Fourteenth Meeting by H. W. Cottrell; W. A. Spicer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1905

Fourteenth Meeting

By H. W. Cottrell; W. A. Spicer

The fourteenth meeting was called at 2:30 P. M., May 18; H. W. Cottrell in the chair.

Prayer was offered by M. C. Wilcox. A few moments were granted to the International Publishing Association, of College View, Neb., which held a legal meeting, for the appointment of committees.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the conference were then read.

On call for delegates newly arrived, the following brethren responded:— E. E. Miles, W. B. White, L. H. Crisler, G. W. Wells.

The unfinished report of the committee on resolutions was taken up, as follows:—

Sabbath-School

9. Whereas, Sabbath-school conventions, wherever properly conducted, have proved very helpful, not only in an increased interest in the work of the Sabbath-school, but in the deepening of personal piety and in the salvation of souls as well; therefore,—

Resolved, That the holding of conventions in the various conferences be encouraged, embodying the various lines of missionary work, and that conference officers and laborers assist in these important gatherings, not only in counsel, but in providing talented help, that they may be made a strong educational factor in the important work of the Sabbath-school, and assist materially in building up the work of the gospel.

W. C. White remarked on the good work these conventions did years ago, and rejoiced that they were being revived again.

A recommendation regarding missionary exercises in the Sabbath-school was referred to the finance committee.

Religious Liberty

10. We recommend, That Religious Liberty departments be organized, and secretaries appointed in each union and State conference in North America, in counsel with the general Religious Liberty Departments.

Remarks on resolution:—

A. G. Daniells believed the religious liberty work ought to be carried on by all the people. There is a general tendency toward religious legislation in all parts—often of sincere desire to stem the tide of evil. We know this is not the remedy, and we must tell the people so. Our ranks everywhere must be drilled, and must be watchful to meet the issue, and not leave a central committee to do the work alone.

K. C. Russell had met, only yesterday in Washington, Senator Blair, of the “Blair Sunday-rest bill” of years ago, who said that he admired the earnestness and persistency and force with which Seventh-day Adventists had agitated on these issues, and that it showed discernment to establish our headquarters in Washington, where the problem would be worked out, and he hoped the best side would win.

In reply to a question as to why the resolution did not urge the same action outside of America,—

L. R. Conradi stated that in some of the European fields it was best to work quietly. If we began the religious liberty agitation, as such, workers might be speedily expelled from various countries. In some parts it is best to suffer silently, and let God work the matter out—and he has worked deliverance repeatedly. The authorities in Germany had declared no one should have the Sabbath off in the required military service, but God has stood by young men who were steadfast and true, and the freedom has been granted. The emperor has pardoned several. One young man told the authorities that years ago his father had repeatedly suffered imprisonment for refusing duties on the Sabbath. The record was looked up, and the young man’s colonel told the whole regiment that he was to have the Sabbath free, and none were to cast reproach.

Allen Moon said that the “God in the Constitution” party, while for some years quiet, are now working, and mean to win. Should they amend the Constitution, the States would be appealed to to ratify it. In all the States educative work must be done to inform and warn the people.

11. We recommend, That religious liberty institutes be held in the conferences as may be arranged.

12. We recommend, That the petition and remonstrance work be diligently followed as occasion and circumstance may require.

13. We recommend, That suitable religious liberty literature be prepared, and that it be diligently and extensively circulated.

R. A. Underwood suggested, on the latter recommendation, that some of the declarations of protest, from Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and others, which appeared in Washington papers during the religious education agitation, be placed before the public.

J. O. Corliss felt that in all our religious liberty literature now, the message should be so interwoven that people would see why we take the position we do.

S. H. Lane desired published a fresh statement of the general principles of religion and civil government.

14. We recommend, That “American State Papers” be republished, with appropriate corrections and additions, thus bringing it up to date.

Question was called on the entire report, as amended, and it was unanimously adopted.

Partial Report on Nominations

The Chair called for the report of the committee on nominations. A partial report was submitted by F. Griggs, the secretary, as follows:—

For officers of General Conference:— President, A. G. Daniells. Vice-Presidents, L. R. Conradi and G. A. Irwin. Secretary, W. A. Spicer. Treasurer, I. H. Evans. Executive Committee: A. G. Daniells, L. R. Conradi, G. A. Irwin, the presidents of union conferences and union mission fields at present acting, as follows: H. W. Cottrell, G. I. Butler, Allen Moon, R. A. Underwood, E. T. Russell, N. P. Nelson, W. B. White, W. H. Thurston, O. A. Olsen, P. A. Hansen, W. S. Hyatt, J. W. Westphal, W. H. Wakeham, and the president of the Australasian Union Conference; additional members nominated to be elected by this conference, W. A. Spicer, I. H. Evans, W. W. Prescott, W. C. White, W. C. Sisley, S. N. Haskell. [Report of members incomplete.]

