ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
THE last item of last week's report was the election of the officers of the Conference for next year, which took place Sunday, November 20, the seventh day of the meeting. The next day the constitution of the Conference was amended so as to allow the election of a home missionary secretary, a foreign missionary secretary, and an educational secretary. These officers have not been elected at present writing. Their duties will be to have a general oversight of the work in their respective branches. A very interesting meeting of the International Sabbath-school Association was held on Sunday afternoon. At this meeting the following-named persons were elected officers of the association for the coming year: President, C. H. Jones; Vice-President, W. C. White; Secretary and Treasurer, Winnie E. Loughborough; Executive Committee, C. H. Jones, W. C. White, E. J. Waggoner, F. E. Belden, E. W. Farnsworth, Winnie Loughborough, R. S. Owen. At a subsequent meeting, the constitution was changed so as to make unnecessary the election of a Publishing Committee, and to allow of the election of a corresponding secretary. Mrs. Jessie F. Waggoner was elected as such secretary. Following the election of officers, Mrs. Jessie F. Waggoner gave an interesting talk upon the subject of "Teachers and Teaching," the following synopsis of which may be as interesting and profitable to the readers of the SIGNS as the talk was to those who listened:— "A teacher," she said, "is one who causes another to know something that he did not know before. A Sabbath-school teacher is one who causes another to know the way to Heaven; and the successful teacher will also cause others to walk in that way. But in order to do that, the teacher must himself be walking in the way to Heaven." She suggested that some might be discouraged because of their imperfections, but said that we need not be discouraged. She said that while crossing the Sierras recently, she had noticed flumes for conducting water for mining and irrigating purposes. In many places these flumes were so imperfect that they leaked badly, and she wondered how any of the water ever reached the destination, but concluded that it was because it flowed so swiftly over the bad places. The application was this: though imperfect, if we receive the waters of divine truth fresh from the Fountain-head, and are constantly conveying them to others so that the stream does not become stagnant, we may by the blessing of God accomplish much good notwithstanding our imperfections. We must be constantly receiving supplies from the Fountain-head. We sometimes notice the hills when they are all dead and dry and there is scarcely a green spot to be seen anywhere, and again we see lawns that are constantly green; the former have not received a supply of moisture; the latter have water every day. Just so if we teachers would be green and fresh we must be watered by divine grace daily. Perhaps the most interesting facts presented were those upon the model teacher. The successful artist studies his model, so the successful teacher must study Christ, for he is the model Teacher. He was in love with his work, and so the successful Sabbath-school teacher must be in love with his work. Christ studied his scholars and knew all about them, and so we must study our scholars and learn all we can of their disposition and surroundings. All must not be treated alike. What would be good for one would spoil another, and if we would be successful we must adapt ourselves to each child and use illustrations which each will understand. Christ always had something important to say. The way for us to have something important to say is to read, study, think, and pray. Anciently the sacrifice had to be prepared before God would accept it, and so we must be prepared if we would have divine help and sustenance. Christ always gained the attention of his scholars; we, too, must follow our Model in this. To do this, we must be prompt, quiet, and reverent. The teacher should get close to his scholars, and make them feel that he is not afraid of them. Christ was careful to make himself understood. Just so the successful teacher must make himself understood. The teacher should crack the nuts at home, and bring only the kernels to Sabbath-school. Do not use big words, and do not use any words that the children do not understand. Sometimes very simple words have to be explained to children; for instance, a child who has always lived in the city may not know anything about wells, springs, and woods, while the country child knows nothing about those things that are familiar to those in the cities. It was also suggested that care be exercised in asking questions. Questions should be plain and definite, and yet not leading. For instance, the question, "What was David?" would admit of a dozen correct answers, and yet no one of them be the one that the teacher had in mind and wishes to draw out, while the question, "Was David a good man or a bad man?" admits of but one correct answer, and yet requires the child to exercise some thought. Christ made use of all helps in his reach. He used illustrations and gave object lessons. The world is full of objects that may be used as illustrations. In every lesson have a point, stick to your point, and make your point. The following important resolutions were passed by the association at this and a subsequent meeting: WHEREAS, The existence of many of our small churches depends largely upon the interest created by the Sabbath-school; and, WHEREAS, Experience has shown that where earnest personal labor has been devoted to the