33rd Session. - WORCESTER, MASS., SUNDAY, - VOLUME 8. SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS. - NUMBER 3
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General Conference Daily Bulletin, Vol. 8 (1899)
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February 19, 1899
33rd Session. - WORCESTER, MASS., SUNDAY, - VOLUME 8. SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS. - NUMBER 3
The Daily Bulletin,
PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF
Seventh-day Adventists.F. S. BLANCHARD & CO., Printers, Worcester.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, - 50 CENTS.
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER
God can not have many churches, nor even two churches, - but only one: he recognizes no more. This is not only reasonable; it is a logical necessity. It is, then, just as logical and needful that those who desire to array themselves on God’s side should heed the call of God, and join themselves to his own true church, which has existed through the ages, and of which Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Jesus Christ and his disciples were members.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.1
These and kindred thoughts were most impressively enforced in Elder Irwin’s Bible study on the church, of which an abstract is given in this issue.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.2
Our hearts may be always filled with gladness at the goodness of God, for his blessings are unmeasured and his tender mercies are without limit.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.3
A NOTABLE DAY
Sabbath, February 18, was a day long to be remembered by the delegates of the thirty-third General Conference. With the opening of the day, Elder A. F. Ballenger gave a discourse on consecration, at the close of which many responded, some with tearful eyes, saying they wanted and must have a baptism of the Holy Spirit. This work was carried on at the eight o’clock service in the morning, and there was a general shout of victory all along the line. Confessions were made of hindering besetments, and these were repudiated, when gleams of holy joy would light up the face. It was good to be present.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.4
At the ten o’clock service, Elder J. A. Brunson gave the trumpet a certain sound in an appeal to prepare for translation at the soon coming of the Lord. It was indeed a revival of the message of days of old, and caused a thrill of solemn joy in the hearts of those who have long loved the message of the Master’s near return. It was the third angel’s message in purity and power.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.5
The afternoon service was conducted by Elder J. N. Loughborough; and after the reading of a brief testimony, the meeting was thrown open to the brethren, who occupied the time until five o’clock. The meetings of the day betoken a pentecostal outpouring before the conference closes. Already the differences of the brethren are disappearing, and it is expected that ere long a mighty “one-accord” meeting will lift the brethren into a power long desired, but never yet realized. God speed the day!GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.6
THE SABBATH-SCHOOL
The delegates and visitors conducted a Sabbath-school in the academy chapel,GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.7
PICTURE - ELDER J. N. ANDREWS
under the direction of the officers of the Sabbath-school Association. There were 215 in attendance, and the collection amounted to $14.21. Quite a number attended the Sabbath-school held at the church.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.8
The devotional exercises were conducted by Elders Corliss and Place. Prof. C. C. Lewis gave a comprehensive view of all the lessons studied thus far in the life of Christ. Each event was brought clearly before the mind by placing a suggestive word on the blackboard, and also locating on an outline map each place mentioned. A few minutes were then spent in impressing the practical lessons on the baptism of Jesus, closing with the quotation from the “Desire of Ages,” - “The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, ‘Thou art my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.’”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.9
The class study was most profitable and pleasant.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.10
OUR FIRST EUROPEAN MISSIONARY
The name of John Nevins Andrews is sacredly enshrined in the memory of all whose good fortune it was to be personally acquainted with him; and that name should hold a high and honorable place in the hearts of all who claim to be friends of “present truth,” as taught and followed by Seventh-day Adventists.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.11
Elder Andrews was born in Poland, Cumberland Co., Maine, July 3, 1828. When the great Advent movement of the early part of this generation culminated in the experience of 1844, he was only sixteen years of age; but even then he was deeply interested in that movement, being an earnest and intelligent student of the Bible. When, in 1845, the view that obligation to the fourth commandment of the decalogue could not be met without observing the seventh day as the Sabbath, was first advocated, he readily yielded to its demands. From that time forward, his pen and tongue were busy in the defense and promulgation of this and kindred doctrines.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.12
His greatest work, “The History of the Sabbath,” begun about 1854, occupied his time for nearly ten years, in the most thorough and conscientious research through all the best equipped libraries of this country. The result was a work that has withstood the most rigid research, and the sharpest criticism, that could be brought against it.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.13
In answer to a call from Switzerland in 1873, Elder Andrews was appointed to that mission, and sailed from this country Sept. 15, 1874. He soon made himself proficient in both the French and German languages, and in July, 1876, began the publication, in Basel, Switzerland, of a monthly French journal called “Les Signes des Temps.” To this, and the general work in that country, he assiduously devoted himself, till he fell a victim to consumption, Oct. 21, 1883.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.14
Though he rests from his labors, still, as the voice from heaven announces, his works do follow him; and light is still shining from what he has left behind him, to cheer believers, and to frustrate the counsels of the unfriendly.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.15
GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Christian Education - Financial Management of Schools - Address of the President of the International Sabbath-school Association - Secretaries’ Reports - Interesting Papers.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.16
FOURTH MEETING, THURSDAY, 3 P. M. FEBRUARY 16
The Chair: Inasmuch as the meeting of the conference this afternoon is a continuation of the forenoon meeting, with the consent of the delegates we will waive the reading of the minutes. It may be best to read and correct these but once a day, - in the morning, - unless something arises to require a change in the arrangement. I would like to say a word in regard to the size of the BULLETIN. It seems a little surprising to some of the delegates, and may not at first strike you very favorably. One reason it was put in this form was because it could be got out for about $450 less in this form than in the former style, and at the same time we would have more matter. This size also enables us better to use cuts of our institutions, and will better receive tabulated reports. It is the same size as the Review and Herald, and may be bound in the covers with it. A letter has been received from Elder Daniells, of Australia, saying that he could not be present, and giving the reasons. We thought it proper that the committee for that field should be represented on some of the committees, and accordingly the General Conference Committee, at its noon session, voted that Brother W. L. H. Baker should represent that field on the Committee on Plans and Resolutions. Brother Baker will therefore take his place on that committee. We were considering educational interests this forenoon. If the brother who was speaking at the adjournment this noon wishes to continue, he has the floor.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.17
A. J. Breed: I rise to ask a question, and then to make a statement: There are two colleges represented in District 6, - Walla Walla and Healdsburg, - and the subject of education is a live one there, because its schools are laboring under the same financial depression with the other schools; and it has been a question as to how these schools could be kept running, and meet the demands that are made upon them. I will speak of Walla Walla College in particular. If I understand the matter rightly, we have between $50,000 and $60,000 indebtedness.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 25.18
The General Conference Association has expended $30,000 there. This would leave between $25,000 and $30,000 to be provided otherwise. There is a sum due the association from that college. Would it not be possible for the association to set apart that amount, and let the district become personally responsible for the remainder, - between $25,000 and $30,000? If it does not, I do not see how it will ever be possible for it to get its money. This would be a great relief to Walla Walla College, and it would be a stimulus to the brethren there if that responsibility could be placed upon them. If this could be done, they would realize their responsibility, and I believe would go to work and raise the money.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.1
C. P. Bollman: I would like to ask if Brother Breed’s proposition is that the General Conference Association shall give the part of the debt they owe them.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.2
The Chair: I so understand it.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.3
A. J. Breed: Yes, it would result in that very thing. May I raise another question? If that can not be done, what can be? Now the association has appropriated money for the establishment of some of the schools. Let it now appropriate that debt, just as if it were so many thousand dollars, and start the work of education in that place with that amount; then let the brethren take hold in that field, and build it up, and become personally responsible for the remainder. I myself do not see why this could not be done, unless there is something in the work of the association to prevent it. The school is well equipped, and is carrying on the work successfully. I presume we shall hear a report which will give a statement of its standing.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.4
The Chair: The only way I can see that this could be done would be by the people’s first giving the money to the General Conference Association. The association is responsible for this money, and if it appropriates it to that school, or any other school, it is responsible for it. It has given its notes for it. The only way it could give it would be for the people to reimburse the General Conference Association.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.5
S. H. Lane: If time is worth $2.50 a minute, and I take time that is running to waste, then my speech will cost you nothing. There is a living issue before us, - one that we meet squarely. I am not authorized to answer any question that has been raised, but if the General Conference Association itself was out of debt, and had the money, I am inclined to think that the committee that composes the General Conference Association would be willing to help any college or academy that is struggling in debt. But the association itself being deeply involved, it is in poor condition to give away any of its assets. It seems to me that there are only two things that we can do. They may seem radical, but a radical measure would better be adopted than to let the matter run, and involve us more and more every year. If I understand that which has been given to us concerning our schools, - the Lord is not pleased to have us go into a large city, confine ourselves to that city, and have no land on which to develop this work. Where we are now situated, land is not available. The only thing we can do, and the most sensible thing to do, is to sell that college, and get out into the country, near some village, and put up smaller buildings, which will be less expensive; and then do what the Lord has said, go into the work on the industrial plan. If this is done, that will solve the debt question; but if this can not be done, there is no use of appealing to an association that has no money. Our only source of appeal is the people; and I am inclined to think that if we will go to our brethren and sisters, and if we have made a mistake, say, “Now we worked in honesty, and are involved; will you not come to the rescue, and help us out? It will take a long pull; but if you will make a steady pull, the money will come,” we shall find Seventh-day Adventists the most liberal people in this world. There is not a more tender-hearted people. And if we say, “Here is an institution that is correctly situated, and has every element of success in it, and were it not bound around by debts, it would make a success of the work; now will you not help it?” - I believe our brethren and sisters will respond, even to a college appeal. But if we try to plan this thing and that thing to tide us over for the time being, we shall not strike the root of the thing, and sooner or later, we shall have to do what it now seems we can not do. It is true that the conferences can help somewhat by supporting the teachers; it is true that if the schools are conducted during the summer, they can be run cheaper, - a thought worth considering, - and we may perhaps have fewer teachers. That will not lift thousands and thousands of dollars, but it will help. I believe our only appeal is to the people.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.6
