The chairman called upon Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, secretary of the General Conference Sabbath-School Department, to render the department’s report. The Conference listened with deep interest, punctuating the report with hearty amens at many points. The report follows:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.9

REPORT OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE SABBATH-SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

WASe

MRS. L. FLORA PLUMMER, SECRETARY

Early History

Fifty-seven years ago this summer the first seed was planted, which, taking deep and abiding root, developed into what we now call the Sabbath-school work of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. That summer, Elder James White, traveling by carriage from Rochester, N. Y., to Bangor, Maine, was deeply impressed with the need of some regular system or plan of Bible lessons, especially adapted to the youth. After dining by the roadside, and while waiting for his team to feed and rest, using his lunch basket for a table, he prepared the first series of Sabbath-school lessons every used by our people.GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.10

At that time the believers were widely scattered; the name “Seventh-day Adventist” had not been coined; the word “church” was seldom used; no ministers had been ordained; no church elders cared for the flock. Strange as it may seem, but little attempt was made to instruct the children of believers in the doctrines cherished by their parents. Elder White, to quote his own words, thought this “a grievous error, sufficient to call down the frown of God.”GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.11

It was decided to urge the organization of Sabbath-schools and to encourage a uniform course of Bible study. To promote this the first number of the Youth’s Instructor was issued at Rochester, N. Y., in August, 1852, and contained four lessons for use in the Sabbath-school. From that time until 1863, lessons were supplied, with occasional lapses—these lapses ranging in length of time from eight months to three and one-half years.GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.12

During this time such schools as were held seemed each to be a law unto itself. There were long intervals when no lessons were furnished. During such times each school chose its own lessons, and even in the same school there were various lessons selected by the different classes. There were no maps, no record books, no song-books, no system of reporting, no contributions, no uniformity in the plan of organization, nor in the manner of conducting the exercises of the school. I do not believe there is power enough in anything in this world—in anything in which men believe—to hold together so scattered, so pitifully helpless a flock, save the power there is in God’s last message to this world.GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.13

The earliest regularly organized schools of which I have been able to learn were held at Rochester and Bucks Bridge, in New York State, in 1853 and 1854. Elder John Byington was the leader in the latter place. After the removal of the Advent Review office to Battle Creek, Mich., in 1855, the Lord moved upon the heart of Brother M. G. Kellogg to engage in this work. Of his early experience he says: “For months the life of this poor weakling of a Sabbath-school hung by such a brittle thread that it was a question whether the succeeding Sabbath would find it alive; but by patient perseverance and much strong crying unto God for help, it not only lived, but gradually became a stronger factor for good than I had expected.”GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.14

Brother G. W. Amadon became a very active worker in connection with the leading school, superintending it successfully after Brother Kellogg had removed from that place.GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.15

The methods of conducting other schools is well illustrated by a few sentences taken from early numbers of the Instructor. The children of one school learned six verses to recite each Sabbath, and were going through with the “sermon on the mount.” In some places the leader of the meeting at the close of the Sabbath services would announce, “Now we will hear the children recite,” and the teacher passing around the room would call on each child present to recite the verses he had committed. Another school reports beginning with the first chapter of Genesis, and taking three or four chapters for a lesson. Still another reported that both old and young were studying The Revelation, and that little boys, from eight to twelve years of age, to quote verbatim, “were pleasantly entertained with this wonderful book.” One sister, now in his audience, states her experience thus: “I remember the first Sabbath-school I attended, and that my lesson was the first seven verses of the first chapter of Acts. How I struggled with the first sentence, ‘The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus!’ What a ‘treatise’ was, or who ‘Theophilus’ might be, was more than my childish mind could tell; and no one explained.”GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.16

Lessons

Allusion has already been made to the difficulty of securing lessons to be studied in the schools. During the first year of the Instructor, ninteen lessons were published, and seventeen lessons were selected from the paper of another denomination. This was followed by eight lessons on the “Sanctuary.” No more lessons were printed for eight months. Then Elder R. F. Cottrell prepared a series of fifty-two lessons, which must have brought great blessing to the people as they developed the most essential features of present truth. They were first published in the Instructor, and in 1855 two thousand copies were published in book form, under the name of “The Bible Class.” No more lessons were published until 1859. During this year Brother Wm. Higley, of Lapeer, Mich., prepared a small pamphlet of questions on the book of Daniel, dividing it up into sections of suitable length for one lesson. Then followed a lesson famine for three years and a half. In 1863 the Review contained a series of thirty-two lessons for advanced classes. They consisted of questions based upon the books, “History of the Sabbath” and “Thoughts on Daniel.” Lessons adapted to the senior division continued to be published in the Instructor until 1888, when they were placed in pamphlet form, varied until it was merged into the present style of Lesson Quarterly.GCB May 18, 1909, page 45.17

