Earlier text: Our Publishing WorkThe Council at Gland, Switzerland
By Arthur G. Daniells
For many years after the organization of the General Conference, its regular sessions were held annually. But when the believers had been multiplied, and conferences had been organized in Europe, Africa, and Australasia, it was decided that the general interests of the cause would be served better by holding the conference sessions every two years instead of annually. This arrangement was made, and followed until the Washington Conference in 1905, when it was decided to change the time from every two to every four years. It was also arranged that midway between these quadrennial sessions of the conference there should be held a special council of the General Conference Committee to review the work of the first two years of the quadrennial period, to lay plans for the remaining two years, to reappoint the various departmental committees, and to readjust affairs generally to harmonize with the changes and developments of a living, growing cause. This biennial council of the committee has just been held at Gland, Switzerland, the headquarters of our Latin Union field. The meeting opened May 10, and continued fifteen days. This was the first council of the General Conference Committee ever held outside of the United States, and it will undoubtedly take its place among the most important meetings of this kind that have thus far been held. There were present at this council seventeen members of the General Conference Committee, and two vice-presidents of union conferences to take the place of two other members of the committee, by special invitation the members of the German, British, and Scandinavian Union Conference committees, the members of the Latin Union Mission Board, a number of ministers, and several of the leading business men connected with our different European institutions. The French-Swiss Conference took advantage of this occasion to hold its annual conference and camp-meeting, which brought the workers of the conference and many of the brethren and sisters to the council. This was by far the largest and most representative gathering of our workers ever held outside of the United States. It was a privilege that can scarcely be expressed in words, to meet all these dear brethren who are carrying forward so earnestly and successfully our work in the European division of the field. We were glad to be permitted to look into their faces and to become better acquainted with them. Our hearts were thrilled and greatly encouraged by their accounts of the victories God has been giving them on the field of battle. We7 were especially glad to meet those who came from the most distant and isolated outposts. Among these may be mentioned our dear Brethren Wildgrube, Gaede, Isaak, and Loebsack from Russia; Dr. Pampaian, from the Transcaucasus; Brother Huenergardt, from Hungary; Brother Everson, from Rome; the Brethren Bond from Spain; Brethren Rentfro and Schwantes, from Portugal; Brother Jespersson, from Algeria; Brother Fred Anderson, from Finland; and Brother David Ostlund, from Iceland. These workers are enjoying excellent health, and are full of courage in the Lord. They are facing great obstacles in their various fields, but they are witnessing glorious victories, for the Lord of hosts is with them. The main features of this meeting were the following: Bible studies, reports from the fields, committee work, and open council meetings. These lines of work were carried along from the opening till the close of the meeting. Much time was given to the presentation of reports from the union conferences, from the brethren who have recently visited our great mission fields, and from the heads of General Conference departments. It is doubtful whether there had ever been presented at any of our general meetings such interesting, instructive, and helpful reports as were given at this council. One significant and impressive feature in all the reports was that everywhere throughout the whole world the way seems prepared for the message we are to give, and the conditions press us most earnestly to send out more laborers. The committee, to whom various important matters were referred, worked early and late in preparing reports for the consideration of the general committee. These reports were presented, explained, and discussed in open meetings, so that all in attendance might understand the nature, importance, and extent of the many questions that grow out of the efforts we are making to give this message to the world. The most important decisions reached will appear in the reports which the secretary is putting through the REVIEW. Some of the plans laid are far-reaching, and if carried out, will do much to hasten the proclamation of this message to the world. The one thing that seemed to cast a shadow over this council was our inability to supply the help called for by our faithful, self-sacrificing workers already in the mission fields. True, we did something in this direction, but there was such a tremendous gap between what we were able to do and what was called for and urgently needed, that we were at times overwhelmed with perplexity and a sadness bordering on discouragement. Why, we were tempted to ask, does the Lord by his providence create such pressing demands without, at the same time, providing the supplies to meet them? But when we thought of the thousands of men and women all over the world who love this cause, we saw that God had provided the resources. As we recalled the fact that there are hundreds of young people whose hearts yearn to answer these calls from the distant mission fields, and thought of the treasures of means God has entrusted to his people, we gathered courage and resolution. We determined to make special arrangements for the speedy preparation of scores and hundreds of these young people for service in mission fields, and to appeal to our loyal people for the gifts necessary to send and support them. The plans here referred to will be fully explained in future numbers of the REVIEW. We have all returned to our posts of duty with renewed consecration, courage, and zeal, to press on with this work until it is finished.