N. W. Allee: I have been trying to find the unknown partner in all these discussions, but I have not located him yet. It has been asserted that in these districts where this large indebtedness exists, each of these districts is entirely unable to handle this indebtedness, and then it is affirmed that the people will take it. But where are the people, if they are not in the districts? It appears to me that we would better just acknowledge the situation as it is, and grapple with it as it is, and not as it is not. I have not been able to find the unknown partner who is going to furnish the money outside of the district. It must come from the people who are there, and the indebtedness must be paid; but how are we going to unload it if there is nobody to unload it upon? I am reminded of what I heard concerning a certain work being started in Europe. It was very discouraging. Elder W. C. White was sent over there, and the brethren all told him what they could not do. He listened patiently, and then said, “You have told what you can not do; now let us talk about what we can do.” It seems to me that in these discussions we must come to some plan by which something can be done to liquidate this indebtedness, and not try to find some person or persons upon whom we can lay it. I will not pretend to say how this ought to be done, whether by districts or as a whole; but it appears to me that we must take hold of the problem as it is.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.7
The end has not yet been reached. We have been assured, time and again, that before the end all our institutions will have their capacity taxed to accommodate what will be required of them. If this is true, and it certainly is, let us take courage, and not look upon the dark side, but try to find the other party, whom we have not yet found on whom to unload this. We can do it, brethren. Let us meet it like men, in the name of the Lord, and I believe the solution will be forthcoming.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.8
M. C. Wilcox: My school experience has not been very large; yet I have felt a great burden concerning our schools, and the heavy indebtedness resting upon them. It seems to me that in three or four different ways, there is a solution of the problem. In the first place, the debts exist; we have groaned over them, and complained about them. Many of the methods and plans by which these debts were incurred were wrong; we admit that. The Lord has told us so. If we did not know any better then, we ought to have known better, because God had wisdom for us then. But the mistake was made; now let us acknowledge it before God, and accept the matter just as it is. Why not lift them instead of groaning over them longer? Why not put our shoulders to lift these debts, by making sacrifices for them? I believe that unless we come to that place where we are willing to make sacrifices, and meet these things where they are, the problem will not be solved. When our limit is reached, God will open the way with means that we know nothing about; but until we have reached the limit of our power, the burden will grow heavier, and we ourselves weaker. Why not take hold of it as belonging to us, because we belong to God, and believe that God is going to help us?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.9
There may be some help, and doubtless some will come from the conferences. That is true of some of our schools to a certain extent now. It might be made even more practicable in connection with all our schools, in the payment of teachers. It seems to me that much more can be done in industrial lines to make the schools self-sustaining; and that means adopting such simple plans as we know nothing about at the present time. It seems to me that we have looked to the world for plans instead of to God; and that God has far better plans than we have ever realized or conceived of yet to open before us when we are willing to seek him, and ask him what his plans are concerning the conduct of our schools. If we would ask him just what he means, and just what he would have us do, laying ourselves entirely open to him, so as to be willing to do the work he would have us do, it matters not with how much sacrifice to our dignity, I believe the Lord would open plans and ways for us by which our schools could be far nearer the self-sustaining point than they are now. Let us simplify, and reduce expenses and the teaching force. I know that in some of our schools, classes have been maintained where there were only one or two in a class, necessitating carrying one or two teachers simply for the education of one or two pupils. It is a question whether the plan of teaching may not be made much simpler, and the real basic thought be brought into our schools in a larger way than it is at present.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.10
R. R. Kennedy: I thought perhaps it might be well to give a brief history of our school work at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Word came to us that the sanitarium at Mt. Vernon should be changed into an academy. Having this Testimony, we proceeded to follow its directions, although we had no means. Small donations toward the amount necessary to be raised were received, yet there remained about $12,000, and we did not know where to get it. So we applied to the General Conference. They loaned us $12,000, and we promised faithfully to repay it as soon as possible. I am glad to say that we have been able to pay every cent of that indebtedness. How was it done? In the first place, we made a call at one of our camp-meetings for funds to pay this debt. We set this matter before the people just as it was. They were in harmony and sympathy with us, and about $4,000 was paid of pledges of $7,000, and then the Lord moved upon the heart of a brother to give his farm to the Ohio Conference; and with that we were enabled to pay our debts, as far as the General Conference is concerned. But our school was running behind every year. We went along for a while, and then we determined to try to live within our means. We followed the industrial plan as far as we could, with careful management, - our professors going right out into the work with the students, which has made the work harmonious both among students and professors. Our professors have not stood back in the shade and said, “Go, boys;” but they have said, “Come, boys.” One of the professors would take a squad here, and another there, and they would all go to work; and with our small piece of land, we have been able, by careful management, to bring our school out even.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.11
W. W. Prescott: I know from my own experience that it is a great deal easier to run a school on the floor of this conference than in the school itself. I have been waiting to hear those who are engaged in the actual work, because experience is a grand thing, as I have found out. I believe it is a simple fact, - and the brother has just spoken of the demonstration of the fact, - that a school can be run on its income. That is the way we run our families - the way we have to. We do not appeal to the conference at the end of the year if we have got behind; we have to go to work and pay up. I do not know of any reason why a school should not pay its own expenses, just the same as a man pays his own expenses when he has his audit from the conference. Now that does not mean necessarily that all the expenses of the school should be paid on tuition, because the matter has already been suggested here, and the plan has already been adopted in nearly all the schools, that one or more instructors should be paid by the conferences. That is right enough, but I do not think any managing board really has a right to run a school steadily, entirely on its operating expenses. I think the suit must be cut according to the cloth (who is going to furnish more cloth?), and I think this can be done. I know it has been done; I had five years’ experience in it. I therefore move, in order to have something definite before the conference, that it be the sense of this conference that the managing boards of the various schools shall operate the school with the income, from whatever source, - shall meet the expenses year by year.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.12
R. A. Underwood: I second the motion.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.13
Chairman: All in favor of the motion say, Aye. Opposed, No.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.14
Carried.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.15
I. H. Evans: Does this motion include simply the operating department, or the meeting of the interest on the debts?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.16
W. W. Prescott: The motion does not state. The question is as to whether or not this motion should include the interest on the debts, and the motion does not state that. I do not know that it would be exactly fair to state that, because circumstances vary so much. Referring to our own experience, we paid the interest on our debt every year, besides the operating expenses. We had an interest-bearing debt of somewhere near $40,000, and we paid the interest on the debt every year, paid the repairs needed to the property, and made additions to the value of the property; and we did not have any conference then paying teachers, but we paid the whole thing out of the income from tuition.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.17
H. W. Cottrell: I would like to ask the brother from Ohio if the running expenses and the interest on the present indebtedness were met from the income last year, or is there no indebtedness on the Mt. Vernon school now?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.18
R. R. Kennedy: There is no indebtedness; it has all been paid. There was something more than $12,000 indebtedness on it at one time.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.19
C. McReynolds: I am heartily in favor of the motion that has been made. I have always been in favor of it. In years past I have grieved to see large debts incurred in the running expenses of our schools. I have been deceived, as well as others, into favoring the erection of large buildings, and I do not wish to excuse myself in any way; but now that we are in debt, we must grapple with the matter. The one thing I wish to call the attention of the delegates to is that in order to raise money to pay debts, we must have the confidence of our brethren throughout the field. If we secure this, and will not exceed our expenses, we shall then regain the confidence of our brethren, and be able to raise money. But the first thing to be done is to restore confidence.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 26.20
Clarence Santee: It seems to me that if this resolution is put to a vote and carried, there is danger that it will be premature legislation, at least for Union College. As I understand it, the purport of the resolution is to the effect that the boards be instructed not to allow, from now on, any school to go deeper in debt than it now is. It is well known that a year ago the sum of $2,000 was apportioned to the different States of District 3 to insure a water-supply for the school. I have just received word that the water-supply is now failing. About two hundred and fifty feet under the surface, or a little below where we now are, there is a stratum of salt. The prospect now is that we shall have to go about a mile and three quarters away to get water. Now if the board should follow literally this instruction, it would simply mean that the school would closed; but if the board should go ahead, as it would under ordinary circumstances, it would seem to be going contrary to the instruction of the General Conference.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.1
H. W. Cottrell: When the patronage is not sufficient to meet both the interest that has to be met and the running expenses of the school, how shall we pay the debts, and meet the necessary expenses, when they are more than the income?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.2
A. J. Breed: There is one question I would like to raise: A school goes on to lay its plans for a year’s work, and manages about as a tailor does in taking a measurement of a man for a suit of clothes. He takes the right measurement, but perhaps he has not a sufficient amount of cloth to make the suit. As I said, the school lays its plans, advertises liberally, works up an interest, lays in supplies, etc. But after a time it finds that it does not have the patronage. Now does this mean that if, in the middle of the winter, it is found that the expenses are not met, the school must be closed?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.3
