General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
Missionary Talks
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
SYRIA AND THE HOLY LAND
May 30, 6 A. M. W. C. ISING
In his outline of conditions existing among the Moslems, Brother AcMoody has given you an idea of many difficulties that we have to face in our part of the Levant Union Mission—Egypt and Syria. In my remarks this morning, I will confine myself especially to Syria, including Palestine, which is within the limits of Syria. GCB June 7, 1909, page 366.2
While there are about two and one-half million Mohammedans in Syria, there are also about a million people of Christian faith, made up of various creeds of Catholicism—Greek, Armenian, Syrian, Roman, and a number of others. It is in Syria that many of the old Christian churches were raised up in the days of the apostles. In this field we have to deal with the descendants of the Christians of the first centuries; and from church history we know of the difficulty and the strife existing among these churches all through the centuries. Our knowledge of the battles and strife that these churches of old passed through, may give us some faint conception of the peculiar conditions existing there to-day. GCB June 7, 1909, page 366.3
And these enmities of long standing between the various faiths of Christianity, make it exceedingly difficult to impress the Mohammedans with the superiority of the Christian religion over their faith. Indeed, so tense is the feeling among the various sects, that in many of the so-called holy places, or shrines, in the land of Palestine, there are stationed Mohammedan soldiers to keep the peace. In spite of the precautions taken by the Turkish authorities to preserve order, there are occasional outbreaks in these holy places, and Christians, so-called, fight against Christians. Only recently there was a conflict between the Greek native Christians and adherents of the Greek Orthodox Church, of Greece, and nearly fifty persons were killed. For some time terror prevailed throughout the city; people feared to leave their homes, lest they might be shot down in the streets; and every other morning some priest would be found massacred within his own home. At this place, the difficulties are not all yet settled, and there is danger of another outbreak at almost any moment. GCB June 7, 1909, page 366.4
About every place in Palestine to which tradition has attached sacred interest, has been set apart as a shrine or holy spot by these professing Christians. Many churches or temples have been built on various spots; and portions of some of these churches are set apart for the exclusive use of certain sects of the Christian religion. It is at these places that the Mohammedans have to preserve a very strict watch, with armed guards, lest outbreaks occur. Even the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is thus divided and guarded. There stand the soldiers, armed with swords and guns, taking care lest the “good Christians” kill each other within the confines of their own so-called sacred shrine. At Christmas time, one may find several hundred soldiers stationed at this one place. This situation makes it very difficult to persuade the average Mohammedan to give serious thought to the merits of true Christianity. GCB June 7, 1909, page 366.5
Thousands upon thousands of pilgrims visit the Holy Land every year. Among these are Christians from every land. For instance, nearly fifteen thousand Russians pass through Palestine in the course of a year. These pilgrims, when visiting the holy shrines, take with them an offering, often the savings of years of toil and deprivation; and after listening to a short service by the priest, they kiss his outstretched right hand, place their offerings in his left, and pass on to allow others to go through the same ceremony. A few years ago I saw a Russian hand to the priest a very large bag of money, I suppose all that he had been able to save for many years. As we witness these scenes, we are reminded that apostate Christianity is becoming rich through this merchandise, for all this is-surely a means of gathering money, rather than of imparting to the people spiritual grace. GCB June 7, 1909, page 366.6
The providence of God is going before us in Syria, opening the way. We have had some remarkable experiences, indicating that the Lord is indeed working on human hearts. About a year ago, I became acquainted with a Mohammedan who claimed to have been converted to Christianity about twenty years ago. As the Mohammedan faith requires that those who apostatize shall sometime be put to death, this man, upon professing Christianity, retired to Mt. Lebanon, and there lived in quietude for nearly twenty years. This man sought me out, and desired to have me arrange for him to attend our Foreign Mission Seminary at Washington, D. C. I soon learned that he did not wish to come to America because of his love for the third angel’s message, but simply because of his desire to study English in the United States; and so I dropped the matter. However, it was through this gentleman that I made the acquaintance of a young Syrian who had been a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, and whose experience is very encouraging. A native of Syria, he spent about fifteen years in South Africa, where he and his father came in contact with one of our workers, and received a copy of the tract, “The Seal of God.” Before leaving South Africa, the father, seventy years of age, began to keep the Sabbath, and taught his children the Sabbath truth, and other truths regarding the papacy, the mark of the beast, etc. GCB June 7, 1909, page 366.7
I have had some interesting visits with this family. The father speaks only the Arabic; but he used the Gospel of Matthew with telling effect, in proving the perpetuity of the law. The son is conversant with English, French, and Arabic, and is much interested in the truth. We need just such people as these in the truth, in Syria; and we are praying that God will give to us some strong young men to help us in our work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.1
Some time ago I made the acquaintance of an old German, over 73 years of age, who had formerly been a subscriber to our German paper, Herold der Wahrheit. At times he had had occasion to take long walks in the country, in passing from place to place; and once, when crossing Mount Lebanon, and attempting to ford streams swollen by the melting snows, he was swept away by the current. Finally he landed on a rock; and afterward, upon reaching home, he discovered in his pocket a copy of Herold der Wahrheit. He had been reading the paper, and had been impressed with what he had read; and so he thought seriously of this circumstance. Later on, he had a similar narrow escape, and again he found in his pocket a copy of Herold der Wahrheit. He continued to subscribe for the paper, and to read it with increasing interest. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.2
This man has begun to keep the Sabbath, and is desirous of doing all in his power to advance the truth. He wishes to hand to us, for missionary purposes, all his surplus means, amounting, perhaps, to about a thousand francs. Just before I was leaving, he gave me 250 francs. He works diligently at his trade, that of a painter; and he is depriving himself of many creature comforts, in order to save means for the cause. Only recently I learned of his walking all the way from Beirut to Baalbec, a distance of seventy miles or more over mountain trails and poor roads. In this journey he had to cross, once more, Mount Lebanon. All this hardship he endured in order to save some means to the cause we all love. His noble self-sacrifice shows what the acceptance of the third angel’s message will do for these people. His self-denial has been an inspiration to me, and leads me to seek to consecrate myself more fully than ever before to God’s service. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.3
While we do not have, in Syria, all the advantages that you enjoy in America,—sanitariums, schools, printing-houses, and all these agencies,—yet we do have that which the apostles of old had,—the Word of the living God. We believe that this Word, which was effectual in the raising up of strong churches in the days of the primitive Christian church, will to-day have the same power to transform hearts and lives. We believe that in Syria we shall see of the salvation of God. We should like very much to have a small sanitarium established there, and we look forward to the time when we may have one; but we desire above all things else to consecrate ourselves so fully to the Lord that he may use us in his service, and that through our feeble efforts, aided by his divine blessing, there may be raised up strong churches to stand as memorials of the true Christianity, which alone can have influence in the stronghold of Mohammedanism. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.4
EXPERIENCES IN TURKEY
May 30, 6 A. M. C. D. AC MOODY
As an introduction to my remarks, I wish to read a scripture lesson, the parable of the sower, as recorded in the thirteenth of Matthew. [The scripture was read.] GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.5
I wish to set before you some evidences proving that many of the duties and responsibilities, the opportunities and difficulties, that are connected with missionary work, are common to both home and foreign fields. In the course of my talk, I will relate some of our experiences in Turkey, which field I represent. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.6
As we read the parable of the sower, we are reminded anew that we are all engaged in the work of sowing and reaping in the Lord’s field, which is the world. That which we sow is unto life everlasting, and it is our constant hope that we may see the results of our seed-sowing. But we may not. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.7
Turkey is a Mohammedan field. There is perhaps no other religion in the world so hard to face, as is this. It is a new religion, comparatively, among the great faiths of the world, being, in fact, six hundred years younger than Christianity. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.8
One thing that makes the Mohammedan religion so difficult to meet, is that it is based on the principle that Judaism and Christianity have failed in doing that for which they were called of God. It is based on the principle, first, that Abraham and his seed, through Isaac, failed of doing that work which God desired them to do; and, second, that Jesus Christ was a true prophet, that he came into the world and condemned the Jews in his very life, and the Christians, under Christ, undertook a restoration which in itself was an excellent thing; but it failed. In 622 A. D., at the time Mohammedanism was rising, the papacy had already been set up, and Mohammed understood very well the apostasy of the Christian church; and it is in that apostasy that he bases strong reasons for instituting a purer religion. Manifestly, Christianity meets with great difficulties in coming to that religion. When compared with popular Christianity, it appears to be the better faith. And as a result, the devoted Moslem who worships toward Mecca understandingly,—the Moslem who knows that the people to whom God intrusted the promises and the law in the first place, failed; and also that the people to whom they were intrusted the second time, also failed,—such a Moslem as this feels strong in his faith; he stands upon a solid foundation, so he believes; and it is difficult to move him. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.9
