p. 5 | Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 61. (12/9/1915)

Review and Herald

Dec 9, 1915

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1915

Our Father's Care

By WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

’Tis passing wonderful, our Father’s care To bless each life and hear its feeblest prayer. No flower too tiny for a beauteous dress, No weed so rank but heaven’s dewdrops bless; No wave too boisterous for His “Peace be still,” Since wind and storm His mandate must fulfill. God bids the blossoms bloom that strew our way; He offers Living Bread to us each day. A stony pillow marks a radiant dream, To show a ladder bright where least ’twould seem. The grievous trial a halo blest is given; When anguish-torn, the rent is seamed by heaven. The gifts denied are later found but thorns; For wrestling won, a princely name adorns. Our night reveals the stars of promise bright, Our day is beaming with our Life and Light. For toil for Him a crown enduring waits, And angel guards escort to heaven’s gates. O, ne’er by searching could we fathom Love That gave His all to treasure us above!

The Purpose of the Denominational College Endangered

THE field secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Colleges and Academies sounds a note of warning against the multiplying sports and “side shows” in denominational colleges. We give his words as quoted in the Lutheran of October 28:—

It would take a long time to enumerate the activities of the modern college. Probably the first is athletics; next come the fraternities, then the glee and dramatic clubs. It probably can be stated in no better way than Mr. Wilson put it: “Activities in colleges have grown to be such a great side show in the college career that what is in the main tent is likely to be neglected. These activities demand much of the time of the college student. It is the ‘muchness’ of college activities that is the drawback. They are responsible for many of our young men and women coming out at the point of personal dissipation. There have grown up certain traditions in colleges, and these must be respected, much to the detriment of Christian character. Class spirit, athletic loyalty, and all those distracting influences tend to draw the student away from his work and make him indifferent to the responsibility which rests upon him to make a well-rounded, fully consecrated Christian. If education fails to form a good Christian character, it fails signally. The colleges are feeling their impotence in the face of the evil results of these activities. The colleges have failed to do what the church organized them to do. College presidents are not chosen today because they have great Christian zeal or evangelistic fervor. They are chosen because they have executive ability, or because they can raise money.”

“One Church the War Has Helped”

THE work of this denomination is attracting attention, as is shown in a short article published in the Christian Advocate of November 4, under the heading “One Church the War Has Helped:” —

There are 125,844 Seventh-day Adventists, and the net gain last year was almost ten per cent, an accelerated increase which is no doubt partly attributable to the partial success of those evangelists who are reading the morning paper with one eye on the book of Daniel. The contributions for foreign missions are reported as averaging six dollars per member, and the work is carried on in eighty-seven countries by 5,313 evangelists. It is a pity that we are obliged to add that, according to authentic information from several mission fields, one of the accepted methods of Adventism is to follow in the wake of missionaries of other denominations, and disseminate its peculiar views among those who have been shown the errors of heathenism.

We would not deny that our message is for all, not only for the heathen, but also for any who hold unscriptural doctrines; but that proselytism is the accepted method of Adventists, though a charge often made by those whose doctrines will not stand the test of the Bible, is not altogether in accord with the facts. We do not have at hand any general statistics in this matter, but the statement of Elder R. F. Cottrell, when presenting at the biennial council of the General Conference Committee (Nov. 5–21, 1915) his report of the Central China Mission, is of interest. We quote from Secretary Spicer’s first report of the council (published in the REVIEW of November 25):

When Elder Cottrell stated that the believers in Central China were about 1,000 in number, the question was asked as to the percentage coming directly to us from heathenism. He answered: “In Honan, 80 per cent; in Hunan, 83 per cent; in Hupeh, 50 per cent.”

Note and Comment

A Danger of Our Time

A DANGER into which even earnest Christians may fall is so well presented by Dr. John R. Mott, that we present his words here:—

An alarming weakness among Christians is that we are producing Christian activities faster than we are producing Christian experience and Christian faith; that the discipline of our souls and the deepening of our acquaintance with God are not proving sufficiently thorough to enable us to meet the unprecedented expansion of opportunity and responsibility of our generation.—Christian Advocate, October 21.

