Earlier text: Unconscious TeachingROSEBURG.— During the time since my last report, I have not been idle. Through my labors, under God, about thirty have yielded themselves to the service of God, and last July the Roseburg church began the erection of a church building (28 x 40 ft.) under my supervision. This building consisted of a basement above ground for a church-school, and an upper story for a church. A four months’ school has been held, and the services for worship have been conducted there all winter, yet the building was not dedicated until April 24. The following report was read at the dedication of this church, and was printed in a Roseburg paper:— “Five years ago Elder B. C. Tabor, with his wife and her mother, came to Roseburg with the hope of raising up a Seventh-day Adventist church at this place. “They organized a Sabbath-school with three members,—Sister Borego as superintendent, Sister Tabor as secretary, and Brother Tabor as teacher. The next year, or four years ago last August, a church of thirteen members was organized, and it has steadily increased until at the present time we have a membership of over forty. Many others have belonged to this church who have moved away, and taken letters to other churches. “During these four years, by the help of the Lord, we have given $1,792.95 to advance the cause of God in the earth. We have also sent out into the wide harvest-field five young people to labor for the Master. Two of these are missionary nurses, one a church-school teacher, one is now corresponding secretary of Sabbath-schools for the State of Oregon, and one is, in the near future, to go as a missionary to a foreign field. In addition to this we have also built this church in which we are assembled to-day. [An itemized account was read, showing the total cost of the building to be $1,065.69.] “For the benefit of those who so kindly helped in building our church, we wish to say that the building was dedicated free of debt, the amount still due being raised in a few minutes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who16 gave of their means to help build this temple of the Lord.” “S. D. A. BUILDING COMMITTEE.” I have been a reader of the dear old REVIEW these last two years, and have been highly pleased with its change of location, and with the feast of good things that it spreads for its readers. Eastern Pennsylvania
By H. W. COTTRELL
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference session was held at Williamsport at the time appointed. There were about fifty delegates and visitors in attendance, besides the brethren and sisters from the city. In addition to the conference laborers there were present the executive committee of the Western Pennsylvania Conference, Professor Griggs from the union conference academy, and the writer. Each one who acted a part in a public way, had the freedom of the Spirit of truth in presenting the living Word. Unity prevailed throughout all the business meetings, and they were as truly spiritual as were the other meetings. All business meetings should be characterized by the Spirit of Christ. It has been about ten months since the organization of the conference, it being one of the divisions of the Pennsylvania Conference. The earnestness with which the laborers conducted their work, together with the visible results thereof, manifests the wisdom of the division of the conference. The reports of the laborers show that there have been about one hundred and fifty converted to the faith during this short time, and nearly all of them have been baptized and have joined the church. Owing to the heavy indebtedness with which the conference had been burdened for many years, the resources and liabilities were not divided at the time of the territorial division. The division of the finances, however, was satisfactorily effected at this meeting. I never saw greater unanimity of sentiment in the adjustment of business problems than was manifest in these transactions. The conference voted to indorse the action of the conference committee in accepting the Philadelphia Sanitarium, thus making the medical work a department of the conference. While this brings an additional financial burden to the conference, all present realized that it is not equivalent to incurring debt by establishing new institutions. The unanimous vote of approval gave evidence of the interest the people take in the sanitarium work. Good instruction was given concerning the distribution of our denominational literature. We made special effort to increase the subscription list of our periodicals, receiving subscriptions before votes were taken to extend their circulation. Every department of our work received its share of attention as far as time would permit. As Elder Underwood, who was president of the conference, had been elected president of the Northern Union Conference, Elder W. J. Fitzgerald was elected president; W. H. Smith, vice-president; V. H. Cook, secretary and treasurer; the personnel of the executive committee remains, I believe, about as before. The brethren were sorry to be deprived of the labor, association, and counsel of Brother Underwood, but realizing that he was called to a larger field of usefulness, bade him Godspeed. Pacific Union Conference
