I have been in this State four years; and as the funds have been low, I have spent a good share of the time canvassing. I had no experience to begin with, and had always thought I never could canvass. I also doubted if selling our books could be made a success in this State, but my experience has taught me better. I know it is a good field, and the people need our books.
I am now making “Coming King” my principal book, with “Steps to Christ” and “Gospel Primer” as helps. At first I feared that to tell people I was bringing to them a book on the second coming of Christ and the signs that show his coming near, would arouse prejudice in their minds, but I found this was not so. I represent it first and last and all the way through as a book on that subject, and I talk it just as plainly as I can. I do not need to make a long canvass. I have been surprised to see how readily the people buy, both white and black. The last week I took fifty-three orders for “Coming King,” besides a good many for the small books.
I have enjoyed the work very much. I should be glad to see many more engaged in it. Some fear that they could not make a living, but I believe that a good, faithful worker would not want for the necessities of life, and something might be laid up for a rainy day.
It is perseverance and the blessing of God that give success. Some of our Northern brethren who are obliged to wade through snow-drifts four months in the year, would here find a happy change in that respect. Come and help us.
Since my report of the work here, some of our friends in the North have written, inquiring how they should send money, as Eshool is not a money-order office. To all such I would say that an order on Quitman post-office will be all right. Some have already responded to our call, for which we are very thankful. The land, which is now seventeen acres, is all planted, and everything is doing well. We are grateful for the prosperity the Lord has given us, and will try to use whatever our friends send us as economically as possible.
H. W. Pierce.
The Only Sanitarium for Colored People in the World
By George I. Butler
SANITARIUMS for the white people have been springing up in various places the world over, but especially in the United States of America, in a score of years past. We believe it to be true that the sanitarium in Nashville is the only sanitarium for colored people in the world. It is barely possible there may be an exception. If so, we have never heard of it.
We all regard the work of our sanitariums as a most beneficent, noble, humanitarian work. We all believe these institutions are of vast importance to the white race. The light given us as a people on the subject of health and medical treatment is proving a great blessing to the world. Multitudes are beginning to appreciate the benefits of this light, and many among our white population are availing themselves of it.
Shall the colored race have no opportunity to obtain the same blessings? This is a leading question. There are about eight millions of this race in our great country, the vast majority in the South. Their past experiences have been most unfavorable from a physical standpoint, as well as from many others. A much higher death rate from various diseases has existed among them than among the white people. There is no class of people in our land who need the blessed light on health and diet so much as they do. True philanthropy for their betterment must include genuine instruction in medical missionary work. Here is a great field that duty, benevolence, and mercy demand us to enter. As a people we are seeking to impart to them religious light and instruction, with some success.
This medical missionary work among them is precisely what they need, and as a people they are in suffering need of it. Shall we ignore this want? Shall we leave this race in our very midst, more needy of such help than any other people, without proper instruction or the needed agencies by which to obtain it?
Our sanitariums are the very best means through which to supply the instruction required. They are practical institutions, restoring to health, and giving special instruction to worthy young people to enable them to go forth and impart the same blessed truths to others. They are more than these. They are avenues through which heavenly light and truth are brought under the most favorable conditions to those in sickness, sorrow, and distress, to save souls from eternal loss and ruin.
Shall not the colored race have the benefits of such an institution? with all their other sad experiences and deprivations, their poverty and race troubles, shall they be passed by, ignored, and forsaken by a people who claim to be19raised up to represent Christ's special closing work for the last days? Such a thing ought not to be.
The one poor, weak, struggling, almost forsaken member of the sanitarium family is in Nashville, Tenn. The servant of the Lord said years ago that a sanitarium for the colored people ought to be established in that city. Perhaps there is no city in the South where such an institution would be so favorably located. The existence here of the great Fiske Colored University, and perhaps a dozen other important institutions of learning for that race, makes it an ideal location for a sanitarium for the colored people.
A house was purchased several years ago, and partly paid for. A few necessary articles of furniture were procured, and the little sanitarium entered upon its career.
