THE annual camp meeting of the Chesapeake Conference was held in Hamilton Avenue Grove, Baltimore, Md., June 24 to July 4. The camp was situated in a pleasant grove, easily accessible from the city. The attendance from the outside was good, especially the last Sunday night, when our audience was unusually large for the Chesapeake Conference.
This little conference, which three or four years ago was having a hard struggle, has been gradually coming up. In 1914 there were 127 baptisms, and 165 new members were added to the church. The tithe in 1913 was $10,078.71, while in 1914 the tithe was $12,464.64, making an increase of over $2,000. The offerings to missions in 1913 were $3,350, while in 1914 they were $5,448, making an increase of over $2,000. The Lord also blessed in the raising up of new churches and the erection of church buildings. During 1914 there were four churches dedicated in this conference.
Many new faces were seen at the camp meeting this year. The number of Adventists present reached as high as 350. On the last Sabbath afternoon the question was asked, “How many of those present are attending a camp meeting for the first time?” Over forty arose to signify that this was the first camp meeting they had ever attended. The blessings of God were felt throughout the sessions of the meeting. The Spirit of God witnessed to the presentation of the word, and many gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. A great spiritual revival swept over the camp the last Sabbath, in which quite a number took their stand for the truth, and many back-sliders were reclaimed.
There was a splendid response also in the matter of finances. On June 1 the conference was behind a little over $1,300 on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund. However, the response of the brethren to a call for foreign mission offerings was so liberal that about $1,500 was raised in cash and pledges, thus bringing the conference even with the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the first six months of 1915. So marked was the blessing of God on the meeting that all present felt sure the camp meeting would be a great help and strength to the conference the coming year.
The meeting being near Washington, several of the General Conference brethren went over at different times, thus furnishing general work in connection with the union help. Elder M. C. Kirkendall, who has just arrived to labor in the Chesapeake Conference, was elected president for the ensuing year.
B. G. WILKINSON.
The Press — A Force
By F. W. PAAP
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. . . . And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. . . . They come to thee. . . . Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.” Isa. 60: 1-5.
Here is a wonderful prophecy reaching down to our day and time. It breathes a message of hope and courage. If the church of Jesus Christ will heed the admonition and arise to the high plane of spiritual strength and efficiency brought to light in the preceding scripture, she can call to her assistance every “force,” every mighty power and factor, in the world. Zion’s Leader is infinite in resources, infinite in power. It is his plan that the forces of the Gentiles shall contribute something toward the final and full triumph of his people and his work.
One of the mightiest forces of the Gentiles is the public press, and today this potentiality is surely coming “unto thee.”
It was a very pleasing sight to see such liberal consideration shown us by the press in connection with our camp meetings in the North Pacific Union. Brother E. A. Rowell was enabled to secure, free of charge, a full page in17the Sunday Portland Oregonian. Several fine views of the camp were shown, as well as pictures of different speakers, and a full and faithful write-up of our teachings and this movement. The results cannot be anything but advantageous.
Much the same consideration was shown us by the daily papers of Spokane and Tacoma, and consequent upon such publicity the outside attendance was very large at all these meetings; and a fine class of people assembled every evening to hear the message presented in its various phases.
The brethren succeeded in getting several thousand extras of the full-page advertisement of the camp meeting, and these our people bought readily, for the purpose of supplying their friends and neighbors. This is a good way to do missionary work,—a good way to get the truth before the people.
The Press Bureau has come to be a powerful auxiliary in this movement. Our people throughout the field are using to good advantage the timely, up-to-date articles supplied through this channel. It is very gratifying to know that we have a message consistent in all its parts,—a message that we are proud to see in black and white.
Our text speaks of the forces of the Gentiles. The marginal rendering is “wealth.” The fourth verse speaks of sons and daughters coming. Isaiah the prophet beheld a great soul-winning campaign in operation, a great awakening on the part of God’s people, and a harnessing of the forces of this world for the finishing of the work. Surely we have reached the time when we should make the most of every opportunity, and press the battle to the gates.
F. W. PAAP.
Work for the Colored in Baltimore, Md.
By Gustavus P. Rodgers.
