MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER SERIES
NUMBER THREE-REVISED
HISTORY
OF THE
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK
By Mrs. L. Flora Plummer and Matilda Erickson
Issued by
THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT — THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS Takoma Park, -	- Washington, D. C.
Price, Four Cents
Motto: “ For the Love of Christ con-straineth us.”
Aim: "The Advent Message to all the world in this generation.”
Early History of the Young People’s Work
IN taking a long, difficult journey, among the questions uppermost in the mind, are, How far have we come? How far. have we yet to go? It is surely well, occasionally, to look back at our starting point, take accurate measurements of the distance over which we have come, recalling experiences by the way.
Going back to the beginning, we may say that for many years we, as a people, were astonishingly blind to the necessity of nurturing, developing, training, and setting to work the great army of our young people, the flower of our flock, the sturdy recruits who were to win the final battles,—the embryo warriors who were to carry the flag to the highest ramparts of the enemy, as well as to plant it firmly in the deepest, darkest spots of heathendom.
The First Society
So far as is known, the first organization of a Seventh-day Adventist Young People’s Society was formed by Luther Warren, then a boy in his teens, at Hazelton, Shiawassee Co., Michigan, in 1879, This society was at first a band of boys who met together for prayer and to lay plans of work for themselves and for others. Later the girls of the church became members. Prayer meetings, temperance meetings, and missionary meetings were held. They prepared and signed a straight-edged temperance pledge against the use of pork, tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. Their missionary _work included the giving and soliciting j>f *	3~
money, the (distribution of papers and tractSj andjnissionary correspondence.
With the exception of a few other places where spasmodic and fragmentary work was done in behalf of the youth, the overseers of the flock paid but little attention to the training of the youth in the churches, and the real problem of saving our own young people in the kingdom of God and to the Master’s service seemed not to be recognized at all as a problem. In this as in other great matters, the Lord, through the Spirit of prophesy, pointed out the neglect and the remedy.
Testimonies on Young People’s Work
The first Testimonyjbearing directly upon the organization of our young people for work was given in Australia in 1892. Immediately after hearing this, Elder A. G. Daniells organized a society of about twenty young people in connection with the church at Adelaide, South Australia. Young People’s meetings were held in the church and at the homes of the young people. Bible studies were taken up and missionary enterprises undertaken. Their society continued for a number of years, and its influence was directly helpful in developing young workers.
This first Testimony was dated Melbourne, Australia, December 19, 1892, but was not made public in this country until it was read, January 29, 1895, by Elder O. A. Olsen, President of the General Conference, at the council meeting preceding the General Conference of that year. The Testimony dealt with the general principles of organization. One paragraph, since widely quoted, is as follows:—
4
“We have an army of youth to-day who pap do much if they are properly directed ancLen: gouraged. We want our children to believe the truth. We want them to be blessed of God. We want them to act a part in well-organized pi an sfOrbHp i n g other youth. Let all be so trained“TbMThey may rightly represent the truth, giving the reason of the hope that is within them, and honoring God in any branch of the work where they are qualified to labor.”
In its issue of May 29, 1893, the Signs of the Times contains an article by Mrs. E. G. White giving more definite instruction concerning the organization of our young people:—
“Young men and young women, can not you form companies, and, as soldiers of Christ, enlist in the work, putting all your tact and skill and talent into the Master’s service, that you may save souls from ruin? Let there be companies organized in every church to do this work. . . .
“ Will thg young men and young women who really love Jesus organize themselves as work-Sers, not only^fofThose who profess to be Sabbath-keepers, but for those who are not of our faith?”
October 2, 1893, extracts from Testimonies relative to Medical Missionary Work were published, in which reference is made to the work of the Christian Endeavor Society, as follows:—
“Letthere be a company formed somewhat after the order of the Christian Endeavor Society, and see what can be done by each accountable human agent in watching for and improving opportunities to do work for the Master. He has a vineyard in which every one can perform good work. Suffering humanity needs help everywhere.”
In the Review and Herald of January 16, 1894, an article from Sister White giving instruction particularly to students in our schools, again
5
makes mention of the Christian endeavor idea, thus:—
“Every one who seeks to do well in his own finite strength will find his efforts a failure; but those who accept Christ by faith will find him a personal Saviour. They will enlist in his army, they will become his soldiers and fight the good fight of faith. If they are students in the school they will feel that they are enlisted to make the school the most orderly, elevated, praiseworthy institution in the world. They will put every jot of their influence on the side of God, on the side of Christ, and on the side of heavenly influences. They will feel it to be their duty to form a Christian endeavor society that they may help every student to see the inconsistency of a course of
action that God will not approve........They
will form Christian endeavor meetings to make plans that will be a blessing to the institution of learning, and do all in their power to make the school what God designed and signified that it should be. They will have in mind the values and efficiency of Christian endeavor meetings in preparing missionaries to go forth to give the warning to the world.”
The formation of our young people and children into bands of workers was presented by the same author in the Youth's Instructor', August 9, 1894, follows:—
“Even though pastors, evangelists, and teachers should neglect the seeking of the lost, let not the children and youth neglect to be doers of the word. . . . Let young men, and women, and children go to work in the name of Jesus. Let them unite together upon some plan and order of action. Can not you form a band of workers, and have set times to pray together and ask the Lord to give you his grace, and put forth united action? You should consult with men who love and fear God, who have experience in the work, that under the movings of the Spirit of God, you may form plans and develop methods by which you may work in earnest for certain results. ’ ’
6
Sunshine Bands
Following closely after the publication of the first of the foregoing Testimonies, Elder Luther Warren began the formation of u Sunshine Bands.” The first was organized June. 11^1894, at Alexandria, SouthtDakota. Similar bands were formed at later dates at other places, and August 30, 1896, a Sunshine Band convention was held at Bridgewater, South Dakota, with delegates in attendance from Alexandria, Parker, Sioux Falls, and Montrose. In 1897 bands were organized at Battle Creek, Mich., one in the Sanitarium and one among the workers in the Review and Herald office. In May, 1899, while Elder Warren was working in Omaha, Nebraska, a little monthly journal called Sunshine, was published for nearly a year in the interest of this work.
Conference Recognition
The OhiojDonference was the first conference to give recognition to the young people’s work in an organized form. At a State meeting held at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in April, j,899^,the Testimonies were studied, and a conservative recommendation passed favoring the development of the young people’s work. At the camp-meeting held in August of the same year, a forward step was taken by providing State officers for a young people’s organization. Albert Carey was chosen as president and Miss Jeanette Haskell as secretary. (‘ Chris-, tian Volunteers” was the name chosen by the *m§mbefa"wfi6~signed the following declaration:—
* ‘Recognizing the preciousness of God’s gift to me, I volunteer lor^service for him any^
7
where in the wide World that his Spirit maV iead,lTnd~Th~any form of service that he may ■ direct.” ,
About sixty young people signed this “ Vol -unteer Certificate, ” thus identifying themselves with this work at the start.
Iowa
In the year 1900 the Iowa Tract Society corresponding secretary, Miss Della Wallace, received a number of letters asking for suggestive ways of interesting our young people in the truth. Careful study brought attention to some of the Testimonies urging the need of organizing our young people for service. Before any suggestion was made to thorn to do so, the young people at Sigourney organized for home work. Some who were connected with that first little band are now bearing heavy responsibilities in foreign fields,—one in Portugal, two in China.