A formidable debt stared it in the face. Really no available funds were at hand. The conference in which it was located was itself very poor. There was then no colored physician to take charge of it, no corps of colored workers to depend upon, no colored constituency that knew how to appreciate it, or that demanded its services. Everything was new, untried, and discouraging. It was a burden that seemed too heavy to be carried.
But things began to improve little by little. Brother and Sister Young came from Illinois to act as superintendent and matron. They were earnest, devoted Christians, worthy alike of the confidence of white and black. They have given themselves to this work, and are worthy of the highest regard.
Nearly two years ago Dr. Lottie C. Isbell, a colored graduate of the Medical Missionary College, united her efforts with the struggling sanitarium. Dr. Kellogg states that she stood at the head of her class in graduating. Her efforts have been most earnest, and her standing as a physician has been recognized by the profession of Nashville.
The building which had been purchased was found in some respects unsuitable, and its location was not the best, and means were not at hand to pay for it; so it was sold, and another rented. After a while the proprietor notified them that they must move.
It was a matter of the greatest difficulty to find a suitable place in the city that could be obtained; weary days and weeks were spent in searching for another locality. At the very last moment one was found located near the great publishing house of the colored Baptists of the South. This was rented for twenty dollars a month. The sanitarium was moved thither. It is now once more in operation after the delay of moving.
What progress has been made during the two or three years past? I answer. Very much, in many ways. Every new enterprise has to go through its period of trial. It has been said that it is more difficult for a poor man to make his first thousand dollars than to make one hundred thousand dollars after he has saved that amount. Many a new and promising enterprise goes under in the difficulties and perplexities of its first stages. A standing has to be earned, confidence must be established, evidence must be furnished that there are staying qualities with it and back of it. Then progress is easier. Nothing succeeds like success.
The little sanitarium in Nashville has earned confidence in its stability. The small band of workers had to take the whole burden of its support upon their own shoulders. There was a time of such great need that they could hardly tell where food and clothing were coming from. But they never gave up in despair; they prayed more earnestly than ever for God's blessing. He began to raise up friends. Little by little patronage began to come to them, and they were able to support themselves. Dr. Isbell demonstrated her ability as a physician, and has won respect as an able practitioner. Talented men of that race have been to the sanitarium for treatment, and have recommended it highly.
Prof. W. H. Councill, president of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, the normal colored school of the State of Alabama, came there, and was highly pleased with the treatment he received. From a valued testimonial he gave, we quote the following sentences: “I feel that I can not praise too highly this worthy institution. It is filling a long-felt want among the negroes throughout this country.” Professor Councill is one of the ablest speakers of the race, and is a warm friend of our training-school in Huntsville, Ala.
R. H. Boyd, secretary of the National Baptist Publishing Board, and president of a bank in Nashville, Tenn., who stands high in the esteem of Booker T. Washington, also gives an excellent testimonial for this sanitarium. Among other statements is the following: “The Nashville Sanitarium is proving an inestimable blessing to the colored people of Nashville and vicinity.”
The small building now rented as the sanitarium, stands close by the large publishing house of the Baptist denomination, of which Mr. Boyd is business manager. This house supplies literature to the colored Baptists of the United States, and to those of other countries as well.
It is evident that this sanitarium, if it can have the proper support of our people to place it above poverty and want, can be of great value to the colored people of the South, and a help to our work among them.
What is the duty of our people relative to this young, needy institution? Without hesitation I answer that our people should sustain it with their means, place it in suitable quarters, where it can properly represent this cause among the colored people. It has had a hard struggle for a bare existence. It is a wonder that it has survived at all. The indomitable spirit to survive and carry out the objects for which it was called into existence is worthy of all commendation.
It is time our people showed some proper appreciation of it. Over and over the Testimonies have spoken of the absolute necessity of such an institution. It has bravely fought its way into public recognition. Our people ought to sustain it, and give it a chance. We have been doing very little for the colored race thus far. Here is an opportunity to show our interest in that race in our own country. How much the Lord has said concerning our duty in this respect! The Southern Union Conference, in its poverty, virtually forced this poor institution upon the Southern Missionary Society about one year ago.