These are words well worth our prayerful consideration, for the danger presented is one into which we personally may easily fall.

Lord Rosebery Fears Increase in World's Armament

THE comment of Lord Rosebery when he heard of the plans of the United States to increase its navy is of special interest to students of Biblical prophecy who are expecting to see all the world arm for the final battle of Armageddon.

Lord Rosebery was presiding at the Rhodes lecture at London University the evening of November 16, when he said, as reported in the New York Times of Nov. 17, 1915:—

I know nothing more disheartening than the announcement recently made, that the United States—the one great country left in the world free from the hideous, bloody burden of war—is about to embark upon the building of a huge armada destined to be equal or second to our own.

It means that the burden will continue upon the other nations and be increased exactly in proportion to the fleet of the United States. I confess that it is a disheartening prospect that the United States, so remote from the European conflict, should voluntarily in these days take up the burden, which, after this war, will be found to have broken, or almost broken, our backs.

Seek Bishops' Veto in Panama Dispute

It seems that more trouble is to arise from the opposition of some members of the Protestant Episcopal Board of Missions to the vote which that board took to send delegates to the Protestant Congress to be held at Panama. As pointed out in these columns of our issue of November 11, five bishops of the High Church party who were members of the Board of Missions resigned in order to emphasize their opposition. We quote from the New York Times of November 27:—

Determined to prevent the sending of delegates to the Panama Congress, notwithstanding the decision of the Board of Missions to do so, ritualists of the Protestant Episcopal Church now demand that a special meeting of the house of bishops be called to hear an appeal.

Their action has been so quietly carried on that comparatively few of the high officials of the church knew what was going on. Surprise was manifested in this city yesterday when the news reached a few of the Low Church clergymen. The proposal of a special session of the bishops will be bitterly opposed.

The High Church party regards the proposed special meeting as a last resort, as the much-discussed Panama Congress is to be held in March. The ritualists object to the Episcopal Church's being represented at the congress, because it is to be a conference of Protestant bodies whose aims, they think, tend to prevent a drawing together of Catholic and Protestant Episcopal Churches.

Notes From the Field — No. 5

By F. M. W.

In the broad scope of the questions considered, and in the ultimate influence these questions will have on our worldwide work, it is safe to say that the council meetings just closed at Loma Linda surpass in importance any similar council meeting ever held in the denomination. Our denominational organization was perfected and extended. Two great divisions — one embracing South America and the other the continent of Asia with Australasia — were formed to accommodate the growing demands of the work in these great fields. This arrangement will afford greater liberty of local control and government, will place a larger number of responsible laborers in each field, and will tend greatly to the development and extension of the work. Elder R. C. Porter was chosen president of the Asiatic Division, with Elder J. E. Fulton vice president and secretary. Responsible men will stand at the head of the union conferences composing the division. Strong effort will be made to develop the literature work, the educational work, and other departments of church activity, as fast and as far as circumstances will warrant.

Elder O. Montgomery was chosen president of the South American Division. He will find a strong coworker in Elder J. W. Westphal, who, with his devoted wife, has for long years labored so faithfully and efficiently in bringing the work in this southern field to its present state of development.

Several important transfers of laborers, to meet growing and changed conditions in various fields, were made at this council. These changes will be noted in the reports of the secretaries of the two conferences as published in the REVIEW. We were impressed with the spirit of willingness shown by these workers as they were asked to sever home ties and friendly association, and go to new fields to mingle with strangers and meet new and untried experiences. In this, the day of God’s power, he is making his people willing.

