THE church of Christ will ultimately come off victorious. She will have passed the prophetic landmarks which have been to her as light shining in a dark place until the day dawn, and the day star (Christ) arises in the hearts of his people. These prophetic waymarks are to be studied to ascertain where the people of God are, until they have passed the last sign, and the last battle has been fought. It is then that the “woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars,” will stand forth in all her beauty and glory. It is then that all will “see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” Eph. 3 : 9, 10.
But the most perfect illustration, or object-lesson, of this period in the past, was when Christ left the church clothed with the light that he had brought to this earth. She had passed the types and shadows represented by the moon under her feet; and upon her head was a crown of twelve stars (or twelve apostles). It was at this time that Herod, the Roman king, sought to destroy Christ as a rival king when he was born. The Roman province of Judea was at this time governed by the king, Sanhedrin, and the priests.
God had said, through Jacob, fifteen hundred years before: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” Gen. 49 : 10. The prophet Isaiah had said, “Before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” Isa. 7 : 16. If Jesus was the virgin’s son, before he should have knowledge to choose between good and evil, the land of Israel would be without a king.
When Christ was born, an Edomite, a proselyte, Herod the Great, reigned in Judea. He died soon after the birth of Christ. He appointed Antipas his successor in his first will; in his last, Archelaus. The people would not receive Archelaus, but revolted, and Antipas went to Rome to present his claim to Caesar for a decision. Caesar confirmed neither, but sent Archelaus back to Judea with the title of ethnarch, with the promise of the crown if he deserved it; but he never obtained it. Thus it was that the land was forsaken of both her kings after the death of Herod.
The taking away of the kingly power (one of the three forms of the government of Judea) by pagan Rome, was a fulfillment of the prophecy that a third part of the stars of heaven would be cast down at the first advent of Christ. This was also an object-lesson of the casting out of Satan from the heavenly courts at the beginning, taking with him a third part of the angels of God.
The child which the church (the woman) brought forth, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron, was caught up to God and to his throne. Through humanity, Christ vanquished Satan and bore the palm of victory back to glory’s heights. Rome, in its pagan and papal forms, became the most perfect object-lesson of the character and working of the devil, of any government that ever existed upon the face of the earth; and it is this beast, with the false prophet, that leads the world; and these two are mentioned as going together into the lake of fire. Rev. 19 : 20.
Pagan Rome had seven heads and ten horns, or kings. The first time that it is said the devil deceived the whole world, is in the ninth verse of chapter 12, and refers directly to him personally who was cast out of heaven into the earth. To those who worship the beast, it is said: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Rev. 13 : 8. It is also said that “all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the764beast? who is able to make war with him?” Rev. 13 : 3, 4. The dragon worship was continued in the worship of the beast. The devil ruled the beast, and made all the world worship the beast.
Of the two-horned beast we read that he “causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed (Rev. 13 : 12); and, further, that this two-horned beast “had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon” (verse 11); and again, he “deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying . . . that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Verse 14. The dragon power was merged into the ten-horned beast. The dragon spirit was conveyed to the two-horned beast (Rev. 13 : 11), who made the world worship the beast (ten-horned beast). The beast, in turn, made the world worship the dragon. The dragon is merged into the beast, and in worshiping the beast, the people worship the dragon. The two-horned beast, in making an image to the beast, shows the same dragon element that existed in the beast.
Sun worship, or sun’s day worship, originated with paganism. It passed down through the papacy, and is finally enforced by Protestantism. But who is it that makes the world worship?—It is the devil, through the governments of earth, and he, unmasked and free from all symbols, is brought to view in the ninth verse of the twelfth chapter. The dragon, or pagan Rome, is used as a symbol of his power; and when Satan failed to accomplish his purpose in the dragon, he used the papal power, which is recognized as the ten-horned beast; and when Satan fails to accomplish his purpose through the papal power, another power comes upon the stage of action, called the two-horned beast (the United States of America), or Protestantism, through which he works for the accomplishment of his own purpose. S. N. H.
NEWS AND NOTES
—Belgium uses annually 195 quarts of alcoholic beverages per capita; England, 141; France, 137; the United States, 70.
—In seventeen years, the circulation of the Ladies’ Home Journal has increased from 20,000 copies (fifty cents a year) to its present circulation, 923,000 copies, at one dollar a year.