No conference recognition was given at this time. In 1901 an organization was effected in the Des Moines church, and a constitution and by-laws adopted. In a comparatively short time fourteen societies were organized with a membership of 186. The secretary said of these, “Some are doing excellent work; others do not have a clear idea as to the object of their organization.”
When the General Conference plans were placed before the leaders, Iowa reorganized in harmony with the recommendations made.
General Conference Action
It was not until 1901 that any steps were taken by the General Conference toward the development of the Young People’s Work. The situation at that time was not the most encouraging. While the influence of what had been done was being felt in a few of the conferences, there was no uniformity of action.
8
The plans of organization were varied according to the ideas of the leaders in the conferences. Societies were formed, then oftentimes discontinued from lack of interest. Some were conducted in a way to invite reproach upon the whole movement. Difficulties were encountered. Apparently insurmountable obstacles appeared on the horizon. Conservatism raised the danger cry.
At the same time each church and company of believers were face to face with the fact that their children and youth were losing interest in the message, and were steadily and rapidly drifting away from the church and seeking their pleasure and their work in the world. Sober minds were asking, Where are our young people of ten years ago? What proportion of them are now bearing responsibilities in the work of God? Are our churches everywhere materially strengthened and helped by the consecrated energy, enthusiasm, and stability of the strong men and women who a few years ago were children in the congregation of our people? The answer which almost every church had to give to such questions revealed the universal need of well-directed efforts in carrying out the instruction given by the Spirit of prophesy eight years before.
Recognizing the need of a uniform plan of action, the General Conference at Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1901 passed the following recommendation:—
“We approve the movement to organize young people’s societies for more effectual missionary service; and we recommend that a committee of nine or more representative persons be appointed to form a plan of organization and report it to this Conference for consideration.”
The following persons were appointed to act as the committee of nine: Luther Warren, S, M. Butler, H. H. Burkholder, M. E. Cady,
M. C. Wilcox. Mrs. S. N. Haskell, Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, Estella Houser, Harry Champ-ness.
The writer well remembers the meetings of this committee,—the earnest prayers for divine guidance, the close study of the Testimonies, and the earnest spirit prevailing.
The committee made the following report which was unanimously adopted:—
Report of Committee on Young People’s Organizations
‘ ‘Your committee would with burdened hearts recommend that something more effectual be done, and that speedily, to save our children, youth, and young people, and to develop them as laborers for God. As primary steps in this work, we would respectfully suggest the following:—
‘ ‘ 1. That we would urge our ministers, church officers, Sabbath-school and other workers, to encourage our young people, youth, and children to organize themselves into simple working bands, or companies, under the direction and council of wise, spiritual leaders.
“2. That these bands, or companies, be adapted to the material at hand, the churches of which they are a part, and the work which surroundings and opportunities bring them, and that more elaborate organization be a matter of growth and necessity and not of form.
“3. That the work of these bands include all phases of missionary and Christian help work.
“4. That all our workers in these lines, our church members, young and old, be entreated to do all in their power to plan and labor as those who are indeed one in Christ Jesus.
“5. That our conference be asked to connect this work with the Sabbath-school or missionary department of the Conference work, that these bands of young workers may have some central source of instruction and channel of communication.
‘ ‘ 6. That our Conferences set such men as are especially adapted to this work to help our
10
larger and city churches, organizing and training our churches, especially our young people and youth, more effectually to labor for the Master.
“7. That a department in the Youth's Instructor be open for the advancement of this work among the young people.
‘ ‘ 8. That the Executive Committee of this Conference appoint a committee to study this work, and push it forward.
‘ ‘ Luther W arren “S. M. Butler “H. H. Burkholder “M. E. Cady “Mrs. S. N. Haskell ‘ ‘ Mrs. L. Flora Plummer “ M. C. Wilcox “Estella Houser.”
Young People's Work Connected with the.
Sabbath-school Department t /fd (
At a meeting of the General Conference Committee in May, following the General Conference session, it was decided to connect the young people’s work with the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference, then located at Minneapolis, Minn., of which the writer was secretary.
Form of Organization
It seemed imperative that the Department should recommend some general form of organization which would meet with favor in the field, and which would lead to unity of action among all young people’s workers.
A letter was sent to Mrs. E. G. White, asking for additional information concerning the statements in the ‘ ‘ Testimonies” referring to the Christian Endeavor Society as a model after which to pattern our work. Elder W. C. White replied, stating that the letter had been read to his mother, and giving the following comment:—
11
“Mother says that in that which has been written regarding the Young People’s work, it has been the spirit and energy, the far-reaching efforts in behalf of all lines of Christian work, as reported through the officers of the Christian Endeavor Societies, that is worthy of imitation. It is the energy, the faithfulness, the alertness, and the devotion of members in these societies which is pointed to as an example to us, rather than the plan of organization, the constitution and machinery.”
The Department Committee unanimously felt that the situation would be best met by the simplest possible form of organization that could be made effective. It was finally determined to place the standard of membership where the ‘ ‘ Testimonies” seemed to place it, and call for those “who really love Jesus” to organize for service. The following Membership Card was adopted:—
No.
MEMBERSHIP CARD
Young People’s Society of Seventh-day Adventists
Motto: —“ For the love of Christ con-straineth us.”
Aim: —“The Advent message to all the world in this generation.”
Loving the Lord Jesus, and desiring to be of service in his cause, I associate myself with the Young People’s Society, to take an active part in its work, and by the grace of Christ, to do what I can to help others, and to send the gospel of the kingdom to all peoples, at home and abroad.
DATE.
ADDRESS.
12
It seemed quite clear that our plans should not follow the idea of an organization independent of the church, but rather that it should bear the relation of a department to the church work. The following suggestions concerning the details of organization were printed on the membership card:—
“ Young People's Society of Seventh-day Adventists
“Object. —Association for Bible study and mutual encouragement in every good work.
“Members.—Young people who love Jesus and desire to engage in active service in his cause may be members. Membership implies the duty of faithfulness in all that tends to promote the object of the society.
“Management.—The church and Sabbath-school officers shall form an Advisory Committee to act with the officers elected by the Young People’s Society, in arranging for the meetings and work of the society.
“Officers. — The officers of each society shall be a leader, an assistant, a secretary, and a treasurer. If desired, one person may be elected both secretary and treasurer. In large companies, where divisions of the society are advisable, department officers may be elected as may be necessary.
“Term of Office and Manner of Election.— The term of office shall not be for a longer period than six months. Two weeks before the expiration of the term, a Nominating Committee shall be appointed to bring before the society at the next meeting nominations for officers for the ensuing term. This committee shall be expected to council with the elder of the church and the superintendent of the Sab-bath-school in making up its report, so that in all things the work of the society may be under the guidance of the church.
“Reporting. — The secretary of the local society shall report to the State Secretary of the Young People’s Department, who shall, in turn, report to the Corresponding Secretary of the General Conference Department.”