Mohammedans hold that inasmuch as the Israelites descended through Isaac, and the Jewish Christians as well, God called Ishmael, and intrusted him with the true faith; and on this foundation he feels secure. GCB June 7, 1909, page 367.10
In Turkey, as in all other fields, we, as Seventh-day Adventists, possess the only faith that can reach forth and save souls from the Mohammedan faith. The other branches of Protestantism have, it is true, a few converts; but we are the only people who have, in reality, anything that will command the interest and respect of an intelligent Mohammedan. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.1
Shortly before leaving Constantinople, I was talking with one of the members of the late Turkish parliament. In the course of our conversation, he rehearsed some of the fundamental beliefs of Mohammedans concerning the creation of the world; the state of the dead, and so on. He spent some time setting forth the Mohammedan religion. He said: “Mr. AcMoody, this is our belief, our system;” and then he added, “but we don’t really believe it. We are just like you are; we don’t really believe it.” From this you can see that they have no confidence whatever in popular Christianity. Sad to say, the various missions scattered through Turkey are not wholly blameless in leading one to form such an opinion as this gentleman expressed. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.2
We have various conditions to meet, as we read in our lesson of the sower who went forth to sow. We have the privilege of sowing the seed everywhere; and this is our duty. Many times we have applied the lessons of this parable to conditions in the home land. Some foreign fields seem more open than others; but wherever we are, in whatever condition we may find the soil, we are to do our duty, and look to God to bless our efforts to the glory of his name. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.3
I have heard it remarked sometimes, I am sorry to say, “What is the use of working for the Moslem?” Let us remember that there are two hundred million people who are under the delusions of Mohammedanism, and who are rooted and grounded in it; and however hard it may be to reach them, let us do our duty by carrying to them a knowledge of true Christianity, and reach hearts, if possible. Of course it is harder to reach them than it is to reach other people; but this is no reason for turning our backs upon the task. I am glad that Seventh-day Adventists, as a people, believe in carrying the gospel to the Moslems. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.4
I will refer briefly to some experiences we had in the Turkish empire prior to the granting of the Turkish constitution, and then to some conditions that have prevailed since that time, that you may see God’s wonderful working in our behalf, in the late revolution in Turkey. Under the old order of things, no one could travel as far as from Takoma Park to Washington, D. C., or as far as from one suburban town to another near-by suburb, perhaps, without securing in advance a government passport; and then every time one traveled from one place to another, this passport was marked. Our dear native brethren were often forbidden these passports, because they were not recognized by the officials. They were under a great strain constantly. Not being members of any organized church known by the law, they were trammeled. Our church services were always held in some place known only to a few. We did not enjoy the privilege of holding regular church services anywhere. We had to go forward in a quiet manner. Often our meetings were stopped. For one year prior to the granting of the constitution, we held no services, only as we met in a remote place among the trees, on the shores of the Bosphorus, out from the city of Constantinople. This made it very inconvenient for all. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.5
Once I endeavored to go to a place near Constantinople. I took along my interpreter. If one is dependent at all on the natives, or in any way associated with them, one is liable to place them in difficulty—at least, this was so prior to the granting of the constitution. The church which we expected to visit was about two miles from the seacoast where we landed. The interpreter was not permitted to go on to the church, and was consequently forced to go back. I returned to Constantinople to get a new passport, and to make arrangements to go through, and then I came back. Upon my arrival, late Friday evening, at the same seacoast town, I was not permitted to go out to the home of our brethren near the church, because of the lateness of the hour. The son of one of our people was down with a horse to take me; but I could not accompany him home, and was not permitted even to send my baggage by him. In the morning, one of the brethren came after me. The police took him, and maltreated him, and then put him in prison, and then took him out again, maltreated him, and told him to go home and remain there for many days. I was safe, of course, because I was a foreigner. They could not touch my person; but had I insisted on going out to visit that company of believers, the whole church would have been cast into prison because of my action; and so I returned to Constantinople, without the privilege of visiting that church at that time. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.6
Thus we had to labor. During those days, we studied and prayed and worked in the hope of devising some plan whereby we might carry out the gospel commission without suffering all these hindrances. Just as we were in the midst of preparations to seek an interview with the Sublime Porte, in Constantinople, the great change came, a constitution was granted, with perfect liberty in the whole empire for teaching and preaching and writing whatever one might wish to bring before the attention of the public. We rejoiced in this liberty, I assure you. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.7
You may be looking over to Turkey at the present time with misgivings. A counter-revolution is going on. You wonder what is coming next. So far ; the counter-revolution has not reversed the conditions of religious liberty; and for this we are all thankful. Of course, all recognize that conditions in Turkey are not stable; we know not what a day may bring forth, as regards liberty of speech and the freedom of the press. There is no real substantial liberty, civil or ecclesiastical. Turkey is just now where everything is, in the balance. The conditions prevailing to-day, in connection with the counter-revolution, have to do with civil liberty, rather than with religious liberty, as I understand the situation. GCB June 7, 1909, page 368.8
We can thank God, my friends, for the opening doors in Turkey. My heart is burning in behalf of the Mohammedan fields, because of the little we have done in them, and because of the millions who populate them. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.1
The great need is for the living truth of God itself, sent home by the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of faithful workers in the field, that will lead souls to Christ as their Saviour. And the one who is most successful in carrying the gospel to his friends and neighbors and to those who come within the sphere of his influence in the home land, will prove a valuable worker in a foreign field. God wants living, active representatives in these dark places of the earth—Christians in deed and in truth. Moslems have come to me in astonishment because I am true to the seventh-day Sabbath, which they well know to be the Sabbath of the Holy Scriptures. When the Moslem beholds true Christianity, the true faith; when he sees Christianity separated from the inconsistencies of the popular Christian churches, he then will listen to what you say to him. I know this from personal experience. When the hope that purifies the life is within the heart of the missionary, the confidence and respect of even the Moslem world will be commanded. The power of God alone can convert the heart; and when these millions of Mohammedans who are as conscientious in their belief as are you and I in ours, see in us the reflection of the glory of the divine character; when they see in our faith a beautiful consistency that is not seen in apostate forms of Christianity, they will be led into the full light of the truth; they will be attracted, and many, I believe, will be saved. Let us devote ourselves anew to God, and pray in behalf of the Mohammedan world and those who are indeed faithful to all the light they have, and who are longing for greater light. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.2
GREETINGS FROM AFAR
From away on the West Coast of South America, six or seven weeks’ journey from us, Brother T. H. Davis, director of canvassing work on the Pacific side, sends greetings to the General Conference. He reports splendid success with the Spanish “Patriarchs” and “Coming King.” In six hours one day, he took 33 orders for the latter book. He calls for four self-supporting canvassers for the West Coast. He adds:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.3
“My prayer is that you will consider in your session the importance of placing canvassers in all the large cities of South America. Wishing you the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, I remain, yours in the blessed work,” etc. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.4
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Article I—Name GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.5
This organization shall be known as the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.6
Article II—Object GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.7
The object of this Conference is to teach all nations the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.8
Article III—Membership GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.9
Section 1.—The membership of this Conference shall consist of:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.10
(a) Such Union Conferences as have been or shall be properly organized and accepted by vote. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.11
(b) Such local conferences not embraced in any Union Conference, as have been or shall be properly organized and accepted by vote. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.12
