THE ninth meeting was called at 4:30 P. M., May 16, the forenoon conference hour being taken up by the Review and Herald Publishing Association meeting, and the 2:30 hour being occupied by Sister White.
L. R. Conradi occupied the chair.
Prayer by J. W. Westphal. The minutes of the previous meeting were submitted.
It was voted to waive consideration of recommendation 5, left pending at the last meeting, in order to listen to the reports of the Religious Liberty Department, which were interrupted by the heavy shower last Sunday. K. C. Russell, chairman, and W. A. Colcord, secretary, presented the reports (which appeared in the last issue). Live interest was manifested in the reports, and also in exhibits of petitions, letters, leaflets, newspapers, etc., dealing with the issues in Congress and elsewhere.
Before adjournment, it was announced that W. H. Wakeham, of Egypt, would report for the Oriental Mission at the 7:30 hour. (This report appears in this issue.)
Adjourned.
L. R. CONRADI, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.
Loyal Character
“LOYAL character is worth far more than royal blood.”
The Oriental Mission Field
By W. H. Wakeham
The field which I am supposed to represent is called the Oriental Mission Field; it consists of Turkey, including Asia Minor; Syria and Palestine; and Egypt—the historic field of the “king of the north” and the “king of the south.” Practically, however, my field of labor is Egypt. And, though equally interested in all parts of this most needy field, I shall confine my report chiefly to the valley of the Nile, speaking only in general terms of other parts.
The Oriental Mission field has a population of about thirty million. The languages spoken are Turkish, Arabic, Greek, and Armenian—chiefly Turkish in the north and Arabic in the south. A very large majority of the people in all parts of this field are followers of the Arabian prophet. Since the subjugation of these countries by the Mohammedans in the seventh century, Christianity has made little progress there; and only in comparatively modern times has Protestantism obtained a foothold. The Armenians in Asia Minor, and the Copts in Egypt, are the remnants of the ancient Christian church; but how greatly they have fallen from the faith once delivered to the saints, their daily life, even more than their religious doctrines, sadly testifies.
Roman and Greek Catholic churches are strongly entrenched in all the large cities, and in many of the smaller ones.
Protestant missions have made some progress in various parts of this field, and have done much in the way of education and civilization. The agents of the British and Foreign Bible Society have permeated all parts of this field, and report most gratifying results in the sale of Bibles and portions of the Word. Through all these agencies God is sowing the seed; and we have the assurance that his word will not return to him void.
For several years the truths of the third angel’s message have been preached in various parts of this field, from Constantinople, through Asia Minor to Aleppo; in Beirut and vicinity; in Palestine, at Jaffa and Jerusalem; and in Egypt throughout its entire length, at different points. Two years ago, the total number of Sabbath-keepers in the entire field was two hundred and forty-six. At present there are two hundred and seventy, an increase of twenty-four. The tithe paid during the year 1904 was $1,327.54, or a little over five dollars per capita. When you remember that a very large majority of these Sabbath-keepers are of the tax-ridden, persecuted Armenians of Asia Minor, you will not wonder at the smallness of the amount.
I will now speak more particularly of Egypt. From ancient times, this country has been known as the “Land of Ham,” as it was originally peopled by the descendants of the second son of Ham—Misraim—from which it takes its name, for the natives still call it Misr. This country consists of the valley of the Nile from the Mediterranean Sea on the north to the first cataract of the Nile, a distance of about one thousand kilometres, or six hundred and fifty miles. It is said to be the most densely populated country in the world, having ten million souls packed away in its numerous cities and villages.
Of this number, over nine million are Mohammedans, about seven hundred and twenty thousand Copts, and the remainder divided up among Protestants, Greeks, Roman Catholics, Armenians, and Jews. First among the Protestant churches in Egypt are the United Presbyterians, known there as the “American Mission.” Their converts come almost entirely from the Copts, and number something over six thousand. Then there is the English Church; also a few companies of the Plymouth Brethren, and a few adherents of the Holiness Movement Church.
