The first meeting of the Publishing Department was called at eight A. M. May 14. C. H. Jones, chairman, and E. R. Palmer, secretary, were in charge of the meeting.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.1

Thirty-six of the forty-six members of the department were present.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.2

The topics for the first meeting appear in the program as follows: Social Meeting. Review of Past Experiences. What Is the Outlook?GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.3

The time was spent in seeking God, and in bearing testimony to his goodness.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.4

Second Meeting, May 16, A. M.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.5

The topics set apart for discussion appear in the program as follows:—GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.6

What advantages or disadvantages appear from the reorganization of our publishing houses and associations upon a membership basis instead of stock companies?GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.7

The elimination of commercial work from our publishing houses.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.8

These topics are handled as roundtable councils. All members present have full opportunity to speak and give counsel.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.9

The following points were emphasized in the discussion:—GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.10

1. That the rank and file of our people feel that these houses are now a part of their own work.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.11

2. That the State conferences now feel that the circulation of literature is not set apart specially as the work of the publishing houses, but that the responsibility rests upon each conference.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.12

3. That the membership constituency represents the field much better than the stock company plan of organization.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.13

4. That the elimination of commercial work has revived the spirit of our people and given them new confidence in our publishing houses.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.14

5. That publishing house employees prefer to work on denominational literature. They are willing to sacrifice in wages and otherwise if they can feel that they are advancing the third angel’s message.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.15

6. Publishing house managers bore witness to the fact that the publishing houses prosper financially quite as well without commercial work, and that the circulation of literature is greatly increased.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.16

7. Our literature is being improved. and its circulation increased now that capable men, connected with these publishing houses, are giving their time exclusively to this work.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.17

There was a spirit of perfect harmony in the discussion of these topics. Evidently the providences of God during the past few years have settled this question in the minds of the publishing house representatives.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.18

MEDICAL MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT

WASe

Second Meeting, May 16, 8 A. M.

Dr. A. C. Selmon called the meeting to order. The interest in the medical missionary work was shown in the fact that the room assigned for this department was filled to overflowing. In response to invitation by Dr. Kress, the meetings will be held in the gymnasium of the Sanitarium hereafter. The following committees were announced:—GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.19

On Program: J. R. Leadsworth, A. W. Simmons, Olive Ingersoll.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.20

On Reports for the BULLETIN: G. H. Heald, C. C. Crisler, C. O. Warner.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.21

To select a Committee on Resolutions and Plans: R. S. Ingersoll, R. H. Habenicht, W. A. Ruble.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.22

The topic for the day was “Medical Missionary Work in Spanish-Speaking Countries.” Dr A. A. John read an inspiring paper.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.23

He emphasized the importance of the medical missionary work—preaching and healing—as one work, and gave instances illustrative of how the medical work opened the way for the gospel in the Mexican field.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.24

The Spanish-speaking countries need medical missionary training - schools where the principles of rational therapeutics can be emphasized and properly demonstrated in connection with the teaching of gospel truth. The work at Loma Linda offers many suggestions as to the complete training for medical missionary workers.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.25

Elder G. W. Caviness, of Mexico, discussing Dr. John’s paper, referred to the beginning of the medical missionary work in Mexico, and to the various vicissitudes through which this work had passed. At the present time, the brethren in Mexico are beginning anew, along right lines. For some years they have conducted a successful medical mission in Guadalajara. Besides, there are several Seventh-day Adventist physicians engaged in private practice, and these seek to advance the interests of the third angel’s message in every way possible.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.26

Among the most pressing needs today are medical mission and treatment-rooms in Mexico City, also a health retreat in a little lower altitude, where workers and others can go to recuperate from the effects of the trying climate they find in many parts of the country. He pleaded for medical missionaries under salary, rather than for those who had to earn their own way, and pointed out the fact that a missionary under salary is free to teach the peculiar truths of our faith, without fear to hindrance.GCB May 17, 1909, page 29.27

In Mexico the medical missionary will meet with conditions peculiar to that field. For instance, the people are very fearful of contagion from consumptives, whereas they have little or no fear of such common diseases as smallpox, and make no adequate provision for quarantining some very malignant diseases.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.1

Dr. Habenicht, speaking for Argentina, said that there is also very great need for medical missionaries in this field. It is difficult to obtain legal recognition, and good physicians are very scarce. There are places having three or four thousand inhabitants which are often without one physician.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.2

Sometimes a very simple operation may seem to the natives almost a miracle. In one case, a boy who had been deaf and dumb from birth was made to hear by simply washing out the earwax. And from this resulted a church of thirty-two members. In another instance, where a man was suffering from malarial fever, simple treatment opened the door for the entrance of the gospel.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.3

Both from Mexico and from Argentina come appeals for better facilities and more medical workers. Mexico desires a modest appropriation for a small sanitarium. Argentina desires a number of young people just through the tenth grade to enter that field and take up the nurses’ course and study the Spanish language at the same time.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.4

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

WASe

First Meeting, May 14, 5 P. M.