In 1869 two series of lessons were begun in the Instructor, the first commencing with creation, designed for children; and the second upon the prophecies of Daniel, adapted for the youth. Out of this beginning, the lesson-writer, Prof. G. H. Bell, developed the series of lesson-books used for so many years.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.1

“The Little Friend”

In July, 1890, the Little Friend made its first appearance, containing the first of a series of lessons especially adapted to the younger children. As the subscription list grew, and the schools began to use the lessons published, the difficulties attending one phase of the situation materially lessened. Naturally, when a school was organized, the children began their lessons at the first of the book. Whenever a class was formed, it began at the first lesson of the book. If a school was discontinued for a time, when reorganized the pupils began at the place in the book where they left off. Advantageous as this might be, it effectively prevented any uniformity in the lessons studied. No “helps,” no suggestions on current lessons, no methods of illustration, could be presented, as aids to inexperienced teachers. Each school, in fact each teacher, was left to mark out the path to be traveled.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.2

With the first number of the Little Friend such helps were given through the Worker, previously published, that even inexperienced teachers might do acceptable work by following the suggestions given. Gradually, the entire denomination swung into line, until now the Little Friend lessons are used in practically every school.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.3

State and General Organizations

In 1868-69 the need of some definite plan for Sabbath-school organization was recognized. A regular program of exercises, a system of keeping records of membership and scholarship, was devised and put to the test of practical use in the Battle Creek school. As soon as the efficiency of a method or plan was determined, it was presented to the other schools through the medium of the Instructor. Every effort to bring order and system into the work met with opposition; but the wisdom and excellence of a simple form of organization were at length generally recognized, and it triumphed over all hindrances.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.4

One evening during the summer of 1877, at a teachers’ meeting held at the home of Elder James White, Professor Bell, superintendent of the Battle Creek school, asked the teachers if they thought it possible to develop some organization which would bring together the Sabbath-schools of a State—some union which would enable them to help one another. A committee was appointed which outlined a plan for a State association. These plans were submitted by correspondence to workers on the Pacific Coast, resulting in the organization, in August, 1877, of the California State Sabbath-school Association. The Michigan Association was formed soon after. State after State followed, so that during the General Conference held at Battle Creek, Mich., in 1878, with delegates present from twelve States, the General Sabbath-school Association was formed, with C. H. Jones as president of the association, with headquarters at Oakland, Cal. As our work advanced into other lands, this association was re-christened the “International Sabbath-school Association.” In 1901 the organization of the International Sabbath-school Association was dropped, and the general Sabbath-school work became simply a department of the General Conference.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.5

First Statistical Report

The first official compilation of a statistical report was made at the close of 1878, and is as follows:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.6

No. of Membership Attendance Schools Michigan 43 1,753 1,227 Missouri 14 412 230 Minnesota 12 673 344 Illinois 16 482 314 New England 16 396 281 New York 7 231 145 Iowa 16 679 410 Totals 124 4,626 2,951

You observe that no contributions are reported.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.7

Origin of Sabbath Contributions

Elder J. N. Loughborough writes me that the first suggestion made concerning the Sabbath offerings came about the year 1883, when Sister White presented to our people what the Lord had shown her, in harmony with what he taught ancient Israel. When the children of Israel came into the synagogue on the Sabbath, each, according to his ability, dropped a bit of money into the treasury as a token of thankfulness for blessings received. “She then stated that it would be well for our people to do the same thing; and if the children were taught to save their pennies, instead of spending them for sweets and useless articles, and put the amount thus saved in the contributions, it would teach them benevolence and care for the cause of God.” He copies from his diary the statement that this first instruction indicated that the Sabbath contributions should be a “thank-offering, showing our thankfulness for the mercies during the week.” Soon after this, contributions were taken in all the schools, but instead of carrying out the full spirit of the instruction given, the money thus given was used for the purchase of supplies.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.8