A. G. DANIELLS. The Sabbath-School and Young People's Convention
By G. B. Thompson
JULY 10-21 is the date of the Sabbath-school and young people's convention, appointed by the General Conference Committee, to be held at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. This certainly is a very important meeting. In view of the time to which we have come, and the demand for workers, we feel sure that it will be one of the most important that has ever been held by this denomination, and that it will be attended with far-reaching results. It indicates a new era in our work, and a great forward missionary movement in the work of the third angel's message. At the recent council of the General Conference Committee, held at Gland, Switzerland, a new department was organized, to be known as the Young People's Department of the General Conference. We felt grateful to God that the work of our young people had grown until it could be organized into a separate department, with a chairman and a secretary who will devote their time to building up and developing this work. Between the Sabbath-school, Educational, and Young People's Departments there is a very close relation, and rightly organized and working together, they can do a great work in advancing the third angel's message. At the convention to be held at Mt. Vernon, the Young People's Department will be fully organized, and plans studied and adopted which will mold the future of this department, as well as that of the work of our Sabbath-schools. The greatest asset we have as a denomination is our young people. They are worth our best and noblest efforts. It is from their midst that we must secure the army of workers necessary to man our mission fields, and finish the work in this generation. Certainly we can not remain indifferent to their needs, nor neglect to put forth earnest efforts to direct their energy and enthusiasm into right channels. The coming convention is by no means a local affair. Leading workers in our Sabbath-schools, Young People's Societies, and schools will be present from all over the United States. In addition to these Elders A. G. Daniells and W. A. Spicer will be present, as well as other members of the General Conference Committee, and the instruction which will be given will be such that none can afford to miss it. Next week we hope to publish the entire program. The question has been asked, Who should attend? We answer, All who can possibly arrange to do so. This is a special occasion for our young people, and we really wish that they all could be present. While it will be of great value for the workers to meet together and plan for the work, much will be lost unless there is present a large number of young people, conference laborers, church officers, and others, that they may be inspired with the spirit of the meeting, and return to their homes and fields of labor to take up this work in a new way, and with renewed earnestness. We believe that as many of our young people as possible from the surrounding conferences at least, should be induced to attend, especially that class of young people who are preparing to enter the work. Why would it not be an excellent thing for conferences to assist, financially and otherwise, many of these to come to the meeting? It will prove to be a good investment. We would like to see as many conference laborers in the different departments of work attend this meeting as possible. Many churches could arrange to send some of their number, even from some distance. They will be able to help the church much better when they return. The convention will be held at the Mt. Vernon Academy. Those who have the matter of entertainment in hand are deeply interested in the work, and will do all in their power to provide for those who come, at as reasonable a figure as circumstances will allow. Those expecting to attend should write to James E. Shultz, Box 187, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. A deep interest is being manifested regarding this meeting in all parts of the field. We expect the Lord will be present in a very special manner. Let each one co-operate to the extent of his ability to make the convention a success. Do not forget to pray that the Lord will send the Holy Spirit to preside in this meeting. G. B. THOMPSON,
Chairman Sabbath-school Dept. One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund
By J. S. Washburn
For Special Work at Home and Abroad WE are many times unpleasantly surprised, disappointed, but occasionally we are very pleasantly and happily disappointed. We find that which we had lost. Perhaps an old debt is paid, which we had entirely given up hope of ever receiving. It would seem that such times were occasions for a thank-offering to the Lord. “I will offer to thee the sacrifices of thanksgiving.” A brother who has only a short time ago come to the knowledge of the truth, under date of May 2 wrote a few words as follows:— “I noticed an appeal in the last week’s Watchman from you for May 4, stating that if any had come into possession of means in the way of old debts or other moneys not looked for, it would be good to give such to the $150,000 fund. It reminded me that God had blessed me in this way the present year to the amount of sixteen dollars. I enclose check for the same.” I feel certain that there are others who read this article who have had a similar experience. Much might be brought into the fund, and thus we make a real thank-offering to the Lord for his unexpected kindness and goodness to us. O how many are his benefits and his blessings with which he daily loads us! The Lord give us hearts to manifest our gratitude in a practical way. No man can measure for another, or make a true estimate of what would express thanksgiving. That is between him and the bountiful Giver of all gifts. Workers Together with Christ
By Minnie Syd.