The fifty or sixty years of Protestant missionary work in Egypt have made but little impression on the Mohammedan, apparently, at least so far as converting him to Christianity is concerned. I have made some inquiry, and believe I am safe in saying that the genuine converts from Islamism to Christianity in Egypt can be counted on the fingers of one’s hand. Very little real, aggressive missionary work is being done for them at present.
The average Egyptian is non-progressive. He has no enterprise. He acknowledges the fact, and while deploring it, makes no effort toward the betterment of his condition. He is a fatalist, has no ambition in the true sense, no independence. His highest goal is a government position, where he can draw a salary, and order about a servant. He does the least amount of work possible. The energetic business man of America will do more in a day than the average Egyptian will do in a week. In business his motto is, “The end justifies the means.” His religion is Utilitarianism of a very low order. It is not wrong to steal from the government, nor from a rich man; because they can afford to lose what is taken. One quite intelligent native, a lawyer by profession, and for many years a member of the Protestant Church, expressed the general idea when he affirmed that it was not wrong to steal from God, as he could not be injured by anything that we could do.
Of the people of Egypt, the Encyclopedia Britannica says: “Their vices are indolence, obstinacy, licentiousness, cupidity, envy, disregard for truth, and petty thieving, coupled with religious pride and hypocrisy.” However, there are many bright exceptions to this dark picture; for the Egyptian has virtues as well as vices. But, on the whole, if judged by Western standards, the case seems almost hopeless. Were it not that God accepts the willing mind, according to that which a man hath, and not that which he hath not; that where little is given, little is required; above all, were it not that the gospel of Christ is a miracle-working, character-transforming power, we might well give up in despair. But we are assured that where sin abounds, grace doth much more abound. And so we still have hope for Egypt, the “basest of nations,” and for the children of Misraim, for centuries groaning under the treble curse of Adam, Cain, and Canaan.
A beginning has been made. A little company of faithful souls at Alexandria, in charge of our Armenian worker, Brother G. K. Ouzonian, are doing what they can to let the light shine in that city, the second in size in Egypt. They are planning a general campaign, to scatter tracts all over the city, and they have promised to give liberally of their slender means in order to secure the necessary publications.
This little company has had some interesting experiences during the last two years. Satan has tried hard to destroy them, through outward persecutions and internal dissensions. But, through the blessing of God on the efforts put forth in their behalf, they are now in a good spiritual condition, are respected by those who before hated them, and are now ready to go to work for others. So there is now a pillar to the Lord in the border of Egypt.
In Cairo, where the most of our workers are located, a good impression has been made. Although prejudice was very marked and bitter when we went there, friendliness and some degree of interest are now manifested. A few, at least, are beginning to believe that we are in Egypt, not so much to start a new sect, as to help people to a higher plane of living—“to raise up the standard of many generations.”
Cairo is the commercial, financial, religious, and educational center of this country. It is the heart, from which influences, like blood-currents, flow to every part, not only of Egypt, but of the19entire Mohammedan world. Our work in this great metropolis must be strengthened, and our facilities enlarged. Few really appreciate what it means to pioneer a great reformatory work in a city like Cairo and a country like Egypt. Our Dr. Keichline has been working under rather discouraging circumstances, not being able to compete, for lack of facilities, with other medical men. But he has been getting a good experience, and has made many friends, both among Moslems and among the Europeans. He is on friendly terms with several of the leading European physicians, and has had a number of wealthy and influential pashas as patients. Good treatment rooms, properly managed, would be a paying investment in the city of Cairo.
When I went to Egypt, I found almost nothing in the Arabic language concerning the vital truths of the message. As soon as possible, I took up this matter, and with the valuable assistance of Elder Awada, our native minister, as translator, I soon had printed five thousand each of three tracts on the Sabbath question. These were followed by five thousand each of two more—one on the coming of Christ, and the other an abbreviation of our English tract, “Fundamental Principles of Seventh-day Adventists.” The printing of the latter seemed to be necessary to meet the persistent reports put in circulation by Christian ministers that we were not evangelical, did not believe in the divinity of Christ, etc. Later on, a tract on the “End of the Wicked” was printed. And shortly before I left Egypt, an edition of one thousand of “The Sure Word of Prophecy” was run off. This little book of one hundred and forty-three pages, with several illustrations of the prophetic symbols of the book of Daniel, is meeting a favorable reception, and I believe the entire edition will soon be sold at a fair profit. I am now at work on a similar brief exposition of the book of Revelation, which I hope to put into print as soon as I return.