By J. J. Ireland
THE Pacific Union Conference is composed of the local conferences of California, Southern California, Arizona, Utah, Western Oregon, Western Washington, Upper Columbia, Montana, and British Columbia, and the mission fields of Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. The total area is 1,841,393 square miles, with a population of 3,736,393, drawn extensively from foreign countries. Within this territory there are 10,166 members of our faith distributed as follows: isolated Sabbath-keepers, 644; unorganized companies, 38; organized churches, 218. The total force of laborers is 92 ordained ministers, 25 licensed ministers, 65 Bible workers, and 44 canvassers. Of this company of workers 182 are on the pay rolls of our conferences. The tithe receipts of the entire field for the past two years amount to $235,441.02. Of this sum $44,771.84 has been expended in other fields. The offerings for the general work for the same period are $36,489.41. During the past two years considerable attention has been given to awakening a deeper interest in Christian education, with the result that on Dec. 31, 1903, there were in operation 76 church-schools, with a total membership of 1,493. The colleges at Fernando, Healdsburg, and College Place, and the intermediate schools in Montana and western Oregon report a large attendance and a deep interest. The combined enrolment of these colleges and intermediate schools is five hundred and thirty-four. Steps have already been taken for the establishment of a number of industrial schools in various parts of the field during the present year. In medical institutions the Pacific Union Conference has perhaps a greater number according to its population than any other field. Yet with all these facilities the patronage during the past year has been excellent, and the influence of the work far reaching. There are about two hundred and fifty employees connected with the various medical missionary enterprises now being operated in this territory. At the biennial meeting of this conference, which was held in Healdsburg, Cal., March 18-27, every local conference and institution within its borders was represented by a full delegation, and it seemed to be the unanimous desire of all present that just such plans should be laid that would be for the material advancement of the work. The officers selected for the present biennial term are as follows: President, W. B. White; Secretary, J. J. Ireland; Treasurer, E. A. Chapman; Missionary Secretary, H. H. Hall; Assistant Missionary Secretary, G. W. Pettit; Educational Secretary, M. E. Cady; General Agents, Lee Moran and S. C. Osborne; Auditors, J. J. Ireland and H. H. Hall. The executive committee is composed of the presidents of the nine conferences, and W. B. White, W. T. Knox, T. J. Evans, W. R. Simmons, C. H. Jones, M. E. Cady, and M. C. Wilcox. The most important recommendations adopted are as follows:— 1. “We hereby acknowledge the manifold mercies and blessings of God manifested toward us during the last two years, and express our heartfelt gratitude to him for the degree of prosperity and success he has given us in our work. “In view of the great need of more earnest, consecrated laborers in both home and foreign fields to carry this message to all the nations of earth in this generation, we deplore the fact that so many of our young men, who might be used of God in the proclamation of this message, are drifting toward commercialism, using the precious talents, given them of God, in worldly lines. That this condition may be changed and more of our young men encouraged to consecrate their lives to the gospel ministry,— 2. “We recommend, (a) That our union and State conference officers, and the ministry in general, be requested to carefully look out our young men of ability and consecration, and by personal labor endeavor to impress their minds with the great need of a larger number of faithful men in the gospel field, the greatness of the work, the nearness of the end, and the necessity of their making a complete surrender of their lives to the public ministry of the Word; (b) that we earnestly request our training-schools to give more attention to this important question, and less, if need be, to instruction along commercial lines, and we would invite the hearty co-operation of our educational brethren in the encouragement of more of our young men to enter upon public labor; (c) that in our training-schools more thought and attention be given to the ministerial course, and that more of our intelligent, consecrated young men be urged to enter this course of study; (d) that when lay brethren in our conferences, who may not have had the educational advantages of our training-schools, feel the burden resting upon them to publicly present the truth, our conference officers give careful thought and attention to such, and by counsel and advice, encourage such laborers when it may seem best to do so. “Whereas, The Lord is calling especially upon the young people of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to enlist in the work of the third angel’s message; and,— “Whereas, Through messages from the spirit of prophecy, the young are urged to organize themselves for active effort along Christian