—The Naval Construction Board of this country has adopted a program for 1901, which contemplates the building of thirty-two vessels—three battle-ships, two armored cruisers, twenty-two gunboats, and five auxiliary cruisers.
—It is stated that Mrs. Ellen Corcoran, who “sold papers at the bridge entrance to Park Row, New York, for many years, has amassed sufficient money by her labors to buy a tenement costing $45,000. The rentals of the building amount to $4,700 a year.”
—Recent news from the Orient states that “from 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 Chinese north of Peking are in danger of starving, their crops having been a total failure. One million piculs of tribute rice were to be dispatched from Shanghai and distributed among these hungry hordes, from Tien-tsin and Peking, but the military officers at Shanghai gave orders that no rice should be sent out of Central China.”765
—There are now 224 Russian ships of war.
—The czar of Russia is seriously ill, of typhoid fever.
—The quarantine on Cuban and Porto Rican vessels has been lifted.
—King Oscar, of Sweden and Norway, has practically lost his memory.
—The work of removing the Dewey Arch in New York City has begun.
—Lord Roberts has decided to adopt the reconcentration plan to pacify the Boers.
—A student was killed in a recent cane rush, in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston.
—Having gained several important victories, the rebels in Colombia are marching against Panama.
—The eleventh anniversary of the establishment of the republic was celebrated throughout Brazil, November 14.
—Commandant-General Botha has sent to Lord Roberts a statement of the terms on which he will surrender.
—John W. Tyndall, editorial writer on the Chicago Inter-Ocean for twelve years, died in Chicago, November 15.
—Steps are being taken whereby the work of the Anglo-American Joint High Commission may be resumed.
—During the Paris Exposition, which closed November 12, more than 50,000,000 persons passed through its gates.
—Rev. G. Campbell Morgan, of London, has accepted the call to Northfield, Mass., to take up the work of the late D. L. Moody.
—The General Missionary Committee of the Methodist Episcopal Church opened its annual session in New York City, November 14.
—In his report the Chief of the Naval Bureau of the United States recommends the use of wireless telegraphy on several vessels of the navy.
—Six members of the University of Cincinnati football team have injured themselves while playing, so that they will be disfigured for life.
—President McKinley will urge the early ratification of the Hay-Pauncefote agreement, and the building of the Nicaragua Canal, by the United States.
—The October exports from the United States amounted to $163,093,597, breaking all monthly records in the history of the commerce of this country.
—A negro rapist and murderer was recently burned at the stake, at Limon, Colo., the girl victim’s father starting the fire. The negro’s name was John Porter.
—A column of the allies has reached Tsha-Tau, on the Great Wall of China, northwest of Peking. A large force of Chinese cavalry had just evacuated the place.
—Although the cable censorship has been raised at Manila, General MacArthur has ordered the cable companies to “furnish him a copy of all press dispatches.”
—November 19 United States surveyors found 100 bodies in a swamp just west of Galveston, washed there by the great storm and tidal wave of September 8.
—November 21 being “a day of public penitence in Prussia, all public buildings, the reichstag, and the theaters in Berlin were closed. No evening papers were published.”
—The assistant cashier of the German National Bank at Newport, Ky., is short $201,000 in his accounts. United States Bank Examiner Tucker has taken possession of the bank.
—The American consul at Canton, China, has been notified that the board of reconstruction has been ordered to pay $10,000 as the first installment in settlement of American claims.
—In order to control Carolina pine, fourteen lumber companies of Virginia have formed a trust with North and South Carolina firms, the Belmonts of New York financing the combination.
—By the recent elections in Hawaii, Robert W. Wilcox, the independent Royalist candidate, was chosen as delegate to Congress. He is said to favor the restoration of Queen Liliuokalani.
—Recent dispatches state that “a law has just gone into operation in Norway, permitting the conditional discharge of a convict, for good behavior, after he has served two thirds of his sentence.”
—Miss Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan, was married the 16th inst., to H. L. Satterlee, a New York lawyer, who gave the officiating clergyman, Dr. Rainsford, $1,000 as a fee.
—During the coming year six submarine boats of the Holland type will be constructed by the Electric Boat Company of Manhattan, who will establish a permanent testing plant at New Suffolk, L. I.
