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
Sixth Meeting, Wednesday, May 26
Brother Huenergardt led in prayer. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.1
The program committee brought in a report suggesting that Thursday be used for the departmental meetings, and Friday for the union meeting of the department in the large pavilion. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.2
The committee on resolutions brought in a report, which was carefully considered. As this may later come into the Conference proceedings, it is not published here. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.3
One resolution related to the necessity of American laborers knowing a foreign language, in order to give themselves wholly to work in that language. Elder Christian pointed out that a laborer would not be prohibited from speaking now and then in English or any other tongue which he may know. The idea of the resolution is to secure competent laborers to give themselves completely to the work in the foreign language which they know. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.4
Another resolution called for the General Conference to take over the Italian paper now published in New York. Elder Edwards gave a short history of the starting of this Italian paper. He pointed out the reasons why the paper should receive consideration and adjustment at the hands of the General Conference Committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.5
On the resolutions regarding the Jewish work Elder Gilbert called attention to the early beginners of the Hebrew work, and the reasons why he thought, since its later developments, it should be placed under the management of the North American Foreign Department. He quoted from “Testimonies,” Vol. II, page 206, to show that there are some Jews who will be reached only by means of literature. As the Jews generally consider that Christians circulate their literature for commercial reasons, it would be better to have the stamp of the Seventh-day Adventist publication upon our literature designed for the Jews. Then they will receive our literature more favorably because it comes from Sabbath-keeping, non-pork-eating Christians. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.6
MEDICAL MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT
Wednesday, May 26, 5 P. M.
The time was devoted principally to a discussion of Dr. G. H. Heald’s paper on “General Hygiene.” The thirteenth meeting, Thursday morning, was held in the usual place, Dr. A. B. Olsen being called to the chair. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.7
Dr. W. A. George presented a paper entitled “What Constitutes True Medical Missionary Work?” making numerous quotations from “Testimonies for the Church,” Vols. VI, VII, VIII. Among the important points brought out were: “This is a great and important branch of our denominational work.” “When all our medical missionaries live the new life in Christ, ... they will have a much clearer understanding of what constitutes medical missionary work.” Medical missionary work does not consist alone in building large sanitariums and carrying out ordinary medical work. Medical work is only a means to an end, the healing of the body being secondary to the salvation of the soul. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.8
In our missionary work it is not always necessary to urge peculiar views. In fact, it is often better to let our lives preach silent sermons. Ministers and physicians should work in unity for the one purpose, and physicians should be in attendance at our camp-meetings. They should also give health lectures by means of which they might often reach the higher classes. Every member of a church should take hold of the medical missionary work, and to this end physicians and nurses should carry on an educational campaign in our churches. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.9
Another important branch of the medical missionary work is the circulation of literature on health and temperance. It is important that we take a stronger stand on true temperance reform, presenting the total abstinence pledge and securing signers for the same. We should also teach temperance in eating. Cooking schools, hygienic restaurants, and the like should be established in many places as educational centers. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.10
Dr. A. B. Olsen mentioned the parable of the good Samaritan as being the best example of true medical missionary work, emphasizing that such work includes the tender, gentle spirit of compassion for our fellow men. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.11
J. A. Burden quoted a number of statements from the Testimonies: That “medical missionary work is yet in its infancy;” that “genuine medical missionary work is understood by but few;” that “the time has come when every member of this church should take part in this work;” and that there should be a large army of nurses and teachers trained to go from city to city and village to village presenting true medical missionary principles and practising them among all classes. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.12
D. E. Blake told of the health and temperance work being done by the workers in the Nashville Sanitarium for colored people among various churches in that city and in one of its large colleges for the negro race. He said, “We need the help and co-operation of our people to carry this work forward.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.13
Dr. D. H. Kress mentioned that in the parable of the good Samaritan, the priest and Levite had opportunity of doing a greater work than the Samaritan by helping the sufferer in a spiritual way as well as the physical. GCB May 28, 1909, page 187.14
Dr. J. R. Leadsworth gave instances showing the natural tendency of nurses and physicians engaged in medical missionary work to lose sight of the spiritual help they may give, and make their work largely professional. This may be remedied by a sufficient mingling of the missionary and the medical work during training. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.1
Dr. Lauretta Kress related experiences in doing medical missionary work while taking the medical course; and Dr. R. H. Habenicht told of his connection with a tent effort, and of other Bible work resulting in bringing fifteen people into the truth during the time of his medical studies. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.2
In closing the discussion, Dr. George emphasized that medical missionary work is not to be confined simply to our sanitariums, but that it is to be done everywhere, also that the work of our physicians is to get every one interested in this work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.3
Concerning temperance it was said that if any people in all the world should be interested in temperance work, it should be Seventh-day Adventists. Miss Bilz was given time to close the discussion of her talk of the previous morning, and stated that the organized W. C. T. U. are now going further in this line of work than any other people, and that we should uphold them in every possible way in advancing this work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.4
