings, maps, outlines, and scrap-books, the lesson instruction. The pupils of this division demand definite, matter-of-fact instruction, not that which is questionable, doubtful, or fanciful. Proofs rather than assumptions please and profit. While it seems that the sense of personal responsibility is keenest at this age, influences that make it difficult to surrender to the right are also stronger than in earlier childhood. The teacher of intermediate pupils must therefore be wise, diligent, winning, and lovingly persevering if by her teaching and loving she would gather into the fold of God all that she might.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 285.6
Miss Emma Newcomer, of Wilmington, Del., read a very helpful paper entitled, “A Family School Program.” We wish we might reproduce it in full, but can give only extracts: “The first requisite for a model family school is a model family. This is found where Christ is the head of the house, the father the priest of the home, the mother a devoted Christian, the children obedient to their parents. Promptly at 10 o’clock the family are seated in the best room, ready for the Sabbath-school. Bible, song books, blackboard, and cards are at hand. Father and mother take turns acting as superintendent; the children do likewise in acting as secretary.” A forty-five-minute program was suggested. GCB June 5, 1913, page 285.7
“The Isolated Sabbath-Keepers,” was the topic assigned to Ella M. Talmage, of Philadelphia. “The Lord would have those who are shut in or far removed from other Sabbath-keepers instructed in his Word and united in studying the same precious lesson. The home department division should be urged everywhere, so that the isolated, the feeble, the aged, the sick, and those who care for them, will have a connection with the Sabbath-school work.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 285.8
The following acrostic was placed on the blackboard:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.1
The Home Department
Takes everywhere.
Helps the pastor.
Enlarges the school.
GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.2
Holds the scholar.
Opens the Bible in the home.
Makes Sabbath-school members.
Enlists the indifferent.
GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.3
Develops Christian workers.
Encourages the discouraged.
Promotes uniform work.
Advances systematic Bible study.
Reclaims backsliders.
Takes hold of parents
Makes church-members.
Enlarges the contributions.
Nurtures family religion.
Try it and see.
GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.4
SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Fourteenth Meeting
Topic: “Value of Illustrations.” Mrs. W. M. Adams, of Salt Lake City, read the opening paper: “The five senses are the avenues through which man obtains knowledge. It has been said that we learn six times as much through the eye as through all other senses. We are living in a picture age. As far as possible, everything is illustrated by a picture or a miniature model. The value of an appeal to the sense of sight is recognized in educational, commercial, scientific, and religious lines. The experience of man teaches him the value of illustrations, yet they were not first used by him, for the Bible is full of object-lessons. The simple, common objects with which the people were familiar were used by the Saviour to illustrate great truths, and a vivid effect was produced upon the minds of the people. The value of any illustration, home-made or purchased, lies wholly in its simplicity and adaptability. Too much hides the lesson to be taught, and directs attention to the object.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.5
Mrs. J. W. Norwood, of Fayetteville, Ark., opened the discussion: “I know of no class of teachers who can better use the picture and object method than parents. As they go about their duties in the home, with the children as helpers, they have a limitless field from which to choose. Christ linked his teaching not only with the day of rest, but also with the days of toil. In the plowing and sowing, the tilling and reaping, he teaches us to see an illustration of his work of grace in the heart. So in every line of useful labor, and in every association of life, he desires us to find a lesson of divine truth. Then our daily toil will no longer absorb all our attention and leave us to forget God; but, on the other hand, it will continually remind us of our Creator and Redeemer. The child is to be pitied who for five days in the week is taught by a skillful teacher, and on Sabbath must have an indifferent and thoughtless amateur.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.6
“Value of Stories in Illustrating” was the theme of a paper by Miss Dorothy Harris, of Takoma Park. She said: “Children delight in stories, especially in true ones. The Bible is full of parables and incidents that aptly illustrate gospel truths. What could have touched David’s heart, and made him see his sin in its true light, as did the prophet Nathan’s story of the poor man with his one ewe lamb? Nature is another source to which the teacher may look for illustrative stories. The pages of history, also, bring to our classes many incidents’ in the lives of men and women which teach lessons of nobleness, truth, obedience, and courage to do right. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.7
