Review and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 23. (6/5/1913)

Review and Herald

Jun 5, 1913

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 5, 1913

A Psalm of Sorrow

By ARTHUR W. SPAULDING

ARTHUR W. SPAULDING

Weep for the dead; for the light hath failed, The light of life hath fled, And the gray, dim shadows have prevailed. Weep, yea, weep for the dead.

But weep, weep not for the dead alone: Weep for the living world For whom the joy of life is flown And the banner of hope is furled.

Weep sweetly, sweetly, for the dead, And be not all forlorn; For deep is the peace of that lowly bed That bridgeth night to morn.

But sorrowful, sorrowful, be your moan For the living, cold and grim, From whom the peace of God is flown: Weep, weep sore for him.

Like stars that fade in the morning light Are the righteous in their death; Like gleams that die in the depths of night Are the lost that keep their breath.

Weep, then, and bear with gentle hands The loved to his God-watched tomb; But weep, and labor to break the bands That bind the world to its doom.

HISTORY OF THE SABBATH

REVISED AND ENLARGED

This splendid volume by Elder J. N. Andrews, which was so highly prized by our people during the early years of this denomination, and which was the means of persuading many to accept the Bible Sabbath, has just been reissued in its revised and enlarged form.

For several years Elder L. R. Conradi, who has had access to the large libraries in Europe, has been making a thorough research in the ancient histories with regard to the Sabbath question. The information thus gained has been carefully prepared for this book, thus adding greatly to its completeness. It is a mine of useful information on the Sabbath question.

This book treats the Sabbath question from both the Biblical and the historical standpoint. Every passage of Scripture which has any connection with the Sabbath is carefully examined. The prophecies relating to the change from the seventh to the first day of the week, and the history showing how and when the change was made, combine to make the study of this important subject one of great interest and profit. The various steps by which the change was made are given in detail; also the scriptures showing that the Sabbath will finally be exalted and restored to its proper place by the people of God.

A copious index enables the reader readily to find any passage of Scripture, or the statement of any historian.

The revised edition contains over 800 pages. Standard edition, full cloth binding, $1.50

Thin paper edition, flexible leather binding, $2.50

Order of Your Conference Tract Society, or of

REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

TAKOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C.

Good Form and Social Ethics

By Fannie Dickerson Chase

A NEW BOOK

By FANNIE DICKERSON CHASE

The first copies of this book are now ready for delivery, and being the only book on the subject printed by our publishing houses, a large sale has been predicted. It covers all phases of the subject of good form in a practical manner, and the author’s appreciation of the power of illustration has led to the recital of many incidents, which emphasize the subject under consideration and render the book intensely interesting.

There are chapters for “everybody, everywhere,” as indicated by a few of the titles:—

The Gentleman
The Host or Hostess
In the Home
At Church
On the Street
The Home Girl
The Business Girl
The Social Girl
Conversation
Invitations

There are also chapters on such subjects as kindness in speech, punctuality, the forgetting habit, and a chapter to ministers, the writing of which was suggested to the author by a member of the General Conference Committee.

The book is bound in attractive purple cloth, stamped in gold. Price, 75 cents.

Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C.

Estimate of the General Conference

By E. E. Andross

By an American Union Conference President

THIS is certainly a great meeting. In point of delegation it is by far the largest we have ever held. Almost every part of the world is represented by delegates. From the first service, it was very evident that the Lord was present, and was ready to guide his people as they sat in conference to receive reports from the field and to prepare for more aggressive work for the future.

As the reports from the various mission fields have been read from day to day, it has seemed as if we were living over again the experiences of the apostles as recorded in the book of the Acts. These you will read in the Bulletin, but it will be impossible to get the inspiration from reading them that comes to one listening to their presentation. Our missionaries have experienced the miracle-working power of God in their efforts to carry the gospel to the people.

We are surely living in the time of the latter rain. The Lord has said that if we are not daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we may pass through the latter rain and not discern it nor receive it. I feel sure that there is great danger of our people’s not awakening out of sleep at this time and personally preparing for the end. We are surely nearing the time when the earth will be lighted with the glory of this message as the waters fill the sea.

