AT 10 o’clock Monday, November 21, the third meeting of the present session of the International Sabbath-school Association was opened by singing, “Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” followed by prayer by J. D. Pegg. The Association then listened to the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting. The President spoke briefly of the importance of the business to come before the meeting and expressed the hope that all present would take an interest in it commensurate with its importance; and that each one would feel free to express his views upon the various questions considered, so that the results attained might meet the minds of all. He also said that as Sabbath-school workers we had great cause for encouragement. During the past year God’s blessing has attended our schools in a marked manner; and this has been especially true in the matter of class contributions. By keeping a worthy missionary object before our schools, the donations have been largely increased, and God has signally blessed the means thus contributed. This has been especially true of the South African Mission, which was established and is still being supported by the Sabbath-schools. On invitation of the President, Brother A. T. Jones read a very interesting report from Elder C. L. Boyd, who, in company with Elder D. A. Robinson and others, is now in South Africa. This report is of a most encouraging character, and shows that God’s hand is in the work in that distant field. Some precious souls have already accepted the truth there, and there are most encouraging tokens of an abundant harvest. The workers are all of the best courage, for they feel that they have not only the financial support of the members of our Sabbath-school, but that they have their prayers as well, and in answer to these prayers, the blessing of the Lord of the harvest.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.1

The consideration of the report of the Committee on Resolutions which had been interrupted on the previous day by adjournment was then resumed. Resolution four, published in yesterday’s BULLETIN, was again read and after being quite fully discussed by G. C. Tenney, John Burden, E. J. Waggoner, J. P. Henderson, L. T. Nicola, S. H. Lane, Prof. G. W. Rine, and R. S. Owen, was adopted.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.2

The committee then made the following additional report:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.3

Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that when ministers begin tent-meetings in any locality, they should at once, whenever it is practicable, begin a Sunday school, which shall be continued until it can be converted into a Sabbath-school, and that a short series of lessons on the life of Christ should be prepared for use in such Sunday-schools.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.4

Resolved, That we recommend that our State Associations hold Sabbath-school Normals in connection with general meetings and camp-meetings, especially local camp-meetings, for the instruction of officers and teachers in the various branches of the Sabbath-school work: and further,GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.5

Resolved, That we request our Conference officers to provide opportunity in procuring the necessary help for such Conventions.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.6

WHEREAS, In the providence of God we have in the past year seen a good work opened in South Africa, our workers have enjoyed the divine blessing and favor, and souls are already rejoicing in the truth, and a good prospect seems open for labor there; therefore,GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.7

Resolved, That we express our sincere gratitude to God, under whose blessing and guidance all true success is attained.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.8

Resolved, That it is a satisfaction to us, as an Association, that we have been permitted to be in a measure instrumental in forwarding this work during the past year, and that we would hereby assure the dear brethren in that far-off land of our continued prayers and interest.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.9

It was moved that this report be adopted, by considering each resolution separately, which was done, the discussion being participated in by A. T. Robinson, A. J. Breed, W. C. White, R. S. Owen, H. P. Holser, L. C. Chadwick, Henry Hayen, J. D. Pegg, and the President.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.10

The Committee on Resolutions also submitted the following:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.11

Your committee to whom the matter of amendments to the Constitution was referred, respectfully submit the following recommendations:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.12

1. That Section 1 of Article III be amended by striking out the words, “a Publishing Committee of five,” and inserting the words, “a Corresponding Secretary,” so as to read: “The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, who shall also act as Treasurer, a Corresponding Secretary, and an Executive Committee of seven, of which the President, Vice-President, and Secretary shall be members,” etc.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.13

2. That Article V be amended by striking out clause 3, which reads, “To execute all the correspondence ordered by the Association and by the Executive Board,” and changing the numbering of the other clauses so as to correspond.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 25.14

3. That Article V be further amended by inserting a second section, to read as follows:- “The duties of Corresponding Secretary shall be to advance, by correspondence, the interests of the Sabbath-school Association in all parts of the world, and to give isolated schools and associations such instruction as shall enable them to act in harmony with the body.”GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.1

4. That Article VI be amended by adding to the third clause the following words: “and to provide suitable lessons for all divisions of the Sabbath-school.”GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.2

On motion of C. P. Bollman, supported by M. H. Brown, these recommendations were adopted as read, after being considered separately. The discussion of the motion for their adoption was participated in by W. C. White, E. J. Waggoner, and A. T. Jones.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.3