13
Early Progress
With the membership Cards, retailing at one cent each, as the only “literature” of the Young People’s Work, the General Conference Sabbath-school Secretary began by correspondence during the summer of 1901, to agitate the organization of young people’s societies, in harmony with the instruction given, and in accordance with the plans outlined by the Department Committee. Only fragments of time could be spared for this. A stupendous obstacle to progress was met in the fact that only three conferences out of the fifty in this country had a young people’s secretary. No one in the other conferences had any authority to begin this work by correspondence or otherwise. Undoubtedly those who were at that time really interested in the development of the work could have been numbered upon the fingers of one hand. Efforts to secure the official appointment of conference young people’s workers met with very tardy responses, and we felt that the future of this work was surely trembling in the balance. With the courage born of despair, the secretary sent letters to the Sabbath-school secretaries in all the conferences that had no young people’s worker, announcing that the Department would regard them as leaders of the Young People’s Work in their respective fields until their conferences chose some one else for that work. Questionable as such a method of appointment was, it proved effective. No conference president objected. No protest loud enough to reach the ears of the Department was made.
Next began the work of arousing, enthusing, inspiring, and educating the small army of drafted workers to see clearly the need and the possibility of organizing our young people for service. Surely those were days when we did not walk by sight, and oftentimes our faith was wavering.
14
Progress was certainly slow during the next two years. Looking back, we can affirm, however, that it was steady. Gradually the interest widened and deepened. Societies were organized and many continued in successful operation past the experimental stage. Prejudice began to give way. Friends of the work multiplied.
In 1902 one of the leading General Conference workers, after attending the camp-meetings, wrote: “The Young People’s movement is a growing factor in our work. Its influence is already felt in the field. The development has not been so much by any molding influence working from without as by the growth of an idea from within.
“We are not rallying around any phrase, or pressing on in this movement because it is the customary thing now-a-days to have young people’s societies. Implanted within the hearts of the youth of this denomination by the Holy Spirit is the deepening conviction that there is a definite work for the young people to do in ushering in the glorious coming of our Lord. The movement truly is of God at this time, and to meet the call of the hour. ’ ’
Published Lessons
From the very commencement of this work there was a call for a regular series of studies to be furnished. It was desired that these should be helpful for individual study, and .also of such a nature that they could be adapted to programs for young people’s meetings. From time to time careful plans have been laid for supplying this need.
In this connection it is interesting to note that the Youth's Instructor of June 27, 1901, contained the first official Department of the Young People’s work, A series of studies with “Steps to Christ” as the basis was begun in this number, these being so arranged as to 15
be of use in young people’s meetings. This study continued for three months. During the winter of 1901-2, the societies were advised to use the Reading Circle studies which were then published for the benefit of the whole denomination. One week in each month was devoted to the study of mission fields. A series of Bible studies occupied the remainder of the time until the close of 1902.
Beginning with 1903 a topical study on the prominent points of our faith was presented, with “ Early Writings,” “ Great Controversy, ” and “Rise and Progress” as aids. In August, 1903, the societies began a chapter study of “Great Controversy,” which continued about a year. Next came a close study of the Life of the Apostle Paul, based upon the scriptures, with “Sketches from the Life of Paul” as a help. This study continued until November, 1905. In January, 1906, a series of “Mission Studies” was begun. Beginning in November, 1906, the Mission Studies were alternated with a book study of “Ministry of Healing.”
General Conference, 1903
At the General Conference held in Oakland, Cal., in the spring of 1903, the secretary of the Sabbath-school Department included the Young People’s Work in her report. The following extracts will be of interest:—
“The last General Conference laid the foundation for an organized movement in behalf of our young people. . . . There is not a wonderful growth to report, yet surely a substantial beginning has been made. We have an actual record of 186 societies, with a membership of 3,478. In addition the State workers report that about 1,000 additional young people have been brought into touch with the movement by personal correspondence. This number includes many that are isolated.
(‘ Faithful endeavor has been made to bring the work up to a high standard. We have con-16
stantly urged that every meeting that is held, and every plan that is laid, should be wholly in line with the object of the movement. Every discouragement has been given to that which is light and frivolous, merely entertaining, or only social in its nature. The binding together of our young people for anything else than mutual help in Bible and missionary study, and for missionary service, seems a deviation from the pattern placed before us.
“We are glad to report that some magnificent work has been done by our young people’s societies. Their efforts have extended into almost every line of missionary work. Books, tracts, and papers have been sold; branch Sabbath-schools held; jail work done; Christian help work of all kinds undertaken; Bible readings and cottage meetings conducted; money collected for church debts, church repairs and local missionary enterprises. The young people of Iowa have collected $372.85, in support of the work in France; the Battle Creek society has raised a fund of over $400 for the purpose of supporting one of their number in the Syrian field ; the Upper Columbia societies are supporting a native missionary in China, $183 having been given already for work at home and abroad. In the aggregate the societies have accomplished much that is worthy of commendation. . . . The movement is advancing, and is gaining in strength and power. What it needs is more general personal labor and encouragement from workers in the field. Secretaries may correspond and advise and suggest, but the need of the societies is personal contact with wise helpers. If the ministers in every conference would make the Young People’s Work a prominent part in their work, many of the discouraging features would melt away.”
The following recommendations were passed by this Conference:—
“ We recommend, That the General Conference Sabbath-school Department be directed to lay plans that shall foster, improve, and build up tne young people’s work.
“That the ministers, and other workers 17
throughout the field be urged to give this work their hearty support and co-operation.”
Removal to Washington
In November, 1903, the Sabbath-school Department was moved to Washington, D. C., and the Young People’s Work became thus connected with the General Conference headquarters. From that time on the work stood on vantage-ground. Early in 1904 suitable blanks for reporting were provided for individual members of societies, for society secretaries, and for conference secretaries. A thirty-two page Manual was published. This Manual contained extracts from the “Testimonies,” and set forth the duty of the church to the Young People’s Society and the relation of the society to the church. Suggestions were also given in all the details of the organization of the work. The Manual had a very large circulation, and a second edition was necessary
Mrs. Flora L. Bland acted as secretary of the General Conference Sabbath-school and Young People’s Department from October, 1904, until June, 1905. The writer then resumed her former connection with the office.
The first published summary of the work of the societies was for the quarter ending Dec. 31,	1904. While a large number of so-
cieties had not yet responded to the request for statistical reports, one hundred and thirty societies reported 2,182 members. By far the the larger proportion of these were in the Central, Lake, and Pacific Union Conferences, as the larger number of active secretaries were located in those Unions.
General Conference, 1905
The following extracts from the report of the secretary (Mrs. Flora L. Bland) to the General Conference delegates assembled atTakoma Park, Washington, D. C., in 1905, shows the status of the work at that time:—
18
“ Since the iast General Conference the number of societies has practically doubled, and hundreds of young people who are too far from a society to belong to it or to meet with it, are doing substantial missionary work. At present we have more then three hundred and fifty well-organized societies, with a membership of fully live thousand. This is the beginning of the ‘ array of youth who can do much if they are properly'directed and encouraged.’
‘‘Many encouraging reports have been received. One State alone has raised one hundred and twenty-seven dollars for Korea, forty-eight dollars for a native laborer, eighty-five dollars for the Southern work, thirty dollars for India, and many thousands of pages of literature have been scattered, and much other work done, the results of which probably never will be known until the Lord rewards his children for what they have done. In another State a tent for use in Ceylon was largely paid for by the young people. The societies are generally doing regular, systematic work in the distribution of literature, soliciting money for charitable purposes, etc., but we have been unable to secure a complete report of what has really been accomplished.