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Sixth and Seventh Meetings, May 25 and 27
The extra meeting, May 25, was devoted to the discussion of organization. Elder A. T. Robinson said, “I feel the most heartfelt sympathy with the paper presented by Elder F. M. Wilcox this morning. [This paper will appear elsewhere, either in this or a future number of the BULLETIN.] I hailed the organization of the Missionary Volunteer Department with delight, and have endeavored to co-operate with it. In our conference we have worked out some of the details in a little different way from the recommended plans. I favor a plan of organization that will leave latitude enough so that while we are united on the principles of organization, there shall be freedom to carry out those plans that will meet the needs of the field where they are applied. If our brethren in Australia choose to adapt that plan in a little different way from what we do in this country, they ought to be counted as in harmony with the general plans. If any conference, to meet its peculiar circumstances, sees fit to apply the details of the plan in a little different way, I think it ought to be free to do so. What we are all aiming at is to have a plan that will enlist the sympathies and the co-operation of those who really love the Lord Jesus, and then apply those principles in such a way that the truth itself shall appeal to those who are outside of that circle and draw them. I can only hope and pray that the very best plan shall be devised to accomplish such results. My heart is in this work of seeing our young people brought in to make a tremendous factor in the finishing of this work.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.5
Several others took part in a free discussion of the plan of organization. Prof. C. W. Irwin probably expressed the sentiments of all in the following: “We ought to have strong missionary work going forward in our churches, and the young people’s society, Christian help band, publishing work, or anything else should be simply factors of this work under the control of the church.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.6
The question of the co-operation of old and young was discussed, and the thought presented that the young people should always respect and advise with the church officers, even though they may feel that they have not much sympathy with the work. The attitude of the older brethren should always be one of sympathy and helpfulness. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.7
The meeting Thursday morning was devoted to the discussion of resolutions which had been presented on the educational features of the Missionary Volunteer work. The question of a series of lessons to be published on Bible doctrines received careful attention. The heartiest approval of the plan of such a series was expressed, that our youth may be thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures. The question of whether these lessons should be published in the Instructor or in pamphlet form was discussed at some length, and referred back to the committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.8
THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT
Twelfth Meeting, May 27, 8 A. M.
On account of the rain, and the departmental tent not being floored, the meeting was held in the conference pavilion. There was a large attendance, the tent being nearly full. Unusual interest was manifested in the subject considered at this meeting, which, as announced, was, “When Arrested for Sunday Labor, How Should We Plead; Guilty or Not Guilty?” Elder W. M. Healey led out in the discussion, reading a very well-written and carefully prepared paper on the subject, the gist of which was that we should plead, “Not guilty.” To plead guilty would be wrong, because no actual guilt exists, as no real crime has been committed, and would at once end the trial, and cut off all further pleading, or presentation of the truth or the principles involved, and simply leave the judge to pronounce sentence. The law itself is wrong. Those making and enforcing it, therefore, and not the one on trial, are the real guilty parties. The cases of Nebuchadnezzar and the three Hebrews, and Ahab persecuting the prophets and people of God, were cited in proof of this. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.9
Following Elder Healey’s paper, a paper written by Judge C. C. Holbrook, of Colorado, sent on by him to the department, was read by the chairman. This likewise was a very able, logical, and well-written presentation of the subject, and was much appreciated by all present. The position taken by the judge agreed with that taken by Elder Healey, that we should plead, “Not guilty,” a number of well-defined reasons being given in support of the correctness of it. Before pleading, however, the judge stated that it would be proper and well to make a motion that the case be quashed, on the ground that no real crime had been committed, and that the law itself, under which the case was brought, was unconstitutional, both as regards the State constitution, and the Constitution of the United States. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.10
Elder H. W. Parmele cited the case of Brother Lowry, of Tennessee, who, when brought before the court, and asked how he plead, did not plead at all, but simply remained silent. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.11
The secretary, W. A. Colcord, stated that when a man was brought before court, and asked how he pleaded, it was not necessary for him to plead at all, in which case it was the duty of the judge to enter a plea of “not guilty” for him, upon the general principle laid down in all jurisprudence, that “a man is supposed to be innocent until he is proved guilty.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.12
The question whether a man could appear for himself, and plead his own case in court, was talked to by Elder Healey, Prof. J. G. Lamson, and S. B. Horton. The general opinion seemed to be that it was every man’s right and privilege to plead his own case, if he so desired, but that he might employ counsel, if he preferred to do so. In some cases. Elder Healey thought it would be wise to engage counsel, cases in which an attorney understood and would plead the principles of religious liberty. The cause of truth in such a case might be further advanced by this means. This would not prevent the individual indicted making a statement himself. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.13
The chairman stated that there had been some agitation of late among us for men to become educated in legal matters. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.14
A desire was expressed that the two papers which had been read at the meeting, should be put in some permanent form for the benefit of our workers and those who might desire to read them. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.15