Additional information concerning this sanitarium may be obtained from the pen of Elder J. E. White, in the Southern Missionary of April 1. In his able article many valuable facts are given. Dear brethren and sisters of the great REVIEW family, I appeal to you to help this struggling institution liberally with your means, that it may be able to fulfil its important mission.
GEO. I. BUTLER,
President Southern Union Conference.
The Nashville Sanitarium Fund
FOLLOWING is a list of donations received up to May 12 on the fund for establishing a sanitarium and training-school for nurses in Nashville. It will be seen that the total amount of donations received thus far is but a small part of the five thousand dollars that was voted for this work last January. A number of urgent appeals have been made both in the REVIEW AND HERALD and in the Southern Watchman. And one member of our Board made a personal trip to one of our Northern conferences in an effort to raise means. The response thus far has been far short of meeting the urgency of the appeal. The Nashville Sanitarium Board feels that it should only make advanced moves as far as means will permit. The opportunities at this time for advancing the work are many, and were we prepared to improve them right now, much good could be accomplished. The following is the entire amount that has been donated to this enterprise.
The work is one that has been presented in strong terms as being an urgent and worthy one. Any information desired will be gladly furnished. Donations should be sent to Nashville Sanitarium, Church and Vine Streets, Nashville, Tenn.
R. B. Craig, $2.50; a friend, $2; Fannie Benson, $1; Boggstown (Ind.) church, $4.05; J. W. Goodwin, $5; Mrs. N. B. Lovett, $2; Clara Strough, $1; Hannah Neese, $1; Elizabeth Painter, $5; Mollie Swigart, 25 cents; Anderson (Ind.) church, $10; Chas. Zirkle, $1; Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Harmon, $4; Isaac Parks, $1; Mary A. Compton, $2; Rena Watt, $1; S. J. Cleland, $2.50; J. I. Foy, $5; P. M. Howe, $1; L. A. Kann, $1; Sarah Artis, 30 cents; Jas. Fatic, $5; Roy Williams, 50 cents; Mrs. Hannah Vore, 25 cents; Amy Welsh, $5; W. C. Vore, $5; Jas. Black, $5; Melissa Cookendorf, $1; Miss H. Kelly, $1; P. A. Powell, $5; Caroline Burkhart, $5; Harriet Taylor, $1.50; Mrs. A. J. Hicks, $1; Mrs. J. Shively, $20; E. L. Richmond, $1; Indianapolis church, $5.83; Indiana Tract Society, $3.67; Ida Lackey, $5; Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Zirkle, $6; Mrs. M. A. Goodwin, $1.50; Dan Ridgeway, $1; Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, $50; Geo. Zirkle, $2.25; Sarah Sherman, $1; J. F. Cummings, $10; E. Indianapolis church, $6.75; David Connington, $2; Emma McKenzie, $2; Marion (Ind.) church, $4; Denver, Ind., $2.25; Wolf Lake (Ind.) church, $3.74; Miss A. M. Learned, $5; F. B. Jewell, $5; Parker Atwood, 50 cents; Ernest Glazier, $2; B. A. Taylor, 45 cents; N. O. Lantz, 50 cents; Mrs. Irena Morrison, 25 cents; Mrs. Fletcher Elliot, 25 cents; J. H. Charles, $3; Floyd Hull, $1; J. W. Capps, $6.75; Mrs. P. Handley, $2; S. J. Townsend, $5; G. I. Butler, $36.66; Mrs. Branch Marshall, $2; H. N. Ackers, $2; S. W. Hastings, $5; J. Egloff, $10; T. M. Hodgins, $1. Total, $299.60.
Our Educational Work in Europe
By H. R. Salisbury
As we have in Europe 8,375 Sabbath-keepers scattered among a population of 472,596,044, speaking about forty different languages, one can at once see that our educational work must be placed upon a somewhat different basis, and is much more complicated than the same work in America, where there is but one government, and practically one language. But as a great part of our success lies in employing native laborers, trained on the field, every one of our union conferences is now putting forth an effort to maintain a training-school within its own borders, even if the numbers are few, and the equipment is severely simple. Also in some of the larger conferences something is being done to establish industrial-intermediate schools and church-schools; but our beginning is small because of poverty in some parts of the field, and prohibitive laws or severe restrictions in others.