(c) Such mission fields as are properly organized and accepted by vote. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.13
Sec. 2.—The voters of this Conference shall be designated as follows:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.14
(a) Delegates at large. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.15
(b) Regular delegates. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.16
Sec. 3.—Delegates at large shall be:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.17
(a) The General Conference Executive Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.18
(b) Such representatives of missions of the General Conference and superintendents of work among the various foreign-speaking peoples in the United States as shall receive delegates’ credentials from its Executive Committee, such credentials to be given only by the consent of a majority of the Executive Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.19
Sec. 4.—Regular delegates shall be such persons as are duly accredited by Union Conferences, local conferences not included in Union Conferences, or properly organized missions. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.20
Sec. 5.—Each Union Conference shall be entitled to one delegate without regard to numbers, an additional delegate for each conference in its territory, and an additional delegate for each five hundred of its membership. Each local conference not included in the union conference shall be entitled to one delegate, without regard to numbers, and one additional delegate for each five hundred members. Each union mission shall be entitled to one delegate, without regard to numbers, and an additional delegate for each five hundred members. Each organized mission, not included in a union mission, shall be entitled to one delegate. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.21
Article IV—Executive Committee GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.22
Section 1.—At each session the Conference shall elect an Executive Committee for the carrying on of its work between the sessions. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.23
Sec. 2.—The Executive Committee shall consist of the president, three vice-presidents, the secretary, the treasurer, the presidents of union conferences, the superintendents of organized union missions, the secretaries in charge of duly-organized departments, namely, the Publishing, Medical, Educational, Sabbath-school, Religious Liberty, Young People’s Missionary Volunteer, North American Foreign, North American Negro,—and seven other persons. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.24
Article V—Officers and Their Duties GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.25
Section 1.—The regular officers of this Conference shall be a president, three vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, who shall be elected by the Conference. Two or more auditors shall also be elected by the Conference. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.26
Sec. 2.—President: The president shall act as chairman of the Executive Committee, and labor in the general interests of the Conference, as the Executive Committee may advise. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.27
Sec. 3.—Vice-presidents: The first vice-president shall labor in the European Union Conferences and Missions, as the Executive Committee may advise, and preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee, which may be held in Europe, in the absence of the president. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.28
The second vice-president shall labor in the American Union Conferences and Missions, as the Executive Committee may advise, and in the absence of the president, preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee which may be held in America. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.29
The third vice-president shall labor in the Asiatic division, as the Executive Committee may advise, and, in the absence of the president, he shall preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee, and at missionary conferences which may be held in the Asiatic division. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.30
Sec. 4.—The Secretary: It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Conference sessions and of the committee meetings, and to collect such statistics and other facts from Union and local Conferences and missions as may be desired by the Conference or the Executive Committee, and to perform such other duties as usually pertain to such office. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.31
Sec. 5.—The Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive all funds and disburse them by order of the president, and to render such financial statements at regular intervals as may be desired by the Conference or the Executive Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.32
Sec. 6.—Election of Officers: All officers of the Conference, except members of the Executive Committee who are presidents of Union Conferences or superintendents of Union Mission Fields, shall be chosen by the delegates at the regular quadrennial sessions of the General Conference, and shall hold their offices for the period of four years, or until their successors are elected and appear to enter upon their duties. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.33
Article VI—Incorporations, Departments, and Agents GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.34
Section 1.—Such incorporations may be authorized and departments created as the development of the work requires. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.35
Sec. 2.—At each regular session of this Conference the delegates shall elect the trustees of all corporate bodies connected with this organization, as may be provided in the statutory laws governing each. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.36
Sec. 3.—The Conference shall employ such committees, secretaries, treasurers, agents, ministers, missionaries, and other persons, and make such distribution of its laborers as may be necessary to effectively execute its work. It shall also grant credentials or licenses to its ministers and missionaries. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.37
Article VII—Sessions GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.38
Section 1.—This Conference shall hold quadrennial sessions at such date and place as the Executive Committee shall designate by a notice published in the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald at least three months before the date for the session. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.39
Sec. 2.—The Executive Committee may call special sessions at such time and place as it deems proper, by a like notice, and the transactions of such special sessions shall have the same force as those of the regular sessions. GCB June 7, 1909, page 369.40
Article VIII—By-laws GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.1
The voters of this Conference may enact By-laws and amend or repeal them at any session thereof, and such By-laws may embrace any provision not inconsistent with the Constitution. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.2
Article IX—Amendments GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.3
This Constitution or its By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voters present at any session, provided that, if it is proposed to amend the Constitution at a special session, notice of such purpose shall be given in the call for such special session. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.4
BY-LAWS GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.5
Article I—Regular Sessions GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.6
Section 1.—At each session of the Conference the Executive Committee shall nominate for election the presiding officers for the session. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.7
Sec. 2.—Previous to each session of the Conference, the Executive Committee shall provide such temporary committees as may be necessary to conduct the preliminary work of the Conference. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.8
Article II—Executive Committee GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.9
Section 1.—During the intervals between sessions of the Conference, the Executive Committee shall have full administrative power, with authority to grant and withdraw credentials and licenses, and to fill for the current term any vacancies that may occur in its officers, boards, committees, or agents, by death, resignation, or otherwise, except in cases where other provisions for filling such vacancies shall be made by vote of the General Conference. The withdrawal of credentials or filling of vacancies on the Executive Committee shall require the consent of two thirds of the members of the Executive Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.10
Sec. 2.—Any five members of the Executive Committee, including the president or a vice-president, shall be empowered to transact such executive business as in harmony with the general plans outlined by the Committee, but the concurrence of four members shall be necessary to pass any measure. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.11
Sec. 3.—Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called at any time or place, by the president or a vice-president, or by the secretary, upon the written request of any five members of the Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.12
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED by the THIRTY-SEVENTH SESSION of the GENERAL CONFERENCE Thanksgiving
1. For the manifold mercies of God which have been over us as a people; for his special blessing, which has preserved this great, threefold message in its integrity, and maintained unity among its faithful believers; for the success which has crowned the work of this advent movement during the past four years, as seen in its rapid growth and in its extension into new fields, in the prosperity which has attended our educational interests, in the conversion and consecration of our young people through the Sabbath-school and Missionary Volunteer departments, in the marked increase in the circulation of our literature in many languages, and in the preservation and progress of our medical missionary work; for the God-given liberties of conscience still vouchsafed to us; for these and all other divine blessings and favors which have been bestowed upon us by a compassionate and merciful Heavenly Father, we render our sincere praise and heartfelt thanksgiving. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.13
Financial GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.14
FINANCIAL POLICY—1909 APPROPRIATIONS
Believing the hour has come, through the providences of God, that this denomination should quicken its pace in giving the message to all the world in this generation.— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.15