“Here are a few hints that may help us in selecting stories:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.8
“1. Keep within the scholar’s comprehension. Suit your story to the age of your hearers. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.9
“2. Tell true stories. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.10
“3. Be sure the point fits the lesson. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.11
“4. Make the story vivid. This can be best done by faithfully portraying the details of an incident, and not by sacrificing the truth.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.12
Fifteenth Meeting
Mrs. R. D. Quinn, of New York City, was on the program for the rather unusual subject, “Envelope Talk.” Mrs. Quinn exhibited a variety of attractive envelopes which she had used in connection with the thirteenth-Sabbath offering. The envelopes were quite significant, as on each one a picture or drawing appeared, setting forth facts in connection with the different enterprises to which the thirteenth-Sabbath offerings have been given. Mrs. Quinn stated that two envelopes were going to each member. The extra envelope was to be used in soliciting an offering for the special enterprise from friends not of our faith. The offerings in the Greater New York Conference were greatly increased by the using of these envelopes. The expense of providing these was met by the conference. A few secretaries have ordered these special envelopes for use in their conference. Other conferences have also provided special envelopes, to great advantage. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.13
Topic: “The Thirteenth-Sabbath Offering.” Elder W. A. Spicer said: “There are two finance committees on the ground, but perhaps the biggest one is right here, and is composed of the Sabbath-school secretaries. There is no agency but the Sabbath-school that can hold an envelope before each believer in the denomination every Sabbath, and solicit an offering for missions. Here is where the drops come rolling in for the reservoir to supply the gospel to the whole thirsty world. The General Conference treasury is always in desperate need of means. No matter how liberal the offerings, the increasing calls keep the treasury empty. For years, when our committee has met, gauged the needs, voted the appropriations to the extreme limit, it is quite common for an urgent call to come in for an additional special appropriation. We have asked, Can we do it? The answer many times has been, No. Now we have the pleasure of saying, ‘Let’s give this enterprise a thirteenth-Sabbath Offering,’ and each time you have nobly answered the call. The schools surely like this plan, and the General Conference likes it, and the mission fields like it. Napoleon said in a crisis, ‘Bring on the reserves.’ We have a real crisis every few weeks, and the Sabbath-school forces are the reserves that rally to the rescue.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.14
Miss Mimi Scharffenberg, of Korea, portrayed the situation in Korea: “The Koreans are very poor people. When we first came to these people, they thought they could not possibly spare anything to missions. They gave Sabbath-school offerings, but when the roof of their church blew off, or some other repairs were needed, they would use their Sabbath-school money for themselves. I am happy to tell you that now they give all their offerings to missions, and take up a special collection to fix up the roof when it blows off. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.15
“In Korea we cannot use a Sabbath-school thermometer, for the people there never saw one, but they have their own devices. They draw maps of the surrounding islands, picture the sea, and a boat, and figure on sending a missionary to these islands, and sometimes land him in the interior, with his baggage and family. The Koreans were greatly touched when they learned that one thirteenth-Sabbath offering was to be given to the school work in Korea. They said, with tear-filled eyes, ‘We will do all we can to help.’” GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.16
In the general discussion that followed, one sister spoke of the interest which new Sabbath-keepers take in the offerings to missions. Her experience in this was very encouraging. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.17
Sixteenth Meeting
“The Expense Problem” was the topic for the day. Now that the schools are giving all their regular offerings to missions, it is quite important that each school adopt a workable plan for supplying necessary supplies. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.18
M. E. Olsen, superintendent of the Takoma Park Sabbath-school: I think the subject is an important one, because the success of the school depends in a large measure upon the helps provided for the children and for the older ones also. On the whole, our school here is better provided with supplies than it has been for some time. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.19