Report for the Past Nine Months
THE Lord has been with us and has greatly blessed every effort to advance his cause in this place. The entire church is in the best working order that we have ever known. The Brotherhood, the Ladies’ Auxiliary, the sewing circle, the Daughters of Zion, the Volunteer Missionary Society, the junior choir, with the Thursday afternoon meeting for children, keep the entire church in an excellent spiritual condition. We are glad for this, and we realize that a working church is a live one.
These various organizations keep the members together, and also help in raising means to advance the work. Over two hundred dollars has been raised by the Ladies’ Auxiliary alone, to take care of special church enterprises.
Our tithes and offerings are on the increase, the Sabbath school doing most splendidly. In nine months $415 has been sent in for the mission work, a gain of $130 over the entire twelve months preceding this. The tithe amounts to over $925 for nine months, while in the twelve months preceding there was reported but $552. Over $1,300 has been raised for the local work. Our readers can thus see that these earnest brethren have the message at heart. Over $2,600 in nine months, besides sixty-three additions to the church and fifty-one baptisms, speaks well for the activity and consecration of these members.
We are now in the midst of a promising tent effort, and we trust that the harvest will be greater than ever in the history of our work. Our plans are to lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes, and try our best to get this truth before the people of this conference. Pray for us that in all the discouragements from the enemy we may prove true to the Lord.
GUSTAVUS P. RODGERS.
Newspaper Work on the Pacific Coast
By Frank A. Coffin
CONTINUED and increasing interest in the third angel's message and the work of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination is being awakened by the many newspaper articles which are appearing in various parts of the Pacific Union Conference. The public of Santa Rosa, Cal., has taken great interest in the annual camp meeting of the Northwestern California Conference, held there from June 17 to 27. A large tent, seating about one thousand persons when all the chairs are used, was pitched for the general meetings, and was well filled at all the evening services.
Although the Northwestern California Conference was organized only a few months ago through the division of the California Conference, those who attended the camp meeting in Santa Rosa three years ago say the attendance this year compares favorably with what it was then, when the field was all one. The brethren estimated that a third of the congregation at the evening meetings was made up of the general public from the city.
The two Santa Rosa newspapers gave daily reports of the services, publishing each day from a half column to a column of news, and sermon extracts. The chief points of our faith were covered. Such an interest was manifested that it was decided to hold a tent effort, to begin two days after the camp meeting closed. A few years ago it was difficult to work in Santa Rosa because of the prejudice. Evidently this has been broken down, and the public seems ready to hear the truth.
Last winter one of our sisters living in Richmond very faithfully wrote articles for the papers of that town, telling of the evils of Sunday laws, and the Seventh-day Adventists' position on this question. Recently a tent meeting was begun there, and the brethren have been writing up their sermons for the newspapers of the place. They say the interest is exceptionally good, and after two weeks of meetings they have thirty-five names of interested persons, with whom they are working. One of the workers who has been visiting the homes of the people says he is cordially received almost without exception, and the people seem ready for the truth. “I have been in efforts where we labored for two months, and there was not so much interest as is shown in Richmond after two weeks,” this brother said.
In Utah, also, the interest created through newspaper reports of the sermons, seems to be growing. A meeting has been in session in Ogden for a few weeks, and the attendance has been good. Apparently an interest has been aroused in the truths for this time, and a harvest of souls may result.
Various newspapers gave space to articles concerning the North American Division Educational and Young People's Council, held at the Pacific Union College, St. Helena, June 4-14. These articles showed the public that we stand for an all-round education, the training of the heart, the hand, and the brain.
One large daily newspaper, published in Sacramento, one hundred and fifteen miles by rail from St. Helena, called up the college by telephone, and asked to have daily reports sent by telephone. An advance notice of the council had been sent to the paper by mail about ten days before. As soon as the first article had been telephoned in, the telegraph editor of the newspaper expressed his gratification over the manner in which the reports were sent to his paper, and offered to pay for them.
We are very thankful that God is blessing so abundantly the efforts we make to give the light to the reading public, and pray that he may continue to send conviction to many hearts who read in the newspapers concerning this truth.
FRANK A. COFFIN.
The Iowa Camp Meeting and Conference
By M. C. WILCOX
THE only Waterloo is not in war-devastated Belgium, nor should the name be ever used as a synonym of defeat. The Waterloo of this sketch is a thriving manufacturing town of 32,000 population in the eastern part of Iowa. It was recently the scene of a conflict, the outcome of which was victory.
