The chair stated that, as no committees were prepared to report, the time would be devoted to a report from the Latin Union Conference, and thereupon called upon the president of the union, L. P. Tieche, to present his report, which he did, as follows:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 162.41

Latin Union ConferenceGCB May 26, 1909, page 162.42

I am thankful for the privilege of presenting to this assembly the greetings of the brethren of the Latin Union Conference.GCB May 26, 1909, page 162.43

The territory of our Conference is composed of France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Algeria, Tunis, French Belgium, and French Switzerland, with a population of 110,000,000 souls. This is certainly a respectable number, which ought to make an impression on our minds and on our hearts. I would also state that we have in our field only 1,000,000 Protestants, about 6,000,000 Mohammedans and Jews, and more than 100,000,000 Catholics.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.1

Our working force is composed of 40 workers, including the canvassers. We have 24 organized churches, and the total membership is 964. We also have a sanitarium, a school, and a publishing house.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.2

During the last four years the work in our union has progressed slowly but steadily. The statistical reports indicate a net increase of 280 members, and the tithe has increased from $5,802 in 1904 to $9,211 in 1908.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.3

These figures will perhaps look small when compared with the many encouraging reports we have heard, and we feel that we have nothing to boast of. Nevertheless, when we consider everything, we have reason to be thankful even for this small result. These 280 souls have in reality been brought out of the hands of the prince of darkness, one by one, and we know that they are a subject of great joy in the heavenly courts.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.4

We must not forget that some of the mission fields have been entered only lately, and that those who have started the work there had to learn the language, and also get used to the ways and manners of the people. Only a few years ago we had no workers in Spain, Portugal, or Algeria, but now we have workers and members in every field of our union.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.5

In 1907, a conference of 250 members was organized in France. Since Jan. 1, 1909, the territory of this conference has been limited to the southern part of France, while the northern part is called the Northern France Mission Field. The reason of this division was to relieve the French Conference of the burden of a great mission field, and place it in a position soon to become self-supporting.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.6

NORTHERN FRANCE MISSION

WASe

This field has a population of 23,000,000, with two workers, one in Paris, and one in Rouen. In Paris we have a church of 44 members. At first it was thought an impossibility to plant the flag of present truth in Paris, and the first efforts made seemed to confirm this idea. But we thank the Lord that by his help, and by the persevering effort of the workers sent there, the light of the third angel’s message is shining in the midst of that great city. None except those who have passed through the experience can imagine what difficulties are to be met in a city like this. I wish Elder Augsbourger, who has worked there for four years, and Elder Badant, who is working there now, could be here to tell us something about it; for they would also tell us that difficulties are always a blessing to those who fear the Lord. Now that a good start has been made in Paris, we are encouraged to continue the work.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.7

THE SPANISH MISSION

WASe

Spain has a population of 18,000,000. Public meetings have been held in Barcelona and Valencia by Elders Walter and Frank Bond, and have brought 35 souls to the truth. Four natives are at work selling our literature, and two are doing Bible work. We are thankful for this small beginning; but Brother Walter Bond thinks that he ought to have more help, and I wish to give you a paragraph of the letter I received here the other day:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.8

“I hope that you do not forget old Spain and her needs. We are indeed anxious that help should be sent. As you know, there are hundreds of cities waiting for some one to carry them the message. The silent call of 18,000,000 souls in the grossest of darkness is the strongest appeal we can send you.... You remember the parable of the unjust judge and the poor widow. Her request was at last granted because she continued to ask. So we perhaps almost weary you by our much asking. But we can not be silent when the need is so great, and the laborers are so few. Surely we would fail of doing our duty if we did not continue to sound the Macedonian plea for help.”GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.9

THE PORTUGUESE MISSION

WASe

We are glad to report that the standard of the last message has been planted in Portugal. Brother Rentfro is holding public meetings in the center of Lisbon, and the last time I was there, in February, 13 souls were rejoicing in the blessed light of the truth. I have also received a letter from Brother Rentfro, asking me not to forget to present the needs of Portugal. He wishes me to say that more workers are very much needed. No one will blame him for this, if we remember that he and a native canvasser are the only workers in this most difficult field. It is also well to say here that 80 per cent of the population can neither read nor write. Here is the place where a school could accomplish much good. The fact that so many people do not read in Portugal is a great hindrance to the advancement of the work in that field. The canvasser must knock at many doors before he can find a person who can read. I understand that 85 per cent of the population in India can not read. If that is an argument to show the necessity of sending help to that field, I hope we shall all agree that the same argument holds good for Portugal also. We should certainly have more workers in that field.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.10

THE FRENCH-BELGIAN MISSION

WASe

This field has a population of over 3,000,000. One minister, a Bible worker, and 2 canvassers are at work in the mining centers. We have there one church and one company, with 40 members. The brethren intend to hold three tent-meetings during the summer. By this means they can reach hundreds of people, and thus sow the good seed. We hope that these efforts will bring a goodly number of souls to the truth.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.11

ALGERIAN AND TUNIS MISSION

WASe

This field has a population of over 7,000,000. Here we are in direct contact with the Arabs, who form two-thirds of the population. Thus far our work has been limited to the city of Algiers. Brother Jespersson has started the work there, doing medical missionary work; and now Brother Augsbourger is holding public meetings. Six persons have already been baptized, and others will follow soon.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.12