It was moved to adopt by considering each name separately. On the name of G. A. Irwin, E. W. Farnsworth inquired if that would mean taking Brother Irwin away from Australia. O. A. Olsen, in behalf of the nominating committee, stated that it was with very serious consideration of the effect of this action on Australasia that the committee had united in this nomination. After praying and studying separately over the matter of a selection, members had come together, each with the same deep conviction. The necessity of giving the president of the General Conference a helper, strong to share the burdens in this growing work and in these critical times, had pressed with weight upon the committee. It had come most unexpectedly upon Brother Irwin, and he had felt deeply over the matter; but on the promise that the best possible would be done to help Australasia, he had yielded to the unanimous conviction of the brethren that it was the right move. All were grieved to take him away from Australasia, but it was felt that the whole general situation made this vice-presidency of first importance.

E. W. Farnsworth feared that interests in Australasia would suffer. The return of workers to America had brought discouragement already, and he feared this move would make people feel that there was some plan to draw workers to America.

A. G. Daniells stated that he could assure the brethren that certainly there was no plan to bring workers to America. In this case the decision had come solely from the committee, and the conviction had come to them, as we had heard, unexpectedly.

Brethren Sharp and Olsen spoke further, and by the responses from the congregation it was evident that hearts were touched by the suggestion of the possibility of our brethren in Australasia feeling that their interests had not been properly considered.

W. D. Salisbury, of Australia, believed

he could say in behalf of the brethren in Australasia that they would meet the situation with confidence in the good will of the conference toward that field. They would deeply feel the loss, but he felt that the needs of that field would surely have most earnest consideration.

G. A. Irwin had never in this message had a matter more difficult to decide. It had come as a great surprise to him. Heart and soul were in Australasia, without a thought of leaving the field. After struggling all day with the matter, he had been led last evening to say to the brethren that he must accept on promise that the best would be done for Australasia. If it is God’s will for him to return to America, he could say, Amen; if to go back, assuredly, Amen. He loved the people and the field—a grand territory and a growing work. It needs help, having truly been much drawn upon. It was in accord with his desire always to stay by a field or a work until the body sending recalls. The work is to be done by sticking to it.

Question was called on the partial report as submitted, and it was adopted.

Five minutes was taken for recess.

On resuming, the conference listened to the completion of J. N. Anderson’s report for China. The Spirit of God touched hearts with China’s need as the field was presented. (The report appears elsewhere in this paper.) The Chairman remarked that the population of the United States was but three fourths of one fourth of China’s population. America has many laborers, and sixty thousand believers, while China has fourteen workers.

J. O. Miller was especially interested in China, having given a son to that field [Dr. H. W. Miller]. He could not say No, when the call came, and now had come the word of the death of his son’s companion. Her mother, Sister Thompson, had written that she could not be sorry that she had given permission for her daughter to go. The loved one was buried at the dead of night to avoid the mob, but he was consoled with the thought that Elder Hyatt had suggested of fallen African workers, and prayed that as those Chinese see this new grave in Honan, and wonder why she came to give her life, it may teach them of the love that led Jesus to leave the courts of glory for our sakes. In a little time will come the gathering; now it is first the scattering, the word is Go, either to go to the fields or to go down into the pocket to send. He thanked God for the missionary agitation in fulfilment of Matt. 24:14.

J. N. Loughborough spoke of Brother A. LaRue, who died in Hongkong in a good old age. He had known him for many years, and he was always giving. People told him, “You will give away all you have.” His reply was, “When the Lord comes, I want to have only twenty-five cents.” He awaits the resurrection.

E. W. Farnsworth, of England, said that in Portsmouth he met a sailor who said he used to climb the stairs to Brother LaRue’s lodging in Hongkong “to see the best man on the earth.” This man had nearly all our books, and declared that “if he were not saved in the kingdom, it would not be because Father LaRue had not done his duty.” Six men on one British battle-ship, the “Terrible,” had embraced the truth through Brother LaRue’s faithful efforts.

Brother C. Haynes sang the following hymn, adopted by Mrs. Dr. Selmon, of our Honan Mission, the conference joining in the chorus:—

CHINA’S CALL

Nearer fields, the reapers toiling, Gather in the golden grain; Still the distant eastern borders To the workers’ skill remain.

CHORUS

Lord of harvest, send forth reapers, Hear us, Lord, to thee we cry, Send them China’s sheaves to gather Ere the harvest-time pass by.

Long the shadows there have tarried; Late the precious seeds were sown; Now the world’s great Light is shining On a harvest fully grown.

China, with its teeming millions, Souls for whom our Saviour died, Knowing heaven, but not the pathway, Lost, is waiting for a guide.

Now the Word from home has reached them, Are there none to lead the way? Ere the harvest-time is over, Will you help as well as pray?

The meeting adjourned, it being announced that P. W. Field would report for Japan at the evening hour.

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