For in this thriving town was held the Iowa camp meeting of this present year, May 27 to June 6. The grounds in Chautauqua Park, on the banks of the river, just outside the city, were beautiful and well adapted to our purposes. Here was a fine circular wooden tabernacle, with a seating capacity of perhaps five thousand; a large open hall; dining room; and other buildings. Many tents were pitched in the grove.
The most serious drawback of the meeting was the cold, wet weather prevalent largely throughout the upper Mississippi Valley. It was constantly characterized as “unusual” for the time of year, and the stranger was ever willing to admit it. Superabundant rains flooded the land, railways were under water, bridges washed out, and more or less damage was wrought by wind and storm, by flood and hail. The meeting would have been much larger and more uniform if the weather had been pleasant. Notwithstanding the elements, we heard no complaints, no murmurings. The storm could not quench the good spirit of the workers, nor the low temperature cool the ardor of the campers.
The large tabernacle was, under the circumstances, greatly preferable to a tent, and was large enough when necessary to hold several meetings at the same time. Willard Memorial Hall was filled to its utmost with flooded campers and late arrivals. Mrs. Carpenter, the W. C. T. U. custodian, endeared herself to all by her indefatigable kindness and large hospitality.
The writer arrived at the beginning of the meeting, and was warmly welcomed by Elder A. R. Ogden, the president of the conference, and his coworkers.
The financial condition of the conference, set forth in the president's address and in the treasurers' reports, showed marked improvement over the past year. The tithe for 1914 was $48,095.82, an increase over 1913 of $4,306.14. Donations received by laborers amounted to $1,161.35, an increase over 1913 of $547.82. Offerings to missions were $25,160.92, an increase of $3,046.78. Increase in other funds aggregated $13,266.77. The aggregate increase in tithes, in miscellaneous funds, in institutional gains, was $21,167.51. Interest has been reduced during the last two years to the amount of $1,200. This was accomplished by the payment of debts and the securing of money at lower rates of interest, a commendable practice to follow in all our conferences and institutions.
The report from Oak Park Academy was unusual. It showed a net gain for the year ending May 31, 1915, of $2,214.61, and a present worth of $6,160. Under the supervision of Professor Brown, principal and business manager, the last year, under the blessing of God, has been one of the best in its history.
The net gain in the Iowa Sanitarium for 1914, under Dr. H. W. Barbour, was $4,008.42. Nearly two hundred successful operations were performed, the power of God cooperating with man.
The Sabbath school department was prosperous, as is the case almost everywhere. The offerings from the one hundred and thirty schools, with a membership of 2,858, amounted to $11,673.74, and the suggestion was made that the goal for next year be placed at $15,000.
The spiritual work of the year was fruitful. Seven permanent places of worship were erected or secured during the year, and there was substantial gain in church membership. Twenty-two academy students were baptized during the year, and still others of the students followed their Lord in baptism at the camp meeting, where forty-two, all told, were buried with their Lord.
We shall not take the space to mention the good work done in the home mission field, the Sabbath schools, in the educational institutions, at the sanitarium, among the young people, and elsewhere.18All showed progress, and all wished, as is ever proper, that the progress had been greater.
During the year, Iowa has given four laborers to foreign fields, and another to the Swedish work, making a heavy drain upon the conference. One minister, Brother W. K. Smith, was ordained. Practically the same officers were elected for the ensuing conference term.
More than twenty-four workers received either ministerial credentials or licenses, and others received missionary licenses.
Three of the workers among the missionary licentiates had together added $1,000 to the Ingathering fund.
Resolutions were adopted expressive of deeper consecration, and of gratitude for the greater circulation of message-filled literature, and other resolutions of more local interest.
The laborers from without the conference were Elder Charles Thompson, president of the Northern Union Conference; Elder W. T. Knox; Brother W. H. Edwards, treasurer and auditor of the Northern Union; Elder C. S. Longacre, religious liberty secretary of the North American Division Conference; Elder and Mrs. A. L. Prieger, who have charge of the work in Haiti; Profs. M. B. Van Kirk and Gordon Andrews; and the writer. Elders Brodersen, Mortenson, and Johnson did good work among the Scandinavians.
Sixty-five took part in the ordinances of the Lord's house at the camp meeting, held for the benefit of scattered and isolated ones.