I WAS much impressed recently by a visit with a sister eighty-one years old. She was full of the missionary spirit, and informed me that she had raised her share of the $150,000 fund, having earned this money herself. She is poor, but has set apart a few chickens for the Lord’s work, and is very happy to think she is able to tend them herself and earn money in this way to help the cause of truth in all lands. Surely it is a privilege to give to the cause of truth. This sister has found it so, and can testify to the goodness of the Lord. I also have another instance in mind along the same line which impressed me very much. A little girl nine years old wished to raise her share of the $150,000. She sold a book, took this money and sent for papers, sold these papers and raised her share. As I noticed the joy when the last cent was raised and the money was counted over and over, and saw the anxious waiting for the Sabbath to arrive, when she could bring her offering to the Lord, I thought, How many are losing a blessing by not taking an interest in this great cause of truth. It is indeed good to be permitted to earn with our own hands money for the advancement of this cause in all lands. Where our treasures are our hearts are also. It is high time that we fix our hearts on the finishing of the work which the Lord has given us to do in this generation. MINNIE SYD. Atlantic Union Conference
By I. H. Evans
Received on the $150,000 Fund up to June 11, 1907
Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England ........ $ 2,270.61
Chesapeake .................... 230.66
Eastern Pennsylvania ......... 1,272.65
Greater New York ............... 415.75
Maine .......................... 344.94
New Jersey ..................... 552.63
New York ..................... 1,025.17
Southern New England .......... 850.23
Vermont ......................... 812.15
Virginia ......................... 265.67
Western Pennsylvania ........... 822.57
West Virginia .................... 214.67
Western New York ............... 970.02 Total ........................ $10,047.72 Canadian Union Conference Maritime ....................... $281.43
Quebec ........................... 33.78
Ontario .......................... 350.48 Total ........................... $665.69 Colorado ....................... $ 878.19
Iowa ........................... 2,167.97
Kansas ......................... 1,244.90
Missouri ........................ 851.45
Nebraska ....................... 4,779.63
Wyoming ......................... 403.87 Total ........................ $10,326.01 Washington churches .......... $1,167.74 East Michigan ................ $ 1,082.86
Indiana ........................ 4,375.48
North Michigan ................... 120.51
Northern Illinois ............... 1,619.74
Ohio ........................... 2,661.61
Southern Illinois ................. 709.63
West Michigan .................. 3,115.35
Wisconsin ....................... 1,785.37 Total ........................ $15,470.55 North Pacific Union Conference Conference not specified ...... $ 350.26
British Columbia .................. 67.80
Montana .......................... 201.66
Upper Columbia .................. 1,348.22
Western Washington ............. 1,021.81
Idaho ............................ 844.90
Western Oregon ................... 864.53 Total .......................... $4,699.18 Northern Union Conference Alberta ........................ $ 139.10
Manitoba .......................... 238.70
Saskatchewan Mission Field ........ 34.83
Minnesota ....................... 3,485.00
South Dakota .................... 2,114.10
North Dakota .................... 1,681.23 Total .......................... $7,693.07 Arizona ........................ $ 177.87
California-Nevada ............... 4,564.16
Southern California ............... 482.79