Earnest consideration was given to the work at Loma Linda. In a definite and specific manner the servant of the Lord instructed that at this place there should be established a school for the training of medical missionaries, both nurses and physicians. The workers assembled in council recognized the character of this instruction, and unanimously decided to follow it. Plans were definitely laid for the fuller establishment and future prosecution of this work. The full four years’ medical course will be maintained. Already the medical school has made an excellent record in the character of the students graduated from it. Last year’s class — nine in number — passed the California State Board in a most creditable manner. Not one taking the examination failed.

This school, we feel assured, has before it a bright future. Never has its constituency, which really includes the whole denomination, been so united in its support, as shown in the determination of the representatives at this council that the school be made a success.

We feel that our brethren and sisters everywhere should rally to its support. Particularly should they encourage their sons and daughters who plan to take medical training, to come to this school. Here they may obtain a good medical education, and at the same time be safeguarded from the evils to be found in worldly environment.

God has spoken good concerning Israel, and we believe it is safer to follow the leadings and instructions of his Spirit than worldly plans or policies. We shall have more to say of the Loma Linda school at another time.

As regards the work of the Loma Linda Sanitarium, we can do no better than to quote several extracts from the report made to the constituency meeting, held in connection with the council, by the medical superintendent, Dr. T. J. Evans: —

In rendering a report of the Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital, it gives us great pleasure to recognize the kind hand of Providence in caring for us so graciously during the past few months. We recognize God as the giver of every good and perfect gift, and thank him for the degree of health that our family has enjoyed, and also for giving us the co-operation among our patients and helpers which we feel is one of the strongest assets that an institution can have, and gives a substantial foundation on which a magnificent structure can be erected.

One patient called me aside the other day and said: “I have been in your institution for several weeks now, and I should like to know the secret of your organization. All seem to work so harmoniously together, and seem to love their work and cheerfully perform their respective duties. The only rivalry I can see is in striving to see who can give the best service. There must be some power behind the throne.” It was my privilege to tell him that we believe God is behind the throne, and that his presence is felt in every department; that he is the Head of the institution, and that this would account for the harmony that prevails.

I believe that a medical institution should be well equipped with scientific appliances, so efficient work can be done for those who seek help. We believe our institutions should have facilities, that the instruction of the spirit of prophecy can be fully carried out, in giving our patients the advantages that come from the bounties of nature through food, sunshine, and air. Since March of this year, the number of patients in the sanitarium has averaged forty-four.

The patronage of the Loma Linda Hospital is steadily increasing. Since March, 1915, there have been 177 operations performed in the hospital, and 45 babies born under its supervision. In January we had 22 patients; in February, 16; March, 19; April, 20; May, 21; June, 26; July, 19; August, 22; September, 25; October, 29.

There were 159 medical cases, 79 surgical, 22 obstetrical, and 15 babies, totaling in all 275. The average for the first five months is 22 cases a month.

You will notice from the number of operations and number of patients that all the cases did not remain in the hospital, but quite a number were taken back to the sanitarium.

The spiritual interest in the hospital has always been good, and the patients all enjoy the worship hour. Some hearts have been touched by the Spirit of God, and members have been added to the church. Four have accepted present truth in the last few weeks. There never was a time when there was such a good feeling in the hospital as at present.

One very encouraging feature in regard to our hospital is that a number of outside physicians are availing themselves of the advantages the hospital affords. Three doctors from San Bernardino have recently performed operations here, and one physician from Colton has requested that we open the hospital to him; also two from Riverside have asked for the privilege of operating here. All the men who come speak very

highly of our equipment, and are well satisfied with the place in general.

The devotion and loyalty of our workers to the cause of God is manifested in their tithe and offerings. The Sabbath school donation to foreign missions amounts to more than $500 a quarter, and the tithe of the church will aggregate about $12,000 a year. Most of our members are students and those who are working for a small salary, and yet God has placed in their hearts the desire not only to give their means, but their lives and their all to his service.

Our own observation of this institution and of the spirit of its workers fully bears out Dr. Evans’s statements as to their faithfulness and devotion.