One great problem we have to face is to know how to reach the Arabs. Although these people live right at the door of civilization, they do not care to change their habits and customs, and above all they are determined not to change their religion. It is religious duty for them to hate the Christians, and it is difficult to make them believe that we love them. But we are convinced that the last message is also for the Arabs, and our desire is to do something, right away, for them in our field.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.13

ITALIAN MISSION

WASe

I am not prepared to say much about this field, as I expected that Brother Everson would be here to speak for that work. I shall only state that we have there 44 members, 26 in Corre Pellice, and 18 in the rest of the kingdom. At present we have five workers—certainly not too great a number for a population of 33,000,000. We hope that this field will receive due attention at this Conference. Its needs are great, and never have the conditions been so favorable for the preaching of the last message.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.14

Now I wish to close with a few words concerning our sanitarium and publishing house. Brother Vuilleumier will report on the school work.GCB May 26, 1909, page 163.15

THE SANITARIUM

WASe

The transfer of our sanitarium from Basel of Gland has proved a wise move in every respect. This was done in 1905. At that time we thought that our accommodations for 40 patients would suffice for many years; but we find ourselves already confronting the necessity of enlarging. We hope that by next spring we shall be able to accommodate at least 100 patients. Our institution enjoys a good reputation near and far, and is exercising a good moral influence in the country. A number of patients go away leaving the testimony that they have received not only physical benefit but also moral and spiritual help.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.1

We have also had the privilege of seeing some patients accept the truth, among whom were two ladies from Egypt, who have been baptized in the blue waters of Lake Geneva.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.2

THE PUBLISHING HOUSE

WASe

The publishing house is located in Geneva. Here is where all the business is done, while the editorial work is done in Gland and the printing in Basel. Since our trouble on the Sunday question at Basel, we discontinued printing for ourselves, and the machinery was scattered to the four corners of the earth. Now we think we ought to have a small printing plant in connection with our school, and we put this on the list of the many things we need in our field.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.3

The amount of our book and periodical sales aggregates between $7,000 and $10,000 a year. We hope to do more in the future as more attention will be paid to the selling of larger books.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.4

OUR NEEDS

WASe

First of all we wish to thank the General Conference for the help we have received in men and appropriations, and we sincerely hope that this help will be continued to us. Remember that we have 110,000,000 souls to care for, and only 40 workers. We hope that this Conference will seriously consider our needs, and give us one or more workers for Spain; one or more workers for Portugal; one or more workers for Italy, and $5,000 to start a printing plant.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.5

The chair next called on H. H. Dexter, the president of the French Conference, who presented the following report:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.6

FranceGCB May 26, 1909, page 164.7

In speaking of France, a certain writer has said that it is the only nation in the world, of which the authentic record survives, that has, as a nation, lifted its hand in open rebellion against the Author of the universe. Plenty of blasphemers, plenty of infidels there have been, and still continue to be, in England, Germany, Spain, and elsewhere; but France stands apart in the world’s history as the single state which, by the decree of her legislative assembly, pronounced that there is no God.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.8

In commenting on the prophetic phrase “where also our Lord was crucified,” the spirit of prophecy says, “In no land had the spirit of enmity against Christ been more strikingly displayed. In no country had the truth encountered more bitter and cruel opposition. In repelling the gospel which would have brought her healing, France had opened the door to infidelity and ruin.”GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.9

France made war upon the Bible, and this inaugurated the era known in the world’s history as the “Reign of Terror.” While at one time the papacy wielded great power in France, urging its rulers to destroy the followers of Christ, we thank our heavenly Father that now perfect religious liberty is enjoyed, and especially so since the separation of church and state. The agents of the British Bible Society are scattering thousands of copies of the Bible throughout France. Thus the way is being prepared for the preaching of the third angel’s message.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.10

The god of reason is still the shrine before which fall a large proportion of the French people. The teaching of the non-existence of God is inculcated into the minds of the young in the state colleges and universities. Silver-tongued orators go from city to city holding mammoth meetings, where they ridicule the Bible and deny the existence of God. There are organized societies of “free thinkers” in nearly all the towns and cities of the nation.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.11

It was by the means of the Signes des Temps, our French paper, that the light of present truth was first taken to France. A few families of earnest peasants in southern France accepted the message by the study of this journal, which was sent them by Elder J. N. Andrews. Later, the living preacher visited them, baptized about 15, and organized them into a church.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.12

Later, in 1876, Elder D. T. Bourdeau began work in southern France. At that time public meetings were prohibited; but small meetings were held in the homes of the people, where no more than twenty could attend. Only publications authorized by the archbishop of Paris could be legally sold; within the next few years a more liberal policy was adopted by the republic, until now perfect liberty is granted all religious denominations.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.13

Earnest companies of believers were raised up by the labors of Elder Bourdeau at Nimes, Valence, and Branges; many of these believers have since fallen asleep. For several years the work was continued by brethren from Switzerland. Thousands of copies of papers and tracts have been sold and given away, but never have the canvassers been able to demonstrate that this branch of the work could be self-supporting. At the present time we have no regular canvassers. All our workers are expected to devote some time to the sale of our publications.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.14

Prof. B. G. Wilkinson was sent to France in 1901, and became superintendent of the Latin Union Mission, having his headquarters at Paris. He held an institute for field workers in Paris, in the winter of 1903-04, which proved a great blessing to the French work. Several of our successful young workers had their first training at this institute, as also at one held at the city of Geneva.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.15

