Thirty-Second Meeting

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 19, 1913

Thirty-Second Meeting

June 5, 10 A. M.

W. T. Knox in the chair.

W. J. Fitzgerald offered prayer.

W. T. Knox: We have received a cablegram this morning that the secretary will read.

W. A. Spicer (reading): “Cape Town, South Africa. Bowen, Tsungwesi, died Monday.” It means that Brother C. Lynn Bowen, who was left in charge of the work at Tsungwesi mission in order to allow Elder Sturdevant a furlough, died last Monday. I move, Brother Chairman, that we extend to Sister Bowen and the family and to the workers in South Africa the sympathy of this Conference.

A. G. Daniells: I second the motion.

W. T. Knox: I am sure that we all will enter most heartily into this expression. (The Conference took action, deeply touched by this loss in the far African mission field.)

W. T. Knox: We will give the committee on distribution of labor opportunity to submit its report. H. S. Shaw is secretary.

H. S. Shaw (reading):—

Distribution of Labor

The committee on distribution of labor respectfully presents the following report:—

We recommend the following transfers of laborers:—

1. L. A. Hoopes and wife, of Australia, to return to America. Elder Hoopes to connect with the training-school at Graysville, Tenn., as Bible teacher.

2. Carl Neumann and wife, of Walla Walla College, to Brazil.

3. A. Steinert and wife, of the Clinton German Seminary, to Brazil.

4. R. E. Burke and wife, formerly of Australia (now of Iowa), to the North Dakota Conference.

5. Silas Davis and wife, of Southern California, to Mexico.

6. W. R. Nelson and wife, of Southern California, to India; to engage in the book work.

7. G. T. Townsend, of England, to India; to engage in the book work.

8. Hubert Gemon, formerly of the West Indies (now in the South), to the Caribbean field.

9. H. B. Mould, of Emmanuel Missionary College, to Bolivia.

10. Everhard Henriques, of South Lancaster Academy, to the West Indies.

11. G. F. Jones and wife, formerly of Singapore (now on furlough in America), to the island field of the Australasian Union.

12. Miss Nellie Clark, of Loma Linda, to the Australasian Union, as a nurse.

13. C. F. Woertz and wife, of New Jersey, to Brazil.

14. V. Nutter and wife, of Kansas City, to the Philippine Islands.

15. Dr. U. C. Fattebert and wife, formerly of Mexico (now at the Conference), to the Philippine Islands.

16. Robert Stewart, of Iowa, to the Philippine Islands; to engage in book work.

17. D. D. Fitch and wife, of Southern California, to Mexico.

18. F. H. Conway and wife, of British Columbia, to the Hawaiian Islands.

19. N. J. Aalborg and wife, of Alberta, Canada, to the West Indian field.

20. W. A. Sweany and wife, of the Bahama Islands, to the North Texas Conference.

21. Harry Wilcox, field agent of West Texas, to China.

22. E. Rosenwold, of the Greater New York Conference, to Northern Sweden.

23. W. O. Clough and wife, nurses of Southern New England, to Bolivia.

FOREIGN SEMINARY APPOINTEES

The following-named persons, now students in the Foreign Mission Seminary, are requested to respond to calls as follows:—

24. R. T. Colthurst, of the West Indies, to the European Division.

25. C. C. Kellar and wife, to India; to engage in treatment-room work.

26. Miss Rose Boose, of Iowa, to India; to engage in Bible work.

27. F. A. Wyman and wife, nurses of the North Pacific Union, to the India Union Mission; to engage in treatment-room work.

28. R. P. Robinson and wife, of Southern California, to South Africa.

29. A. G. Nelson, to make Patagonia and the Falkland Islands his field of labor.

30. Miss Gertrude Johnson, of Indiana (formerly of Loma Linda), to the South American Union; as a nurse.

31. Miss Claire M. Wightman, of New Mexico (graduate of Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium), to the South American Union; as a nurse.

32. C. E. Boynton and wife, of Iowa, to British Guiana.

33. J. A. P. Green and wife, to Mexico, to engage in the book work.

34. E. W. Thurber, of New England, to Mexico; for evangelistic work.

35. Miss Lillie Prince, of New Jersey, to Mexico.

36. H. E. Carter and wife, to Brazil; to engage in the book work.

37. W. E. Lanier and wife, of the Southeastern Union, to the Philippine Islands.

38. R. C. Raft, formerly of the Southeastern Union, to return to Porto Rico; to engage in the book work.

39. A. U. Cochran, to Cuba; to engage in the book work.

40. Dr. H. C. Menkel and wife (on furlough), now teaching in the Seminary, to return to India.

41. R. P. Morris and wife, to India.

On motion to adopt, consideration was deferred.

H. S. Shaw: This is only the General Conference report of persons who are going outside of North America, or entering this field. Other recommendations will come in under the North American Division.

Consideration of Plans

W. T. Knox: We will now take up the report of the committee on plans [appearing on page 582 of this paper].

The secretary read item 29, regarding the death of Brother Irwin.

W. T. Knox: This recommendation is before you. It is suggested that we take a rising vote. All who are in favor will signify it by rising to their feet. [The whole delegation stood.]