Too much cannot be said of the generous hospitality shown by the Pacific Union Conference. Free room and board were furnished the delegates. A large number were accommodated in tents. These were made as comfortable as possible. The food was liberal in quantity and variety, and excellently cooked.

The spirit of the council was good throughout. There was great freedom of discussion pertaining to many important questions, but no one seemed determined to have his own way, but desirous only of knowing the right and best way. Practical unanimity was reached in the decision of every question.

Never have we seen more hearty accord on all questions affecting the onward progress of this movement. To all there came as never before a realizing sense of the work to be done, and a definite settling down to shoulder the responsibilities involved. Let this oneness of purpose actuate every believer. This is no time for division, for pulling apart, for criticism, for distrust and suspicion. Shoulder to shoulder, let us keep step with the pillar of God’s providence which is leading on. Nothing can resist successfully the truth of God borne aloft by a united church.

We cannot afford to spend time in parley or idleness. A great advance move is on. God has set his hand to finish this work in this generation. He will cut it short in righteousness. It is no time now to look back. Forward, is the watchword. Courage in the Lord! Christ is our great Leader. Let us keep close to him, and follow his banner to victory. F. M. W.

Report of the Biennial Council of the General Conference Committee

By W. A. Spicer

Third Report

The Asiatic Division Conference

WITH great interest the council discussed the plan for the organization of a division conference in the Far East, where the remarkable ingathering of souls has called for a strengthening of the administrative force, as well as an increase of laborers in the local fields. Literally by hundreds the believers are coming into our ranks in these lands every year.

The constitution adopted for the new division is modeled after those in other divisions, so need not be reprinted here. Some extracts from it, however, will be of general interest:—

NAME AND TERRITORY

Article 1 — Name

This organization shall be known as the Asiatic Division Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Article 2 — Territory

The territory of this division conference shall consist of that portion of the world included within the following boundaries; viz., commencing at the Persian Gulf, thence north and east along the east side of Persia and the south side of Siberia to the Pacific Ocean, thence east to the international date line, thence south and west so as to include Australasia and such islands of the Pacific as are under the supervision of the Australasian Union Conference, thence north to the place of beginning.

Representation at Biennial Sessions

ARTICLE 4, SECTION 3.— Delegates at large shall be— a. The members of the executive committees of the Asiatic Division Conference and of the General Conference. b. Such other persons as may be recommended by the executive committee, and accepted by the delegates in session.

SEC. 4.— Regular delegates shall be such persons as are duly accredited by the union conferences and union missions, on the following basis:— a. Each union conference and union mission shall be represented in the Division Conference sessions by delegates chosen on the basis of one for each union conference and one for each union mission, and one for each two hundred members. b. Delegates representing unorganized mission fields shall be appointed by the executive committee of the division conference.

Officers

The following officers for the Asiatic Division were appointed by the council:— President, R. C. Porter; vice president and secretary, J. E. Fulton; treasurer and auditor, Henry W. Barrows.

Bermuda Islands

The desirability of having local fields, wherever possible, placed in union conference or union mission organization, led to the following action, taken with the concurrence of the Atlantic Union officers:—

Voted, That the Bermuda Islands be transferred to the territory of the Atlantic Union Conference.

Home Missionary Work

The secretary of the General Conference Home Missionary Department, Miss E. M. Graham, presented a report, which we abridge as follows:— The General Conference Home Missionary Department was reorganized after the General Conference of 1913. There being no provision for this department in the constitution of the General Conference, it is called a branch of the Publishing Department, but is really a department in itself just as definitely as any other department.

When the first reports were gathered in at the close of the third quarter of 1913, the following conferences and mission fields were sufficiently organized for this work to report what was being done:—

Ten conferences in the North American Division, representing four union conferences.

Six union conferences in Europe, and one mission.

The Australasian Union Conference.

The Bermuda Mission.