In the fall of 1904 the Mission Board asked the Louisiana Conference to release me for the work in France. For six months I was obliged to devote most of my time to a re-study of the language. While I had gone to a French school in Tahiti, in the Society Islands, when a boy, yet for a period of 20 years I had not looked into a French book, nor spoken many words in that language. The Lord blessed me in acquiring quickly a speaking knowledge of the language; and eight months after landing I held a short series of tent-meetings.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.16

Since the summer of 1904 we have held a yearly camp-meeting, which always proves to be an occasion of great blessing to our French brethren and sisters. There is an earnest determination in the hearts of our French people to move forward as one for the advancement of the truth among the 40 millions of this great republic.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.17

Representatives of the third angel’s message are found in 12 of the 84 departments. Fifty persons were baptized last year, making our total membership at present about 225.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.18

A church of 23 members has been raised up in the university city of Montpelier, southern France, through the labors of one of our French ministers, assisted by several Bible workers. This This minister’s sons is taking a medical course at the university, and will be the only one among us to receive a diploma to practice medicine in France. This young man is an earnest Christian, and purposes consecrating himself to medical missionary work. There are several small companies of believers in the departments of the Gard and the Tare Work was begun lately in Saint-Etienne an industrial city of nearly 200,000 in habitants. Two lady Bible workers have just begun working at Grenoble, a city of 80,000 inhabitants.GCB May 26, 1909, page 164.19

Last winter I held a series of meetings at Lyons, a city of 500,000 inhabitants. Ten were converted, and began the observance of all the commandments of God. Before coming to this meeting I had the joy of baptizing 8 of these believers, two of whom are men who close their stores on the Sabbath.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.1

OUR SCHOOL

WASe

Our little union school at Gland, Switzerland, is filling a long-felt want. Several young workers in our field have received one or two years’ training at Gland. Two of our young men attended the Stanborough Park Missionary College last year, but we are trying to keep our young men in our own union school. The future success of the work in France depends in a large measure upon the proper training of our young people; we are therefore anxious that our school shall become a strong factor in preparing young men and women to give the third angel’s message.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.2

Our most earnest prayer is that the Lord of the harvest may raise up laborers to send forth into this portion of his great vineyard. I am certain that there are brighter days before us in the French field, even though its people are atheistic and Catholic. France is a beautiful country, and is well called “The Garden of Europe.” Primary education is compulsory, so that all the people are able to read and write. While the weekly vacations are given on Thursdays and Sundays, perfect liberty is given our people to keep their children from school on the Sabbath.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.3

Hitherto fear of the military service has driven our young men to Italy or Switzerland; but we are teaching them to remain in their own land, and that the Lord will help them to support any trial they may confront in the military service.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.4

OUR PUBLISHING WORK

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The following books appear in the French language: “Great Controversy,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “The Life of Christ,” “Bible Readings for the Home Circle,” “The Prophecies of Daniel,” “From Eden to Eden,” “Steps to Christ,” “His Glorious Appearing,” and two volumes of selections from the testimonies—besides a score or more of tracts and pamphlets on the vital points of present truth. The Signes des Temps, published monthly, is taken in clubs by all our workers and companies, and sold or given away.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.5

We are waiting for the Lord to raise up a man who will demonstrate that the canvassing work can be made a success—that is, self-supporting—in our field. One of our workers has a unique method of selling our publications. He has a portable folding table and blackboard that he takes to the fairs. After making a display of the most attractive and easy-selling tracts, he proceeds to draw a diagram on the blackboard. This, of course, will draw a crowd, which he canvasses for a few minutes, when he offers his goods for sale. In house-to-house work it takes all day, working ten hours, to sell about 20 two-cent tracts, whereas by this method, from 100 to 150 two-cent tracts can be sold in two hours. I have personally tried this method, and find it a success.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.6

Next winter, the Lord willing, I purpose renting a large hall for Sunday evening meetings. By judicious advertising I believe a good attendance can be secured, and many souls brought to a saving knowledge of the truth.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.7

I will point out on the map a few of our largest cities, having a population exceeding 100,000: Paris, 2,750,000; Marseilles, 520,000; Lyon, 475,000; Bordeaux, 252,000; Lille, Toulouse, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Nantes, LeHavre, Roubaix, Rouen, Nancay, Reims, Toulon.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.8

Besides these there are scores of other cities having between 25,000 and 100,000 souls.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.9

We believe that there are thousands of honest souls in all these cities, who are prepared to hear and accept present truth. But where are the workers? Our little French Conference is not yet self-supporting—we had a deficit last year of $3,100. Our union president often reminds us to augment our income, and to reduce our expenses. We are doing our very best to encourage our dear French brethren (some of whom earn only 30 cents a day), to be faithful in paying the tithe and offerings; but the amount is small, and does not permit us to undertake progressive work. We hence appeal to our more fortunate conferences in the home land to give us a helping hand. We need a fund for the education of our converted young men and women; and we need $500 for hall rent and advertising the coming winter.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.10

A sentence spoken by Sister White the other morning much impressed me. She said, “The cities are presented to me over and OVER and OVER again.”GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.11

