Missionary Volunteer Department

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jun 10, 1909

Missionary Volunteer Department

Sixth and Seventh Meetings, May 25 and 27

The extra meeting, May 25, was devoted to the discussion of organization. Elder A. T. Robinson said, “I feel the most heartfelt sympathy with the paper presented by Elder F. M. Wilcox this morning. I hailed the organization of the Missionary Volunteer Department with delight, and have endeavored to co-operate with it. In our conference we have worked out some of the details in a little different way from the recommended plans. I favor a plan of organization that will leave latitude enough so that while we are united on the principles of organization, there shall be freedom to carry out those plans that will meet the needs of the field where they are applied. If our brethren in Australia choose to adapt that plan in a little different way from what we do in this country, they ought to be counted as in harmony with the general plans. If any conference, to meet its peculiar circumstances, sees fit to apply the details of the plan in a little different way, I think it ought to be free to do so. What we are all aiming at is to have a plan that will enlist the sympathies and the co-operation of those who really love the Lord Jesus, and then apply those principles in such a way that the truth itself shall appeal to those who are outside of that circle and draw them. I can only hope and pray that the very best plan shall be devised to accomplish such results. My heart is in this work of seeing our young people brought in to make a tremendous factor in the finishing of this work.”

Several others took part in a free discussion of the plan of organization. Prof. C. W. Irwin probably expressed the sentiments of all in the following: “We ought to have strong missionary work going forward in our churches, and the young people's society, Christian help band, publishing work, or anything else should be simply factors of this work under the control of the church.”

The question of the co-operation of old and young was discussed, and the thought presented that the young people should always respect and advise with the church officers, even though they may feel that they have not much sympathy with the work. The attitude of the older brethren should always be one of sympathy and helpfulness.

The meeting Thursday morning was devoted to the discussion of resolutions which had been presented on the educational features of the Missionary Volunteer work. The question of a series of lessons to be published on Bible doctrines received careful attention. The heartiest approval of the plan of such a series was expressed, that our youth may be thoroughly grounded in the Scriptures. The question of whether these lessons should be published in the Instructor or in pamphlet form was discussed at some length, and referred back to the committee.