—November 16 $1,100 worth of copper wire was stolen by Chicago thieves with a wagon. The police were looking on at the time, but thought that the robbers were employees of the telephone company.
—An insane woman hurled an ax at Emperor William, of Germany, as he was driving in an open carriage in Breslau, but he escaped injury.
—December 12 will be commemorated in Washington, D. C., as the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the District of Columbia as the seat of the Federal government of the United States.
—There are about 400 lepers in France, many of whom are missionaries and nurses who have contracted the disease while caring for sufferers in distant countries, some also being soldiers and officials from the colonies.
—Count von Waldersee has informed the Chinese peace commissioners that “if the Chinese troops were withdrawn from the territory now occupied by the allied forces, the latter would dispatch no more military expeditions.”
—In his annual report, Lieutenant-General Miles makes a plea for the general reorganization of the United States army, and recommends a permanent force of one soldier for each thousand of population. Besides this national army, there will, of course, be the State militias.
—The Standard Oil Company is evidently making huge profits, for the “dividend of ten per cent, declared a few days ago, makes forty-eight per cent for the year thus far, and seventy-five per cent since the present company was organized, in June, 1899. The sum disbursed in dividends since that date, therefore, is $73,125,000, and the dividends paid in the last five years amount to a little more than $170,000,000.”
—The bubonic plague has broken out among the natives near King William’s Town, South Africa.
—The steamship “Oregon” arrived at Seattle, Wash., November 17, with $300,000 in gold, from Cape Nome.
—John Alexander Dowie recently sent over to this country, from Nottingham, England, twenty-five lace workers. These will probably be deported from the United States, Dowie having paid their expenses in coming here, and contracted for their labor.
—It is stated that the German government has “begun steps to induce the British government to relinquish the German prisoners who fought on the Boer side in South Africa.” There are about 300 of these prisoners on the Island of St. Helena, and 250 on the Island of Ceylon. It will be interesting to watch these negotiations.
—A dispatch from Manila, dated November 19 (the first uncensored news by cablegram since the American occupation), states that “last week witnessed a very considerable increase in rebel and American activity in the field. Many skirmishes occurred and several small engagements in northern and southern Luzon. The termination of the rains permits a resumption of operations on both sides. The Americans are undertaking a series of aggressive movements against the insurgents, notably upon the Island of Samar, against General Lukban, whose forces hold the entire island with the exception of three coast towns, each of which is garrisoned by two companies of the Twenty-ninth Infantry and a platoon of artillery. The rebels are continually shooting into the garrisoned towns, and our forces have not been sufficient to retaliate effectively.”
HOLIDAY PRESENTS.
By S. H. Lane
The time of year when holiday presents are selected has been reached, and in all parts of the land, in city, town, and country, many persons are thinking what they shall select to present to friend, companion, brother, sister, or child. Among the most popular, practical, and, withal, inexpensive presents is that of a nice book.
Thousands upon thousands of books will be freely purchased during the holidays. Many of these will be light and trashy, treating of romance and fiction, which always tinge the life of the reader with that which is unreal, and weave into it that which is hay, wood, and stubble; while the good book imparts that which is grand, noble, and inspiring.
Those who dispose of good books are acting the part of true missionaries. Our publishing houses are issuing some beautiful volumes, containing the choicest reading-matter; and why can not our brethren and sisters everywhere engage in the sale of these books, and do so immediately?
The following-named books are excellent, and none better are placed on the market. The people will wish them as soon as presented, and thousands will purchase them if our own people will earnestly endeavor to secure their sale.
“Christ’s Object Lessons” is a new book. Nothing like it has ever been placed on the market. It treats on Christ’s parables as recorded in the New Testament. It has been given by its author, Mrs. E. G. White, to aid in liquidating the debt which rests so heavily on our denominational schools. The sale of this book should be conducted wholly from a missionary standpoint. Our offices of publication—the Pacific Press and the Review and Herald—are to give all the work on three hundred thousand copies. A large fund is being raised from the Atlantic to the Pacific to purchase the material,—the paper, ink, and binding material. The setting of the type, the making of four sets of plates, and the illustrations, have already been paid for by contributions. Thus the books can be placed in the hands of the purchaser with but little initial cost, and, with the exception of mail, freight, or express, charges for boxing and shipping, the results of its sale will go directly to the schools.