N. P. Nelson: I desire to say a few words in regard to the Union College water-supply. Brother Santee has already spoken of that, but I have just received an even more discouraging report than he gave. An effort was made to secure water, and a contract was let, with the stipulation that $1,000 would be given to the man if he could succeed in getting five hundred barrels of water a day. This he has failed to do, and there is but little prospect that he will succeed. I think we shall have to go for water to the basin, as Brother Santee suggested. We raised, in addition to the $2,000 already mentioned, about $2,000 more to pay the teachers. That money has been paid, and the teachers have received their pay. We are short about $2,000 again this year. I think there is some hope for Union College. Two years ago we purchased a farm of between 200 and 300 acres, with utensils for farming cows, horses, etc., and started in to improve it. Much of it is now under cultivation; already it has yielded quite a profit, and we are paying off that debt, which, at the present rate, will soon be liquidated. Union College has three departments, English, Scandinavian, and German. Each of these has to support a Bible teacher. These have been paid heretofore by the college; but if the conferences will pay for these out of the tithe, that will materially help. I would like to ask if that $90,000 debt on Union College is for the buildings, or is it for money that has been borrowed?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.4
I. H. Evans: The obligation is for the purchase of the property, erection of the buildings, equipment of the same, and borrowing money when there was a deficit. Up to two years ago the General Conference met any deficit that was incurred, which was from $3,000 to $5,000 a year. In 1897 the school board agreed that they would be responsible, and since that time the deficits have not been charged to the General Conference. But this $90,000 debt is for the purchase of the ground, erecting buildings, furnishing the school, and original expense.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.5
C. F. Stevens: In view of the fact that our schools differ so much in various localities, that any hasty legislation might prove detrimental to them, I would move that this matter be referred to the Committee on Plans.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.6
C. W. Flaiz: I am in harmony with the sentiment that so far as possible all our interests should be placed on a cash basis. It works well in the family, and it is all right otherwise; but I understand that some of these colleges have obligated themselves in the way of bonds to maintain a certain standard and curriculum in the school. [Voice: Union College is one of these.] Yes, I understand that it is; and if this be true, it seems to me that is a new complication. It seems to me if the motion is carried that is now before the conference, it will necessitate simpler methods in every respect, simplicity in the curriculum, in the methods and in the management of the college. This means less expense, and this is what we all want to see.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.7
W. W. Prescott: It was when we were maintaining a college grade of work, a full grade of work, that we made all our expenses from the income simply, without any assistance from any conferences. I was connected with the work in Union College when it was established, and had to do with the agreement in maintaining the institution. I will stand corrected; but I shall be very much surprised to learn that we gave any bonds further than to establish and maintain an institution to be known as such and such a school, or that we agreed to follow any particular curriculum.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.8
W. T. Knox: I am in hearty accord with many of the propositions that have been presented to us, especially the one suggesting that the operating expenses be brought within the limit of the legitimate income of the school. It is a fact that most of our schools are in debt, and it is a very difficult matter for them to pay the interest on these obligations, aside from meeting the regular expenses. That is true with the Healdsburg College. On the average, we are able to meet the current expenses; but the deficit each year amounts to about the sum of the annual interest. I think there are many ways, however, whereby we can hope to bring the legitimate operating expenses within the bounds of the income. The Lord has said that the tuition of the schools should be raised. In former times it was higher. I believe plans, should be laid at this time that will bring the tuition of all the schools upon something like an equal basis, and that the aim should be to cover the operating expenses of the school. This is the only business like proposition we can entertain. I believe in the necessity, personally, of obeying the injunction, “Owe no man anything.” I also firmly believe that this applies with equal force to the management of our institutions. The Lord has also said that it is the duty of those who are able, to endow our colleges; but I do not believe that this will be done to any great extent until the spirit of sacrifice is seen in our ranks, and we unitedly lift these burdens resting upon us.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.9
Another way whereby God would be pleased to see the income of the schools increased, is by increased patronage. Even in our own conference we do not see that spirit of sacrifice in sending the youth to our school in Healdsburg that we would like to have exist. Why is it thus? I believe that we as ministers are largely responsible, and that we have a duty to perform in this matter. Our membership should be educated from the desk, and in every other way practicable, as to what true education is from God’s standpoint, so that they shall set a greater value upon that which our teachers are so earnestly trying to bring to light. May God hasten the day when our schools will be free from all encumbrances, and filled with earnest young people who are receiving a training for work in the Lord’s cause.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.10
After a recess of a few minutes, discussion of this motion was continued.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.11
H. F. Phelps: I would like to see all our schools filled to overflowing; but I do not think they will be until all come into harmony with the instruction the Lord has given us upon the subject of education. I favor their getting out of debt; for I know the Lord will not bless while debts are increasing.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.12
The question being called for, it was referred to the Committee on Plans and Resolutions.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.13
E. W. Waggoner: I have not spoken before, under the supposition that this question to refer was not debatable, but now that the motion to refer has passed, I should like to ask what has been gained by referring this matter to a committee. Now, we do not question the wisdom of these brethren on the committees, in the least. But if every motion that comes up is to be referred to the Committee on Plans and Resolutions, they will want a little more wisdom, and more time, than ordinary men have, to get through with them. Now what has been gained by it? Is it to take it away from the consideration of the delegates? If it is, then what are we here for? If it is not, then what has been gained? Now the committee can consider this and other questions that have been referred to them, as they have a right to do, and I suppose the other brethren who are not on committees may consider them also, as they have the right. Then they will bring in a recommendation, doubtless, either with something, or nothing, to recommend - and then what? Must we accept the finding of the committee, simply because they have had it before them and bothered their brains over it for a few hours, or is it before the house for consideration again? If so, what has been gained by referring it to the committee and bothering them with it? If the motion has been sprung too suddenly, and there has not been sufficient time for considering it, would not the same result be gained by postponing action for a time and let the brethren consider it, instead of referring all the questions to the committee, and yet relieve the conference of nothing whatever?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.14
The Chair: I should make an explanation. Yesterday, when that motion was brought before the house, I did not believe that it was debatable. I have found since that it is debatable, and consequently gave opportunity for any one to speak upon it.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.15
E. J. Waggoner: I will raise this point for the benefit of questions yet to come, for it does not seem to me proper to pile matters upon these committees for them to consider, with some of which they have nothing to do whatever, when they must be referred back for consideration again, and then perhaps be re-referred to a committee. The delegates are here for this very purpose. We are all a committee, elected by the people to come here and consider these questions, and this is where they ought to be considered. Now it is true that time ought to be taken for many things. It is very true that it would not be profitable or wise to take a vote upon many questions immediately. The mere fact that a motion is made and seconded, does not at all prove that that question is to be decided at once, and not be discussed. It does not need to be referred to a committee in order to have consideration, but a simple postponement to some fixed time will serve, and I believe the committees are not so anxious to magnify their office but what they will say amen to this. [Amen.]GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.16
A. T. Jones: I did not wish to discuss that motion, for I am not particularly concerned in it. But now that that is all out of the way, and we can come back to the original proposition, - an open meeting for the consideration of the question before us, - I will take a little time. This debt is the least thing in the whole program. It amounts literally to nothing. For if there were not a dollar of assets, and all the indebtedness of the whole proposition was scraped together, it would be less than $7.50 per member. But with the assets of over $180,000, it is less than $5 a member. Now in New York city and other cities, they think nothing of accruing an indebtedness of $25, $50, $100, $150 a single member of the corporation. Now how can they do that, and go on all right, while the Seventh-day Adventists are concerned over an indebtedness of less than five dollars a member? The reason that the people of a city will lay a large debt upon themselves, and keep it there generation after generation, is that they expect that city to stand forever. There is always going to be somebody there; the people will multiply, and the city is going to grow. Now if that city was never to grow any, and there was never to be any more money in that city, and some former administration had got them into debt, they would think that they were never going to get out. But reasoning as they do that the city is to stand forever, and keep growing, and people are going to multiply, they think nothing of their large debt. Now I do not think there should be the debt. Do not think that I am arguing for debt, - we have it. What I am saying is that we are not to be scared at it. What I am saying is that we should not give it the second thought as of particular importance, except to pay it. That is all. Now the third angel’s message and the Seventh-day Adventist cause are going to stand forever. There are now fifty thousand members, and an indebtedness incurred of less than five dollars per member. If there never was to be another Seventh-day Adventist added as long as the world stands, it would not take long to pay it: we could pay it in a little while - five dollars - what would that amount to? But this is not going to be the case. There are going to be a hundred and forty-four thousand genuine Seventh-day Adventists. [Amen.] But though the numbers are going to grow wonderfully, the money is going to multiply in greater ratio than are the numbers. As the membership grows there will be the advantage of the fifty thousand members who are already here; and those who are here, with all who shall be added, are going to grow in consecration and in devotion to God, such as will bring about a condition of affairs where a Seventh-day Adventist would rather give his money to God than lend it to him upon interest. I do not have much confidence in the faith of the man who can not give his money to God; but must lend it at four or five per cent. interest, or just as much interest as he can get, and then wants that interest compounded if he can. Interest is always regulated by the stability of the institution, firm, corporation, or whatsoever it may be, to whom the money is loaned; that is, the financial stability. The United States government obtains money at three per cent. I do not know of any money the Lord has been able to obtain at three per cent., or less than five. [From the floor: We have $250 at three per cent.] Well, that is a good sign that we are progressing. We will consider it as four per cent., but the bulk of the sum is at five per cent. [Floor: Is there not some that does not bear interest at all?] It may be, but that is the smallest part of all. But I want to get at the principle. If those folks have money to lend, they want to lend it in the place where it is the most secure. If they did not loan it to the Lord, and wanted to be perfectly sure of it, they would probably lend it to