Earlier text: Mrs. Pooley’s FridaysThe Value of Prayer
By Francis M. Wilcox
PRAYER is the connecting-link between us and God. It is the means whereby we place ourselves in union with divine power. Prayer consists of two elements, thanksgiving and petition. It is indeed appropriate that we should remember with gratitude the numberless mercies which God continually bestows upon us. The remembrance of the Lord’s dealings with us, and consequent gratitude on our part, inspire hope and faith that God will grant the petitions which we desire of him. We need to cultivate more of the spirit of praise. We need to recall the benefits of yesterday. All this will help us to enter into present experiences with stronger faith in God’s power to bless. The object of prayer is not to convince God that he should bless us. If this were so, how helpless indeed would we appear! Suppose, after all our supplications and pleadings, God refused to be persuaded? How could we change his purpose? This is not his attitude toward us. He longs to bless us, even more than we can desire his blessing. He holds out the cup of blessing to us. The purpose of prayer is to put ourselves into that relationship to him that we can receive the blessings he gives. The time for prayer is the ever present. Christ tells us that men ought always to pray. This does not mean that we should be always on our knees in the attitude of prayer, but that our hearts should continually reach out after God, and open to receive his instruction and guidance. The first and choicest altar of prayer is the secret place. There, with no one near to embarrass, with no influence to hinder, the suppliant can make bare his soul before his Maker. He can confess to him his most secret sins, the wrong motives that possess his heart, and enter into that sweet communion which one enjoys when he meets his dearest friend face to face. A precious place of prayer is the family circle, where those of the same household can meet together and unitedly present their petitions to their common Father. Unfortunate indeed is the one whose family experience is such that he can not enjoy this boon. Some families are so divided in religious faith that this privilege is not possible; but still more sad are those homes which might enjoy such privileges, but through lack of interest fail to appreciate or improve them. With the children of the household father, mother, and perhaps grandfather and grandmother, gathered around the family altar, there is presented a scene like unto heaven itself. In the perfection of Christian experience public prayer likewise has its place. Taking part in this exercise at the prayer-meeting or church service brings strength to the participant, and imparts strength to his associates. Through it experience is gained for broader service for God. Every disciple of the Lord Jesus should have stated periods for seeking the Lord. In every home the family altar should be erected. The psalmist tells us he sought the Lord morning, noon, and night, and Daniel prayed regularly three times a day. If this was necessary for these men of God, surely we need to seek divine help as often in our experience. The men and women of power in this world have been the men and women of prayer, and our advancement in spiritual life, and our hold upon God, will be in direct proportion as we by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, consecrate ourselves to his service. F. M. W. Our Common Meeting-Ground
By C. M. S.
In nothing is the wisdom of God more strikingly manifest than in his wonderful provision for uniting again into one household the scattered members of his earthly family. Race, inherited prejudice, superstition, diversity of language, characteristics of physiognomy, and love of country, all have conspired to bind large groups of men together, and to set them against other groups of men whom they misjudge and from whom they hold themselves aloof. But these are not the only things that have built up walls or partitions between peoples and nations. Customs and dress bear their share of the responsibility; but the strongest factors, perhaps, in that scattering influence have been false religions that have built up partitions of caste between the people of the same nation, and created customs repellent to the people of other lands. In all this the purpose of man's adversary is advanced, and the way made more difficult for union and reconciliation. Not only have false religions set men at variance one with another, and nation with nation, but men have perverted ordinances given by Jehovah himself, so that they have become walls of partition between his people and other nations whom he designed they should enlighten. For instance, ordinances and ceremonies designed for a beneficent purpose were given to the children of Israel, whom God had set for the enlightenment of the world. He placed Israel at the crossroads of the nations, that the sound of his message of mercy and reconciliation might go to all the world. But instead of evangelizing the nations, Israel of the flesh used its types and shadows, its