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The fourth meeting of the General Conference was called at the usual time, 10:30 a. m. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.1
Prayer by Elder R. A. Underwood. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.2
Minutes of last meeting read, and, with slight verbal changes, approved. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.3
The General Conference Association presented a financial report through A. R. Henry, the treasurer. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.4
The General Conference Association of the Seventh-day Adventists is an incorporated organization under the laws of Michigan, and is an auxiliary of the General Conference for the purpose of holding and transferring property. The report on finance showed that the Association had received from all sources for eight months up to Nov. 1, 1888, $26,634.58, including $1,250.61 on hand. It had paid out to ministers and others, $17,514.06 and for sundries $1,602.73, leaving a balance of cash on hand of $7,517.79. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.5
A printed statement of the mission finances in detail was circulated among the delegates and will appear in the Year Book. This statement showed that the indebtedness of the various foreign missions to the General Conference association, June 30, 1888, was as follows: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.6
| Australian mission | $ 947 83 |
| (Due to the Pacific Press, $1,700 British mission | 5,808 05 |
| European mission | 5,276 89 |
| Scandinavian mission | 4,283 13 |
| South African mission | 807 46 |
But this latter mission had at this date several thousand dollars to its credit in the International Sabbath-School Association. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.7
The present worth of the following missions were given: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.8
| Central European mission | $31,727 92 |
| Australian mission | 13,178 91 |
| Scandinavian mission | 10,774 52 |
The details of the printed statement were too many to be reproduced here. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.9
Motion to adopt the report resulted in the amending of the motion so as to refer it back to the treasurer. This was in order that the report might be made more complete. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.10
Motion and amendment carried. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.11
Report of the Foreign Mission Secretary was called for, and Elder W. C. White, the secretary, reported as follows: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.12
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By reference to the minutes of the last conference we find that six of the thirty resolutions and committee reports relate to foreign mission work. The particular subjects referred to in these were: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.13
1. The Missionary Ship.
2. The Christmas Offerings to Missions.
3. The Prosperity of our Missions.
4. Our Approval of Mission Schools for Canvassers.
5. Approval of the Establishment of the British Publishing House in London.
6. Suggesting the First Day Offerings for Missions.
As the third, fourth, and fifth referred to steps already taken, we need not speak of them particularly; but cannot refrain from remarking that the prosperity of our missions for which we were so thankful one year ago, has increased and continued to the present time, as is shown by the reports given by Elders Haskell and Conradi, and by the statistical reports which will hereafter appear. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.14
The time of our most efficient missionaries during the last year has been largely given to the educating and training of younger laborers, and to the preparation of books, which are essential to the future prosperity of the work. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.15
Especially is this the case with the Central European and the British Missions, and the experience of the year confirms us in the belief that it is necessary to give our first and best efforts to the training of laborers for all branches of the work and for all classes of society. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.16
The three resolutions relating to future work have been carried out something as follows: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.17
While the committee were considering the matter of building a ship, Elder Cudney borrowed one and has gone on his way to the Pacific Islands. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.18
The Christmas donations amounted to the generous sum of $27,162.89. Without this we do not know how our faithful missionaries could have been kept in the field without actual suffering. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.19
The recommendation of the financial committee, that our people everywhere literally carry out the advice of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him,” as a weekly, free-will offering in behalf of the foreign work, has been quite generally undertaken by our people. Over 23,000 boxes, prepared for the reception of these offerings, have been sent out to the several conferences and distributed. At the annual sessions of the State Conferences this plan of benevolence has been unanimously approved; and we trust that as soon as the plan is fully in operation, we shall see a more liberal support furnished to all our missionary enterprises. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 7.20
The amount received from these boxes the first quarter was $1,231.46; for the second quarter, $2,900.00; the reports for the third quarter have not all come in. If we may suppose that there were in use 1500 boxes in the second quarter; the average amount of the quarter donations is less than $2 apiece. We must believe that this average will be largely increased during the coming year. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.1
Of the 47 recommendations made at a committee on the distribution of labor, there were ten relating to foreign fields, and in accordance with these recommendations. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.2
Elder G. C. Tenny spent about four months at the Pacific Press Publishing House, gathering information and experience in editorial and publishing work, and then proceeded to Australia where he received a cordial welcome and has been made president of their conference just organized. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.3
Elder J. N. Ericsson has labored successfully in Stockholm, Sweden, where we have a large and growing church. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.4