The Lord is guiding in the business affairs of the Conference, and although some changes may be made that will affect the work throughout the world, I feel confident that it will result in advancing the message rather than retarding it. May the blessed day of deliverance be greatly hastened by this meeting, and each of us be found in that position where he can do efficient service for the Master, and hear the words “Well done,” when it is finished.

E. E. ANDROSS.

The General Conference at Takoma Park

By the South African Union Conference President

This great gathering from all parts of the world now assembled at Takoma Park is a marvelous manifestation of God’s ability to foresee the end from the beginning and to fulfil prophecy.

From the time the appointment was made for the meeting, many felt that there was a special blessing in store for those who should attend, and many have come from distant lands, some of them paying all their own expenses, in order to share in the spiritual refreshing that they were confident would be experienced by those attending. One of these said today, “I have wept so much for joy as I have seen how the work is going to all lands that my head aches.”

The organization of the forces for pitching the tents and preparing for the meeting, the orderly arrangement of the great camp for dining, department meetings, committee meetings, business meetings of the Conference, and the spiritual meetings of the encampment, so that nearly all committeemen may attend without interfering with committee work, remind one of the orderly arrangements of the camp of Israel when under the inspiration of the divine Spirit it was said, “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!”

The meeting is now well advanced. Every department of the work shows a marvelous growth during the past four years. Each day’s reports are a great inspiration. It would be utterly impossible to carry forward such a tremendous work if it was not for the unity and devotion of a loyal body of believers, and the united leadership of a consecrated band of workers.

The spiritual services are seasons of refreshing, and the committees and business sessions are most harmonious. Many are already fully convinced that this meeting will mark a new era in the work. R. C. PORTER.

D. H. KRESS

By Daniel H. Kress

By a Physician

This meeting is certain to be a great blessing to those who have the privilege of attending. It has given a new impetus to the work of the third angel's message. We come as workers to ask, that we may be able to impart. Those who thus ask always receive. In a gathering of this character we meet acquaintances from all parts of the world. We meet those with whose names only we are familiar. We have the privilege of a handshake, and by it say, Brother, be of good courage. It tends to bind together the various members of the body with a bond of sympathy and love which is bound to bring strength into the work. In such a union there is strength. We are able to renew old acquaintances. This also is a great blessing, and brings hope and courage to press the battle to the gate.

Good cheer is something all may dispense. We may freely receive and freely give. Some come to these gatherings discouraged, or perhaps they are under a cloud. They may be in the dark. Never call attention to the darkness. They are conscious of it. The only thing that can dispel darkness is light. When darkness was upon the face of the deep, God said, 'Let there be light: and there was light.' We must be channels of light to such. There is no greater joy than to go from one to another throughout the camp conveying good cheer.

I personally was greatly blessed in meeting men and women with whom I was acquainted twenty-five years ago, who are active workers today, bearing responsibilities in foreign fields. Years ago my wife and I had charge of the first French and German school opened by us as a people at Battle Creek. Among those in attendance were Brethren Vuilleumier, Oblander, Schuberth, Aushier, and Westphal, and others, who are present at this meeting. A strange tie exists between old associates in the work, and a meeting of this character binds us all together a little closer.

Such a meeting is of value from an educational standpoint. It enables us to get a glimpse of the great field and its needs. We obtain a better knowledge of the magnitude of the work and how rapidly it is spreading. As we listen, we can see that in a comparatively short time this gospel of the kingdom might be preached in all the world as a witness unto all nations. This leads us to renew our efforts and to make sacrifices that the work may be cut short in righteousness. The order observed in such a camp is an object-lesson of value. The system carried out in the dining-tent, the great variety of simple foods prepared in a wholesome manner, afford another lesson that cannot help but leave its impression.

I can truthfully say that at no time in the past have I attended a meeting that has brought to me greater joy or a

stronger determination to suffer affliction with the people of God, if need be, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. I might also mention that this meeting is certain to prove of great value to our medical work. Principles are being dwelt upon that pertain to all phases of this work. They are freely discussed, but in the spirit of Christ. In such counsel there is safety. I feel certain from what I am able to observe that our institutions will all receive an uplift as a result of this gathering. Those engaged in the field as self-supporting workers in private practise cannot help feeling impressed that they are members of the body and are regarded as brethren in the faith. These will return home with renewed courage, with greater confidence in the message, and a determination to press together and aid in the completion of the work.