Religious tracts, especially those of a doctrinal nature, are difficult to sell in Egypt. But illustrated books on the prophecies, having somewhat of a historical character, also those teaching any question of science, as health books, will, I am persuaded, meet with a ready sale among the reading classes. Many hundreds of our small tracts have been put into circulation in various ways in many cities and villages, from Alexandria to Assuan, until the name “Sabtacen” (the term by which the natives designate us) is quite generally known in the valley of the Nile.
Two years ago the total number of Sabbath-keepers in Egypt was twenty. Now there are thirty-four, besides two on the island of Cyprus, who report to us and send tithes. The total amount of tithes paid last year was $356, or about $10.30 per capita. We have one ordained minister (native), one licensed minister, one Bible worker, and one nurse on the pay-roll; we also have three self-supporting medical workers.
We believe that in due time fruit will appear from the seed sown. Paul may plant, Apollos may water; but God giveth the increase. And the husbandman must sometimes wait long for the precious fruit of the earth.
The following are some of the obstacles in the way of progress: a difficult language, a vacillating and subservient people, an enervating climate, few workers, and meager facilities. Some of the difficulties can be removed, some surmounted. None need prove a real hindrance to the onward march of truth.
A few words as to our needs: Asia Minor needs a good, energetic man to do aggressive evangelical work in that field. A citizen of Germany would be less troubled by Turkish officials than one of any other country. But he should be one who can learn the Turkish language. As soon as possible, treatment rooms should be started in Cairo and Alexandria. From what I have seen and heard, I am satisfied that the educational work is the most efficient means of propagating the faith in Egypt. Small schools should be started in several places at once. This can be done with comparatively little expense, and each school would form the nucleus of a church in the near future. It would at least give us standing-ground. The people care too little for religion, but they will let us educate their children. Here is a great opportunity. About the first question we hear on entering a village, is, “Are you going to start a school?” This work demands our immediate attention. We also need to increase our literature and provide means to get it before the people.
A lady physician is greatly needed in Upper Egypt. One of the right kind would soon be self-supporting.
There is certainly a future for our work in Egypt, and we pray that wisdom may be given those who plan and those who work for this field.
W. H. WAKEHAM, Supt.
PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CITY OF CAIRO, EGYPT
ALEXANDRIA
Tenth Meeting
By Ole Andres Olsen; William Ambrose Spicer
THE tenth meeting was called at 9:30 A. M., May 17, O. A. Olsen in the chair.
F. W. Field, of Japan, offered prayer, and the minutes of the previous meeting were read.
On call for delegates newly arrived, D. C. Babcock, L. H. Christian, and V. H. Cook responded.
The Chairman called for the reports of the Sabbath-school Department, which were presented by G. B. Thompson, chairman, and Mrs. Flora L. Bland, secretary. (The latter report was printed in last week's REVIEW, and we hope to present the chairman's report later.) Hearty responses were given to these reports, and the Chairman of the conference remarked upon the forceful presentation of these interests. It is noticeable in the conference that the Spirit of God has specially borne witness in the reading of departmental and field reports, as well as in Bible talks and other exercises.
The Northern Union Conference
The report from the Northern Union Conference was presented by R. A. Underwood, the president. A very brief summary of the report follows:—
The Northern Union is composed of the conferences of Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, the Province of Manitoba, with the vast mission field of the Northwest Territory of Canada. The area is a vast one, about three million square miles. It is a wrong impression that the Canadian Northwest is a frozen region. Calgary, in Alberta, is south of London. Edmonton is as far south as Dublin or Hamburg. Much of this vast region is rich in fertile soil and minerals, and a constant stream of immigration is pouring into the country. They need laborers, not only in English, but in German, Russian, and the leading languages of Europe. The large Indian population is to be evangelized. We have one church of Indians.