customs and ceremonies, its altars, sacrifices, and sacerdotal system in setting up between itself and the rest of the world an impassable barrier, a wall of separation, a partition of exclusion. God meant Israel should be a light to the world; but she turned a bushel over her candlestick, and left the world in its darkness to perish. God never meant that one small nation should hoard his light and his blessings and refuse to share them with the other needy millions of this world. Babylon has been long regarded as a fit symbol for the organized realm of wickedness in this world; and yet God says, “We would have healed Babylon.” He means to heal the universe—to heal every soul who wills to be healed. When, therefore, it was demonstrated that Israel, instead of feeding the world the bread of life, was using her position to hoard and hold the pearls of heavenly truth, God set aside his chosen nation, and brushed away the wall of separation that had been set up between the message of heaven and the ones to whom it was sent. He sent Jesus into the world, the offspring at once of heaven and earth—the Son of God, the Son of man, one hand clasping the Father's hand and the other that of humanity. Here was a common meeting-place for the Father of all and the straying children of the household. It was the dawning of a new day out of a dark night when the angels announced the birth of the child Jesus, who was to “save his people from their sins.” That planted again in the bosom of lost humanity the tree of a sure and certain hope. Israel of the flesh was smothering the world's hope, of which she was the custodian; and the world beyond the borders of Israel had forgotten that it had ever been told to hope. They were “separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” Eph. 2:12. Let us see what provision God has made that “strangers from the covenants of the promise” made to Israel might have the same hope that Israel had and so largely misused. Inspiration says again:— “But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in13 one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh: for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.” Verses 13-18. Who are referred to in the word “both” used three times in this passage?—None other than Jew and Gentile,—and that takes in all the world. The Jew and the Gentile are made one in Christ. The Jew becomes a Christian, and the Gentile becomes a Christian. Thus Christ creates “in himself of the two one new man.” So he reconciles “them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;” that is, by the cross. The old order of things which (in spite of the perversion of so large a part of it) was the representative of God's organized work in the world, had given place to a new order of things. The door into the kingdom of the eternal inheritance is Christ. Both Jew and Gentile must enter through him. They must meet in him; they must walk together in him; and they can not do this “except they be agreed.” Now it is neither Jew nor Gentile, but Christian; and yet through a seeming paradox, that Christian, whether of Jewish or Gentile stock, is the Israel of the inheritance—spiritual Israel. To Abraham was the promise made, and to the seed of Abraham. Christ was of the seed of Abraham; and both as the lineal descendant of Abraham and also as the one who made the promise to Abraham, he invites into the household of faith all who will come in faith. There is no more a barrier set between peoples. He is the common meeting-ground of all the children of earth. And not only that, but he is also the common meeting-ground between the Father and the reconciled people of this world. “We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20. Again: “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself.” Verse 19. It was in the performance of his work as the great Reconciler that “he came and preached peace to you that were far off [the Gentiles], and peace to them that were nigh [the Jews]: for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.” In harmony with this was the declaration of Inspiration through Peter: “Neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. In this second chapter of Ephesians, Inspiration has caused two points to stand out like mountain peaks: (1) that through Christ only does any son or daughter of Adam have access to the Father and share in the eternal inheritance; and (2) that in Christ the ordinances and ceremonies of the Jewish dispensation, which became a “middle wall of partition” between classes of men, have been swept away. That act was God's declaration to a divided and caste-ridden world that all men—Jew and Gentile, master and servant, free and bond—have equal access “in one Spirit unto the Father.” That is the purpose of this portion of the epistle, written plain and large throughout. Oneness in Christ and salvation only in Christ is the burden of the argument. In that blessed hope and glorious assurance let us rejoice. He is our common meeting-ground, our grand rallying-center, our hope, our confidence. C. M. S. Religion and Philanthropy
By F. M. W.
