General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

RESOLUTIONS ON WOMAN’S GOSPEL WORK

“1. That we ever keep it before the sisters that the object of this work is to save souls. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.11

“2. That a woman who is qualified to reach all classes, especially those who need it most, should be selected from each Conference to attend the camp-meetings and all general meetings, and instruct the women in missionary work and temperance in all its phases. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.12

“3. That corresponding secretaries be chosen to have charge of the English, German, and Scandinavian branches of the work.” GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.13

I move the adoption of these resolutions. I would like to say just a word upon them now, Mr. Chairman. I hope these resolutions will not be passed simply to get rid of them. This is a matter that should have more recognition from us than it has had in this meeting. I believe the woman’s work is an important branch, and while I am not very well acquainted with it, my labor having taken me into other lines, yet I do believe there are those here who have something important upon this. I can heartily move this, because I know the woman’s work is doing well wherever I have noticed its influence, and I hope that measures will be taken by the General Committee to have this work carried on with more vigor than it has been in the past. I would like to hear a few words from Sister Haskell upon this. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.14

Mrs. S. N. Haskell: I do not know that I have anything very definite to say; but I know that this work has done a lot of good, and that many souls have been blessed through it. If any of you wish to inquire closely concerning the work, I am sure Sister Irwin will be glad to let you know of the correspondence that has been carried on. It has been my privilege to read many of the letters that have come to her, and I know that souls have been saved, families have been united, and children have been brought into the truth as a result of the work. A large amount of correspondence has been carried on among isolated Sabbath-keepers, those far out, many of them out in the western districts, where they do not have the privilege of meeting with others. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.15

Some may ask the question. Why have a separate department for this work? I do not know why the Lord directed it so: I do not know why he directed that the young people’s work should be organized: but he has directed it thus, and we know that those two branches should go hand in hand to save our young people. The point has often been brought up that the work at camp-meetings for the young people was almost a failure because when they returned home, their mothers did not know how to keep them in the way. This Woman’s Gospel Work, it seems to me, is a supplement to the work for the young people, and if there could be women appointed in each Conference, women of experience, who could write to these homes, and give help and instruction, to our young people, many of them would be saved, who are now going in the downward road. But the question may be asked, “Why can’t this work be done by the Sabbath-school secretaries?” We know that our Sabbath-school secretaries are, in almost every case, either young ladies or brethren, and our mothers who are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the land, who are burdened with the cares that come to them in their home life, do not feel free to write to young people who have had no experience in the home cares; but they do feel free to write to women who have had experience in the family work, who have brought up children in the fear of God, who can give help and instruction. The majority of the requests that have come in to the Woman’s Gospel Work would never have been sent to young women secretaries, because it would be known that they could not receive help from them; and so I would heartily endorse this. I hope it will not be dropped; but that it will be carried forward until every State has some one appointed to help in the homes, and to encourage the women in their home life, to train their children in the fear of God, and to unite in gospel work with their neighbors. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.16

W. W. Prescott: I move that these recommendations be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.17

C. P. Bollman: I second the motion. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.18

The Chair: All in favor of referring these resolutions to the General Conference Committee for further consideration say, Aye. Opposed. No. It is carried. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.19

A. J. Breed: I move that the name of J. W. Collie be placed in the list of names to receive ministerial credentials. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.20

Delegate: I second the motion. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.21

The Chair: You have heard the motion, that the name of Elder Collie be added to the list of ministers for credentials. All favoring this will say, Aye. Opposed. No. It is carried. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.22

Allen Moon: I move we do now adjourn to the call of the chair. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.23

This motion was seconded and carried. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.24

Benediction by J. O. Corliss. GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.25

G. A. IRWIN, Chairman.
L. A. HOOPES, Secretary.

“DELIVER us from mean hopes and from cheap pleasures.” GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.26

“NOT failure, but low aim, is crime.” GCB April 24, 1901, page 448.27