; ‘ The work of our young people is not confined to the United States. In England Sabbath afternoon meetings for young people have been started. They sell papers, loan tracts, etc., and it has been found that they can often reach people whom older ones can not approach. Ten young men in our training college in London have charge of five different companies, two to each company, besides attending to their studies in the college.
“In Rarotonga, Cook Islands, there is a flourishing Young People’s Society; also in Port of Spain, Trinidad, there is an excellent society in operation. The secretary of the French-Latin field writes: ‘We have young people’s societies organized wherever there are a sufficent number of youth and children to form one, and where there are the proper persons to conduct them. ’
‘ ‘ In Australia much interest has been taken
19
in the young people. Excellent work has been accomplished. In fact reports indicate that in all parts of the world an effort is being made to enlist the talent of youth in the cause of the Lord, with encouraging results.”
This General Conference passed the following resolutions : —
Realizing the definite call of God to our young people to organize for service, and believing that the good work already begun in this direction should be encouraged and strengthened throughout the entire field; therefore, —
“ We recommend, That the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference give special attention to this branch of the work in calling the attention of the various Union and State conferences to the need of the appointment of suitable persons who can devote a part or the whole of their time to this branch of the cause, as circumstances demand.
“ We recommend, That so far as possible, the young people’s meetings at camp-meetings and other general gatherings be made more practically missionary in character; first, by introducing live missionary studies; second, by actually enlisting the young people in evangelistic effort for themselves and for others.
“ We recommend, That superintendents and secretaries of local conference Sabbath-school and young people’s departments seek to encourage the young people’s societies under their supervision to unite in the support of one or more laborers in some mission field.”
During the session of the General Conference, frequent meetings were held with those in attendance who were interested especially in the young people’s work. The difficulties in the way of more rapid progress were fairly faced, and an earnest effort made to find solutions to the problems that were perplexing. In these little meetings the conviction was freely expressed that the Young People’s Work should be made a separate department, as the slender force of workers connected with the
20
Sabbath-school Department could not do full justice to the heavy work of both lines. However, no official action was taken.
During the next two years the work proceeded in the same way and along the same lines as heretofore.
A Summary of Work Done
The following is a summary of work reported by societies in all the world from the beginning of the organization down to June 30, 1907, which really marks the first epoch in the history of this work. The largest number of societies actually reporting in any one quarter previous to that time was 272, the largest
membership, including the isolated, 5,400 : —
Missionary letters written............ 18,842
Missionary letters received............ 6,579
Missionary visits..................... 56,432
Bible readings or cottage meetings—	20,600
Subscriptions taken for periodicals...	6,577
Papers sold.......................... 301,292
Papers mailed or given away.......... 427,084
Books sold............................ 23,444
Books loaned.......................... 10,171
Pages of tracts sold................. 178,726
Pages of tracts given away......... 2,100,038
Hours of Christian Help work........	31,161
Persons supplied with food, clothing..	10,921
Offerings for home mission work......$3,512.75
Offerings for foreign mission work___7,361.31
The development of this work has not been confined within the boundaries of the United States. The Jamaica Conference was the first foreign field to send in a report. Australia did nobly in fostering the work, organizing it as a department of the Tract Society. The activity of these young people in missionary lines has been very commendable. Their report for the quarter ending June 30,1907, shows one thousand and twenty members. A good beginning has also been made in the British Union, and South Africa Union Conferences,
21
Convention Plans
At a meeting of the General Conference Committee held Feb. 8, 1907, the interest of the Sabbath-school and Young People’s Work received special attention.
It was finally decided that the general situation and interest warranted the appointment of a General Conference Sabbath-school and Young.People’s Convention to be held during the year, and a general attendance of representative workers should be invited. Later the appointment was made for Mt. Vernon, O., July 10-21, 1907, and the Sabbath-school Department was authorized to plan the details for this meeting.
Council at Gland, Switzerland
The next step in the development of the Young People’s Work was taken by the General Conference Committee which convened at Gland, Switzerland, May 9, 1907. ,The following extract from the report of the Secretary of the council, is of deepest interest, as it indicates clearly the advent of a new era in the young people’s work : —
“Still the council faces, day by day, in its study of the fields, the divine call to bring every resource into service for the closing work. The following recommendations were passed: —
“ Whereas, There are in our ranks many thousand of young people for whom the most earnest and vigorous efforts should be put forth to fully instruct them in the gospel of our Lord, and lead them to give themselves to the work of the third angel’s message; and,—
“ Whereas, The special blessing of God has attended the efforts among our young people put forth under the fostering care of the Sabbath-school Department, until it has grown to such an extent that it is difficult for this department to give this work the attention and help which it needs; therefore,—
22
“lResolved, That in order that this work may be properly developed, and thus an army of workers properly trained for service, a special department, with the necessary officers, be created, the same to be known as the Young People’s Department of the General Conference.
“In the discussion of the action by representatives present, it was testified that the youth of the denomination in all the world are being moved by one common impulse to offer themselves for service.”
In completing the organization of the new department, the following appointments were made: —
Officers of Young People’s Department
Chairman, M. E. Kern.
Secretary, Miss Matilda Erickson.
Committee: G. B. Thompson, H. R. Salisbury, F. Griggs, Mrs. Fannie Dickerson Chase, Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, Meade MacGuire, C. L. Benson. Later the following names were added: M. E. Cady, Miss Edith M. Graham, W. T. Bartlett, Erik Arnesen, Miss Pearl Hal-lock, Mrs. Mettie S. Lenker, E. S. Taylor, W. W. Ruble, Mrs. Carrie R. King, Mrs. V. J. Farnsworth, Miss Mary Robertson, H. H. Cobban, C. D. Lude.
This* decisive action, following so closely upon the appointment for a General Conference young people’s convention, brought courage to every heart burdened with a desire to see this work advance. The pillar of cloud gave evidence of lifting, and among young people’s workers everywhere there was the preliminary stir for an onward march.
The First General Conference Sabbath-school and Yonng People’s Convention
The program for this meeting held at Mt. Vernon, O., July 10-21, 1907, was painstak-ingly planned. Five days of the time were de-
23
voted to the consideration of the most vital questions,—the underlying principles of this work, its colossal needs, the insufficiency of past attainments, and the remedies therefor. In purpose, character, and far-reaching results this convention ranks as a very important meeting in the history of our cause.
The attendance was excellent. More than two hundred representative workers were gathered. Most careful study was given to every phase of this work. The experiences of the past six years made possible a careful and intelligent study of the needs. The preliminary work was done. The foundation had been laid. Next in order were carefully matured plans for the completed structure. All hearts coveted a clearer discernment of the purpose of God. Our Heavenly Father graciously blessed. Light came in. Step by step advanced plans were unfolded, and set forth so irresistably that they met a hearty response. Eyes were opened to larger expectations, larger attempts, larger results. As we caught a view of the accumulative power and self-propagating force of our army of youth, organized and trained for service, it seemed that we had suddenly come into possession of a gigantic dynamo of energy and spiritual power, with which to finish the work of the Lord in this generation.
