Earlier text: Danube UnionNew Zealand Camp-Meeting
By A. L. Hindson
In Mount Eden, one of Auckland's prettiest and best residential suburbs, the annual camp-meeting of the New Zealand Conference, which is one of the six organized conferences in the Australasian Union, was held, January 14-26. Although the grounds were somewhat small, the place chosen was well situated and proved a most desirable location. The Dominion Road tram from the heart of the city passed the grounds, and made them easy of access to a large number of the people. Finer weather could not have been desired during the entire time of the meeting. There was no rain to speak of, no wind, and the sun's rays were not too warm for comfort. On the twenty-seventh, however, the morning on which the farewell service was held, the encampment was visited with both wind and rain, as though an overruling Providence had been holding the elements in check until the close of the holy convocation. The encampment consisted of sixty-three tents, and about two hundred fifty persons were in attendance at the meeting, or about the same number as last year. The camp-meeting proper was preceded by a workers' institute, which proved full of interest and profit to those in attendance. Excellent papers on the various phases of our conference and tract society work were presented and freely discussed, and this season proved a fitting introduction to the regular meeting that opened on Tuesday evening, January 14, by a welcome from Pastor J. E. Fulton. The first few days were devoted to the conference business, which passed off very harmoniously. Encouraging progress had been made during the year. The membership in the New Zealand Conference now stands at just 700, 65 having been baptized during the year. The tithe paid reached the amount of $15,788, and was $2,269 in advance of that for 1911. There was also a good increase in the value of book sales, which totaled $27,296. The tract society department had made a clear gain of $1,295. The Sabbath-school enrolment is now 803, thus showing a gain of 64 members; and the Sabbath-school offerings to missions were $2,405, which is $190 in excess of the previous year. The Christchurch Sanitarium and the Wellington and Auckland cafés have had a prosperous year. Thus it is seen that the work in New Zealand has been signally blessed. One of the most interesting features of the camp-meeting was the large attendance and the deep interest manifested by the public in the preaching services. Not only were there large audiences from the city and the surrounding neighborhood on the two Sundays of the encampment, but at every evening meeting the tent was full of attentive listeners. It was an impressive sight to see the excellent class of people coming night after night from all directions, well before the time appointed for the service to commence, and to notice the apparent preference for front seats on the part of many of the strangers. This, with the close attention given, seemed to indicate that there were many honest seekers after truth gathered in the tent at every preaching service. The public speaking was done by Pastors M. Lukens and A. W. Anderson, and the discourses on the various doctrines of our faith, especially on the fast-fulfilling prophecy, made a profound impression upon many hearts. The Eastern question, with its latest developments, the general unrest of the nations, the extensive preparations for war, and the conflict between capital and labor were subjects that appealed to many intelligent minds and awakened a spirit of inquiry. Not only were revival services held on the two Sabbaths of the meeting, when large numbers of our own people came forward in response to the earnest appeals made and the deep working of the Spirit of God upon their hearts, but during the week-night meetings, at the close of the discourses, frequent appeals were made to those unconverted, and invitations were given to them and also to all those who were seeking for light and divine leading, to repair, at the close of the meeting, to an inquiry tent where ministers and other workers were prepared to enter into personal conversation with them. This proved a very effective means of getting into touch with some who felt their need of help. A number of remarkable conversions were reported, and some took a definite stand on the side of truth. Literature was also given out at the close of the meetings, on the subjects presented, and addresses obtained, in order that more reading-matter might be supplied. In this way quite a large number of names were secured and left with those who are following up this interest. The first Sabbath afternoon of the meeting, Brethren C. K. Meyers and W. J. Westerman were ordained to the gospel ministry. The ordained ministers taking part in this impressive service were Pastors Fulton, Lukens, Cole, Anderson, Pascoe, and White. The medical department of our work was represented by Dr. Eulalia Richards. Her nine health lectures were well attended by appreciative audiences composed not only of our own people but also many not of our faith, and many were the expressions of genuine appreciation of