General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
Conference Proceedings. THIRTY-SECOND MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
June 5, 10 A. M.
W. T. KNOX in the chair. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.6
W. J. Fitzgerald offered prayer. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.7
W. T. KNOX: We have received a cablegram this morning that the secretary will read. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.8
W. A. Spicer (reading): “Cape Town, South Africa. Bowen, Tsungwesi, died Monday.” It means that Brother C. Lynn Bowen, who was left in charge of the work at Tsungwesi mission in order to allow Elder Sturdevant a furlough, died last Monday. I move, Brother Chairman, that we extend to Sister Bowen and the family and to the workers in South Africa the sympathy of this Conference. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.9
A. G. Daniells: I second the motion. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.10
W. T. Knox: I am sure that we all will enter most heartily into this expression. (The Conference took action, deeply touched by this loss in the far African mission field.) GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.11
W. T. Knox: We will give the committee on distribution of labor opportunity to submit its report. H. S. Shaw is secretary. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.12
H. S. Shaw (reading):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.13
Distribution of Labor GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.14
The committee on distribution of labor respectfully presents the following report :— GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.15
We recommend the following transfers of laborers:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.16
1. L. A. Hoopes and wife, of Australia, to return to America. Elder Hoopes to connect with the training-school at Graysville, Tenn., as Bible teacher. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.17
2. Carl Neumann and wife, of Walla Walla College, to Brazil. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.18
3. A. Steinert and wife, of the Clinton German Seminary, to Brazil. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.19
4. R. E. Burke and wife, formerly of Australia (now of Iowa), to the North Dakota Conference. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.20
5. Silas Davis and wife, of Southern California, to Mexico. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.21
6. W. R. Nelson and wife, of Southern California, to India; to engage in the book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.22
7. G. T. Townsend, of England, to India; to engage in the book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.23
8. Hubert Gemon, formerly of the West Indies (now in the South), to the Caribbean field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.24
9. H. B. Mould, of Emmanuel Missionary College, to Bolivia. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.25
10. Everhard Henriques, of South Lancaster Academy, to the West Indies. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.26
11. G. F. Jones and wife, formerly of Singapore (now on furlough in America), to the island field of the Australasian Union. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.27
12. Miss Nellie Clark, of Loma Linda, to the Australasian Union, as a nurse. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.28
13. C. F. Wuertz and wife, of New Jersey, to Brazil. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.29
14. V. Nutter and wife, of Kansas City, to the Philippine Islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.30
15. Dr. U. C. Fattebert and wife, formerly of Mexico (now at the Conference), to the Philippine Islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.31
16. Robert Stewart, of Iowa, to the Philippine Islands; to engage in book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.32
17. D. D. Fitch and wife, of Southern California, to Mexico. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.33
18. F. H. Conway and wife of British Columbia, to the Hawaiian Islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.34
19. N. J. Aalborg and wife, of Alberta, Canada, to the West Indian field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.35
20. W. A. Sweany and wife, of the Bahama Islands, to the North Texas Conference. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.36
21. Harry Wilcox, field agent of West Texas, to China. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.37
22. E. Rosenwold, of the Greater New York Conference, to Northern Sweden. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.38
23. W. O. Clough and wife, nurses of Southern New England, to Bolivia. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.39
FOREIGN SEMINARY APPOINTEES
The following persons, now students in the Foreign Mission Seminary, are requested to respond to calls as follows:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.40
24. R. T. Colthurst, of the West Indies, to the European Division. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.41
25. C. C. Kellar and wife, to India; to engage in treatment-room work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.42
26. Miss Rose Boose, of Iowa, to India; to engage in Bible work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.43
27. F. A. Wyman and wife, nurses of the North Pacific Union, to the India Union Mission; to engage in treatment-room work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.44
28. R. P. Robinson and wife, of Southern California, to South Africa. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.45
29. A. G. Nelson, to make Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, his field of labor. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.46
30. Miss Gertrude Johnson, of Indiana (formerly of Loma Linda), to the South American Union; as a nurse. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.47
31. Miss Claire M. Wightman, of New Mexico (graduate of Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium), to the South American Union; as a nurse. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.48