The German Union Conference
The training-school at Friedensau has this year an attendance of fifty,—twenty-two in the missionary course, and twenty-eight in the nurses' course. Seven students are from Russia, three from Switzerland, two from Holland, one from Austria, and the remainder from Germany.
The school has two regular teachers, Brother Lupke, the principal, and an assistant; also Dr. Hoenes, who gives the nurses their instruction. Last year from this school alone twenty-one were sent out into the work, six of the number being medical missionaries.
The work in the German Union Conference has been wonderfully blessed of late, and one cause of this success undoubtedly lies in the fact that they are able to send into new fields young people who have been instructed in our own21schools, and are firm in the message, and give the trumpet a certain sound.
The British Union Conference
The British Union Conference has its training-school in London. The present attendance is forty-five, mostly from the home field; however, America, Denmark, India, and Africa are represented. We have as yet no buildings of our own, but rent rooms in Holloway Hall, only two doors from our International Tract Society. There are four teachers, but only two give their full time to teaching. More than half of the students pay their entire way by canvassing afternoons, and several are given work in the printing-office. The past school year four of our churches in London have been entirely in charge of young men in the ministerial course, who have conducted Sabbath and Sunday services, and in each of these places souls have been added to the church.
At the close of the session, May 18, the entire school, with the possible exception of half a dozen of the younger students, and those who will continue in the office, will be distributed by the union conference committee over Great Britain and Ireland as canvassers, Bible workers, and ministers.
Our first church-school has recently been started, with an attendance of twenty-three.
The Scandinavian Union Conference
The Scandinavian Union Conference is making greater efforts this year than ever before in its educational work. Brother L. H. Christian is holding a mission training-school in connection with a course of lectures he is giving in Copenhagen. He has one teacher assisting him, and twenty-four students in attendance. Their ages range from eighteen to thirty-three. He is preparing many for the canvassing work.
In Christiania Elder O. A. Johnson, with one assistant teacher, is conducting a successful mission school. There are eleven in attendance. The subjects offered are Bible, history, grammar, arithmetic, and canvassing. These students canvass two hours a day, but owing to the unusual hard times there, they are able to meet but a small part of their expenses, the remainder being advanced to them by the conference as a loan.
In Sweden the school is an industrial school, and the students are of a younger class. This school is at Nyhyttan, and has an attendance of twenty students, a large per cent of whom are from those not of our faith. They have as instructors, the principal, Brother B. J. Karlsson, and two assistants.
The Scandinavian Conference has made considerable progress in the church-school work, and now has six church-schools, with a total attendance of seventy children.
The French-Latin Union Conference
The French-Latin Union Conference is fully alive to the needs of education. Last year a training-school was held for twenty weeks in connection with the public meetings which Professor Wilkinson and Brother Curdy were holding in Paris. This year lack of suitable help has delayed the continuance of the work, but some time this summer is to be devoted to the training of those who are desirous of entering the work.
We have a most interesting school in Spain, which was opened almost as soon as the workers entered the field, as it was found to be one of the best means of starting the work. Brethren Frank and Walter Bond, the first workers to enter the Spanish field, have charge of the school, and report an attendance of twenty-one boys, with ages ranging from five to fifteen. Not only have they been able to help the boys who come to them to be taught day by day, but they write: 'We can assure you that the school has already helped us in reaching some of the parents with the message, who otherwise would not have heard it. They have attended our meetings, and we have left papers and tracts with them in their homes. We believe some of them will accept the truth. The school seems to be giving the people more confidence in our work.'
From Rome Brother Everson writes that he is conducting studies with a class of five. The forenoon is spent in canvassing, the afternoon principally in Bible study, and in the evening the students themselves conduct the meeting, putting before the people the lessons learned during the day. This is surely a most practical idea.
