Earlier text: The Value of ConversationMany different bases of Christian union are proposed by the various church federationists. The majority agree that the churches can drop all non-essential differences, and unite upon the fundamental principles of Christianity, but this still leaves the question a debatable one, in that it is not a matter of concurrent agreement as to what constitutes the essentials of Christian faith. Dr. Charles Reign Scoville, according to the Kansas City Post of March 7, proposes this basis of unification of Christian effort:— The only thing we have to see alike is to believe in the divinity of Christ, stand alone on the Bible as the only creed, and do simply what it commands. . . . As for me, I am willing to unite with any people at any time upon the Bible. I am in favor of taking all the good in all the churches, and there is no reason why the good in all couldn't be blended in one great church. If, as Dr. Scoville says, all professed Christians would in deed and in truth take their stand upon the Word of God, to follow its teachings and do exactly as it says, this would constitute a true basis for Christian unity. Then there would be but one church, for all men would see alike and believe alike; but if the great churches of Christendom were to act upon this suggestion, it would revolutionize present-day creeds and beliefs. Particularly would it bring about a change in the day observed as the Sabbath of the Lord. In place of the church clamoring for civil power to enforce its dogmas, it would depend alone upon the power of the Spirit. We can not hope that this condition of affairs will ever be reached this side of the setting up of the everlasting kingdom. There will be a union of churches before the Lord comes, but it will be a confederacy for personal ends and for selfish purposes, not one with such a basis of union as suggested above. This confederacy will be used to persecute the very ones who “stand alone on the Bible as the only creed.” It is well always to unite with our fellows when it can be done for worthy ends and by the employment of right means. But it is better to stand alone if need be rather than sacrifice truth or compromise principle. In connection with his statistical report of the churches of the United States, in the New York Christian Advocate, Dr. Carroll says, of the percentage of men and women in the churches:— The proportion is not two women to one man, but for all religious bodies about 57 per cent to 43 per cent. . . . The Christian Science Church has the highest percentage of women, 72.4; other denominations having a high percentage of women are the Congregationalists, 65.9; the Seventh-day Adventists, 65.2; the Universalists, 64.6; the Protestant Episcopal Church, 64.5; and the Colored Primitive Baptists, 64.3. In another set of statistics, Dr. Carroll gives the membership for 1909 of the larger bodies. In this list Adventists are thirteenth in rank. In the figures for 1890 we were fourteenth. The Roman Catholics increased from six million in 1890 to twelve million in 1909. IN the World To-day, a Chicago magazine, Mr. Hugh C. Weir calls attention to the increase of crime in this country. While Chicago, for instance, has but one fourth the population of London, it has nearly six times as many murders. The writer says:— And now we discover that when our poets and our orators and our artists have finished telling of our greatness and our glory, we have fostered wickedness and lawlessness as has no other nation in the world; that behind our boasted institutions of government, the thug and thief and the assassin are operating with a vigor and a freedom duplicated nowhere else in civilization. And our crime and wickedness are steadily increasing. There are four and a half times as many murders for every million of our population to-day as there were twenty years ago. The significant fact about it all is that the rest of the world does not share these statistics. It is refreshing to know that there are judges and statesmen who recognize the principle that the particular day upon which an act is performed does not constitute it civil or uncivil, and that work done upon Sunday does not require special legislation any more than work done upon any other day of the week. The court of appeals of Kentucky recognizes this principle in a recent decision as to the unconstitutionality of a Kentucky statute, prohibiting the operation of barber shops on Sunday. According to the Washington Times of March 9, the court says: “General laws cover the subject sufficiently without special legislation against the trade ‘which lends so much to the comfort and good looks of the male portion of our citizenship.’” Laws which prohibit on Sunday that which may be done on other days are special legislation designed to exalt Sunday above its fellows, no matter on what grounds they may be enacted. Any act which is uncivil on Sunday is uncivil on every other day of the week, and any act which it is lawful to do on any one of the other six days, is entirely lawful to do on Sunday, so far as State interference is concerned. It would be well if all courts would recognize this. The Southern Union Conference
By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells
The fifth session of the Southern Union Conference was held at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 20-30, 1909. Forty delegates were enrolled, representing all parts of the union, and all phases of its work. At the biennial session two years ago five conferences — Cumberland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida — were cut off from the Southern Union Conference and organized into the Southeastern Union Conference. Although this took from the Southern Union Conference about one half of its territory, population, and membership, the attendance at the session just held seemed as large, and the courage and enthusiasm of all present as good, as at any previous session. The reports from conference presidents, secretaries of departments, and managers of institutions were truly encouraging. They showed that substantial progress is being made in all branches of the work. There has been a decided gain during the last two years in offerings to missions and the sale of our literature. These reports show that according to their membership, the local conferences in the South now stand with our best conferences in the North in all phases of our work. A marvelous change has been brought about during the last ten years by the faithful, persevering labors of the leaders. If the same faithful work is continued in the South, the conferences there will soon be reckoned among our strongest conferences. Of this I feel confident. The South itself is awakening and developing wonderfully in financial, educational, and industrial lines. Our people love this truth. They have the spirit of the message, and are glad to give and serve to the extent of their ability. The Southern Publishing Association presented the best report this year in its history. The factory is well equipped, the work is well organized, and the whole staff has been kept busy during the year with our denominational work. The balance sheet showed the splendid gain of $15,132.45 for the year, only $2,150.76 of this amount being donations. Thus it will be seen that nearly the entire gain is profit from the operations of the institution. Once this institution was down, and each year showed a loss of from eight to twelve thousand dollars in its operations. Those were dark days, but our dear Brother George I. Butler, who was then in charge of our work in the South, vowed that, by the Lord’s help, some day that publishing house and the canvassing work in its territory would stand among our best, and now it is so. The outlook for the present year is very encouraging. Everything indicates that even a greater work will be done, and that a larger gain will be made. The delegates were greatly cheered by the report Dr. W. A. George gave of the Nashville Sanitarium. At the time of the conference this institution was full of patients. The patronage has been growing gradually but steadily during the past year, until the house is full. Those who are acquainted with the struggles through which this sanitarium has passed since it was opened, can appreciate the change that has been brought about. The Nashville Sanitarium Food Factory began operations about one year ago. Under the efficient management of Brother M. F. Knox this enterprise has made a splendid showing from the start. It turns out good products, and is developing a substantial and growing business. So far it has more than met the fullest expectations of those who launched it. Encouraging reports of the educational work being carried on at Graysville, Oakwood, Madison, Hillcrest, and the out-stations, were made by those in charge of these enterprises. We are glad that it is now possible for our young people, both white and colored, in the South to secure a Christian education in our own schools. We look to them to strengthen our forces of laborers in both home and foreign fields. Thus all phases of our work are forging ahead in the Southern Union Conference. And still we want to see greater results in the future. We need more of the convincing, moving power of God to make our efforts effective. For this we should all steadfastly pray and draw near to God. He has more wisdom and grace and victory for us, and will impart them to us as we are able to appreciate and use them. British Guiana
By O. E. Davis
GEORGETOWN.—Silence does not mean idleness; and though a long time has elapsed since I sent in any report from this field, it is no evidence that the work is not progressing; in fact, as another year has closed, and we pause to review the results of the work done during that time, we can see advancement. Shortly after my return from the General Conference I took a trip through the southern part of our conference, and found things in a good condition generally, and progress was noticed in many places. One new church building and one new mission house have been completed during the year, and quite a number have been baptized and added to the churches. Satan has made some sharp attacks on our work in this part of the field, but through it all we can say, Praise be to Him who gave the victory! At the Windsor Forest Mission twenty-five acres of land has been purchased for agricultural purposes, to support the mission school. Also our first registered burial-ground was placed on record at this place. A mission house has been erected, and the school is about to open, which makes us five schools now in operation. The workers throughout the field have enjoyed a fair degree of success in their work, and all are of good courage to press the work forward to their utmost as we enter the new year. The prospects for progress during the present year are very encouraging, even though we do hear the dragon voice around us. We know that soon, if faithful, we shall hear another voice, even that of our blessed Saviour calling us to enter the eternal kingdom of our God. A Tour in Kansas and Oklahoma