TRUE religion is philanthropic, but philanthropy after the world's standard is not a necessary proof of Christianity. We use the word philanthropy as representing the spirit of giving to all religious, charitable, educational, and other beneficent enterprises. There is much so-called philanthropic work carried forward to-day with entirely different motives than actuate the true disciple. Many seem to work on the principle that they can drive sharp bargains, rob their fellow men, and by questionable and dishonest means amass a large fortune, and then buy the favor of heaven by founding hospitals, endowing colleges, or establishing free libraries. These will awake some day to the sad realization that heaven is not purchased with gold, and that acts performed for the laudation of man, even though good of themselves, can not atone for the heinous sins which have made such acts possible. There is much said to-day about the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, which amounts to nothing but sentimental platitude. True philanthropy has as its motive power, first of all, love for God, and secondly, love for our fellow men, but this love will be manifested in ways and means befitting its true and holy character. A recognition of God as our father will lead us to seek to know his will, and to perform it without reference to our own desires or pleasures. True love for our fellows will lead us to regard their needs and interests even as we would our own. The gift which stands as the foundation of all true philanthropy is the gift of one's self to God, the dedication of one's heart and life to the cause of God and to the salvation of mankind. We who are engaged in the giving of this last great message should recognize this fact. We can not purchase the favor of heaven by our gifts of benevolence. The payment of tithes, donations to foreign missions, gifts to the poor and needy, will not buy for us the passport to eternal bliss. There is only one means of salvation, and that is through the name and merit of the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in him for the remission of sins that are past, that faith which takes hold of his life and enables it to operate in present experience,—it is this faith which brings salvation. Christ abiding in our hearts by his Spirit, and his life manifest in our life, this is religion, and this sort of religion will be philanthropic. The man who possesses this experience will give of his means because he has first given himself. He will count all that he possesses as belonging to God, because he counts himself as God's man; hence, the tithes, and offerings, and gifts paid by this man into the treasury of the Lord will not be the means whereby he14 hopes to secure salvation, but rather the expression of the hope and faith which he has in the Lord Jesus Christ, the offering of his love which he lays upon the altar of holy service. The recognition of this relationship, instead of leading one to give less, will inspire greater gifts and continual sacrifice. All will be given to God for use as his providence shall indicate. This is the kind of religion, and this is the kind of philanthropy which should be manifested in the life of every one connected with this movement. Let us remember that true religion is always philanthropic, but that philanthropy in and of itself affords no evidence of genuine Christianity. Let us seek the religion which consists not of mere profession, but the religion which works by love, purifying the heart through faith, and molding the life after the life of its divine Author. THE following quotation from a recent life of the late Sir Richard Burton may be of interest to our missionaries who are hard at work learning other languages. Mr. Burton, the English soldier, traveler, and writer, was one of the best linguists of recent times. He it was who many years ago visited Mecca, disguised as an Arab pilgrim. Of his method of language study while on the march, he said:— I get a grammar and a vocabulary, mark out the forms and words which I know are absolutely necessary, and learn them by heart by carrying them in my pocket and looking over them at spare moments during the day. I never work more than a quarter of an hour at a time, for after that time the brain loses its freshness. After learning some three hundred words, easily done in a week, I stumble through some easy book-work (one of the Gospels is the most come-at-able), and underline every word I wish to recollect, in order to read over my pencilings at least once a day. Having finished my volume, I then carefully work up the grammar minutiae, and I then choose some other book whose subject most interests me. The neck of the language is now broken, and progress is rapid. If I come across a new sound like the Arabic Ghayn, I train my tongue to it by repeating it so many hundred times a day. When I read, I invariably read out loud, so that the ear may aid memory. I am delighted with the most difficult characters, Chinese and cuneiform, because I feel that they impress themselves more strongly upon the eye than the eternal Roman letters. This, by the by, made me resolutely stand aloof from the hundred schemes for transliterating Eastern languages, such as Arabic, Sanskrit, Hebrew, and Syriac, into Latin letters. Whenever I converse with any one in a language that I am learning, I take the trouble to repeat his words inaudibly after him, and so to learn the trick of pronunciation and emphasis. Enlarging the Channels
By William T. Knox