Thus, altogether, we have fourteen training- and church-schools in Europe, with a total attendance of nearly three hundred. We are able to report educational progress in every conference and mission field, and one of the chief reasons for this progress is the close relationship existing between the schools and conferences, in sympathy and organization.
H. R. SALISBURY.
Field Notes
ELDER M. G. HUFFMAN reports eight persons baptized at Farmington, Ill., May 1.
OUR Mexican workers are printing an edition of two thousand Spanish “New Testament Sabbath.”
SEVEN persons were baptized recently at Unionville, Ind., uniting with the church at that place.
ELDER J. H. KRAFT reports nine additions to the church at Hawkeye, Iowa, as the result of a five days’ meeting begun April 27.
A CHURCH of twenty-one members was organized recently near Little Sioux, Iowa, by Elder L. F. Starr. The church will be known as the Orson church.
IN a report from Hackberry, O. T., Brother William Braley says that ten persons have taken a stand for the truth, some of whom are awaiting baptism.
ELDER M. E. OLSEN reports that a few individuals have recently accepted the truth at Whittemore, Iowa, who are expected to unite with the church at Algona.
BROTHER E. B. HOPKINS reports from Kildare, Tex., where he has been holding meetings in a schoolhouse, that three families there have decided to keep the Sabbath.
A CHURCH of twelve members was organized at Richmond, Ind., May 8. There are several other Sabbath-keepers in the city who will no doubt soon be included in this company.
THERE is a favorable prospect for the erection of a church building for the company at Muncie, Ind., several hundred dollars having been pledged toward this enterprise.
THE Indiana Reporter states that from a careful estimate it appears that about one hundred persons have been added to the ranks of Sabbath-keepers in that State since last September.
PASTOR E. H. GATES, superintendent of the Polynesian Mission Field, sailed from Sydney, March 8, to visit Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Tahiti. He expects to be absent several months.
BROTHER W. H. ANDERSON reports that while in London he saw the administrator of Northwestern Rhodesia, and found that they had granted him the farm he had pegged north of the Zambesi last year. They seem well pleased with the work that has been done, and are anxious for him to open up a new station as soon as possible.
THE following officers were chosen at the recent session of the Upper Columbia Conference: President, A. J. Breed; vice-president, F. D. Starr; secretary, J. L. Kay; treasurer, T. L. Copeland; superintendent educational department, J. M. Willoughby; missionary secretary and treasurer, T. L. Copeland; State canvassing agent, T. G. Johnson; executive committee, A. J. Breed, F. D. Starr, W. W. Stewart, J. L. Kay, S. A. Anderson, H. J. Schnepper, C. M. Christiansen.
The One Hundred Thousand Dollar Fund
By W. T. Bland
FURTHER partial list of the donations received on the Washington building fund at the General Conference office:—
Previously reported ..........$ 9,349 44
D. A. Albion ................ 500 00
W. G. Buckland .............. 50 00
Prudence Davis .............. 50 00
Thomas Heald ................ 25 00
Mr. and Mrs. H. Atkins ...... 25 00
A. L. and Elmer A. Thrush ... 25 00
E. J. Gregory ............... 25 00
Central Union Conference,
per J. Sutherland .... 21 00
J. F. Gravelle and family ... 10 00
G. S. Sweet ................. 10 00
James Shields ............... 10 00
F. D. Starr and family ...... 8 00
Mrs. Francis Lyman .......... 6 00
Lydia Kellogg ............... 5 00
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wydell .... 5 00
A. C. Clawges ............... 5 00
A. G. Christensen ........... 5 00
Isaac W. Cook ............... 5 00
Mrs. T. C. Harlan ........... 5 00
Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Crandall . 4 00