Eighteen months later, at the close of the first quarter in 1915, the fields reporting were as follows:—

Sixty-seven conferences in the North American Division, representing twelve union conferences, and including all but four conferences, one of which has reported for the second quarter.

Seven union conferences in Europe.

Three mission fields in the Asiatic Division.

The Australasian Union Conference.

The South African Union Conference.

The South American Union Conference.

The Brazilian Union Conference.

The India Union Mission.

The little mission of Guatemala.

Elder Paap will report the work of the North American Division.

In the European Division the work was found to be quite well organized, though in some fields the members had become somewhat slack in their efforts. With some encouragement, these are taking hold with renewed energy. During the war, it has been impossible to collect reports from Russia, the Levant Union, and some other parts of the division, but our people have maintained their home missionary work surprisingly well in the fields directly concerned in the war.

The South African Union Conference has organized all its conferences, and appointed a union home missionary secretary.

The South American union has organized its two conferences and one mission field, and has a union home missionary secretary.

The Brazilian Union Conference has its home missionary secretary, and has organized six of its conferences and missions.

These three fields have been having very encouraging results from the efforts of their members.

The Indian Union Mission has organized its divisions, and has a secretary in charge of the work. Although its work began with the English people, the natives are being enlisted in service.

In the Asiatic Division four fields have been organized, though only three reported for the first quarter. They are the Malaysian Mission, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. In the volume of work done and in the results, the reports from these fields compare favorably with those from more favored lands.

Fresh fields are being added to the list each quarter. In the next report the South Caribbean Conference and the Porto Rican Mission will appear.

Other fields where the members are

being set to work systematically are the Bahamas, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, Haiti, and the Inca Union Mission. Reports are promised from these as conditions improve and the work is more thoroughly organized.

A pamphlet on “Lessons for Home Missionary Institutes” has been printed, and sent to all ministers and conference workers except Bible workers. A series of leaflets for the churches is being issued, and Nos. 1-9 are now in use. Some of these have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese for use in South America. The Church Officers’ Gazette is nearing the end of its second year. A similar paper is being issued in Great Britain, and the Missionary Leader is issued in Australasia. A Home Missionary department has been opened in the REVIEW. There is also one in the South American church paper.

Articles on different phases of the home missionary work have been sent from time to time to all the union conference papers in the home field, and others to the foreign papers, and these have been largely used.

Something should be got out to give instructions to conference home missionary secretaries. Some manuscript has been prepared for this purpose, and we hope the council will arrange for it to be printed.

Another need of the department is that there should be added to the ministerial courses in our colleges, instruction in church missionary work.

The aim of the department is that every man and woman who belongs to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination shall be enlisted in soul-winning service. As believers come out from every nation, tongue, and people, our object is to make workers of them for the Lord, and unite all together to quickly finish the work.

The following is the report of work done during three years, ending March 31, 1915: Number reporting, 19,180; letters written, 95,845; letters received, 37,080; missionary visits, 323,687; Bible readings, 155,695; subscriptions, 27,862; papers circulated, 4,031,065; books circulated, 122,157; tracts circulated, 3,710,943; hours Christian Help work, 200,888; articles of clothing given away, 62,086; meals provided, 29,803; treatments given, 17,649; signatures to pledge, 4,001; offerings, $38,660.75; conversions, 1,920.

Recommendations on Home Missionary Work

In the consideration of the home missionary work, the following actions were taken:—

Whereas, We find in the Testimonies the following definite statement: “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers;” and the further statement: “If every church member were a living missionary, the gospel would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to every people and nation and tongue;” therefore,—

We recommend,—

1. That every conference and mission field throughout the world, give attention to training its members in methods of soul-winning work, and that in all fields of sufficient membership, a secretary be appointed to give full or part time, according to the needs of the field, to organize churches and companies for work. and to teach the members how to work.

2. That in all our colleges, academies, and training schools, some lessons on the various phases of church work and duties of church officers be made a part of the course for all field workers.

