General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
Departmental Meetings
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
NORTH AMERICAN FOREIGN DEPARTMENT
Fourth Meeting, May 20, 8 A. M.
Elder F. C. Gilbert, our worker among the Jews, gave an interesting report of the past work and future possibilities of the Jewish work. The immense labors of Joseph Wolff, in the years preceding 1844, in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, show what a converted Jew can do. In this country alone there are more than 3,000,000 Jews, of which number we find 1,000,000 in the State of New York. It is the custom of the Jews to segregate in the different cities in colonies, called ghettos; nevertheless, we have seen already a large number of Jews accept present truth. Twenty or thirty Jews in the United States have accepted the truths of the message, and are remaining faithful. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.2
Brother Gilbert offered the following suggestions: 1 That the work for the Jews be placed under the North American Foreign Department; 2 that a special fund be raised for the distribution of our literature and of New Testaments among the Jews; 3 the extension of the evangelical work; 4 the extension of the religious liberty work; 5 that a place be provided in which the newly converted Jew can be instructed and helped; 6 that provision be made for open-air work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.3
Elder L. Zecchetto then reported the Italian work. It was four years ago when he began his work among the Italians in the Greater New York Conference. On November 17 of that same year he organized the first Italian church. Since then the work has spread among the Italians, a number of churches and some able laborers having accepted the truth. Brother Zecchetto also started an Italian paper, which is having a good circulation both in this country and abroad. He gave some interesting cases of conversions through this paper. He desired that broad plans might be laid at this General Conference for the extension of the work among the Italians. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.4
Brother Sevach, a Hungarian worker in the Greater New York Conference, gave some interesting statements concerning the Hungarian work in New York City. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.5
Elder J. W. Hofstra next spoke of the work among the Hollanders in Michigan. A start was made about twenty years ago in this work, but since then little or nothing has been done until last year, when work was once more begun. He says that the Hollanders colonize in this country, retaining their own habits and customs. He gave illustrations of several cities, ranging from five thousand to fifteen thousand population, the vast majority of which were Hollanders. Many of these have never heard a sermon on present truth in their own language. Many of our good books have been translated into the language of the Hollanders by the German Publishing House. These ought to be largely distributed. He hoped that this Conference would do something to organize the work among the Hollanders, and place it under a responsible chief. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.6
THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT
Eighth Meeting, May 23, 8 A. M.
The headquarters room was crowded this morning, many being unable to secure seats. The topics for discussion were as follows:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.7
1. Permanent Canvassers:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.8
(a) How may the canvassing work be made prosperous twelve months in the year? GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.9
(b) Can winter canvassing become a success in cold, snowy climates? GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.10
(c) What class of workers are most likely to continue permanently twelve months in the year? GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.11
(d) Permanently located resident canvassers. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.12
(e) What kind of field missionary agents may we expect to build up a permanent work? GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.13
2. Comparative Merits of the Several Methods Employed in Training Agents:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.14
(a) Individual training,—privately, and from house to house. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.15
(b) Small institutes in private houses or local churches, wherever and whenever opportunity offers. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.16
(c) Large, well-organized institutes at seasonable times, such as: 1 During Christmas holidays, or early in new year; 2 in colleges, academies, and intermediate schools; and 3 immediately after camp-meetings. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.17
The discussion, which was enthusiastic, developed the following points:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.18
1. That thorough training makes permanent agents. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.19
2. That pressure should be brought to bear upon the strong, able men in our churches by those who are leaders, urging upon them the times in which we live, and the need for strong, active work by every believer in the third angel’s message. GCB May 24, 1909, page 123.20
3. That the most vital question before our canvassing work is how to select and train agents so as to make them permanent. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.1
4. That men and women of mature age and experience usually become the most permanent workers. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.2
5. That the institute method of training, without house-to-house training, develops transient workers. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.3
6. That the house-to-house method of training agents should be the standard permanent method, and that the institute method should be the supplementary method for handling an overflow of agents. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.4
7. That agents trained in institutes should be considered as only partially trained, it being necessary to follow up such training with house-to-house work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.5
8. That house-to-house training should be conducted personally by the field agent with his canvasser in each house except as the alternating method of work from house to house is resorted to as a test of the agent’s ability. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.6
9. That the canvasser can be successful at all seasons of the year. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.7
10. That we should encourage more and more the establishing of resident canvassers in permanent territory. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.8
11. That the general missionary agents should spend from three days to a week at least once a year, and oftener if possible, with each of his field missionary agents in house-to-house canvassing. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.9
12. That small institutes with four to six canvassers may be conducted frequently and profitably in private houses and churches. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.10
13. That well-organized institutes may be conducted profitably near the close of our large schools, immediately following a large camp-meeting, or in mid-winter. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.11
14. That the best method of convincing people that work can be done at all seasons of the year is by actual demonstration. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.12
15. That we should urge the fact that we are engaged in a high calling, second only to that of the ministry, if, indeed, it is secondary to that. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.13
16. That it is sometimes necessary to help agents in a financial crisis, for which purpose it may be wise to create a special fund. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.14
17. That success in this work means a close, living connection with the Lord. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.15
MEDICAL MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT
Eighth Meeting, May 23, 8 A. M.