Enlargement of Plans
It will not be necessary to go into details in enumerating the changes in plans, the enlargement of the somewhat meager limits hitherto undertaken, the complete working out of which is still future. Just a word in general: —
That which had before been known by the rather meaningless term, “Young People’s Work” and “Young People’s Societies” was given a definite name, indicating the nature and work of the organization. In the General, Union, and local conferences the organization 24
is now known as the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department, and the society in the local churches is called the Seventh-day Adventist Young People’s Society of Missionary Volunteers.
The membership is limited to “ those who are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and are willing to engage in active service for Christ.”
The members are encouraged to reach a standard of attainment, which requires the passing of an examination in the history of our denomination and the cardinal points of our faith.
Nice adjustment was made showing the proper relation of Missionary Volunteer Societies to the regular church missionary society, and plans outlined for regular meetings and work.
A practical, helpful Reading Course was arranged.
At the close of the Convention the newly created Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference stood upon a firm basis, the chairman and secretary arranging to give their entire time to its interests.
No one who has been closely associated with the history of this work can now lack faith in its successful future. As we sense the power of our army of Christian youth, ready to move at a word, as we catch visions of their strength and might when imbued by the Spirit of God, we know of a certainty that through them this entire people will be stirred to greater zeal and sacrifice, and that this gospel of the kingdom shall be carried to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people in this generation.
Mrs. L. Flora Plummer.
25
Recent Developments
More than six years have passed since the memorable convention held at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, in 1907; and as we look back over these swiftly passing years, we are constrained to say, “ Behold what God hath wrought.” The excellent plans laid at that time marked the course of advance for the Missionary Volunteer Movement. Throughout the field faithful leaders have worked diligently and prayerfully to carry out these plans, and God has blessed their efforts abundantly. Not all that we desire has been accomplished, but we are grateful for what has been done, which, without a special effort for the youth, probably would have been left undone.
The interest in Missionary Volunteer work has been manifestly deepened. More time is being given to its development; more extensive and more intensive work is being done; and well directed efforts are resulting in conversions and in increased missionary activity among the youth. There is a general awakening to the fact that “the Lord has appointed the youth to be his helping hand ” in giving the gospel to the world; and that our young people well organized for service are a powerful factor in the prosecution of that work.
On page 22 is the resolution passed by the General Conference Committee assembled at Gland, Switzerland, in 1907. In 1909, when the General Conference met in Washington, D. C., several resolutions relative to the young people’s work were passed. The most important ones follow: —
Missionary Volunteer Department
Recognizing the great need of a special work to be done for and by the thousands of youth
26
among us, and also the good results that have already come from the establishment of the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Depart-
menlS-
~~TTResolved, That we heartily approve of the action of the General Conference Committee in the establishment of this department, and of the dafnest efforts mat have been put forth to inspire our young people with high purposes, and to organize them for service.
Spiritual Life
Recognizing that the greatest need of our young people is a deep spiritual life, that they may meet the approval of God in their own lives, and be able to lead others to Christ,—
2.	Resolved, (a) That we emphasize a change of heart and the reception of the Holy Spirit as fundamental in all our work for the youth; and,—
(6) That to this end more earnest evangelistic effort be carried forward in their behalf.
Personal Work
3.	Resolved, That in planning work for our young people we emphasize personal work as fundamental, and the basis of all lines of Christian work; and that, to this end, we encourage the formation of small bands for prayer and definite effort.
Educational Features
Recognizing the importance of our youth being thoroughly grounded in the truths of the Scriptures, and in the history and principles of the advent movement; and recognizing .the necessity of our young people storing their minds with valuable information,—
4.	Resolved, That we heartily approve of the Standard of Attainment, Missionary Volunteer Reading Course, the preparation and selection of suitable literature for the young, and other educational features of the Missionary Volunteer work.
27
Leadership
Whereas, The success of our Missionary Volunteer work depends very largely upon proper leadership; and,—
Whereas, This labor for the salvation and training of our youth is missionary work of the highest order; therefore,—
5.	Resolved, That our conferences make special efforts to secure the very best talent for this important work, and that the churches be encouraged to use great care in the selection of local leaders.
6.	Resolved, That the present plan of organization be recommended to all our union and local conferences, as the general plan for the upbuilding of this important department of our work.
Junior Work
Realizing the great importance of the early training of our children in the Lord’s work.—
7.	Resolved, (a) That, first of all, parents be encouraged to associate their children with themselves in study and missionary work.
(b)	That we encourage the organization of Junior Missionary Volunteer societies only in church schools, and in large churches where home conditions seem to demand it, and suitable leaders can be obtained.
(c)	That in any church where there are children, a Junior leader may be appointed, who will plan especially for the spiritual interests of the children, and enlist the co-operation of the Sabbath-school workers and the Missionary Volunteer society in work for them.
{d) That children who love the Lord and unite in this work, either in a separate society or in connection with the Missionary Volunteer society, be reported as “junior members.”
Camp-meeting Work
Recognizing the great opportunities offered at our annual camp-meetings for the salvation of souls, and for the training of our people in all lines of Christian work; therefore,—
28
8.	We recommend, That diligent effort be made at these meetings for the salvation of our children and youth, and for their development as Christian workers; and we urge those who have this work in charge—
(a)	To make wise plans for the meetings and attendance.
(b)	To organize the Christian young people into bands for prayer and personal work.
(c)	To follow up the work diligently so that the results may be permanent.
Finance
Whereas, There is a great educational and spiritual value to our youth in rendering definite assistance to foreign missions,—
9.	Resolved, That the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department keep prepared a list of definite opportunities to help advance the cause, and that the department co-operate with the local conference workers in choosing such of these opportunities as may seem best adapted to the local field.
Literature for Young People in Other Tongues
10.	Resolved, That as far as possible and necessary, the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department co-operate with the foreign departments in America, and with other fields, in producing literature, society lessons, etc., in other languages aside from the English. L
Training in Service
The work of the Missionary Volunteer De-, partment in carrying out the plans laid at Mt. Vernon in 1907 and later at the General Conference in 1909, naturally falls into three divisions; and perhaps there is no better way of following the development of the department than to notice the growth of these various divisions. The chart, “Training in Service,” given below, presents in a general way the three divisions of activity and the methods of developing each: —
29
I.	Devotional.
1.	Consecration Services.
2.	The Morning Watch.
II.	Educational.
1.	The Youth's Instructor.
2.	Society Lessons.
3.	Missionary Volunteer Reading
Courses.
4.	Standard of Attainment.
5.	Leaflet Series.
6.	Libraries.
7.	Camp-meetings and Institutes.
III.	Organized Missionary Effort.
1.	Personal Evangelism.
2.	Literature Work.
3.	Christian Help Work.
4.	Bible Readings and Cottage Meetings.
5.	Temperance, Religious Liberty, etc.
6.	Missionary Correspondence.
7.	Christian Stewardship.
Devotional
The Morning Watch.—The first and greatest need of our youth is more devotion to God and a more definite Christiaii experience. The Morning Watch plan is a call to begin each day with secret prayer, and doubtless the faithful observance of the Morning Watch will do more fhan almost any other one thing to establish between the individual and heaven that unbroken communion which is the secret of right living and of successful soul-winning. Thousands of young people testify that the Morning Watch plan is helping them to form the habit of daily secret prayer and personal Bible study.