Upon the whole, such gatherings are invaluable. The expense is great, it is true, and some may say, 'Why this waste?' but I am convinced that God made no mistake when he called upon the children of Israel at stated intervals to go up to Jerusalem. There is wisdom and economy in a plan of this character.

D. H. KRESS

A. C. BOURDEAU

By One of the Pioneers; A. C. BOURDEAU

By One of the Pioneers

It gives me much pleasure to express a few thoughts relative to the session of our General Conference which is now being held, and which is the largest and the best I have ever attended.

Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude to God by the cheering reports that come from all parts of the world, and in viewing the spirit of union and love and the mind of Christ so manifest in the laborers and believers present in the business transactions, and in all the religious services held.

It is cheering to know that the glorious message for our time is not of men; but having in it the power of God, it stands on a foundation which is firm and impregnable,—on the Rock of Ages. In the entire work, its branches, departments, and institutions, the first desire and aim is to draw nearer to God, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to bring souls to Christ.

In this assembly it is cheering to notice that while old laborers are dropping or laying down the armor, one by one, the Master is calling so many humble yet strong and efficient workmen whom he is using to his honor and glory.

Truly, the fields are white already to harvest. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into his harvest. Our blessed Leader has set his hand to the work, and will carry it on most gloriously. To each one he says, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

A. C. BOURDEAU

C. H. EDWARDS

By C. H. EDWARDS

By a State Conference President

This Conference bids fair to be the most helpful one we have ever attended. The camp is almost ideal, and the weather has been evidently ordered to suit the time and occasion.

A deep spiritual atmosphere is felt everywhere. All the business transacted so far has been done in perfect harmony. The early morning services are proving a great blessing to our people generally. The evening services also are breathing out a spirit of deep spiritual strength.

The reports from the foreign fields are certainly instructive and inspiring, and show a most remarkable growth in numbers and influence. The ‘eight o’clock’ Bible studies are an inspiration to the congregation. Every subject dealt with thus far has been timely indeed. The great number of reports and statistics seem to be necessary, but if there is to be a sacrifice at all, we feel that the Bible studies and devotional services should take the precedence.

Taken all together, this Conference will prove, we believe, to be the most spiritual and blessed conference we have ever held. From this place will go out into every land a mighty impetus to our work such as we have never seen nor known before.

The motto, “The advent message to all the world in this generation,” will as certainly be realized as God’s people unite with him and the mighty agencies of heaven in doing the allotted work. “Courage and victory” are the watchwords heard everywhere; and success will surely crown every sanctified effort.

C. H. EDWARDS

A. W. ANDERSON

By A. W. Anderson

By an Australian Editor

From many nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples, from every continent on the globe, have flocked to the city of Washington representatives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to confer together upon that theme which is the greatest of all themes because it is the most momentous to mankind,—the preaching of the everlasting gospel to all the world in this generation.

The task is a stupendous one; nevertheless God's people are not deterred by the immensity of the work they have undertaken to do, for they know that the promises of Jehovah never can fail. His plans always mature at the time appointed and in harmony with the predictions of his prophetic word. The Saviour himself has declared that “this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matt. 24:34. As the preaching of “this gospel of the kingdom” “in all the world for a witness unto all nations” was delineated by the Lord Jesus Christ as a sign of his coming and of the end of the world, and as this sign constitutes one of “these things” which should be fulfilled before “this generation” shall pass away, we may take it as a foregone conclusion that the superhuman task which the denomination has set itself to do will assuredly be accomplished.

The work is truly a stupendous one, but the reports brought to this Conference from heathen, Mohammedan, and Catholic countries show that all things are possible to those who will consent to be used by God in the furtherance and fulfilment of his plans. Already there is abundant evidence that this movement, in spite of overwhelming difficulties, is assuming mighty proportions. Already many wonderful victories have been gained in the very strongholds of Satan. Already “this gospel of the kingdom” has gained a footing in most of the principal centers of population throughout the entire world, and from these centers light is radiating in every direction. These triumphs for the truth are an earnest of the success which will attend this cause in the near future.