schools, by some judicious, practical Sabbath-school worker, the interest has greatly increased; therefore, Resolved, That this association request each State Conference to employ some one of the officers of the Sabbath-school Association within its bounds, to devote the greater part or the whole of his time to building up the interests of the Sabbath-schools. WHEREAS, There has been a difference of custom in the different State associations, in the matter of tithing their contributions, some tithing the whole, and others tithing only one-fourth, and it is desirable that there should be uniformity in this matter; therefore, Resolved, That it is the sense of this association that, beginning with January, 1888, every Sabbath-school should pay a tithe of all its contributions to the treasury of the State association with which it is connected, and that after paying the necessary running expenses of the school, it should donate the remainder to whatever mission may be recommended. But this resolution shall not be construed as shutting off the members of any school from paying a part or the whole of the running expenses of their school out of their own pockets, leaving all the contributions, less the tithe, to be donated to missions. Resolved, That we recommend that all the Sabbath-schools in the association make the London City Mission the recipient of their contributions for the year 1888. Resolved, That we recommend to our Executive Committee, such a reconstruction of the system of primary lessons as will naturally lead the young mind to a knowledge of God, to our need of a Saviour, and to the compassionate love of God as manifested in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. This to be followed by lessons upon those portions of the Old Testament history which illustrate these all-important themes. Resolved, That it is the sense of this association that when ministers begin tent-meetings in any locality, they should at once, whenever it is practicable, begin a Sunday-school, which shall be continued until it can be converted into a Sabbath-school, and that a short series of lessons on the life of Christ should be prepared for use in such Sunday-schools. Resolved, That we recommend that our State associations hold Sabbath-school Normals in connection with general meetings and camp-meetings, especially local camp-meetings, for the instruction of officers and teachers in the various branches of the Sabbath-school work; and further, Resolved, That we request our Conference officers to provide opportunity, and to aid in procuring the necessary help, for such conventions. WHEREAS, In the providence of God we have in the past year seen a good work opened in South Africa, our workers have enjoyed the divine blessing and favor, and souls are already rejoicing in the truth, and a good prospect seems open for labor there; therefore, Resolved, That we express our sincere gratitude to God, under whose blessing and guidance all true success is attained. Resolved, That it is a satisfaction to us, as an association, that we have been permitted to be in a measure instrumental in forwarding this work during the past year, and that we would hereby assure the dear brethren in that far-off land of our continued prayers and interest. W. C. White, chairman of the Committee on Lessons, then submitted the following report, which was accepted:— Your committee appointed to consider plans for future lessons recommend for the Senior Division of our schools:— 1. That we have a series of lessons on Old Testament history, and that about six months, beginning with January, 1888, be devoted to the study of lessons from Genesis. 2. That the remainder of 1888 be devoted to the study of doctrinal lessons, including the following subjects: "The United States in Prophecy," and "The Third Angel's Message." 3. That the first six months of 1889 be devoted to a continuation of the study of Old Testament history. 4. That the last six months of 1889 be devoted to the study of doctrinal subjects, selected by the Executive Committee. We also recommend:— 5. That the lessons for 1888 be written immediately, and, after approval by the Executive Committee, that they be published in two pamphlets, of twenty-six lessons each, for the use of Sabbath-school officers and teachers. 6. That the lessons for 1889 be written in time to be presented for examination at the next annual meeting of this association. 7. That there be published a series of fifty-two lessons, on the leading doctrines of the Bible, for the use of those newly come to the faith. 8. That a series of lessons for little children be prepared on the life of Christ. 9. That the Executive Committee employ the best talent within their reach for the preparation of these lessons, at as early a date as possible. On Monday afternoon, November 21, the second meeting of the International Tract and Missionary Society was held. The principal item of interest at728this meeting was the election of officers for the ensuing year. Following is the list of officers with their addresses:— President, Elder S. N. Haskell, Paternoster Chambers, 48 Paternoster Row, London, England. Vice-President, W. C. White, Pacific Press, Oakland, California. Secretary and Treasurer, Maria L. Huntley, Healdsburg, California. Assistant Secretaries:—
Anna L. Ingels, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
Mrs. F. H. Sisley, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Jenny Thayer, 451 Holloway Road, Holloway, London N., England.
H. P. Holser, Imprimerie Polyglotte, Basel, Switzerland.
Josie L. Baker, Bible Echo Office, Melbourne, Australia.
Elizabeth Hare, Auckland, New Zealand.