By Ole Andres Olsen
FOLLOWING the meeting of the Central Union Conference at St. Joseph, Mo., it was arranged for me to visit some of our German churches in Kansas and Oklahoma. The object of the tour was to become better acquainted with the German branch of our work, that we might be the better able to assist in planning wisely for its advancement. Together with Elder G. F. Haffner, the superintendent of the German department, I visited ten churches — five in Kansas and five in Oklahoma. Our first call was at Tampa, Kan. Here we had meetings forenoon and afternoon, January 25. The roads being very bad, some from a distance could not come; but there was a goodly number assembled, and we had a very profitable occasion. We next visited Lehigh. This was one of the first places where Elder L. R. Conradi, many years ago, preached the truth among the Germans in Kansas. A large company of believers came into the truth in this place and vicinity, and from here spread out to other places near and farther away. The members from this church have laid the foundation for many a church throughout Kansas and Oklahoma. From Lehigh we visited Durham, Shaffer, and Nekoma. At each of these places we had interesting meetings, and the presentation of the work for our time met a hearty response. As I was unable to speak German, Elder Haffner acted as interpreter, which was very acceptable. We then turned our course toward Oklahoma. Our first appointment was at Shattuck. Here we had two well-attended meetings. At Shattuck we have the largest church in the conference. I enjoyed our meetings with this church very much. We continued our tour from here, visiting Tangier, Lahoma, Okeene, and West Cooper. At this last place we had a general meeting. Representatives were present from six churches, besides the one where the meeting was held. The West Cooper church was filled to its utmost. In the yard about the church seventy-five teams were counted. This was an interesting and also a profitable occasion. In all these meetings we dwelt on the message which God has committed to his people to proclaim to all the world at this time; and in connection with this, we sought to present our duty and responsibility in the matter of bringing the truth to the large foreign population that has located among us. I greatly appreciated the privileges of this tour together with Elder Haffner, and as a result I have obtained a much better understanding of the conditions existing in the German department of our work.14 I was especially impressed with the large number of bright young men and women that are coming on the stage of action, and never before did I so fully see the great need and importance of a German training-school as I did after I had made this round. It is certainly high time that a decided move be made in the way of providing such a school. I would that all our German people could fully appreciate the importance of such a step. I was glad to find a few church-schools; and these are doing good work. We also found other churches where they would like to have church-schools, but teachers are wanting. While at College View I was informed by the head of the normal department that they had had calls for six German church-school teachers, but that the requests could not be complied with because they did not have the teachers to send. But this awakening is certainly an encouraging omen, and will mean much to the progress of the German branch of our work. This demand for German church-school teachers, together with the demand for field laborers in the German work, certainly emphasizes the importance and need of a German training-school for the development of German laborers for teachers of church and intermediate schools, and for laborers in the great German field in this country. What is now needed to carry this higher German training-school idea into effect, and to make it a real success, is a united effort on the part of all our German people in this country. So let us all take hold unitedly, and the blessing of the Lord will be seen in a decided, forward movement in the German department of our work. The Need of Medical Missionaries
By D. H. Kress
At present there exists a great demand in foreign fields for medical missionaries. Even in home missionary work the medical missionary has a decided advantage over the one who lacks the medical training, but especially is this true in foreign fields. It has been found that communities, homes, and hearts which are closed to ordinary missionary effort, open wide to welcome the work of the medical missionary. This is because the medical missionary supplies a need that can not be supplied by the evangelistic missionary. To bring relief to the sick and suffering is a work which appeals to men and women. In foreign fields great ignorance exists in regard to the causes of disease. As a result, thousands and tens of thousands perish every year from diseases which are wholly preventable, and untold misery prevails. In civilized