General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

TRACT SOCIETY COUNCIL MEETING

(Held February 27 and 28.)

THE subject of “Colporter Work” was taken up to-day. Elder S. H. Lane led in the discussion, the key note of his remarks being that the more personal our work becomes, the better. He spoke of one brother who had visited extensively in Denmark. GCB March 1, 1895, page 422.24

He visited some of the families a number of times, talking and praying with the people. Has not the time come for this kind of work in this country? GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.1

Incidents were cited of most noble efforts being made by those who are doing this kind of work, supporting themselves, or nearly so; and excellent results are seen. The urgent need of many giving themselves to this work was set forth. GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.2

The time was so limited that a full discussion of plans could not be held. It is hoped that more time may yet be given to the subject. GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.3

At the meeting on February 28, Elder H. E. Robinson presented some thoughts upon “old fashioned missionary work.” He believes we fail to do much good that might be done, through not being prepared to hand out a tract or publication of some kind, that will meet the inquiries which may and should be awakened by our conversation with individuals we meet. We should not make ourselves offensive to strangers by going up to them and beginning an argument; but our work must be done in a courteous way, and not obtrusively. GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.4

Another important line of missionary work is that of correspondence. This has fallen largely into disuse, and should be revived, and faithfully carried forward. GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.5

Elder W. B. White urged that we do not become discouraged. A case was mentioned of a man whose attention was brought to the gospel by a short conversation and a few tracts. This was followed up for months by kind letters and earnest prayers; and now this person and three more of his family are rejoicing in the present truth. The gentleman wrote the faithful one who had worked and prayed for him and his: “I am so glad for your persistency in following me, and getting the light before me.” GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.6

Elder Lane stated that in 1855 he saw Sister White in vision in which she said that the time will come in the loud cry before the Lord comes, when many around us will begin to think that the Sabbath of the Lord will gain the ascendancy. He then read the following extract from a published sermon on the “Lord’s Day“:— GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.7

It is true that of late years a sect has arisen which seeks to overthrow the Christian Sunday, and substitute, or rather re-establish, the Jewish Sabbath. And it is also true that this sect is rapidly increasing in numbers. The cause is not hard to find. A large number of those who profess and call themselves Christians, have unwisely rallied to the cry of “The Bible, and the Bible only, as the religion of Protestants,” and as the change from Saturday to Sunday is neither authorized nor even mentioned in the Bible, they are of course defenseless against the attack of Sabbatarians. When these advance their arguments, the so-called Bible Christians have nothing to reply; and if they are really consistent, they must leave the denomination to which they belong, and unite with the Sabbatarians. Many of them are doing so; more will certainly follow, and it need not be a matter of surprise if the boundary lines of Protestantism are entirely changed by the attacking forces of this comparatively new sect. GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.8

Elder Lane was glad, and let us all be glad, that we are so near the fulfillment of what was revealed so long ago. The time has come to sound more loudly than ever the cry of the “Bible and the Bible only,” and to live out its precepts in our lives, and teach its preciousness to all with whom we have an opportunity to be associated. GCB March 1, 1895, page 423.9