The calendar used for promoting the Morning Watch Plan gives a Bible text for each day, and several topics for special prayer each month. The first edition appeared in 1908. That the calendar has made friends rapidly is seen in its circulation, which has been as follows: — 30
1908	............. ............. 6,000 copies
1909	...........................14,500	“
1910	...........................17,500
1911	...........................22,000
1912	...........................25,000
1913... .33,000 copies of the English edition.
Aside from the English edition for 1913, the calendar texts were printed in German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Thus morning by morning, the members of this large prayer circle, coming from all parts of the world, press around the same throne, seeking the same loving Father for victory over temptation and power for Christian service.
Consecration services have been one very effective way of safeguarding young people’s societies against formality and of bringing spiritual power to their members. These services have always been recommended to our Missionary Volunteer societies, but for 1913 each society program allows some time for social service.
Educational Features
The Youth's Instructor for more than fifty years has been one of the greatest single factors in the religious work for the children and youth of this denomination. It is now the organ of the Missionary Volunteer Department and is fulfilling a still wider mission for our youth. The Jugendbode (Youth’s Messenger) has helped to develop the Missionary Volunteer work among the German-speaking youth. Australia publishes a small paper for the benefit of the missionary volunteer organizations in that Union, and the workers in South America conduct a young people’s department in their Spanish paper, La Bevista Adventista.
Society Lessons for each week have been conducted in the Youth's Instructor. An excellent series of studies on missions began in November, 1906, and continued bi-weekly until June, 1909. It was an interesting visit to the world-31
wide field. From November, 1906, until June, 1908, these studies on missions were alternated with lessons on the book, “Ministry of Healing.” Next they were alternated with a short series on Religious Liberty; then from October, 1908, to March, 1909, with lessons on temperance, and last with a brief series of studies on the second coming of Christ. In June the mission studies were completed, and during the summer several weeks were given to the negro work and the remaining time to special programs. In October began a series of weekly lessons on Bible Doctrines, which continued to the close of 1910.
The lessons for 1911 consisted of twelve studies on “The Way to Christ;” eighteen on “Missionary Volunteer Methods;” seven on missions; and miscellaneous studies on important subjects to complete the year, with the exception of a few weeks left blank for each society to provide its own program. The lessons for 1911 were printed in leaflet form to enable the societies to plan their work as far ahead as desirable. The program with additional help also appeared weekly in the Youth's Instructor.
The same plan was followed for 1912. The lessons for that year consisted of twenty-four studies on missions, twelve on missionary volunteer work, eleven on helps for every-day life, and a few miscellaneous subjects.
The Reading Course work is a success, and doubtless is destined to become a power for much good. It is an effort to establish in the lives of our young people the habit of systematic reading of good literature. Thousands of young people and children enroll in the courses, and it is evident that many others read the books without enrolling. The reading circle membership embraces young people in several different countries. The Senior and Junior courses for our English-speaking youth are used most extensively in Australia, Canada, 32
and the United States. In the fall of 1911, a German course was begun; this has enjoyed splendid success. More recently a Japanese course has been started by some of our workers in the Sunrise Kingdom. In January, 1913, a Spanish course was opened in South America, and our youth there pressed into the ever growing reading circle. To each person completing the assigned reading in any course and writing the book reviews required, a reading course certificate is granted. During 1912 about ten times as many reading course certificates were issued as in 1908.
One young man who is now in foreign fields attributes his choice of life work to the influence of a reading course book; a young girl wrote, “I used to be an Adventist because my parents are, but since I read ‘Great Controversy ’ I am an Adventist because I know it is right.” It is still too early to measure the influence that the reading courses are exerting; however, there is abundant evidence that they are fulfilling their intended purpose.
The following books have been used in the Missionary Volunteer reading courses: —
1907-	1908. Senior No. 1.
Early Writings.
Into All the World.
Outline of Mission Fields.
Pastor Hsi.
1908-	1909. Senior No. 2.
Great Controversy.
Daybreak in the Dark Continent.
Junior No. 1.
Child Life in Mission Lands.
Christ Our Saviour.
1909-	1910. Senior No. 3.
Quiet Talks on Service.
The Moslem World.
The Great Second Advent Movement.
33
Junior No. 2.
Letters from the Holy Land.
Some select Bible reading.
My Garden Neighbors.
1910-	1911. Senior No. 4.
Story of John G. Paton.
Turning Points in Successful Careers.
Christ’s Object Lessons.
Junior No. 3.
How the World Is Clothed.
The Story of Pitcairn Island. Those Bible Readings.
1911-	1912. Senior No. 5.
The Price of Africa.
Passion for Men.
Ministry of Healing.
Miracles of Missions.
Junior No. 4.
Uganda’s White Man of Work. Early Writings.
North America.
German No. 1.
Great Controversy.
Life of J. G. Paton.
1912-	1913. Senior No. 6.
The Uplift of China.
Patriarchs and Prophets.
The American Government.
Junior No. 5.
Winning the Oregon Country. Pilgrim’s Progress.
Daybreak in Korea.
German No. 2.
Early Writings.
William Carey.
The Great Second Advent Movement.
Spanish No. 1.
Steps to Christ.
Pilgrim’s Progress.
The Standard of Attainment plan, inaugurated at the Mt. Vernon Convention, has been used 34
of God to stimulate our youth to study Bible doctrines and denominational history. Every young* person is invited to become a member of attainment. One year “The Great Second Advent Movement” was given in the Senior Reading. Course, and the society programs contained a series of forty lessons on Bible doctrines. Aside from this, no special general effort has been made to help individuals in reaching the Standard of Attainment goal. Missionary Volunteer societies have been urged to organize Standard of Attainment bands to meet regularly to study Bible doctrines and denominational history. This plan has met with favor, and to-day we find several hundred young people studying together in bands the important subjects of which the Standard of Attainment membership demands a knowledge. Until the present year the Standard of Attainment membership has grown slowly, though steadily; but about the close of 1912 this plan received a remarkable impetus. Twice each year Standard of Attainment examinations are held, when the General Missionary Volunteer Department sends out as many test questions as the Conference Missionary Volunteer secretaries order. In the spring of 1913, nine times as many sets of test questions were ordered as at any previous examination held.
The Missionary Volunteer Leahet Series has grown until we now have more than forty leaflets on instructive and inspirational subjects. Of each of these leaflets the"1 Department'has circulated several thousand. The demands have made it necessary to republish a number of them. Nearly 40,000 temperance pledges have been circulated, and about 25,000 membership cards. Aside from the leaflets an4 pledges, a reporting system, including record books, has been completed.
Libraries are found in many Missionary Volunteer societies, and the efforts young people’s
35
workers are putting forth to get all societies to build libraries are amply justified because of the saving influence of good books. To help in the selection of books, each young people’s society is invited to make the following fifteen books the nucleus of an ever growing library: “Desire of Ages,” “Steps to Christ,” “Early Writings,” “Passion for Men,” “Great Controversy,” “Education,” “Life of John G. Paton,” “Quiet Talks on Service,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Temperance Torchlights,” “Retrospect, by J. Hudson Taylor,” “Daniel and Revelation,” “Daybreak in the Dark Continent, ” “ Great Second Advent Movement,” and “Individual Work for Individuals.”