At Milton, Ore., in 1885, it was voted that the Upper Columbia Conference give their Sabbath-school contributions to missions; and California, the following year, in addition to buying their supplies, gave $700 to the mission work just opening in Australia.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.9

The following statistical table shows the record of membership, total contributions and donations to missions, from 1887 to 1908, inclusive:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.10

The Record for Twenty-two Years

Previous to 1887 the California schools had given $700 for the work in Australia.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.11

Total Donated to Year Members Contributions Missions 1887 23,700 $ 16,751.83 $ 10,615.72 1888 25,375 18,485.77 10,755.34 1889 28,900 22,541.24 11,767.95 1890 32,000 28,642.75 17,707.39 1891 33,400 29,435.05 16,750.94 1892 35,300 37,542.27 23,618.77 1893 40,100 37,936.11 24,162.50 1894 49,626 39,562.42 20,850.50 1895 50,266 37,336.35 19,800.76 1896 54,070 40,125.13 23,666.08 1897 52,045 41,541.40 33,409.32 1898 55,160 40,301.87 21,475.18 1899 53,967 39,071.79 21,842.09 1900 55,255 46,794.40 25,235.47 1901 57,762 43,819.67 21,947.90 1902 59,351 51,642.01 28,298.86 1903 66,811 55,823.85 34,778.85 1904 71,643 60,460.80 40,278.05 1905 71,700 69,421.95 48,972.42 1906 75,622 74,775.26 57,915.81 1907 83,651 86,454.47 71,753.01 1908 88,843 104,917.72 94,500.12 $1,023,384.11 $680,802.48

During this time, in addition to the amount contributed to missions, the Sabbath-schools on special occasions gave $53,104.40 for the maintenance of the Haskell Home for Orphans.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.12

The Sabbath School Worker

A most potent factor in the development of the Sabbath-school has been the Sabbath School Worker. This journal was issued as a sixteen-page quarterly in January, 1885. In 1887 it was discontinued as a separate journal for two years, and issued as a supplement to the Instructor. This plan did not, however, meet with very general satisfaction, and in 1889 the Worker was revived, and for ten years it was a most helpful factor in the development of Sabbath-school interests. It encouraged unified effort, better methods, and a more consecrated and intelligent service. Fortunate indeed are the Sabbath-school officers and teachers of to-day who have a complete file of the Worker for this period.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.13

At the General Conference held in Battle Creek, Mich., in the spring of 1901, it was decided to establish an educational journal which should be representative of both Sabbath-school and church-school work. Thus the Sabbath School Worker, at the beginning of 1902, was merged into the Advocate of Christian Education, published at Berrien Springs, Mich. For two years the Advocate continued as the representative of the combined interests; but again the demand for an exclusive Sabbath-school journal became imperative. Soon after the removal of the General Conference headquarters to Washington, D.C., plans were laid for reviving the Worker. In January, 1904, it made its appearance in its present form. Old friends and new gave it a cordial welcome, and it now has a subscription list of nearly 8,000. It is a cheering omen of progress that the demands of our cause have carried the Worker safely through the changes of the past, and placed it upon the foundation upon which it rests to-day.GCB May 18, 1909, page 46.14

The Last Four Years

Turning from this historical survey of the Sabbath-school work, I will speak particularly of its development during the last four years. Speaking of the field as a whole, we can praise God most heartily for the manifest evidence that the Sabbath-school work is reaching a higher standard. Week by week the lessons are taught with the power and effect that comes from patient, persistent, faithful effort. Little children are learning to love the Saviour, many among our youth are being bound to this message with bands stronger than iron, and through the Sabbath-school influence the hearts of the fathers and mothers in Israel are strengthened, encouraged, established. The Sabbath-school has been, and is now, our pioneer organization. We have schools before we have churches. Unquestionably, the Sabbath-school is one of the leading factors in molding, establishing, building up, and making permanent and sure our denominational work.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.1

At the close of 1908 there were 3,747 Sabbath-schools with a total membership of 88,843. Of this number 1,269 schools and 22,011 members are in foreign fields. During the last four years persistent effort has been made to get in closer touch with the Sabbath-school work in other lands.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.2

Australasian Union

In the Australasian Union this work is exceedingly prosperous. Their secretaries are very efficient, and most of the plans followed in this country have been successfully carried out in that field. They publish their own lessons, using those furnished by our Sabbath-school Department. The lessons on the life of Christ will be translated into the native languages of that island field, and the secretary writes that this “will mark a new epoch in the history of the Sabbath-school work in this field.” She states that the lessons are admirably adapted to the work among the native races, and that they have come at a very opportune time.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.3