In January, 1907, France was organized as a conference. Two years later the northern half was cut off the French Conference, and recognized as a separate mission field. The French Conference has a population of 17,000,000, with an area of 105,000 square miles.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.12

Our tithe for 1907 was $2,450; for 1908 at was $2,717, showing a gain of $267. The average tithe per capita is $10. The weekly offerings for 1908 amounted to $144, as against $82 for 1907, showing a gain of $62.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.13

The French Conference has 3 ordained ministers, 2 licensed ministers, and 8 Bible workers. We have given 3 of our best workers to the union—2 for Algeria, and I for northern France.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.14

The believers in France are heart and soul with this people in all lines of reform work. In their behalf I present hearty greetings to all our brethren and sisters assembled in General Conference.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.15

French-Swiss ConferenceGCB May 26, 1909, page 165.16

Report rendered by J. Curdy, president, as follows:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.17

In behalf of the French-Swiss conference, I am happy to extend to all the brethren gathered here in General Conference, their most hearty greetings.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.18

The section of country where the conference that I represent is located is so well known that I shall make no attempt to introduce it to you. I shall not describe its white-capped mountains, its beautiful lakes and rich valleys. One may read the best and most enthusiastic description of Switzerland, and then say, with one of our brethren when he first saw the landscapes he had read about: “The half has never been told.”GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.19

It has already been stated here that it was in our conference that the first missionary was sent from America in answer to the earnest call of a few believers who were walking in the light that God had imparted to them. For a time, the Swiss Conference, as it was called at the time of its organization, in 1884, and the next year, 1885, the “Central European Conference,” had a very large territory. Its boundaries were not well defined; but we had at our annual meetings delegates from Germany, Italy, France, Rumania, and even from Algiers. All these countries were then considered as the territory of the “Swiss” or “Central European Conference.” Now our conference rejoices to see the progress of the work in the countries that it had once to supervise, as a mother rejoices in the prosperity of her children when they have left the house of their parents to make their own way.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.20

Our people have not forgotten all they owe to their brethren in America. They remember that those brethren were the instruments God used to bring them out of darkness to the precious light of the third angel’s message. They keep a grateful memory of the generous hearted men who left your shores to go to a strange land, in order to bring them the glad tidings of the near coming of the King.GCB May 26, 1909, page 165.21

The names of Andrews, Whitney, Bourdeau, and Holser, to speak only of those who have laid down their lives to bring them to a saving knowledge of the truth, are among their most precious memories.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.1

In behalf of the French-Swiss Conference, I extend to all our people in America our most heartfelt thanks. We feel united to you in the most sacred bonds of thankfulness and Christian love. With you we mean to stand loyal to the truth that this people is proclaiming to the world. By the blessing of God, we no longer need your financial help, but we need an interest in your prayers, your advice, and your instruction.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.2

We feel anxious to do our part, not only in the narrow field assigned to us, but in the greater field of our missionary enterprises abroad, as this report will show. Our field has a population of one million, speaking mostly the French language; but we have some Italians and some Germans.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.3

STATISTICS

WASe

January 1, 1905, our membership was 457; our tithe for the preceding year was $3,808. In 1908 our membership was 564; our tithe, $6,248, making a net gain of 107 members, and $2,440 tithe. In 1907, we were able, by the blessing of God, to contribute over $6,000 to the work of the Latin Union. You will probably ask how we could give for outside missionary enterprises the total amount of our tithes. A legacy that we received, and $1,000 taken from our reserve fund, helped us to give this amount without hampering our work.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.4

For many years we have been giving for foreign missionary enterprises the total amount of our First-day and Sabbath-school offerings. Last year, the ten-cent-a-week plan of donation was adopted, but we modified it to suit our circumstances. We decided to give five cents a week, per capita, and most of our people are acting upon this decision.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.5

Besides this, we are paying a second tithe to the union. We are also paying the wages of a worker in France, and of a general worker for the union.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.6

We are grateful to note among our church-members, especially among our youth, a deeper interest in the circulation of our paper. Up to last year, our people had never been able to dispose of an edition of 10,000 copies of Les Signes des Temps without the help of the regular canvassers. Now, 30,000 copies of special numbers are easily disposed of by our churches without expense to our publishing house or our conference.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.7

We have I ordained minister, 3 licentiates, 3 Bible workers, and 3 canvassers in the field. Last year 54 new members were added to our number, and we have reasons to expect a better showing for the present year.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.8

While we are thankful to God for his prospering hand, we, as workers and church-members, are not satisfied. We long for a deeper consecration and a greater measure of success in our labors.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.9

Although we do not need appropriations for the conference I represent, I do not dare to stop here. I have worked in France, Italy, and Belgium, and I am personally interested in the work in those most needy fields, as well as in Spain and Portugal. While we have donated willingly and joyfully for these fields, we are compelled to say that our resources are not adequate to continuing doing so. I give my voice to that of our union president to echo in this meeting the Macedonian cry.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.10

Latin Union SchoolGCB May 26, 1909, page 166.11

J. Vuilleumier was asked to speak for the training school of which he has had charge, in addition to his work as editor of the French paper. He said:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.12