3. That in order to have uniformity in the reporting system, the different blanks in use in various parts of the world be brought into harmony as rapidly as is consistent.

Mexico

The needs and progress of the work in Mexico were presented by Prof. G. W. Caviness, the superintendent. Even in war time, colporteurs have had good success, in places, in taking subscriptions for the paper and selling books. Appeal was made for two or three evangelists.

West Indian Union

Elder A. J. Haysmer, president of the union, reviewed the field, and listed calls for four ministerial workers and several other laborers. He stated that the union committee had at first included a call for one laborer for Nicaragua, where there is not a worker. But when they saw how large their call for appropriations was growing, listing needs that were even greater than this, they withdrew their call. The list of workers asked for was referred to the committee on distribution of labor, where all the calls from the fields are being considered.

The whole world of our work is appealing for messengers to preach the word and gather in souls, for the harvest fields are white.

W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Autumn Council of the Executive Committee of the North American Division Conference

By G. B. THOMPSON

Third Report

The council closed on Friday, November 19. While the work of the council had been of a very strenuous nature, owing to the large number of urgent and important questions which came before us for decision, it was very harmonious in every way. The presence of the Holy Spirit was manifest in all the proceedings. Every delegate present did all in his power to contribute to the solution of the great and almost overwhelming problems which came before the council for consideration. We feel very thankful for the blessings of the Lord which attended our deliberations.

The following further actions of general interest were taken:—

Appropriations for the Year 1916

Atlantic Union ................................ $ 18,000 Columbia Union ............................... 13,300 Eastern Canadian Union ....................... 8,500 Southeastern Union ........................... 11,000 Southern Union ............................... 13,000 Southwestern Union ........................... 5,750 North American Foreign Dept. ................ 10,629 North American Negro Dept. .................. 32,200 College of Medical Evangelists. ............. 10,000

Christian Record ............................ $ 2,000 Special to Atlantic Union .................... 1,286 Executive and departmental exp. .............. 29,600 Tithe to General Conference .................. 1,400 Sustentation .................................. 840 General expense ............................... 1,500 Special appropriations ....................... 12,535 Total ....................................... $171,540

"Ministry of Healing"

Whereas, The benefits of using the book “Ministry of Healing” as a relief book are still available, and believing that great good will result from a circulation of the book; and,— Whereas, The publishers are willing to make special terms on the book in quantities, in the English and some of the foreign languages; therefore,— We recommend, That our sanitariums and foreign seminaries and other schools avail themselves of the advantages offered by the sale of “Ministry of Healing,” arranging with the publishers, through the proper channels, for their supply.

Harvest Ingathering

Whereas, The Harvest Ingathering campaign has proved a great blessing in acquainting the people with the world-wide movement, as well as an effective method of raising means with which to upbuild the work, therefore, be it— Resolved—

That we continue the plan, and open the campaign for 1916 during the week of October 9–16.
That we use the Signs of the Times weekly as the medium.
That we set our goal at $100,000.
That the material used in the promotion of the campaign be furnished and sent out by the publishers.
That the oversight of the campaign be in the hands of the Treasury Department of the North American Division Conference.
That the Home Missionary Department of the North American Division Conference take charge of the field end.
That a suitable report blank be prepared to be used in reporting the results of the campaign.

“Review and Herald” and “Signs of the Times”

We recommend, That continuous efforts be made to place the REVIEW AND HERALD, our church paper, in every Sabbath-keeping home; and a club of the Signs of the Times, our pioneer missionary paper, in every church and company.

Twenty-Cent-a-Week Plan

That it be the policy of the North American Division Conference to undertake to raise twenty cents a week as heretofore, fifteen cents of this to go to the General Conference for missions, and five cents to be applied on the liquidation of institutional indebtedness; further, that we undertake to raise the fund as far as possible above the average of twenty cents as a Division, the overflow to go to the General Conference for missions; and further, that any union raising large special funds for institutional relief, thus dividing effort in raising the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, shall participate in the distribution of the five cents for institutional relief only to the amount that such union has raised above the fifteen cents.