We tried the plan of taking a special collection for supplies every two weeks in the adults’ and young people’s divisions. That tended to work this way: The teachers and officers gave liberally, but many of the members got in the habit of giving nothing. Three fourths of the members were paying all the expenses. But even with this liberal giving on the part of some, we did not have enough to purchase all we should have, We took up the matter in the teachers’ meeting, and appointed a small committee to consider our expenses for the entire year, how much they were, and what the average expense per member would be. We found that ten cents a month from each member would meet all the expenses of the school, and provide a little surplus. We finally adopted that plan, and it has worked very well in our school. We did not like the idea of constantly calling attention to our expenses on the Sabbath day. We appreciated the advantage of having the expense distributed more equally. Almost everybody is able to pay as much as two and one-half cents a week to provide Sabbath-school supplies. We feel that our children are just as valuable as the children in heathen lands, and we desire to provide them with papers and cards, and all necessary supplies. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.20
The plan was carried on in this way. Each teacher appoints some member of his class to act as class treasurer, and that treasurer collects the ten cents from each member of the class during the month, and passes it in to the secretary of the school. Since we have adopted the plan, we have paid up our indebtedness, and we have a little surplus on hand at the present time. GCB June 5, 1913, page 286.21
Mrs. J. F. Moser: I have enjoyed this part of the Sabbath-school in Takoma Park very much, because it relieves the Sabbath-school superintendent of asking frequently for money. I think it is very nice indeed. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.1
Miss Bessie Acton, of Ohio: I can only present to you the methods that we have used in our conference. For several years a dark cloud of expense hung over us as we endeavored to have our schools upon the honor roll. This problem confronted us at every turn. Through correspondence and convention work we placed this matter before the schools. We hardly hear any question asked about expenses any more. Each school is dealing with this matter by itself. There are three or four little plans used that have been adopted by the schools. The one that we have encouraged is that as far as possible each family subscribe for its own material. Some are not able to do this, so a collection is taken to help those, and usually a special collection is taken for securing extra papers and Quarterlies for visitors who may come in. In another place where kindergarten material is used, they supply it out of the church expense fund. Others set aside one Sabbath in the quarter for a collection for expenses. Others arrange for this at the regular business meeting of the church. All of these plans have worked well. If there is a true missionary spirit in the heart, the money for supplies will be raised cheerfully. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.2
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT
Thirteenth Meeting
Allen Moon, of South Bend, presented a paper on the topic, “Legislative Hearings; Their Purpose and the True Basis for Protesting Against Sunday Legislation.” He said:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.3
“We have taken part in debating the merits of religious measures before committees of legislative bodies, not merely to attempt to prevent the passage of these measures, but to set before these men the true principles that underlie all good government, believing that a government founded on these principles has in it an element of stability not found in those founded purely on human policy.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.4
In the discussion which followed, some interesting facts were made known. One speaker said that he thought that the real and primary object in conducting hearings before legislative committees is to save, if possible, the souls of the men before whom the arguments are made. For this purpose, the Religious Liberty Department exists as a part of the organized work of Seventh-day Adventists. The object is not, he thought, to defeat Sunday bills. That is only incidental. But efforts should be made to set before the class of men represented in legislative authority the principles of Christian liberty as found in the setting of the third angel’s message. Then, when the crisis arrives, some of these men will remember the principles they have heard, and be led to take their stand with the people of God. For this reason the men who appear before committees should endeavor by the help of the Lord to show forth in their deportment and Christian conduct such a power for good as will make impressions for eternity. It was further brought out that we should appear in the capacity of Christians rather than religious propagandists or lobbyists; that, because we are Christians, we are opposed to all such laws as are religious in character. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.5
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Twelfth Meeting
At the twelfth meeting of the Missionary Volunteer workers, Miss E. M. Graham read a very helpful paper on “Suggestions for the Training of Leaders.” She said:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.6
“It would seem that the chief burden of this training must rest on the State Missionary Volunteer secretary. Whenever possible, he should be present at the organization of each new society, and should personally instruct the leader, as well as other officers, in his duties; should see that he is supplied with blanks, record books, and other requisites; and should stay long enough to give the new society a good start along right lines. Then the training should be continued by correspondence. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.7
