General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 1
November 23, 1887
VOLUME 1. - OAKLAND, CAL., - NUMBER 9
Ninth Day’s Proceedings
FORENOON
AT 9:20 o’clock, November 22, the second meeting of the International Health and Temperance Association was called to order by the President, Dr. J. H. Kellogg. Prayer was offered by Elder J. B. Goodrich, after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.1
Following the reading of the minutes, the Committee on Resolutions submitted the following:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.2
Resolved, That our heart-felt gratitude is due to God for the abundant success that has attended the cause of health and temperance, as connected with the Third Angel’s Message, the past year. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.3
Resolved, That we appreciate and commend the earnest efforts of our canvassers and ministers, especially in foreign fields, in making our health publications the entering wedge for the introduction of the body of the present truth. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.4
Resolved, That it is an honorable thing for those who take the teetotaler, or any other pledge, to keep it faithfully. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.5
Resolved, That we recommend to our brethren in the ministry, our mission workers, and all our people generally, to live according to the principles of health and temperance, in the matter of not eating between meals, and in refraining from such injurious articles as tea and coffee. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.6
Resolved, That we consider it entirely consistent with the work of the ministry that our ministers should recommend to the public our health journals, and receive subscriptions for the same, and to especially recommend to invalids everywhere the benefits to be derived from their patronage of our health institutions. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.7
Elder S. H. Lane moved the adoption of the report of the committee, by considering each resolution separately. This motion was supported by Brother E. M. Morrison. The first resolution was spoken to by S. H. Lane and J. N. Loughborough, and was passed unanimously. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.8
Resolution two was discussed at great length by J. N. Loughborough, S. H. Lane, E. M. Morrison, A. J. Cudney, D. E. Lindsey, Robert Hare, M. J. Church, W. M. Healey, Mrs. Dr. Young, and the President. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.9
Elder Loughborough spoke of his experience in the work in England, and told how our health and temperance publications had opened the way for him to reach the people, and to get a hearing from them. Elder Lane followed in the same line, telling how he had been invited to attend and to speak at a large temperance meeting, just because it was known that he belonged to a temperance people. The meeting was a large one, there being about 3,500 people present, and Brother Lane was the first speaker called on. His remarks were very favorably received, and gave him an influence with the people that scarcely anything else could have done. Reference was also made to the testimony of Elder O. A. Olsen, that health and temperance literature had opened the way for the spread of the truth in Norway. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.10
E. M. Morrison explained how our canvassers can use our health publications to good advantage in getting access to the people, and in gaining an experience in the canvassing work. He expressed himself as heartily in favor of the resolution. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.11
Brother M. J. Church asked if our ministers should go into new fields and present our views on these questions at once. Several said, Yes. The President said that there is not now that prejudice against health reform that there was twenty years ago, and that he thought that no harm could come of presenting our views on this important question. Elder Healey related some very interesting personal experience going to show that the best plan for our workers is to plainly and promptly declare our principles as advocates of health and temperance. Sister Young also spoke in the same line. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.12
Pending the consideration of resolution three, the meeting adjourned. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.13
At 10:40 A. M. the meeting of the Conference was called, and was opened with prayer by Elder Oscar Hill. After the reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting of the Conference, the report of the special committee on the National Reform movement was called for. The Secretary of the committee, Elder A. T. Jones, stated that but few questions had been handed in that really cover the ground which it is designed to consider; that the design is to consider simply some of the main features of National Reform, so that our opposition to that movement may be united. The committee did not wish to present any final report until Sister White should have spoken upon the subject. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 28.14
Sister White said that she was not then ready to speak at length upon the subject, but she would say a few words. She spoke of the iniquity of the National Reform movement as being of the same character as Satan’s opposition to God. Satan has many ways of conducting warfare. He can double on his tracks, and take contradictory positions, and move in a serpentine course; but God can move only along the line of truth. God could have crushed Satan at the beginning of his rebellion, but in order that all might see the justice of such action, he had to wait until the wickedness of Satan’s course could be seen by all. Satan professed to be loyal to God, even while fighting against him. His warfare has ever been against the law of God, and the same spirit is working in the National Reform movement. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.1
Satan would deceive, if possible, the very elect. The only reason why he cannot is because their souls will be purified in obeying the truth, and they will be walking in the light which will expose his devices. The only way we can oppose his working is to act in harmony, to put away iniquity, and to put forth a strong effort to warn the people. People must be home missionaries; there must be a scattering of those who are huddled together in churches, leaning upon one another, and they must learn to stand alone. Ministers alone can never warn the world. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.2