32. C. E. Boynton and wife, of Iowa, to British Guiana. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.49
33. J. A. P. Green and wife, to Mexico, to engage in the book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.50
34. E. W. Thurber, of New England; to Mexico; for evangelistic work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.51
35. Miss Lillie Prince, of New Jersey, to Mexico. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.52
36. H. E. Carter and wife, to Brazil; to engage in the book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.53
37. W. E. Lanier and wife, of the Southeastern Union, to the Philippine Islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.54
38. R. C. Raft, formerly of the Southeastern Union, to return to Porto Rico; to engage in the book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 291.55
39. A. U. Cochran, to Cuba; to engage in the book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.1
40. Dr. H. C. Menkel and wife (on furlough), now teaching in the Seminary, to return to India. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.2
41. R. P. Morris and wife, to India. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.3
On motion to adopt, consideration was deferred. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.4
H. S. Shaw: This is only the General Conference report of persons who are going outside of North America, or entering this field. Other recommendations will come in under the North American Division. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.5
Consideration of Plans GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.6
W. T. Knox: We will now take up the report of the committee on plans appearing on page 276 of the BULLETIN. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.7
PHOTO-Chapel and printing-office, Shanghai, China
The secretary read item 29, regarding the death of Brother Irwin. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.8
W. T. Knox: This recommendation is before you. It is suggested that we take a rising vote. All who are in favor will signify it by rising to their feet. [The whole delegation stood.] GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.9
Recommendations 30, 31, 32 were read, question being called. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.10
On item 33 C. R. Kite asked: Upon what basis is the appropriation made to South Missouri of $1,200? GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.11
W. T. Knox: It was because of an appeal presented at the time of our fall council by the South Missouri Conference, through E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union, on account of the city work in St. Louis. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.12
E. R. Palmer: It does not seem to be clear in the resolution whether the figures that follow mean the balance of appropriations due after June 1, or whether it is the total appropriation for the year. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.13
W. T. Knox: These are the total appropriations. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.14
E. R. Palmer: I suggest, then, that by common consent we include before the words “as follows,” the words “total appropriations.” GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.15
W. T. Knox: If there is no objection, the change will be made. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.16
The question was called. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.17
Recommendations 34, 35, and 36 were read, the wording of the latter being changed by common consent, making the Foreign Department “General Foreign,” and striking out the words “North American” from the name of the Negro Department. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.18
Recommendations 37, 38, and 39 were read, and question called. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.19
Recommendation 40 was read. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.20
A. G. Daniells: Mr. Chairman, I would like to see the name of L. A. Hansen added to this committee [to advise regarding courses of study in nurses’ training-schools], as he is expected to act as assistant or corresponding secretary of the general Medical Department, and has been very intimately connected with these institutions during the past few years. He will have as much time as any one of these men, and I believe he could render this committee great assistance. I move that his name be added. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.21
This motion prevailed. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.22
M. E. Kern: Mr. Chairman, it occurs to me that, inasmuch as we are endeavoring to bring our evangelistic and medical work closer together, and it is closely related to our school work, an educational man might well be on that committee, and make it five. I think that would be quite a help to us, and perhaps a help to the committee; and I move that the name of H. R. Salisbury be added to the committee. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.23
This also carried. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.24
Recommendation 41 was considered. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.25
E. E. Andross: Would it not be advisable to drop out the words “North American,” as we have only one religious liberty department? GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.26
The change was made by common consent. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.27
G. B. Thompson: It seems to me that while this call for a book of authoritative quotations is a good thing, it is somewhat restrictive. Now, we need a book dealing with authoritative quotations on something else than religious liberty. I do not see why this could not be broadened, and have a committee that would bring out a book of authoritative statements upon a good many questions besides religious liberty. “Facts for the Times” needs revision. I would like to see a book brought out entitled, “Facts for the Times,” that would not only include what is mentioned here, but cover a great many other points. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.28