lines; and,— “Whereas, A large proportion of the young are being drawn away from the truth and the work to the world; therefore,— 3. “We recommend, That more earnest and persevering labor be put forth in behalf of the young people in the following ways:— “(a) That parents everywhere be urged to study the needs of their own children and young people, and to seek to revive the true home spirit of love, confidence, and fellowship. “(b) That our Sabbath-school officers, general and local, be asked to take up systematic work in behalf of the young people. “(c) That the several conference Sabbath-school secretaries and superintendents of young people’s work endeavor to co-operate, as fully as possible, with the general officers of the young people’s department of the General Conference. “(d) That our church-school teachers be invited to take special interest in the17 young people of the respective churches to which they are called. “(e) That our ministers and church elders seek, in every way consistent with the general good of the church, so to arrange the services and exercises that they may be more interesting to the children and youth. “(f) That greater effort be made by both conference and local church officers to encourage the young people to organize themselves according to the plan laid down by the spirit of prophecy. “Whereas, Our work is great, and our laborers are few; therefore,— 4. “We recommend, That, as conference officers and laborers, we earnestly seek to impress upon the minds of all our people the importance of their each taking part in carrying this message to the world, and that we assist them to do so by— “(a) Explaining the particular fields of each of our periodicals, and urging our people to subscribe for, study, and circulate them. “(b) Presenting the advantages of a systematic circulation of tracts on leading points of present truth. “(c) Urging them to carefully study the principles of true medical missionary work. “(d) Encouraging one or more in each church to canvass for our forty per cent books, beginning with their own members, and extending the efforts as their experience will permit. “(e) Directing the attention of all our people to the importance of their circulating such books as ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ ‘Story of Joseph,’ and ‘Ministry of Healing.’ “(f) Aiding suitable persons to follow up the foregoing efforts with Bible readings and cottage meetings. “(g) Inviting our church officers to call the attention of the conference to such openings for meetings as they feel unable to fill themselves. 5. “We further recommend, That to make the above suggestions practical and permanent, classes be organized in connection with general meetings, or in such other ways as may be thought best, at which these methods of work may be thoroughly taught by precept as well as by example; and, that we urge each church to elect to the office of librarian the person who will the most successfully lead the members into actual missionary service. “In view of the important truths and messages of warning and instruction that are published in the REVIEW,— 6. “We recommend, That our ministers and other laborers put forth earnest effort to place this excellent paper in every family of Seventh-day Adventists in our conference. “Whereas, There is need of a low-priced, popular health journal, on which all our people can unite in giving a large circulation; and,— “Whereas, It should bear such a general name, and be published in such a place, as will make it a representative of the whole field; therefore,— 7. “We recommend, (a) That our brethren at Washington, D. C., be invited to publish such a journal, and that we pledge to it our hearty support; and (b) that the Pacific Health Journal be offered to the Review and Herald, of Washington, D. C., and that they be invited to change its name and make-up as they may deem necessary to accomplish the purpose mentioned above. “Whereas, The book ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ has been to the world, to our people, and to our schools especially, of inestimable value; and,— “Whereas, Our State conferences, which have cheerfully borne a heavy burden in this work, are looking to those connected with our schools to take a larger part in this work hereafter; therefore,— 8. “We recommend, That the managers and teachers in our schools arrange to take the lead in this great work, and with the assistance which our ministers and faithful church workers will give, strive to carry the work originally undertaken, to successful and immediate consummation. “Whereas, There are conferences that desire to use the proceeds from the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ for the establishment and equipment of intermediate schools; therefore,— 9. “We recommend, (a) That these conferences which have completed the sale of their quota in behalf of the college be encouraged to sell ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ using the net proceeds for their intermediate schools; (b) that those conferences that have not completed the work of selling their quota in behalf of the college, and who desire to use ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ for their intermediate schools, be encouraged to sell the book