The first meeting of the council of the Department of Education was held in the chapel of the Seminary building at 5 P. M. May 14. Professors C. W. Irwin, of Australia, and H. C. Lacey, of England, led in prayer.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.5

In opening the council the chairman spoke of the importance of the gathering. At the council four years ago a great impetus was given to the educational work. The objects of the present council are to consider points on which we wish to secure definite action from the Conference, to listen to reports, to gain inspiration from our association, and to study how we may adapt our school work to the needs of the message. We shall hear reports of the work from all lands, and we shall need to view our educational work through these reports. From our schools come the men who are to fill the gaps in the missionary fields throughout the world.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.6

After the opening address, opportunity was given for the introduction of business. It was voted that the chairman and secretary of the Educational Department, together with B. F. Machlan, of the South Lancaster Academy, representing the American work, and C. W. Irwin, of the Avondale School for Christian Workers, representing the foreign work, be a committee to suggest committees on text-books, courses of study, a system of reporting, and educational campaign literature.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.7

No further business was introduced, but the time was devoted to remarks.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.8

C. W. Irwin gave a brief historical sketch of the rise of the educational work in Australia, and said it had been their constant aim to carry out what the Lord had revealed in regard to that work.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.9

F. W. Field, superintendent of the Japan Mission, said that eight years in a heathen land had made him almost forget that he was ever a school man. No school has yet been started in Japan. Only institute work has been conducted to develop workers for the field, but the time is at hand when the organization of educational work must begin, and schools must be established.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.10

Professor Otto Luepke, principal of the Friedensau Industrial School, Germany, speaking through an interpreter, brought greetings from the brethren in Germany. He had been visiting some of our leading schools in this country, and had observed a great difference in methods. He had learned many things that will be of value to him on his return.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.11

Prof. H. C. Lacey, principal of the Stanborough Park Missionary College, England, said that their greatest problem was to learn how to plan work for the students, so that they could earn their expenses in school.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.12

Following these speakers, brief remarks were made by J. Vuilleumier, of Switzerland; A. C. Selmon, of China; C. B. Hughes, of Jamaica; and O. A. Johnson, of Walla Walla College.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.13

MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT

WASe

First Meeting, May 16, 8 A. M.

The first meeting of the Missionary Volunteer Department was well attended, the chapel being well filled. After an earnest prayer by Elder J. W. Christian, imploring God’s blessing upon the work and upon our young people throughout the denomination, the chairman made a few introductory remarks on the importance of this gathering, emphasizing the need of the power of the Holy Spirit in all our hearts as workers, to uplift and bless our young people and hold them in this message. he gave a very encouraging report of the way the young people have responded to the efforts put forth in their behalf, saying, in part: “The more I have thought of this work, the more I have come to realize the importance of something definite being done for our children and youth. Two years ago this department was organized, and a General Conference convention met and outlined its policy. There has been a revival in the young people’s work in all parts of the field since that time and to-day we have more workers who have had experience, in this work than ever before. Many of these have gathered here for counsel. This meeting ought to be as important in its influence as was the Mt. Vernon convention. In thinking of this work I have been impressed with the tendency of so many of our young people to drift into the world, and with their readiness to respond to the efforts made for them. Above all else we need the Holy Spirit in our work, for it this work means anything, it means a great revival. I am especially anxious that this spirit shall be in every meeting of this Conference.”GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.14

After an explanation of the plans for the department meetings, the committees suggested by the department, officers were chosen. The committees are as follows:—GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.15

Committee on Organization: E. E. Farnsworth, O. J. Graf, Jennie R. Bates, M. E. Ellis. Chancy Wood, C. W. Irwin, N. Z. Town, C. Sorenson.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.16

Advisory members: A. G. Daniells, R. A. Underwood, A. T. Robinson, E. E. Andross, Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, D. W. Reavis, W. J. Fitzgerald, L. R. Conradi, M. E. Kern, F. M. Wilcox.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.17

Committee on Educational Features of Missionary Volunteer Work: O. K. Butler, Mrs. V. J. Farnsworth, I. C. Colcord, Matilda Erickson, Ida Thompson, Guy Dail, J. E. Fulton, L. H. Christian, H. C. Lacey.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.18

Committee on Plans for Work: W. E. Straw, G. A. Grauer, Mrs. R. W. McMahan, Mrs. Mettie Lenker, H. H. Cobban, A. C. Selmon, Ralph Emery, E. L. Neff, J. W. Christian.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.19