what was presented. The doctor also held a large number of medical consultations with individuals during the meeting. On Wednesday afternoon, January 22, the Hon. Geo. Fowlds, the New Zealand minister for education, spoke to a large audience on “The Danger of Denominationalism in Education,” and was followed by the Rev. Howard Elliott, of the Mount Eden Baptist Church, on “Religious Reasons for Keeping the Bible and the Priest Out of the Schools.” Pastor Anderson continued in the evening on “Is It Legitimate for the State to Take a Referendum on Religious Questions?” As a strong effort is being made at the present time in New Zealand to introduce the Bible into the schools, this question is a live one in the dominion, and it is hoped that the sound principles set forth in these able addresses enlightened many who heard them presented. The young people's meetings were well attended by a large number of intelligent and earnest youth who entered heartily into the spirit of the meeting and responded readily in prayer and testimony as opportunity offered. The children's meetings were in charge of Sister Ella Paap, who was assisted by Sister White and a faithful band of teachers. These services were greatly appreciated by about sixty of the little ones of the encampment who gathered twice a day for instruction. It was good to see the live interest they manifested, and to note the good deportment in their meetings. Pastor Lukens and Brother Johanson rendered valuable assistance in the missionary17 campaign and canvassing meetings held on the ground. During the meeting considerable literature was sold, both to our own people and to those who attended from the outside. The New Zealand Conference has undertaken to circulate at least 10,000 copies of the Outlook. Several thousand copies of these were ordered by individual members during the meetings. A plan of the new school building in course of erection at Longburn was presented by Brother Joseph Mills, the principal, and the educational work, including the church-school interests, received its due share of attention. At one of the early morning meetings opportunity was given for those present to make an offering for various interests in the New Zealand field. A ready response was made, and before the close of the camp-meeting the total amount given reached about $1,500. On the last Sunday of the meeting Pastor White baptized twenty-four in the Ponsonby Church baptistery. On the whole, the camp-meeting was a very successful one, and the outlook for the work in New Zealand is promising. Pastor Cole was unanimously reelected president of the conference. The workers are of good courage and united in their determination to push the work forward during the coming year. Collecting Stamps for Mission Funds
By A. T. Benjamin
[Brother Benjamin has had exceptional success in turning stamps into money for missions. The Mission Board commends his enterprise, which is wholly a labor of love for the missionary cause.— ED.] WILL you help us to raise more money to support our foreign missions by collecting canceled postage-stamps? Few know that old stamps have any value, but the fact is that every stamp has some value, and by collecting them in as great numbers as possible good sums can be secured for our work. To make this a success, we need the support, not only of our foreign workers, but also of the members, and especially the young people, in these fields, and this article is a call for you to help us as much as you can. It will not take much time or labor, and to guide you we give the following rules:— Collect all the old stamps you can get from all letters and parcels and save them in a convenient box on your desk; always leave a wide margin of paper around the stamp, and never cut the stamp, and never cut off the perforated edges; do not soak the stamps to remove the paper; do not sort them, and finally, do not tie them in bundles. Do it the easiest way, tearing or cutting stamps from covers with good margins. Remember that soaking ruins many stamps. As soon as a small parcel is collected, send direct by parcel-post to the address given below, and as soon as the stamps are sold you will be notified by card of the amount realized, and the money will be sent to the General Conference treasurer, credited in your name and field for missions, and where so requested, will be forwarded to your own field for special work. Packets thought to be quite valuable should be registered, especially those from South America and from such foreign points as have unreliable postal service. On a convenient corner of the parcel write your own address as the sender, and also state that the parcel contains old stamps only. Many workers have been helping in this work, sending in parcels selling for several dollars each. Not all bring so much, but the aggregate of the small packets is considerable. We have had several single stamps that sold for one dollar each and one for two dollars. The Syrian Mission has been raising money for its poor fund; Bahama Islands for a new church; the Singapore Sabbath-school for a church library; both China and Cuba for school enterprises; others for missions alone. We need your help. Address the undersigned at 35 Wenham Building, Grand Rapids, Mich., U. S. A. South Carolina