It is also suggested that the Reading Course books be added* from year to year. We are gratified to see the efforts put forth to build libraries of choice books, for after all, as Henry Ward Beecher once said, “A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.”
Camp-meetings. The camp-meeting is the golden opportunity of the year. The Missionary Volunteer workers have prayed and planned and worked to make this opportunity a permanent blessing to the youth. God has richly blessed their efforts. Through careful preparation before the meeting, through untiring efforts during the meeting, and by keeping in personal touch with the youth after they leave the camp-ground, much good has been accomplished.
Generally the young people have their own tent for services. Some conferences have also provided two other small tents, one for young men and the other for young women, where they meet separately for prayer, study, and personal work. In harmony with the Spirit of prophecy the morning hour has been given to devotional meetings, while the afternoon has been devoted to the study of the missionary work and the 36
principles of Christian living*. The reports of the camp-meetings last year were inspiring; yet God is leading minds and hearts in outlining improved methods for this work.
Institutes and Conventions have been held in several Union and local conferences. They have been an inspiration to the workers who attended them, and have done much to develop better methods of work. Of one of the institutes a Conference president said: “This has given the Missionary Volunteer work in our conference the greatest impetus it has ever received. ’ ’ The local conventions, now quite generally held throughout our conferences, are proving to be a very effective method for stimulating and educating the members of Missionary Volunteer societies.
Organized Missionary Effort
The devotional and educational features, although absolutely necessary parts of the young people’s work, are largely means to an end. The bugle call sounded in the Spirit of prophecy is, “Will the young men and young women who really love Jesus, organize themselves as workers? ” It is this call that the Missionary Volunteer movement is endeavoring to answer, and by heaven’s blessing the young people’s society is proving to be a training school for young Christians. Associated together, under wise leadership, appointed by the church, the young are built up in Christian life by work and study.
It is the earnest determination of Missionary Volunteer leaders to give personal work its proper place. Naturally it is fundamental to all other lines of missionary activity and should form a part of each of them. All societies are urged to have bands or committees for carrying forward aggressive campaigns along all lines of Christian service,
3?
A Summary of Work Done
Figures will tell more briefly than words the story of progress and of increased missionary activity. On page 21 is a summary of young people’s work from the beginning of the organization until June 30,1907. The following summary gives the work reported from June 30, 1907, until the close of 1912: —
Largest number of conferences reporting in any one quarter..................... 80
Largest number of societies reporting in any one quarter.................... 519
Largest membership, including isolated ................................. 10,898
Largest number of members in Conference Society........................... 692
Letters written....................... 101,001
Letters received....................... 40,244
Missionary visits (personal work)... 284,450 Bible Readings or Cottage Meetings
held................................. 79,208
Subscriptions taken for periodicals..	27,470
Papers sold......................... 1,037,633
Papers mailed, lent, or given away.. 2,093,518
Books sold............................. 90,581
Books lent or given away............... 65,966
Tracts sold........................... 884,282
Tracts lent or given away........... 8,822,442
Hours of Christian Help work.........	335,739
Articles of clothing and number of
meals provided....................... 75,260
Offerings for Foreign Missions.......$54,057.33
Offerings for Home Missions......... 33,099.93
This summary indicates the missionary work reported to the general office. The figures say much; they tell of many noble missionary efforts, and yet they leave the greater part of the story untold. They say nothing of the blessings flowing through these efforts in leading souls to the truth or in binding more securely to the cause the youth who do the work- These 38
are blessings that only Heaven can compute accurately and only eternity can tell.
Giving to Missions
Reports show that since the organization of the young people’s work, the youth have given to home and foreign missions about $90,000. To tell how this money has been used would fill a volume. Some has gone across the waters to pay laborers; to provide missions with typewriters, organs, sanitarium supplies; to send natives to Christian schools, and to build homes for missionaries. Everywhere our Missionary Volunteers are helping to bear the financial burdens resting upon this denomination. During the present year (1913), the young people in South America are raising money for the work in Peru; the Australasian youth are supporting several missionaries in the South Pacific islands; and our Missionary Volunteers in the United States are raising several thousand dollars for definite enterprises. The Atlantic Union young people are raising $750 for the Canary Islands Mission and West African Rest Home; the Columbia Union, $1,000 for the work among the Inca Indians in South America; Lake Union, $1,000 for Elder and Mrs. M. D. Wood in India; the Northern Union, $2,000 to $3,200 for a training-school in China; the Central Union, $2,500 for opening a new mission in India; and the Pacific Union $2,000 for treatment-rooms in Bombay. Aside from these, many other conferences are raising smaller amounts to supply equally urgent calls.
Junior Work
With the growing responsibilities of the regular Missionary Volunteer Work, the General Department has found little time for the development of the Junior work. During the past five years it has conducted a Junior Reading Course, but aside from this the burden of the
39
Junior work has rested almost entirely upon the Conference Missionary Volunteer Secretaries. Many of them have succeeded in organizing a junior society in every church school in their respective conferences, and a few societies have been organized where there are no church schools. The juniors are doing good work, and by various methods are raising money for missions.
General Conference
The General Conference, held in Washington, D. C., May 15 to June 8, 1913, was a great Pentecostal feast which cannot be forgotten by those who attended. The hearts of Missionary Volunteer workers were cheered as they listened to reports telling of the progress the young people’s work is making in the regions beyond. It is unmistakably evident that this work is growing in favor with our workers everywhere. They realize its importance as never before, and feel that where it has not yet been organized it must be developed without further delay. To-day we truly can say that the pillar of cloud has lifted, and that workers everywhere are pressing forward to the complete organization of the movement which has for its object the salvation of every child and young person in the denomination.
Three regular department meetings were held each week. The keynote of the entire series was: “Deeper Consecration and Greater Efficiency.” Elder A. G. Daniells, addressing the young people’s workers in one of these meetings, said: “The Lord is blessing this department. Every year I see wonderful progress made. I feel grateful for the deep interest manifested in it. I am so glad to see the helping hand the greater part of our denomination is giving the youth through it.
“ As we enter upon the next quadrennial period, I expect to see this department gaining 40
great victories and winning most important cori4 quests. It has been only six years since we decided to organize this department. We just had a good start four years ago. And what hath God not wrought for our young people? I go about to the church schools, and intermediate schools and colleges, and to camp-meetings. I am coming in closest touch with this great mass of people, and I know that there is some mighty influence down underneath lifting up. The work is being done, and I believe that we are nearing the point when our young people, as a rule, will be reached by the love of Christ, and will be a converted body throughout our ranks. That is the aim. That is possible, and we must never stop until it is realized.”
In the General Conference and in the Missionary Volunteer Department meetings twenty-four resolutions on Missionary Volunteer work were passed. Space will allow only a few of these important resolutions to appear here. Some deal almost exclusively with methods of building up various lines of work. Those of more general interest follow: —
Trained Leadership
Whereas, The etlorts of the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department to reach all our youth where they are, and to enlist and train them in Christian service, are of the utmost importance to this denomination; and,— Whereas, Success in this work requires Missionary Volunteer leaders who are especially qualified to work for and with the youth; and,— Whereas, There is a growing demand for well-qualified leaders,—
1. Resolved, (a) That our conference officers and school faculties encourage promising young people to prepare for this line of the Lord’s work.