the United States government. And yet they profess to believe that the United States government is going to ruin with all the rest of the world. Then any Seventh-day Adventist who charges five per cent. for lending money to the Lord, and would lend it to the United States at three, has just two fifths more confidence in the stability of the United States government than he has in the institutions of the Lord, than he has in the third angel’s message, and the Lord himself. So one of the things that needs first to be done is to teach Seventh-day Adventists to give to the cause of God instead of lending to it. And they do not need to give to the cause of God to pay debts. Let them give to the cause of God; let them give to the cause of education; let them invest in young men and young women; let them invest in the love of education itself. That is all that is wanted. But let the debt be the last consideration; get the people to giving to the cause of God! There is no dearth of money among Seventh-day Adventists. There is money sent to me - I do not know why - to put here and there, wherever the cause needs it most. One hundred dollars comes at one time; one hundred and fifty dollars at another. It is easy enough for me to find out where it is needed the most, and to hand it over. But that is only a sample of what is all over the field. But the Lord himself has told us there is no need of a dearth of means; but the people are not respecting the cause of God; the people are not loving the cause of God supremely; they do not have that at heart so that they care more for it than anything else. When that is cured, this matter of indebtedness need never be mentioned. Now another thing that will reduce, and ought to reduce, the running expenses of the schools. Some of our schools have one hundred students, and eight or ten teachers. Nobody need ever tell me that eight or ten teachers are needed for one hundred students; for I know better. It is sheer extravagance; it is the machinery that breaks down the institution itself. There is no doubt of it. Just think: $40 is a good average for each one of the teachers. That is $400 a month, - four dollars apiece to teach one hundred students. That is sheer extravagance! Another thing: any teacher who is capable of teaching there, is capable of teaching more than one thing; if he is not, he ought not to be there. So what we need is some teachers who are all-round teachers, who can take some students and the Bible and make a school, - make a successful school, a paying school. Then we would get the schools on that kind of foundation. The income, the direct income of the schools, will be more than enough to pay the teaching force. Then the debt out of the way, and the paying of interest gone, of course there will be money to help students who have no means at all, but could not come unless they were helped. That can be done easily enough. But as long as we keep up a system that is itself breaking down the schools, of course it can not win. So in this way, the schools, as I have said, will be more than paying their own way, more than self-supporting as far as the teaching force is concerned. The teaching will be done a good deal better; the students will get more out of it; more work will be done. The students will be better prepared for what is before them in every way than they can be with the system that has been followed too long already. I know, and you know, that the Lord has been calling for schools of a more modest order than we have. He calls for church schools, and on up into the higher. Along with this I want to say, too, that I do not think our institutions will be eventually found too big; they will be filled some of these days, and then they will work to better advantage. Now I will speak of that thought that Brother Underwood mentioned this morning - that we are at an immense disadvantage in following out the instruction the Lord has given for our schools, in having them in the wintertime. I do not see how the teacher can take his students out and teach them to till the soil when it is frozen from three to four feet deep, and covered with snow. I do not think he can do that very well. So it seems to me a perfectly plain proposition that we must change the time of the terms of our schools so as to give the students the advantage of that time in the year when everything is green, and when they can work the soil; then, if they have a vacation at all, have it in the winter, when they can not go out and work in the field. They can canvass in the winter, and hold meetings in schoolhouses and in private houses, wherever they want to. They can go better in the winter than in the summer. We have to do that, it seems to me, in order to follow the instruction the Lord has given; because surely the students need the advantage of having the work to do, and winter time is the best time of all times for it, and the summer is the best of all times for the other. And it tells exactly how to do it: work in the cool of the morning, and the cool of the evening, and study in the heat of the day. But you can not do that very well when the thermometer is twenty-six degrees below zero. So, brethren, what we want to do is to get strictly at this with all our might. Get to studying it in every respect, and do everything - not hesitate a moment to do anything that needs to be done to make the reform in what must be done to carry forward the work the Lord has given us.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 27.17
E. J. Waggoner: It seems to me that it is rather humiliating to us that we can not come to consider the question of the conduct of our schools, the principles on which they should be conducted, until we are brought up to a round turn on our pocketbook. But, nevertheless, it is better to consider it at such a time than not at all. Of course the only way to pay a debt is to pay it. But you know there is such a thing as helping people who are behind, and helping them on their feet this year, paying their debts, and then next year you have to do it over, and the year following. And that is not very reassuring. Therefore, further, when the Lord says, “Owe no man anything, but love one another,” it seems very evident that a system of running schools or anything else which runs continually behind and into debt, can not be according to the will of the Lord. That is self-evident. Anybody can see that. Then we are brought to the place where we are forced to consider the principle, the right way of instruction, of education, the right principle. That is a thing that can not be covered in a day.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.1
W. W. Prescott: Mr. Chairman, we have got to the point now, after the whole two meetings. I simply rise to ask whether we shall have to stop here, or whether we shall have the privilege of considering the real question.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.2
A little recollection of the history of the Reformation will show you that education was at a low ebb in Europe. Certain things had to be studied because that was the rule. When Luther arose and began to preach the gospel as God revealed it to him, students flocked to Wittemberg from all over Europe, and there were 3,000 in attendance there. They wanted the Lord, and they recognized that he was there. They came there, and there was no question about the support of the university.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.3
It is not the building, it is not the teachers that make the school; but it does need the teacher, and somebody to be taught. President Garfield said once that the best college he knew of was a log with a student on one end and Mark Hopkins on the other. That teacher on one end of the log, and the pupil on the other - that is a school. We have got to begin with the right principle. It is first to come to a recognition of the principles of education as set forth in the Scriptures and the Testimonies of the Spirit of God. Until the word of God is given its proper place in our schools, there never will be any reformation; there never will be any progress or diminution of debt, or any meeting of expenses. There will never be any improvement made.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.4
We should decide where there is need of education, and where there is need of a school, and we should begin right there with somebody to teach, and then give the pupils what they need. If we are willing to be simple instead of trying to put on airs, instead of trying to measure ourselves by somebody else, but will simply take the very foundation principles, and then work out as far as they will lead us, I believe we may come to some conclusions here that will be profitable to us who are here, and to the whole body of Seventh-day Adventists.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.5
A. T. Jones: There are just two items I will present. It seems to me that the principal plan we have worked on is to get an institution for a school, a faculty to run it, and then students to teach. I think the sooner we get to the place where we will get a school, and then get a faculty accordingly, the sooner we shall save money. As Brother Wilcox was saying this morning, in a certain place where he is acquainted it costs more to teach certain students than it would have cost to send them away to another school and have them taught there, because they had a faculty, and only two or three students for some teachers. If there are a few students, you must keep the teacher, and pay him his regular wages, so that it is an expense to your school. Is it not time, brethren, we were coming down to the ground, and starting straight? Jesus Christ is the example of teaching. He gathered some students around him, taught them everything they needed to know for the work they were to do; he was with them, so that he could understand them, enter into their lives, know their burdens and trials. He knew their temptations, knew where they needed to be cultivated. As it is now, the teacher has the students before him, for forty minutes. The bell taps - away they go, it may be at the most important point of his lesson; others come in; he gets some more for forty minutes, and it is an exception if he ever gets a chance to get so acquainted with those students that he can enter into their lives, and help to bear their burdens, and help them in the way - the proper way - that they need to be helped. When we get down to the foundation, and work this thing as Jesus Christ has set us the example, and practice these things as given in the Testimonies, the cause of education among us will grow steadily.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.6
Considerable discussion as to the advisability of continuing the discussion in the evening, or the next morning, or at some other time during the session of the conference, followed this suggestion. A motion to continue the discussion during the evening, in place of the Bible study, received a second. It seemed to be the general sentiment of the delegates that it would not be well to take the hour assigned for Bible study for the discussion of business. It was suggested that it would be well for the regular order of business to be followed, that the various committees may be appointed and be working. Pending the consideration of a suggestion to take up the subject of education, and the financial affairs of the General Conference Association, at a future meeting later on, a motion to adjourn was carried.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.7
Benediction by Elder Loughborough.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.8
FIFTH MEETING, FRIDAY, 9:30 A. M., FEBRUARY 17
The meeting opened with Elder O. A. Olsen in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder R. S. Donnell, of Indiana. Minutes of the previous day were approved. The meeting was then given to the consideration of Sabbath-school work; and C. H. Jones, president of that work, proceeded to give his biennial greeting and address:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.9
THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
We assemble to-day in the seventeenth annual session of the International Sabbath-school Association. The delegates consist of all accredited ministers and licentiates, together with the members of all regularly organized Sabbath-schools.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.10
Our hearts go out in gratitude to God for all his loving-kindness and tender mercies that have been extended to us since last we met. It is with sorrow that we call to mind the death of one of our most devoted and faithful workers. Sister Ida L. Grant, secretary of the Maine Sabbath-school Association, fell asleep in Jesus, Jan. 1, 1898. But we sorrow not as those who have no hope.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.11
The International Sabbath-school Association includes forty-five regular organizations in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Australasia, and South Africa.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.12
Besides these regular organizations, we have isolated Sabbath-schools in the islands of the Pacific, Central and South America, the West Indies, Mexico, India, China, Japan, and in various parts of this and the Old World. The total membership at the present time will not fall far short of 60,000.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.13
We now have 2,540 schools, with a total membership of 55,160. This shows an increase, during the two years, of 219 schools, and 3,166 members.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.14