She then added a few words in regard to the Signs of the Times. She related the circumstances under which the paper was first started; how it had become a necessity, and had been started in the providence of God. We then had the Review and Herald, our church paper, filling a very important field; but there was a field which it could not occupy. A pioneer paper was needed, and this coast was the place where it should be started. She went East and raised means, and the paper was started. Ever since it had been presented to her that the paper was to fill a place that no other paper could fill. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.3
At one time Brother White had talked about starting a cheaper paper in Battle Creek, but again the light came that the Signs of the Times must be the pioneer paper, to carry the light of truth to all parts of the world; and to the project to start a cheaper paper, she very decidedly said, No; if another paper should be started, it would take off from the circulation of the Signs, which ought to go to all classes. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.4
She then made an earnest appeal to the ministers, telling them that it is their duty to see that the Signs goes into every family. Some will say, “I have the Review, but do not take the Signs,” but she would say, “You must have the Signs; you cannot get along without it.” Both papers are necessary; neither can fill the place of the other. The two publishing houses must work side by side like twin sisters; there must be no rivalry between them. The Signs has gone to every part of the world, and has an influence. Unwise methods of circulation have been adopted at times, and many papers have often been wasted; but this is no reason why the subscription list should fall off one particle. The ministers must see that every family has the Review and the Signs. She said that if there are any who say they cannot take the Signs, and the church cannot help them, if they would let her know, she would supply them. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.5
After some further remarks by different members, the Committee on Distribution of Labor presented the following recommendations:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.6
21. That we recognize the good services of Brother A. La Rue in the ship missionary work on the Pacific Ocean and its islands, and recommend that he continue the same. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.7
22. That Brother H. P. Holser go to Central Europe to act as Treasurer of the mission and publishing house, and to take charge of the book-sales department, and the counting-room; to teach canvassers, colporters, and Bible workers; and to help the German work in the field as he may have opportunity. Also to act on the mission board as alternate in the absence of Elder B. L. Whitney. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.8
23. That Brother A. Barry, of Kentucky, go to Michigan to labor in that Conference. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.9
24. That D. A. Robinson go to London to labor in that mission. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.10
These recommendations were all adopted. Meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.11
AFTERNOON
At 3 o’clock a meeting of the S. D. A. Publishing Association was opened with prayer by Elder S. H. Lane. The Treasurer’s report had not arrived, and the Treasurer, A. R. Henry, made a few brief remarks concerning the improvements that it had been found necessary to make in their buildings at Battle Creek, Brother C. Eldridge made a brief statement concerning the increase in book sales, showing that these sales were twice as much during the year just passed as in 1883. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.12
It was then voted that the Chair appoint the usual committees. Committees were then named as follows:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.13
ON RESOLUTIONS - W. C. White, F. E. Belden, Clement Eldridge. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.14
ON NOMINATIONS - J. Fargo, R. M. Kilgore, O. A. Olsen. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.15
Meeting then adjourned to call of the Chair. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.16
CONFERENCE
At 3:30 P. M. meeting of the Conference was called. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 29.17
Prayer by Brother R. M. Kilgore. Followed by reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.1
The Committee on Distribution of Labor then presented the following additional report:- 25. That Elder I. J. Hankins go to South Africa, to take the place in the mission there made vacant by the removal of Elder D. A. Robinson. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.2
26. That Wm. Arnold go to England to help in establishing the mission there. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.3
27. That Elder John Fulton and wife be requested to spend a year at the Rural Health Retreat, at St. Helena, Cal. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.4
28. That Elder Samuel Fulton take the place in the North Pacific Conference made vacant by the removal of John Fulton to St. Helena. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.5
29. That Elder D. T. Bourdeau go to New Orleans and spend the winter in labor in that city. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.6
These recommendations were all voted after brief discussion. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.7
Committee on Missionary Ship then submitted the following report:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.8
Your committee appointed to consider the matter of securing a ship for missionary work among the islands of the sea, would respectfully submit the following:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.9
We believe that such a ship is needed; we deem the enterprise a noble one, and well worthy the hearty support of all our people; but in view of the fact that some of our missions are now in actual distress for the means which they must have to do the work properly which must be done; GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.10
In view of the fact that the International Sabbath-school Association has devoted its contributions for 1888 to the London Mission, and we think it would be most profitable to our people to have all concerned in the missionary ship when it is decided upon, GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.11
We therefore recommend that the enterprise of setting afloat a missionary ship be postponed till the next annual session of the General Conference. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.12
We would further recommend that a committee of five, consisting of three brethren from east of the Rocky Mountains, and two from the Pacific Coast, be appointed to take charge of this matter during the year 1888, and report to the next annual session of this Conference. And further, that donations to this enterprise may be received during the year, from any who feel disposed to make such donations. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.13