Committee on Spiritual and Social Work: F. M. Dana, R. D. Quinn, Mrs. O. J. Graf, Lela Hoover, E. E. Farnsworth, H. Armstrong, Mabel Dimock, Lillie George, Prof. B. F. Machlan.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.20

Committee on Junior and Home Work; Otto M. John, Mrs. A. E. Rambo, J. G. Lamson, Leon Cobb, Hattie Andre, J. Vuilleumier, Katherine Hale.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.21

In response to a roll-call, thirty-nine secretaries testified to their great interest in this blessed work for our children and young people, and their desire for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to make our work effective, and the need of definite plans to lead our army of young people into the service of the Lord. Conference presidents and others used the remainder of the time in speaking of their interest and courage in this work.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.22

THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT

WASe

Second Meeting, May 16, 8 A. M.

A large number were present at this meeting, the departmental tent being filled to overflowing. After the opening exercises, consisting of a hymn, and prayer by Elder T. H. Purdon, Elder, J. O. Corliss gave a brief but earnest and lucid talk on the subject of “The Fundamental Principles of Religious Liberty.” After reading Mark 4:30, he stated that in the beginning man was made in the image of God, that his mind was in harmony with God’s mind, and that he was a true son and subject of God’s kingdom. But when man sinned, this earth was cut off from the kingdom of God. Sin brought in a separation between God and man. Had man never sinned, he would never have needed civil government.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.23

Sine civil government became a necessity on account of sin, it is an anomaly, and altogether out of place, for civil government to attempt to uphold God’s government.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.24

Confession will cleanse a man from all his transgressions of God’s law. But not so with civil government. To pardon a man under civil government upon mere confession would utterly destroy it. Civil government can not be operated upon the same principles which obtain in God’s government.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.25

Following the remarks of Elder Corliss. Elder Healey said that the same law that gives us moral government, gives us civil government. Because man has a government which came into existence because of sin, therefore this government is not necessarily sinful.GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.26

For his protection, man instituted civil government; and this government can not be founded upon anything better than the law of God, in so far as it relates to man’s duties to his fellow man. He asked why civil government should attempt to make an individual obedient to the government of God when it can give no reward for such obedience. Why should it attempt to do this when it can have no influence upon God in rewarding man for his obedience or disobedience to God?GCB May 17, 1909, page 30.27

Civil government can compel an outward observance of a sabbath; but this is not true Sabbath-keeping. The Sabbath was not given to man for mere physical rest. If it were, then we might well abandon our contention for the observance of a particular day, for man can get as much physical rest out of one day as another. The Sabbath is a religious institution, ordained primarily for man’s spiritual refreshment and well-being.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.1

Continuing the discussion of the topic under consideration Elder C. H. Edwards called attention to the fact that true religious liberty is spiritual liberty. The Sabbath is a spiritual institution, and can be properly observed only by a spiritually minded man. The law of God is spiritual and can be kept only by one who has a spiritual mind.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.2

Elder J. S. Washburn thought the department wrongly named. Religious liberty, as brought out in the remarks made by Elder Edwards, is something which man can neither give nor take away, and does not correctly represent what we mean by our use of the term. We mean civil liberty in religious things.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.3

Elder Allen Moon spoke in substance as follows: Civil government grew out of the necessity sin brought into the world. The kingdom which God gave to man in the beginning was usurped by Satan, and became his kingdom. The church is in the world to turn men from sin and to translate them into the kingdom of God. In this kingdom, one man has no right to rule over another. Christ has a kingdom and a dominion in this world.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.4

In closing the discussion Elder Corliss said that on the Pacific Coast, in considering some of these matters, they had decided to change the name of their Religious Liberty organization from the Religious Liberty Association to the Religio-Civil Liberty Association. He asked why we oppose Sunday laws. It is not, he said, to keep men from passing such laws, for we well know that they will enact them. It is that we may get the truth before the people.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.5

Elder K. C. Russell, the chairman, stated that the object of this department is, as he had understood it all along, not simply to oppose Sunday legislation, but for the salvation of men.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.6

Before adjourning, the chairman announced the members of the Committee on Resolutions as follows: C. N. Sanders, C. S. Longacre, A. C. Shannon, J. S. Wightman, J. O. Corliss, J. S. Washburn, W. A. Westworth, W. A. Hennig, A. W. Bartlett, W. S. Ising, J. Vuilleumier, H. F. Schuberth, F. W. Field.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.7

ONE of our college students has already left school to earn his next year’s scholarship by selling Life and Health to the miners in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. His first order is for two hundred fifty copies. He is the only Seventh-day Adventist in his family, his father being a Methodist minister. Let us pray that he may succeed.GCB May 17, 1909, page 31.8

DAILY PROGRAM

Bible Study