countries, only a few centuries ago, epidemic diseases would frequently sweep great numbers out of existence. During the sixth century the southern part of Europe was visited by a plague which nearly depopulated the country. During the seventeenth century, Great Britain was visited with a similar plague, and in one year over seventy thousand died in London alone. Typhus fever raged for centuries in Ireland, killing thousands each year. Yellow fever, smallpox, malaria, and cholera in the United States and other countries proved a great scourge for many years. These diseases no longer exist in civilized lands as epidemics. It is considered a disgrace to a community to-day to be visited with any one of the diseases which a few years ago wrought such havoc. As a result of a better knowledge of the causes of these epidemics, thousands of lives have been saved, and in civilized countries the average length of life has been almost doubled, being now forty or forty-two years, instead of twenty or twenty-five as two centuries ago. In India, where the efforts on the part of the British government to suppress the plague have been unwelcome, epidemics of disease still prevail, and the average length of life is as it was in civilized countries when these epidemics prevailed in them,—about twenty years. Two things are always necessary to make germ diseases possible—seed and soil. Germs thrive only where organic impurities exist. For this reason we clean up our alleys, back yards, and the slums of our large cities when threatened with an epidemic. But seed needs the same suitable soil within the body that favors its growth outside. He who keeps the body tissues freest from organic impurities, other things being equal, will be less disposed to die of germ disease than the one who, through lack of exercise, or through the breathing of impure air, or the eating of impure food, fills his body tissues with impurities. Much more might be said in regard to the importance of personal hygiene. Merely to prevent the spread of the seeds of disease will not greatly build up the vitality of the race. This is shown by the fact that during the same time that the average age of life has almost doubled in civilized lands, deaths from Bright's disease, heart failure, apoplexy, diabetes, and other diseases due to tissue degeneracy, have increased. While anciently the Lord gave definite instruction to his people, whom he desired to be a nation of medical missionaries, regarding how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, he laid much more stress on the importance of personal hygiene. Their exercise, the quality of their food and drink, and their personal habits, were all dwelt upon. At the same time that the spreading of the seed was discouraged, the soil was made unfavorable for its growth, by the correction of wrong physical habits. This not only increases the average length of life, but builds up vitality and racial vigor. The promise was made: “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Long life also was promised on conditions of obedience. To the church of Christ has been committed this educational work. Not only are its members to be sent forth to heal and to preach, but to teach all that was commanded to Israel anciently regarding public and personal hygiene. This is the work of the medical missionary. It should be the work of every member of the church. Those who are sent forth into heathen countries should go prepared to preach, to teach, and to heal. The time is, when the church of Christ in sending forth workers should be able to send them again with the commission, “Heal the sick, . . . and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.” The health work, which is responsible for our sanitariums, physicians, nurses, and medical missionaries, has been connected with the proclamation of the third angel's message from its beginning, as a part of the everlasting gospel. Captain Joseph Bates, who was the first one to receive light upon the Sabbath question after the disappointment of 1844, was a health reformer and temperance advocate in every sense of the work. He was in this respect what God designed every Seventh-day Adventist to be. Captain Bates in 1821 gave up the use of alcoholic liquors. This was only the beginning of reforms. Within a few years he gave up beer, wine, cider, and tobacco, and later tea and coffee were abandoned. In the year 1843 he gave up the use of flesh foods, and remained a strict vegetarian up to the day of his death, which occurred thirty years later, at the age of eighty-one. Thus we see God was preparing the mind of Captain Bates, unconsciously to himself, by the reception of the principles of health, for the light he desired to communicate to him regarding the heavenly sanctuary and the seventh-day Sabbath, and through him, to the inhabitants of the world.
D. H. KRESS, M. D. In the Kingdom of Saxony
By Guy Dail
We have just finished the midwinter session of the Saxon Conference, held in Dresden, January 19-23. Between two hundred fifty and three hundred of our brethren and sisters were able to leave their work for these few days, and to enjoy the blessings God was pleased to impart to those who earnestly sought him. As many as six hundred were present at the evening lectures. Outside help was rendered by Brethren L. R. Conradi, H. F. Schuberth, and Ernst Kotz.
