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Review and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 19.

The Place of the Bible in Education
Earlier text: Mormon Plans for Southwestern Domination

Joyful Service

By Richard Arnold Greene

O BLESSED Master, who didst work With never flagging zeal, And not a call didst ever shirk Where thou wouldst bless or heal, Teach us to follow in thy ways Of loving helpfulness; Help us to work through all our days Our brothers’ lives to bless.
Like thee who soughtest out the lost, Them to thy fold to bring, Help us, thine aliens tempest-tossed, To save for thee, our King. Help us, thy followers confessed, Who lag or turn aside, From selfish ease for thee to wrest, Who for our life hast died.
O Master, weary is the world, With wretchedness and sin; With banner of thy cross unfurled, We’d bring thy kingdom in. Help us to magnify thy name, And ever loyal be, Despising worldly scorn and shame, Through trial true to thee.
Thou, for each day, canst give the grace Thy will for us to do, Till we shall serve before thy face, In gladness through and through. We, with thy faithful Servant, Lord, Whose honored name we bear, Would seek no loftier reward Than thine own work to share.
—Richard Arnold Greene, in N. Y. Observer.

Sweetness of Disposition

By Frederick M. Rossiter

FREDERICK M. ROSSITER, M. D.
“Let your mildness, or sweetness of disposition be recognized among all men. Our Lord is near.” Phil. 4: 5. Syriac Version.
These words are very beautiful and are deeply significant. They represent in a concise form what a moderate, or temperate, life is. A life in which moderation is a controlling principle is a temperate life in the fullest sense of the word. In the light of the rendering given to this verse, it is proper to say, Let your moderation, or temperance, mildness, or sweetness of disposition, be recognized among all men. Why?—“Our Lord is near.” It is obvious that this text has a special application to the end of the world, and is a divine command to those who are conscious of the fact that the “Lord is near.”
The standard of temperance revealed in God’s Word and that taught or lived by the world are totally different. In the world a man is temperate who abstains from alcoholic drinks altogether, or does not use them excessively. In many of the European countries one may use beer and other light alcoholic drinks and be considered temperate. He is temperate because he uses these beverages with moderation! The temperance standard of many Christian bodies is not much higher than this. In fact, many active temperance and Christian workers resent the application to their daily lives of a more strict interpretation of temperance than this. For this reason so little is accomplished in promoting truly temperate lives.
The Bible standard of temperance is a very lofty principle of right living, covering every thought and action. To be truly temperate is to be holy in spirit, soul, and body. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
These forcible words of the apostle apply to the very beginnings of temperance and intemperance. Most of the temperance reforms of to-day cut off the topmost boughs of the tree instead of applying the ax to the roots. Alcoholism, morphinism, murder, and physical excesses are the products of intemperance, and not the beginnings. Great acts, good or bad, only follow after many repetitions of small ones. Thoughts precede acts. This is an inexorable law. Mildness, and sweetness of disposition are mental qualities, but are greatly influenced by physical conditions. Every sense and organ and structure of the body is servant to the mind. Before any sense can be gratified, moderately or immoderately, it must have the consent of the mind. This makes every individual responsible for the care of his own body and mind.
Any habit, or indulgence, or pleasure, or mental disposition, or occupation that weakens the body, and exhausts the nervous system so that one can not be mild and manifest a sweet disposition is intemperance.