The European Field

The reports from the entire European field have been very satisfactory. The Hamburg House publishes lesson quarterlies in nine languages, as follows: German, 10,000 copies; Dutch, 350; Russian, 950; Estonian, 300; Lettonian, 350; Polish, 200; Rumanian, 150; Hungarian, 250; Bohemian, 150. The German Little Friend has a circulation of 25,000. Throughout the large German Union Conference, which includes all of Russia, it is the established custom to give all the Sabbath-school donations to missions. The Scandinavian Union has practically adopted this policy, as their reports show but a few cents of expense.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.4

South Africa

The Sabbath-school work in South Africa has shown commendable progress. The establishment of Sabbath-schools in connection with the mission schools in the interior of Africa is a very interesting feature. The last report shows eight such schools with a membership of 387, and the excellent average attendance of 352. The offerings from these schools in one quarter was $26, and all of it given to missions.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.5

South America

Until the beginning of 1907 the Sabbath-school reports from South America had been very meager and unsatisfactory. It was difficult to give much help, for the secretaries were largely native workers who did not understand the English. With the organization of the South American Union Conference, and the appointment of a union Sabbath-school secretary, conditions have materially changed for the better. The last summary gives complete reports from nine conferences and mission fields, showing 126 schools, with a membership of 2,500. That they have the true missionary spirit is evidenced by their liberal offerings to missions.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.6

West Indies

Much progress has likewise been made in the last four years in the West Indies. Quite complete reports are sent in regularly, and the Sabbath-school workers are experienced and capable. Nearly all the plans presented to the schools in this country are carried on there with success.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.7

Japan, China, and India

The difficulties attending the right development of the work in such countries as Japan, China, and India are manifold. The General Conference Sabbath-school Department has received a petition asking that a series of simple Bible studies be prepared for use in such heathen lands, where the people’s knowledge of God and Christianity is so very limited that they can not profitably use the lessons generally studied. In each of these countries, efforts are now being made to bring in the same system and form of organization adopted in countries where the work is fully established. We fully appreciate the regular quarterly reports sent in from these fields, and the figures themselves afford a striking text for a missionary lesson, when compared with those of less populous but more favored lands.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.8

The last published summary gives reports from ninety-four conferences and mission fields outside the United States and Canada, and sixty-six reports from the home land.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.9

The Mount Vernon Convention

In July, 1907, a Sabbath-school and Young People’s Convention, the first of its kind, was held at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, that deserves special mention because of its far-reaching influence. More than two hundred representative workers were together. The occasion was one of absorbing interest, and the company of sober-minded men and women gave themselves faithfully to the consideration of the problems at hand. The Young People’s work, fostered from the beginning by the Sabbath-school Department, was there fully launched as a separate department, under the name Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department. Three days were given to the discussion of strictly Sabbath-school interests. The committee appointed to consider the matter of Sabbath-school lessons gave it thoughtful study, weighing every interest involved, and voted to recommend the continuation of past plans.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.10

The course of study adopted for the children was understood to be:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.11

Two years—Old Testament History.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.12

One year—Life of Christ.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.13

Six months—Acts of Apostles.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.14

Six months—Topical study of doctrinal points.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.15

We are now entering upon the study of the life of Christ, and the senior division joins in this study. For this special study the time is extended to one year and nine months.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.16

Other recommendations were passed at this meeting, encouraging our Sabbath-schools to give all their donations to missions, providing their supplies from other sources; outlining an aggressive policy in convention or institute work, and in home department work; and urging a more thorough study of the lessons.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.17

The inspiration of the meeting has been permanent. Each secretary prized the opportunity so rarely enjoyed by this class of workers, of exchanging ideas with others in the same line of work.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.18

Each returned home with a stouter heart, with more courage, and with increased ability.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.19

Convention Work in the Schools

Each year the majority of the schools in this country have held at least one service which might properly be named a Sabbath-school convention. Each year a suggestive program has been printed in the Sabbath School Worker, appropriate subjects suggested, and instruction given to aid wholly inexperienced workers in holding a successful convention. The secretaries of a long list of States report that the majority of their schools have held these conventions as planned. The reports from some portions of the Southern field, from mission fields, and from the schools that have but few advantages, were particularly gratifying. So universal a consideration of Sabbath-school topics can not but be fruitful of results.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.20

