Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis
SIXTH MEETING, 2:30 P. M
Prayer by J. D. Van Horn. The minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. The interesting report presented in the forenoon meeting was referred to by the president, and L. R. Couradi, of Germany, was called upon to make some remarks upon the subject of Foreign Mission schools. Bro. Couradi remarked that it was a question as to the feasibility of a training school, but in Basel, Switzerland, a few were gathered and instructed and soon took hundreds of orders for books. A few hours each day was devoted to study, and as a result they soon proved the possibility of the canvassers sustaining themselves by the sale of books. MMM 371.3
The laws in different counties being different caused some inconvenience but we are overcoming these difficulties and our canvassers are generally succeeding. MMM 371.4
In the north of Germany some few workers have been started, also in southern Germany. Some 35 are now at work in the German field. MMM 371.5
At our camp meeting, which we held with some considerable trepidations, we gathered our workers and canvassers, and the first week was given entirely to the canvassing work. This stirred an interest among others and as a result we had an excellent meeting. Several from large cities have written, asking for instructions. One sister gave her money, then herself to the cause. Her course was questioned but her faith was rewarded with success. I believe laborers could be multiplied if we had schools. MMM 371.6
Why could we not have hundreds just as well as the few we have? I know of no field where I think canvassers could do better than in the German empire. The spirit “go to work” helps our churches also. In France we have quite a success but they need instruction, and if our workers could have help, all Europe would soon be lighted up with the Third Angel’s message. MMM 371.7
One church has furnished from 24 members, eight canvassers. Many who embrace the truth have to give up their work, and this canvassing work is a good opening for them, but they need instruction and this neccessitates instructors and schools. MMM 371.8
A course of lectures cannot fully develope the people without schools of instructions. Some will develope as ministers and others as canvassers. They feel the importance of the work in the foreign field as we do not here, We have tried to send them out singly, but as they went into the large cities they became discouraged. They needed instruction. Others will be discouraged or encouraged as those who first enter the field succeed or fail At first it was thought that a salary would be necessary to sustain canvassers, but after the instructions at our school they returned to the field and made it a success. MMM 371.9
Our agents last year sold nearly $10,000 worth of books. MMM 371.10
In Germany the laws are better than in Switzerland. Small pamphlets and tracts sell there readily. MMM 371.11
It seemed wiser to instruct the canvassers and get them started, than to preach much. In one city they took 1,000 orders, and in another 500. Expenses are greater in our foreign countries than here in America. MMM 371.12
School laws are very oppressive to those who desire to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. MMM 371.13
Russia is calling for instruction, but ministers cannot teach the children as we can here. The native teachers can do much better than foreigners. My only hope is to instruct the native talent, which can best be done by bringing them out into some other country where we can have a school and instruct them. MMM 371.14
It will cost something at first, but I believe it will soon be repaid in dollars and cents and bring many precious souls into the kingdom of Christ. MMM 371.15
The president remarked that we could all see from Bro. C’s. remarks that it was important to have schools for the instruction of canvassers. MMM 371.16
Brethren Beldon and Eldridge stated that it would take from five to 15 years to canvass the United States for one book at the rate the work was done the past year. MMM 371.17
Said the chairman: The financial backing of our publishing houses in Europe, is in the United States. Capital must be had and a load is to be carried. MMM 371.18
About ten years ago the work began in the British field. MMM 371.19
Most of them who first embraced the truths were poor and the difficulties were so great that they could not live and keep the Sabbath. Last year we conceived the idea of removing the publishing house to London, that we might get an outside influence and provide work for many who would be thrown out of employment. MMM 371.20
A good brother offered to pay the rent for a year if it would not exceed $500. MMM 371.21
We have moved and you have heard the report of the result. Success is attending our efforts. Many who have embraced the truth are workers, and have been, in the churches from which they came. We must have work for them. Some of them have clerkships, but are willing to give up their positions to labor in the truth. MMM 371.22
We must give our literature for foreign lands the mold of the press in the countries to which they go. It will cost to prepare cuts for this contemplated change and will add largely to our expense and burden. MMM 371.23
On motion the secretary’s report on foreign missions was accepted. MMM 371.24
Moved that the chairman appoint a committee of five to take into consideration the demands for educational efforts in connection with our missions; to recommend plans for the education and training of workers to work among the foreign people of America, and to conduct a council of the foreign laborers present at this meeting. MMM 371.25
On motion the conference adjourned to the call of the chair. MMM 371.26
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST MMM 372.1
GENERAL CONFERENCE MMM 372.2
DAILY BULLETIN MMM 372.3
VOL. 2. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., OCT. 24, 1888.NO. 5. MMM 372.4