By C. G. Manns
COLUMBIA.—The work here is progressing in an encouraging manner. The church numbers about forty, and has a growing interest. The writer spent ten days with this church, and preached every night. From March 6-14 Brethren V. O. Cole and R. L. Underwood conducted a canvassers' institute at Columbia. Elder C. V. Achenbach was present and gave some timely instruction every morning. For this we were thankful. Eleven or more were present to prepare themselves for the canvassing work. A Sabbath-school convention was held by Brother J. L. McConneghoy. Many interesting thoughts concerning Sabbath-school and young people work were discussed. This meeting was indeed profitable to all who were present. God was certainly with us during the ten days and nights. The meetings were well attended by those not of our faith. On Sunday night, March 16, we discussed the question, "Is Sunday the True Sabbath of the Lord?" The church was full. At the close of the meeting eight stood to signify their intention of keeping the Sabbath. Others are much interested. Pray that God's blessing may rest upon the work in Columbia and upon the new believers here that they may stand fast. C. G. MANNS. The Work in Shanghai
By F. E. Stafford
A good interest continues to be manifested in the neighborhood of the Shanghai chapels, and requests for Bible readings are coming in continually. Sister Miller reports a lively interest among the women, and many are anxious to learn the truth. On Dec. 5, 1912, a baptismal service was held in the Honan Road chapel, Dr. A. C. Selmon administering the rite to four women, one of whom was eighty-one years of age. These women were all converted from heathenism, and manifest a true change of heart and an undivided purpose to serve the Lord in spite of trials and persecutions. One of the young women has taken a decided stand against the opposition of her whole family, who are bitterly persecuting her and doing their best to get her to join another church. When this sister came to us, she was literally loaded with jewelry, as her people are well-to-do; but now she has willingly taken off all her adornments, including her wedding ring. This also has brought persecution upon her. The week of prayer this year proved to be a blessed occasion to the Chinese brethren, it being the first year that the readings have been translated into Chinese. The meetings were carried on the same as in the home land, a speaker being chosen to lead out with the reading, and this being followed by a season of earnest prayer. A rich blessing was received by all in attendance, and on the closing Sabbath about thirty dollars was donated for the annual offering, the Chinese brethren expressing their desire to have a part in the spreading of the third angel's message. F. E. STAFFORD. W. H. MAYNOR
By W. H. Maynor
CHARLESTON.— Our work in Charleston is moving along well. The people are interested in the truth, the Lord is working for his people, and many are accepting the message that he has sent. Our Sabbath services are held in the carpenters’ union hall, and they are well attended by Sabbath-keepers. Our Sunday night service is well attended by outside people. Satan is also working, but the Lord is finding his people and “will bring them to Zion.” Kolo Mission, South Africa
By E. C. Silsbee
The week of prayer is with us now, and we are truly having a feast of good things. From the beginning, every one of those attending, which includes only the mission family as yet, turned to God with a true heart, confessing his sins and receiving forgiveness, and rejoicing in the mercy of the Lord. Ours are not meetings of large attendance, but they are the kind that would do your heart good to attend. While it is very true that we miss the larger gatherings of the brethren and sisters during the week of prayer, at the same time we are not missing the enjoyment of the Saviour’s presence at our little week of prayer meetings here on the mission. We are now at the very end of this week of blessings, and every one of the mission family feels greatly encouraged, and like “getting to work now” as a result of the presence among us for the last few days of the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. If you would like to have your heart warmed again with your first love, you should be in one of our meetings. But the blessed part of it is that we may all enjoy the week of prayer blessings wherever we may be if we will but “follow directions.” The long-continued drought of the last five months seems broken now. For the last week we have been having heavy and quite frequent showers, so much so that many people are plowing again, preparatory to sowing late grain. For this purpose a few of the many oxen which were taken to the Malutis are being brought back, and we seem to be in the land of the living again. Praise the Lord. E. C. SILSBEE. Thirty-Seven Baptized in New Zealand
DURING the last two months of 1912 thirty-seven new believers were baptized in New Zealand. Religious Liberty Campaign