We are glad that 164 persons were received into this conference during the past year, raising its membership from 434 to 503. In the tithe there was some gain, as well as in the Sabbath-school and weekly offerings, but there was an exceptionally good annual offering of $483, or about $185 more than a year ago. The canvassing report for the year was encouraging, and showed a gain in the sales. After the auditing was done, there was a small surplus in the treasury. No donation to an outside field was made, but for Friedensau about $260 was collected in cash and pledges. Of this sum quite a portion was given by the various local tract societies. The policy followed by the committee last year was to employ as many laborers as could possibly be carried by the tithe, that the work might go forward as rapidly as possible. In the small kingdom of Saxony there are no less than forty cities of over ten thousand inhabitants each, where we have done nothing as yet publicly to present the third angel's message. Some parts of this land seem to be simply an aggregation of cities, and the population of Saxony averages about 743 inhabitants to the square mile. There are four and a half million people in this small kingdom. Though the court is Roman Catholic, yet over ninety per cent of the inhabitants are Protestants. We have15 good churches in Dresden, Leipsic, and Chemnitz, the three largest cities in this field. While we admit that there is enough to be done in Saxony to consume much more capital than her churches could bring together annually, yet we believe it is better for a local conference so to regulate its finances as to have a surplus at the end of the year, which may be voted toward the work in the regions beyond. It is the pursuance of this plan that has brought such blessing to the work in Germany. Elder C. Sinz, formerly president of the Saxon Conference, now goes to the North German field, and his place was taken by Elder W. Prillwitz, heretofore of Middle Germany. We wish for the incoming president and his associate workers—two ministers, one licentiate, and five Bible workers—the constant help of God in their work for 1910, and that the more as we are now being surrounded by many difficulties created by the government. In many respects this is a hard field—but yet God is greater than any of the difficulties. We do not know the future, but we do have confidence that the third angel's message is going to be crowned with success in the sight of its enemies. Fireside Correspondence School
By W. E. HOWELL
A Perennial Bible Institute
IN the earlier days of the advent movement it was customary to hold, here and there, now and then, a Bible institute. Sometimes it was specially for workers, to review leading points of faith and to study the best methods of presenting the advent doctrines to the people. Sometimes it was adapted to the needs of the laity, especially newcomers to the faith. But for whatever purpose held, no one who attended them can be persuaded that they were not highly profitable seasons. Farmers would “quit work” earlier than usual, housewives would minimize their home duties, office workers would hurry home, teachers would shorten lessons a little, and many would come long distances, in order to take advantage of the opportunity to gain a better knowledge of the precious Word. As the work has grown in recent years, the same principle of institute work is connected with camp-meetings, State meetings, and conference sessions. Untold good is accomplished in this way. Yes, a new way, but perhaps we better not say out plainly a better way, has been devised. It may not have occurred to the reader that in the Fireside Correspondence School, whose headquarters16 are at Takoma Park, D. C. (it is located from Maine to California and to the uttermost parts of the earth), there is a Perennial Bible Institute. “Perennial” means all the year round. That’s the way we eat and drink and work and sleep and live; why not include in our program that which is not “bread alone,” and have a “continual feast” of good things? By this new way, the student may stay at home, do his regular work properly, and attend institute at the hours most convenient for him. He is supplied with a set of forty lessons on “Bible Doctrines,” two or three at a time, just enough to keep him busy and not enough to make his task look too large. The lessons contain a systematic arrangement of all the leading points of present truth, in clear, simple form, and in their natural order. Each lesson contains a topic, memory texts, references to the Bible and to our denominational books, notes on important points, and a set of questions and requirements, called a Test Paper, in which the student is asked to state clearly, accurately, and in his own words, his understanding of each point brought out. And best of all, the student has his paper examined by a sympathetic, God-fearing teacher, who helps him over any difficult points and aids him in making the connection between his study and his daily life. The lessons are easy enough for the beginner, and afford abundant room for thought and study to those who are in a general way familiar with the subjects. Their orthodoxy is attested by abundance of Scriptural evidence. It is doubtful whether any such set of lessons on the great truths for this time has ever been prepared before. When we attend a