As one of the amendments thus made in the Constitution created the office of Corresponding Secretary, the Committee on Nominations completed their work by recommending Sister Jessie F. Waggoner for that office. Their recommendation was adopted and Sister Waggoner was elected.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.4

W. C. White, Chairman of the Committee on Lessons, then submitted the following:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.5

Your committee appointed to consider plans for future lessons recommend for the senior division of our schools -GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.6

1. That we have a series of lessons on Old Testament history, and that about six months, beginning with January, 1888, be devoted to the study of lessons from Genesis.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.7

2. That the remainder of 1888 be devoted to the study of doctrinal lessons, including the following subjects: “The United States in Prophecy,” and “The Third Angel’s Message.”GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.8

3. That the first six months of 1889 be devoted to a continuation of the study of Old Testament history.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.9

4. That the last six months of 1889 be devoted to the study of doctrinal subjects, selected by the Executive Committee. We also recommend -GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.10

5. That the lessons for 1888 be written immediately, and, after approval by the Executive Committee, that they be published in two pamphlets, of twenty-six lessons each, for the use of Sabbath-school officers and teachers.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.11

6. That the lessons for 1889 be written in time to be presented for examination at the next annual meeting of this Association.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.12

7. That there be published a series of fifty-two lessons, on the leading doctrines of the Bible, for the use of those newly come to the faith.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.13

8. That a series of lessons for little children be prepared on the life of Christ.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.14

9. That the Executive Committee employ the best talent within their reach for the preparation of these lessons, at as early a date as possible.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.15

On motion of M. H. Brown these recommendations were considered separately and adopted after being discussed by Brethren Robinson, White, Tenney, Eldridge, Fulton, Hayen, A. T. Jones, and the President.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.16

Meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.17

AFTERNOON

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At 3 P. M. the second meeting of the International Tract and Missionary Society was called to order, and opened with prayer by F. E. Belden. After the reading of the minutes, the Committee on Book-keeping rendered the following report:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.18

WHEREAS, There is a pressing demand in nearly all of our State societies for a better system of doing the periodical business which of necessity passes through their hands; and also for a simpler method of keeping the Librarian’s accounts, and more uniformity in keeping the books of the State Secretaries, your committee appointed for the purpose of submitting some plans to meet these wants, would respectfully present the following recommendations:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.19

1. We recommend that as soon as they deem it practicable, the officers of our various State societies appoint in each church and company of Sabbath-keepers in their different Conferences, a person who shall act as the business agent of the State society, and shall receive from the members their orders for papers or books and deal direct with the State Secretary.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.20

In view of the fact that the State societies receive and forward the orders for the different periodicals issued by the Review and Herald Office and become responsible for the payment of the same, with little or no commission,GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.21

2. We recommend that this society ask the Review and Herald Office to prepare a simple form of order and record book, for the use of these church agents, which they shall furnish free to the State societies for that purpose.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.22

3. We recommend that one or both of our publishing houses prepare and furnish to the State societies, at the lowest price possible, a book for the use of Librarians, simply arranged, with the headings of pages printed, showing the entries to be made covering the following points, and with one page of printed instructions in the first part of the book, similar to those given in the books now used by our Sabbath-school Secretaries and Church Clerks: (1) List of members; (2) record of meetings; (3) account with the district; (4) cash account; (5) memoranda of tracts drawn - in order to secure greater accuracy, efficiency, and uniformity in our State Tract Society accounts.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.23

4. As soon as our State Secretaries can properly inform themselves in regard to the system, we recommend the adoption of double entry book-keeping, after the most improved and simple methods. And -GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.24

5. We recommend that the principal books employed by the State Secretary be a cash book, bill book, sales book, periodical book, and ledger.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.25

After a motion to adopt, considering one section at a time, L. C. Chadwick spoke at length of the advantages of the proposed plan, stating that simplicity is the great object gained. By having an agent to deal directly with the State Society much time is saved; and it has been found in Pennsylvania, where the plan has been in successful operation for nearly a year, that the amount of indebtedness is very much less, with an equal amount of work done, than before. The agent receives no commission, but at the close of the quarter, he is allowed to deduct from his remittance any necessary expenses that he has incurred, reporting the same. Questions were asked, and remarks were made, by H. P. Holser, L. T. Nicola, E. S. Griggs, D. H. Lamson, R. A. Underwood, M. H. Brown, A. T. Jones, A. J. Breed, and others, and the report was adopted.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.26