By C. S. Longacre
THE religious liberty campaign which began January 8 at Walla Walla and was carried into all the principal cities and towns in the North Pacific Union Conference and then to the principal cities in the Pacific Union, has just come to a close with its final meetings held in Los Angeles, Cal. This was my first experience in this kind of work, and yet I never enjoyed any work more than I did this pioneer campaigning. The Lord wonderfully blessed in giving us good-sized audiences and most attentive and interested hearers. They were the most expressive and responsive class of people I ever addressed. The Sunday-law advocates have often declared that the people on the Coast are a lot of pagans because they have no Sunday laws on their statute-books; but I was happily surprised when I reached the Coast to find a people who compared most favorably with their Christian cousins in the East, and who were able to give good reasons for not having Sunday laws on their statute-books. They were proud that they did not have such laws, and the people of the State of California regard it as a high honor to have their State government patterned after the national Constitution and the true American idea of civil and religious liberty. I found that the religious liberty secretaries in both union and local conferences are wide-awake and aggressive men. They rendered most valuable assistance in this campaign. Everywhere the common people gladly heard us, and in some places even the ministers could not speak too highly of our efforts to enlighten the people, especially along the lines of Romanism. I am thoroughly convinced that similar campaigns should be carried into all our cities and towns in every union conference in the United States and Canada. I was surprised at the interest which is manifest among the people of all classes in the principles of religious liberty and in the encroachments of Romanism. Invariably as our meetings continued the audiences increased and the people manifested greater enthusiasm. There is no doubt that now is the time for us to educate the people and to plan for aggressive work instead of waiting until we have to take a defensive attitude. There was a splendid interest manifested and good-sized audiences were present in our meetings in Oakland, Mountain View, and Los Angeles. I also held meetings for the benefit of our own people at Lodi, St. Helena, Pacific Union College, San Fernando, Berkeley, Glendale, Keene (Tex.), and College View (Nebr.). Members of the Guardians of Liberty attended in each place where we held public lectures, and were anxious that these things might be proclaimed to their followers. I believe we have a duty toward this large body of truth seekers. I do not believe that we should let their appeal for more light go by unheeded. We ought to have a score of able men carrying on this kind of campaign through all our cities and towns, and wherever a large interest is awakened it ought to be followed by the work of able ministers in those conferences. A rich harvest of souls would undoubtedly be the result of such efforts. I have seen some splendid opportunities for this kind of follow-up work. I trust that another campaign may be instituted immediately after the World's Christian Citizenship Conference at Portland and the World's Christian Endeavor Convention at San Francisco have been held. Good results would certainly follow, and the strong impressions which these conventions create would, to a very large degree, be counteracted. We must give diligent consideration to some of these important questions at our department meetings during the General Conference. All our religious liberty secretaries, in both the union and local conferences, should plan to attend these important council meetings, as we are hoping with their assistance to lay some definite plans and give some important instruction for this kind of work. Oklahoma Sunday Bills
By I. A. Crane
Sunday bills seem to be the order of the day in Oklahoma. Three bills dealing directly with the Sunday question and at least two others with attachments relating to Sunday observance have been introduced. All but one of these bills were defeated. This one prohibits theaters, shows, boxing, etc., from twelve o’clock Saturday night until twelve o’clock Sunday night. The bill provides that for its violation there shall be a penalty of $50 to $200, or 30 to 90 days in jail. We have endeavored as best we could to place the truth upon this question before the members of the legislature and others whose minds were awakened by the agitation. Petitions and remonstrances with literature have been placed in the hands of each member of the legislature, State officers, judges, county attorneys, etc. About thirteen hundred letters, circulars, etc., have been mailed. The Oklahoma papers have given us fair recognition, and by this means many people are hearing that Sunday laws are not only unscriptural but unchristian. Last week the Oklahoma City Ministerial Alliance, with a membership of forty-one, presented a memorial asking that the bill pass. We followed with a protest signed by five of our ministers setting forth