The Sabbath-keepers of this union conference number 4,664. The increase in the two years is 538. There are eighty-two laborers on the pay-roll. There are four industrial schools, three of which opened last autumn. They are in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba. The enrolment is 150. The investment in the four schools is $35,000. Church-schools, 55; pupils, 632. Book sales in two years, $36,066. The average tithe per capita has been $9.69. The total raised for evangelistic work was $111,172, of which $39,726,20or thirty-five per cent, went to the general work outside the four organized conferences.
Hearty amens greeted the statement that the former president of the Northern Union, Elder C. W. Flaiz, was making a slow recovery from his serious illness, and hopes with another year of rest and outdoor occupation to be restored to health. A church, honest with God, living examples of the truth, liberal with means, baptized with the Holy Ghost, then the lightening of the earth with the glory of God,—for this we hope, for this we live, to this we consecrate our all.
The meeting adjourned.
O. A. OLSEN, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.
Twelfth Meeting
By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells; William Ambrose Spicer
The twelfth meeting was called at 4 P. M., May 17, the 2:30 hour having been occupied by Sister E. G. White.
After prayer by C. P. Bollman, minutes of two previous meetings were read.
Recommendation 5, pending at a former adjournment, was called up, and read, as follows:—
Sharing Laborers With Mission Fields
5. Whereas, The movement among the conferences to share laborers and tithes with mission fields has brought new strength into the work, and great blessings at points where otherwise help could not have been placed; therefore,—
Resolved, That we express appreciation and approval of this policy, and urge our churches to stand loyally by the local conference officers in this effort, inasmuch as the conferences can do this work only as tithes are faithfully brought into the local treasury; and further,—
Resolved, That we urge the continuance and extension of this plan of sharing paid laborers with needy fields by arrangement through the General Conference Committee; and further,—
Resolved, That a determined effort be made to place experienced laborers supported by their home conferences in the needy field of the South, also remembering the Canadian north, as well as the fields abroad, so that this message may quickly be carried throughout all the earth, and the time hastened when believers in the home land of this movement and in the regions beyond may rejoice together in the triumph of the one great work of the third angel's message.
Earnest words were spoken to this resolution, of which the following suggests the keynote:—
W. S. Hyatt, South Africa: My heart is rejoiced at the growth of the missionary spirit. May God bless the conferences and churches. The believers in other lands will be inspired by this spirit.
O. A. Olsen, of Great Britain: The British brethren appreciate the help this plan has brought that field.
W. H. Thurston, of Canadian Union: The help already supplied and the suggestion of more has brought good cheer to Canadian hearts.
A. T. Robinson: I wish to speak of the other side—of the blessing this plan brings to the conferences giving help. Nebraska has made a beginning, and nothing has brought greater courage. It has increased the tithe. They plan to develop workers to send to fields beyond.
S. H. Lane: In New York, as they shared with mission fields, additional funds came in. Nothing was lost by dividing.
R. A. Underwood: Fresh courage has come into the great Canadian Northwest as this plan has helped them.
J. W. Westphal: My heart sank as I came to this conference, and found how little means there was for additional laborers, but I have been cheered by assurances of a laborer from two conferences, the salary to be continued. It will inspire believers in South America to work harder.
R. R. Kennedy: Blessings have come to Ohio as the result of its action to share workers and tithe with fields. Laborers have gone forth, ready to lay down their lives if need be. After the memorial service in Mt. Vernon for the late Dr. Maude Miller, who fell in China, young people pressed forward to offer themselves for that field.
A. G. Haughey: West Michigan has had some part in this, and means to have more. They now have a man ready to go to a foreign field, and the money to send him.
H. M. J. Richards: We are glad not only for the spirit of the resolution, but that it directs the flow of help through the regular channels, so strengthening the whole work.