Can not and will not our older and middle-aged brethren and sisters spend some time in their vicinity selling this book? Call upon your neighbors with the book in hand. Explain to them, as best you can, its contents, and tell them that the price of the book is devoted to educational work. People are, as a rule, inclined to aid an educational institution. If they wish the book for their own reading, assure them that they can find no better; if they desire to make a Christmas present, this book is just the thing. Take a copy to the merchant with whom you have traded for years; to the blacksmith who has been shoeing your horses; to the wagon maker who has done your repairing; and to the shoemaker who has made and repaired your foot-gear. Having paid your bills promptly, they are acquainted with you, and you have their confidence. As you present the book, and explain its contents, they will purchase it, not only because of the interest they have in the book, but because of the good-will they have toward you.
If all our brethren and sisters of mature years will do thus, and visit and sell to their well-to-do friends and neighbors, thousands of copies of this book will be sold before Christmas. The best way is to sell these books; but if you are so situated that you can not sell any, then, if you can possibly do so, purchase some of them, and make presents to your friends.
In so doing, remember the minister of your place. It matters not whether he be Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, or of whatever denomination, he will appreciate the book when he has read it. He will receive many excellent, thrilling ideas, and will naturally weave them into his sermons, and thus thousands of persons will be benefited. The book will be mailed to any address for $1.25.
Another book has just been issued, called “Easy Steps in the Bible Story.” It is a fine work for youth in their teens. It will create an interest in the blessed Bible when once read; it is nicely illustrated, and can be readily sold. In heavy paper covers, post-paid, 25 cents; in cloth, 50 cents.
Still another book has just been published, “Best Stories from the Best Book.” It is as finely illustrated as any small book ever published by our people. It is written in such a style as to be adapted to the child who has just learned to read, and to the youth in his teens. It contains many of the sweetest stories of the Bible, written and illustrated in such a manner as to captivate the reader. It will be a great seller. The first part of the book is especially adapted to children, is profusely illustrated, and printed in colors. One young sister, a daughter of one of our ministers, obtained seventeen orders for the book in one day. Many of our younger brethren and sisters, and many of the older children, can engage in the sale of this book. “Best Stories” sells for 25 cents in paper covers; board, half cloth, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents.
If you live in a city, and there are several who desire to work, divide the city into districts, and make a thorough canvass. If you have no copy of these books, write immediately to your tract society, or to the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., or to the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich., and obtain a copy of the book you desire, inclosing the retail price, and the book will be sent to you by mail, postpaid. Begin immediately to take orders.
Regular agents’ prices will be allowed to all who canvass for “Easy Steps” and “Best Stories.” Write for territory and order the books for your customers through your tract society. Will not hundreds begin the work immediately? Do not lay this paper aside and say, I do wish some one would engage in this noble work. Can not you engage in it yourself? Well done, good and faithful worker, is to be said to some one. Will it be to you?
S. H. LANE.
ARE WE PLANNING FOR IT?
By I. H. Evans
SOME one asks, “Planning for what?” We answer, For the coming week of prayer. The time has already been appointed, December 22-29, taking in two Sabbaths, and closing on the last.
How we have been hurried the last year!—scarcely time to attend camp-meeting or Conference; driven almost to desperation to keep up the necessary work and make things go; oftentimes too weary to either attend or appreciate even the Sabbath service at the little home church; while a day off has been out of the question.
Four weeks more and the week of prayer will be here. Are we planning for it? Have we said, to wife and children, “Come, let us lay aside these burdens and many cares, and take a rest”?
Many a weary wife and mother would be glad if all would unite in having a vacation for one week, and spend the time in seeking the Lord. Did you ever consider, parents, how children love to think of father and mother taking a rest from their toil, and really being companionable for a few days? Why not lay aside life's arduous labors, and for a whole week do only the necessary work? Take time to pray. Look over the family record for one brief year, and see whether life has been worth the living. Recall the harsh words, the angry frowns, the unkindnesses shown; and probe your own heart with the query, Have I drawn the poison out of the cruel words by confession? Is there a soul in darkness, in deep sorrow, because of your selfishness? Is the whole family circle clear, and does love and unity prevail?
When ancient Israel had their seasons for seeking God, worldly labor was prohibited. Shall the Israel of the last generation never have a holy convocation? Why not be satisfied with plain food, and make the work out of doors and in doors as light as possible?