The revival services were fruitful. This was the writer's first experience in the strong old conference of Iowa, and it is needless to say he enjoyed the meeting, notwithstanding the weather. He was thankful to God for the spirit of unity which prevailed among the workers, and the cordial cooperation manifest among the ministers. May God bless Elder Ogden and his ministerial force in their great mission and message, as well as others in that large conference.
M. C. WILCOX.
The Western Washington Camp Meeting
By I. H. EVANS
It was my privilege to attend the last week of the Western Washington conference and camp meeting, which closed June 27. The meeting was held in a dense fir forest in Manitou Park, adjacent to the city of Tacoma, Wash. Good street car service connects the park with the city, so the public had opportunity of attending the meetings. The officials of Tacoma were very courteous to the conference officers, and their kindness and sympathy helped to make the stay of the campers pleasant.
It has seldom been my privilege to attend a camp meeting every arrangement of which was more ideal than this. The attendance of our own people was good, and the citizens of Tacoma often crowded the new tent (80 x 120 ft) to its fullest capacity.
The weather throughout was ideal. There was not a day so warm but the sun was welcome. There was not a storm during the meeting to make it uncomfortable for the campers. Every possible arrangement had been made to guard the health of the campers and to provide for their temporal comfort. The grassy lawn for the tents, the deeply shaded forest for meditation and prayer, helped to make the meeting enjoyable as well as helpful.
In addition to the regular conference laborers, who worked faithfully and efficiently for the good of the meeting, there were present, a portion or the whole of the time, Elders Flaiz, Healey, Paap, Harlow, and Olsen, Brethren Beatty and Haskens, and the writer. Elder Healey helped to open the work in this northwest territory, and his presence cheered many of the pioneers who knew him in those days of struggle and growth. His preaching during the meetings contributed much to the encouragement of our people, while his sermons on the doctrinal points of our faith were well received by the public. The writer could not see that time had weakened this veteran of the cause, when he stood speaking to an audience of a thousand people. His labors were blessed of God to the good of the meeting.
Most of last year’s officers were re-elected for the coming year. They enter upon their duties with courage and with the confidence of the people generally.
The Twenty-cent-a-week Fund received considerable attention, and the conference secured a good many pledges for a weekly offering. Some money was also raised to apply on home indebtedness.
This conference has given evidence of vitality and growth during the past year, nearly four hundred being added to the church membership, according to the reports. The conference took action, pledging itself not to run in debt in carrying on its work. It will not be long before this policy will bring increased confidence, and secure the support of the entire membership of the conference. Brethren A. E. Serns and J. W. McNiel were ordained to the gospel ministry.
The meeting closed with a large attendance from the outside. On Sabbath there must have been more than one thousand present. The laborers go forth with a determination to win many souls to Christ this year, and we have reason to believe there will be a large ingathering of converts for the year 1915.
I. H. EVANS.
An Interesting Experience
By L. W. Graham
ONE of our sisters, who is a member of the W. C. T. U., was desirous of doing what she could to help give the new book, “The Shadow of the Bottle,” a wide circulation, and so volunteered to bring this book before leading temperance workers for their indorsement. Her experience is an interesting one. She says:—
“I know you will be interested to hear of my success in securing testimonials for the new book ‘The Shadow of the Bottle.’
“I received the two copies from Washington the very day that Hon. Richmond P. Hobson was to speak in the Auditorium here at night. Of course we went to hear him, and all the time I was wishing that by some means I might get a chance to show the book to him; but knowing he is such a busy man and that so many would occupy his time, I decided it was useless to try. But that night I dreamed of being kindly received by him and showing him the book. He carefully examined every illustration and the contents, and pronounced it a ‘valuable contribution to the cause of temperance.’
“The next day I called up the hotel where Mr. Hobson was staying, and soon he answered. I told him who I was, a member of the W. C. T. U., and that I had just received a new book, published in the interest of nation-wide prohibition, which I thought would interest him. He said he should be very glad indeed to see it, so I asked when he would have the time to look it over. He said, ‘Any time this forenoon I will be at liberty.’