The total contributions received during the two years, from Sept. 30, 1896, to Sept. 30, 1898, aggregated $88,082.92. Of this amount, $59,974.75 was given to missions, as follows: India, $5,708.43; Japan, $12,050.81; Mediterranean field, $12,239.42; most needy fields, $16,517.74; Haskell Home, $13,458.35.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 28.15
This is by far the largest amount ever contributed by our schools in the same length of time.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.1
The total contributions from our Sabbath-schools to missions since the plan was first adopted in 1887, amount to $233,970.72.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.2
Several important changes have recently been made in the Sabbath-school Worker, the official organ of this association, which have added greatly to its efficiency and interest.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.3
In reviewing the last two years, we trace with gratitude the prospering hand of the Lord which has been over the work. But the stern realities of the present and future are now to be considered. Assembled here are delegates representing the work in all parts of the field. The responsibility of laying broad plans and adopting wise measures rests with you. It will be proper in this connection to call your attention to some measures which demand our consideration at this time:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.4
PLAN OF ORGANIZATION
The International Sabbath-school Association is made up of the various State organizations, but we presume that all are aware that the question has been agitated of dropping the State association, and making the Sabbath-school work a department of conference work. Indeed, this has already been done in two or three instances. Should this become general, it would necessitate a change in our constitution, or an entire reorganization of the work. This is an important question, and one that should receive most careful and serious consideration by this body.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.5
THE SELECTION OF OFFICERS
The plan of organization will of necessity affect to some extent the selection of officers, or persons to carry on this work. But whatever action may be taken, we trust that a strong executive board will be chosen to look after the Sabbath-school work; for without this we can not expect it to prosper.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.6
RELATION OF FOREIGN ASSOCIATIONS
It is necessary that arrangements be made whereby reports may be received regularly from all over the field, in order that the secretary may be able to give a general summary of the work done. We suggest that the Committee on Plans for Work take this matter into consideration, and present some plan for adoption.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.7
SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERINGS
There seems to be a considerable difference of opinion among our workers in regard to the proper use of the offerings, and also the propriety of taking up special donations for special purposes, on single Sabbaths.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.8
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS
The task of providing lessons for all divisions of the Sabbath-school devolves upon the Executive Board, and no other question has received more careful thought. We have studied Mark, Luke, and John in our schools in the order named, but Matthew has not yet been taken up. The plan of the lessons is to use such portions of Mark, Luke, and John in connection with what Matthew records as to make the lessons a study of the life of Christ as a whole, as recorded in the Gospels. These lessons are timely, and we trust they will prove a blessing to our people everywhere.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.9
THE “SABBATH-SCHOOL WORKER.”
This is the official organ of the association, and, as already stated, several important changes have been made in the journal in harmony with the suggestions offered at our last session. These improvements have been appreciated, as noted by the increased circulation.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.10
SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTIONS
Local Sabbath-school conventions have been held in several conferences during the last year, all of which report excellent results.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.11
We believe that it would be well to encourage holding these local conventions more frequently. What we need is to get our people to thinking and studying over these questions, and then our schools will be lifted out of the dry formality into which too many of them have fallen.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.12
OFFICERS AND TEACHERS
More attention should be given to the selection of officers and teachers. The Lord has given very plain instruction on this point, but we fear it has not always been heeded. In the Sabbath-school Worker for September, 1892, we find the following: “Those who engage in Sabbath-school work should be persons who have consecrated themselves to God. They should be men and women of strong faith and warm sympathies, who are fervent of spirit, and interested in all that pertains to the cause of Christ.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.13
Again, we read the following: “Every teacher in the Sabbath-school should be a follower of Christ, and those who have not identified themselves as the disciples of Christ, showing by a consistent life that they are Christians, should not be invited to become teachers in the Sabbath-schools.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.14
Much more might be quoted along this line, but this is enough to show the necessity of having consecrated officers and teachers, if we hope for success in this work.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.15
POSSIBILITIES IN SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK
Few, if any, of us have yet begun to realize the possibilities of well-organized, properly conducted Sabbath-schools. We wish briefly to call your attention to what the Lord has said about this matter: “The Sabbath-school, if rightly conducted, is one of God’s instrumentalities to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth. Our Sabbath-schools are nothing less than Bible societies, and in the sacred work of teaching the truths of God’s word, they can accomplish far more than they have hitherto accomplished. The Sabbath-school, when rightly managed, possesses a marvelous power, and is adapted to doing a great work.... The influence growing out of this work should improve and enlarge the church. There is a most precious missionary field in the Sabbath-school, and if there are now omens of good, they are only indications and beginnings of what may be done.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.16
In behalf of the Executive Board, we desire to express our appreciation of the good-will and hearty co-operation we have received during our term of office.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.17
The delegates here assembled will now assume the responsibility of laying plans for the future. We trust that God will give wisdom, and that all things will be done in harmony with his will.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.18
Following this, the Recording Secretary, Elder M. H. Brown, gave a summary of his financial report, which appears herewith:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.19
Report of Recording Secretary
The following table shows the membership of our schools, the total contributions, the amount contributed to missions, and the average amount per member each year during the last eleven years:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.20
The following figures show the amount of donations to each mission field, and the time when they were given:GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.21
The following is a condensed summary, showing the amount given to each missionary enterprise:GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.22
The collection for the orphans, taken on the first Sabbath in April and the first Sabbath in October, 1897, amounted to $9,119.09. This consists of three items:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.23
1. That which was sent to the Haskell Home, and was not reported to the International Sabbath-school Association by the State associations, because the Sabbath-schools did not report said contributions to the State secretaries. This amounts to $6,044.27.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.24
2. That which was sent direct to the Home, and was reported to the International Sabbath-school Association; namely $1,178.82.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.25
3. That which was both sent and reported to this office; namely, $1,896.82.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.26
Of this total, $9,119.09 given for the support of the orphans, $8,854.74 was given for the Haskell Home, and $264.35 was contributed by the Sabbath-schools in California for their local work, in behalf of orphans in that State.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.27
Another interesting feature of this subject is the fact that the two collections for the orphans in 1897 amounted to more than the contributions for the quarter when that object was before our schools, which was the first quarter of 1892. The amount then raised was $7,079.94, over $2,000 less than the two collections in 1897. It is also worthy of note that the two collections for orphans made last year exceeded the amount given for any other enterprise during any entire quarter.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.28
The contributions for missions and orphans, as reported to us for the first three quarters of 1898, are as follows:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.29
SOME COMPARISONS
(+) Gifts for the fourth quarter are estimated. M. H. BROWN.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.30
After this came the report of the Corresponding Secretary, Miss Alberta L. Little.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.31
President: It is now past time for recess. You are dismissed for ten minutes.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.32
Upon the body’s again assembling, the treasurer’s report was rendered as follows:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 29.33
Treasurer’s Report
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1897
LOSS AND GAIN ACCOUNT
LOSS AND GAIN ACCOUNT
RECEIVED FOR MISSIONS
Report of Auditor.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.1
I hereby certify that I have carefully examined the books of the International Sabbath-school Association, and find them to have been neatly and correctly kept, and believe that the statement given by the secretary shows the correct financial condition of the association. MRS. A. M. LOUGHBOROUGH, Auditor.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.2
The report was accepted.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.3
The following standing committees were then announced by the president:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.4
Committee on Nominations: C. P. Bollman, W. B. White, S. M. Cobb, Wm. Covert, G. B. Thompson.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.5
Committee on Plans for Work: C. N. Saunders, A. H. Hyatt, M. H. Brown, H. K. Willis, Mrs. Ida L. Hibben, Alberta L. Little, Fannie M. Dickerson.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.6
A paper on the “True Object of the Sabbath-school Work, and How to Secure It,” was read by Elder M. H. Brown:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.7
TRUE OBJECT OF THE SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK AND HOW TO SECURE IT
The great object of the Sabbath-school is to teach the word of God to old and young. This is an object worthy the support, influence, and active co-operation of every one who loves the cause of God. The Sabbath-school not only affords an excellent opportunity for the systematic study of the Scriptures, but its associations and influences promote an interest in them and a love for them.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.8
Private and family devotions are necessary and profitable, but the Lord has ordained that his people shall meet together for public worship and devotion, because blessings and benefits are received that are peculiar to such gatherings. So with Bible study. Private and home study is necessary and profitable, and is also an essential forerunner to a benefit in connection with Bible class and Sabbath-school study of the word, that is peculiar to the association of persons having a common purpose.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.9
It is therefore evident that the Sabbath-school is a twofold blessing to our people: (1) It prompts to systematic home study of the Scriptures, because a definite lesson is placed before old and young, every week. (2) The study of the word in the Sabbath-school, as conducted in the review and in the class, leads to closer study, and deepens the impressions made upon the mind and heart.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.10
INFLUENCE OF CONFERENCE OFFICERS