camp-meeting or an institute, we rejoice for a season in the good things we get, but it takes great care “lest at any time we let them slip.” By this new way, forty-two of our correspondence students are having a continuous institute—a camp-meeting all the year! Hear what some of them say:— “I have enjoyed my studies very much. The Bible Doctrines are very practical and interesting. It is my determination to become an efficient Bible student.” “I am very glad that I have the opportunity of being a member of the ‘Correspondence School,’ as I have been wanting for some time to take a course in Bible study; and now my wants are met in a way that I can surely appreciate.” “The few lessons I have taken give me a broader view of the Bible. It is so helpful to find the same thought in different words in different books of the Bible. It seems marvelous how so much thought and proof can be contained in such a small compass.” “I have never understood the prophecies as I would like, but I am sure I shall at least know more about them when through with this study. I hope to improve with each lesson and be able to pass the examination at the end of the term. I wish the Fireside Correspondence School every success, for I am sure, by the help of the Lord, it will prove a great benefit to many.” “Although I have thus far been able to send in seven lessons [on Bible Doctrines], I find even they have been of much benefit to me, and I feel assured that those to follow will add much to my little store of knowledge, and at the same time enable me to come into closer touch with Him who is the source of all wisdom.” Reader, if you have been “long in the message,” it will refresh you to go over the old landmarks of faith in an orderly way during your spare time. If you are “new in the faith,” you will find a surprise of beauty and grandeur at every turn in your study. If you are young and are “preparing” for some course in school later, you will find these lessons simple enough for you, yet strong enough to count on your credits; and the truth you learn will become to you an “anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,” after you leave home and are passing through school or other experiences. For fuller information and terms for admission to the Perennial Bible Institute, address Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, D. C., or— Week-of-Prayer Service in Cristobal
By H. C. Goodrich
CRISTOBAL.— We had an excellent time in our week-of-prayer service. The Lord indeed met with us. And I think that nearly all made a resolution to consecrate their lives more earnestly to God for the year to come. The donation from the Cristobal church was $62.72. We have also been doing what we could with the Ingathering REVIEW. One sister, who lives all alone at Pedro Miguel, took her ten copies, and gave them out among her neighbors, receiving in return $15.75. One lady, who is a Catholic, gave three dollars. I can not tell yet, what the contributions will be. We are all of good courage, believing that we are in the closing up of the work God has given us to do. But whether the time be long or short, whether the path be rough or smooth, our determination is to stand fast in the faith, immovable, waiting for the blessed hope. H. C. GOODRICH. EIGHT persons have accepted the truth at Glen Union, N. D., recently. BROTHER LARS NIELSON reports that several have taken their stand for the truth at Niagara, N. D. Two are keeping the Sabbath as the result of canvassing done by Brethren Cornforth and Vincent in Kansas. AT Streeter, N. D., two families have started to obey the truth, and several other persons are much interested. ELDER J. B. LOCKEN reports five new Sabbath-keepers at Hissong, Ill., near Brownstown, where he is holding meetings. A WOMAN at Markham, Ill., has decided to keep the Sabbath as a result of attending meetings held at that place last fall. AT Sumner, Mich., one woman took her stand for the truth as a result of some Bible readings which she had attended. ONE family is keeping the Sabbath as the result of a book sold last fall in Wakeeney, Kan., by Brother W. S. Wilson. THREE persons are keeping the Sabbath in Arkansas as a result of the canvassing work of Brethren Pickney and Songer. DURING the last eighteen months the church at Richmond, Va., has had forty-one additions, only twelve of which were by letter. ONE man and two women have been baptized at Appleton City, Mo., and two others have also accepted the truth at that place. ON Sabbath, January 29, three adults were buried in baptism at the South Side Church, Chicago, Ill., Elder Collier performing the service. BROTHER E. B. HOPKINS reports four additions to the church at Edgeworth, Tex., and five new members to the church at Cedar Grove, Tex. SINCE last July the membership of the Pawtucket (R. I.) church has increased from twenty to forty, and at the present time four are awaiting baptism. AT Walter, Okla., three adults have begun to keep the Sabbath, as a result of attending a series of tent-meetings held by Brother and Sister Montgomery. AT Atlantic, Iowa, since camp-meeting three have united with the church by letter and five by profession of faith. AT Harlan, Iowa, six young people have taken their stand. BROTHER C. S. BAUM has closed his effort at St. Clair, Pa., and reports that two have taken their stand for the truth, and several others are interested. BROTHER