General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
Departmental Meetings
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Eighth Meeting, May 30, 8 A. M.
The junior work was the subject for consideration. Miss Hale in her talk emphasized the importance of working for our youth while they are yet children; for “what is put into the first of life is put into all of life.” It is estimated that seventy-five per cent of all church-members are converted during childhood and youth. The work for children is one of the best paying of all missionary enterprises. She spoke of the success of some children’s missionary work which had come under her observation. One little girl showed her intense interest in missions by giving her car fare and walking home, a distance of two miles. The first burden of this spiritual training of the children rests upon the home and the church-school. She further said, “I am glad that the organization of separate junior societies is not to be encouraged, because I think that the more closely the children are associated with their parents and those older in years, the more good will result from this work.” GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.1
Miss Andre in her discussion of this talk made special reference to the Avondale missionary society among the children. Elder Olsen spoke of attending one of the children’s meetings there. Recently this society has raised about $125 for missions, $60 of which has been used in purchasing a boat for Fiji. And the remainder will be applied on a printing press for New Guinea. The work among the juniors in Australia is serving to bind the hearts of the children to missionary service. And the children’s meeting at their camp-meetings served to educate the people in the best methods of training children in missionary service. GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.2
After reading the report of the junior committee, Otto M. John spoke of the importance of this work. He drew a pertinent illustration from his visit to the Smithsonian Institute at Washington. That institution has a room especially adapted for children. He said, “If people of the world can do so much for the children of the nation, what ought we to do?” Reference was also made to a boulder which had been split open by a growing tree. There is a shell around each youth. We must in some way split this shell. As surely as we do this, and drop the seed of truth into the crevice, it will find fertile soil, grow, and bring forth an abundant harvest. GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.3
MEDICAL MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT
Fifteenth Meeting, May 30, 8 A. M. GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.4
Dr. J. D. Shively read a paper entitled, “To What Extent Are Drugs Necessary?” Only recently has drug medication been studied from a scientific standpoint, and the result of this study has been a tendency toward simplicity and preventive and conservative medicine. As an example of this conservatism, may be mentioned the fact that at the recent tuberculosis congress it was asserted authoritatively that there is no known drug for the cure of tuberculosis, and that sunshine, diet, air, and rest are our main dependence. This same conservatism is invading the domain of other diseases with even more successful results. GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.5
It is probable that drugs will never be entirely discarded. There are a few whose loss, as we now view it, would be a real world calamity. However, the use of drugs is largely empirical, and satisfactory results do not always follow the use of the best established drugs. The question may be asked, To what extent are drugs necessary? The answer is, Just to that extent that we have no remedy more effective. Here our sanitariums come in, and offer remedies for many conditions where formerly drugs were supposed to be necessary. In fact, many forms of physiological action can be secured much more effectually by means of sanitarium methods than by the use of drugs. 1 In some cases it seems necessary, even in our sanitariums, to give medicine in order to relieve the mind of a patient who feels that nothing is being done for him unless he has something out of a bottle. In such cases it is sometimes an advantage to give medicine, if only a placebo. 2 There are certain acute specific diseases where we know nothing to give that will act so well as certain drugs, and then again, we find it necessary to use disinfectants and anesthetics in surgery. It may be said, in a general way, that the trend of modern medicine is toward simplicity,—fewer drug remedies, and the use of physiologic remedies. GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.6
Dr. H. M. Jump brought out that the general use of drugs in our institutions would be a denial of one of the reasons for the existence of such institutions. The doctor read a number of pointed statements from “Spiritual Gifts,” Vol. GCB May 31, 1909, page 219.7
V, regarding some of the evil effects of drugs. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.1
Dr. W. A. George warned against taking an extreme position against the use of all drug preparations, mentioning disinfectants, anesthetics, and other preparations. He quoted from the Testimonies that we should educate away from drugs; and that, if we would study, in many cases we would find some method of treatment which would take the place of drugs, he said, “There are some things have tried have found that it is very rarely necessary to give drugs.” GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.2
Dr. D. H. Kress: “It is a fact that the best recognized men in the medical profession have very little confidence in drugs. The reason is that they have seen not only their immediate effect, but their after-effect.” Concerning the light our physicians have in regard to the use of drugs, he said, “There are some things we have to take by faith,” mentioning that while many of the commonly used drugs do have an immediate effect in relieving diseased conditions of the body, they have an after-effect of causing diseases of the bone and other permanently injurious effects. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.3
Elder J. A. Burden spoke of the light which has come to us as being positive and clear, but that it takes a great deal of study to understand it fully; that we need more of the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit; and that intoxicants, narcotics, and other such measures are Satan’s counterfeit for the work of the Holy Spirit. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.4
Dr. M. B. Monsen made an earnest plea that time be given during the Conference for those who have had experience to teach the rational methods of treating the diseases which are usually combated with drugs. It was then voted to continue the discussion the following morning. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.5
THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT
Thirteenth Meeting, May 28, 8 A. M.