These recommendations were discussed by C. Eldridge, C. H. Jones, H. Hayen, J. N. Loughborough, J. I. Tay, S. H. Lane, Robert Hare, and A. T. Jones. Brother Eldridge thought that the expense of building and fitting such a vessel was much greater than is usually supposed. He said that while he hoped to see such a vessel fitted out by our people in the future, there were still many fields that could be reached at a much less expense, where work could be profitably performed. He thought that the cost of such a vessel as we would need would not be less than $30,000. And he thought that the expense of sailing the ship would be about $800 per month. These figures were for a two-hundred-ton vessel. C. H. Jones stated that the vessel contemplated was to be only seventy-five tons, and that it could be built in San Francisco for about $14,000, and that the cost of building and fitting would certainly not cost over $20,000. But in view of the facts presented he would not advise the building or purchase of a vessel at the present time. J. I. Tay explained how difficult it is to reach some of the islands of the Pacific, especially Pitcairn. He made a touching appeal on behalf of quite a number who are on that island awaiting baptism, and urged that if we were not to have a missionary ship, a small vessel be chartered to carry a minister to that place to further instruct the people and to baptize the people who are prepared for that step. S. H. Lane thought that when the time came to secure the vessel, probably one could be purchased in England much cheaper than it could be built or purchased here. A. T. Jones stated on behalf of the committee that they had taken that matter into consideration, and thought that when the time came to procure a vessel a great saving could be effected by buying instead of building. The report of the committee was then adopted as read. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.14
The following report was then submitted by the Committee on Resolutions:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.15
WHEREAS, There is a great lack of uniformity in the time of closing the reports presented to the Auditing Committee, which causes said committee much labor and perplexity, and opens the way for injustice being done either to the Conference or to those laboring in its employ; therefore, GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.16
1. Resolved, That the General Conference year begin October 1, and end September 30, and that hereafter all reports of labor and bills of expense close at the latter date. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.17
WHEREAS, There is a great lack of uniformity in making out reports, and whereas facts are frequently omitted which are essential to an intelligent and satisfactory audit; therefore, GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.18
2. Resolved, That we recommend that a blank be prepared and furnished to each employee of the General Conference, in time for his annual report, and further we recommend that a circular letter accompany each blank, giving ample instruction for filling out the same. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.19
3. Resolved, That the President of the General Conference is hereby empowered to appoint a committee of three to carry into effect the provisions of these resolutions. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.20
WHEREAS, Our increasing publishing interests in different parts of the world are in reality but one, whose object is to extend the glorious truths of the Third Angel’s Message, and - GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.21
WHEREAS, United council and concert of action relative to the production of our publications is necessary to insure willing and harmonious efforts on the part of our people to extend their circulation, and also that God’s Spirit may abundantly attend the work in the future, therefore, GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.22
Resolved, That an International Publishing Committee for the coming year be chosen by this Conference, consisting of thirteen persons, whose duty it shall be at this session of the Conference and as often thereafter as possible during the year, to confer together relative to the general interests of the publishing work as a whole, the improvement of our subscription books in particular, and the advisability of issuing other works that are suggested as necessary in the canvassing field. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.23
Resolved, That we suggest the names of the following persons as members of this committee for the year 1888; the first-named to act as Chairman of the committee:- GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.24
W. C. White, Central Europe; O. A. Olsen, Scandinavia; A. R. Henry, C. Eldridge, Review and Herald; 100. H. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, Pacific Press; J. H. Kellogg, Health Publishing Company; A. T. Robinson, South Lancaster Academy Press; E. M. Morrison, F. E. Belden, Salesmen; E. W. Farnsworth, D. T. Jones, L. C. Chadwick, field at large. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.25
The first three resolutions were passed. The remaining two were discussed by W. C. White, F. E. Belden, O. A. Olsen, and the President. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 30.26
W. C. White thought that the committee recommended should be called the “Book Committee,” and that they should be placed in nomination by the Nominating Committee. He said that we are trying to do a great deal of work with very few workers, and that we ought by all means to have a Book Committee. New publishing houses are constantly springing up, new books are being written, old ones are being revised, and from the present condition of things it is not clear who has a right to say anything about it. Many of our publications need revising, especially our tracts, and there should be a committee appointed whose duty it should be to attend to these matters. F. E. Belden expressed himself in favor of the resolution as read. O. A. Olsen said that he recognized the necessity of such a committee, but called attention to the fact that the resolution did not confer any power or authority to the committee to be appointed. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 31.1
The President regarded this as a grave defect in the recommendation. He said that this subject had caused him much anxiety, and that he felt that something ought to be done, but as far as he could see, the only power conferred upon the committee by the adoption of this report would be to confer together and give advice. He said this step should be well considered. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 31.2
On motion the recommendation was referred to a committee of five to be appointed by the President. Conference then adjourned to call of the Chair. GCDB November 23, 1887, page 31.3