1. We recommend, The following financial policy for the ensuing four years:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.16
(a) That the Executive Committee of the General Conference make appropriations annually to mission fields, equitably distributing the money raised, proportionate to the needs of the fields. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.17
(b) That for the year 1909, the following apportionment of funds for the support of what is known as the “evangelistic work” be made:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.18
| Australasian Union Conference | $ 8,500 |
| Canadian Union Conference | 6,000 |
| China Mission | 42,000 |
| European Field | 10,000 |
| Indian Mission | 26,000 |
| Japan Mission | 11,000 |
| Korean Mission | 8,000 |
| Hawaiian Mission | 600 |
| Mexican Mission | 8,000 |
| South African Union Conf | 23,000 |
| South American Union Conf | 20,000 |
| Southeastern Union Conf | 6,000 |
| Southern Union Conf | 6,000 |
| Southwestern Union Conf | 4,500 |
| West African Mission | 3,000 |
| Western Canadian Union Conf | 6,000 |
| West Indian Union Conf | 19,000 |
| Greater New York Conf | 5,000 |
| Chesapeake Conference | 750 |
| Virginia Conference | 750 |
| Total appropriations for the | |
| evangelistic work for 1909 | $214,100 |
(c) That all other requests for appropriations be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.19
(d) That the General Conference Committee be authorized to make such changes in the appropriations granted for the evangelical work as the demands of the various fields seem to make necessary. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.20
$300,000 FUND
2. We recommend, That the General Conference Executive Committee at once start what shall be known as the $300,000 Fund for institutional work and missionary homes in foreign fields, a certain portion of this money to be raised each year during the succeeding quadrennial term, and to be apportioned approximately on the following basis:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.21
(a) To specified fields,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.22
| China | $100,000 |
| Japan | 50,000 |
| Korean | 25,000 |
| India | 50,000 |
| Mexico | 15,000 |
| South America | 35,000 |
| Russia | 5,000 |
| Abyssinia | 3,000 |
| Latin Union Schoo | l5,000 |
| Total | $288,000 |
(b) The balance of the $300,000 to be apportioned by the Executive Committee of the General Conference to such fields as stand in greatest need. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.23
(c) That the Executive Committee of the General Conference shall from time to time designate which field shall receive a per cent of its apportionment, so that local committees can gauge their expenditures on a cash basis and prevent embarrassment to the general treasury. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.24
(d) No field shall expend its appropriation faster than it is raised, unless previously arranged with the Executive Committee of the General Conference. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.25
(e) The Executive Committee of the General Conference is hereby authorized to change the apportionment of any field, at any time, as conditions may demand. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.26
(f) This apportionment for institutional work shall not be considered a debt, but is a united effort on the part of this people to raise this amount for the upbuilding of the work in foreign lands. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.27
TEN-CENT-A-WEEK PLAN
3. We recommend, That the ten-cent-a-week plan be adopted by our people, and that each conference endeavor to raise no less than this amount for the world-wide work of the General Conference, in addition to the $300,000 Fund, for foreign institutions and missionary homes; and that the following funds be included as making up the ten-cent-a-week offerings: annual offerings, mid-summer offerings, Sabbath-school offerings, and specific offerings for foreign missions, when not designated for a specific purpose for which no appropriations have been made. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.28
SHARING CONFERENCE TITHE
Whereas, There is most urgent need of reapers to gather the harvest in the great destitute mission fields; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.29
4. Resolved, That our local and union conferences be urged to curtail their expenses wherever expedient, and that they be invited to definitely appropriate to the support of the work in the regions beyond, from one fourth to one third of their total tithe receipts, after taking out the tithe to the union and the General Conference. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.30
REMITTING FUNDS
5. We recommend, That our people be encouraged to send their offerings to missions through their local church treasuries, rather than to forward donations direct to missions or to individuals; and that isolated believers remit their offerings to missions through their State conference or mission field treasury. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.31
6. We recommend, That all our people be encouraged to pay their tithes and offerings weekly, and that all regular funds be passed from the respective treasuries through the regular channels monthly, and that special funds be forwarded immediately. GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.32
CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONS
Whereas, In the growth and progress of our denominational work many institutions involving large investments have been, and must be, established for carrying forward the various branches of our work; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.33
Whereas, It seems self-evident that such institutions as are built up and maintained by the donations, services, and patronage of our people, should belong to the people, as a whole, and not to a few, as is the case in many stock companies; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 370.34
7. We recommend, That great care be exercised in the organization of corporations to hold property; that the constituency be such as shall preserve all investments to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, and as far as possible, place the elective franchise and controlling power with the denomination, and not with individuals. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.1
G. C. A. AND G. C. C. INDEBTEDNESS
8. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee be hereby authorized to apply on the debts of the General Conference Corporation and of the General Conference Association, 5 per cent of the general funds, when conditions of the treasury will warrant. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.2
MIDSUMMER OFFERING
Whereas, The midsummer offering, of Sabbath, July 3, is right upon us, at a time when the mission treasury is in great need, and unable to provide the means to send to the fields many consecrated workers who are ready to go in response to the Macedonian cry; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.3
9. Resolved, That we urge all our people to pray and work with special earnestness at this time to make the mid-summer offering the largest we have ever received at the midsummer season, in order that laborers may be hastened forth to the fields white for the harvest. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.4
MISSIONARY INGATHERING CAMPAIGN
Whereas, The Thanksgiving missionary campaign last year was a great success in bringing the truth of the message and its progress before the world, and in gathering funds for the extension of our missionary work; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.5
10. Resolved, That a missionary number of the Review and Herald be issued for 1909, and that a vigorous campaign be inaugurated for its circulation, the date of the campaign to be fixed by the General Conference Committee. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.6
STATISTICAL REPORT, PER CAPITA BASIS
Whereas, There is need of slight changes in the matter of our statistical reports; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.7
II. Resolved, (a) That the per capita basis of the computation of the funds raised by each conference shall be the reported membership of organized churches and companies. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.8
(b) That the annual statistical reports of the statistical secretary shall be accepted as official by the denomination; and that the church-membership given in the Year Book shall agree with the membership published in the preceding statistical report, and shall constitute the basis for the per capita computation of funds. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.9
Publishing Work GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.10
GENERAL AND FIELD MISSIONARY AGENTS
Whereas, In the beginning of our subscription-book work, one of the principal factors in establishing it was the organization of the field under the leadership of general and local agents; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.11
Whereas, That line of work suffered years of decline through disorganization, but is now being strongly revived wherever the field is being properly manned; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.12
I. Resolved, That we move forward with all possible haste in the work that has been begun, of selecting and training general and field missionary agents, and of placing them where they are most needed, until all the great fields of the world are manned for handling the circulation of literature thoroughly. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.13
ELIMINATING COMMERCIAL WORK
Whereas, The blessing of the Lord has rested upon the efforts of our publishing houses to eliminate commercial work: and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.14
Whereas, Their progress in this direction has met with the approval of our people, and has brought improved conditions both in the publishing houses and in the field; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.15
2. Resolved, That we approve of these steps, and that we support our publishing houses loyally in carrying them out. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.16
IMPROVEMENT IN LITERATURE
Whereas, Thorough attention should be given to the revision and improvement of our standard literature; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.17
Whereas, This will be an undertaking which will involve much labor; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.18
3. We recommend, That this work be provided for as follows:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.19
(a) That a book editor be appointed by the General Conference Committee, who shall be, or shall thereby become, a member of the Publishing Department of the General Conference, and devote as much time to this work as its needs require. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.20