Utah .............................. 205.46 Total .......................... $5,430.28 Southern Union Conference South Carolina Conference ...... $ 103.85
Alabama .......................... 200.63
Tennessee River ................... 502.94
Florida .......................... 337.65
North Carolina ................... 255.25
Kentucky .......................... 20.36
Cumberland ....................... 538.44
Louisiana ........................ 385.61
Mississippi ....................... 190.63
Georgia .......................... 345.86 Total .......................... $2,891.22 Southwestern Union Conference Not specified .................. $ 20.18
Arkansas .......................... 219.64
Oklahoma ....................... 1,385.93
Texas ............................ 940.01 Total .......................... $2,565.76 Unknown ........................ $149.20 Algeria ........................ $ 13.33
Australia ........................ 132.19
Bermuda ........................... 25.00
China .............................. 3.00
South Africa ...................... 128.16
Jamaica ........................... 13.41
Yukon Territory ................... 10.00
England .......................... 256.32
Gold Coast, West Africa ........... 10.00
Mexico ............................. 2.00
Costa Rica ......................... 2.00
India ............................. 12.48
South America ..................... 23.35
Switzerland ........................ 9.69
Panama ............................. 4.00
Nicaragua .......................... 2.00
Trinidad ............................ .34
Central American Mission .......... 17.00
Norway ............................ 25.00
Japan ............................. 12.50
Hayti .............................. 5.00
Egypt ............................. 51.55 Total ............................ $758.32 Grand Total ................... $62,014.74 All remittances should be made to the treasurer of the State conference wherein the remitter resides. If, for any reason, this is not possible, then remittance should be made to I. H. Evans, Treasurer, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., and not to the Review and Herald. The Academy in Nova Scotia
By J. S. Washburn
CANADA and the British provinces north of the United States have but very few institutions, educational or otherwise, connected with our work, and it is certainly not extravagant that two thousand dollars from the $150,000 fund should be appropriated to the Williamsdale Academy. Two hundred acres on a hillside, with a beautiful stream running in front of the building site, about twelve miles from Oxford Junction, has been purchased for this purpose. Already they have constructed a dormitory accommodating about thirty students, with a schoolroom. With proper care, the land will produce vegetables and grains. There is considerable timber on the place, which can be converted into lumber and wood. The Maritime Provinces have between two and three hundred members, and this little institution is the only one in the conference, which embraces New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Surely every one will regard this as a worthy part of the $150,000 fund. J. S. WASHBURN. CHEER to the heart that is broken;
Love to the loveless man;
Peace to the life that’s held no peace
Since ever the world began. Care to be borne for those who bear;
Pain to be borne for pain;
And ever the life in sadness sings
The words of a sad refrain. But the world is wrapt in suffering,
As the world is wrapt in sin —
And he lives most who loves the most
His toiling kith and kin. Ah, then, let us give of the pearls of man
To easier make the strife;
Give of the gifts that God has given,
Yea, give the gift of life. For to give of life to a lifeless life
Is a life that yieldeth pain;
But to give of life to a lifeless life
Will bring back life again. “The Trial of Your Faith?”