and divide the proceeds, retaining one half for the local schools and sending one half to the college, until their share of the college debt is paid; (c) that our schools purchase the books from the publishers at the cost of manufacture, and sell them to individual agents or to our people through the tract societies, as they may have opportunity. “Whereas, God has made it a condition for our receiving his unmeasured blessing that we pay a faithful tithe into his treasury (Mal. 3:10); and,— “Whereas, We believe that the recognition and practise of the tithing system by our institutions would prove a great blessing to them, and exert an excellent influence upon our people; therefore,— 10. “We recommend, That the several institutions in the conference pay a tithe of their net earnings. “Whereas, Many of our sanitariums are embarrassed by a burden of indebtedness, and nearly all are in need of additional facilities; and,— “Whereas, Our experience in the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ for the relief of our schools has resulted in placing about two hundred thousand dollars in our various school treasuries, and has suggested to our minds the propriety of a similar effort in behalf of our sanitariums; and,— “Whereas, The forthcoming book on Christian temperance and care of the sick, by Mrs. E. G. White, entitled ‘The Ministry of Healing,’ promises to be a very popular work, and one especially appropriate to be sold for the financial relief of our sanitariums; and,— “Whereas, This book has been offered to our sanitariums in the Pacific Union Conference so long as our people will handle it with vigor, as a relief enterprise; therefore,— 11. “Resolved, That we prepare for a strong campaign for the sale of this book as soon as it is issued. 12. “Resolved, That we deem it appropriate that the several sanitariums, in whose behalf the book is to be sold, should solicit the assistance of our training-schools and conferences in the selection and training of an efficient corps of missionary evangelists, who may be sent into the field to educate the people in the principles of the gospel of health, and to lead our people in the sale of the ‘Ministry of Healing.’ 13. “Resolved, That we ask the Pacific Press to print, bind, and supply the books to our sanitariums at moderate prices for manufacture, and that we request our tract societies to assist in handling the books for this relief work without profit. “Whereas, The medical missionary branch of our work has been and is still being mentioned from time to time through the spirit of prophecy as a very important part of the gospel message to the world; therefore,— 14. “We recommend, That our workers throughout this union conference renew their interest and zeal in this branch of our message, and, both from the pulpit and in private homes, give due attention to the principles of healthful living and all true medical missionary work, that we may become a more peculiar people, with truly temperate lives, filled with words and deeds of Christian kindness to our fellow men. “Whereas, There are many of our young people who are interested in taking a full course in preparation for the practise of medicine and surgery; and,— “Whereas, There is danger that many of our bright and earnest young people, through a lack of wise counsel and advice in the selection of an institution in which to receive the necessary course of study, may make serious mistakes in this matter, and may experience perplexity and disappointment as a result; therefore,— 15. “We recommend, That our young people seeking a medical education be counseled to select only such medical colleges as are generally approved by the medical profession.” J. J. IRELAND, Secretary. The Southwestern Union Conference
By C. N. Woodward
THE second biennial session of the Southwestern Union Conference (the first under its present organization) was held at Keene, Tex., February 25 to March 2. The three conferences composing this union conference were represented by the full number of delegates to which they were entitled, besides many visitors. Delegates to represent the institutions, such as the Keene Academy and the Keene Sanitarium, were also seated. Elders A. G. Daniells and E. T. Russell, also Elder S. N. Haskell and wife, were present during nearly the whole meeting. The instruction they gave, and their help as counselors, were fully appreciated by the conference, and did much to make the meeting a decided success. The presidents of the Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas Conferences rendered reports of the work done in their fields during the past two years. In the ten years since its organization the Oklahoma Conference has grown to a membership of about 1,400; last year it received a tithe of $13,353, and supported thirty-one workers in the field, besides having as many as forty canvassers in the field last summer. The report of the Arkansas Conference shows that by reason of removals and other causes their18 membership is hardly as large as it was at the time of the organization of the conference about fifteen years ago. Notwithstanding this, the prospects for the work in that field are brighter than for some time. The workers under the direction of Elder Sommerville are some of