A Christian Characteristic

We naturally are drawn to one who has a sweet disposition. It is a pleasure to be in the society of such a one, and we are refreshed by the association. It is clear that every follower of Jesus Christ should be mild and sweet of disposition, a center of attraction, a positive influence. Christ set the example. His life was tempered with moderation, and pervaded by an ever sweet, constraining influence.
It is no special test of character to be mild and sweet at times. A lion is very mild at times, but let it be irritated, and it becomes furious. Strength of character is determined by the feelings which we are able to subdue and control. The worldling is able to control the feelings and to be mild part of the time, but the true follower of Christ is able to do so all the time.
The swift pace of the present day, the mad rush after wealth, fame, and social influence, together with the free indulgence in alcoholic drinks, tobacco, tea, coffee, late suppers, and riotous living, followed by a long train of resultant evils, has a tendency to produce anything but “mildness” and “sweetness of disposition.” Because of these evils the world is full of physical paupers, neurasthenics, hysterical men and women, and “down-in-the-mouth” dyspeptics. The gloom and the “blues” emanating from such cause a veritable pall of depression to rest upon the earth.
If those who are given to the “blues” every other day, and to frequent hysterical outbreaks, could only realize a tithe of the general depression they create in a family or in a community, they would make heroic efforts to control their morbid and purely selfish feelings, and try to manifest some sweetness of disposition.
How different this world would be if each individual made an effort to create a little sunshine for others. But there must first be sunshine in the heart before it can brighten the way of some one else. Happiness comes from within. Sweetness of disposition must come from the heart. It can not be put on. Mildness under all circumstances is a product of self-control.
A certain class, not at all small in number, get up in the morning out of sorts with every one and everything. They come to the breakfast table with furrowed brow and long face—objects of despair, casting a gloom upon every one. They take a certain pride in their morbid feelings. They do not try to rise above them. They crave sympathy. They yield themselves to their feelings with a sort of satisfaction, very much as the opium eater yields himself to the influences of the drug. How much happiness and sunshine would come into thousands of homes if these subjects of selfishness would cheer up, and begin the day with smiles, and songs, and soft words, if they would act on the principle expressed in the verses:—
“Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone; For this brave old earth must borrow its mirth,— It has troubles enough of its own. Sing, and the hills will answer; Sigh, it is lost on the air; The echoes bound to a joyful sound, But shrink from voicing care.”
Mildness is temperance itself. Mildness and intemperance are incompatible. Immoderation in eating, drinking, working, or thinking causes physical exhaustion, irritability, and lack of self-control. In such a condition mildness and sweetness of disposition are negative qualities, and only spasmodically manifested. Health alone makes it possible to be mild. Health means vigor and energy; hence for a man or a woman to be mild and sweet of disposition does not imply a very gentle, easy-going, inert individual, but one whose mildness is tempered with firmness, zeal, earnestness, and optimism.

A Characteristic of the Remnant People

“Let your mildness, or sweetness of disposition be recognized among all men.” This scripture certainly applies to the people who make temperance and the gospel of right living a cardinal part of their message to the world. The mildness and moderation of this people are to be recognized among all men. Men do not recognize theoretical mildness. It must be an actual quality of character acted out in daily life. If the seventy-five thousand Seventh-day Adventists were actually doing this, what a testimony would be borne to the world! And it would be recognized, too. Shall it not be so? What a testimony it would be if this people were all known for their mildness and sweetness of disposition! Why should this be so?—“Our Lord is near.”
When the spirit of this verse is acted out in daily life, there will be little disposition to gossip, to criticise, to devour one another, to be immoderate in any way.
To be mild when severely criticised, to be mild when harshly spoken to, to be mild when you don’t feel like it, to be mild when everything seems to go wrong, to be mild when the weather interferes with cherished plans, to be mild under all the buffetings of Satan and in petty sicknesses, reveals Christian temperance in its most practical form.
“Let your mildness, or sweetness of disposition be recognized among all men. Our Lord is near.” Begin the day with these words. Let this verse be a motto hung in memory’s hall; repeat it often, and life will take on a new meaning and possess a new charm.

Effects of Novel Reading

By W. L. H. Baker

W. L. H. BAKER
We have recently received a letter asking for literature on the evils of spiritualism to be sent to a young man whose address was given. The letter goes on to state:—
“He has had a narrow escape from its deceptions. He began reading Marie Corelli’s books, and blames them for it. Then he got deeper and deeper into the books on hypnotism, mesmerism, etc., till the week before last he left his work, leaving a notice that he had gone to live with the beasts till the devil went out of him. He was away two nights in the woods, and nearly all the people of this place were out hunting for him. Sunday morning at daylight he reached home in a terrible state of body and mind.”
By many the evils of novel reading are but little discerned. There are some whose experience should teach them better who actually claim that this class of reading is highly beneficial for the development of the mind. The fact that a book may be well written, on an æsthetic plane, by a popular author, and indorsed by press and pulpit, is not sufficient guarantee of its safety. It may possess all these characteristics, and still be the most dangerous book in the world because of its liability to deceive the unsuspecting. The greatest masterpieces of Satan are always masked. He delights to reveal himself as an angel of light.
The character of an author is more to be considered than his production. Yet the two can not be separated. Many times the surface only is seen, and the underlying current is not discerned.
“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
It is true that what we are is more important and more telling in the formation of the character of others than what we do. Let us not be deceived. A vital connection with God through the study of his Word, and by prayer, is the hidden spring by which the weary traveler is refreshed. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” All true rest and peace are found only in Christ. We may well avoid all that detracts from him. There is no fellowship between light and darkness. The immediate effect of novel reading is to lessen our love for the study of the Bible and communion with God, by which alone we are qualified for the every-day realities of life, and prepared at last for an entrance into the kingdom above.