The sanitarium gymnasium was crowded for the eighth meeting of this department. The topic for consideration was “Diet from the Bible and Testimony Viewpoint.” Dr. Lydia Kynett Parmelee read a paper prepared by Dr. L. J. Otis. After this, a paper was read by A. W. Semmens. These papers referred to the original diet of man, given by God in Eden, and traced the successive occasions on which man fell away from this diet, and the reforms instituted by God to bring man back to a simple fare. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.16
In his paper on “Diet in the Light of the Testimonies,” Brother C. C. Crisler said, “In a brief presentation of the question of dietetics, as related to the teachings of Mrs. E. G. White, it is possible to attempt merely an outline of underlying principles.... There has been an unfolding of these principles, not only in later instruction through the spirit of prophecy, but by means of study and research on the part of many scientists and conscientious men and women among the laity.” GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.17
Among other generally understood facts, he enumerated that obedience to natural law must not be lost sight of by those who would be obedient to the law of God; that God has mercifully given his people the light of health reform as a means of escape from many physical dangers, as well as a means of spiritual help; that dietetic reform tends toward purity of mind and body, quickness of perception, clearness of thought, freedom from disease, spiritual insight, and growth in grace; that the principles of healthful living should be imparted freely to those who have not yet learned how to live aright; that dietetic reform is essentially progressive, and can seldom be brought about in a day, hence much patience must be exercised in teaching the people to provide a dietary that is wholesome and nourishing, as well as appetizing; that the Testimonies have urged a sensible rather than an extreme view on questions relating to the use and the non-use of certain articles of diet; and finally, that the instruction given in the Testimonies has a sound scientific basis. The soundness of the principles outlined in the Testimonies in the early days of the health reform movement among Seventh-day Adventists has in more recent years been abundantly confirmed by scientists and investigators of unquestioned authority. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.18
Our people are eager to learn. Would it not be pleasing to God to inaugurate plans for a far-reaching campaign on reforms in diet from a scientific point of view? And when these principles are understood, will not our people be the better able to appreciate the value of that which they may read on dietetics in the Testimonies? Our physicians have the privilege of calling the attention of our people to the wise Providence that has in mercy shielded them from many ills to which flesh is commonly heir. When our people read in the Testimonies paragraphs bearing on various questions of diet, they will take great pleasure in discovering that their own common sense, aided by their knowledge of a few easily understood scientific principles, bears constant witness to the breadth of scope and the far-reaching importance of the very passages in the Testimonies that so many now look upon as sayings hard to be understood. Such study is sure to result in good. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.19
Elder W. C. White: The Scripture says, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” Some persons teach diet from a Bible standpoint, some from the viewpoint of the Testimonies, still others from a scientific basis. Our teaching will be most forceful if we use all three, beginning with the Bible, following this with the teachings of science, and ending with instruction from the Testimonies. As presented in “Ministry of Healing,” these truths have been embodied in a form best adapted to the needs of the people. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.20
Dr. A. B. Olsen expressed deep interest in all three papers, and commended especially the paper by C. C. Crisler, because it deals in underlying principles without attempting to lay down hard and fast rules of diet. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.21
The 5:15 P. M. hour had been set apart for health talks in the large tent; but owing to the presence of so many missionaries from various fields, it was voted to grant this hour alternately to missionary talks by delegates from abroad. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.22
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Fourth Meeting, May 23, 8 A. M.