(b) That the publishing houses in the United States each be advised to appoint a book editor, who shall be a member of the respective literature committees of these houses. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.21
(c) That the book editor of the General Department secure co-operation between the literature committees of the several publishing houses in accomplishing this work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.22
PREPARATION OF OUR PUBLICATIONS
Whereas, With the rapid extension of our publishing work it becomes vitally important that our publications be prepared with great care, so that they may present clearly and suitably the truths of the third angel’s message; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.23
Whereas, Sunday publications are being distributed on individual responsibility, which neither represent the denomination nor carry any part of the financial burdens of the organized work; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.24
4. Resolved, (a) That information be given to our people concerning the thorough, painstaking work of the literature committees of our publishing houses in examining manuscripts, and preparing the subject-matter of all publications; and that our people be cautioned to discriminate between literature published by the denomination and that which is issued by private individuals. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.25
(b) That missionaries, as far as practicable, submit manuscripts to properly constituted literature committees for their respective fields. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.26
(c) That copy for literature prepared to meet emergencies, and for use in local campaigns, be at least submitted for criticism to the conference or mission committee of that territory, and bear the conference or mission imprint. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.27
(d) That all our people be urged to work energetically and loyally for the circulation of our standard denominational literature. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.28
PUBLISHING HOUSE TITHE PAYING
5. We approve, Of the action of several of our publishing houses in paying a tithe into the treasury of the General Conference, and we invite all the publishing houses to follow their example. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.29
TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK
Whereas, A question has arisen concerning the advisability of organizing a General Conference department to take charge of the periodical and home tract and missionary work; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.30
Whereas, We believe that confusion would result from the circulation of literature being directed by two departments operating through the same general offices, and through the same field; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.31
6. We recommend, That the periodical and home tract and missionary work continue, as in the past, under the direction of the Publishing Department, and that the General, union, and local conferences unite in making the necessary provision for conducting more thoroughly and aggressively these neglected lines of work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.32
7. We recommend, That all State conferences and mission fields give thorough attention to the organizing and carrying on of the home tract and missionary work in churches, companies, and by isolated members, and that the home work, thus organized, be made the basis both organically and educationally for the upbuilding of all lines of the publishing work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.33
8. We recommend, That in the varied lines of our home missionary and publishing work, we recognize a progressive system of education and practical training; beginning with mailing papers, loaning tracts and books, and selling periodicals and forty-per-cent books in the vicinity of the church, and advancing, step by step, to the systematic sale of periodicals in the great cities, and to the sale of regular subscription books; and that all these have as their object the training of workers for all departments of Christian service in the world-wide field. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.34
9. We recommend, That a field missionary secretary be appointed in each local conference to take general supervision of the home tract and missionary and periodical work; that he be assisted energetically by every officer and employee of the conference; and that he devote his entire time to this work when consistent. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.35
10. We recommend, That each conference take full charge of the work of canvassers for periodicals in their respective territories by,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.36
(a) The selection and training of workers for periodicals. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.37
(b) The assigning of territory. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.38
(c) The adoption of a general reporting system. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.39
Sabbath-school Work GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.40
READING COURSE FOR SABBATH-SCHOOL TEACHERS
Whereas, One of the greatest factors in the promotion of a successful Sabbath-school is the teacher, and since many who are called to teach have had very meager advantages for training in their work; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.41
I. We recommend, That the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference prepare in permanent form a reading course for the benefit of our Sabbath-school teachers. GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.42
“SABBATH SCHOOL WORKER”
Whereas, The Sabbath School Worker is a molding factor in our Sabbath-schools, and it is the medium whereby Sabbath-school laborers are kept in touch with progressive methods; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 371.43
2. We recommend, That earnest efforts be made to place this journal in the hands of every officer and teacher in our Sabbath-schools, by— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.1
(a) A liberal use of sample copies, calling attention to special articles and practical illustrations. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.2
(b) Personal labor and continual correspondence by the State Sabbath-school secretary. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.3
(c) Enlisting the co-operation of the missionary and tract society secretaries and conference laborers. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.4
(d) Small leaflets containing selections from the Sabbath School Worker, testimonials, etc. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.5
(e) Frequent testimonials in our periodicals of help received from the Sabbath School Worker. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.6
(f) Arranging, if possible, for club rates to subscribers for single copies of the Sabbath School Worker and Youth’s Instructor, or Sabbath School Worker and Little Friend, or for single copies of the three papers. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.7
SABBATH-SCHOOL HOME DEPARTMENT
Whereas, The Home Department of the Sabbath-school has been established to meet the needs of our people who are isolated from those of like precious faith, as well as those whom circumstances prevent from attending the local school; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.8
3. We recommend,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.9
(a) That the conference workers be urged to co-operate with our secretaries in strengthening this work by securing the names and addresses of all isolated Sabbath-keepers within their territory, that they may be brought in touch with the progress of the message. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.10
(b) That we urge the carrying forward of this work more fully in our local schools, thus bringing the vitalizing power of the Sabbath-school lessons to the whole denomination. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.11
SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERINGS TO MISSIONS
Whereas, Our Sabbath-schools need the blessed inspiration of a real burden for mission fields, while opportunities to spread the message in foreign lands are multiplying faster than their means; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.12
4. We recommend, That our Sabbath-schools give all their donations to missions, providing for their expenses in some other way; and, further,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.13
5. We recommend, That each conference pay the entire expenses of the Sabbath-school departmental work without drawing upon the Sabbath-school offerings given by the schools for missions. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.14
Educational GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.15
EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOLS
Whereas, In many schools there is a great lack of proper equipment, such as laboratory, library, and class-room facilities, and the necessary means for conducting industrial studies; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.16
1. Resolved, That we urge all our boards of management properly to equip the schools for the work which they have to do. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.17
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Whereas, One hindrance to successful church-school work has been the improper and inconvenient rooms in which schools have been quartered; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.18
2. Resolved, That we urge our conferences as far as practicable, and wherever church-school buildings are to be erected, to see that neat, inexpensive, well-adapted buildings, surrounded by grounds adapted for school gardens, be provided; and, further,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.19
3. Resolved, That in the erection of school buildings, advice and counsel be obtained from the Department of Education where the school is to be established, so that the buildings may be well adapted to the needs of the school. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.20
CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS
Whereas, It is impossible for many of our young people to obtain the advantages of our schools; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.21
Whereas, We have men and women of years of experience who, under proper conditions, would be able to pursue studies greatly to the advantage of themselves and their work; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.22
Whereas, Correspondence schools have been shown to be successful; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.23
4. Resolved, That the Department of Education be urged to take under advisement plans for such a school, and the General Conference Committee be requested to establish it, if after careful consideration, it seems wise to do so. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.24
EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL
5. Resolved, That the Executive Committee of the General Conference arrange for the publication of an educational journal adapted to the development of our school work, the policy and contents of the journal to be under the direction of the Department of Education of the General Conference. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.25
RELATION AND SCOPE OF DIFFERENT CLASSES OF SCHOOLS
Whereas, Experience has shown that the schools conducted by local conferences should seldom carry work beyond the tenth grade; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.26
Whereas, Several of these local schools are now called academies, though not doing, or equipped to do, full academic work, for lack of libraries, laboratories, and sufficient teaching force; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.27
Whereas, We have the following instruction from the spirit of prophecy: “It is not wise for a new school to lift its banner, and promise a high grade of work before it has proved that it is fully able to do preparatory work as it should be done. It should be the great aim of every intermediate school to do most thorough work in the common branches.... It would be a sad mistake for us to fail to consider thoroughly the purpose for which each of our schools is established. This is a matter that should be faithfully considered by our responsible men in each union conference. All the different educational interests should be given careful consideration, and then each school should place its work on a proper basis;” therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.28
6. We recommend, (a) That the local conferences, in counsel with their union conference committee, adapt the name and grade of work of these local schools to the intermediate school standard, except in those special cases where circumstances make this step unadvisable. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.29
(b) That the union conference training-schools do not draw intermediate students from the territory within the jurisdiction of the intermediate schools without previous arrangement with the local conference president. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.30
(c) That in each union conference there be created a board of visitors, consisting of the union conference president, the union conference educational secretary, and one member of the training-school faculty, to be appointed by the faculty, to counsel with the individual conferences or schools, in order to unify and grade the work of the intermediate schools and academies of the union conference. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.31
PATRONIZING OUR SCHOOL INDUSTRIES
Whereas, The tent-making and other industries of our schools are a means of education and a financial help to the students; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.32
7. We recommend, To the favorable consideration of our people the purchasing of the products of the industrial departments of our schools. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.33
FOREIGN MISSION SEMINARY
8. Resolved, That we invite our conferences throughout the United States and Canada to select men and women of such age and experience as will meet the needs of our foreign fields, and recommend them to the Foreign Mission Seminary for a course of instruction preparatory to foreign service. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.34
RECOGNITION OF ADVANCED NORMAL DIPLOMAS
9. Resolved, That the diplomas reaching at least to the fourteenth grade, from the advanced normal courses of our union conference training-schools which have model practice schools connected with them, be considered equivalent to first-grade teacher’s certificates, and good for three years following their issuance; and that upon the completion of three years of successful teaching out of the first five years following graduation, the Department of Education of the General Conference shall, upon the recommendation of the school issuing the diploma, grant a seal to the diploma, which shall be valid anywhere in the denomination as a teacher’s certificate, so long as the holder is in good and regular standing in church-membership in this denomination. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.35
THE BOOK “EDUCATION” GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.36
Whereas, The book “Education” contains truths most vital to the proper understanding and appreciation of educational questions and to the development of our school work; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.37
10. Resolved, That we most earnestly urge our people everywhere not only to secure, and to study, this book, but to dispose of it to educators and parents not of our faith, as a means of interesting them in our educational work, and so in our cause of truth. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.38
“CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS” GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.39
Whereas, “Christ’s Object Lessons” was given for the relieving of our schools from indebtedness; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.40
Whereas, It has already accomplished a great work in this direction to the extent of securing some three hundred thousand dollars; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.41
Whereas, It has been some seven or eight years since we conducted a general campaign with this book; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.42
II. Resolved, That the Department of Education be instructed to organize and vigorously prosecute such a campaign, similar in purpose and plan to that formerly undertaken for our advanced and intermediate schools, and that we urge our conference committees everywhere to heartily co-operate in this undertaking. GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.43
SELF-SUPPORTING SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH
Whereas, The Southland of the United States and the mission fields offer many opportunities for self-supporting school work; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 372.44
Whereas, Not a few of our people are planning to undertake this line of work; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.1
Whereas, A close, friendly relationship should exist between the organized work of the denomination, and these self-supporting schools; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.2
12. We recommend,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.3
(a) That the educational departments of our organized work, where these schools are located, provide for their representation in the conference educational departments. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.4
(b) That the educational departments assist in the selection of those who shall be encouraged to enter this line of work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.5
(c) That indorsement be given to those selected, who need financial assistance, that those from whom funds are solicited may know whom to assist. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.6
(d) That the organized work assist in locating said schools, and advise in the expenditure of funds secured by donations from our people. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.7
(e) That the closest bonds of sympathy and co-operation be maintained between these self-supporting schools and our organized work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.8
(f) That the educational departments be encouraged to so co-operate with these self-supporting schools that the utmost possible help may be rendered, and the best results accomplished. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.9
13. We further recommend, That our stronger conferences search out and encourage suitable persons to undertake this self-supporting work, and that the workers thus selected be encouraged to pursue a course of instruction at the Nashville Normal and Agricultural Institute. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.10
SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN OF MISSIONARIES
Whereas, The children of our foreign missionaries, in many fields, do not have the advantages of an education, unless they are returned to their home lands, or placed in schools not of our faith; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.11
Whereas, This situation demands the sympathy and active co-operation of all believers in the home lands; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.12
14. Resolved, That in heathen mission fields, where the number of foreign workers makes it necessary, Christian boarding schools, providing the first twelve grades of work, be established by the General Conference; that such schools be conducted in harmony with the educational policy of the denomination; and that suitable charges be made to all students. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.13
GERMAN SCHOOLS IN AMERICA
Realizing the great importance of educating our youth, and seeing the absence of system and co-operation among our denominational schools in which German is taught, and recognizing the urgent need that the General Conference lay plans for the betterment of this condition,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.14
15. We recommend, That our German church-schools follow the curriculum and system adopted by our English schools, as far as possible, substituting such German studies as are adapted to their respective grades. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.15
Whereas, There is great need of uniformity in the German departments of our higher schools; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.16
16. We. recommend, That the same course of study be pursued by these departments, and that, wherever possible, the same text-books be used; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.17
17. We further recommend, That the regular course in these higher schools be four years, after the completion of which, certificates of proper recognition be granted. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.18
On Religious Liberty GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.19
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY INSTITUTES
Whereas, All our people should be well informed in the principles of religious liberty, that they may be enabled to meet the rapidly approaching crisis; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.20
1. We recommend, That our religious liberty secretaries everywhere, in conjunction with their respective conference officers, arrange to hold religious liberty institutes at such times and places as the cause of truth may demand, and that at these institutes regular time be set apart for all in attendance to do practical work in introducing the journal Liberty, and other similar literature, to the reading public. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.21