The Christ Love

By Clara Edna Rosencrans

CLARA EDNA ROSENCRANS
In dealing with the wrong-doer we must try to put ourselves in his place; try to think how we should wish to be dealt with if we were in his circumstances. Our own hearts will thus be made tender, and we shall know better how to deal with the one whom we wish to help. How Christ pitied the lost when he gave his life on the cross! How he rejoiced in his resurrection glory, when he knew that the price had been paid, and that salvation might be had by all who would seek it! We must feel, as did Christ, that no soul is beyond reach, no matter how low he may have fallen; that the love which watches always, may one day kindle an answering spark in a cold heart, numbed by sin, and burn away the dross.
Worldly wisdom will tell us that it is of no use, that the erring brought the trouble on themselves; but this is not the spirit that Christ manifested in coming to the world which was lost. Such love as his must be in our hearts if we would save the lost, and we must be willing to be anything, to give up the good opinion of the world, as he did; we must be willing to be called the friend of publicans and sinners, as he was. And if we have come close enough to Christ to feel the breathing of his Spirit, we shall not care for what the world says or thinks; we shall feel that it does not matter, if our hearts are right with God, and we are following in the footsteps of Jesus.
If we seek out the erring because we wish to help them, if we try to show a Christlike spirit in their presence, not falling into their evil ways, but seeking to lead them to the Master, such association can do us no harm. But we must live daily, hourly, in Christ's very presence, or we shall do more harm than good, both to ourselves and to those we wish to benefit. We should be careful of our example, lest we become a stumbling-block to some one who is trying to follow Christ, though it may be he is following afar off. We should let the life of Christ be manifested in our lives.
We need more of the self-sacrificing love that led the early church to give up the world, its good opinion, and all that it held dear; to count all but dross for Christ's sake, and to go forth without the camp, bearing his reproach. May God give us this love, deep down at the very fountain springs of our being, that we may know how Christ feels toward the lost!
You say you have found the Saviour? That the Christ love dwells within? Then prove it by going to succor Those who have fallen in sin.
If the Christ heart beats within us, We shall feel for the erring one, We shall bear the cross as he did, That a lost soul may be won.
This is to feel the Christ love, This is what Jesus felt, As all alone in the garden, In agony he knelt.
This is the love that prompted That death on the cruel cross, When he died for a world's redemption, And counted life but loss.
If you say you have found the Saviour, Think where that love must lead; Go forth in the dear Christ's footsteps, To help in a lost one's need.

A Single Worm Killed the Tree

DURING the summer of 1853 I was staying at Sudbrook Park, near Richmond, in Surrey. One day while I was walking with some friends through the “wilderness,” Dr. Ellis drew our attention to a large sycamore tree, decayed to the core.
“That fine tree,” said he, “was killed by a single worm.”
In answer to our inquiries, we found that about two years previous the tree was as healthy as any in the park, when a wood-worm, about three inches long, was observed to be forcing its way under the bark of the trunk. It then caught the eye of a naturalist who was staying there, and he remarked, “Let that worm alone, and it will kill the tree.” This seemed very improbable, but it was agreed that the black-headed worm should not be disturbed.
After a time it was discovered that the worm had tunneled its way a considerable distance under the bark. The next summer the leaves of the tree dropped off very early, and in the succeeding year it was a dead, rotten thing, and the hole made by the worm might be seen in the very heart of the once noble trunk.
“Ah!” said one who was present, “let us learn a lesson from that single tree. How many who once promised fair for usefulness in the world and the church have been ruined by a single sin!”—Australasian Signs of the Times.