The latest effort in this direction is quite recent. It was urged that a special church service be held in every school during the latter part of March, for the purpose of arousing a deeper interest in the study of the lessons on the life of Christ, which began in April. Thirty-five thousand cards were sent out, giving a suggestive program for a family study of these lessons, a study including the primary, intermediate, junior, and senior members. A leaflet appealing to every individual in our ranks to connect with the Sabbath-school work and study the Sabbath-school lessons was sent broadcast. Each conference president was invited to prepare a paper on “The Relation of the Sabbath-school Work to the Conference,” to be read in the schools. The plans for reviving the old-time interest in Bible study were enthusiastically received, and in the large majority of schools were faithfully carried out. It is too early to foretell permanent results, but it would seem that if these lessons on the life of Christ were studied in each home in such a way that each member of the family might be reached, the blessedness, the beauty, and the power of that life would penetrate each heart, and the miracle of being saved by grace would be wrought in every home.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.21

The Home Department

A study of the statistics of the denomination led to the creation of the Home Department of the Sabbath-school. The membership of our schools had been about one fourth less than the church membership. It should be considerably larger, as such a large proportion of the Sabbath-school membership is made up of children who are not members of the church. The formation of the Home Department has not only connected with the Sabbath-school the isolated, the feeble, the aged, and those really unable to attend the school, but the efforts put forth in behalf of the non-attendants has materially increased the regular membership. The latest returns now show that instead of having a smaller number in the Sabbath-school than we have in the church, we have 8,000 more. The Home Department now numbers 4,500 members. They contribute liberally to missions, and seem to prize highly their connection with the Sabbath-school work. No more cheering letters have come to our office than those that relate to the Home Department work. There is no reason why it should not be as permanent as any other division in our schools, as the conditions which created it will always exist. It is to be regretted that a few of the secretaries are carrying so many lines of work that they have but little time to devote to this work, which requires very faithful correspondence. The right development of the Home Department work will surely be a source of strength to every conference.GCB May 18, 1909, page 47.22

Sabbath-School Finances

Believing that our Sabbath-schools needed the blessed inspiration of a real burden for the work in mission fields, it was suggested that our schools the world around endeavor to give $1,000 a week to missions in 1906. They gave almost five thousand dollars more than that. In 1907 the same financial motto was chosen, but the call was restricted to the schools in the United States and Canada. The schools responded nobly, giving $10,500 more than the year before, and only fell $600 below the mark. The returns for 1908 smashed the Worker thermometer and all previous records, the schools in the United States and Canada giving $70,758.26; the schools in all the world giving the handsome sum of $94,500.12 to missions.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.1

In 1906 the old Green Mountain State, Vermont, surprised us by sending in a report showing that all the Sabbath-school donations had been given to missions. Since that time the list has grown, and now includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, Western New York, West Texas, Montana, Alaska, the District of Columbia, and Alabama.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.2

Most diligent inquiry has failed to reveal that the general tendency of this financial policy has been to deprive the schools of needed supplies. Letter after letter could be drawn from our files stating that the schools giving all their donations to missions were also liberally supplying their own needs. We have a few letters prophesying disaster as a result of such policy; but when facts disprove theories, it is bad for the theories. A letter from Mrs. A. E. Taylor, secretary of the Vermont schools, the schools that have been following this plan for two full years, says, “I do not believe a single one of my schools could be persuaded to return to the old plan of using a portion of their Sabbath-school money for themselves.”GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.3

1909 Bookmark

Thinking to please our Sabbath-school children, and also encourage them to greater diligence in learning the memory verses, our department prepared a ribbon bookmark upon which were printed the memory verses for their lessons for 1909. Ten thousand of these were bought by Sabbath-school and church-school teachers and parents and presented to the children, who seemed greatly to appreciate this token of esteem and kindly interest.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.4

Suggestions for the Future

The Sabbath-school work is so old and well established that there is danger of its needs being disregarded in a meeting of this kind, where such a multitude of matters come up for consideration. But if our Sabbath-schools ever really fulfill their mission, there must be great improvement in the quality of the work the schools are now doing. What course of training can be placed within the reach of Sabbath-school officers and teachers that will increase their efficiency? How shall we make real Bible students of Sabbath-school scholars? How can the work of the General Conference Sabbath-school Department be strengthened and conducted to better advantage? What are helping and what are hindering policies in the conducting of conference Sabbath-school departments? What shall be the financial policy of our Sabbath-schools? These are live Sabbath-school questions. Upon their solution depends, to a large extent, the advancement of the work during the next four years.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.5