the evils of such legislation. A letter was also addressed to each minister of the city. Copies of both these letters were addressed to the editors of the three daily papers as well as to many State officers. An editorial followed in one of these papers entitled “Preachers Become Lobbyists,” in which our work was favorably contrasted with the “blue-law” ideas of these men. On Sunday two of these men preached on “Church and State.” One avoided the Sabbath question. The other was quite bitter against a “small sect that, because everybody will not keep Saturday, would rob us of any Sabbath.” It is evident that the agitation has uncovered some points of truth which the enemy would be glad to have kept out of sight. We believe that in God’s providence his truth has been planted in honest hearts as a result of this work, and that some day under the influence of God’s Spirit souls will hear and heed the last call of mercy. Those who hear by means of the religious liberty work could scarcely be reached in any other way. Pray for the work here. An Editor Indorses the Religious Liberty Resolutions
The resolutions adopted by the Bartley (Nebr.) church protesting against the passage of the Johnston Sunday Bill, were printed in the Indianola Reporter of Jan. 30, 1913. Accompanying this report was an editorial from which we take the following paragraphs:— “Every student of history who is acquainted with the union of church and state in government, must admit that the above sentiment, as expressed by the Seventh-day Adventists, is true and just, and should be indorsed by every lover of liberty, equal justice, and fair play. “History records that such laws were generally framed to subdue other religions, though there are a few exceptions, but in such cases, bigots, tyrants, and unprincipled rulers soon forced themselves to the front and subdued freedom and religious liberties. “Johnston is seeking notoriety rather than justice and religious liberty for the people. If he is an intelligent man, he should know that such a law would mean ignorance, tyranny, oppression, and finally the destruction of our government. “People who wish to inform themselves on the effect of such a law need only to read the history of the crusades, the Bartholomew Massacre, the driving of two hundred thousand from Russia, the reign of King James II, Calvin, Cotton Mather, and the laws on witchcraft. “Read your histories and encyclopedias on these things, and you will find that the history of all governments is a blank so far as any good results derived from such laws. “Had Johnston or any other Sunday-law agitators any good reason, favorable historical incidents, or even any Bible to uphold such a law, it would be different. . . . Judging from these records, and in support of freedom and justice, we should gladly join the seventh-day people and petition Congress and the President to sit down on those religious fanatics, and not allow them to fasten upon our free institutions a bondage that will deprive us of our liberties, bring tyranny upon the people, and in the end destroy our government.” The Word of the Lord Endureth Forever
“ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” State and Church
By W. W. Prescott
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of Religious Freedom, and the Campaign "to Make America Catholic." Conducted by the Religious Liberty Association W. W. PRESCOTT - - - - - SECRETARY “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” You and I are a part of the great world that God loved so much. Only the impelling power of inexpressible love could prompt our Saviour to give all he had, and come to this lonely world to suffer and die. Love is the foundation of all true happiness. A dreary world this would be without it. It binds in closest and tenderest union the hearts and lives of kindred and friends. It is love that rules and controls in the service of heaven; and when God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven, love will be the actuating energy. God designs that the homes of his people shall be so full of his love that they will be little heavens on earth, where his Spirit can abide, and where each inmate will seek the others' comfort and happiness. The Scotchman must have had a happy home and known the joys of Christian service who, when asked if he believed in heaven, replied, “Why, man, I live there!” The picture that we see in this home is one of tenderest love and devotion, where each inmate loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. They are no doubt a little band of missionaries, cultivating the Christian graces which always yield a harvest of flowers, not thorns. In answer to the question by a London magazine, “What is home?” eight hundred replies came from persons representing all classes of society. Seven, called “gems,” were published, three of which were,— “Home — a world of strife shut out, a world of love shut in.” “Home — the place where the small are great and the great are small.” “Home — the only place on earth where the faults and failings of humanity are hidden under the sweet mantle of charity.” These tell us what is really comprehended