Recommendations 30, 31, 32 were read, question being called.

On item 33 C. R. Kite asked: Upon what basis is the appropriation made to South Missouri of $1,200?

W. T. Knox: It was because of an appeal presented at the time of our fall council by the South Missouri Conference, through E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union, on account of the city work in St. Louis.

E. R. Palmer: It does not seem to be clear in the resolution whether the figures that follow mean the balance of appropriations due after June 1, or whether it is the total appropriation for the year.

W. T. Knox: These are the total appropriations.

E. R. Palmer: I suggest, then, that by common consent we include before the words “as follows,” the words “total appropriations.”

W. T. Knox: If there is no objection, the change will be made.

The question was called.

Recommendations 34, 35, and 36 were read, the wording of the latter being changed by common consent, making the Foreign Department “General Foreign,” and striking out the words North American from the name of the Negro Department.

Recommendations 37, 38, and 39 were read, and question called.

Recommendation 40 was read.

A. G. Daniells: Mr. Chairman, I would like to see the name of L. A. Hansen added to this committee [to advise regarding courses of study in nurses’ training-schools], as he is expected to act as assistant or corresponding secretary of the general Medical Department, and has been very intimately connected with these institutions during the past few years. He will have as much time as any one of these men, and I believe he could render this committee great assistance. I move that his name be added.

This motion prevailed.

M. E. Kern: Mr. Chairman, it occurs to me that, inasmuch as we are endeavoring to bring our evangelistic and medical work closer together, and it is closely related to our school work, an educational man might well be on that committee, and make it five. I think that would be quite a help to us, and perhaps a help to the committee; and I move that the name of H. R. Salisbury be added to the committee.

This also carried.

Recommendation 41 was considered.

E. E. Andross: Would it not be advisable to drop out the words North American, as we have only one religious liberty department?

The change was made by common consent.

G. B. Thompson: It seems to me that while this call for a book of authoritative quotations is a good thing, it is somewhat restrictive. Now, we need a book dealing with authoritative quotations on something else than religious liberty. I do not see why this could not be broadened, and have a committee that would bring out a book of authoritative statements upon a good many questions besides religious liberty. “Facts for the Times” needs revision. I would like to

see a book brought out, entitled “Facts for the Times,” that would not only include what is mentioned here, but cover a great many other points.

W. W. Prescott: I would like to say, in explanation, that this was called for from the Religious Liberty Department in order that something might be done quickly for the coming summer campaign. I have not the least objection to the last speaker’s suggestion; but there was a distinct and emphatic call for a briefer publication, the matter for which is largely in hand, that could be got out immediately for use during the coming campaign. That was the purpose of this resolution.

A. G. Daniells: Then if this is produced, it can go into another book when that is ready.

Question was then called.

C. W. Flaiz: Referring to No. 33, providing that the division conference shall take up its financial responsibilities beginning June 1, are we to understand that in the division of the appropriations, the North American Division assumes the payment of the amount that may be unpaid at that time on these appropriations, or does it mean that the General Conference will pay five twelfths and the division conference the remaining seven twelfths of the appropriations?

W. T. Knox: It is designed by this provision that the General Conference will settle in full on these appropriations that are enumerated all that would be due for the five months ending May 31; that the North American Division Conference will begin its work with these fields with a clean slate, as far as these months are concerned, and, taking the next resolution, with $15,000 capital in addition.

The question of adopting the whole report was then put and carried.

W. T. Knox: Are there any other committees ready to report?

Partial Report of Committee on Plans

Guy Dail: I have a further partial report from the committee on plans. The first recommendation is one referred back to the committee for further consideration, and now comes in the following form:—

REPORT ON PLANS

Whereas, Territorial, transportation, and economical considerations formerly led the South Dakota Conference to cede the Black Hills District to the Wyoming Conference, and increased railroad facilities now make this section more easy of access to the Wyoming Conference headquarters than heretofore; and,—

Whereas, Wyoming Conference means and laborers raised up the churches and companies found in the Black Hills District; and,—

Whereas, Were this territory to be transferred to the South Dakota Conference, it would deprive the Wyoming Conference of more than one sixth of its tithe and reduce its membership from 402 to 330, and hence this district is essential to the development of a strong conference in Wyoming; we therefore,—

42. Recommend, That the South Dakota Conference release all claims upon said territory, and that henceforth the following counties of South Dakota be a part of the Wyoming Conference: Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Custer, and Fall River.

Whereas, All the officers of the church are elected for one year, and the Sabbath-school is an important part of the work of the church; and,—

Whereas, The plan of electing Sabbath-school officers every six months makes frequent changes, and interferes with the promotion of Sabbath-school plans, and retards the proper development of officers, therefore,—

43. Resolved, That beginning with Jan. 1, 1914, Sabbath-school officers be elected for one year, except where impracticable.