The readings for the week of prayer are only suggestive. They will occupy only about half an hour each day. Why not spend several hours in earnestly seeking the Lord and reading his word? The public service can occupy only a limited time, but the closet knows no limit. There let us commune with the Lord of glory. Are sins unconfessed? let us tell them to Jesus. Are sinful habits holding us down? let us come and claim the victory.
A week of prayer should be a week of spiritual devotion. It is a week for communing with God. Heart searching, confession, reconciliation, should mark the beginning of our seeking God, while praise and song will come from every reconciled heart.
To have a good week of prayer we must plan for it. Individuals must plan; churches must plan; Conference committees must plan. Individuals must plan to lay aside worldly cares as far as possible, and spend the time in study, meditation, and prayer. Churches must plan to hold regular daily services at such times as will accommodate the greatest number. When a minister can not be present, why not let church elders, when convenient, exchange labors for a day or two, thus bringing in new talent? Conferences should plan to allow consecrated laborers to assist the churches during this important season.
Let this week of prayer mark an era in our spiritual experience. Make it a real oasis in our lives. Shall we not plan for it from this very day? Let the church elder introduce it next Sabbath, and plan your meetings. Invite all to be sure to plan to give the week up entirely to the Lord. And above all, shall we not all pray for the Pentecostal blessing? I. H. EVANS.
TAHITI, SOCIETY ISLANDS.
By E. H. Gates
I ARRIVED at Raratonga, Cook Islands, August 7, after staying one week at Auckland, New Zealand. Though the prospects looked dark a few months ago in Raratonga, the Lord has turned the opposition of the enemy to the furtherance of the truth. Last January, by act of the island parliament, the true Sabbath, which has been kept in this group since the introduction of Christianity, was set aside at the instigation of the Protestant and Catholic clergy, and the Sunday established. A fine of ten shillings was the penalty for Sunday work.
Very few of the natives wished the change made; but after being heavily fined, and threatened with imprisonment, most of them submitted, and now profane the Sabbath. Generally, the fines were not for working on Sunday, but because they continued to meet on the Sabbath, as they had always done. One aged native preacher was fined five pounds, and several of the deacons were fined four pounds each, for keeping the Sabbath—NOT for Sunday work.
Across the island, at Titikaveka, is a large native church, forty or fifty of the members of which persisted in keeping the Sabbath. Most of them were fined by the courts. A church building, which they erected at their own expense, and for use on the Sabbath, was nailed up by order of the araki (native chief), who is also a minister, laboring under the immediate direction of the London Missionary Society clergymen. These Sabbath-keepers sent to our brethren, asking that a minister be sent to them. Foreseeing the opposition that would arise, the brethren refused to become their teachers while they remained in the London Missionary Society. Forty or fifty of them withdrew from that church, and sent another request for help. Dr. Caldwell went to their assistance, and has continued to teach them till the present time. When I went to the island, Dr. Caldwell requested me to unite with him in labor.
We proposed to these native brethren that we hold a general meeting for the benefit of all the Sabbath-keepers on the island. They were a little fearful that the authorities might try to break up their meetings, and so I decided to visit the British Resident and set the situation before him, telling him what we proposed to do. He treated me very courteously, and assured me that if the meetings were interfered with, he would see that the natives’ rights were respected. Our meetings were a success.
When the matter of the sanctification of the body was presented, some decided at once to give up tobacco. The tobacco habit is almost universal among this people. The subject of baptism was then presented, and a few expressed a desire to receive the ordinance. On the Sabbath we presented the subject of the church of God, its high and holy character, and what God expects of those who connect with it. Those who desired baptism were then called together, and were given opportunity to tell their experiences and wishes. One young man at once arose and confessed his sins of intemperance, theft, adultery, etc., but said that God had touched his heart, and now he wished to show his death to sin by being buried with Christ. Others made similar confessions. Sunday afternoon we gathered on the beach of the beautiful lagoon, and buried eight of these repentant natives in the likeness of Christ’s death.
The last Sabbath of my visit we had another meeting for those who wished to give themselves to Christ, at which ten more offered themselves for baptism. Most of these had already given up the use of tobacco, and the remainder promised to do so. Most of the women wore a profusion of gold and silver jewelry; but when they were shown that this is a relic of heathenism, and forbidden by the Scriptures, they at once said they would give it up. In the afternoon the baptism was administered. One of the men was recovering from a broken leg, and had to be carried into the water. Another, who had been a deacon in the London Missionary Society, will probably become a public laborer among us. The six female candidates came to the baptism neatly attired in white dresses.
