Resolutions on City Work Passed at the Ministerial Institute at Philadelphia
By A. G. Daniells
DURING the institute at Philadelphia, Pa., considerable time was given to a careful study of the work we are now called to do in our large cities. The committee appointed to express the views of the workers present, in the form of resolutions, presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted:— Your committee on city work respectfully submits the following report:— We, as ministers and workers of the Atlantic, Columbia, and Canadian union conferences, assembled at the ministerial institute in Philadelphia, Pa., April 12–26, 1911, desire to express our deep sense of the magnitude of the responsibility which we bear for the unsaved and unwarned millions of the nations. Especially do we recognize the imperative necessity of a most earnest effort in behalf of the great city centers of population. As our message is to go to every nation and language in this generation, we believe that there is demand for immediate and determined action on the part of every member of the church. It seems evident that a decided advance in spiritual power and efficiency is needed, and, as ministers and workers, we have determined to obtain this by earnest prayer and forsaking of sin. We call upon all who believe the great threefold message of Rev. 14:6–12, to join with us in seeking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In no other way can we ever accomplish our world-wide mission, and save perishing souls. To this end we again consecrate our all to the service of Jesus Christ. Deploring our utter unworthiness and helplessness before God, we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that we may speedily finish the proclamation of the message, and thus prepare the way for the glorious return of our Master. In view of the importance of evangelistic work in the cities of the nations,— We recommend, That conference committees and workers give special attention to the needs of the cities and towns in their respective fields, in order that broad plans may be laid for the accomplishment of a speedy and thorough work; and further,— We recommend, That careful consideration be given to the following suggestions with reference to public efforts:— (a) Location of tent site. Central, on a thoroughfare, and in a respectable neighborhood. (b) Appearance of grounds. Clean, level, and well kept. (c) Interior of tent. Well lighted; ground suitably covered; neat, appropriate decorations; comfortable seats, uniform in size and color. (d) Careful arrangements for good music. (e) Punctuality in opening and closing services. (f) Strengthen each company with an adequate number of helpers. We recommend, To all our workers the vital importance of heeding the instruction of the apostle Paul to “preach the word.” To this end we urge,— (a) That special attention be given to reading, study, and prayer.12 (b) That every effort be used to strengthen the faith of the people in the Word of God, and to encourage them in its study. (c) That we study to present the truths of the third angel’s message in such a manner as to make all our services of a spiritual and reviving nature. Recognizing the value of personal effort in winning souls, we urge,— (a) The use of literature as a means of securing personal acquaintance and access to the homes of the people. (b) Personal visitation as a means of successful work. Whereas, There is most urgent necessity of giving publicity to the principles of the third angel’s message, in order that all seekers after truth may be attracted to our meetings; therefore,— We recommend, That most careful attention and study be given by the workers to the subject of advertising, in order that the best results may be obtained in their respective fields. We suggest:— (a) Cards, placards, and circulars of good material and workmanship, illustrated in such a manner as is in keeping with the character of the effort; and the use of sermon outlines, on which shall be stamped or printed an advertisement of the meetings. (b) Wide, thorough, and systematic distribution of advertising matter. (c) Judicious use of the public press in the matter of announcements and reports of meetings. (d) That we discourage all advertising methods which are undignified, and which detract from the exalted character of our message, and encourage our workers to study modesty and good taste, and avoid sensationalism, taking care to prepare carefully worded advertisements, that will create a good impression of our work. Whereas, There is urgent need of suitably prepared and inexpensive literature for wide-spread, free distribution in evangelistic efforts; therefore,— We recommend, That a series of four-page leaflets, about 6¼ x 9½ inches in size, on various subjects, be immediately prepared, with appropriate headings and suitably illustrated, and that one third of the last page be left vacant for advertising purposes; this literature to be furnished at as small a margin above actual cost as possible. We recommend, (a) That a committee of three or more be appointed by the institute chairman to prepare and superintend the publishing of leaflets covering the following subjects; and that fifteen of these be published in time for our present summer’s campaign, and the remaining ones as soon as possible:— The Word of God; The Divinity of Christ (first chapter “Desire of Ages”); The Fall of Satan; Conversion; Prophecy—Its Importance; Daniel 2; The Home of the Saved; The Second Advent; Daniel 7; 2300 Days; Sanctuary; The Law of God; The Sabbath; The Millennium; The Change of the Sabbath; The Seal of God; Sunday; Present Truth; The Signs of the Times; The Two Israels; The Holy Spirit; Spiritualism; Nature of Man; The State of the Dead; The Punishment of the Wicked; Faith and Repentance; Baptism; Angels; The Judgment; The Seven Seals; Capital and Labor; Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Coming of Elijah. (b) That the question of the production of similar literature in other languages be referred for favorable consideration to the North American Foreign Department. Whereas, The providence of God has placed in this country a great mission field in the millions of people of other languages who constitute a large part of our city population; therefore,— Resolved, That we urge our conference committees to give special study to this phase of our city problem, and we call upon our people, especially those of foreign nationality, to arouse to the responsibilities and the possibilities that God has brought within our gates. Respectfully submitted.
B. F. KNEELAND,
C. H. EDWARDS,
A. E. SANDERSON,
C. B. HAYNES,
J. F. PIPER,
A. V. COTTON,
O. O. BERNSTEIN. The blessing of the Lord attended the consideration of this report. It was suggested that the first resolution be adopted on our knees in earnest prayer. When we bowed before the Lord, definitely consecrating ourselves to the tremendous work which faces us in these large cities, the Spirit of God overshadowed the place, and bore solemn witness of approval to the step we were taking. All will remember this rich experience with much joy. New hope and courage came into all hearts to push the great work before us until it shall be finished.