L. F. Starr: Iowa has sent a number of its best workers to mission fields, but during the last years as many people embraced the truth in our conference as in the previous year. The tithe last quarter increased two thousand dollars. The move to give half our laborers and funds was in harmony with the spirit of the message.
H. E. Rickard, of Quebec: It is more blessed to give, we are told, but after all, it is also a blessing to receive, when a field is so needy as Quebec. I thank God for the help supplied, and for the hope for more. Quebec is a cold country, but the believers there have warm hearts.
S. N. Haskell read 2 Cor. 9:8-14, especially emphasizing the last three verses.
C. H. Edwards urged that Greater New York be not left out—with its miles and miles of crowded streets, its four millions, its one and a quarter million of Germans, and its foreign-speaking multitudes of many other tongues.
G. F. Haffner said Oklahoma was ready to place a German laborer in New York City.
G. F. Watson: Colorado has seven workers in New Mexico, which is practically mission territory, two in foreign fields, and offers two more.
A. J. Breed: Upper Columbia offers a laborer and his wife, with salary, for South America. The missionary spirit runs strong in their school.
The recommendation was adopted.
The Chair called for further reports, and the committee on plans submitted recommendations on Sabbath-school and Religious Liberty work. The following resolutions were considered:—
The Sabbath-School
7. Whereas, The Sabbath School Worker has been re-established, and is the organ of the Sabbath-school Department; therefore,—
Resolved, That we give this journal our hearty support, and that we endeavor to increase its circulation by placing it not only in the hands of all Sabbath-school officers and teachers, but in the homes of our people generally.
Whereas, We believe that the primary object of making contributions in our Sabbath-schools should be to carry the message to the regions beyond, and save souls in the kingdom of God; therefore,—
Resolved, That all our Sabbath-schools be urged to plan to increase their donations, both by exercising proper economy in their local expenditures and by more liberal giving.
Brethren Loughborough and Haskell recalled the beginnings of Sabbath-school offerings among us, to get funds for supplies, and later the first giving for missions in the schools of California, which brought in seven hundred dollars one year for Australia. Some predicted a reaction from the effort to get the schools to give for missions, but from time to time the gifts have gone on and on—action instead of reaction.
S. H. Lane suggested that it was not wise to retrench too greatly in equipment, as a school well equipped would be likely to give more.
A. G. Daniells referred to the statistical report in the REVIEW of May 11, page 27, showing that most of the schools in Europe give the entire donations to missions. He referred to it, not to urge this plan, but to show that these efforts to send the truth abroad have brought into the light believers who are ready to give for it in turn. The gifts of our schools have not been made in vain.
A. E. Doering stated that the German schools in the United States follow the same plan.
G. B. Thompson stated that the plan recommended, where supplies were not otherwise provided for, was to set apart the offerings for one or more Sabbaths each quarter for supplies, all the others being for missions. Last year the schools gave a total of $61,000 of which $21,000 was retained in the schools, and $40,000 went to missions.
E. E. Andross of North England, told the experience in his field in adopting the plan of turning all donations to missions. At first it seemed essential to have help from these donations for supplies and hall rents; but they changed, and their contributions more than doubled. They pay their hall rents and expenses also just as well as formerly. It has been a blessing, and the schools are better equipped than before.
The resolutions were adopted by vote, and the meeting adjourned, with the announcement that J. N. Anderson would report for China at the 7:30 service.
A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.
Eleventh Meeting
By E. W. Farnsworth; W. A. Spicer
THE eleventh meeting of the conference was called at 11 A. M., May 17, E. W. Farnsworth in the chair, for the purpose of presenting a special recommendation from the Committee on Plans.
S. B. Horton explained that it seemed fitting that a delegation should be appointed to wait upon the President of the United States, in behalf of this little world's conference. The following resolution was presented:—
6. Resolved, That a deputation consisting of from fifteen to twenty or more members be appointed by this conference to wait upon the President of the United States to pay our respects to him, and to express to him our views respecting, and attitude toward, civil government.