I believe this conference should make definite recommendations upon the following matters:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.6

1. The preparation of a Sabbath-school Manual. The little book, “Testimonies on Sabbath-school Work,” is the only literature we have in book form. If an inquirer asks for a book giving instruction in the details of Sabbath-school work, he must be referred to Sunday-school books as the only matter available. While the various Sunday-school manuals contain much that is helpful, there is very much that is not at all adapted to our work. I believe there is no better or more effective way to improve our teaching force and to help our schools as a whole, than to provide a well-written, practical, up-to-date Sabbath-school Manual.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.7

2. A Reading Course for Sabbath-school officers and teachers. The demand for more efficient officers and teachers is imperative. We are beginning to realize that our Sabbath-schools are dealing with souls for whom they must give an account. The value of practical reading courses is unquestioned. I believe a reading course based on “Testimonies on Sabbath-school Work,” a good Sabbath-school Manual, and perhaps one other selected book of merit, would give an uplift to our work that would be felt throughout the entire field.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.8

3. This Conference would do well to recognize the value of the Sabbath-school lessons, and to urge our people to heed the message, “Parents, set apart a little time each day for the study of the Sabbath-school lesson with your children.” We have only to remember how very little the Bible is studied in the homes of our people, to recognize the need of this. In many homes these good lessons which we have been told “are of far greater consequence than many now discern,” are passed by unstudied, perhaps even unread. As heresies, vain philosophies, and fables abound more and more, those who are not establishing their faith by patiently, steadfastly, and continually studying the truth, are standing where they may very easily be led to accept darkness for light. The influence of this gathering ought to go out unwaveringly in favor of the daily study of the Sabbath-school lesson in the home.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.9

4. The Home Department should receive your approval.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.10

5. The Sabbath School Worker needs attention, even if it does not deserve it. As accurate an estimate as it is possible to make shows that only about one half the schools in this country are taking it. Counting out the schools that do not read English, there are yet a large number not supplied with a single copy. So far the subscription list has more than met the cost of publication, but a very little effort on the part of those who visit schools and churches would materially increase the influence of our Sabbath-school journal. The most experienced workers among us are chosen to write the lesson helps for the various grades, and this feature of the paper alone would justify an energetic effort in its behalf.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.11

6. Perhaps this Conference will desire either to approve or disapprove of the schools giving all their donations to missions. We can hardly believe that a backward step could be recommended. However, it should be remembered that in asking the schools to give all their donations to missions, the State conferences, to be consistent, should make no levy on those donations to support the conference Sabbath-school work.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.12

7. We very much hope that each union conference may establish the custom of holding a Sabbath-school convention at least as often as once in two years, at which time all the conference Sabbath-school secretaries in the union may come together for counsel. Such counsels would yield rich results in better and more effective work. It must be constantly remembered that it is this class of workers who should exert the strongest possible influence in behalf of our own boys and girls. My own personal interest in missions is too well known to be questioned when I ask, Why spend thousands of dollars in labor for the native youth of heathen lands, and refuse hundreds in developing the work that touches our nearest and dearest interests at home? Surely the expenditure of a little means to make capable, soul-winning workers of secretaries whose direct influence may save your child and mine, is well worth while.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.13

Closing Words

In closing I want to plead most earnestly for a removal of every hindering policy in the conducting of Sabbath-school affairs. I fear that sometimes the progress of this work has been unconsciously hindered by its friends. Every conference officer, every minister, might well note whether his interest has been active and as sympathetic as he could make it.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.14

This child of the church which has to do with the children of the entire denomination, should not be regarded in the conference as merely an organization for the collection of reports, and the work thus restricted.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.15

We are pressing forward. Our eyes and hearts are fixed on those who should be brought into the fold of Christ, and strengthened and established.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.16