Whereas, Agitation for Sunday legislation is rapidly increasing in the United States and in Canada; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.22
Whereas, The general annual collection of funds for the prosecution of religious liberty work has heretofore been exclusively for the use of the general Religious Liberty Department; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.23
2. We recommend, That there be an equal division of the funds to the General, union, and local conferences in these fields. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.24
PRESS BUREAU
3. We recommend, That a press bureau be established in connection with the Religious Liberty Department, having a central organization at Takoma Park, and local bureaus wherever practicable. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.25
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LITERATURE
4. We recommend, That in the preparation of religious liberty literature, regard be had to the provision of an attractive and popular treatment of the subject, suited for general distribution. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.26
Medical Missionary Work GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.27
FIELD WORK FOR NURSES
Whereas, The Medical Missionary Nurses’ Training Course embraces more than routine nursing; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.28
1. We recommend, That in each sanitarium the work be so organized that the nurses may have an equivalent to three months’ field work a year in the sale of our health literature, visiting the sick and in giving Bible readings; and that the union and State conferences cooperate in this work, so that at the completion of the nurses’ course, these laborers may be employed in regular conference work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.29
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE TO MEDICAL MISSIONARY CLASSES
2. We recommend, The adoption of the following requirements for entrance to medical missionary classes:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.30
(1) An earnest Christian character and a fixed purpose to devote the life to gospel medical missionary and evangelistic work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.31
(2) Sound health and physical development. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.32
(3) Common school education, i. e., arithmetic, geography, grammar, reading, writing, elementary physics, elementary physiology, and Bible. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.33
(4) Applicants should not be under twenty or over thirty years of age. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.34
(5) The application should be accompanied by written recommendation of a Seventh-day Adventist school or of a union or State conference committee, also medical certificate as to condition of health. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.35
(6) No one is to be received into the school whose purpose is to obtain a merely professional training. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.36
SHORT MISSIONARY COURSE
Whereas, There is a demand on the part of many preparing to do more efficient missionary work for a brief course in the essentials of diet, hydrotherapy, and various sanitarium methods of treatment; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.37
3. Resolved, That several of our larger institutions, including Washington, Loma Linda, Boulder, and Sydney sanitariums, be requested to provide a special nine months sanitarium training course for such persons, for which a certificate of attendance shall be given on completing the course satisfactorily. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.38
SPECIAL COURSE FOR MISSIONARIES
4. We recommend, The following special course for missionaries:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.39
| HOURS | |
| Physiology | 36 |
| General nursing | 36 |
| Hydrotherapy (practical) | 24 |
| Bible | 36 |
| History of missions | 18 |
| History of the advent movement | 18 |
| Physical culture | 36 |
| Cooking | 24 |
| Surgical nursing | 12 |
| Hydrotherapy (theoretical) | 24 |
| General diseases | 36 |
| Nursing (practical) | 18 |
| Hygiene | 36 |
| Tropical diseases | 12 |
| Accidents and emergencies | 18 |
| Bandaging | 12 |
| Children’s diseases | 12 |
LENGTHENED NURSES’ COURSE
Whereas, There is a demand in our institutions and in the field for nurses of experience and advanced training; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.40
5. Resolved, (a) That a regular nurses’ training course of three years be required for graduation; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.41
(b) That certain institutions, such as the Washington and Loma Linda sanitariums, and our larger sanitariums in other countries, be requested to provide a fourth year post-graduate study and training for such nurses. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.42
SANITARIUM FINANCE
Whereas, We recognize that our sanitariums are institutions for educating missionaries; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.43
Whereas, These institutions are greatly hampered in their work by debt; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.44
6. Resolved, That we make, during the coming quadrennium, a special effort to free these institutions from debt,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.45
(1) By their respective boards, faculties, and workers diminishing the indebtedness of the institutions,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.46
(a) Through the earnings of the institutions. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.47
(b) By reducing the running expenses. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.48
(c) Through the sale of “Ministry of Healing.” GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.49
(d) Through securing of donations. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.50
TRAINING OF SANITARIUM WORKERS
Whereas, There is great need of well qualified workers in all our institutions; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.51
7. Resolved, That we encourage our sanitariums to give attention to educating business managers, matrons, cooks, and other responsible workers. GCB June 7, 1909, page 373.52
Young People’s Work GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.1
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Recognizing the great need of a special work to be done for and by the thousands of youth among us, and also the good results that have already come from the establishment of the Missionary Volunteer Department,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.2
1. Resolved, That we heartily approve of the action of the General Conference Committee in the establishment of this department, and of the earnest efforts that have been put forth to inspire our young people with high purposes, and to organize them for service. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.3
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Recognizing that the greatest need of our young people is a deep spiritual life that they may meet the approval of God in their own lives, and be able to lead others to Christ,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.4
2. Resolved, (a) That we emphasize a change of heart and the reception of the Holy Spirit as fundamental in all our work for the youth; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.5
(b) That to this end more earnest evangelistic effort be carried forward in their behalf. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.6
PERSONAL WORK
3. Resolved, That in planning work for our young people we emphasize personal work as fundamental, and the basis of all lines of Christian work; and that, to this end, we encourage the formation of small bands for prayer and definite effort. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.7
EDUCATIONAL FEATURES
Recognizing the importance of our youth being thoroughly grounded in the truths of the Scriptures, and in the history and principles of the advent movement; and recognizing the necessity of our young people storing their minds with valuable information,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.8
4. Resolved, That we heartily approve of the Standard of Attainment, Missionary Volunteer Reading Course, the preparation and selection of suitable literature for the young, and other educational features of the Missionary Volunteer work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.9
SOCIETY LESSONS
5. We recommend, That the Missionary Volunteer Department prepare a series of society lessons embracing the doctrines peculiar to our faith, and also other fundamental truths of the Scriptures, and that they be published— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.10
(a) In pamphlet form as a text-book. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.11
(b) As a series in the Youth’s Instructor, with suitable notes and helps for study. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.12
(c) In such foreign languages as may seem advisable. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.13
LEADERSHIP
Whereas, The success of our Missionary Volunteer work depends very largely upon proper leadership; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.14
Whereas, This labor for the salvation and training of our youth is missionary work of the highest order; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.15
6. Resolved, That our conferences make special efforts to secure the very best talent for this important work, and that the churches be encouraged to use great care in the selection of local leaders. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.16
PLAN OF ORGANIZATION
7. Resolved, That the present plan of organization be recommended to all our union and local conferences, as the general plan for the upbuilding of this important department of our work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.17
JUNIOR WORK
Realizing the great importance of the early training of our children in the Lord’s work,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.18
8. Resolved, (a) That, first of all, parents be encouraged to associate their children with themselves in study and missionary work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.19
(b) That we encourage the organization of Junior Missionary Volunteer societies only in church-schools, and in large churches where home conditions seem to demand it, and suitable leaders can be obtained. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.20
(c) That in any church where there are children, a Junior leader may be appointed, who will plan especially for the spiritual interests of the children, and enlist the co-operation of the Sabbath-school workers and the Missionary Volunteer Society in work for them. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.21