Intermountain Conference

We recommend, That the Western Colorado and Utah Conferences be united

under the name of the Intermountain Conference, the new organization to become a constituent part of the Pacific Union Conference, with the understanding that the Pacific Union Conference assume responsibility for the payment of Western Colorado’s share in the General Conference Association debt assigned to the Central Union Conference, as originally apportioned to the Western Colorado Conference, with accrued interest; this change to become effective Jan. 1, 1916.

Religious Liberty

Whereas, There is increased activity among religious organizations to bring Sunday legislation to the front and to deprive observers of the true Sabbath of their rights; and,— Whereas, We have been exhorted to meet this issue by scattering religious liberty literature like “the leaves of autumn;” therefore,— We recommend, That cheap, up-to-date leaflets on live religious liberty and temperance issues be provided by a special committee to meet the demands, said committee to be appointed by the executive committee of the North American Division Conference. Whereas, There is a constantly growing demand for ready funds to supply religious liberty literature to State officials and members of the legislatures, and to other prominent public men, as well as for general circulation and use when important issues arise, therefore,— We recommend, That the fourth Sabbath home missionary offering each February be set apart for this purpose, the receipts to be forwarded to the local conference treasurer, and conserved by him for the same purpose.

Transfer of Laborers

Whereas, In the past, embarrassment and confusion have been caused by irregularities in procedure when workers are wanted by certain conferences and institutions; therefore, to preserve unity and cooperation,— We recommend, That our policy in such matters be as follows:—

That within a union conference interchange of laborers within said union conference shall be made by union and local conference committees.
Where an institution, local conference, or union conference wants a worker employed outside of said union or local conference, the procedure shall be as follows:—

a. The institution or local or union conference desiring such worker shall present its request to said union conference executive committee; said union conference committee shall pass said request, if approved, on to the Division Conference Executive Committee through its officers, and said Division Conference Executive Committee, if it approves, shall pass, through its officers, said request to the union conference executive committee employing said worker. b. No party desiring the services of a worker outside the local or union conference where he works shall take up correspondence with said worker until after his union conference officers have informed him that the arrangement for securing said worker has been completed.

Home Missionary Department

Whereas, When the study of the Testimonies is taken up by the members of a church, there is manifested by them a fuller consecration to the Lord and a deeper personal spiritual experience, which leads to active labor in the winning of souls,— We recommend, That in every conference an effort be made to place the Testimonies, especially Volumes VI to IX, in the home of every Sabbath-keeping family. Whereas, The times in which we are living, when important issues are rapidly developing, and signs that show the end to be near are multiplying on every hand, make it an urgent necessity to enlist every Sabbath keeper in the finishing of the work,— We recommend, That the home missionary work be recognized in each union and local conference as a definite department, and that the following steps be taken to organize it in a definite way:—

That a home missionary secretary be appointed in each union conference, for the purpose of enlisting every Sabbath keeper in systematic and regular work just as rapidly as men with the necessary qualifications can be found.
That the local conferences appoint home missionary secretaries as soon as they can find suitable individuals, for the purpose of building up the home missionary work.
That the home missionary secretaries of both union and local conferences be practical instructors and organizers, with ability and experience which will enable them to set people to work in the following lines:—

a. Distribution of literature—tracts, periodicals, magazines, small books. b. Bible readings and cottage meetings. c. Christian Help work. d. Missionary correspondence.

That tract society secretaries be educated to recognize that their office carries with it a large degree of responsibility to foster the home missionary work in the churches, and that a high standard of efficiency be maintained in our tract society offices in regard to the making and increasing of business along the lines of soul-saving work.
That ministers, as they raise up new companies, organize them into working societies before they leave them.

A final report will be given next week. G. B. THOMPSON, Secretary.

Continue reading: Reports From Union Conference Presidents