The subject considered was, “What Should Be Our Attitude Toward Exemption Clauses?” The question was quite thoroughly discussed in an extended paper prepared and read by Elder S. C. Longacre. For us to ask exemption from Sunday laws, he held, would be unwise and contrary to sound principles. In the end it would shut off from opposing the laws themselves. The course pursued by the Seventh-day Baptists in this respect was cited in proof. They had asked for exemption, and had almost entirely ceased their opposition to Sunday legislation. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.6
Exemption from the requirements of a religious law is of the nature of toleration; and toleration is not true liberty, but implies the right to be intolerant. While it might not be wise or expedient to oppose exemptions where granted, and while we might even express appreciation of the good intentions of legislators in granting them, still the law is wrong that requires an exemption to prevent its coming in conflict with conscience and inalienable rights. It should not be forgotten that the object the leaders of Sunday legislation have in granting exemptions is to close our mouths, and stop our opposition to the legislation itself,—to “take the wind out of our sails,” as expressed by one when an exemption had been placed in a proposed national Sunday law for seventh-day observers some years ago. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.7
Elder J. S. Washburn followed Elder Longacre, stating that he concurred in the position that it is quite proper for us not to ask for an exemption to Sunday laws; at the same time he thought it would be unwise for us to oppose such exemptions; for in reality they virtually nullified the law. The object Satan has ever had in the making of Sunday laws has been to put down the Sabbath of the Lord. Every such law is aimed directly at the Bible Sabbath, and hence at those who observe it. For the law to exempt this class, therefore, is virtually to nullify it as to its real purpose and intent. While we do not appeal simply for our own rights, it would not be wise for us to antagonize any legislation which recognizes our rights and nullifies the law itself. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.8
Fourteenth Meeting, May 30, 8 A. M. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.9
The special topics were, “How to Work with State Legislators,” and “The Importance of Exercising Caution in Our Reference to the Government and Its Officials.” Prof. J. G. Lamson led out with a paper on the first subject, in which he emphasized the advisability of legislators being interviewed and written to by their constituents, rather than by those who might be considered in the light of professional lobbyists. He spoke of the necessity of exercising tact coupled with affability. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.10
Comparatively few will be called upon to interview legislators, but many can write letters. We have been advised by the spirit of prophecy that in this work we should come close to men holding high and responsible positions. The exercise of common sense is needed in this work. Much can be gained by visiting legislators at their homes. Comparatively few of these men as yet really believe in religious legislation, and many of them welcome any excuse or ground for opposing it. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.11
Elder J. O. Corliss spoke of some methods that had been employed in their recent campaign in California. Those engaged in this work should be careful not to become a bore to legislators. The first thing to do is to become friendly with these men. A press reporter can often accomplish more than any one else. It is well to come to these men as one seeking information, rather than one desirous of teaching or imparting information. The truth can be presented as the conversation opens up, and questions are asked. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.12
The chairman related some experiences in interviewing members of Congress. In this work there is a constant need of exercising affability, adaptability, and good, sanctified common sense. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.13
Elder Conradi gave some good advice, prefacing his remarks with the scripture, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” He spoke of the difference between the freedom enjoyed in America, and the condition in this respect in some of the European countries. In these countries the work had to be started and carried on very carefully and cautiously, as all their movements were watched, and everything was under the surveillance of the police. Unwise statement or unguarded movements would have precipitated a crisis and closed up the work. He spoke of his own imprisonment in Russia some years ago, and how God wrought for his deliverance. He referred to the courage and firmness of some of our young men in military service, who had been brought into straight places. Great care had to be exercised that nothing should be done by our people which might be construed as opposing civil government. The civil authorities had recognized something of the seriousness of the situation, and the difficulty of making satisfactory arrangements. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.14
Elder S. B. Horton thought we should be careful to do nothing that would unnecessarily cut off our influence with men in official positions. Those who interview these men should be wise and discreet, and conduct themselves as men among men. Much interest was shown in the topics discussed. GCB May 31, 1909, page 220.15