The Sabbath-school work ought to be regarded as a part of the Lord’s work by conference officers, in order fully to secure its object. If conference officers and ministers do not take an interest in the Sabbath-school work when they visit the churches, and attend general meetings and camp-meetings, some are led to think that it is not of much importance, and so they neglect its privileges and blessings. Others who prize the Sabbath-school as a means of grace are grieved and saddened by this lack of interest, and sometimes barriers are built up which hinder the prosperity of the work, and cause discouragement to faithful workers.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.11
In some conferences the Sabbath-school work is warmly cherished and recognized as a part of the Lord’s cause. Persons are set apart for that work, and are paid from the conference treasury. Conference laborers are instructed to look after it when they visit the churches, and it is given its proper place in general meetings and camp-meetings. Sabbath-school conventions are encouraged, and they prove a great blessing to the people in many ways. When those in authority in a conference pursue this course, they educate the people to place a high estimate on the value and importance of the Sabbath-school work. Sabbath-schools are a source of blessing and strength to the cause, not only to the local churches, but also to our foreign fields.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.12
When conference authorities make no provision for helping the Sabbath-schools; when they allow a faithful State Sabbath-school secretary to go without proper remuneration; when they use their influence against Sabbath-school conventions and other means of increasing the efficiency and prosperity of our schools; when they fail to give the Sabbath-school work its due proportion of time at general meetings and camp-meetings; when they habitually absent themselves from meetings held to consider its interests, - their influence is really against the Sabbath-school work.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.13
MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED
1. Make the Sabbath-school intensely interesting: by having (a) devoted, earnest officers and teachers; (b) good singing; (c) interesting general exercises; (d) good helps.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.14
2. Hold teachers’ meetings for prayer, counsel, and study.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.15
3. Hold Sabbath-school conventions for the discussion of the practical questions which arise in the Sabbath-school, and thus awaken thought, inspire enthusiasm, learn new methods, and promote mental and spiritual growth.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.16
4. Secure the attendance, counsel, and co-operation of parents and church officers.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.17
The object of our Sabbath-schools is not to raise money for missions, but to teach and study the word of God, and save our children to the cause of God. In teaching the word of God, we shall of course teach liberality, tithing, offerings, self-denial, and every phase of truth and duty.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.18
AT ANNUAL STATE MEETINGS
We all need to study carefully how to make our schools interesting and profitable, and our conference officers and ministers should treat the Sabbath-school work as an important branch of God’s cause.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.19
Can there not be some plan adopted by which the Sabbath-school work can be more closely connected with the conference, so that conference officers will share in the responsibility of that work more than they do now, and thus secure for it more attention?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.20
As it now is in our local conferences, the meetings of the conference are given the first and best place in point of time, and there is a general attendance of the delegates and the people. At the close of the meeting it is announced that there will be a meeting of the Sabbath-school Association in fifteen or thirty minutes, as the case may be, and all are urged to attend. But do they? - No. And this experience has been repeated year after year for a long time. Must it go on indefinitely? Why not follow the example of the General Conference at this session, and have the Sabbath-school work in each local conference treated as a part of the conference work, and considered in the meetings of the conference, when there is a general attendance of delegates and people?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.21
ONE HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS
The frequent change of administration in many of the State associations breaks up the work, prevents the carrying out of plans, causes inaction, and is a source of discouragement and failure. Persons who are put in charge of the Sabbath-school work in a conference ought to be carefully selected, and then recognized as laborers in the cause; and they ought to continue in the work long enough to formulate and work out such plans as they deem wisest and best for the interests of the cause, unless providential circumstances should make a change necessary before results could be reached. There should be changes at times, but frequent changes, such as some of our associations have suffered, are bad, and should be avoided.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.22
The subject of the paper was then opened for discussion.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.23
C. P. Bollman: The point impressing me forcibly is the importance of our connecting our Sabbath-school work more closely with the work of the conference. In small conferences, the president of the conference should be the president of the Sabbath-school Association; for it must be plain that in weak conferences no one but the conference president can visit all the churches often; and if he is also president of the Sabbath-school Association, he can present its interests when visiting companies, and thus strengthen this branch of the work.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.24
H. W. Reed: I am much interested in this; and I fully agree with the sentiments just expressed. In the Word is life; and it is inspiring to see all - the entire church - engaged in its study.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.25
W. L. H. Baker: For many years I have been interested, heart and soul, in the Sabbath-school work; and I find that the nearer the relation existing between the conference and the association, the more successful the schools are. In our conferences, when the Sabbath-school work is given as much time, and as good a place, as the other branches, the results are always most gratifying. This is a work in which every one in the denomination is more or less engaged each Sabbath; and with such vast possibilities, let us all give this work our hearty support.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.26
The president suggested that some more time might be given to the consideration of the Sabbath-school interests. A meeting of those who are interested in the work of the association will be held in one of the church vestries each evening, from 5:30 to 6:30, in which plans will be discussed more fully.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.27
Upon motion, the conference adjourned until 3 P. M.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.28
Benediction by Elder N. W. Kauble.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.29
SIXTH MEETING, FRIDAY, 3 P. M., FEBRUARY 17
President Irwin in the chair. Elder R. S. Webber, of Newfoundland, led the delegates in prayer. The time having been devoted to the educational work, the Educational Committee was asked for a report, when C. C. Lewis, secretary of that committee, presented the following:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.30
PARTIAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
The Committee on Education begs leave to submit to the General Conference the following recommendations as a partial report:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.31
“1. Members of boards of management of our schools should be men who are in hearty sympathy with what the Testimonies say should be done in our schools, and who are determined to make the schools what they ought to be.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.32
“2. That only such teachers and employees should be engaged by these boards as are known to be men and women of Christian experience, in full harmony with the third angel’s message, and in favor of putting into operation the principles of education set forth in the Testimonies.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.33
“3. That church schools be placed under the control of the conference committees in whose territory they are established, in consultation and co-operation with the heads of the leading schools of the districts in which the church schools are to be located; and that such church schools be started only as fast as thoroughly competent teachers can be secured, and as reasonable financial support can be assured. “L. A. HOOPES, Chairman, “C. C. LEWIS, Sec.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.34
V. Thompson: I move to adopt the report.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.35
G. M. Brown: I second the motion.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.36
The Chair: The secretary will read the first recommendation.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.37
C. McReynolds: This item is of importance, and it is not the least difficult task to find men who are acquainted with what the Testimonies say on the subject of education, and to carry out instruction in harmony with them.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.38
R. M. Kilgore: Does that recommendation include treasurers, secretaries, etc., in connection with the boards?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.39
L. A. Hoopes: It means every one in connection with the schools in an official capacity.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.40
The Chair: The secretary will read the second recommendation.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.41
L. A. Hoopes: I would like to hear from the teachers, and those who have been connected with these schools.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.42
W. T. Bland: I was not present at the meeting; but to bring out the discussion, I would like to ask, Why is it necessary for this recommendation to be made?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.43
L. A. Hoopes: I would say, in reply, that the reason such a recommendation was presented before this body is that possibly a class of immature teachers have crept into our schools, not with wrong intention on the part of our boards, and in case they are in there, the committee felt that it is time, especially after the remarks of yesterday, that the Conference take a position squarely upon the question. I feel that the teachers present who are connected with those schools are as much interested in educational work as any other members of this delegation, and that they are more concerned, perhaps, than those who are not so closely connected with it. They have difficulties to meet that we who are not so closely allied to the school work know little of. The remarks of yesterday rather indicated that some one was at fault for the condition into which the schools have fallen; but it was always the “other fellow;” and we do not wish, as a committee, to stand on the platform that we are right, and that others are wrong. We believe, that we have all come short of getting hold of God’s idea in the school work. It is time that we get hold of God’s ideas, and that no one be connected with the schools who is not in hearty sympathy with the Testimonies that bear upon this subject. We believe it to be impossible for our schools to attain to the true standard so long as we are following the customs and the practices of the world in this matter. If we use the common text-books, then the outside schools have the advantage of us, because they have facilities and equipments that we do not have; they have the wealth of the world, the endowments of men who possess millions: and hence we can not hope to cope with them on that score. But we must get God’s idea of education, and study the things he has given us to study. He has outlined a course of study for our schools which, it seems to me, will occupy all our time. If you will permit me, I will just read an outline of the subjects that should be studied, and it has a bearing on this question; they are subjects that are introduced by the Testimonies: First, the Bible, then science, agriculture, theology, prophecy, the common branches, philosophy (mental and moral), sacred music, instrumental music, vocal culture, bookkeeping, history, physical culture, poetry, pedagogy, physiology, literature, classics, modern languages, biology, geology, botany, cookery. These last terms are, of course, the scientific ones used. But the Lord has spoken explicitly concerning these topics to be considered in our schools.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 30.44
W. W. Prescott: It has occurred to me that, in considering resolutions of this kind, and passing upon them, it might be well to think a little broadly over the question. Now I know from a matter of practical experience of my own, and from my association with those who have been engaged in this work, that to do the very thing that has been set forth in these recommendations is what the teachers have been struggling with for the last five years. I appeal to the teachers that are here if that is not so. Now as I said yesterday, it is very much easier to run a school from the floor of the conference than in the school itself. It is very much easier to say Amen to strongly stated principles than to help the teachers carry out these things in daily work. It is easy to speak for half an hour, or an hour it may be, in a very interesting way, on this matter; but it is a very different thing to meet a school day after day, and year after year, and apply these principles, so that the students shall study and be benefited in these lines.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.1