Mrs. C. and John Henkes .... 3 25
Mrs. Eliza Walker ........... 1 00
Mrs. Nels Anderson .......... 1 00
L. C. Jarneyin .............. 1 00
J. A. Hardy ................ 50
Adelia Sechler .............. 1 00
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Read . 2 00
Charles P. Zoerb ............ 2 00
Mrs. C. A. Butler ........... 1 00
Mrs. M. T. Cole ............. 1 00
M. B. Lockwood .............. 2 50
Benj. Carr .................. 1 00
Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Bonen .... 2 00
Ida M. Willand .............. 1 25
Mrs. J. D. Ballard .......... 2 00
Mrs. Thomas Williams ........ 2 00
Miss Mary Jaques ............ 1 22
Mrs. Mary J. Brown .......... 85
W. G. Whittaker ............. 2 00
E. W. Crawford .............. 1 00
Mrs. E. M. Fitch ............ 25
Lenora Cartwright ........... 1 00
Isaac Tortel ................ 3 00
Mrs. M. E. Day .............. 26
W. A. Tisdale ............... 2 05
Ann M. Johnson .............. 2 00
Martha A. Shields ........... 1 00
A sister ................... 50
John A. Peterson ............ 3 00
Mary E. Mericle ............. 2 00
Joseph Clark ................ 60
F. M. Alden ................. 1 00
W. M. Sandell ............... 2 50
Mrs. Lottie Kesling ......... 1 50
Mrs. A. M. W. Mernee ........ 1 25
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Meredith 1 00
J. C. Lowther ............... 50
S. H. Stillman .............. 1 00
Mrs. W. H. Tronk ............ 1 00
John Galer .................. 1 00
Mrs. Orin Galer ............. 50
Davis Barton ................ 10
John and Minnie Hinderberger 4 00
Mrs. M. Whistler ............ 1 00
Mrs. Fred Hightown .......... 1 00
Mrs. Nancy M. Brewer ........ 1 00
Edward Hammel ............... 50
Annie Hammel ................ 50
Winnie V. Boyce ............. 50
Frederick Pokorney .......... 2 00
Mrs. C. S. Pease ............ 2 00
W. J. Swain ................. 50
Emma Swain .................. 50
Archie Hibbard .............. 25
Susie Hibbard ............... 25
Ethel Hibbard ............... 25
Fay Hibbard ................. 25
Howard Swain ............... 25
John Jaich .................. 25
Josie Jaich ................. 25
Oswald Jaich ............... 25
Fred Zuck ................... 1 00
Mrs. Zuck ................... 1 00
Frances H. Tripp ............ 2 00
Mrs. Alice Lehman ........... 1 00
Mrs. C. L. Coon ............. 1 00
J. A. Bowman ................ 1 00
W. H. Bowman ............... 2 50
Frank Bowman ............... 2 50
Mrs. L. F. Huntz ............ 1 00
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Steinkraus 1 00
Franz Maas .................. 1 00
Mrs. C. W. Lytton ........... 1 00
E. A. Merrill ............... 2 00
Leon W. Smith ............... 7 50
Mrs. A. S. Wakefield ........ 10 00
Paul Jensen ................. 100 00
Total reported ..........$10,356 02
A further list will follow.
W. T. BLAND, Assistant Treasurer.
Christian Education
By L. A. Hoops; Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
L. A. HOOPS, Chairman; FREDERICK GRIGGS, Secretary.
Agricultural Education
By H. A. WASHBURN
Elementary Schools
It is not the purpose in this article to give a study as to how to introduce agriculture in the elementary schools, but rather to continue the thought of last week's article regarding the “great popular movement” in the world. As then stated, the present movement in the establishment of secondary schools of agriculture, corresponding exactly with our intermediate industrial schools, looks forward to a more general system of agricultural education, including the primary schools. This movement has made considerable development in Europe, and this is one cause of the present agitation in the United States. In Belgium, for example, the law requires that every school shall have a garden of at least one-fourth acre, and that all teachers be able to give theoretical and practical instruction in botany, horticulture, and agriculture.