W. W. Prescott: I would like to say, in explanation, that this was called for from the Religious Liberty Department in order that something might be done quickly for the coming summer campaign. I have not the least objection to the last speaker’s suggestion; but there was a distinct and emphatic call for a briefer publication, the matter for which is largely in hand, that could be gotten out immediately for use during the coming campaign. That was the purpose of this resolution. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.29
A. G. Daniells: Then if this is produced, it can go into another book when that is ready. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.30
Question was then called. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.31
C. W. Flaiz: Referring to No. 33, providing that the division conference shall take up its financial responsibilities beginning June 1, are we to understand that in the division of the appropriations, the North American Division assumes the payment of the amount that may be unpaid at the time on these appropriations, or does it mean that the General Conference will pay five twelfths and the division conference the remaining seven twelfths of the appropriations? GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.32
W. T. Knox: It is designed by this provision that the General Conference will settle in full on these appropriations that are enumerated all that would be due for the five months ending May 31; that the North American Division Conference will begin its work with these fields with a clean slate, as far as these months are concerned, and, taking the next resolution, with $15,000 capital in addition. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.33
PHOTO-Asiatic division committee, assembled in Shanghai
The question of adopting the whole report was then put and carried. GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.34
W. T. Knox: Are there any other committees ready to report? GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.35
Partial Report of Committee on Plans GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.36
Guy Dail: I have a further partial report from the committee on plans. The first recommendation is one referred back to the committee for further consideration, and now comes in the following form:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.37
REPORT ON PLANS
Whereas, Territorial, transportation, and economical considerations formerly led the South Dakota Conference to cede the Black Hills District to the Wyoming Conference, and increased railroad facilities now make this section more easy of access to the Wyoming Conference headquarters, than heretofore; and,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.38
Whereas, Wyoming Conference means and laborers raised up the churches and companies found in the Black Hills District; and,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.39
Whereas, Were this territory to be transferred to the South Dakota Conference, it would deprive the Wyoming Conference of more than one sixth of its tithe and reduce its membership from 402 to 330, and hence this district is essential to the development of a strong conference in Wyoming; we therefore,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 292.40
42. Recommend, That the South Dakota Conference release all claims upon said territory, and that henceforth the following counties of South Dakota be a part of the Wyoming Conference: Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Custer, and Fall River. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.1
Whereas, All the officers of the church are elected for one year, and the Sabbath-school is an important part of the work of the church; and,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.2
Whereas, The plan of electing Sabbath-school officers every six months makes frequent changes, and interferes with the promotion of Sabbath-school plans, and retards the proper development of officers, therefore,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.3
43. Resolved, That beginning with Jan. 1, 1914, Sabbath-school officers be elected for one year, except where impracticable. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.4
44. We recommend, That home Missionary secretaries, both for the General Conference and the North American Division Conference, be appointed for the promotion of the church missionary work. The duty of the secretaries shall be to cooperate with our conferences and missions, each in his own field, in building up the church tract and missionary work by— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.5
(a) Developing such practical plans and simple instruction as will unite all our churches in a general missionary movement. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.6
(b) The publication, through the medium of church and conference papers, and personal and circular letters, of such missionary reports and experiences as will lead our people everywhere to appreciate their opportunities, and stir themselves to greater activity. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.7
45. We recommend, That our union and field agents avail themselves of the advantages offered by the sale of our periodicals and home workers’ books to develop a large class of home canvassers, many of whom may be selected to enter the regular subscription-book work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.8
Whereas, The experience of our brethren in other lands, as well as in some parts of the home field, demonstrates that the union of our book and periodical work is an unqualified success; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.9
46. Resolved, That we adopt this as our plan of operation, and put forth more earnest and persevering efforts to carry it into effect in every part of the field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.10
Whereas, We appreciate the help rendered last winter by the General Conference Missionary Volunteer workers in attendance at the various institutes held in the field, and we believe 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 6, 1913, page 293.11