Japan

A SCENE NEAR TOKYO
A SCENE NEAR TOKYO
It is hard for the outside world to realize that it is only thirty-five years since Japan emerged from feudalism, a system very similar to that which prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages, but which passed away centuries ago. For many centuries the real ruler of Japan was the shogun, the military chief of the nation. During all this time the emperors still ruled, in name only. In the year 1867 the last of the shoguns surrendered to the imperial army, and the emperor became the real ruler of his people.
Since that date, Japan has made remarkable progress in material things. The civilization of Europe and America has been carefully studied and copied, until Japan ranks among the most progressive nations in the world. Japanese students have turned their attention to the learning of the Western nations, and many of them have shown themselves capable of high intellectual advancement. Many are also interested in the religion of the foreigners. True, this interest, with many, is not above the level of their interest in worldly matters. But how can this be otherwise until they learn the true nature of Christianity? We all know that there is much that passes for Christianity that is wholly undeserving of the name.
Here is the missionary’s opportunity so to present Jesus Christ in his life and labors that this people shall see the loveliness of our Saviour, and be drawn to him. To this end we are working and praying.
The Japanese are on the alert for whatever will advance the material prosperity of their country. This year an industrial exhibition will be held at Osaka, the great industrial center of Japan. Other nations are invited to exhibit the products of their skill in the industrial and liberal arts; and Japan hopes to profit by the display.
Of course, in Japan, as in every other part of the earth, men are more interested in the affairs of this world than in their eternal welfare; but we rejoice to find some whose hearts God has touched and who respond to the gracious invitation of the gospel. There is a great work to be done here to warn this people of the coming day of God. — Selected.

In the Mediterranean Field

“PRINCES shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” Ps. 68: 31.
There is a special interest attaching to fields connected with Bible history. We are familiar with the names in the good old Book. While we rejoice to know that a church is raised up in some large city, be it in England, or Scandinavia, or Germany, it gives a special thrill of joy to know that a church is being built up in Jaffa, Jerusalem, on the shores of the Nile, or in Rome, places which are more or less connected with the Bible story.

The French-Latin Field

The French-Latin field takes in France, French Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the northern part of Africa, which is under French influence. In this great field, with one hundred million people, we have at the present time about six hundred Sabbath-keepers. Of these, four hundred, who speak the French language, are in French Switzerland.
The student of the Reformation will be interested to know that during the last two years quite a church has been raised up in the city of Geneva, one of the great centers of the Reformation. Last year we had a camp-meeting in that city. Elder Wilkinson, who is in charge of that field, also conducted a Bible school in Geneva. He had about twelve young people around him, instructing them in the truths of the Lord, and at the same time he, with Elder Tieche, our French minister laboring there, raised up a good, strong church in that center of the Reformation. We have a strong German church at Zurich, the home of Zwingli, and I hope the day is not far distant when we shall have one at Wittenberg. The tithe in little Switzerland was over four thousand dollars, making over ten dollars for each church-member. They have twelve churches and seven ministers.
Now let us come to France. It is a hard country; it is filled with infidelity, and is also the stronghold of the papacy; but we are thankful to God that there the truth is spreading. At the present time France has about seven churches, with one hundred and thirty members; and during the last two years, work has been opened up in Paris, a city of about three millions. An institute was conducted there last winter. Seventeen young people were gathered in and instructed in the truth, to be fitted as workers in this great field; and at the same time the truth was preached to others. Those are the best schools after all, because they bring direct results in souls, and the truth is being established. I think Paul of old had a school, and carried it right along with him, and the result of that school wherever he went was a good strong church. That was the telling effect of the good teaching of Paul.
Our brethren are very anxious to extend the work in France. But they have for that great field, with forty million people, only seven laborers, and with its colonies it has as large a population as the United States.
Passing from France into Italy, brings us nearer to Paul—to Rome. Up to the present time, most of our work in Italy has been carried on in the Waldensian valleys, and in these valleys the Italian language is not spoken, but the French. The valleys are on the very border of France, high up in the mountains, and the people speak a poor French, but the work has been continued there during the last two years; and far up in the Waldensian valleys, the home of the old church during the Dark Ages, we have to-day a church of forty members. It cheers me to think that these old places are again to be lightened with the knowledge of this blessed truth. But we are not satisfied to stop in the mountains, in the refuge provided for the church in the days of persecution. God has broken the bonds, and given us liberty; and I am thankful that one good minister—I think he is from the State of California, Elder Everson—to-day is at Rome. And he is not simply at Rome, but he has full liberty to preach this precious gospel in that city. What we want to do is to lift up our hearts in prayer, that God may stay up his hands and may raise up laborers, and by the time another conference assembles, we may bring you greetings from the church at Rome.
In the writings of the apostle Paul, we read about Spain. Paul had in mind to go to Spain and Portugal. There are about twenty-three million people there. The last thing we did before leaving Europe was to send three good men to Spain to investigate matters concerning our publishing work, and the gospel work in general, and you have heard the report from Elder Wilkinson’s letter, which read by Brother Daniells, that Spain is open to-day for the gospel. Shall we enter the field? Several young men are ready to go, but what is needed first is a good, strong laborer to enter that country.