I thank God for this privilege of representing the smallest of our schools to the greatest of our assemblies. Just one word with reference to France. You have been hearing that this was the only country that ever declared its opposition against God. It is perhaps also the only country wherein a man is to be found who knows the whole Bible by heart at the present time, and that is a fact of which I am a witness. I have opened my Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and said, Repeat Deuteronomy 7:23, Isaiah 42:22, or Ezekiel, or Malachi, or Luke, or John, or Matthew, and the verse would come. Then I would change the experiment, and read him a verse in Chronicles, or anywhere in the Bible, and he would tell the chapter and verse.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.13

There is hope for France, although an infidel country. If it became an infidel country, it is not to be wondered at. The power of the papacy was supreme in that country for over a thousand years, and that country was the scene of the most cruel massacres that have been witnessed in any land, wherein religion was exterminated, as it were, and hundreds of thousands were driven out, enriching Germany and England, and other countries, with their arts, ability, and knowledge, and leaving France as it were bloodless and dead.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.14

But I am to speak to you about the school work. Our school was opened to prepare workers for France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Algeria, and, perhaps we might add, for the French colonies, and the French-speaking people in the United States, Canada, and other countries. We should have a good school. All good things begin small, and our school is a small school. We have had about seven years’ work, as has been said, one in Geneva, one in Paris, and five in Gland, on Lake Geneva. We have about eight or ten Bible students coming from France, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal and Belgium, and perhaps fifteen more belonging to the nurses’ course (the school being associated with the Gland sanitarium).GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.15

Our courses are necessarily crude. Our teaching force is small. We are in great need of help, that the school may develop. If we are to have more students, if we are to have a two years’ course to develop proper workers, we shall need several things that we do not have now. I can but appeal to the General Conference in favor of that little struggling school, without building, without facilities, and up to last year without schoolrooms. We shall need a principal, a school man, who can devote his life to that work, one who has the missionary spirit; because what we are interested in is missionary workers. At the same time we ought to have some scientific teaching, commercial teaching, some lines of study with which we can educate workers for the different branches of our field. We need a scholarship fund, and a printing plant and other industries by which students can earn their way in part. I can but lay this little school upon your very heart, asking you to remember it in your prayers, remembering that it is to train workers for more than one hundred millions of people.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.16

THE LEVANT FIELD

WASe

The chairman announced that the Levant reports would next be heard, and requested L. R. Conradi to call the speakers. First, Elder Conradi read the following letter, which he had just received from Elder Z. G. Baharian, of Turkey:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.17

“SCUTARI (Constantinople),GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.18

“May 9, 1909.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.19

“DEAR BROTHER CONRADI:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.20

“Yesterday I received a letter from Konia. Brother G. Simionyan writes that he has received two letters from Mersin, giving some information about our people in the province of Adana. In Mersin, Brethren Topsarkisian, Arslanian, and Charles Simmons are all alive. Just before the massacre, the elder of the church, Hadji Kupelian, had from Adana gone to Mersin, and spending one day there, had gone to Kozolonk in company with Brother Garabed Keshishian, of Tarsus. While they were there in the house of our Brother Kaspar Nalbendian, the massacre was begun in the village, and all have been killed. This caused much sorrow to my heart. The wife of Brother Nalbendian also was killed. All were faithful brethren. Brother Nalbendian had four children. We do not know what happened to them. In Tarsus, Brethren Krikor and Kevark have only saved their lives, losing everything. In Adana Brother Dikran Ashodian has been killed. No news about others has been received.GCB May 26, 1909, page 166.21

“I am glad to write you that Brother Enoch Ayvazian had left the villages of Antioch a few days before the massacre, and had come to Aleppo. He writes that in Antioch and vicinity the massacre has been awful. We don’t know what became of our brother George Seyrekian, in Antioch.... My wife (in Aintab) is writing (April 23) that there has reigned a great terror over the people of Aintab, hearing of the massacre of Adana and Antioch. But, thank the Lord, nothing bad has happened there yet. In Adana two American missionaries have been shot. Elder AcMoody knows one of them, the son-in-law of De Christie, the tall young man that led us in showing us the buildings.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.1

“Greater calamity has fallen on the Congregational churches, because many of their ministers and delegates have been killed on their way to Adana.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.2

“At first Brother Alexan had received a telegram to inform that all our people in Adana were safe. But this letter of May 3, from Konia, is full of sorrow. I shall write to our people in other places in Turkey to run to the help of their brethren, though the help will not be much. I would have you also work for them, collecting some help. Nothing has been left to those who have remained. Help is being sent from every quarter, but the demand is great.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.3

“Brother Alexan Buzugherian has left Konia for Aksaray, rather a dangerous step in such times. May God keep him from evil.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.4

“My greetings to our people assembled in Conference. Our prayers will attend them. I hope Brother AcMoody is better. Please give this information to him, as I could not write him now.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.5

“With best wishes, Yours in the message,

Z. G. BAHARIAN.”

Elder Conradi then made the following brief remarks: I am sure at this Conference we appreciate this letter. It means very much to our people there, and I believe they are worthy of our sympathy as a Conference here at this time. Let us pray for those who remain.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.6

When I left Hamburg to come here, I told our assistant treasurer if any news came from Turkey, to attend to their immediate wants from the money we had in the treasury, because I did not believe we ought to leave our people helpless at this time. [Many amens were heard in response to this sentiment.]GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.7

C. D. AcMoody, director of the Turkish Mission, was then introduced, and rendered the following report:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.8