What am I doing to meet the obligations of to-day? is a question to which every one should give careful consideration. Are we meeting and discharging our duties as they fall due, or are we permitting them to accumulate upon us with the possibility that they will eventually increase beyond our ability to discharge? The work of this message of God is like the on-flowing of some mighty river with its ever accumulating and accelerating flood. As we follow its onward flow, it is always evident that the banks of to-day can not contain the waters of to-morrow. The Lord has promised to cut short his work in righteousness, and in his wisdom he gives to his people only such opportunities as they can care for to-day, but to-morrow's task will be augmented with our increased ability. No one need anticipate that the crest of the flood has reached us, and that we may now expect some cessation in the Lord's calls upon our efforts and means. The high tide of this work will not be reached until our Lord himself shall come, for “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The closing years of the message will have witnessed its swelling into an ever-increasing “loud cry.” Rapid developments in distant lands, with their ever-increasing calls for assistance, are to us the most assuring and encouraging omens of the guidance and blessing of God in our work. The important question, however, is, How are we meeting these calls? Does passing time find us with its duties, obligations, and privileges properly met and discharged? or are we allowing them to accumulate to that extent that we are in danger of being eventually overwhelmed with the increased flood? For almost a year now the mission fields have been looking to us with longing eyes for the promised help that would enable them to make some slight provision for their needs in educational, medical, and publishing work. While three hundred thousand dollars sounds large to us, yet how little it is when we attempt to meet the pressing necessities of the millions of China, India, Japan, and other nations; and how meager must be the work established from this fund in comparison with the task to be accomplished. With the added blessing of him who fed the multitude from the few loaves and fishes, we may expect great results. But “the King's business requires haste.” One hundred thousand or one hundred fifty thousand dollars of this fund should be in the hands of our missionaries not later than the fall of 1910. To accomplish this every one must take hold with all earnestness, and the donations hurried forward in the appointed channels. Let us, therefore, do to-day with all our strength the task that God has appointed us, expecting that his joy and blessing will be ours in our efforts. The following statement shows the progress in raising this fund:— Statement of $300,000 Fund, April 1, 1910 Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England ........ $359.15
Greater New York .......... 367.48
Northern New England ...... 81.69
Southern New England ...... 18.00
Western New England ....... 10.00
Total ..................... 836.32 Canadian Union Conference
Maritime .................. 12.68
Quebec .................... 2.50
Ontario ................... 5.70
Total ..................... 20.88 Central Union Conference
Kansas .................... 17.45
North Missouri ............ 311.82
West Colorado ............. 1.00
Wyoming ................... 337.15
Total ..................... 667.42 Columbia Union Conference
District of Columbia ...... 116.05
Total ..................... 116.05 Lake Union Conference
East Michigan ............. 141.71
Indiana ................... 422.61
Total ..................... 564.32 Northern Union Conference
Minnesota ................. 2660.10
Iowa ...................... 100.00
South Dakota .............. 10.00
Total ..................... 2770.10 North Pacific Union Conference
Upper Columbia ............ 9.00
Western Oregon ............ 13.00
Western Washington ........ 8.36
Alaska .................... .65
Total ..................... 31.01 Pacific Union Conference
California ................ 81.51
Southern California ....... 100.00
Total ..................... 181.51 Southern Union Conference
Alabama ................... 1.00
Total ..................... 1.00 Southeastern Union Conference
Florida ................... 104.50
North Carolina ............ 7.41
Total ..................... 111.91 Miscellaneous
India ..................... 15.00
New Zealand ............... 102.27
England ................... 490.00
Total ..................... 607.27 Grand total ................ $5907.79 The Rights of Non-Smokers
JUDGED from the standards of modern custom, it could well be questioned if non-smokers had any rights or privileges free from the annoyance occasioned by the use of tobacco. One to-day can not walk the streets, ride in public conveyances, or hardly enter a place of public resort, without being forced to breathe air laden with tobacco smoke which has been exhaled from the lungs of its devotees. In the Outlook for April 2, 1910, Twyman O. Abbott makes some excellent and justifiable criticisms of this pernicious practise. As to means whereby the nuisance may in some measure be abated and the right of non-smokers be recognized, he says:— So indiscriminate public smoking not only ought to be but is a legal nuisance. There is no vice which is more persistently annoying to a large part of the community. That it can be regulated and its evils removed without any interference with the smoker's real rights is beyond question. Where he persists in disregarding the welfare of the community and the rights of the non-smoker, he should be restrained by public sentiment, backed up by proper laws. Restaurateurs and hotel managers who permit smoking in their dining-rooms should be induced or required to provide accommodations15 will not be subjected to the inconvenience and discomfort of inhaling tobacco. Reasonable restrictions for its use in elevators, street-cars, passenger-cars, sleeping-cars, public buildings, and other public and semipublic places should be rigidly enforced. In this manner the public smoker may be educated to a proper understanding of his relations to the rest of the community, and he will learn how to enjoy himself without involving so much suffering, inconvenience, and danger to others. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Tim. 6:6-8. The Conditions Not Exaggerated