Elder H. P. Holser, sent to Bassel to act as treasurer of the Central European Mission and take the oversight of the book sales department in the publishing house, has also been chosen president of the Central European Conference. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.5
Elder D. A. Robinson, called away from the African field to assist Elder Haskell in London, is now acting as one of the editors of Present Truth, and is principal teacher in the London City Mission Training School. From a recent letter which he writes, we take the following items of interest: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.6
“The success that Bro. Arnold has had in the canvassing work demonstrates that it can be made a success. A new and cheap edition of “thoughts” was needed which could be sold by the thousands, at about a crown ($1.20) per copy. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.7
They are now printing the Ministration of Angels as revised by Elder J. H. Waggoner. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.8
A different location was desirable for the office on Paternoster Row. One on the ground floor would be better. The T. and M. Society in London send out weekly about 350 Present Truths. About fifty are sent each Sunday evening to the preaching service. The work there is thoroughly organized, and souls are accepting the truth. Books and tracts bearing the London imprint would be much better. A suggestion was made that a special edition of the Present Truth be issued for New Years, and about 20,000 copies circulated throughout the United Kingdom. He would like a change in the name of the paper. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.9
Bro. William Arnold has spent about two months in London selling “thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” and has discovered that there is a demand for such works in England, and that a wise and energetic canvasser can succeed in that field. Our Brethren in London petition that Bro. Arnold may return as early as March to continue this work and to teach others. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.10
Bro. G. B. Langdon, who was recommended to go to the assistance of Bro. Daniels in New Zealand, was detained by business matters, and Bro. Robert Hare, of New Zealand, who has spent two years studying and laboring in California, was ordained, and has returned to his native land, and is now laboring with Bro. Daniels in Napier. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.11
Bro. R. A. Hart has labored faithfully as business manager in the Christiania Publishing House, and our Scandinavian Brethren wish him to return. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.12
Elder I. J. Hankins, who took the place of Elder Robinson in the South African field, is laboring in Cape Town and vicinity, and has the care of the book depository, from which many publications are sold to persons becoming interested in the Message, and through three faithful book agents in the field. We believe that another minister, or business man to take charge of the book business, ought to be sent to this field. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.13
Brother A. La Rue, who was recommended to labor as ship missionary in the islands of the Pacific, after spending about two months in Honolulu, proceeded to Hong Kong, China, where he is selling books and selling tracts and periodicals with the assistance of Brother Olson, who was converted on the passage through Brother La Rue’s labors. I will here read a portion of his letter: GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.14
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DEAR BROTHER WHITE - I left Oakland for Honolulu Dec. 7, 1887. Was there until March 21, 1888, during which time I closed out the stock of books left at that place. I sold what I could; brought about $10 worth with me, and the balance I sent to the Signs office. All the tracts and pamphlets I brought with me, and I supposed I had a large supply, but find that they are nearly all used up already. I have sent quite a large number by mail to different parts of the country. The postage is high. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.15
I never saw people read our publications better than they do here. I put up a distributor, labeled, “Read and Return,” in which I put eighty pamphlets, and I am beginning to think I will never see one of them again; but I am glad to have them read, and would rather pay for them myself than not have them circulated, for they are stirring up things magnificently. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.16
You may rest assured that I will use our publications with great discretion and to the best advantage, and will try to see that there is nothing lost or wasted. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.17
I have no bill against the conference aside from my time which commenced Dec. 7, 1887, when I left you last fall. I keep up all expenses of the mission work by subscription and book sales. I have more than done this thus far, and believe I can do it right along. [This has reference to profits alone.] GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.18
Now, I wish to speak of the ship work on the Asiatic coast, which is a very important work indeed. With the exception of the ocean mail steamer, I find very few ships that have ever heard of our books and publications. Here the ships are not allowed to come to the wharf at all, but are obliged to load and unload by lighters. In this respect it is different than on the United States coast. The harbor is about ten miles square and the vessels are anchored all over it. The sampan, or boat hire, comes to about $150 a year. This is an unavoidable expense, and cannot be helped. If the conference will pay this or a part of it, it will help me in the work. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 8.19
Brother Olson has been with me right from the first; and, although he gives his time to the work, he is some expense to me. I do not complain, however, for it takes two to manage the work here, and I do not know how I would get along without him. It is just the work he wants to give him the experience he needs. What wonderful work the Lord has done for him in so short a time! He has quit the sea forever, and is so careful, saving and contented - so different from what he used to be. He talks some of trying to get back to his home in Sweden. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.1
It does seem to me that there should be some ship missions similar to this started immediately in Shanghai, Yokohama, and Singapore. It seems to me that this should have been taken hold of at least five years ago. And if it had been, how different it would be here now. We would have a home among our own people here. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.2