A double male quartet presented a message in the song “We Must Be Born Again.” Prof. H. R. Salisbury read a paper on “The Educational Features of the Missionary Volunteer Work,” in which the great importance of this phase of the work of the young people was forcibly emphasized. The paper will be published later. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.23
The discussion by the secretaries and others brought out many illustrations of the value of this work, especially the Missionary Volunteer Reading Course. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.24
Frederick Griggs: If we can get our young people down to good hard study, their work is going to be substantial. I see in this a great advantage for our educational work, since the reading courses will help the youth to form ideals, and give them a desire for a part in this work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.25
Lillie George: The Reading Course is perhaps the most interesting of all the lines of work in our field. The young people thoroughly enjoy it. Since coming to the Conference, I have received several papers on the second set of “Great Controversy” questions. One boy writes that he is so much interested in the study of the book that he will go over the work again. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.26
S. Lela Hoover: I have received many letters telling of the blessing which the reading of “Great Controversy” has brought to our young people, and of the determination that it has given them to be something more, and to do a definite work for the Lord. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.27
Helen McKinnon: Nothing has interested our young people in Alabama more than this question of the Reading Course. One young girl became so much interested in Bible study in connection with the course that she committed the book of John to memory. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.28
Mrs. Bessie J. Rice: One mother told the principal of a high school that her daughter must drop some of her work because she had something more important to study at home. If the parents could only appreciate the help that the course is to the young people, it would be a great blessing to our work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.29
Lesley Shoup: A young lady in our conference said that when she started the Reading Course, she was an Adventist only because her parents were. After reading “Great Controversy,” she is an Adventist because of her own experience. She has recently organized a society of ten members, and has really been the means of stirring up a missionary spirit in the church. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.30
Mrs. Lee S. Wheeler: One of the workers in our conference says that the Reading Course has been the making of some of the young people. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.31
Mrs. R. W. McMahan: I believe that the Reading Course is one of the strongest factors in maintaining the interest in our Missionary Volunteer societies. GCB May 24, 1909, page 124.32
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT
Eighth Meeting, May 23, 8 A. M.
The chairman, K. C. Russell, gave the opening talk upon the subject, “Religious Liberty Campaigns, and How to Conduct Them.” He cited the repeated defeats of efforts to secure Sunday legislation in the Congress of the United States. These defeats had just been credited to the work and influence of Seventh-day Adventists by Rev. Dr. Wallace Radcliffe, in an address made by him in this city the other evening. Dr. Radcliffe spoke of the many efforts made by the Interdenominational Committee, of which he is chairman, “to interest the Senate and the House in their cause,” but added that “their failure had almost always been due to the violent opposition of the Adventists.” Continuing, he said, “in their opposition to Sunday laws for the District of Columbia, the Adventists are arraigned with the saloon-keepers, the law-breakers, and all who desecrate the sabbath,” and added that “it is preposterous that an organization, numbering not more than five hundred in the District of Columbia, can counteract the efforts of thousands and tens of thousands of Christian workers.” Elder Russell stated that this last utterance reminded him of the story of Gideon and his three hundred, but said that in reality these results were not due simply to the five hundred Sabbath-keepers residing in the District of Columbia, but to the earnest efforts of the sixty thousand loyal Seventh-day Adventists throughout the United States. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.1
The chief and ultimate object of our religious liberty campaigns is not simply the opposing of Sunday legislation, but the salvation of souls, the bringing of the truth to the knowledge and attention of the people. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.2
In these campaigns we should get all our people, as far as possible, engaged in the work. That worker or that secretary is the most successful, he declared, not who does the most work himself, but who gets the most people to work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.3
He spoke of the influence of letters written to legislators and men in public positions, of the importance of making use of the public press, and of the circulating of Liberty and other literature. When the agitation in any place is largely centered in the question of closing the theaters and places of amusement on Sunday, he thought it unwise to make use of theater buildings in which to hold our meetings. We should never by any means compromise ourselves, but study the law of expediency, and ever stand true to principle. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.4
J. O. Corliss stated that a good general, in planning for battle, never let the enemy get the advantage in position. So in a campaign the sooner we are in the field, the better. Plans are already laid for future campaigns in California. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.5
In the campaign just closed there, they had six or eight secretaries who traveled all over the State visiting our churches and schools, and interesting our people in the circulation of petitions and literature. Seventy-five thousand copies of the Signs special, to meet the situation, were distributed during the campaign. These were sent to the members of the legislature, to prominent men, and to all the school-teachers and many others all over the State. He told of the getting of representatives of the Pacific Press admitted as reporters to the floor of both houses, and said that this was utilized to good advantage in securing a wide use of the public press throughout the State. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.6
A. J. Clark spoke of the effect the sending of letters written by our people to legislators had had in the New York Legislature the past winter. C. H. Edwards likewise spoke of the use of telegrams in campaign work, and said that, by this means, he had in one day seen two Sunday bills which had been introduced into the New York Legislature a year ago last winter, withdrawn by the men who had introduced them. GCB May 24, 1909, page 125.7