47. Recommend, That the North American Division Conference arrange field help for a series of Missionary Volunteer institutes to be held in the various union conferences of the North American Division. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.12
On motion to adopt, consideration was deferred. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.13
Communication From Mrs. E. G. White GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.14
A. G. Daniells: I have a communication from Sister White, which I will ask permission to read at this time (reads):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.15
SANITARIUM, CAL., Feb. 20, 1913. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.16
To the workers in the message,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.17
Last night I seemed to be in earnest conversation with some of our brethren who seemed to be unable to take a broad view of the work that God desired them to do. Some in their efforts were going beyond that which was wise and prudent, while others were falling short of that which was required of them. I was trying to make these brethren understand the necessity of carrying the work forward intelligently, so that one worker would not tear down the work that another was endeavoring to build up. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.18
This morning after dressing, I began to look over a collection of manuscripts that lay on my office table. The first on which my eye fell was one in which were laid down principles that lie at the foundation of all successful efforts for souls,—principles that every worker needs prayerfully and carefully to study. Again and again I have been impressed to write that which, if studied under the direction of the Holy Spirit would enable our brethren to take right views of their privileges and responsibilities. But unless these principles are so studied, they cannot be worked out in the experience. Unless there is a united drawing with God, unless those in positions of leadership lift up their hearts to heaven, confessing their defects of character, and pleading for help to reach a higher standard, they will not discern their own spiritual needs, or strive successfully for higher attainments. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.19
Because a worker does not see the importance of a fellow worker’s efforts, he should not pull back and make the work go hard. Every laborer should now be working with zeal and energy, pressing onward and upward. There should be no such thing as backsliding from the light that has guided us for so many years. God is calling upon his people to reach a higher standard of spirituality, to work unitedly. Much of the work being accomplished in the cause of present truth would require not more than half the labor that it now demands if the workers would come unitedly to the help of the Lord, lending their courage and zeal, their faith and influence, to the building up of whatever enterprise is called for. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.20
A sad mistake is made when workers take up some work that God has not set them, and carry it forward as if that were the plan of the Lord. The result is disappointment; and when the realization comes that they have been in error, it is often the case that the workers fall into discouragement, and go off on a line that leads directly away from the reformations that God desires to see wrought. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.21
There is a great work to be done, and we do not half realize its sacredness, or appreciate its uplifting influence on the lives that are yielded to its fashioning. We are to learn to take God at his word, for thus only can we carry out his purposes. There should be no holding back on the part of any. With all the light that has been given us, we cannot truthfully say, “We did not understand his will.” Let there be a drawing together, every one lifting in spiritual lines. Let us manifest a godlike earnestness of purpose instead of taking an attitude of careless indifference. The indifference manifested by some discourage those who are trying to do faithful work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.22
Not all are pursuing a course of indifference. There are some who are reviewing their past mistakes, and are learning from these mistakes the lessons that God would teach them. They are making close examination of self. These workers are studying their own lives in the light of Christ’s perfect example, and are becoming changed into the same image. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.23
Our ministers have some experiences to gain that have not yet been gained, standards to reach higher than those yet attained. They have lessons to learn of personal ministry for souls. There is a special work to be done for the newly converted. Do not think when these have embraced the doctrines of the message, that you can leave them there. Many have thus been left in spiritual darkness; they know not how to go forward. Go to these souls; pray with them; lift them up. Do not rest until you see that they are striving to reach the standards that God’s Word sets for his children. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.24
We talk much about the truth; but unless we live the truth, unless we ourselves are reaching its standard, and helping others to reach it, our work will not have the approval of Heaven. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.25
We do not realize how untiring are Satan’s efforts to sap our spirituality. He is working mightily that the people of God may be only half converted. Then self will swell to large proportions, and there will be no revelation to the world of the transforming power of God. If this power does not rest upon God’s people and move them to sanctified action, they cannot do the work in the earth that has been shown us must be done. Without this power, they will not realize their responsibility as his representatives in a world of unbelief. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.26
ELLEN G. WHITE.