In view of all that has yet to be accomplished in order to complete this work, this session of the General Conference is surely a gathering of surpassing importance, for upon the deliberations of this body of Christian believers, assembled together from near and far, hangs the eternal destiny of millions of our fellow men. In China alone there are millions who are dying “having no hope, and without God in the world.” “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent?”

Millions who are dying without a knowledge of God make mute but pathetic appeals for light. They are perishing for lack of the knowledge God has given to us. Surely that fact alone should be sufficient to bestir the most indifferent church-member to action. It should be sufficient to convert the most stoical professor of Christianity into a zealous, enthusiastic, and earnest worker for God. It is to be profoundly hoped that one result of this great Conference shall be a determination on the part of all God's people to banish from their hearts all self-satisfaction, all Laodicean lukewarmness, all callous indifference to the claims of God upon them, and to arise as one man and say, “This work shall be done, and done quickly.” If all who profess to love this message would, in the fear of God, in the power of prayer, in the spirit of self-denial, and with daily consecration, yield themselves unreservedly to be used by God wherever and whenever his Spirit shall indicate, the proclamation of the third angel's message would reach every nation, kindred, tongue, and people in a very short time, and the reign of sin and iniquity be brought to a speedy termination.

A. W. ANDERSON

Eleventh Meeting

May 21, 10 A. M.

L. R. CONRADI in the chair.

U. Bender offered prayer.

L. R. Conradi: We will now listen to the report of M. E. Kern, secretary of the Young People's Missionary Volunteer Department.

This report, which was read by Professor Kern, will appear in a subsequent issue of the REVIEW.

Report on European Memorial

The chairman then called for a report of the committee on plans regarding the memorial from the European Division presented in the seventh meeting.

Guy Dail, secretary of the committee on plans (reading):—

“The committee on plans and resolutions would recommend:—

“1. That, in response to the memorial submitted by the European brethren to the fall council, 1912, we adopt the general plan of organizing important territories and groups of union fields into General Conference divisions, and that this form of divisional organization be effected in the various fields as the conditions of the work require.

“2. That the numerical basis of representation from the division conferences and division missions to the General Conference be that called for by the General Conference constitution.

“3. That the general mission funds of the division be reported quarterly to the treasurer of the General Conference, and that they be included in the financial statements of the General Conference.

“4. That steps be taken at this Conference for the organization of the European Division Conference, with a constitution in harmony with the provisions of the General Conference Constitution.”

There was also presented at the same time a draft of the constitution for the European Division Conference. As this is published in full in the Bulletin, it does not seem best to repeat it here.

At the eleventh meeting reports were rendered of the Atlantic Union Conference and the Columbia Union Conference by Elders W. B. White and B. G. Wilkinson, presidents of the same.

Twelfth Meeting

May 21, 2:30 P. M.

L. R. CONRADI in the chair.

A. T. Robinson offered prayer.

Elder W. J. Fitzgerald rendered a report of the British Union Conference, followed by a report of the Scandinavian Union Conference by Elder J. C. Raft. Reports were likewise presented of the Latin Union Conference by Elder L. T. Tieche; of the work in Spain and Portugal by W. T. Bond and C. E. Renfro. After the rendering of these reports showing the progress of the work in these fields, Elder J. N. Loughborough spoke of the organization of the General Conference fifty years ago and the fact of this being the fiftieth anniversary of the event. His remarks follow:—

J. N. Loughborough: It so happens that on this camp-ground there are two anniversaries. I have told you about one,—the dark day of May 19, 1780. Now I want to tell you about the birth of a little child. You know old folks are all interested in little children. This was one that was born fifty years ago this very day, May 21, 1863, and I think it was at about this hour that we got it where we could call it a living child. It was the General Conference. Do you think I am interested in hearing these reports? Well, I can hardly hold my breath sometimes when I hear them. How that little child has grown!

Well, at the time of that meeting, we had been talking for two years about having a General Conference. We had the State conference of Michigan, organized in 1861. Perhaps you have read in the old papers about the conferences they had in those days. I have a report of one that was held in 1859. Why talk about conferences in ’61 and ’63, when you had one in ’59? I can even tell you about a conference where there were only twelve present. Well, this leaflet [holding it up] is a report of it. What a little Bulletin! It contains a report of a sermon on Systematic Benevolence; that is, being so benevolent as to pay the Lord the tithe that really belongs to him. The report of business transacted in that three days’ conference covers four pages. There was a $160 debt for running a tent the year before, and they wanted to get pledges and cash to make up $500 to meet that debt, and to keep the missionary work going that year. They lacked about $110 of that, and they thought that by soliciting from the brethren they would be able to make it all up. And then, too, they wanted a committee of three men to take charge of the money when it should be collected. You see we went at it business style back there.