Your Brother in the work,
A. LA RUE.
Brother La Rue is now about 60 years of age, but his zeal, like Moses’ strength, is unabated with age, and his example ought to stimulate many young men. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.3
Adjourned to call of chair. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.4
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Instead of the regular business session at this hour, the society listened with interest and profit to a missionary sermon. After singing “Life’s Harvest,” prayer and Hymn No. 1317, S. N. Haskell remarked that it would be profitable to present some principles that would make us successful in our ministry. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.5
As long as there are souls to be saved the gospel must be preached. The text may be found 1 Corinthians 8:8-19. These words reveal the motive of the Apostle in all his labors. No man wrote more than he, and his writings have influenced men wherever the gospel has gone, and he occupied about the same place in the christian church that Moses did under the old dispensation. God makes no mistakes in his choice of men. “Though I be free from all men.” He stood free, yet made Himself a servant to all, and in Romans 1:14, he says he is debtor to all men; free, yet a debtor to all. Principles governed him; verse 16, “Though I preach, yet it is of necessity.” GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.6
Paul gave himself to the work, and there was a mutual agreement between Paul and God. Other phases of the work than the ministry may be filled by men and be accepted by God as workers in His cause. God lays responsibilities upon men, they choose to accept it, and yet may fail and find woe upon them. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.7
We can do willingly or we can limit our work and receive no reward. The reward is proportionate to our sacrifice and willingness to labor; verse 18. It was the Apostle’s privilege to have support from his labor, but he was willing to labor without that he might the more certain gain the reward. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.8
Evidences of a call are seen in the fruit of men’s labor. Souls won to the truth are the fruit of labor, - evidences of a call to labor in the cause of God. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.9
Did the gospel require that he should make this sacrifice? Are not they that sow spiritual things worthy to share carnal things? Paul did not use this power. God hath ordained otherwise, but Paul would not be chargeable to any. Paul feared that his glory might be made void. We should not demand our rights, but willingly submit to the will of others, and God will honor us in giving us fruit. Why such a scarcity of fruit? The governing principle of Paul’s life is lacking. With him the principle was paramount. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.10
Paul’s mind was so absorbed that the beauties of nature, the perils and affliction was unworthy to speak of. Paul might claim more than other men, yet he considered it foolish to speak of them. Paul’s suffering made him so pre-eminent - 2 Corinthians 9:1-7; 12:7-11. Paul considered his infirmity as a hindrance to his work in the gospel, but the promise of God was given for his encouragement. The glory of God rests upon us when we are helpless and will take hold of the strong arm of Christ for help. When we adapt ourselves to the work God’s glory rests upon us. When our strength fails then the strength of God is given. We must conform ourselves to those we would save to be successful 2 Cor. 12:6 - 13. Customs are different among different nations. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.11
Great reverence is shown for God, His house and ministry in foreign countries. Here we see but little respect shown for God or His house. We should carefully guard against destroying the reverence of the people that are holy. God meets men where they are, and we should do the same, brethren. Even in the islands of the ocean many show more respect and reverence for the things of God than the masses here in this boasted land. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.12
I was invited to preach on the boat as I was coming over, but I did not know how to run their machine. Something odd was demanded. We chose our usual service, and many congratulated us after the service, but it would not have done in an old or settled church. We must avoid extremes. Sometimes it becomes necessary to get out of our old shells. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.13
Visiting an old lady in Dublin, at her door I asked to have a season of prayer with her. She excused herself, but finally consented, and as I went in I found a ground floor with hens and chickens around us, and there the Lord met us and blessed us richly. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.14
The gospel is worth more than all the forms of our select society. Meet the people where they are; sympathize with them, pray for them and thus they may be saved. We must have the spirit of adaptability to succeed. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 9.15
The love of Christ should dwell in our hearts - 1 Corinthians 1:4. We must have an experience to reach others if we want to help others we must realize the help of God to us - verse 5. Our afflictions are to be turned to account in helping others who are afflicted. Paul and Silas in prison, with feet in stocks, and backs lacerated, they say, and here we learn that Paul could sing. They were there in God’s providence to save the jailer. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 10.1
In our journeys we meet many whom we may not meet again until the judgment. Be careful how you meet them, but you need not tell all you know. We need the wisdom of a serpent and the harmlessness of a dove. Leave right impressions upon the mind of those with whom you come in contact. Be sure and do no harm, even if you can do no good. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 10.2
This is the Lord’s work, not ours. God does not send us out to cram the truth down men’s throats, but to lead them to the truth. God wants men that he can trust to send to the ends of the earth. It must go now as it did in the apostolic age. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 10.3
Any new revelations of light must go to all the nations of the earth. The isles must hear and rejoice. Do you suppose that God will pass them by? Not by any means. The providences of God are going before us to all parts of the habitable globe; they will be warned before the Lord comes. We are coming to the last days, we will soon appear before the great white throne. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 10.4
Hundreds of canvassers could be used in foreign lands, and we could find many precious souls in the fruitful field. God will search the honest souls out and save them at the coming of the Lord. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 10.5
May the Lord grant his blessing, enlarge our hearts and save us with an everlasting salvation when the Lord shall appear in His glory. Amen. GCDB October 22, 1888, page 10.6