them young, and all energetic, and some new churches are being brought out and additions made to old ones. Their tithe showed an increase last year over the previous year of almost $200, and their book sales increased one half, amounting to about $3,300. Crop failures for two years have made the work move slowly in the Texas Conference. In large sections of the State the workers have been obliged to labor under the disadvantage of seeing the people struggle for the bare necessities of life, and in many places not even these were had. In these sections nothing could be done by the canvassers. Notwithstanding this the tithe has shown a small increase each year for the past two years. During 1903 there were twenty-six canvassers in the field, who disposed of literature to the value of $8,377, and for the two years the sales amounted to about $19,000. The treasurer of the union conference rendered a detailed report, to the correctness of which the auditors certified, showing that for the two years there had been paid into his hands $12,003.12. Of this amount $7,279.34 had been for the work in the union conference, and the remainder had been passed on to the work outside of this union conference. Professor Hughes, principal of the Keene Academy, made a brief but interesting report of that institution. As has been the case with others of our schools, which have at times reached a crisis in their existence, this institution seemed to have passed such a period during the past year, but after a hard struggle by the management, light came in. The attendance and the work being done by the school are both quite satisfactory. Among many resolutions concerning the work, which were considered and passed by the conference, may be mentioned one establishing the medical missionary work as a department of the union conference, authorizing suitable committees to have charge of the same, and outlining the scope and plans to be followed by them; in a word, adapting to our situation the plans for this work which had been adopted by other union conferences. While our work is not outlined upon the scale of some of the others, yet we believe a good foundation has been laid for this branch of the truth in the Southwest. One resolution asked assistance in a financial way from the Central Union Conference, which it was held had been promised at the time of the division of the territory into the present form. Another one heartily indorsed the work of the union conference paper, The Southwestern Union Record, and recommended its continuance, and that all the workers give it their cordial support. The publishing committee of the General Conference was asked to negotiate with the publishing houses to secure the forgiveness of an old debt owed by the Arkansas Tract Society, which they were utterly unable to pay. The church-school work and the sale of our literature were each emphasized by appropriate resolutions. The plain, practical preaching of Elders Daniells, Russell, and Haskell had much to do with the spirit of unity and harmony which characterized the whole conference. The business was considered calmly, and carried through without contention. The social meetings and other services were feasts to those in attendance, and will long be remembered. Elder N. P. Nelson was again chosen president unanimously; C. N. Woodward, secretary and treasurer; Prof. H. T. Curtis, auditor; W. L. Manfull, traveling missionary, and the committee composed of those named above, except Professor Curtis, and the heads of the three conferences, the Keene Academy, the Keene Sanitarium, and the Little Rock (Ark.) Sanitarium. The other boards and committees called for were composed of strong men who are on the ground with the institutions, and fully in sympathy with them. If the laborers maintain their hold on the source of wisdom and strength, success for the work of the Lord in this union conference would seem to be certain. C. N. WOODWARD,
Secretary. Sanitarium in Nashville, Tennessee
By George Ide Butler
THE word of the Lord for two or three years past to those having charge of the work in the Southern field has been that small sanitariums should be established near or in every important city in the South. This instruction has been repeated several times. Efforts have been made already in several places to carry out this instruction. At Graysville, Tenn., Hildebran, N. C., and Atlanta, Ga., buildings are in process of preparation for the reception of patients. It would take but a small sum of money, comparatively speaking, in each of these localities to have a small sanitarium in active operation, doing its beneficent work for humanity, and thus building up the cause of God in the earth. Our poverty has been greatly hindering these important objects. At the council meeting which was held in Nashville last January, our medical missionary and sanitarium work was quite fully considered. All felt that every effort in our power should be put forth to complete the sanitariums already referred to; and with real enthusiasm it was resolved to undertake the development of another in Nashville. The conference elected the following persons as a board of directors to carry out the resolution: Dr. O. M. Hayward, L. A. Hansen, Brethren Spires, N. W. Allee, I. A. Ford, S. N. Haskell, and