Pitcairn Island

By G. F. Jones

G. F. JONES
One of the blessings of liberty that have come to this island at this time is the possession of a small vessel and the knowledge of navigating her anywhere. If the Pitcairn people will use this aright, it will prove a great blessing to them; for they have for a long time needed some means of communicating directly with their neighbors outside. This opening for them will bring them trials and experiences of sifting, in common with the rest of their brethren in the world. “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, . . . and a curse, if ye will not obey . . . but turn aside out of the way which I command you.”
Do not forget in your prayer these children of God who have been confined all their lives within less than five miles of territory, as they go out for the first time and behold new land, strange customs, and, worse than all else, deceptive counterfeits of “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” No more need the faithful among them be confined for pastures, for this word has come to them: “Go forth. . . . Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.”
During certain seasons of the year large sailing ships pass by the island frequently. These are boarded by the Pitcairners for the sake of trading with their fruit. This is also an excellent opportunity to do good by scattering our literature. Will not many send liberally, so that this good work may go on? The address is Pitcairn Island, South Pacific, via Tahiti and Mangareva.
We thank the Lord for the missionary enthusiasm that has come upon them. The church has suffered in consequence of the lack of means and of opportunity to labor; but now they have nobly responded, and decided to take upon themselves the burden of the responsibility by assisting to support two workers in the island field. Working bands have already been started among them. Our hearts are indeed glad; for this is a right movement.
The school on the island has been conducted for many years by Sisters Rosaline Young and Winnie McCoy. The persevering Christian spirit shown by these two is very refreshing: they have worked faithfully, without remuneration and with little encouragement. Sister Winnie McCoy writes:—
“How glad I am to tell you that your stay here has not been, and will not be, time lost to you; for the good seed you sowed is surely taking root in the hearts of some. For myself, I may say that your stay has done me much good, for which I thank the Lord. I am trying to do faithfully the work you gave me in looking after the volunteers. Pray for us all; pray for the children.”
She further writes: “The children meet every Sunday and Wednesday evening, to plan what good they can do. They talk of this all through the week, and ask me every day what they will have at the next meeting. We planned last meeting to do ship missionary work, and Louis (a boy about thirteen) was unanimously chosen as ship missionary. The first ship since you left called today, and so of course this was our first trial, which succeeded very well. Corah, Calvert, and Freeman had the first turn, and sent four American Sentinels, eleven tracts, and thirty-eight pages of The Signs of the Times. The next time three of the others will send the papers, and so on till every one has had a chance. O, you must come sometime for their sakes, and I am sure you will be rewarded in the near future.”
Once more I would urge all who can, to endeavor to supply with necessary literature the volunteer band of young workers, and thus keep alive this fire of enthusiasm in them, until the night comes, when no man can work.
Mangareva, Gambier Islands.