Every conference needs a devoted, faithful, capable Sabbath-school secretary—one you can trust,—one who has a burden for souls,—one who knows how to conduct the work, or who, with your help, will set herself to learn how,—one who has time for this work,—one who is not carrying so many other burdens that the Sabbath-school work is mere incidental,—one who will be an inspiration to every Sabbath-school in the conference. If you have not such a worker, why not develop one? This can be done in every conference. Advise with your secretary. Have knowledge of her plans. Encourage her. Give the work your active support. Then see whether or not the influence of the Sabbath-school work in your field pays in souls saved—pays in dollars and cents.GCB May 18, 1909, page 48.17

At this time we may well thank God for what the Sabbath-school work has done for this people. With faith in its future let us lay hold mightily to make of it what the spirit of prophecy has said it should be—“one of the greatest instrumentalities and the most effectual in bringing souls to Christ.”GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.1

The Chairman: I presume that you, with me, regard this as a soul-inspiring report of progress. In connection with the consideration of this work, I should like to ask the delegates whether they wish to accord to the editor of the Little Friend the privilege of telling us of the purposes and hopes and desires of those in charge of that publication.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.2

This privilege was granted, and Miss K. Blossom Wilcox was called to the platform. She expressed appreciation for the privilege of looking into the faces of so many representatives of the children in our ranks in all parts of the world, and of thanking them for the interest they had manifested in the salvation of these children during the years that have passed. She referred to the molding influence of literature, for good or for ill, on the plastic minds of the little ones, and pleaded for the continued co-operation and support of all in making our child’s paper the purest and best publication of its class. To this end, she solicited criticisms, literary contributions, and the prayers of God’s people.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.3

One impressive feature of Miss Wilcox’s address was the emphasis placed on the necessity of supplying the children with reading matter that is not only interesting and pure and uplifting, but that leads to a familiarity with, and an ever-increasing love for, the principles underlying the third angel’s message. “In this,” the speaker declared, “we have not always succeeded, but this has been and is our aim. Much of our success in this matter depends on your co-operation. You can greatly help us, first, by your prayers; then, as you go to your homes, by speaking a good word for the Little Friend wherever you have opportunity to do so. Help us to place the paper in every home where there are children who need it; and call attention to its value, from time to time, in the churches you visit, and in your conference papers. Help us to lead many to place in the hands of their children literature so pure and uplifting that a broad foundation may be laid for pure and true manhood and womanhood.”GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.4

REPORTS FROM THE GERMAN UNION

WASe

As there was still some time left, it was thought best to have the reports from Russia and Germany which were on the program for the afternoon.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.5

Austrian Mission

Elder J. Wolfgarten, director of the Austrian mission, was the first to report, and read as follows:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.6

The largest field in the German Union is Austria. It is now well known because of the annexation of the two former Turkish provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria is right in the heart of Europe. It contains about 120,000 square miles, and it is about as large as Oregon and Oklahoma. It contains about thirty million people, among whom are represented Germans, Bohemians, Poles, Ruthenians, Slovakians, Croatians, Italians, and Rumanians. By far the larger portion of the people are Roman Catholics; but the Greek, Mohammedan, Greek Oriental, and Protestant religions are represented.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.7

Our work began in this field in 1901, when John P. Lorenz entered Prague. In 1905 we had 5 companies, with 63 members, paying $600 tithe; last year we had 1 church and 5 companies, with 135 members, paying $1,100 tithe.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.8

In 1906 I was transferred from Germany to this difficult field, where the Lord has marvelously opened the doors for this last message, by enabling us to form a society under the name of “Christian Men and Women.” The purpose of this society is declared to be the advancing of Christian life, and the holding of public meetings. We tried to insert into our constitution a clause giving us the right to open our meetings with public prayer, but that was not granted. The last time I tried to begin public lectures in the city of Gratz, where the police did not give me permission to work, because I had no native Austrian to assume the responsibility of the meetings, and as our native worker was laboring in another city, I did not know what to do at first. The chief of police asked me, “Don’t you have a friend here who could take the responsibility?” I thought of a friend who had attended my Bible studies two years previously, but I had forgotten his name. I remembered that he occupied a position in the city hall. While walking to that place, I remembered his name, and called on him. I told him of the trouble in which I found myself, and with tears in his eyes, he said: “I prayed but two days ago that the Lord would help me to do something for your mission.” I did not know what to say for joy. The Lord had gone before me, and his angels made preparations I did not know anything about. We went to the police station, and our friend assumed all the responsibility that was asked of him by the chief of police. We have since held meetings attended by one hundred every night. A short time ago I organized a company of twelve members in that same place.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.9