W. T. Knox: This will go to the BULLETIN, and appear in the next number. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.27
Reports From the Field
Are there any other committees ready to report? If not, there are some fields from which we have not yet had reports. We will call for a report from Elder W. A. Sweaney, of the Bahama Islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.28
W. A. Sweaney (reading):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.29
REPORT OF THE BAHAMAS MISSION
The Bahama Islands, just off the east coast of southern Florida, extend in a southeasterly direction a distance of nearly 800 miles, to Haiti and Santa Domingo. The group embraces thirty islands of some size, 660 islets and 2,387 rocks, reefs, and cays. Compared with the great, populous countries and cities, to which our attention has been directed in this Conference, the 60,000 inhabitants in this little corner are only as a drop of the ocean, and the work of carrying this message to them, might seem to be easy of accomplishment. But in undertaking it, we find them scattered in hundreds of small settlements, many of them only a few families, reached only by small schooners and sloops, ofttimes long-delayed by contrary winds, or by calms, in which the vessel lies as “motionless as a painted ship upon a painted ocean,” for days and sometimes for weeks. GCB June 6, 1913, page 293.30
At the close of the last General Conference, we located in Nassau, the capital of the colony, a town of about 13,000 inhabitants on the island of New Providence. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.1
As far back as fifteen years ago, Brother C. F. Parmele and family spent some time in the colony, sowing the seed in the form of the printed page, in a number of these islands. Two or three other canvassers have, since then, passed through Nassau, remaining, however, only a short time. As some of the results of Brother Parmelee’s labors, we found two lone sisters keeping the Sabbath. One of these died soon after our arrival. The other with her family, joyfully accepted the whole message, as soon as it was presented to her, and slowly, but steadily, the number of believers increased, till we now have an organized church of twenty-one members, and a Sabbath-school of about thirty-five. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.2
As an indication of the quality of these believers, a few items are presented from our annual financial report. Tithe for four years, $1,245.26; Sabbath-school offerings, $412.20; other mission offerings, $223.67; offerings for local work, $325.29. Total, $2,206.42. The establishment and prosecution for four years of the work in this field, has required only $918.97 from the Mission Board treasury, and half of this has been received in the form of literature. Only a few more believers like those we now have, and the field will be entirely self-supporting, and from the vantage-ground of the beginning already made, that much-to-be-desired result will be much easier of accomplishment than have been the beginnings. The necessity of first establishing the work in the capital has prevented us from visiting more than about a dozen of the out-island settlements. Our experiences in these few places, and the invitations that have come to us from those we have never visited, reveal the fact that they are ripe for the message. The simple announcement that an open-air meeting will be held quickly spreads through the village, and practically the whole community assembles and eagerly listens to the message as long as one wishes or is able to proclaim it. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.3
Our services in Nassau are held in a storeroom, in a poor suburb, but our Sunday night preaching services have all along been well attended, not only by the common people, who still hear the message gladly, but by a considerable number of more prominent persons, many of whom, including some at least, of the many tourists who spend the winter there, would attend, if we had a suitable church in an accessible locality. A good, substantial church building and parsonage in the center of the city, could be purchased for about $3,500; but although our people are loyal and liberal, that is still beyond our reach, unless some one in this country comes to our assistance with a large donation. However, we are praying, planning, and giving, and though we have a little less than $900 in our church building fund, we are hoping some time to erect a building to which we can invite the people. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.4
PHOTO-German colony, near Mt. Carmel, Syria
Perhaps our greatest need is a church-school for the children of our people,—a need so desperate that I despair of portraying it before you. Suffice it to say, it is awful to have to leave our children in Babylon, from which we ourselves flee to escape impending wrath. Compulsory educational laws require the attendance of all children under twelve at some school. Even a primary church-school would meet the requirements. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.5