“The training thus begun individually may be profitably continued by annual conventions and institutes, to be held in groups of churches where possible, and in single churches where grouping is not feasible. While the training of leaders is a difficult work, it is a very important one, and lies at the foundation of a successful Missionary Volunteer department in any State.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.8
After the reading of the paper, the following resolutions were enthusiastically discussed and unanimously passed:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.9
Whereas, Our church-school teachers are called upon to act as leaders of the junior societies organized in our church-schools; we, therefore,— GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.10
Recommend, (a) That those in charge of our summer schools be asked to arrange for general instruction in regard to Missionary Volunteer work to be given in connection with the summer-school training, so that, as the church-school teachers take up their work, they may be fitted to act as leaders along Missionary Volunteer lines. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.11
(b) That our academies and colleges organize Missionary Volunteer bands to study systematically and thoroughly the young people’s work in our own denomination; and to study in a general way the organization of young people’s work in other evangelical churches. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.12
We recommend, That the young people in our training-schools and academies organize and conduct Missionary Volunteer societies in harmony with the general plans adopted by the department, and that they counsel with the union or local conference Missionary Volunteer secretary in arranging the most satisfactory time for the election of officers and term of office. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.13
Whereas, Appreciating the help rendered last winter by the General Conference Missionary Volunteer workers in attendance at the various institutes held in the field, and believing that the general interests of the Missionary Volunteer work are thus materially advanced, and the leadership in local societies greatly strengthened, we, therefore:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.14
Recommend, That the North American Division Conference arrange field help for a series of Missionary Volunteer institutes to be held each year in various union conferences of the North American Division. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.15
PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
Fifteenth and Sixteenth Meetings
On the subject “Successful Combining of the Periodical and the Book Work Under One Leader,” Brother S. Joyce, Great Britain, told of the wonderful developments in the periodical work in that country. One brother in a large city has three hundred regular subscribers for Present Truth. After six years he says, “My territory is better today for canvassing than it was when I first started it.” His sales have increased from seventeen thousand to twenty-four thousand copies a year. Some agents, Brother Joyce says, follow up periodical work with book work, and he referred to one colporteur who supports his family of five by book and periodical work. In Glasgow, Scotland, the brethren sell ten thousand copies of Present Truth, five thousand or six thousand of Good Health, and several hundred copies of Our Day Series every month. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.16
The subject of “Getting Our Lay Members in the Churches to Circulate Literature,” was again taken up in the afternoon. In summing up, J. R. Ferren, who presented a paper on this subject, emphasized:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.17
1. Sympathetic educational efforts to reach all classes. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.18
2. Keeping your own experience in missionary work fresh, by constant activity. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.19
3. Join with conference leaders in creating a strong conference missionary spirit. Take advantage of camp-meetings, and other special occasions where much can be done. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.20
4. Believe that our church missionary forces will accomplish great things. Talk faith, and with God’s help, be of constant inspiration and encouragement in leading these forces individually and collectively into service for him. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.21
All listened with great interest to a paper on “Our Small Books, Their Place, and the Best Methods of Circulation,” by H. H. Hall. He referred to an action taken in 1994, which was the beginning of placing the larger part of our small books on a forty-per-cent basis. From that time the work has experienced an evolution, so far as the methods of sale are concerned. During the past year, many leaders in our book work, and home workers also, have sold thousands of dollars’ worth of these small books. The methods of presenting them have been improved, until now the worker is equipped with a light, handy prospectus, showing samples of all the books, an order book, and a booklet giving the very best methods of selling these books. Brother Hall gave many incidents showing how much the people need the books, and how many people are coming into the truth through them. This class of work is developing an army of home workers, many of whom will, by the experience gained, step into the subscription-book ranks. A lively, enthusiastic discussion followed the presentation of this paper. GCB June 5, 1913, page 287.22