The Nominating Committee was then called upon, and reported as follows:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.27

Your committee for the nomination of officers for the International Tract Society would respectfully report as follows:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 26.28

For President, Elder S. N. Haskell, Paternoster Chambers, 48 Paternoster Row, London, England.
Vice-President, W. C. White, Pacific Press, Oakland, California.
Secretary and Treasurer, Maria L. Huntley, Healdsburg, California.
Assistant Secretaries:-
Anna L. Ingels, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Mrs. F. H. Sisley, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Jenny Thayer, 451 Holloway Road, Holloway, London N., England.
H. P. Holser, Imprimerie Polyglotte, Basel, Switzerland.
Josie L. Baker, Bible Echo Office, Melbourne, Australia.
Elizabeth Hare, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mary Heileson, Christiania, Norway.
Mrs. C. L. Boyd, Cape Town, South Africa.
A. Swedberg, Battle Creek, Michigan.

Executive Board:-

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S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, A. J. Breed, G. C. Tenney, W. C. Sisley, M. L. Huntley.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.1

Brother W. C. Sisley raised an objection to the report, on the ground that the Executive Board is composed of persons who are too widely scattered for consultation. A motion to refer the report back to the committee was lost, and the nominees were elected.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.2

Committee on Members’ Pass-book then presented the following report:- Your committee to prepare an individual pass-book for the members of our local Tract and Missionary Societies, would respectfully submit the following: We recommend -GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.3

1. That this society should have prepared a small, cheap pass-book, with blank items for each day’s labor; the items of labor to be such as are required of our members, which may be entered with a lead pencil. Also, four blanks (full pages) providing a summary for each three months in the year, which will furnish a quarterly report of labor to the Librarian. Also, blanks for subscriptions to periodicals, and memoranda for record of missionary labor, with full printed instruction to aid members in reporting.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.4

2. That this society secure stereotype plates for about fifty pages, and have the book printed on news-paper, and in such editions that it can be furnished at the least possible expense to the local societies, whose property it shall be, and that each member be furnished with a copy every year, on condition that they keep a record of all work performed by them, and return it quarterly to the Librarian.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.5

The Chairman of the committee, Elder R. M. Kilgore, had a specimen book with instructions, which he explained to the members. After being amended so as to provide that the book should be prepared at the Review and Herald Office, and should be furnished in German and Danish, the report was adopted.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.6

The Committee on the “Transatlantic Guide Book” then submitted the following:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.7

Your committee appointed to consider the “Transatlantic Guide Book” would respectfully submit the following report:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.8

Although there may be a demand for such a book, we do not see clearly the propriety of the International Tract and Missionary Society taking the responsibility of publishing and circulating a work which so indirectly bears upon the objects for which the society was organized.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.9

We recommend that in the event of the book being circulated by our people, it be thoroughly revised and corrected, as we detect several places in it wherein corrections would greatly improve it.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.10

After some discussion, in which it was stated that the book was prepared at the especial request of the President, Elder Haskell, and that an edition of 5,000 copies has been printed, the whole matter was by vote referred to the Executive Board.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.11

The Committee on Resolutions then presented a partial report, recommending that resolutions number twenty-three and twenty-four of last year be carried out. These resolutions read thus:-GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.12

WHEREAS, The Signs of the Times is a valuable pioneer missionary journal, finding favor with the people, while it conveys to them the principles of the Third Angel’s Message; therefore,GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.13

Resolved, That we urge the State societies to increase their clubs of Signs, and to use every reasonable effort to get it into the hands of the people.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.14

WHEREAS, The churches are largely endorsing the principles of the National Reform party, and the most popular institutions of education are favorably receiving these principles, whereby the influence of that party is fast increasing; therefore,GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.15

Resolved, That all our Tract and Missionary Societies take a sufficient number of the American Sentinel to furnish three numbers, as sample copies, to the principal leading men in their several Conferences; that these periodicals be accompanied with suitable correspondence, and that the number afterward taken be sufficient to meet any demands that may exist.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.16

By request of C. H. Jones, B. R. Nordyke read a tabulated statement of the number of copies of the Signs of the Times that was taken in clubs in 1885, and that are taken now. The statement showed that there has been a great falling off. Remarks were made by several as to the causes that operated to bring about this result, and while the matter was under discussion the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.GCDB November 22, 1887, page 27.17

VOLUME 1. - OAKLAND, CAL., - NUMBER 7

VOLUME 1. - OAKLAND, CAL., - NUMBER 9