By Ellen G. White
God says of his people, “I . . . will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.” By trial the Lord proves the strength of his children. Is the heart strong to bear? Is the conscience void of offense? Does the Spirit bear witness with our spirit that we are the children of God? This the Lord ascertains by trying us. In the furnace of affliction he purifies us from all dross. He sends us trials, not to cause us needless pain, but to lead us to look to him, to strengthen our endurance, to teach us that if we do not rebel, but put our trust in him, we shall see of his salvation. Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. It is a conflict, a battle, a march day after day. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven. If we sit with Christ on his throne, we must first be partakers with him in his suffering. Individually we must experience that which was spoken of Christ. It became him, “in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.” “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” Shall we then be timid and cowardly because of the trials we must meet as we advance? Shall we not meet them without repining or complaint? In this world we shall have tribulation; but the Lord Jesus will give us all the help that we ask, and believe that he will bestow. By God's mighty cleaver of truth we have been taken from the quarry of the world and brought into the workshop of the Lord to be prepared for a place in his temple. In this work the hammer and chisel must act their part, and then comes the polishing. Rebel not under this process of grace. You may be a rough stone, on which much work must be done before you are prepared for the place God designs you to fill. You need not be surprised if with the hammer and the chisel of trial God cuts away your defects of character. He alone can accomplish this work. And be assured that he will not strike one useless blow. His every blow is struck in love, for you, your eternal good and happiness. He knows your defects, and works to restore, not to destroy. He sends trials to you to make you strong to do and to suffer for him. During the march of the children of Israel through the wilderness, God tried their faith, to lead them to trust in him. Before they left Egypt, he began to give them these lessons, to lead them to look to him as their deliverer and protector. The tribulations through which they passed were a part of his great plan. It was not by chance that they came to Marah, where they could not drink of the water, “for it was bitter.” Thus God desired to teach them a lesson of trust. But they murmured and complained, crying out in distrust, “What shall we drink?” Do we not too often, like the Israelites, forget God, and by murmuring and complaining lose the blessing of the trial? Remember that in every time of trouble Jesus is near you, seeking to impress his image upon you. He is trying to help you to carry the cross. He is close beside you, seeking to lead you to see how sorry he is that you make mistakes. He is always ready to clasp the hand stretched out for aid. Christ's love for his children is as strong as it is tender. It is a love stronger than death; for he died for us. It is a love more true than that of a mother for her children. The mother's love may change; but Christ's love is changeless. “I am persuaded,” Paul says, “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In every trial we have strong consolation. Is not our Saviour touched with the feeling of our infirmities? Has he not been tempted in all points like as we are? And has he not invited us to take every trial and perplexity to him? Then let us not make ourselves miserable over to-morrow's burdens. Bravely and cheerfully carry the burdens of to-day. To-day's trust and faith we must have. But we are not asked to live more than a day at a time. He who gives strength for to-day will give strength for to-morrow. Let us take our sorrows to the Lord in prayer, saying, “My burdens are too heavy for me. Wilt thou bear them?” Christ will say, “I will take them. With everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee.” Nothing wounds the soul like the sharp doubts of unbelief. When trial comes, as it will, do not worry or complain. Silence in the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. “Then are they glad because they be quiet.” Remember that underneath you are the everlasting arms. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” He is guiding you into a harbor of gracious experience, and he bids you, “Be still, and know that I am God.” “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” If you are patient, “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,” will be found “unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” A Camp-Meeting Suggestion
By M. E. Kern
PROBABLY all our conferences arrange for special young people's services at the camp-meetings, and this is right. Many boys and girls have accepted their Saviour, and then received an inspiration to work for him in connection with these meetings especially planned for the young. But it is generally expected that the young people will attend all the other meetings as well as their own, and not doing what is expected of them, they are often made to feel out of harmony with the camp-meeting plans. Would it not be well for conference officers to show by their arrangements that they appreciate the nature of children and youth? The message of Elijah is to turn “the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” Note the order. Is it not as important that parents’ meetings be held at camp-meeting as that special meetings be held for the young? How fitting that an hour should be set aside each day when special meetings should be held for parents, for youth, and for children. There may be many things of importance pressing for a hearing, but there is nothing more important to God-fearing parents than the training of their children. Our people may learn much about the special truths of the message, about religious legislation and foreign missions, but unless they go home from camp-meeting with a better practical knowledge of how to train their precious boys and girls for God and this message, the meeting has been largely a failure for them. It has occurred to me that frequently at camp-meeting, like Martha, we busy ourselves about “many things,” but leave undone the “one thing needful.” May the time come when our people assembled together will be seen earnestly studying and praying for wisdom to train their children for God and the third angel's message. Some day the question will be asked, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?”