Geo. I. Butler. These persons are most heartily in favor of a sanitarium in Nashville or its vicinity, for the following reasons:— First, this city is the central point of our denominational work in the Southern field. As such it is becoming more and more important. The medical missionary department of the work ought to be represented here. Second, Nashville is an important educational center in the South. The Vanderbilt University, the Fisk University, and a large number of other important institutions of like character are planted here. The health and temperance work should also be properly represented here. Hence a sanitarium in the vicinity is absolutely essential. Third, our printing headquarters for the Southern field is permanently located here. This office is making a rapid growth. Our three new Miehle presses are being run right along well into the night, to keep up with our work. There should be a sanitarium within ready access of the printing house, so that the truth on health topics can be sent out by the printed page. Fourth, most important of all, in the minds of those of our faith, the servant of the Lord has repeatedly stated in the instruction for the Southern field that a sanitarium should be established in Nashville or its vicinity at once. Quite a period of time has elapsed since these counsels were given. Our leading brethren at the council in January, after giving careful consideration to these and other cognate reasons, unanimously felt that the time had come to carry out these instructions as far as it was in our power to do so. In Nashville itself a preliminary work has been done which has brought about conditions that really demand of us the action the council has recommended. Several years ago Brother L. A. Hansen and his wife came to Nashville, and began developing the medical missionary work in this city. Having very little ready means, they began in a humble way. They rented bath-rooms, sold health foods, gave treatments, and because of their conscientious faithfulness, their honest, godly work among the people, and earnest and devoted labors, they gained the respect of the better class of citizens, and have made a real success of the work. They have had a fair patronage. More recently Dr. O. M. Hayward, a graduate of the Sanitarium medical school, has united with Brother Hansen. They have two large buildings rented, one in the heart of the city and one in the suburbs, almost out in the country. Between ten and twenty persons daily receive treatments. Several patients are taken in, cared for, and treated, and quite a number from the city come for treatment. The work is growing, and their influence extending. Eight or ten nurses are needed already. These dear brethren find it very difficult to keep out of debt without ready capital. They pay very high rents, and must meet all expenses. But they are trying to do their very best. Any discerning man can see the need of a sanitarium here at Nashville. The good of the cause demands it. Nothing short of this would meet the demands of the situation, and the instruction that has been given us. We have been endeavoring to carry out the instruction we have received from the Lord's servant. What, then, hinders the new sanitarium? Simply this, we are handicapped for lack of means. It was recommended by the General Conference at Oakland that thousands of dollars for the development of the sanitarium work should be raised. But we have not been able to get the money to any amount. We know not how to get it. The pockets of our people retain the money, and the work here is being greatly delayed. Our hearts ache to see how the development of the work in this great Southern field is hindered. Very few of the people in the North can realize the obstacles which hinder the progress of the work in the South. The president of one of the State conferences writes us that the laborers actually19 receive not over ten dollars a month wages, yet they struggle along on that as patiently as possible. Other conferences are in nearly as straitened circumstances financially. Our union conference treasury is thousands of dollars in debt, and nearly empty. There is not a single interest in the cause here that is not in great need of money. Our office is in crying need of assistance. Had we been able to secure the money which the General Conference recommended should be raised, our wants would have been well supplied. These are facts which are apparent to all who know the situation. What shall be done? One thing we expect to do; that is, to work without grumbling or murmuring, doing the very best we can, and pleading with God to help us. We are simply shut up to this conclusion. But when we think of what might be if our people in more favored circumstances would help the publishing work here, and would give the sanitariums the much needed assistance, our hearts ache that we can not relieve distress and save many precious souls who now are wandering in mazes of darkness. We can hardly feel that we are responsible for these hindrances. Who is? Let our people of means answer this question to their conscience and their God. GEO. I. BUTLER,
President Southern Publishing Association. How Can Conferences Best Encourage the Canvassing Work?