“Well, my dream came true; he received me very kindly, took the book and carefully examined every page, occasionally commenting on some of the very suggestive cartoons. When he finished, he said, ‘I’d like to have this to take along with me, if you will sell it to me.’ I told him that I should be very glad to say that I sold my first copy to Captain Hobson. So he paid me for it, and was pleased to get it. He sat right down at the writing desk in the parlor and wrote the inclosed indorsement. I heartily thanked him, and left. Then I decided it was just the time to go to the leading ministers and get testimonials from them, which I knew they would not refuse after reading Mr. Hobson’s. I have not received them all yet, as some were to be sent by mail; but I shall have several to send you soon.
“Last night I went to Wallingford, where Captain Hobson, and Dr. Bane, treasurer of the Anti-Saloon League, were to speak; and when Dr. Bane finished speaking, I followed him out and showed the book to him, with Mr. Hobson’s testimonial. Of course he had no time to examine it, but he said, ‘I am always willing to indorse anything Mr. Hobson does, so I will sign my name below his if you want me to.’ I thanked him, and said I should be very glad if he would; so he signed his name. I think I shall be able to place a cloth-bound book in the hands of nearly every minister in Meriden, as even the German Lutheran minister, who is opposed to prohibition, agreed to buy a book. I hope to secure three or four agents among our W. C. T. U. women to sell the book, and I expect to organize the work thoroughly, district the city, and have every house canvassed.
“Yours in the work,
“MRS. W. B. ELDRIDGE.”
The testimonial referred to from the Hon. Richmond P. Hobson is as follows:—
“‘The Shadow of the Bottle’ is a timely and valuable contribution to the literature of temperance and prohibition. It combines text and illustration in an original and effective way, uniting scientific facts and human interest, tending to impart educational knowledge while gripping the emotions. I can heartily recommend its general use, especially among the young.”
This is the time to take advantage of the opportunity for selling this excellent book on temperance.
L. W. GRAHAM.
Baptisms and Sabbath Schools
ELDER W. H. SAXBY reports the recent baptism of five persons in National City, Cal. A Sabbath school of thirty-two members has been organized at Corvallis, Mont., and one of fifteen members at Kalispell.
Educational and Missionary Volunteer Council
By Frederick Griggs; M. E. Kern
EVERY day of our council, from June 4 to 14, was highly profitable. It was distinguished by a spirit of unity that prevailed from the opening of the meeting until the close. This spirit seemed to be manifested in every paper that was read and in every speech that was made. As a president of one of our colleges expressed it, when discussing a measure under consideration: “I am determined when I return to my school to abide by the rulings of this council, and so I want to take plenty of time for the consideration of this and any other matter that may come before us.”
It is not strange to say that this spirit enabled us to accomplish a larger amount of work by far than we have ever been able to get through in any preceding council. The spirit of devotion to the training and education of our young men and women for the finishing of this work was very marked on the part of all the delegates. One could not listen to the papers and discussions without being conscious of a very determined and devoted spirit on the part of each one who spoke. Our people are indeed fortunate to have their young people under the guidance of such a devoted body of Missionary Volunteer and educational leaders. The keynote of the council was “consecration and efficiency.” Over and over again these words were heard in the discussions. This idea found expression in all the details of the plans for the Missionary Volunteer and educational work.
The arrangement by which the Missionary Volunteer and Educational Departments held this council together was a most fortunate one. These two departments of our great work are one in purpose,—the saving, enlisting, and training of every Seventh-day Adventist child for Christian service,—and their plans of work are naturally very closely interlocked. There came to each department as the result of this joint meeting a far better understanding of the work of the other department. There has always been the closest spirit of unity in the work of these two departments, and yet they have never before been brought together in a close, critical, and mutual study of their problems.
Prominent among the subjects considered by the Missionary Volunteer Department were the evangelistic and educational features and the organized missionary work. Considerable thought was given to the characteristics of young people and how to win them to Christ. This study emphasized the evangelistic idea of the Missionary Volunteer secretary’s work, in the churches, at camp meetings, in the schools, and in personal work. Careful study was given to the advancement of the various educational features of Missionary Volunteer work,—the Reading Courses, Standard of Attainment, leaflet series, Institute work, etc. It was the determination of all to increase this educational work until every Seventh-day Adventist boy and girl is pursuing some line of Bible study and helpful reading. They cannot follow these simple courses of instruction month after month without having their life purposes greatly influenced and their Christian experiences strengthened. Already there are those in the foreign field whose purposes to enter that work were formed by the Reading Courses.