Mary Heileson, Christiania, Norway.
Mrs. C. L. Boyd, Cape Town, South Africa.
A. Swedberg, Battle Creek, Michigan. Executive Board:—
S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, A. J. Breed, G. C. Tenney, W. C. Sisley, M. L. Huntley. On Tuesday, November 22, there were two meetings of the General Conference, at which the following recommendations of the Committee on Distribution of Labor were adopted:— That we recognize the good services of Brother A. La Rue in the ship missionary work on the Pacific Ocean and its islands, and recommend that he continue the same. That Brother H. P. Holser go to Central Europe to act as Treasurer of the mission and publishing house, and to take charge of the book-sales department and the counting-room; to teach canvassers, colporters, and Bible workers; and to help the German work in the field as he may have opportunity. Also to act on the mission board as alternate in the absence of Elder B. L. Whitney. That Brother A. Barry, of Kentucky, go to Michigan to labor in that Conference. That D. A. Robinson go to London to labor in that mission. That Elder I. J. Hankins go to South Africa, to take the place in the mission there made vacant by the removal of Elder D. A. Robinson. That William Arnold go to England to help in establishing the mission there. That Elder John Fulton and wife be requested to spend a year at the Rural Health Retreat, at St. Helena, Cal. That Elder Samuel Fulton take the place in the North Pacific Conference made vacant by the removal of John Fulton to St. Helena. That Elder D. T. Bourdeau go to New Orleans and spend the winter in labor in that city. The committee to whom the matter of a missionary ship was referred, have reported as follows:— Your committee appointed to consider the matter of securing a ship for missionary work among the islands of the sea, would respectfully submit the following:— We believe that such a ship is needed; we deem the enterprise a noble one, and well worthy the hearty support of all our people; but in view of the fact that some of our missions are now in actual distress, for the means which they must have to do the work properly which must be done; In view of the fact that the International Sabbath-school Association has devoted its contributions for 1888 to the London Mission, and we think it would be most profitable to our people to have all concerned in the missionary ship when it is decided upon, We therefore recommend that the enterprise of setting afloat a missionary ship be postponed till the next annual session of the General Conference. We would further recommend that a committee of five, consisting of three brethren from east of the Rocky Mountains, and two from the Pacific Coast, be appointed to take charge of this matter during the year 1888, and report to the next annual session of this Conference. And further, that donations to this enterprise may be received during the year, from any who feel disposed to make such donations. Following are the principal resolutions passed in the meeting of the Health Reform Association:— Resolved, That we see reason for devout gratitude to God that the efforts made in our various Conferences the past year to awaken a deeper interest in the cause of health and temperance, have met with such marked success, the tangible evidence of which is apparent in the greatly increased number of subscribers to Good Health, and the sale of so many thousands of health and temperance publications. Resolved, That we hail with delight the news which comes to us through our representatives from Scandinavia, that the Danish-Norwegian and Swedish health journals are so rapidly increasing their lists of subscribers through the efforts of canvassers, and that by this means our workers are gaining access to so many homes and hearts in those countries. Resolved, That we consider the cause of health reform as one the world over, and that we extend the hand of sympathy and good cheer to the Rural Health Retreat, at St. Helena, California, in which is inculcated the same principles as in the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Michigan, and that we are greatly pleased to learn of the progress which the former institution has made since its opening in the spring of 1885. WHEREAS, The Health Retreat, though desirous to do all it can in giving charity treatment to the sick and worthy poor among us, cannot, while in its comparative infancy, do as is proposed by the parent Sanitarium, erect a charity hospital; therefore, Resolved, That in the sense of this body, it should be aided in its humanitarian work by raising a charity fund to be used for the benefit of the afflicted poor who shall be properly recommended to the care of the institution, such fund to be called for in contributions from those inclined to give for so worthy an object. WHEREAS, The two journals, Good Health and Pacific Health Journal, have each their mission to fill, and their appropriate sphere in which to work, the former being like an advanced reader and the latter a primer of simplified lessons; therefore, Resolved, That we deem it expedient that the circulation of both these journals be encouraged as a means of arousing investigation of, and stimulating perseverance in, the cause of health reform. At a meeting of the International Tract and Missionary Society, the following resolutions of approval of our papers were passed:— WHEREAS, The SIGNS OF THE TIMES is our pioneer missionary journal, and finds favor with the people, while it conveys to them the principles of the Third Angel's Message; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend to State Tract and Missionary Societies to take as large clubs as they can use to advantage, and that we urge all ministers, colporters, and the members of local missionary societies, to make constant and strenuous effort