On the same day we effected a church organization of twenty members, not including our mission families, who expect soon to labor in other fields. The Lord has certainly done wonders for some of our native converts, and we expect to see others unite with them. A young brother and his wife from Australia are expected in Raratonga next month, to take the place of Dr. Caldwell, who expects to labor among the Maoris of New Zealand.
Leaving Raratonga, I reached Tahiti, September 6. The new church building had just been finished, and is a credit to the cause of truth. It is twenty-four by forty-eight feet, and is the neatest house in the island. Sunday, September 9, dedicatory services were held, the house being well filled with an attentive audience. It certainly was a mixed audience, there being present Americans, Englishmen, Frenchmen, Germans, half-castes, and natives. The English and United States consuls were also in attendance.
This is the second church building erected in this group, but it is expected that another one will be built at Paia within a few months. Though the Sabbath-keepers are not numerous, we can see that the truth is slowly gaining ground.766
We have here a number of intelligent young people, who, if consecrated to God’s service, will be a power for good. Most of them are able to talk and read English, French, and Tahitian, and stand well in their classes in the schools. A few of these youth expect to go to America to attend one of our schools when Elder Cady goes in November. We held several meetings with them, setting before them the responsibilities and duties of the young, and the vast possibilities before those who whole-heartedly choose God’s way of serving him. We then organized them into a company of volunteers to work for the young people who are out of Christ.
Elder Cady will spend several months in America, attending the General Conference, trying to secure help for his school, and will then return to carry on work in new fields.
We feel hopeful about the future work in this field. E. H. GATES.
AN APPEAL FOR THE COLORED PEOPLE OF THE SOUTHERN FIELD.
By W. H. Armstrong
I came South to labor for the colored people, last December. The Lord has blessed my work to quite an extent. At Winston Salem, N. C., is a small company of Sabbath-keepers. The work in the South is far different from the work in the North. A large per cent of the people have no knowledge of reading, and are educated to believe whatever the minister says, regardless of what the Bible teaches.
Yet it is indeed wonderful how the Lord has led many of them. I have seen those who could not read a word in the Bible, and who had never heard of a Sabbath-keeper, and yet they were keeping the Sabbath the best they knew how. I have known several persons who, although unable to read, have a knowledge of many of the doctrines which we teach as present truth. When asked how they got this knowledge, they say, “The Spirit taught me.” I will mention one case especially: A sister in Virginia who was seeking truth heard of a people keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. She sought them, learned the truth, and accepted it. After a few weeks of faithful service for her beloved Master, she fell asleep in the hope of a soon-coming Saviour.
The Lord has for a long time spoken of this field. As I labor here, I often think of other parts of the vineyard in the North, East, and West, which the Master has blessed. Our Father has many servants in these fields. So far as I know, I am the only one in this State laboring in this work. It has been decided by the General Conference that I am to labor in the States of Virginia and North Carolina. There is much to do. Will not the Lord of the harvest lay the burden on one of the Conferences to send a laborer to this field? or will not one of our churches, or even a man or woman, blessed of the Lord with money, send a laborer here? The Lord laid this burden on me; and he is as able to lay it on others. But I would not advise any one to come; except those on whom the Lord has placed the burden. I verily believe that the Lord gives every man his work, and that no one is fitted for this work unless the Lord calls him. I pray that the dear Lord will send those whom he has called.
We are in great need of tracts to distribute among the people. Will not some of our brethren and sisters help us by giving of their money or by sending tracts and papers? A large amount of the tracts used here will have to be given away. All contributions of money for this work should be sent to the Review and Herald Pub. Co., Atlanta, Ga.
If this appeal meets the mind of one, or of many, I ask them to confer with the leading brethren, whom the Lord has placed in charge of the work.