In nearly all instances the offices of educational and Missionary Volunteer secretaries in our conferences are filled by one person. It was felt that there was need of our conferences carrying out more fully than they are doing the action of the General Conference relative to having two secretaries in those conferences where there are over fifteen hundred members. The work is important enough and profitable enough to demand the efforts of two competent persons. The secretaries must have more time to become personally acquainted with the work of the young people in an individual way, and to interest them in attending our schools, and to encourage them in the lines of missionary work which are set on foot by the departments.
In the Educational Department much consideration was given to the establishment of courses of study for all grades of our schools, and arranging to have these courses followed by our schools throughout the Division Conference. Standards of work were adopted which will make our work in every way more thorough, and will send from the schools an increasing number of efficient young men and young women.
Elder Evans’s studies each morning throughout the conference were appreciated, and tended very greatly to draw the teachers together in a stronger bond of unity in Christian service. He continually pointed the teachers to the great Master Teacher, Christ, as the only one for them to follow.
Elder Daniels was with us two or three days, and spoke at different times concerning the great need of workers in the Orient, and enjoined the teachers to put forth more earnest efforts than ever before to prepare a large number of workers for service in these fields white for the harvest. His talks were greatly appreciated. He presented a memorial from the workers in the Orient calling for helpers. This was received by the council, and acknowledged in appropriate resolutions.
We are now in the midst of the convention work which follows the council. One convention is to be held in the territory of each of our five colleges, and one for the territory of the Southern and Southeastern Union Conferences. We are deeply gratified at what we have already seen accomplished in this convention work. The purpose of these meetings is to strengthen and unify the work in each territory. Papers and studies are presented in which the actions of the council are adopted, and made applicable to the territory of the training school where they are held. The same spirit is prevailing in these conventions which obtained in the councils. We look for a great impetus to be given to all Missionary Volunteer and educational work this coming year as the result of the council, and of the conventions which follow.
FREDERICK GRIGGS,
M. E. KERN.
Educational and Missionary Volunteer Convention
By M. E. Cady
AFTER the strenuous ten days of work during the Educational and Missionary Volunteer Council, already reported in the REVIEW, a recess of three days was taken before beginning the work of the convention. This convention was held at Pacific Union College, St. Helena, Cal., June 18-26, and was conducted by the North American Division Educational and Missionary Volunteer secretaries, Profs. F. Griggs, W. E. Howell, M. E. Kern, and Elder Meade MacGuire.
The delegation to this union convention consisted of the teachers in the church and intermediate schools, academies, and the college; the educational superintendents and Missionary Volunteer secretaries of the local conference; and officers from the local Missionary Volunteer Societies. The total delegation reached 125, but in addition to this a number of visitors were present.
The program of the convention was similar to that carried out during the council. The morning watch was observed before breakfast, and at 8:30 all assembled for the devotional hour. This was followed each morning by a forty-five-minute study of the following topics: “Our Times and Our Youth,” “Seeking to Save,” “Saved to Serve,” “Personal Experience a Basis for Leadership,” “Under Discipline to Christ,” “The Meaning of Consecration,” and “The Christian Home.”
Elder Daniells, recently from the Orient, presented the great need of workers to enter at once those needy fields which “are ripe already for the harvest.” He said that our schools hold the key to the solution of the great problem of providing thoroughly consecrated and properly qualified workers for the millions that are ignorant of the Christ that can save them.
Following the morning studies, time was devoted to the consideration of the actions taken during the council relative to the educational and Missionary Volunteer work, that all might fully understand the plans and policies that are to be put into operation throughout the North American Division Conference.
This hour was followed by the reading of papers and discussions relative to problems within the union, and how to adapt these actions of the council to local conditions.
The afternoon session began at four o’clock, thus allowing time for committee work. The committees appointed considered questions pertaining to the union, and made some requests for the General Educational Department to consider regarding the preparation of textbooks, the adoption of uniform textbooks prepared by outside publishers, and other matters which will appear later in the Pacific Union Recorder.