Now, in 1863 a call was made for a General Conference, signed by James White, J. N. Loughborough, and John Byington. We got together and had a delegate conference. There were twenty delegates, from seven States. Two of them had one delegate apiece. One was the State of Wisconsin, and one was the State of Minnesota; and, I declare, Michigan had most all the rest! Well, they wanted a committee on a constitution, and they appointed it fifty years ago this morning. The committee reported fifty years ago today. The constitution adopted was not nearly so long as the one you read here today, but it served the purpose.

Some of you have been in the army, and when the others were all shot down around you, and you were left alone, you began to feel lonesome, with the bullets flying around your head. Well, out of those eight men who in consultation and much prayer drew up that constitution, how many are alive?—Just one man besides your speaker, that other being past ninety years of age, Elder Isaac Sanborn. And where are my friends that were there?—Ah, they have fallen. Out of twelve men on two committees at that meeting, four apostatized, and the rest have died—died in the triumphs of faith.

How many persons do you suppose there are in this audience that were in the city of Battle Creek when the General Conference was organized? I know of only two, Sister Kilgore and myself—save one who was not old enough to take part in the proceedings, but who carried water for us, it being a hot day. He was W. C. White, then not quite nine years old. How the work has grown! I thank God that I am here, and that the message is going. I am glad that the little child that was organized fifty years ago has grown to be as strong a being as it is now. However, I expect to see it grow faster yet. Yes, this is the anniversary day of the birth of the General Conference.

Tenth Meeting

May 20, 2:30 P. M.

A. G. DANIELLS in the chair.

J. E. Fulton offered prayer.

By vote of the Conference, the following-named brethren were seated as delegates: T. H. Branch, J. M. Campbell, U. S. Willis, W. D. Ford, and Sydney Scott.

At this meeting reports were rendered by various brethren of the European Division, including Germany, Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Russia. We regret that we have only space for the general report of the European Division, which has already been given. Many interesting features, however, of these reports from various sections of the European field will be printed later in the REVIEW.

The General Conference

Thirty-Eighth Session, May 15 to June 8, 1913

Eighth Meeting

May 19, 2:30 P. M.

L. R. CONRADI in the chair.

Elder J. E. Jayne offered prayer.

The eighth meeting was occupied in continuing the reports of the Foreign Department of the General Conference. Reports were presented of the Jewish work, French work, the Danish-Norwegian Seminary, the Swedish Seminary, and the German Seminary; also of the work among Russians in North America. The secretary of the Department of Education also rendered his report during this session of the Conference. These reports must be deferred for the present.

Ninth Meeting

May 20, 10 A. M.

A. G. DANIELLS in the chair.

Prayer by G. B. THOMPSON.

A. G. DANIELLS: We have the following recommendation from the brethren in the Bermuda Island Mission:—

"Dear Brethren, Greeting,

"As loyal believers of the Seventh-day Adventist body, we would cordially ask you to receive our brother, Thomas MacKay Doe, as delegate to represent the Bermuda Mission field.

"In behalf of the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Bermuda Mission.

"(Signed)

"M. ENOCH,

"L. O. MACMILLAN,

"OWEN AIRTH FIRTH."

It was voted that this request be granted.

A. G. DANIELLS: The first of our reports this morning will be from the secretary of the Sabbath School Department.

This report will be published later.

Following the rendering of the report of the Sabbath-school work, reports were presented by L. A. HANSEN, assistant secretary of the Medical Department; of the North American Negro Department by the secretary, Elder A. J. HAYSMER; and of the work of the Press Bureau by the secretary, L. W. BURGAN. These reports likewise must be deferred until a later issue.

At the close of his report, Brother Burgan showed the Conference an immense scrap-book, containing thousands of clippings from the newspapers, reporting features of our work. He stated that already reports had come in from thirty-three States in which newspapers had given notices of this Conference session. At this point Conference adjourned.

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