One evening while speaking about Christ and Antichrist, I gave some Bible texts and historical facts, and then asked the congregation. “Who is Antichrist?” Many responded, “The papacy.” You must remember that all visitors are Catholics. Therefore, one has to be very careful in what he says and does in such a country.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.10

The canvassing work is forbidden. Last year we baptized 50 persons. We have 2 ordained ministers, 4 licentiates, and 8 Bible workers.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.11

We ask the prayers of God’s people everywhere, that we may have still greater success in this interesting field.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.12

At the close of his report, Brother Wolfgarten was asked if the Austrians have any language of their own, to which he replied that Austria is made up of peoples speaking eight different languages. The official language is German.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.13

Hungarian Conference

The next to report was Elder J. F. Huenegardt, president of the Hungarian Conference:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.14

This conference embraces the kingdom of Hungary, including Transylvania, with a population of 21,800,000 or one fourth the population of the United States. Its territory is about the size of Kansas and Oklahoma.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.15

At the close of the sixteenth century, when the tide of the Reformation spread to Europe, many accepted Protestantism in Hungary. About 1587 a Hungarian nobleman, Ossoe Andras, was convinced of the Bible Sabbath through the simple reading of the Bible, and soon after this he advocated the Sabbath truth among his people. As a result, within a quarter of a century there were sixty-five towns and villages in Transylvania that were observing the true Sabbath. The statement of this historical fact in Elder J. N. Andrew’s “History of the Sabbath” led to the introduction of the message in this country. Elder Conradi, while translating this work, visited that country in order to study the history of the movement, and found a German family who, with several Hungarians, soon accepted the truth. About ten years later, when I arrived in Hungary, I found twelve Sabbath-keepers there. I acquired the language, and began my work.GCB May 18, 1909, page 49.16

We now have Sabbath-keepers among the Hungarian, the German, the Slovakian, the Servian, and the Rumanian nationalities, scattered among twenty-five groups and companies in the principal cities and towns of the country.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.1

Our conference was organized at Kolozsvar Dec. 11-15, 1907. Our present membership is 505. Our force of laborers is composed of 3 ordained ministers, 1 licentiate, 6 Bible workers, and 2 missionary nurses. These are located among the nationalities as follows,—two ordained ministers and two Bible workers among the Hungarians; one ordained minister among the Germans; one licentiate among the Servians; one Bible worker among the Rumanians. Our medical missionary nurses work among the Germans, the Slovakians, and the Hungarians, as they know these three languages. We expect to soon have a laborer for the Slovakians.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.2

Our tithe and gifts have more than doubled since the organization of the conference. The work is steadily advancing, and workers are being prepared for these various nationalities. We enjoy almost perfect liberty in our work.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.3

Our canvassing work is developing. We are translating tracts and other literature in all these different languages.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.4

To close I would like to ask our American brethren to remember our thousands and thousands of Hungarians, Rumanians, Servians, Slovakians, and so on, who are from month to month flooding our American cities. You can help them by having your tract societies subscribe for clubs of our Hungarian, Bohemian, and Rumanian monthly missionary papers. These papers were successfully started, and we would like to have their subscription list increased.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.5

As far as these nationalities are concerned, the Macedonian cry is turned about, for they are coming over here to have you help them. Please remember us at the throne of grace.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.6

Some one asked Brother Huenergardt how many Hungarians there are in the United States, and he replied that there are about two millions, there being over a hundred thousand in the city of New York alone. He said that when he was in New York, he and some of the workers there went out and sang a few Hungarian hymns on the street, and soon they were surrounded by Hungarians, thus making him think he was in Budapest.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.7

West German Conference

H. Fenner, the president of the West German Conference, was next called upon for a report. Speaking through an interpreter, he said:—GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.8

The West German Conference was organized in 1898, and since the organization of the German Union, in 1901, three conferences have been cut off from its territory, with a total of 47 churches, and 1,204 members. The population of the conference is 7,250,000 people, two thirds of whom are Protestants. We now have 20 churches, with 529 members, and 7 workers. Our workers are happy in their work. Our greatest need is more laborers to do justice to the interests that are springing up. We hope God will continue to give us his rich blessing.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.9

Upon motion the meeting adjourned to 3 P. M.GCB May 18, 1909, page 50.10

H. W. COTTRELL, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Bible Study - THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

EIGHTH MEETING