Working for the Armenians

By V. Pampaian

V. PAMPAIAN
COMING in contact with different individuals daily, and seeing their great needs, the mind is constantly busy thinking in what way one can make himself the most useful. I feel that I am out with a life-boat on an ocean where many souls are drowning. I realize the shortness of time and the ungodly condition of the world as I never did before. Money is the only god. Those who used to be susceptible to the things of God are now hardened and indifferent.
I have met Armenians in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, and almost all need medical attention. Their physical condition gives me the best opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.
On going to a new place, as soon as I become acquainted with the people, I begin to watch for an opportunity to say something about the Lord’s coming. I find the prophetic chart very useful. As soon as I spread the chart, an interest is aroused; and with the chart before them, they get more out of my talk than they otherwise could.
One evening, as I was talking with a friend on the present truth, he said, “Come; let us go down-stairs, where there are others; let them also have the benefit of these things which you are telling me.” We went down to a dirty room, where the people were very rough, and all were smoking. I took out the chart, and began to talk. They listened attentively for nearly an hour and a half, asking questions as they became more deeply interested. When I closed, they all thanked me for coming down and telling them such good news, and said they would like to have me come again.
The next day was Sunday. My friend took me to another place. There we studied the chart for five successive hours, and could have kept on five hours longer if I had not grown weary. The next Sunday I went there again, and talked all day.
I have had the privilege of giving a course of Bible readings to an Armenian lady whose father was a medical missionary and reformer in the old Armenian church, and who lost his life because he was one of the greatest men among the Armenians. This lady is now rejoicing in the truth. There are other people in New York who I believe are susceptible to the truth. I have given them but a little taste, and they seem to enjoy it very much.
I am very happy here, but hope to be happier still as I go farther away.
The Armenians do not live in colonies, as other foreigners do. They follow all lines of business, and are scattered about. But few can read English intelligently, and not many would be interested in reading in any language. For this reason, working among them through our literature is not so good as talking to them. They can sit down and listen all day. The majority of them have no interest in religious things. They simply have lost their interest, in the great struggle for existence and gain. The people of the Orient are religiously inclined; but as they are very quick to conform to their surroundings, soon after landing they become like others. If their associations are good, they become the very best; but if they fall in with the bad, they become the worst. I am sure the Lord has some precious souls among them. Some must go to them with the truth. Christ said, “Go ye into all the world.” We are not to wait for them to come to us.

Sleeping Sickness in Africa

A SINGULAR disease, called the sleeping sickness, which first appeared on the Congo, has since broken out in Uganda. There ten thousand deaths from this cause have been reported in the last thirteen months. A patient, when attacked, falls into a slumber from which it is difficult to arouse him, and he falls back into sleep until the end comes; for there are few, if any, who recover when attacked. The increase of this disease is causing great alarm in all parts of Africa, and the English government has sent a scientific commission to Africa to study the disease and seek a specific for its cure. It is now believed that it is caused by a parasite in the blood, which is disseminated by the mosquito.

Council of the General Conference Committee

By Arthur G. Daniells; William A. Spicer

Shortly after the close of the General Conference, the Executive Committee met in Battle Creek for the transaction of necessary business. Much of the work was routine and administrative business. The following actions taken will be of general interest:—

GENERAL CONFERENCE HEADQUARTERS

That we favor locating the headquarters of the General Conference in the vicinity of New York City.
That the following-named persons act as a committee to select the location, and remove the headquarters of the General Conference: A. G. Daniells, W. W. Prescott, I. H. Evans, S. N. Haskell, H. W. Cottrell, S. N. Curtiss, J. E. Jayne, W. A. Spicer, and such union conference presidents in the United States as are not named in this list.

EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT

That the educational department shall consist of fifteen members, and that any four members of the department, including the chairman or secretary, shall be empowered to transact such executive business as is in harmony with plans outlined by the department.
The following-named persons were elected as the departmental committee on education: L. A. Hoopes (chairman), Frederick Griggs, (secretary), M. E. Cady, W. W. Prescott, W. A. Spicer, Fannie M. Dickerson, E. A. Sutherland, J. E. Tenney, M. Bessie De Graw, C. C. Lewis, Dr. E. L. Eggleston, B. E. Huffman, E. W. Catlin, H. A. Washburn, and the corresponding secretary of the Sabbath-school Department (Mrs. L. Flora Plummer).