There are plenty of schools, both government and denominational, but many of the people sense the need of better conditions for obtaining an education than these schools afford. And strange to say, although we have not yet made a start toward a school there, the people are looking to us for help. Only a few days before we left, to our unbounded astonishment, a committee of citizens—none of them Adventists—called on us with a memorial, which they wished us to present at this Conference, asking that we start and operate a school for their children and youth, and pledging themselves to erect the building and fill it with paying pupils. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.6
And so, although this corner of the field is small, it presents some openings, which, if filled, will surely lead to gratifying results. George Washington, Grover Cleveland, Mark Twain, Sir Frederick Treves, and thousands of other noted visitors, unite in pronouncing the climate of these “sun-kissed, wave-washed Isles of Everlasting June,” to be the best in the world. Here Columbus landed, De Leon sought the fountain of youth, while Black Beard, the pirate and buccaneer, long ruled the wave. French, Spanish, and English have here made much bloody history, and in the days of the civil war, Nassau was the most noted rendezvous of blockade runners. It was just off the bar of Nassau, that Captain Wilkes of the “San Jacinto,” overhauled the “Trent” and captured Mason and Slidell, Confederate envoys to England, thereby nearly embroiling the Union in war with Great Britain. GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.7
But the greatest thing that can be said of these isles is that by patient effort jewels of worth, pearls of great value, may be found which, when polished by the truth, will shine in the palace of the King. The day of small things should not be despised or neglected, for the Master says, “Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.” GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.8
Appeals
The Seventh-day Adventist Church of Nassau, Bahamas, to the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, assembled at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., sends greetings:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 294.9
We deem this an appropriate time to greet you, and to express our appreciation of the gospel light that has been caused to shine on our pathway. Of course we shall miss the laborers who have so faithfully proclaimed the message among us, but we are of good courage, and with the Lord’s help will do our best to carry on the work, being confident that He who has begun a good work in us, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.1
PHOTO-Mt. Ararat, S. D. A. Brethren in foreground
At present we are greatly in need of a church building of our own, as the place we now occupy is not at all favorable; therefore, we ask your kind consideration and help in this matter. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.2
And besides the great need of a church building, we are equally in need of a church-school, and earnestly pray that the Conference now in session will not overlook this poor, needy field. The people of this community are willing and anxious to cooperate with us in the establishment of a school. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.3
The many unworked and unentered out-islands are ready for the message, and are even calling for help. One or two workers each for the educational and the evangelical work are the greatest needs of the field, and we trust the revenues of this field will soon be sufficient to support these workers. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.4
The church asks to be remembered in your prayers, that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us in the great responsibility that now rests upon us. Our prayer for you is that divine guidance and inspiration will be manifested in directing you in the discharge of the many and various duties that rest upon this general assembly. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.5
WM. W. ANTONIO, Clerk,
J. P. SIMMS, Treasurer,
W. H. HALLS, Sabbath-school Supt.,
JOSEPH H. STRACHAN.
Nassau, Bahamas,
May 6, 1913.
To. Mr. W. A. Sweaney.
Dear sir:
We, the undersigned citizens of Nassau, realizing the great need of a school in which our children can be properly trained, have united ourselves in order to bring about the establishment of such an institution. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.6
It is true that there are government schools, but systematic training is unknown in them, and we need hardly hope for any improvement. The school matters who are sent out, are very poorly paid, therefore it may be guessed what is to be expected. They never receive any training in the management of children. In some of the schools, history and geography are not regularly taught. Physiology and hygiene are unknown, drawing—only a smattering. In the majority of schools, none at all. We can see nothing ahead but ignorance and ruin for our children, unless something is done for them. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.7
Knowing as we do your desire to do good, also the body whom you represent, we humbly petition your help. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.8
We are prepared to erect a small building if a suitable site can be procured,—which we have no doubt can,—and pay regularly a tuition fee. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.9
That God will enable you to see your way clear to lend us every assistance is the hope of— GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.10
Yours very respectfully,
JOHN T. CRAWLEY,
WM. B. ARMBRISTER,
WM. B. BUTHEL,
T. C. HUYLER,
WM. H. MAJOR.
GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.11
W. T. Knox: We will call for a report from the Syrian Mission. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.12
PHOTO-Tent company, on Mt. Carmel, Syria
Guy Dail: This report from the Syrian Mission is prepared by W. C. Ising, superintendent of the mission (reads):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.13
SYRIAN MISSION
The Syrian Mission comprises all of Syria, excepting the vilayets of Aleppo, Mesopotamia, and Arabia, with a population of some five millions. Arabic is the leading language south of Mardin, in Mesopotamia, while in the northern region Kurdish, Syriac, Turkish, and Armenian are spoken. Along the Syrian coast, in the larger cities, French is much used, and English is used more than formerly, the people taking a special interest in learning this language because of their desire and expectation that some day they will come under English rule. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.14
In Palestine, and chiefly in Jerusalem, ancient Hebrew has again been revived, and it is said that over fifty thousand Jews are able to use and understand that language; during the last thirty years, forty Jewish colonies have been founded all over Palestine, from Tyre to Hebron, or, as the Jews put it, “from Dan even to Beersheba.” Judges 20:1. Some of these are thriving colonies. This movement is not prompted by religious motives, nor does it aim at establishing a Jewish kingdom, but rather provides a home for the afflicted and homeless, in the land of their fathers. The present number of one hundred thousand Jews would certainly be considerably smaller, were it not for the chalukah, the financial support collected in all countries for the Jews of Palestine, and from which over fifty-five thousand of them are exclusively supported. On the other hand, had it not been for the wealth of the Rothschilds, many of these colonies could not have been established. So far as numbers are concerned, the city of New York contains more than ten times as many Jews as are in Palestine, and the emigration thither is much larger than to the ancient Canaan. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.15
As Syria is a part of the Turkish empire, we have felt the influence of the political troubles and wars that have been disturbing this empire. The present condition is one of general discontent and unrest, although the peace has been maintained. Just a few days ago there was a demonstration by the inhabitants of Beirut against the government, which is charged with having failed to carry into effect certain promises of liberty and reforms in Syria. All shops were closed, and a number of persons were arrested. There is also much talk among the Arabs about the possibility of establishing their own rule, in view of the incapability of the Turkish government to stem the progress of her foes and to prevent the crumbling away of her territories. Surely we are approaching the time of the last great crisis in this part of the globe. GCB June 6, 1913, page 295.16
Now, while it is natural that these turbulent tendencies should divert the minds of a large number from religious topics to the great issues before them, it is also true that these conditions offer great opportunities to point to the real meaning of all these things, and that there are many people willing and interested to listen. Since, also, according to Mohammedan tradition, we are living in times when very important changes are to be expected, the Moslems show some desire to understand these great questions. The third angel’s message is to gather a people from among them; and who knows but that these troublous times are preparing the way for more effective evangelistic work in these fields. During the last four years, we received sixteen souls into church fellowship by baptism and vote, bringing our membership up to thirty. This seems but a small number; but we feel grateful to God for this beginning, and we are confident that many more will accept the message when it reaches them. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.1
PHOTO-Landing at Joppa (Jafua)
We conduct evangelistic, canvassing, and the medical work. One ordained minister and five missionary licentiates, including two nurses and one colporteur, are engaged in these various lines of work. Brother and Sister Krug, with Sister Skogso, who has joined us from the Scandinavian Union, are connected with the treatment-rooms in Jerusalem. We have a very suitable building in the best location to carry on our work there, and 8,142 persons were treated during the past quadrennial term. We believe that more could be done toward the spiritual success of the work if we were able to properly improve our facilities in providing the necessary medical help, that would draw the people to us rather than tend to their going to others because we cannot properly undertake the treatment of their diseases. While giving physical relief, we might also secure an influence over them spiritually. We hope these facilities may soon be improved, so as to make possible more efficient service. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.2
In Jerusalem our native colporteur and Bible worker, Brother Zachary, is engaged in Bible work and in the sale of our literature. There are several difficulties in the way of successful and self-supporting colportage, namely, the illiteracy of a large percentage of the natives, especially in the smaller towns and villages, and also their belief that they should receive religious literature free, an idea that has thus far been encouraged by many individuals and religious societies that are circulating literature free. Again, we thus far have no suitable assortment of literature, although there are some thirteen Arabic tracts on various points of truth, and we are now anxiously waiting for the first book on Matthew 24, which we believe will prove a great blessing to this field. We hope that then we can with more success encourage young men to engage in the sale of our literature here, with the prospect of making part of their living. As a matter of fact, there is a comparatively small field of occupation for the young people after they have gone through school; for, owing to this backward condition of the country, the lack of industry and of other resources, thousands of the youth, the flower of the country, emigrate to America, Egypt, or elsewhere. Reports from those countries brought home by some of these men, and the money, which often runs up to thousands of pounds, with which they put up fine building, testifies to the prosperity in the regions beyond, and stimulate the desire of the young people to emigrate as soon as they can afford it, and they leave their home land, for which they have so little love and sympathy, because of the reactionary conditions which thwart their aspirations. This is the cause of the general lack of patriotism. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.3