The Turkish MissionGCB May 26, 1909, page 167.9

The Turkish Mission comprises Turkey in Europe, and that part of Turkey in Asia lying north of the Bay of Alexandretta, the country known as Asia Minor and Armenia.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.10

PAST HISTORY

WASe

In presenting a report of the Turkish Mission for the past four years, it may be well to briefly review the way in which the truth entered the Turkish empire. It first entered Constantinople about twenty years ago. An Armenian brother who had accepted the message in America, returned to his own country to let his light shine, and to disseminate the principles which he had learned to love. In the course of a few months Elder Z. G. Baharian, who at the time was a student in the Aintab Protestant College, became interested in the principles of the third angel’s message through literature sent him from Constantinople. After his graduation he came to Constantinople, and studied the truth with this Armenian brother. He was then sent to Basel, where he remained several months studying the principles of Seventh-day Adventists, returning to Turkey as a worker in 1892. His work was confined for several years to the Asiatic coast in the vicinity of Constantinople, where several companies of Sabbath-keepers were raised up.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.11

A Bible institute was held in 1895, and another was held in 1896, from which six workers were sent out into the field. Unfortunately, the majority of these workers soon left the work for the field. Unfortunately, the majority of these workers soon left the work for various reasons. The third Bible institute was held in the winter of 1898-99. The workers sent out from this institute did good work for a time.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.12

Some workers were sent into the central part of Turkey in 1904, and Brother Baharian was exiled from Constantinople to the country of his birth, at Aintab. Many of those who hear this report will remember reading an account of the imprisonment of Elder Baharian which followed his banishment, when, for several months, it was thought that he must face the penalty meted out only to anarchists and traitors, which in Turkey means banishment for life or capital punishment; but God delivered his servant.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.13

The fourth Bible institute was held in Aintab in 1905. Elder Wakeham had charge of this institute. There were four workers in attendance besides Elder Baharian.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.14

The late Dr. George went to Turkey in 1903, and began immediately to prepare himself for work among the people of Constantinople in medical lines. His task was greater than that of the ordinary foreign missionary, as it was necessary for him first to acquire the French language in order that he might pass the medical examination in Turkey. He was successful in passing his examinations, and then devoted his attention to acquiring the Turkish language. He started treatment-rooms in Constantinople after visiting among the churches, and much patient effort in preparing a suitable location. Having thus started his work, he was afflicted with tuberculosis, and was forced to leave the field in 1906, two weeks before my arrival in Constantinople. He went to Switzerland for his health, and later to Germany, where he died in February, 1907.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.15

Too much could not be said in paying high tribute to the character and work of this missionary, who laid down his life in the interests of the third angel’s message in the land of the sultan. Though I was not privileged to meet him personally, I found that he had left behind him, through his earnest work, that which was lasting, and that which was to stand as an encouragement to those who would follow him. In everything he did, persevering effort and painstaking care were shown. He clung to his work too long for the good of his health. When he left Constantinople, he was confined to his bed. His death was indeed a severe blow to such a weak mission field as Turkey. The burden which rested upon all of us as the result of this experience seemed heavy indeed. The treatment-rooms had to be closed up, and the furniture stored and finally sold, because no one could be found to take his place. This is an appeal to all who love the message throughout the world, and especially to those assembled at this Conference, to place some one in the Turkish empire to take up the work of him who fell at his post.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.16

WORK DURING THE PAST FOUR YEARS

WASe

Time does not permit me to dwell longer upon this subject, and I will proceed to make a statement of the work that has been done during the last four years.GCB May 26, 1909, page 167.17

The chief matter of interest in the years of 1905-06 relates to the establishment of the treatment-rooms in Constantinople, which has already been referred to. During these years, Elder Baharian was not allowed to travel, and was confined almost entirely to the city of Aintab. Here he has not been able to do as much as has been desired, because of the bitter antagonism of the Protestants against his work. Besides, there have been obstacles to meet in Turkey which are met in no other fields. These I will speak of later.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.1

I arrived in Constantinople, Dec. 3, 1906. My efforts were expended during the following winter in traveling among the churches and companies in the vicinity of Constantinople, as they had not been visited by any minister, either native or foreign, for some time. The summer of 1907 I spent most of my time in the city of Constantinople, traveling again among the churches in the fall.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.2

The first week of December, 1907, a general meeting was held at Bagtchedjik, which was attended by Elder Conradi. We enjoyed his presence with us very much.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.3

The winter of 1908 a Bible institute was conducted in Bagtchedjik. From eight to ten young people were in attendance; some of these, however, were too young to go out into the work. Only one active worker was developed from the institute.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.4

In the middle of May, 1908, Elder R. S. Greaves and wife arrived in Smyrna to take up work among the Greeks. Smyrna is the second city in size in the Turkish empire, and is composed of Greeks, who are Turkish subjects. Brother and Sister Greaves have been diligently working upon the Greek language, and hope so to master it as to be able to work to advantage on the west coast of Asia Minor, and in the islands of the Greek Sea.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.5

Prior to July 25, 1908, and especially since 1903-04, our native workers, wherever located in Turkey, have labored under such tremendous disadvantages as in many cases to render their work quite fruitless, as far as securing converts to the faith is concerned. But since the declaration of the Turkish constitution in July, such liberty has prevailed in the Turkish empire as has never before been known. Perfect freedom of speech and press was granted, and that for which we had prayed many years, and which we had endeavored to secure by various means for a long time, was granted to us in a single day.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.6