The round-table hour was very much enjoyed, and afforded an opportunity for a free informal discussion of the problems in both Educational and Missionary Volunteer Departments. One of the problems given earnest, prayerful consideration was the question of proper education in the matter of recreation and association, both in our churches and in our schools. The following recommendations regarding this question were unanimously adopted:—
“Whereas, We are living in the time when many professed Christians are ‘lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,’ and,—
“Whereas, Perilous times are upon us, and the future will demand a spirit of greater seriousness and self-denial on the part of our youth, and,—
“Whereas, Recently through the spirit of prophecy definite, earnest appeals have been made regarding amusements, recreation, and association, as the following statements indicate:—
“‘It is in the order of God that the physical as well as the mental powers shall be trained; but the character of the physical exercise taken should be in complete harmony with the lessons given by Christ to his disciples. Those lessons should be exemplified in the lives of Christians, so that in all the education and self-training of teachers and students, the heavenly agencies may not record of them that they are “lovers of pleasures.” This is the record now being made of a large number, “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”’ 2 Tim. 3:4. Thus Satan and his angels are laying their snares for souls. They are working upon the minds of teachers and students to induce them to engage in exercises and amusements which become intensely absorbing, and which are of a character to strengthen the lower passions, and to create appetites and passions that will counteract the operations of the Spirit of God upon human hearts.
“‘All the teachers in a school need exercise, a change of employment. God has pointed out what this should be,—useful, practical work. But many have turned away from God’s plan to follow human inventions, to the detriment of spiritual life. Amusements are doing more to counteract the working of the Holy Spirit than anything else, and the Lord is grieved.’—Counsels to Teachers, page 281.
“‘Exercise in the open air for those whose employment has been within doors and sedentary, will be beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and new courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.’—Id., page 347.
“‘Gatherings for social intercourse may be made in the highest degree profitable and instructive when those who meet together have the love of God glowing in their hearts, when they meet to exchange thoughts in regard to the Word of God, or to consider methods for advancing his work and doing good to their fellow men. When nothing is said or done to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, but it is regarded as a welcome guest, then God is honored, and those who meet together will be refreshed and strengthened.’—Id., page 338.
“We, therefore, as educators and young people’s workers of the Pacific Union Conference in convention assembled, pledge our loyal support and influence to carrying out the following recommendations:—
“1. That in our advanced schools we discard all such amusements and games as are condemned by the spirit of prophecy.
“2. That we pledge ourselves to more earnest efforts ‘to provide in their stead innocent pleasures,’ among which may be mentioned, outings, properly conducted; occasional receptions, lectures, musical programs, physical culture exercises, student programs, class excursions under the teacher’s leadership, walks, swimming exercises; and such other forms of ‘Christian recreation’ as local conditions may afford.
“3. That, if necessary, we make more ample provision for physical labor for our students, realizing that ‘the better way is for them to get physical exercise through manual training, and by letting useful employment take the place of selfish pleasures.’
“4. That, in our church schools, we recommend that all outdoor recreation be under the supervision of the teacher, and that all games of a rough or sentimental character, or games tending to arouse resentment or anger or that lead to dishonesty,—such as Indian, crack-the-whip, needle’s eye, playing for keeps, etc.,—be eliminated.
“5. That we encourage the providing of the necessary recreation by manual training, gardening, marching, and physical culture (both outdoors and in the schoolroom), and that there be provided teeter boards, swings, sand boxes, building blocks and bricks for building playhouses.
“6. That the noon hour and the time before school be as carefully supervised as the regular recreation period.
“7. That by precept and example we hold before our young people in all our churches the high standard regarding recreation, social gatherings, and wise deportment that is given in the Bible and the spirit of prophecy, and that teachers discourage the playing of silly games at social gatherings.”
The evening sessions were devoted to topics of general interest to both delegates and visitors. Professor Rine gave a stirring and impressive address on the topic, “The Bible as an Educative Force.” As never before the hearers were impressed with the supreme position the Bible is to occupy in our schools if the student shall receive a Christian (Christlike) education. The Bible must not only be taught in distinct and separate classes, but it must mold the instruction in science, history, literature, and every line of profitable study and research.
The convention closed with the closing hours of the second Sabbath, at which time each one present had an opportunity to speak of the “new vision” that the convention had brought him of the educational and young people’s work. It was an inspiring occasion. One after another spoke of the enlarged vision he had received of opportunities and possibilities in both departments; of his belief that, in the providence of God, these departments had been united, not only in the work of the convention, but also in active cooperation in the school and the field. We confidently look for a great impetus to be given to the educational and Missionary Volunteer work in the Pacific Union as a result of holding the council and the conventions.