(b)	That for increasing the efficiency of conference Missionary Volunteer secretaries and 41
the preparation of those who contemplate entering the work, we favor some form of special training, such as Missionary Volunteer secretaries’ institutes.
(c)	That the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department endeavor to arrange with the Fireside Correspondence School to conduct a course of study for the benefit of Missionary Volunteer secretaries, and of those who contemplate entering this work.
(d)	That all conferences make a special effort to build up this department of their work by a careful selection of secretaries, in counsel with the Union and General Conference Missionary Volunteer departments, and by having secretaries who have been reasonably successful remain in office long enough to enable them to build up a strong work.
Whereas, Our church school teachers are called upon to act as leaders of the Junior Societies organized in our church schools,—
2.	We recommend, (a) That those in charge of our summer schools be asked to arrange for general instruction in regard to Missionary Volunteer work to be given in connection with the summer-school training so that as the church school teachers take up their work they may be fitted to act as leaders along Missionary Volunteer lines.
(b) That our academies and colleges organize missionary volunteer bands to study systematically and thoroughly the young people’s work in our own denomination; and to study in a general way the organization of young people’s work in other evangelical churches.
Societies in Schools
3.	We recommend, That the young people in our training schools and academies organize and conduct Missionary Volunteer Societies in harmony with the general plans adopted by the Department, and that they counsel with the Un-
42
ion. or local conference Missionary Volunteer Secretary in arranging the most satisfactory time for the election of officers and term of office.
Morning Watch
Whereas, The greatest need among our young people as well as parents is a deepening of the spiritual life in the home and a growing personal experience; and,—
Whereas, Experience has proved that the Morning Watch is one of the most helpful factors in accomplishing this result; therefore,—
4.	We recommend, That more earnest efforts be put forth to encourage the use of the Morning Watch Calendar in every Seventh-day Adventist home, and that some recognition be offered to all who faithfully observe it throughout the year.
The Junior Work
Whereas, It is extremely important that immediate and aggressive efforts be put forth for our children and youth who are too young to join the Missionary Volunteer Society,—
5.	Resolved, That all Union and local conference Missionary Volunteer secretaries take hold of the junior work at once, adopting plans and methods designed to organize and build up this work.
Raising of Funds
Resolved, That in raising funds for interests outside of the local fields, our young people be encouraged to devote their efforts to those enterprises receiving appropriations through the regular channels.
6.	We recommend, (a) That all offerings given by our young people outside the society be placed upon the individual report blank, but that no offerings made in society meetings be reported on this blank.
43
(6) 'fhat all money given through the regular channels for fields outside of the North American Division be reported as Foreign Mission Offerings, and all money given for local society work and home fields be reported as Home Missionary Offerings.
Distribution of Literature
W hereas, Our tract work has proved to be a very efficient method in bringing the truth to the people,—
7.	We recommend, (a) That all our Missionary Volunteers adopt the King’s Pocket League plan; also,—
(6) That the local societies purchase the Missionary Volunteer leaflets for distribution among their members, and,—
(c) That every conference provide its local secretary with same to use in missionary correspondence.
Whereas, A large number of our young people are leaving the truth each year through marrying unbelievers; therefore,—
8.	We urge) That each conference place in the hands of every young person the leaflet entitled, “Marrying Unbelievers.”
Temperance Work, Etc.
Realizing that the cigarette habit is making destructive inroads upon the youth of this generation, and that it is important that all our people should be encouraged to make a special effort to save them from this curse, therefore,— , We recommend, That the department prepare an anti-cigarette pledge card to be used in an aggressive, continuous campaign.
10. We recommend, That all our young people be enlisted in a special campaign to get our literature, such as the Temperance Instructor, Lib-erty, the Protestant Magazine, “Temperance Torchlights,” “The Man that Rum Made,” and other good literature before the public, and further,—
44
11. We recommend, That the Missionary Volunteer Department prepare a temperance program and a Religious Liberty program to be carried out during such campaigns, the same to be published in the Instructs*, Jugendbote, and any other paper having a young people’s department.
The department meetings closed with a consecration service, and the workers present expressed their determination to go. home to expect greater things from God and to attempt greater things for God in behalf of the children and youth of this denomination.
Extent of the Work
“This young people’s work is going around the world carrying blessings in its train.” These prophetic words, uttered some years ago by a worker of wide experience, are rapidly becoming history. Everywhere the Missionary Volunteer movement is reaching out for the children and youth, seeking the isolated as well as those found in churches and companies.
In the spring of 1912 it became evident that the growth of the work demanded more help in the General Department, and in June the General Conference called Elder Meade MacGuire to connect with the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department as Field Secretary.
Not only in the United States and Canada, but in other countries as well, young men and women are pressing into the Missionary Volunteer movement; and now that we have reviewed briefly the progress of the different phases of the young people’s work, let us get a panoramic view of the movement in the regions beyond. Leaving the United States, we find many thriving societies in the West Indies, and some in Central America. In South America, where the work during the last year has received a re-45
markable impetus, the workers are preparing instructive literature and blanks for the newly organized societies. Crossing the Atlantic, we are pleased to learn that the societies in England are doing well, and that the work has been organized in many countries on the Continent. Down in Africa we find some earnest Missionary Volunteers. Then coming to the Australasian Union we are greeted by the strongest Missionary Volunteer organization outside the United States. That Union claims about two thousand enthusiastic Missionary Volunteers, who are doing an abundance of home missionary work, and studying to become better prepared for service. As we turn our eyes to the Orient, we draw new courage from the evidences of progress in those dark heathen countries. There is an interesting young people’s Society in India; another in the Philippine Islands; Japan has a few local organizations; Korea has extended her number to eight; and to-day China also answers to the roll-call. Elder I. H. Evans writes: “We now have two young people’s societies. One is at Amoy and the other is a girls’ society at Canton.”
With this visit to China we complete our circuit around the world. How utterly impossible it is for cold type to tell the story of the Missionary Volunteer mo vement! God has blessed this movement marvelously in the past, and we are persuaded that he has far greater blessings in store for it in the future. As we see how this movement under God is leading young men and women everywhere into Christian service; and as we realize that the salvation of our youth depends largely upon their own efforts to save others, shall we not say, Blest be the tie that binds our youth together into one grand army of soul winners? Matilda Erickson.
46
Come Out, Come Out For Jesus
"Comeout, . . . My people.” Rev. 18:4.
"Come out . . . and be ye separate.” 2 Cor. 6:17
Come out, come out for Jesus,
And show the scoffing world You’re not ashamed to own him,
To hold his flag unfurled.
Come out, come out for Jesus,
And never mind the cost: Hereafter you will reckon As gain the things you lost.
Come out, come out for Jesus,
Give no uncertain sound.
That whose you are may surely Be known to all around.
Come out, come out for Jesus,
Let not your light burn dim,
But mid earth’s gloomy darkness Arise and shine for him.
Come out, come out for Jesus,
This is the winning side, Although we have to wrestle Against the wind and tide.
Come out, come out for Jesus,
Tell of the joy he gives,
And that it is worth living The life a Christian lives.
Tune: "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus.”
47
“The greatest want of the world is the want of men,—men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”—Education, page 57.
“God give us men I A time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands;
Men who possess opinions and a will,
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog In public duty and in private thinking. Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps:
God give us men.”
“With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world!	Education, page 271.