OUR FIRST GENERAL MEETING

WASe

A Levant Union general meeting had been planned for, but it had not been decided where it should be held. We were desirous that some of the native workers attend this meeting. The liberty came in time so that the general meeting could be held in Turkish territory. Accordingly, the workers came together at Beirut, Syria, the last week in September, and three of our native workers from the Turkish Mission were able to attend this meeting. For the first time in the history of our work in Turkey we had liberty and were free to meet together to sing praises to God, and counsel together regarding his work, knowing that we were not infringing upon the tyrannical laws of the sultan. This meeting was a great help to the whole Levant Union, as workers were gathered together from all the various mission fields. Especially was it a great help to the Turkish Mission.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.7

The Turkish Mission contains the greater part of the constituency of the Levant Union. At this meeting various plans were laid for furthering the cause in Turkey as well as throughout the Levant; a large portion of those plans are still to be carried out. Their execution depends largely upon the action of our brethren in this country, in supplying the men and means.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.8

Following this meeting, Elder Baharian and myself made a tour throughout central Turkey, visiting the isolated companies of Sabbath-keepers, some of whom had never seen a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Few can appreciate what this meant to the native constituency. God’s blessing attended us throughout the trip, most of which was made on horseback, as there are very few roads in that part of Turkey. During the trip, we were ten days in the carriage, and eleven days in the saddle. We visited ten churches and companies.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.9

Upon arrival at Constantinople the middle of December, I found it necessary, on account of my health, to make immediate plans to come to America, and I accordingly left Turkey, Jan. 10, 1909.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.10

STATISTICS

WASe

I would now give a brief statistical resume of the membership, workers, etc., of this field for the last four years. At the close of 1906 our membership was 243, in 2 churches, and 15 companies. Total workers, II; number baptized during the year 1906, 33. Money received, including tithes and offerings, $592.19. At the close of 1907 the membership had increased to 276, with 4 churches and 17 companies. The number baptized was 32; and the number of workers, 8; money received, $853.14. At the close of 1908 the membership shows only 233 members, with 5 churches and 10 companies; number baptized during the year, 18; total workers, 9; total money received, $621.30.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.11

The falling off in membership shown in the report for 1908 is due to two reasons: 1 Prior to the report for 1908, some 50 Sabbath-keepers had been reported who were not church-members, but in this report none but members of the church are reported; 2 an apostasy has been growing in the Levant Union, the center of which was in Egypt, and this affected the Turkish Mission Field. The crisis was reached in the beginning of the year 1908, when, after thorough work had been done, those who would not obey the truth of the third angel’s message were disfellowshiped. Great care was taken, however, to disfellowship only those who desired to be dropped from the church, and who would not conform to the teaching of the truth as it is in Jesus.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.12

Regarding the financial statements, I would say that the condition of the Turkish Mission has been such as to make it quite impossible to collect the church moneys into the treasury at regular intervals. This is the reason for the large showing in 1907, which is due to the fact that some of that money should have been collected in 1906. It is a pleasure to report, however, that even though there was a falling off in 1908 as compared with 1907, there is still an increase above 1906.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.13

The delegate from the home land who hears this report may consider the financial side to be weak as compared with the constituency. But when you consider that there are many families who live on from $50 to $75 a year, and that out of this must come their living expenses, you can readily see that the tithe must be very small. This is not true with all our brethren, however. Some of them God has blessed with reasonable means, and upon these we can depend for liberal tithe and offerings.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.14

Of the workers reported for 1908, there are 4 ordained ministers, 2 native workers, 2 licentiates, 1 nurse, and 1 Bible worker. So it can be seen that the force of workers for the population of eighteen millions of people is small indeed. The cry for workers comes from many a land, but there are many reasons why the special attention of our people should be called to our great Mohammedan mission fields.GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.15

FREEDOM FOR TURKEY

WASe

Prior to the granting of the constitution, the Turkish field was in many respects the most difficult in the world in which to work. Our brethren were not recognized by the government officials, because our church is not an established church according to Turkish law. If a man be not a church-member of some established church which is recognized by the Sublime Porte, he is not a protected subject under Moslem law. It would take a great deal of space to enter into details to show the embarrassing situation under which our work has been conducted. No meetings could legally be held anywhere. None of our people could become legally married without being baptized according to the rites of the Gregorian or Greek Orthodox churches. Neither could our people secure permission to travel. Our native workers were especially watched, and were not able to do any effectual work for weeks at a time. We sought God earnestly for a door to be opened whereby we might be able publicly to spread the gospel; and just while we were considering some plan by which we might accomplish this, the hand of God, which rules over the affairs of nations, was manifested in causing to come to pass a complete change in the Turkish empire. This change will be recorded in history as a miracle in the doings of nations, and we praise God that since July we have had a free hand in Turkey. The problem that now presents itself is not, How shall we secure the right to labor? but, How shall we fill the great open door that we now face?GCB May 26, 1909, page 168.16

FACING THE FUTURE

WASe

Before us lies an empire of many nations; for so diverse are the peoples of the Ottoman empire that it can be said to be a grouping together of several nations and tribes into one great empire.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.1