In the introduction of agriculture in the primary schools, advantage is being taken from past experiences in this direction. To quote the Wisconsin State superintendent: “There is a limited line of work that you can put into the district schools. And that limited line of work can not be carried out in the course of study unless the teachers who have it in charge have had enough training to make it a success. There is not an instance on record in this or any other country where the attempt to put agriculture into the district schools has not been a dismal failure, except where there have been teachers trained specifically for that work.” The experience in Canada in 1872, and France in 1887, in undertaking this work without first properly qualifying the necessary teachers, has taught a lesson which is being remembered in the United States. Therefore the movement for agricultural education of a more general character is beginning with the training of teachers,—a work steadily going on in many parts of the country, and a work which Seventh-day Adventists must now be doing in their schools if they are to be ready to take their proper place in this great work.
If we fail to train teachers in these lines now, and undertake the work without properly trained teachers at a time when the state begins its work with the teachers now being equipped, we shall have to follow far behind. We should, therefore, in all our training-schools and colleges, be giving thorough instruction of just such character as is given to the teachers of Belgium, that they may be able to give “theoretical and practical instruction in botany, horticulture, and agriculture.” There must be an earnest effort put forth to interest our teachers in the importance of such preparation.
Another difficulty which has retarded the movement in the world has been the lack of literature suitable for school use on the subject of agriculture. The leaders of the movement have not only been preparing by training teachers, but by securing suitable literature. During the past two or three years a number of publications of this sort have been provided, and the way is now opening for a rapid forward movement. It was about two years ago that the Secretary of Agriculture stated that we were just on the edge of the great popular movement. If we have not been fully awake to the importance of this work, it is high time that we should arouse.
A movement which is just beginning in the United States, in the establishment of school gardens, should be illustrated everywhere by our church-schools. Schoolhouses generally, and country schoolhouses in particular, are homely, untidy, and unattractive in their surroundings. The most abandoned appearances to be found are the surroundings of the district schools. The possibilities in beautifying these premises have hardly entered the public mind. In a few instances, however, such remarkable results have come from small effort that an awakening is beginning. Seventh-day Adventist schools should present the most lovely, attractive surroundings to be found, a profusion of flowers and a well-kept garden giving not only the appearance, but the atmosphere of the Eden school. Such appearances will preach many an eloquent sermon. Much pleasure, as well as valuable instruction, would be obtained from the planting of small botanical gardens like those associated with German schools, illustrating the flora of the vicinity. Even a school in the city, with no yard whatever, should, until it can be located elsewhere, have at least its window-gardens. The blessed results from engaging the attention of the children with the beautiful works of God will solve many a problem for the perplexed and overworked teacher.
There is no question but the school-garden movement for city schools, and more extensive work for rural schools, will soon become general. Additional requirements will be made of teachers. At the same time, Seventh-day Adventists will be more opposed and their work hindered. Attempts will be made to close our schools. These attempts in the end will be successful, as the Lord has told us. If our schools or teachers are inferior to the proper standards in the public school system, our schools may be closed sooner than the Lord would22have them.
We should qualify ourselves as teachers in these lines because it is right, and not simply because we may be required by the state to present these qualifications; yet we may well bear in mind that we shall doubtless be tested by the state, and should be prepared to stand the test to the honor of the work of God. Let us seek to do work of such superiority that the question can never be raised as to the character of our work in the respects considered in these articles.
H. A. WASHBURN.
North Dakota Camp-Meetings
By John G. Walker
THE second annual camp-meeting and conference of the Seventh-day Adventists of North Dakota, will be held at Harvey, June 20-27. It will be preceded by a workers' meeting beginning June 15. The conference will convene Tuesday, June 21, at 9 A. M. We earnestly desire a full attendance of our people in North Dakota. Reduced rates on the certificate plan have been obtained.
For the benefit of those in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the State, camp-meetings will be held at Hankinson, June 29 to July 4, and at Devils Lake, July 6-11. We hope all our brethren living in those parts of the State will take advantage of this opportunity to seek the Lord with his people.
JOHN G. WALKER.
Young People’s Convention at College View, Neb.
By M. E. Kern
“THE Advent Message to All the World in This Generation.” What a great work is before us,—a work which can be done only in the strength of Israel’s God! When our people are wholly consecrated to the work of soul-saving, we shall see a great outpouring of the Spirit of God, and the message will go with power. What a privilege that the young people can share in this blessed labor! “There are many Christian youth who can do a good work if they will learn lessons in the school of Christ from the Great Teacher.” Young people have a work to do that older ones can not do, and they can enter into many kinds of missionary work that the older members of the church are doing.