W. H. ARMSTRONG.
622 N. Main St., Winston Salem, N. C.
CALIFORNIA
By John Norton Loughborough
My last report was made just after the close of the Swiss camp-meeting at Lausanne, August 12. I then went to England to prepare for our return voyage to America. August 25 I spoke to our people of the North London church; and from August 31 to September 7 I was with our people in Southampton and on the Isle of Wight, holding four meetings, in one of which we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. From September 8-17 my wife and I journeyed from Southampton, England, to Battle Creek, Mich., where we remained until November 5. During this time I spoke in the Tabernacle, sanitarium, and college chapels—in all, seven times. During my stay in Battle Creek I again looked over the seventy-seven volumes of the ADVENT REVIEW, collecting some important matter for future use.
It was my privilege to attend the late council of the General Conference Committee and the presidents of the State Conferences, held in Battle Creek. For several years I have not seen a more harmonious meeting than this council. Each morning an instructive lesson was given by Brother Haskell. During the consideration of the various topics, it seemed to be the earnest desire of each and every one present to learn just what the Lord would have us do. The Spirit of the Lord was manifestly near in our councils, and he will surely bless in the carrying out of the work planned under his guidance.
From November 5-9 my wife and I made the overland trip to California. After an absence of seventeen months we are at home again at our daughter’s in Oakland. How pleasant, after wanderings and journeyings in this world, to rest occasionally with friends “at home.” But what is that compared with the final rest in the heavenly home? To gain that home, and especially to lead others to it, should demand our most earnest efforts. If so occupied, our song may ever be:—
“Oh! to be at home again,
All for which we’re sighing;
Night shall be exchanged for morn,
Hope to gladsome singing,
Looking home, looking home,
Towards the heavenly mansion,
Jesus hath prepared for me
In his Father’s kingdom.”
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
MICHIGAN
By S. F. Svensson
IRON RIVER.—The work among the Swedish people in this place is steadily moving forward. The church has now a membership of about thirty-five. Several who have not yet united with the church are keeping the Sabbath.
Last fall we began to erect a church building in Bates, six miles from Iron River. On account of the severe winter the work was discontinued. It was taken up again this summer, and finished. The building is twenty-five by forty-five feet, and will seat two hundred persons. It has cost over one thousand dollars. Our friends not of the faith have taken considerable interest in the enterprise, having given two hundred and thirty-five dollars to the work. There is a debt of about forty-five dollars on the church. This is good when we consider that our people here are poor.
Sunday, October 7, the church was dedicated. At 11 o'clock A. M. we had service in the Swedish language, and at 3 P. M. in the English. Elder Watkins, of Menominee, spoke in English. The church was filled with attentive listeners. The interest continues good.
This is the second Seventh-day Adventist church building in the Northern Peninsula. There ought to be twenty by this time. This is a neglected field. Just think of it, from Menominee to Sault Ste. Marie, a distance of between three hundred and four hundred miles, there are only about three laborers. The country is dotted with towns, some of them said to have fifty thousand inhabitants. How soon will some of our brethren come over and help us? There is no danger in coming here. The people are just as good here as anywhere else; and it is a considerable distance from here to Kamchatka and the north pole. The times are good just now. In the mine regions the work is going on at full speed, and the laborers are well paid. It is the best opportunity that can be had for selling our publications; but this opportunity may not last long. God will hold us responsible if we are not doing our duty. Will not some of our brethren engage in the canvassing work here this year? S. F. SVENSSON.
C. E. LELAND
By C. E. Leland
The work in District 12 is prospering, although we have not done so much this season as last, owing perhaps to our not having a tent, and being obliged to hold meetings in halls and schoolhouses. In summer the people do not attend services held in such places as well as those conducted in a tent.
After closing the tent effort last season, I worked in Hayes, visiting and holding Bible readings, and also assisting in the building of a new church, which, although not completed, is now being used for meetings. Later, meetings were held in a hall in Charlevoix, which were well attended, and were continued every night until time to attend the State meeting. As a result of that effort, six adults are keeping the Sabbath and a number of others are investigating.
During the last summer Brother J. Irwin and I held meetings at Clarion, in a hall, but were obliged to close them to attend the camp-meeting. Prejudice was strong, and the attendance small, but we hope that the seeds sown were not all lost.
Our work is not done here, but we are ready to labor in any field where the Lord may call us.
C. E. LELAND
ADDRESS
The address of Elder A. F. Ballenger is Annapolis, Md.
CORRECTION
In giving the address of Brother Smith last week,—E. 209 Sprague Ave., Spokane, Wash.,—his initials should have read J. G., instead of J. W.