As distinct and separate from each other are the different languages of Turkey, as the English language is separate from any one of them. There are some 19 or 20 distinct languages spoken in the empire, besides the various dialects of these languages. The acquiring of one of these languages is practically of no assistance in acquiring a second. We need workers to master these languages, and to enter into the field to reach the various peoples with the message.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.2

Whether you consider it politically, religiously, or prophetically, there is no country in the world to-day that occupies a position of so unique importance as does the Turkish empire.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.3

No longer can we maintain the plea that Turkey is so largely a closed field that it will not pay to spend our energies upon it until the door is opened, for now the door is opened. O, how important that we should be ready to enter the regions beyond at these critical moments! Hours might be spent in making pleas, but, brethren, consider just a moment that in the world there are two hundred million Mohammedans, from whose ranks but one has been converted to the truth.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.4

I hope a liberal supply of men and means may be supplied to carry on our work not only in Turkey, but also in Persia and in Egypt. In view of the fact that God has permitted me to be so afflicted as to make it necessary to lay down my work for the present, I would urge that some strong, devoted Christian worker be found to take up the work in the Turkish field immediately. May our prayers go up to God in behalf of the millions who to-day turn their faces in their devotion toward Mecca. Let us supply means whereby their faces may be turned toward the New Jerusalem.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.5

C. D. Ac Moody: There lies before me an interesting letter written by Robt. S. Greaves, our minister at Smyrna. I shall not have time to read this to-day; but I must state that Brother Greaves is of good courage, and is making steady progress in his study of the Greek language. At the time of my last visit with him, in December, he desired me to carry to this Conference his greetings.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.6

H. R. Salisbury: Would it not be fitting for this Conference to send a memorial of sympathy to our brethren who remain alive in Turkey. This is the very least that we could possibly do; and later I hope that this memorial may be followed by something more substantial. I would move, Mr. Chairman, that we, in Conference assembled, send such a memorial to them, and that the chair appoint a committee of three to draft this memorial.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.7

E. E. Andross: I second the motion.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.8

H. Shultz: Let us not forget Brother Salisbury’s suggestion that this memorial be followed by something more substantial.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.9

The motion passed unanimously, and the chairman appointed the following persons to act on this committee: H. R. Salisbury, G. B. Thompson, L. R. Conradi.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.10

Upon motion, the Conference adjourned to 10:30 A. M., May 26.GCB May 26, 1909, page 169.11

G. A. IRWIN, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

A TOUCHING APPEAL

WASe

During the Monday night service, May 24, when the delegates from the South African Union Conference, with the aid of a stereopticon, vividly portrayed conditions surrounding our mission stations in the interior of the dark continent, there was thrown upon the screen a photograph of a native chief who had walked for three hundred miles to one of our stations to plead for a teacher to be sent to his people. At the time, no teacher could be sent, and the chief had to return home alone, hoping against hope that sometime we might send a missionary in response to his plea. Elder H. J. Edmed said:—GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.1

And this chief is only one of many who are urging us to send them missionaries who can teach Bible truth. The few out-stations that have been established are only a beginning of what must be done all over that great field. That which has already been accomplished, only urges on. The graves of our missionaries are beckoning us to advance, constantly advance. The conditions themselves constitute the strongest possible argument in favor of the extension of our work in that mission territory. Those who are already on the ground, are laboring to the utmost of their strength; their brethren in America, we are confident, will give them most hearty support.GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.2

By and by, when the Lord Jesus comes in glory, yea, when he stands in the midst of the brethren, his church, and sings that lovely song (Hebrews 2:12), we hope that thousands of these dark sons and daughters of Africa will be there to say Alleluia!—and they will be there, if we support God’s missions. We appeal to you, brethren. Those whose graves you have seen on the screen tonight, the men and women still living, whose faces bear the marks of fever, of deprivation, of distress, of sorrow,—these appeal to you to-night: “Send us help! Send us means!” Lift up your prayers to God, that he may bless poor, benighted Africa!GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.3

COME INTO LINE

WASe

[“In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world’s insignia; the other was led by the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel.... An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standard of Emmanuel into many hands, while a mighty General cried our with a loud voice: Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position.”—“Testimonies for the Church 8:41.]GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.4

The conflict is raging, the armies now clash,
But ‘mid the loud roar comes a message divine;
Our mighty Commander, our General, cries,
To laggard and loiterer, “Come into line!”GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.5

CHORUS:
Come into line! Come into line!
Message from heaven—message divine.
March on as a unit, God gives the sign;
Gird up your loins, now, and “Come into line!”GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.6

My brother, arouse! hear the tread of the foe!
He boldly advances with evil design;
Enroll ‘neath Emmanuel’s banner to-day
Make full consecration and “Come into line!”GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.7

What is there that hinders your progress to-day?
Cut off the right hand, and pluck out the right eye!
Yes, idols as dear as your strength and your sight
Must now be renounced, or you perish, you die!GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.8

O laggard, respond to the call of the hour!
The day is far spent. See, the sum doth decline;
Do something, or nothing; be hot or be cold;
Drop out altogether, or “come into line!”GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.9

God’s church must be perfect, be blameless, be pure.
He offers to-day the assurance divine
That all may be robed in his spotless attire
Who heed his injunction to “COME INTO LINE!”GCB May 26, 1909, page 170.10

MRS. EDITH B. GOODRICH.

Meadow Glade, Wash.

Conference Proceedings. TWENTIETH MEETING

May 27, 1909 - NO. 12