To study how we shall organize, to consider the work young people can do, and how to do it, is the object of our Central Union Conference Young People’s Convention. An excellent program has been arranged. Those who have spent years studying this question will be with us, and young people will give us the results of their experience in the work. The sermon by Elder Daniells on “Our Aim and Our Motto” will be an inspiration to all who hear it. The subject “Training for Service” will be considered, and attention given to the different branches of work open to our young people.
The first meeting will be Thursday evening, May 31, when Elder Luther Warren will speak on “The Keynote of the Young People’s Work,” and a quartette will sing, “Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown?” Any who23desire a program may obtain it by addressing the writer.
The College View church and Union College students will endeavor to entertain all the young people who attend. Those who desire to stay in the College homes may have furnished rooms free, and board at about twenty-five or thirty cents a day, according to the amount of food ordered. Visitors should go immediately to the reception room of South Hall, where they will be located by the reception committee. Those who desire entertainment should write to Glen George or the undersigned by May 25. The reception committee will arrange to meet all at the train in Lincoln who request it, stating the railroad on which they will come, and the time of arrival.
It has been arranged to publish the proceedings of the convention in a double number of The Union College Messenger. This is our first Union Conference Young People’s Convention, and the report will be valuable to all workers and young people who are interested in this work. The price of this double number will be 10 cents. The price of the paper is 35 cents a year. Let all who desire the report of the convention order it at once.
M. E. KERN.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
By Editor
Camp-Meetings for 1904
ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
Eastern Pennsylvania ................................
Maine ..............................................
New York ...........................................
Southern New England ..............................
Vermont, Hardwick ........................ Aug. 18-23
Virginia ...........................................
West Virginia ......................................
Western Pennsylvania, Titusville, June 16-26
Central New England, South Lancaster, Mass. ................. June 7-
CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Maritime ...........................................
Ontario, London ........................... June 16-26
Quebec .............................................
SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Alabama, Mobile ......................... July 28 to Aug. 8
North Carolina, Statesville ....................... July
Cumberland ........................................
Florida, Plant City ........................ Oct. 13-23
Georgia ............................................
Louisiana ..........................................
Mississippi ........................................
Tennessee River ....................................
South Carolina .....................................
LAKE UNION CONFERENCE
East Michigan ......................................
Indiana ...........................................
Northern Illinois ..................................
Northern Michigan ..................................
Ohio ..............................................
Southern Illinois .......................... Aug. 17-28
West Michigan ......................................
Wisconsin ...........................................
NORTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Manitoba, Portage la Prairie ................ June 28 to July 10
Minnesota, Stillwater ................. May 27 to June 5
North Dakota, Harvey ...................... June 20-27
North Dakota (local), Hankinson ............ June 29 to July 4
North Dakota (local), Devils Lake .............. July 6-11
South Dakota, Canton ...................... June 13-19
CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE
Colorado .................................. Aug. 18-28
Iowa, Colfax .............................. June 2-12
Kansas ................................ Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Kansas (local), Oakley .................... June 9-19
Missouri .................................. Aug. 11-21
Nebraska .................................. Sept. 1-11
SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE
Arkansas, Russellville, Pope Co. .......... Aug. 11-23
Oklahoma, Guthrie ...................... Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Texas, Keene .......................... July 27 to Aug. 7
PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
Arizona ............................................
British Columbia ...................... Last of September
California, Bushrod Park, Oakland .......... June 1-12
Montana, near Helena ........................ June 16-26
Southern California ........................ Sept. 1-11
Upper Columbia ....................................
Utah, Provo ................................ Aug. 10-17
Western Oregon, Corvallis ................ May 26 to June 5
The presidents of the various conferences are requested to send us information regarding any meetings not mentioned in the preceding table, so that we may be able to give a complete list. Please inform us at once of any corrections or additions that should be made to this report.