SABBATH-SCHOOL AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S DEPARTMENT

That the department as heretofore constituted be requested to continue the work until the transfer of the headquarters to the East, when the department may be reorganized.
That the Sabbath-school Department be located in conjunction with the General Conference headquarters.
That Luther Warren be made a member of the Sabbath-school Department, to give special attention to the Young People's work.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT

That the Religious Liberty Departmental Committee consist of the following-named persons: A. T. Jones (chairman), D. W. Reavis (secretary), Allen Moon, W. A. Colcord, R. C. Porter, C. P. Bollman, John Bradley, J. S. Washburn.
That at general camp-meetings men be selected to present the religious liberty situation.
That the Departmental Committee use all union conference and local agencies in the carrying on of its work.
That funds for the carrying on of the religious liberty work be raised by special appeals at the camp-meetings, and by special calls when necessary.

MISSION FINANCE

Whereas, Large sums of money will be required to carry on our evangelical work the coming year; and,—
Whereas, The General Conference must secure this money from month to month or our laborers will suffer; therefore,—
We recommend,—
1. That every Seventh-day Adventist church be urged to systematically take up the ten-cent-a-week plan, and faithfully see that each church pays an average of ten cents a week per capita.
2. That each conference be requested to pay the entire second conference tithe into the treasury of the General Conference for mission work.
3. That special donations for missions be taken up at all large gatherings.
4. That we request all our union and State conference papers to open their columns to the General Conference for working up the funds for mission work.
Whereas, The custom is now established of paying our workers monthly; and,—
Whereas, The General Conference will be compelled to make remittances from month to month to the various fields; therefore,—
Resolved,—
1. That all donations of tithe and offerings to the mission work be sent to the union conference treasurers monthly.
2. That each union conference is hereby urged to instruct its treasurer to use all diligence in collecting all funds, whether special or otherwise, and forward the same monthly to the treasury of the General Conference.
3. That all conferences supporting workers in mission fields are requested to send the remittances for such support monthly to the General Conference treasury.
That all money raised at camp-meetings for any of the mission fields shall be sent through the local conference to the General Conference treasury, and applied on appropriations.
That the officers of union and State conferences be agents to instruct and inform the people as to the needs of the fields, and to solicit funds to apply on these appropriations, and that the General Conference office shall place in the hands of these officials any facts and information available, which will be of assistance to them.
That in future the General Conference shall not hold itself responsible for the payment of return fares of missionaries who have not been recalled by official action of the committee or its executive officers.

MISSIONARY ACRE FUND

That we approve of the following resolution passed by the International Training-school Association, which has charge of the Missionary Acre Fund: “That the denomination inaugurate a missionary-acre-planting day, and that the General Conference Committee ask the union conferences and the local conferences to recommend a missionary-acre-planting day as an annual occurrence , in which every church is expected to participate, and those not owning farms be asked to give the income of three days’ work; and that a reading for the Sabbath preceding the day be arranged for by the Medical Missionary Board.”

“CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS”

That the burden of completing the campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” be referred to the union conferences.

DISTRIBUTION OF LABOR

That Elder N. P. Nelson, of Nebraska, be recommended for the presidency of the Southwestern Union Conference.
That Elder Andrew Nelson, of Manitoba, be recommended to make Texas his field of labor, if arrangements can be made.
That Elias Zarub be recommended to return to his home field, Syria, and unite with the work there.
That we accede to the urgent call from South Africa, inviting Elder I. J. Hankins and his wife to return to that field.
That we favor the request of the German Union Conference that Brethren Enns and Wentland, of College View, be recommended to make Germany their field of labor.
That, in response to the request of the German Union Conference, Dr. C. Pampaian and his brother be recommended to work under the German Union Conference, probably in the Trans-Caucasus.
That we grant the request of the European General Conference Committee that Elder A. G. Daniells attend the early summer meetings in Europe.
That Dr. David Paulson be invited to attend the summer meetings in Europe.
That Fred Robert be recommended to connect with the work in France.
That Dr. A. M. Vollmer, of West Superior, Wis., be invited to go to Samoa.
A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman.
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.
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