(d) That children who love the Lord and unite in this work either in a separate society or in connection with the Missionary Volunteer Society, be reported as Junior members. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.22
CAMP-MEETING WORK
Recognizing the great opportunities offered at our annual camp-meetings for the salvation of souls, and for the training of our people in all lines of Christian work; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.23
9. We recommend, That diligent effort be made at these meetings for the salvation of our children and youth, and for their development as Christian workers; and we urge those who have this work in charge,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.24
(a) To make wise plans for the meetings and attendance. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.25
(b) To organize the Christian young people into bands for prayer and personal work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.26
(c) To follow up the work diligently so that the results may be permanent. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.27
FINANCE
Whereas, There is a great educational and spiritual value to our youth in rendering definite assistance to foreign missions; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.28
Whereas, The Foreign Mission Seminary Scholarship Fund is greatly needed to assist in quickly preparing workers for the field; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.29
10. Resolved, That our conferences be encouraged to complete this fund as soon as possible. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.30
11. Resolved, That the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department keep prepared a list of definite opportunities to help advance the cause, and that the department co-operate with the local conference workers in choosing such of these opportunities as may seem best adapted to the local field. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.31
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN OTHER TONGUES
12. Resolved, That, as far as possible and necessary, the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department co-operate with the foreign departments in America, and with other fields, in producing literature, society lessons, etc., in other languages aside from the English. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.32
Miscellaneous Topics GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.33
THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC
Whereas, The liquor traffic is a gigantic evil, condemned by the Word of God, by medical and scientific investigation, and by the experience of all time; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.34
Whereas, It is destructive of law, order, and the civil rights of humanity; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.35
I. We recommend, That our ministers, teachers, physicians, nurses, and people generally, engage in a vigorous campaign in behalf of total abstinence, by means of lectures, demonstrations, and the distribution of health and temperance literature, and that whenever consistent our people by voice, pen, and vote, place themselves on record as favorable to its restriction and entire prohibition. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.36
LABORERS FOR THE FOREIGN POPULATION OF AMERICA
Whereas, There is in America a very large foreign population, consisting of many nationalities, each with its own language; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.37
Whereas, There are now engaged in the English work many laborers of foreign parentage who can fluently speak one of these foreign languages; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.38
2. Resolved, That we recommend such laborers to work for the people of their own nationality as far as the way is open for them so to do. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.39
CITY WORK
Whereas, We are debtors to the millions of all nationalities in the large cities to give them the advent message as quickly as possible, and experience has shown that the sale of literature, house-to-house visiting, and Bible studies are effective methods of labor; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.40
3. Resolved, That we lay broad plans for the organization of city work, which will include the sale of periodicals and books, the distribution of tracts and leaflets, visiting and Bible studies in the homes, and the training of local church-members and students from our schools and sanitariums to become efficient helpers to those regularly appointed to this work. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.41
NORTH AMERICAN NEGRO DEPARTMENT
4. Resolved, That in carrying out the provision of the constitution creating a North American Negro Department of the General Conference, the following be a working basis:— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.42
(a) That the work for the colored people in the Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern union conferences be organized on a mission basis in each union. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.43
(b) That, as the work for the colored people develops, local missions may be organized in these union missions. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.44
(c) That a strong effort be made to quickly place the truths of the message before the colored people of the South in the most effective ways, especially by the use of suitable literature, evangelistic work, and mission schools. GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.45
PAPER FOR THE BLIND
Whereas, There are about 80,000 blind persons in the United States and Canada; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.46
Whereas, There is being published by our people a paper for the blind, known as the Christian Record, at College View, Neb., containing the message of present truth; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 374.47
5. We recommend, That our union and local conferences endeavor in their respective territories to place the Christian Record in the hands of such blind persons as understand the systems used in its publication. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.1
OUR CHURCH HYMN BOOK
Whereas, Our standard book, “Hymns and Tunes,” is rapidly going out of use among our people, so that there is danger of its being wholly discarded; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.2
Whereas, The disuse of the old advent hymns contained therein is a distinct loss in our worship, and to the advent message; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.3
6. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee appoint a competent revision committee, whose duty it shall be to thoroughly revise the book, “Hymns and Tunes,” by discarding those portions of it which experience has shown to be least meritorious, and by inserting other choice hymns and tunes, that the book may continue to contribute its share in deepening the spiritual experiences of our people. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.4
ACQUIRING THE FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Whereas, The Bible teaches, and missionary experience everywhere demonstrates, that the gospel most quickly and effectively reaches the various nationalities of earth if carried to them in their own tongues; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.5
7. Resolved, That we encourage our workers to make every possible effort to acquire the language of the people among whom they are called to labor. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.6
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR MISSIONARY CANDIDATES
Owing to the heavy transportation expenses incurred in forwarding missionaries to distant foreign fields, and because of the hardship incident to mission work,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.7
8. Resolved, That we instruct the Mission Board to require a certificate of health, signed by a competent physician, from each person who is accepted for appointment to a foreign field. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.8
FOREIGN SEMINARY MANAGEMENT
Whereas, By vote of its constituency, in a meeting held June 3, 1909, the Washington Training College invited the General Conference to take title to its property, known as the Foreign Mission Seminary, and to assume the management of said institution; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.9
9. Resolved, (a) That the General Conference does not deem it advisable to take title to denominational institutions in our regularly organized territory; and,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.10
(b) That we advise the Executive Committee of the General Conference to have an equal fostering care over all denominational institutions controlled by our organized bodies, and that it do not assume the financial responsibility or the local management of the same. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.11
FOREIGN PEOPLES IN AMERICA
Whereas, There are in North America people of many foreign nationalities who speak the language of their native land, and for whom little or no special effort has been put forth by our workers; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.12
10. We recommend, That an earnest effort be made by our local and union conferences to evangelize our foreign population, by training and encouraging laborers speaking these languages to labor among their own people, and by the preparation and circulation of suitable literature on present truth among these peoples. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.13
HEALTH FOOD INTERESTS
Believing that our health food interests may be greatly advanced by unifying the work of the several factories; therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.14
11. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee appoint a chairman and secretary to work for the best interests of the health food business, and suggest a general council to be held in some central place, with the idea of unifying the health food business, and giving attention to the best methods of marketing the products. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.15
INDEX NUMBER, BULLETIN
Whereas, During the coming four years the GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN will be in constant use as a source of reference, therefore,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.16
12. We recommend, That the closing number of the Bulletin contain all the resolutions passed at this Conference, the revised Constitution, and an index of the Conference proceedings. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.17
TO THE PRESS
13. Resolved, That we express appreciation of the courtesies extended by the general and local press to our meeting; and, further,— GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.18
14. Resolved, That the secretary of the General Conference be asked to communicate this action to the press. GCB June 7, 1909, page 375.19