R. B. STAUFFER writes from Chetopa, Kan., that five persons have promised to obey the commandments of God, and several others are interested. BROTHER MARTIN OLSON reports that three young men at Goodrich, N. D., have accepted the truth, and also that three young women who live near Beekland, N. D., have made a similar decision. WORD received from Brother W. F. Kilmer states that some have already taken their stand for the truth in the effort at West Clifford, Pa., which is being conducted by Elder C. S. Weist. He expects others will accept the message soon. A VERY impressive service was held in the First Philadelphia (Pa.) church Sunday, January 23, when six earnest souls were buried with their Lord in baptism. This makes upward of twenty-five who have been baptized and joined the church as a result of last summer’s effort. A SISTER in Maine writes: “I have been giving my REVIEW to a lady in South Gardiner, and yesterday she wanted to know what was meant by the third angel’s message. She is willing and even anxious to read our papers, and sends them to friends after she has perused them.” The Relief Books
By Walter Harper
The golden days of triumph have come to sell “Ministry of Healing” and “Christ’s Object Lessons.” In my work for these two “relief books” I have seen much to thank and praise the Lord for. The opportunity to circulate these works has surely arrived. Not very long ago it was quite difficult to sell “Ministry of Healing.” There seemed an attitude of indifference,—carelessness,—and all manner of excuses on the part of the people were made when this book was presented; but in answer to prayer God has wrought a marvelous change. In one instance a lady I met said they did not have a dollar in the house, that her husband was out of work, and that times looked very bad, but she had faith that by the time the book was delivered, she would have the money, so she ordered it. At another place the man had been out of work for some time; he could get no cash on his stock of fire-wood which he had cut, and was deeply in debt, yet he felt confident that he would raise the money in some way, and so gave an order for a copy of the book. Many such cases might be cited where orders for these books have been given by those in straitened circumstances. May the Lord’s name ever be praised, honored, and exalted for it all! Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference FREDERICK GRIGGS . . . . Secretary THIS is good advice to one about to cross a railroad track; but it is also well that we do the same when we discover a way leading to a good school. Don’t fail to grasp the opportunity to attend if it is within your power. But look out for the mogul of indolence, for if you should be run over by it, you might be injured so severely as to be of no use to God’s cause. The better you cultivate an acre of ground, the larger the returns. The same principle holds good in school life. In one year, under the tutorship of godly teachers, you may increase the productiveness of your life a hundredfold. Farmers delight in exhibiting their big pumpkins, melons, and corn at the county fair. Should you appear in your home after a year in college, with a good exhibition of manliness, wisdom, and knowledge, do you not think that your influence would be more valuable than before you attended school? While passing a business college a short time ago, I was impressed with the words which I saw hung out on a sign: “A position secured for every student.” It means more than mere words to the school that carries out this promise. It means hard and thorough work on the part of its teachers. To attend classes and to secure a recommendation from the principal, carries weight as to the student’s proficiency in commercial lines. So with our schools. It means something to you to have been an attendant at any of them for a time. If nothing more, it speaks volumes in favor of your influence, because it shows that you have made a start. There is always hope for the one who makes a start for something better. Don’t delay. God uses man to teach man. For this reason it is necessary that growing youth be placed in the midst of the healthiest environments. Our schools are founded for this very purpose—to give students the opportunity of association with those of high ideals and pure characters, and the benefits of pure, wholesome spiritual training. Let a young person attend a school radiating waves of missionary zeal, and the chances are that he will, like the apostle Paul, be led to exclaim, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The school will be a force to send him to those who, in their seeking after God, cry, “Come over and help us.” Should you visit the legations of the different nations of the world in Washington, you would find the representatives of these nations highly educated, polished, and far-sighted men. They select only wise men—those who have a knowledge of their affairs—to thus represent them. And do you think that the King of the universe wants his representatives to be a class of ignorant, careless individuals?—No, indeed, but rather, as men are well schooled in law and diplomacy for representative service in earthly matters, so much more does the King of heaven want his representatives schooled in his law and love for his service here. Young man, young woman, what is your duty? Stop! Look! Listen!