to place the paper in the hands of the people. WHEREAS, The rapid growth of the National Reform Association, and its widespread evil influences, show how dangerously near it is to assured success; and, WHEREAS, We know the destructive consequences that will surely attend the success of that movement; and, WHEREAS, The American Sentinel is devoted to the work of exposing the evil that lurks in that movement; therefore, Resolved, That we deem it to be the duty of our State and local societies, ministers, missionary workers and our people generally, to bring the Sentinel to the attention of all classes of people, but particularly to lawyers, legislators, and other men of public affairs. Concerning the matter of the first resolution, Sister White related the circumstances under which the SIGNS was started, and why it was started. She stated that it has a work to do that no other paper can accomplish. The Review and Herald, which is a church paper, should be taken and read by every church member; but the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a missionary journal, and should go to every part of the world. She stated that our people could not get along without either one of these papers, but that every family should have them both. Concerning the Sentinel, it was stated that the publishers hoped to see the circulation increased to 500,000 copies during the year 1888. For the year 1887 there has been printed a total of 255,000 copies, which is nearly double the number printed during the previous year. One man, a total stranger to us and to our work, got hold of one copy of the Sentinel, and wrote to the office ordering nineteen copies of the November number to be sent to as many different addresses. Thursday forenoon, November 24, a meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Educational Society was held. This is the Battle Creek College Association, having no jurisdiction over other schools or colleges of the denomination. The following resolutions, which were adopted, will give the best idea of the work done:— Resolved, That the increased facilities afforded by our College are a source of renewed gratitude to God, and this action of the managers of the institution deserves our hearty approval. Resolved, That we appreciate the efforts of the managers of the College to place it in a condition to better fulfill the object of its establishment, and pledge ourselves, and ask our people, to sustain our Trustees in their laudable efforts thus far made. WHEREAS, Efforts have been made by the managers of Battle Creek College and of our other educational institutions to organize a system of manual training in connection with these schools; and, WHEREAS, We regard this effort as being in harmony with the will of God in relation to these institutions, as well as in harmony with the conclusion reached by the most advanced scientific educators of the age; therefore, Resolved, That we express our approval of the efforts which have been made, and of the results which have already been attained, and urge that these efforts be continued in the same direction, and that advance steps be made as rapidly as experience and the development of this line of educational work may indicate as necessary; and, WHEREAS, There is general ignorance, and, on the part of many, an entire misconception of the aims and purposes of manual training in the education of the youth; therefore, Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to prepare for general circulation a pamphlet on this subject; and, Resolved, That when this pamphlet is prepared, the Trustees of this society shall make an effort to place a copy in the hands of every Sabbath-keeping family. WHEREAS, In some cases students, parents, and guardians feel a little inimical to the plan of working a portion of the time, either in domestic affairs or at some trade; and, WHEREAS, Its object is to better fit all students for the ordinary duties of life as well as the highest Christian culture; and, WHEREAS, This object can be attained in no better way; therefore, Resolved, That we entreat all our people and the students that may come to the institution to try to realise the great benefit to be derived from the manual training department, and encourage the good work by every proper means. WHEREAS, We recognize a healthy condition of the body as essential to the best mental and moral development; and, WHEREAS, It is a recognized fact that a large share of the causes which occasion disease and premature decay of the physical powers in adults originate in childhood and youth, Resolved, That we urge upon the managers of all our educational institutions the importance of giving special attention to the physical training of students under their charge, and that it be considered the duty of managers and teachers to secure as far as possible an improvement in the health and physical condition of the students as well as in their mental and moral conditions. Resolved, That the study of health and temperance principles and of hygiene as held among us should be introduced into all our schools and made compulsory upon all students pursuing a regular course of study and who are not already proficient in these branches. WHEREAS, Many of our people are located at long distances from any of our denominational schools, involving large expense in sending children to enjoy the advantages of these schools; and, WHEREAS, It is evidently unwise for parents to send young children away from their care, even though it be to our schools; therefore, Resolved, That we favor the establishment of local or church schools for the purpose of teaching the common branches, and that we recommend the managers of the College to give special attention to the training of teachers for such schools. The remaining items of interest will be given on the last page.