Now it seems to me that there is a fundamental principle underlying the whole question that I have not heard referred to, at least in this discussion. That is, as to what should actually be taught in the schools. When we understand what the thing is, that is a long step toward the way to accomplish it; and I believe that the thing to be taught in our schools in the very thing that is to be taught in our Sabbath-schools, in our churches, and in our homes; and that one thing is the truth, - not simply true things, not simply facts; but the truth, - the truth which is underneath the facts. And when this is understood, it will be found to be the thing that goes through every subject, no matter what it is; that will determine the way the thing is to be taught; and that will, in itself, determine whether different subjects that are taught, should be taught, and how they should be taught. The great indictment that I have against the ordinary way of teaching, no matter in what school, is that the facts are dealt with, and the truth is not found out. The facts are taught, but the truth of the facts is not perceived, and is not presented as it should be. When the truth of the facts is found, it will be the truth, - the truth of the gospel, - and there will really be no difference between the thing that is taught in the day school and the thing that is taught in Sabbath-school and the church, if all are teaching right. There are not different lines of truth that come in conflict with one another, and that have to be reconciled. There is simply the truth, - and truth is eternal, and he who knows the truth knows the life which is eternal. He who receives the truth receives everlasting life; he who teaches the truth imparts life. He does not simply deal with a mass of facts, even though such facts may be true; but he deals with life, he imparts life; and his teaching will be, under God, that he is made sufficient to be a minister to the new covenant, - not of the law, which killeth; but of the Spirit, which giveth life. But to go more into detail. The simplest things that we deal with, the simplest facts that come before our minds day by day, are the facts of force, the facts of energy, the facts of motion. We do not have to go outside our own body to find the fact of life, the fact of motion, the fact of power; and that which first attracts our attention, outside of ourselves, even from our earliest childhood, is the fact of motion. When you play with a little child, and simply wave something before its eyes, its attention is attracted. When you look at a child, the very motions of the face will attract its attention. The phenomena of motion, of force, of energy, are what greet the human being in the earliest stage of its existence, and are before him all the time, as long as he walks upon the earth. Now those facts of force, motion, energy, and power are constantly studied in our schools, under one phase and another, because these are the principles that are back of the very phenomena that present themselves. If you will think a little deeply, you will see that they are back not only of those phenomena that present themselves to the eye in tangible things, but in every thought. The idea of force, of energy, of motion, is back of every such thing in all our experience.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.2
BIBLE STUDY. CHURCH ORGANIZATION. Synopsis of Address by Geo. A. Irwin
Its Origin - Satan’s Attacks Upon It - General Call to Recognize the Remnant Body - Its Avowed Enemies - Necessity for Loyalty.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.3
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.4
I read this as the foundation for the few talks that have been assigned me during the progress of the conference, and it is of the latter part of the text that I speak this morning, reserving the former for to-morrow morning.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.5
First of all I will ask, What is the church? I presume that if closely questioned, few of us could give a very intelligent definition of what the church is. Webster tells us that a church is a formally organized company of believers observing the same rites and governed by the same ecclesiastical authority. Looking further, we find that the word “church” comes from the Greek ecclesia, which means, according to Strong, “a calling out,” or, according to Young, “that which is called out.” Let us first consider the church from the first standpoint, since it seems to be more in harmony with the word of God, - that is, a calling out. This agrees with the statement given in Acts 15:14: “Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.6
This thought of a “calling out” is found in another statement (2 Corinthians 6:14): “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.7
Here is this calling out or separation. Hence I like the first definition better than the latter. You will notice that in the text we read in Acts, there was a “separation,” a “calling out” from the Gentiles. In this place it is a coming out from unbelievers.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.8
This does not mean, as I understand it, that God’s people are to go off by themselves, and colonize in some place; but it means that while they are mingling among, and living with, the people of the world, - living as a light to the world, - they should be a separate and distinct people from the world. Wherever God in his providence places his people, there they are to maintain that separation, that distinctness from the world that will characterize them as the children of God.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.9
Some people get the impression that the church did not exist until after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, - that it was organized for the first time on the day of Pentecost. But the church has been in existence since the very beginning, and has come all the way down through the ages.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.10
We read, from the Spirit of prophecy, something that, to my mind, is very significant, as showing that the church has existed indefinitely, and that the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus have characterized the children of God from the very beginning. Going back to the beginning, we find that this has been true. I read from Patriarchs and Prophets, 68: “At the cherubim-guarded gate of paradise, the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden.” The law of God was a distinct characteristic of the earliest worshipers of God; and that is where the church of God originated.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.11
I will read again from the same book. Speaking of the two sons of Adam, Cain and Abel, it says: “They were acquainted with the provisions made for the salvation of man, and understood the system of offerings which God had ordained.” In this book we also find the statement that Jesus Christ was as clearly revealed in the Old Testament as in the New. The Old Testament testifies of the Christ to come; the New testifies of the Christ that has come. So, then, all these men were acquainted with the provisions made for the salvation of man, and understood the system of offerings which God had ordained. They knew that these offerings were to express faith in the Saviour, and at the same time to acknowledge their total dependence on him, and that by thus conforming to the divine plan for redemption, they came to prove their obedience to God.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.12
Cain and Abel represent the two classes that have been in the world from that time to this. That is where the separation began. The descendants of one, instead of revering the commandments of God, set up a worship of their own; instead of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath holy, they disregarded the law of God.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.13
These are important distinctions to recognize. Before the fall, our first parents kept the Sabbath which was instituted in Eden; and after their expulsion from paradise they continued its observance. The Sabbath was honored by all the children of Adam who remained loyal to God. So, then, the commandments of God, especially the Sabbath commandment, was the test of loyalty to God then just as much as it is in these closing days. Those who remained loyal to God kept the Sabbath.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.14
This is revealed in Genesis 4:3, where it says that at the “end of days” Cain brought of the fruit of the ground, and offered it to the Lord. At the end of what days? Time was divided off then, as now, in cycles of seven days; and it was at the “end” of the days. In other words, they came together on the Sabbath day to worship God.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.15
Let us read a little further in “Patriarchs and Prophets“: “For some time the two classes separate remained [the descendants of Cain and of Abel]; and so long as the separation continued, they maintained the worship of God in its purity.” God had a church back there, instituted at the “cherubim-guarded gate of paradise;” and it was there they came to worship. This division between God’s worshipers and the world continued, and will continue, until the work of God is finished in the earth.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.16
But it was Satan’s studied purpose, from the first, to defeat the plan of God. Satan understood the promise that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head, and he set himself to destroy that seed. In order to do that, he enticed the sons of God to mingle with the sons of men; and the record tells us that after a time the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were fair, and they took unto themselves wives of such as they chose. Gradually the true seed mingled with the false, until Satan nearly accomplished his purpose. Satan’s object was to destroy, if possible, that seed, by merging it in with those who were disloyal to God, and thus defeat his purpose.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.17
But I am glad that I can read another statement, found on page 125 of the book already referred to: “But the true faith was not to become extinct. God has ever preserved a remnant to serve him.” We talk about the remnant church; and that is all right, because that is the distinguishing feature of the church in these last days: it is the remnant church. But according to this, God has had a remnant church in all of the ages; and in spite of the efforts of Satan to thwart the purpose of God and destroy the seed, God has preserved a remnant all through the ages.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 31.18
It is not necessary to follow this thought further now. It is enough to say that in our day, when the church of Jesus Christ should be honored as it has never been honored in any age, there is a tendency lightly to regard the church. I have heard the statement made, by some of our own people, that other churches are just as good as the remnant church; and I have heard other churches extolled above the remnant church. Now I want you to notice what the Lord has said, because there is something here for us [R. A. Underwood: If they are better, we would better go to them]: “God has a people in which all heaven is interested, and they are the one object dear to the heart of God. Let every one who reads these words give them thorough consideration; for in the name of Jesus I would press them home upon every soul.” Again: “When any one arises, either among us or outside of us, who is burdened with a message which declares that the people of God are numbered with Babylon, and claims that the loud cry is a call to come out of her, you may know that he is not bearing the message of truth.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.1
The Lord has given us this message, so that we may detect false messages. If somebody arises with a so-called message to call the people out of this communion, calling it Babylon, the Lord has told us that we may know he has not a message from the Lord. There was such a cry a few years ago, and there may be such a cry again. God is fortifying us against these spurious uprisings. That is what he means, if I understand the matter correctly.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.2
[C. Santee: It might strengthen that thought a little for me to say that at a certain meeting in Iowa, one Seventh-day Adventist minister said that this church would soon go all to sticks, and that somebody would have to come out of it to get ready for the Lord’s coming.]GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.3
Before I am through, we shall see that this can not be so. I will read again from the Lord’s words: “Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin.” There is another statement in another Testimony that I will read in this connection: “The church is God’s fortress, his city of refuge, which he holds in a revolted world. Any betrayal of her sacred trust is treachery to him who has bought her with the precious blood of his only begotten Son.” And again: “There is but one church in the world who are at the present time standing in the breach, and making up the hedge, building up the old waste places; and for any man to call the attention of the world and other churches to this church, denouncing her as Babylon, is to do a work in harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.4