We have put forth several evangelistic efforts in various places during the last few years, but the difficulty we have generally met with is that the people do not show much appreciation of preaching in itself, claiming that in the land of the gospel they must certainly be acquainted with its precepts, and that their special that they may be aided in making a living. Unless there is some material benefit for them, some good, as they call it, they frankly say that there is no need of listening to the “preaching of the gospel only.” As a rule, they have not sufficient patience and interest to follow up a course of religious meetings, and are simply inquisitive as to what temporal “good” is to come out of such efforts. Generally, they are friendly. There is more indifference to religion than hostility to it. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.4
Everywhere they ask us to open up schools and to train their children, this being their chief need. While this need is in many cases only imaginary, since often in smaller villages there are several schools (naturally, very common ones, carried on by the resident sects), it is true that farther in the interior there is a wide field of labor in this respect. Other missionary societies have long since recognized and improved the possibilities of gaining a foothold and respect among the people by meeting these needs, using the educational method as their chief means of work, and associating with it the evangelistic, publishing, and medical work. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.5
The Syria Mission of the American Board of Foreign Missions alone has established over one hundred ten day-schools, not to speak of the institutions for higher education. In these day-schools they gather some fifty-five hundred pupils from all religious sects, who are daily taught the Bible. In the words of their official report: “On Sundays all these schools become ‘Sunday-schools,’ in which special effort is put forth to attract and interest the older members of the communities. Each child serves as a messenger, also, to call friends and parents to preaching services whenever the missionary can visit them. The educational method has been popular and successful; for a public-school system is lacking, and the people are anxious to educate their bright children.” On the other hand, the American Board are operating also ten colleges in Turkey, with a total attendance of some four thousand students, the largest of these institutions, the Syrian Protestant College, with an enrollment of over nine hundred, being located here in Beirut. There are 7,500 Protestants in Syria. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.6
When visiting Taijibe, several hours’ ride from Jerusalem, we had a very crowded meeting of the natives, in which the leading men of the village pleaded with us to open a school for their children. Some fifteen pledged themselves in a written document, each of them setting his seal to it, to give us land for the building free of charge. Brother Gregorius has been laboring in this place for some time. Elders De Vinney and Benson, who passed through Jerusalem from Japan on their way to the Conference, were with us, and spoke to the people of our work in Japan. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.7
In another place, several hours’ ride from Beirut, on the way to ancient Sidon, is a large village with several thousand inhabitants, who have recently urged us to open up school work among them. Protestants have not yet entered the place. There is a native brother here who was baptized some six years ago by Elder Wakeham. His family are also interested in the truth. What shall we do with such favorable openings? We must, by all means, give careful study to the question as to what educational work we can consistently carry on in connection with our evangelistic work in this field, with the means at our disposal. GCB June 6, 1913, page 296.8
From the interior of Mesopotamia we are constantly receiving calls to come over and help them. Our dear Brother Bashir Abo Hasso, who accepted the message here in Beirut, has now for two years been connected with a Protestant hospital in Bagdad as pharmacist. His cousin in Mosul has gladly accepted the message through him, and they are both loyal to the truth, the latter waiting for baptism. Both have faithfully sent in their tithe and offerings regularly every quarter. We believe that Providence is opening the way for the message in those regions. Other persons are interested in the truth, and should be worked with. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.1
While in the days of old our father Abraham was called forth from that land in order to engage in missionary work as the pioneer in the land of Canaan, it seems that the closing message entrusted to his believing children in this last generation will be carried from Canaan to Mesopotamia. God grant that it may be attended by the same results in the gathering of a people in that region also of whom it may be said, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.2
W. C. ISING.
At the conclusion of the report from Syria, the Conference adjourned. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.3
W. T. KNOX, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.