44. We recommend, That Home Missionary secretaries, for both the General Conference and the North American Division Conference, be appointed for the promotion of the church missionary work. The duty of the secretaries shall be to cooperate with our conferences and missions, each in his own field, in building up the church tract and missionary work by— (a) Developing such practical plans and simple instruction as will unite all our churches in a general missionary movement. (b) The publication, through the medium of church and conference papers, and personal and circular letters, of such missionary reports and experiences as will lead our people everywhere to appreciate their opportunities, and stir themselves to greater activity.

45. We recommend, That our union and field agents avail themselves of the advantages offered by the sale of our periodicals and home workers’ books to develop a large class of home canvassers, many of whom may be selected to enter the regular subscription-book work.

Whereas, The experience of our brethren in other lands, as well as in some parts of the home field, demonstrates that the union of our book and periodical work is an unqualified success; therefore,—

46. Resolved, That we adopt this as our plan of operation, and put forth more earnest and persevering efforts to carry it into effect in every part of the field.

Whereas, We appreciate the help rendered last winter by the General Conference Missionary Volunteer workers in attendance at the various institutes held in the field, and we believe that the general interests of the Missionary Volunteer work are thus materially advanced and the leadership in local societies greatly strengthened; we therefore,—

47. Recommend, That the North American Division Conference arrange field help for a series of Missionary Volunteer institutes to be held in the various union conferences of the North American Division.

On motion to adopt, consideration was deferred.

Communication From Mrs. E. G. White

A. G. Daniells: I have a communication from Sister White, which I will ask permission to read at this time (reading):—

SANITARIUM, CAL., Feb. 20, 1913.

To the workers in the message.

Last night I seemed to be in earnest conversation with some of our brethren who seemed to be unable to take a broad view of the work that God desired them to do. Some in their efforts were going beyond that which was wise and prudent, while others were falling

short of that which was required of them. I was trying to make these brethren understand the necessity of carrying the work forward intelligently, so that one worker would not tear down the work that another was endeavoring to build up.

This morning after dressing, I began to look over a collection of manuscripts that lay on my office table. The first on which my eye fell was one in which were laid down principles that lie at the foundation of all successful efforts for souls,—principles that every worker needs prayerfully and carefully to study. Again and again I have been impressed to write that which, if studied under the direction of the Holy Spirit, would enable our brethren to take right views of their privileges and responsibilities. But unless these principles are so studied, they cannot be worked out in the experience. Unless there is a united drawing with God, unless those in positions of leadership lift up their hearts to heaven, confessing their defects of character, and pleading for help to reach a higher standard, they will not discern their own spiritual needs, nor strive successfully for higher attainments.

Because a worker does not see the importance of a fellow worker’s efforts, he should not pull back and make the work go hard. Every laborer should now be working with zeal and energy, pressing onward and upward. There should be no such thing as backsliding from the light that has guided us for so many years. God is calling upon his people to reach a higher standard of spirituality, to work unitedly. Much of the work being accomplished in the cause of present truth would require not more than half the labor that it now demands if the workers would come unitedly to the help of the Lord, lending their courage and zeal, their faith and influence, to the building up of whatever enterprise is called for.

A sad mistake is made when workers take up some work that God has not set them, and carry it forward as if that were the plan of the Lord. The result is disappointment; and when the realization comes that they have been in error, it is often the case that the workers fall into discouragement, and go off on a line that leads directly away from the reformations that God desires to see wrought.

There is a great work to be done, and we do not half realize its sacredness, nor appreciate its uplifting influence on the lives that are yielded to its fashioning. We are to learn to take God at his word, for thus only can we carry out his purposes. There should be no holding back on the part of any. With all the light that has been given us, we cannot truthfully say, “We did not understand his will.” Let there be a drawing together, every one lifting in spiritual lines. Let us manifest a godlike earnestness of purpose instead of taking an attitude of careless indifference. The indifference manifested by some discourages those who are trying to do faithful work.

Not all are pursuing a course of indifference. There are some who are reviewing their past mistakes, and are learning from these mistakes the lessons that God would teach them. They are making close examination of self. These workers are studying their own lives in the light of Christ’s perfect example, and

are becoming changed into the same image.

Our ministers have some experiences to gain that have not yet been gained, standards to reach higher than those yet attained. They have lessons to learn of personal ministry for souls. There is a special work to be done for the newly converted. Do not think when these have embraced the doctrines of the message that you can leave them there. Many have thus been left in spiritual darkness; they know not how to go forward. Go to these souls; pray with them; lift them up. Do not rest until you see that they are striving to reach the standard that God’s Word sets for his children.

We talk much about the truth; but unless we live the truth, unless we ourselves are reaching its standard, and helping others to reach it, our work will not have the approval of Heaven.

We do not realize how untiring are Satan’s efforts to sap our spirituality. He is working mightily that the people of God may be only half converted. Then self will swell to large proportions, and there will be no revelation to the world of the transforming power of God. If this power does not rest upon God’s people and move them to sanctified action, they cannot do the work in the earth that has been shown us must be done. Without this power, they will not realize their responsibility as his representatives in a world of unbelief.

ELLEN G. WHITE.

Reports from the field were then called for. Elder W. A. Sweany told of the work in the Bahama Islands and Elder W. C. Ising gave a report from the Syrian Mission.

It was then voted that Conference adjourn.