BAPTISM
On Tuesday afternoon, at 6:30, a number of campers met on the banks of the Sligo, and witnessed eleven persons go forward in the rite of baptism. It was a beautiful afternoon, and the surroundings were in every way as beautiful as the day. A portion of Scripture was read by G. B. Starr, and prayer was offered by A. J. Clark. The ordinance was administered by F. M. Burg. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.1
MEETING FOR BIBLE WORKERS
One of the many daily meetings for special classes of workers, is that held at 1:30 P. M. in the youth’s tent. At an informal meeting of workers, at which Elder Daniells presided, it was decided that meetings for Bible workers should be held each day, except Sabbath, during the rest of the session. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.2
Instead of appointing a committee, as is usual, to choose a leader, the Bible workers themselves were given the privilege of choosing. Calls for Sister Haskell resulted in her appointment to take charge of the meetings. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.3
The attendance has been good at each meeting. This is without doubt the most representative company of Bible workers that has ever met. Bible workers from nearly every State and from many foreign countries are present. Among those from foreign countries are Mrs. Anderson, from China; Mrs. DeVinney, from Japan; Mrs. L. J. Burgess, from India; and Mrs. E. C. Widgery, from the West Indies. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.4
A short study is given each day, with the outline on the blackboard. This is followed by questions, which are answered by the Bible workers themselves. Great interest is manifested in passing in questions, and the answers derived from the experience of those long in the work, are greatly appreciated by all. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.5
First Meeting
Mrs. Mary Robertson, of Africa, occupied the first fifteen minutes in helpful suggestions and texts for refuting the “Age to Come” theory. Mrs. Leo, of St. Louis, followed, presenting a group of texts helpful in meeting Christian Scientists. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.6
Second Meeting
Sister Haskell mentioned seven different ways of presenting the Sabbath: As a Memorial of Creation; The Seal of God; A Memorial of Redemption; The Change of the Sabbath; The Restoration of the Sabbath; The New Testament Sabbath; and as the Center of the Sanctuary Service. The outline on the board was as follows:— GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.7
A MEMORIAL OF REDEMPTION
Type
Exodus 12:16—Lamb slain on 14th day of Abib. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.8
Exodus 12:6 (margin)—Lamb slain between two evenings. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.9
Leviticus 23:6, 7—15th day of Abib was annual sabbath. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.10
Leviticus 23:10, 11—16th day of Abib first-fruits were offered. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.11
Antitype
1 Corinthians 5:7—Christ our Passover. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.12
John 18:28—Friday morning Jesus was condemned (Jews had not eaten the passover). GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.13
John 18:39, 40—That day was passover or fourteenth day of Abib. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.14
Matthew 27:46—Jesus died at ninth hour, or between two evenings. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.15
John 19:30—Between two evenings Jesus said, “It is finished.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.16
John 19:31; Luke 23:54-56—Fifteenth of Abib was seventh-day Sabbath, also annual sabbath. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.17
1 Corinthians 15:20-23—Christ first-fruits. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.18
Luke 24:1-6—Christ raised day after Sabbath. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.19
By means of four texts the Sabbath may be linked to creation, and from creation through to redemption, or the new earth. Genesis 2:2, 3; Exodus 20:8-11; Luke 23:54-56; Isaiah 66:22, 23. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.20
Third Meeting
The consideration of questions occupied the hour, the first calling for a study of 1 Timothy 4:1-6. Bible health principles applicable to the last days, were studied. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.21
Questions were answered: “How to find entrance to homes to secure Bible readers.” Answer.—By distributing tracts, canvassing, Christian-help work, calling from door to door, etc. “How to encourage Roman Catholics to believe our version of the Bible.” Ans.—If objection is raised, study with them from their own Bibles, showing how very little the difference is between the two versions. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.22
CONSECRATION FOR SERVICE
June 2, 7:30 P. M.