There is a definite, positive statement that there is but one church in the world, which is at the present time standing in the breach, and making up the hedge.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.5
Now I will go back, and read again: “The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned, and counseled, is the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows his supreme regard.” This is a wonderful statement - “the only object upon earth upon which Christ bestows his regard.” Then if we want the supreme regard of Jesus Christ, - and we can not get along without it, - must we not be loyal to the church upon which his affections are fixed and centered?GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.6
Here is an important statement: “The church is the depository of the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ.” We need those riches, do we not? Where do we find the gift? - It is deposited in the church. Then when we speak of the church in a slighting way, and extol something else above the church, we are severing our connection from the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ. I will next read a statement in a recent Testimony which has deeply impressed me. One thought is kept prominent: “The Lord’s church is to him the dearest object on earth.” Then if we love our Lord, the church ought to be a dear object to us; and I believe that if we fully understood the importance of the church, and how heaven regards it, we would esteem it more highly, and the membership of the church would be of infinitely more value than at the present time. As church-membership goes in the world, men and women have come to regard it of no more importance than simply joining some club or society. In fact, many who belong to nominal churches extol these societies above the church. I hope that we shall reverse this, and lift the church of Jesus Christ high above every earthly consideration.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.7
I am convinced that there is danger along this line now, and the Lord sees it. The greatest danger to the third angel’s message in this time of peril, is not from the outside, but from within, - in the spirit of apostasy and a lack of appreciation of what the church really is, and what church-membership involves.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.8
[Mrs. Henry: I would like to understand this. Is this calling out necessarily manifested in what a person does? May it not be a call which is recognized in the individual heart and motive, but which does not manifest itself outwardly? Is it necessarily manifested in any special form? May not some have been actually called, and have heard the call which has separated them from Babylon, and still be in the communion, or in the church anywhere? To make it personal, I would like to know whether or not I would be considered a member of the Babylonian church, or at least of Babylon, before I accepted the Sabbath.]GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.9
I was going to read a statement here.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.10
What the Lord says about it is as plain as can be. He says that he has a church that is “standing in the breach, and making up the hedge;” that there is but one church that he recognizes as his own; and that for anybody to rise and say that this is Babylon, and that there will be a call to come out of her, is doing a work that is in harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren. The Testimony goes on to say just what Babylon is. Inside of this Babylon, there are honest souls; and the loud cry of the third angel’s message of Revelation 18 is to call those honest souls out, and connect them with the remnant church, - the church that God recognizes as his.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.11
[J. O. Corliss: In other words, you mean to say that while they are in Babylon, they are not of Babylon.]GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.12
Yes, while they are in Babylon, they are not of Babylon. Daniel was in Babylon, but not of Babylon. “We are not to think that the chosen ones of God, who are trying to walk in the light, compose Babylon. The fallen denominational churches are Babylon.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.13
[Mrs. S. M. I. Henry: There is one other question I would like to ask. In view of this, would it be right, supposing I wanted to separate myself, and come into this denomination, - to this church, - for any one to say, You would better remain where you are, because of the work which you can do in that denomination?]GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.14
I think we would better follow the leading of the Spirit of God; and if the Spirit of God, in calling one out, tells him to connect with this church, he would better do that, in preference to following the advice of any individual. Let the Spirit of God lead in all things.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.15
[Mrs. S. M. I. Henry: But what would you say if one should come to you, and say, “Shall I leave my old church? or shall I stay in it for the sake of the work I might do there?” Would you positively advise him to come out, or tell him to do as the Lord leads him.]GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.16
I would say just what the message says. I would say, simply, “Come out of her.” God has a church with which he wants the honest to connect, - the remnant church. I will read further: “The church is the depository of the wealth of the riches of the grace of Christ; and through the church eventually will be made manifest the final and full display of the love of God to the world, that is to be lightened with its glory. The prayer of Christ that his church may be one, as he is one with his Father, will finally be answered.” I am glad for that statement. I trust that this conference will be the beginning of the consummation of that promise. Instead of criticizing and finding fault with the church, it is the business of every one to do all he possibly can to bring about that unity that Christ prayed might exist among his followers as an evidence of their discipleship. “The rich dowry of the Holy Spirit will be given; and through its constant supply to the people of God, they will become witnesses in the world of the power of God unto salvation.” I want to rivet the next statement upon all our minds: “There is but one church in the world at the present time standing in the breach, and making up the hedge, building up the old waste places; and for any man to call the attention of the world and other churches to this church, denouncing her as Babylon, is to do a work in harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren.” - The Review and Herald, September 5, 1893. “God speaks through his appointed agencies, and let no man or confederacy of men insult the Spirit of God by refusing to hear the message of God’s word from the lips of his chosen messengers. By refusing to hear the message of God, men close themselves in a chamber of darkness. They shut themselves away from vast blessings, and rob Christ of the glory that should come to him, by showing disrespect to his appointed agencies.” - The Review and Herald, September 12, 1893. “Those who have proclaimed the Seventh-day Adventist church as Babylon have made use of the Testimonies in giving their position a seeming support; but why is it that they did not present that which for years has been the burden of my message - the unity of the church? Why did they not quote the words of the angel, Press together, press together, press together?”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.17
The first time I ever saw Sister White, she spoke of that. She was given a view of the people of God on their way to the New Jerusalem, but every once in a while she noticed that some one in the company dropped out of the ranks to run ahead and place some stumbling-block in the way of the advancing column; and as the people came along, they would stumble over these obstructions, and it was there that the angel gave that message, “Press together, press together, press together.” I read further: “Why did they not repeat the admonition and state the principle that ‘in union there is strength, in division there is weakness?’ It is such messages as these men have borne that divide the church.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.18
If Satan can divide this remnant church, he has accomplished his purpose. Success depends upon unity.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.19
Here is another statement: “let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus, and who are exalting the standard of righteousness in these last days. God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies, - men whom he is leading, - who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are co-operating with heavenly instrumentalities to advance the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.” - The Review and Herald, September 12, 1893. Now another statement: “He is leading, not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.20
I think, from what has been said, that there is a remnant church, and that this remnant church is going through to the kingdom. [Voices: Yes.] Individuals may refuse to be hewed and squared by the patterns, and fitted for the spiritual temple that God is building, and they may drop out; but the remnant church is going through to the kingdom.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.21
One more extract: “God himself will work for Israel. Every lying tongue shall be silenced. Angels’ hands will overthrow the deceptive schemes that are being formed. The bulwarks of Satan will never triumph. Victory will attend the third angel’s message. As the Captain of the Lord’s host tore down the walls of Jericho, so will the Lord’s commandment-keeping people triumph, and all opposing elements be defeated.”GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.22
I say, Praise God for that statement! Let us be loyal to the church, loyal to the third angel’s message; and when it triumphs, let us triumph with it.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.23
The Earnest of Our Inheritance
By W. N. Glenn. No. 59, price 50 cts. per 100. (50 in a package.)GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.24
This “earnest” is shown to be the Holy Spirit, and its reception to be absolutely essential to spiritual life and progress. The case of a young man, heir to a large property which he will receive at a future time, is used to illustrate the principle involved, and it does it so clearly that even the children will understand it. Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.25
A Living Saviour. By M. C. Wilcox. No. 60, illustrated, price 50 cts. per 100. (50 in a package.)GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.26
The words of the angel to the women at the tomb, “He is not here.... He goeth before you into Galilee,” are used to draw men’s attention away from dead forms and creeds and direct them to Christ their only help. The latter portion of the scripture quoted, “He goeth before you,” is shown to apply to the present time - that He would have us follow him just now into the haunts of sin in the search for souls. It is indeed a precious number. Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.27
YOUR USE OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE,
Whether in talking or in writing, is a sure index to your literary attainments. The much-to-be-desired habit of using correct English can be formed in two ways, and in two ways only: (1) By constant association with those who use the language correctly; (2) by a diligent and careful study of the writings of standard authors. As but few have the privilege of forming this habit in the way first mentioned, the next best thing is to obtain and carefully study the best grammar text-books. We know of no better guides to the use of correct English than the five books contained in “Bell’s Language Series.” These meet the needs of both young and old. The scope of the series is fairly indicated by the titles of the books, which are as follows:-GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.28
BOOK ONE. - “Primary Language Lessons from Life, Nature, and Revelation.” 272 pages; cloth, 65 cents.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.29
BOOK TWO. - “Elementary Grammar.” 281 pages; cloth, 65 cents.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.30
BOOK THREE. - “Complete Grammar.” 224 pages; cloth, 80 cents.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.31
BOOK FOUR. - “Rhetoric and Higher English.” 375 pages; cloth, $1.25.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.32
BOOK FIVE. - “Studies in English and American Literature.” 599 pages; cloth, $1.75.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 32.33
If you wish to know more in regard to these books, send for our little 8-page booklet, “Bell’s Language Series.” It is free. Address the publishers, Review and Herald Pub. Co., Battle Creek, Mich. 33 The Daily Bulletin Of the General Conference “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14.GCDB February 19, 1899, page 33.1