in the term home. It is the duty of every family to make a real home, not merely a stopping-place for the members of the household. We always try to be kind and courteous to our friends or to strangers; why not much more so to our loved ones? Let us look a moment on a condition which is too often seen, and note especially its result, by the blighted influence and fruitless efforts that are sure to follow. A Seventh-day Adventist family moved into a new neighborhood. They felt, in a measure, the responsibility resting upon them in the great work God has given us, and had a burden to do missionary work. As no Seventh-day Adventists had ever lived in this locality, the message was new to their neighbors, and opportunities for doing good multiplied. Many papers and tracts were distributed, books lent, and Bible studies and talks given, all of which was kindly received, and some were eager to learn more of the truth. On calling at this home, some of the neighbors observed a spirit of criticism and faultfinding with one another, and frequent exchanges of sharp and unkind words. As these things were noticed, the luster of the truth that shone so brightly at first became dim, for the influence of the daily lives of the family was in opposition to what they professed. And what was the trouble? Simply that the love of Jesus was not in the hearts of the parents and children as it should have been. Family worship was usually held in the morning, but was sometimes omitted lest the children should be late to school, or for other reasons. They would be started off without asking the care and protection of the Lord for a day of trial and temptation, and no prayer would be offered for strength for the home duties of father and mother. “Little prayer, little power; no prayer, no power.” Some of the neighbors found that these newcomers were not always fair and just in business deal. They failed to follow the golden rule, sometimes gave short measure, and left occasional debts here and there. They did not care for their horses and stock as the Lord says a righteous man will. Among their playmates the children were selfish and overbearing, showing the spirit that ruled at home. These things could have but one result, which it is needless to name. We can not but painfully regret that those who profess and know better things will and do permit the influence of their daily lives to put a coloring on their profession which spoils its aspect to all beholders. In contrast to this, let us take a glimpse into another home. Here the children are all up in time to attend to their duties. All gather for family worship. A hymn is sung, God's blessing sought upon each one, and in a happy frame of mind all partake of the morning meal. There is no faultfinding nor scolding here; and as the day passes, each tries to make the burdens lighter. They are “kindly affectioned one to another . . . in honor preferring one another.” When the worries and vexations come, as come they will, strength is given to meet them without yielding. “Much prayer, much power.” The people are wondering how they will like their new neighbors. It is not very long until there is sickness in the adjoining home. Our sister does not wait to be sent for, but finds her way to the sick-bed. Though this is the first acquaintance, she offers suggestions, applies some simple treatments, and the patient is soon relieved. Kindnesses are shown to other neighbors, and they win their way to the hearts of the people. As their faith and hope is from time to time introduced, it is gladly received, for they have the confidence of the people that their profession is real. They are anxious to know more of the secret of these lives that show such a contrast to others. Here the truth had a favorable introduction, the first impressions of confidence being strengthened as the new neighbors became better acquainted. They always wore sunny faces, were ever ready to assist in any time of need, and thus had many opportunities to drop seeds of truth, either by word, tract, or paper, that bore fruit. Homes were opened for Bible studies, and these became more effectual because the beauty of the truth shone through the lives of the ones giving them. May we each own one of those “welcome faces that brings the sunshine to life's shadowed places.” Need of Missionary Effort
CHRIST came to this world to teach us the importance of missionary effort. His work is the ideal for all missionary endeavor. He “went about doing good.” In all our labor we should let it be seen that we know Christ. In helplessness and disappointment men and women are fighting the battles of life, when our Great Captain is so ready and willing to help. He designs that his followers shall help one another, and bear one another’s burdens. In “Gospel Workers,” page 340, we read: “Wherever you can get access to the fireside, urge your way there. Take your Bible and open before the people its great truths. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more easily than by the most able discourses.” In Volume IX of the “Testimonies for the Church,” pages 27, 26, these words are found: “Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work. Laborers are needed who comprehend the greatness of the work, and who will engage in it, not for the wages they receive, but from a realization of the nearness of the end. The time demands greater efficiency and deeper consecration. O, I am so full of this subject that I cry to God, ‘Raise up and send forth messengers filled with a sense of their responsibility.’” “Let the church arouse and go forth to her appointed work. Every believer, educated or uneducated, can bear the message.” Who, then, let me ask, is excused? The day is far spent, and it is high time that a flaming and burning torch should be started in our churches that will be a beacon-light to shed radiance all around, and guide lost travelers to their Father’s home. The fact that souls are perishing all about us ought to stir us to an earnestness and a consecration that would burn into our very lives. Christ said of John the Baptist, “He356 was a burning and a shining light.” His fervor and zeal was no mild and tame affair that fluctuated with popular acclaim or disfavor. He had a definite message to bear, and nothing could hinder or prevent the accomplishment of his mission. His life centered in the one absorbing theme of a soon-coming Saviour to a lost and dying world. To-day a message similar to John’s is being carried to the world. Our churches need to awake to their responsibility in it. Were the church elders and leaders to call a solemn assembly, and spend the time of several meetings in earnest, agonizing prayer by every one for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, far more would be accomplished. When the words, “I will make you fishers of men,” and “He that winneth souls is wise,” burn into our very lives with their real meaning, then hearts will be aglow, there will be a love for the different lines of work outlined for the society members, reports will be forthcoming, souls will be cheered by missionary letters and a kindly interest, and, in short, every member will be a pilot-boat. John Vassar delighted to call himself “the Shepherd’s dog.” “My business,” he would say, “is not to preach, but to go over the hills and seek for the sheep that are lost.” In the cities, over the hills, and in the valleys God’s children are to go with the message of salvation contained in our good books, periodicals, and tracts. Our business is to seek for lost sheep. A great many are lost and know it not. These are to be tenderly sought out and brought to a sense of their condition. This kind of work, if entered into by all, will take away selfishness, break up indifference, and leave no place for strife and evil-speaking in the church. One of our young Indian girls, who received the truth by attending our school, visited her friends on another reservation. While there, she had opportunities to tell publicly of her cherished faith and give Bible studies. She was able, with the Lord’s help, to give what she had received. Our boys can work with the Temperance Youth’s Instructor. Other children can make small rolls of our papers and tracts, tying them neatly with a little ribbon, and put them into automobiles and wagons. By having them arranged in a neat manner and carefully laid in, a far better impression will be made than if the papers were carelessly thrown in after the fashion of circular distributors. There may be lonely, sick, or discouraged ones in the church or neighborhood. Enlist several to take part in filling a “sunshine bag” with little remembrances, enclosing in the neatly arranged packages comforting texts of Scripture. When it is delivered, you will be ready to say that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” “Life is made up of little things—simple, commonplace duties. It is these which influence our lives, as well as those of others. The power of influence is a terrible power. It clings to us; it is born with us, and it grows and strengthens as the years pass by. Our spheres may be limited, yet we have influence. It speaks, moves, lives in every look of the eye, in every word of the lips, in every act of life. So long as we live, we exert an influence. ‘No man liveth to himself.’ The record of our influence in its completeness is preserved in the books above, to be met again, not as a phantom, but as a stern reality.” “Have you found the heavenly light?
Pass it on!
Souls are groping in the night,
Daylight gone!
Hold your lighted lamp on high,
Be a star in some one’s sky;
He may live who else would die,
Pass it on!” Church Missionary Work
By Mrs. H. W. Carr
[The following program was prepared by Mrs. H. W. Carr, missionary secretary of Western New York Conference.] Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service
SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 245, “Wonderful Love of Jesus.” TWENTY-THIRD PSALM (repeated in concert by congregation). FIRST READING: “Love’s Promptings.” SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 580, “Love at Home.” SECOND READING: “Need of Missionary Effort.” GATHERING REPORTS and offering for home missionary work. SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 552, “Will There Be Any Stars?”