By C. McREYNOLDS
IN order most effectively to encourage the canvassing work, we must begin the work in making up the conference committee. If we place men on the committee who have a real, active faith in the canvassing work, who show this by turning the minds of many of their converts toward that work, by setting an example in their ministry in carrying a good supply of different books with them to the people where they are holding meetings and by working diligently to secure subscriptions to our papers, we have an excellent foundation laid for building up the canvassing work. While it may not be possible to secure such men for the whole committee, it will be very important not to place on the committee even one man who has once been a canvasser and has lost his interest in that work, and left it for that reason, unless he has become converted on this question; for in this, as in other things, often “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” An ideal condition is to have all the officers, ministers, and Bible workers alive to this work and in hearty sympathy with it. The best results can never come to the canvassing work until such is the case. As our workers go among our people and pray in their homes, let them pray for the canvassing work and the workers in that branch, that God, who has told us to sow “beside all waters,” may bless them richly. Pray earnestly, not because you believe it is your duty to pray for them, but because you long for his blessing to come upon them; because you are in heart-touch with the work they are doing. Then talk of it in public and in private,—not of the duty to go into this work, but of the good that has been done and is being done by it. Then when an interest is manifested on the part of any one, do all you can, by the aid of the Spirit of God, to lead him to take up the work. Let every man who works among the churches, or has charge over a district in a conference, do this, and our canvassing forces will be strengthened. Let all the ministers return to the methods of former days, of carrying with them into new fields, in tent work, etc., a good supply of tracts, pamphlets, and books, and sell them to the people with whom they labor. Let the Bible workers never cease to be canvassers, especially in selling books to the people with whom they are studying the Bible. This will prove a great blessing to the worker, and will produce more permanent results. Thus a book-selling sentiment will become general. Let the conference president and the State agent be on hand a little prior to the close of the school year in our colleges and academies to secure workers in the canvassing field. And I would advise that they begin, not with the students, but with the professors. Make good terms with them, and the same to the students, in the matter of railroad fares, etc., and get many of them into the field. A great blessing would come from this, as its influence would be felt in their next year's teaching. In many ways it would be a great advantage. Carry this same plan to the church-school teachers, and let every one of them who does not absolutely need to attend a summer normal, go out and sell books, and then in their work with the children they can much more effectively teach them to be missionaries, by starting them out with The Life Boat and some of our small books, thus educating them to be canvassing evangelists. In this way a general sentiment will permeate the entire conference, by being created first in every home and every church. When these plans are carried out, we shall no longer hear the cry from timid church-school teachers and Bible workers and college teachers, “I can not canvass.” Our canvassers are to be missionaries for God in the message for to-day, and all classes of workers among us should be booksellers, from the conference president to the little ones in the church-school. Still another necessary and effectual way in which the conference can encourage the canvassing work is by holding good canvassers' institutes once, twice, or three times each year for the training of canvassers. Let it be, for the time it is held, the most important thing in the conference. Let it have the benefit of the best help that can be secured to give instruction in the books to be used, and in the methods of canvassing. Also make it a season of Bible study and spiritual refreshing. Provide the best talent in the conference to lead in Bible study, both in the line of the doctrines peculiar to our message and in the basic principles of the gospel, which will lead every soul to know Jesus as his own personal Saviour. Let it have the benefit of the labors of the president of the conference in some one or more of these lines of study. Hold it where the truth has not been preached, and have night services for those not of our faith. And finally, get the people to attend the institute who should attend. After several years of trial, we have found that the best way to do this is to be careful in selecting those who should come, and render them the assistance necessary to get them there. It pays to invest five or ten dollars in railroad fare to get a good, intelligent young man or young woman to attend the institute and go out into the field,—one who will devote from four to five months, or perhaps from nine to ten months in the year to the sale of our books. And it pays thrice over, considering the good the books will do the people, and the development of a worker for the Lord. The spirit of prophecy has said, “If there is one work more important than another, it is getting our publications into the hands of the people.” Then why are we so slow to invest even a few dollars in fitting people to do that work?