The discourse, by Elder K. C. Russell, was based on the last five verses of Psalm 114 and the first verse of Psalm 115. These verses bring to light a most remarkable outline of God’s dealing with his people in ancient time. These accounts of God’s ancient dealing are wondrous examples of his power, giving us courage to believe that he will remove all the difficulties before the Israel of God today. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.23
We wonder, sometimes, as we have heard of the wide-spread line of missions, whether God can accomplish this great work in this generation. But, this message tonight bids us have courage that God will finish his work in his own time. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.24
We have the Red Sea of the heathen, the flinty rock of the city problem, but the power of God will work as in ancient times. Our numbers can never accomplish this work, nor can the beauty and strength of our organization, nor the size and number of our sanitariums and colleges. Not in these, but in the indwelling presence of God in each of his children, is the secret of success. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.25
This is shown from the fact that God made Judah his sanctuary, and the sea saw it, and was opened. When Israel gave room to God, the mountains were moved before them, and the flinty rock gave forth water. We are the Israel of God, and have come out of the Egypt of sin and rebellion, and our hearts are to be the sanctuary of God. When we are the real temples of God, the work will be quickly accomplished. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.26
The speaker cited the story of Jonah to show how much may be accomplished in a short time when once God has an opportunity to dwell in the hearts of his servants. We must have an abiding faith in Christ; he must dwell in our hearts continually. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.27
Elder Russell read from Isaiah texts showing that God will abide only with those who are of a humble and contrite spirit; and those who are ready to do everything enjoined in God’s Word. There ought to be a renewal of our first love to God’s law. There ought to be a Sabbath reform. We ought to guard carefully the ends of the Sabbath. We ought to be careful of the sacred hours of the whole day. The Sabbath should be a busy day for God. We must take time for family worship, and instil the principles of the Word into the hearts of our children. Faithful doing of such things indicates the dwelling of God in our hearts. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.28
We need to teach the various reforms that Seventh-day Adventists stand for. We need to live up to what God teaches on the dress line, or we shall be classed with the Ishmaelites. Judges 8:24. We need to consider seriously the growing prevalency of our young people to marry outside the truth. Our souls ought to be stirred, as was Nehemiah’s with those of his people who married among the heathen. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.29
We should clear all these things out of the way. Then God can come into our hearts, and the work will be finished. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.30
WHAT I HEARD DOWN TOWN
While down town the other day viewing the Oldroyd Memorial Collection in the house in which Abraham Lincoln died, I heard a lady from the city make certain statements to friends who were with her, that attracted my attention. She said: “Major Merwin was a near friend of Mr. Lincoln. The major is now advanced in years, and he seldom converses very long without some mention of his relations with that great man. He has related to me that Mr. Lincoln once told him that if he ever found a church that kept the ten commandments, he would join that church.” Then added the lady, “There is a church that keeps the ten commandments, all of them; and they have a large encampment out north of the city; they are the Seventh-day Adventists, and they are a very fine people.” GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.31
As the company was about to depart, I stepped forward and said: “Pardon me, lady, but your statements awhile ago with reference to Mr. Lincoln impressed me much. Would you care to repeat them to me? She replied, “With pleasure!” I copied her statements in my note-book. She asked for my name and address, which I gave, but did not refer to my relation to the “encampment out north of the city.” She volunteered her name, and for her address gave that of the—headquarters of the District of Columbia. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.32
L. T. N.
AN EVENING OF SACRED SONG
June 3, 7:30 P. M.
A musical program was rendered by the Seminary chorus, of fifty voices, under the direction of Clemen Hamer. The subject of the song, or cantata, was “Penitence, Pardon, and Peace,” and like all similar selections, its message was the very heart of the gospel. The pavilion was full, and crowds stood for sat about on the outside. The entire program was well rendered, and the occasion was one of profit. GCB June 5, 1913, page 288.33