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General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

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    Departmental Meetings

    W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson

    RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT

    WASe

    Eleventh Meeting

    J. F. BLUNT, religious liberty secretary of Pacific Union Conference, read a paper entitled, “Should We Seek the Repeal or Modification of Sunday Laws Now Existing in the Various States?”GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.7

    He took the position that in certain cases, and under certain conditions, efforts might be put forth in the direction of the repeal or modification of oppressive Sunday laws.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.8

    M. C. Wilcox, editor of the Signs of the Times, read a paper on the above subject. He said:—GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.9

    “In all the instruction given by the Great Teacher or his apostles, there is none regarding legislation or lobbying, in empire, kingdom, or republic. We are to be in subjection to rulers, to honor the king, to suffer for well-doing if need be; but in all this we may not compromise the truth of God. If human law transcends the divine, we must obey God rather than men. If the privilege be given us of speaking before legislators, rulers, governors, kings, we may there, in the fear of God, for his glory, and for the good of those men, preach righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come, under the great, dominant thought that we are there not to plead for ourselves but for righteousness, for truth, for the sake even of those who make the legal decisions which shall on the one hand bind and fetter the souls God desires to be free, or, on the other, take hands off from all religious questions, and leave the individual alone with his God.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.10

    “Have we not said enough—nay, too much—about ‘our rights,’ the rights which belong to us? It is true we have our rights, but the very tone of the contention oftentimes puts our plea on a selfish basis. Would it not be more effectual if our rights, our own interests, were eliminated, and the plea should be made for the sake of men before whom we plead, for the sake of the commonwealth they represent, for the sake of humanity in general, that is bound to suffer if evil principles prevail?GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.11

    “When we get to pleading for political measures in political ways, we shall invite suggestions purely political from the politicians; and from Christian protest and appeal against wrong we will stoop to lobbying for negative legislation, or repeal of laws; and then to the introduction of positive legislation, with all its attendant temptations to compromise Christianity in log-rolling, and other modern political methods; and thence to the evil companionships which ‘corrupt good morals.’”GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.12

    “Seeking relief in politics is not conducive to seeking God. Even seeking God for success in politics may be expending our time and agonies (if there be such) in pleadings which God cannot grant. Expectancy in politics does not specially lead to expectancy in God.”GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.13

    EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT

    WASe

    Sixth Meeting

    At the sixth meeting of the department, held Friday, May 30, at 8 A. M., the committee on plans submitted a partial report, which it was voted to adopt by considering its items separately. The first resolution reads as follows:—GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.14

    (a) That a joint educational and young people’s convention to last two weeks, be held in the summer of 1914 at such time and place as the department may determine.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.15

    (b) That in view of the considerable amount of technical work to be done by the educational representatives in attendance at this meeting, the time of the convention be divided between the two branches of work, on the basis of two to one in favor of the educational.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.16

    (c) That the division of time be by sections rather than by days, so that both interests shall receive consideration from first to last.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.17

    (d) That the officers and the available members of the two departments constitute a joint program committee.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.18

    (e) That the program be arranged as a united whole.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.19

    (f) That the program committee, in consultation with the secretaries of sections and the heads of departments of higher schools, lay out work for the various sections, as well as for the general meetings.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.20

    This resolution was discussed by Elders Farnsworth and Thurston, who spoke of the expense involved in holding large gatherings of this kind, and suggested the feasibility of postponing such a convention one year, so as to hold it in connection with the next General Conference of the North American Division. Professor Salisbury, the chairman, in replying, pointed out some of the difficulties in the way of holding an educational convention in close connection with the General Conference, and gave reasons why the educators needed to come together and talk over their work. Professor Howell, E. R. Salisbury, Russell, and others spoke in a similar way, urging the importance of the proposed convention as a means of strengthening and unifying our educational work. The question was finally called, resulting in the adoption of the resolution.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.21

    A second resolution, calling for a normal institute, to be held immediately preceding the educational convention, was briefly discussed. Copies of the report of the committee on normal standards were passed out, and Mrs. Osborne discussed the report at some length, making many helpful suggestions. Miss Peck set forth the reasons for an adaptation of the normal work to meet the present urgent and immediate needs of church-school teachers.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.22

    The meeting was adjourned without further action.GCB June 3, 1913, page 255.23

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