No close observer requires an array of facts and figures to be made cognizant of the spiritual dearth existing throughout the professed Christian world to-day. With scores of religious teachers through the pulpit and religious press endeavoring to undermine primitive faith in the Word of God, with the spirit of commercialism and worldliness which has swept like a mighty tidal wave into the great churches of the land, so that, as expressed by one, they have become “great fashionable social organizations,” what can be expected of the rank and file of the church-membership? Some there are in every denomination who sense this situation, and ministers are found in every communion who are lifting up their voices in protest against these inroads of skepticism and indifference. In the Western Recorder of March 10 Francis Wayland, under the head “General Inefficiency of Professors of Religion,” speaks as follows:— Brethren, beloved in the Lord, excuse my plainness in this matter. I write not to please you, but to do you good. I humbly hope that “the love of Christ constraineth me.” Look abroad upon Zion; consider her desolations. Iniquity abounds. The love of many waxes cold. Our youth are growing up without any regard for religion, and are yielding themselves up to all the allurements of a soul-destroying world. The masses of our people are not under the influence of the institutions of religion. Multitudes among us, even at our own doors, are pressing on to the judgment day, as ignorant of the way of salvation as the heathen in India or in Africa. And at such a time as this, are we all to sit down quietly and satisfy ourselves with doing nothing for Christ, because we pay the minister’s salary that he may do it for us?—No! the cause, at this emergency, requires the most active employment of every talent of every true disciple. The masses of the church must be aroused, or the enemy will come in like a flood, and there will be neither faith nor power to raise up a standard against him. But, while we do this, we must rely on something infinitely better than an arm of flesh. Let us meditate over these things, and ask the Master to show us our duty. Let us with one heart pray for a universal descent of the Holy Spirit upon all his churches. Should the dayspring from on high visit us once more, we could not remain in our present condition. We should be constrained to arise and make sacrifices for God. Then the feeblest among us would be as the house of David, and the house of David as the angel of the Lord. Mr. Wayland does not misrepresent the actual situation which is found in nearly every community. Sad that these earnest words should not awaken a response in reformation of life. In so far as they apply to us as Seventh-day Adventists, we also do well to be admonished. While we bear a message of reform to the world, we should take diligent heed to our ways that we do not fall under the power of the same influences which will finally engulf the world. Only by a living personal connection with God shall we be enabled to escape the snares of the last days. Jesting About Sacred Things
FOOLISH jesting or joking is bad enough when the ordinary affairs of life are the objects of the jest. Against this the Scripture repeatedly warns, but where men and women take the sacred things of God and turn them into jest and frivolity, the practice is certainly reprehensible. But we see a growing tendency in this direction. The sacred institution of marriage is often itself made a mock affair to add to the fun or merriment of some social gathering. The most ridiculous farce of this kind of which we have heard was recently enacted in a Lutheran college where a wedding ceremony was performed between the senior and sophomore classes, two young ladies assuming the rôles of bride and groom. Of this, even though it happened in its own denomination, the Lutheran Witness of March 31 speaks in decided condemnation:— To all of which we say, Fie, shame! Shame on the faculty and friends who permitted the exhibition of this sacrilegious mockery. If such inexcusable jesting with holy things can occur in a Christian, Lutheran college, “in the presence of a great number of friends,” little wonder that these sacred things—marriage included—are matters of uproarious jesting among those that are without. “If the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” Therefore it behooves Christians to be on their guard to avoid in themselves, and to bear testimony against, this insidious and dangerous transgression of the second [third] commandment. The above incident is only in harmony with the growing spirit of irreverence which we see everywhere. With the tendency to discount Bible inspiration, so manifest among many clergymen of the present day, is it any wonder the young catch the spirit of their elders? One is the legitimate fruit of the other. GOVERNOR STUBBS, of Kansas, knows what is for his State’s best interests, and, incidentally, for the best interests of the individuals who compose it. Concerning the prosperous and peaceful conditions obtaining in that State as a result of the operation of the prohibitory law, he says:— It is a common thing in Kansas, in a majority of the counties, not to have a prisoner in jail, and most of those fellows gathered in jails are there because of intoxicating liquors. There is a close relationship between drunkenness and jails and penitentiaries. It means a great saving to the people of this State and nation in an economic way. I expect while I am governor of Kansas to stand for the best things in public and private life. We won’t have any drunkards on the State pay-roll while I am governor, and we won’t have any cigarette fiends on our pay-roll, either. I am going to have this State government stand up for everything that is good and noble, and for high ideals, and boost Kansas just as high as we can. It may be embarrassing to the liquor interests, but it is perfectly proper to ask, Where is there a State under license that can show such a record? Perfect Peace in Times of Unrest
In the midst of the world's unrest, strife, and commotion, he who possesses in his heart the peace of God is fortunate indeed. All that can be shaken will be shaken. Only God and his Word will abide steadfast. Upon this foundation let us build. In the assurance of his protecting power let us trust. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” THERE are many who see, in recent developments and through the lessons of history, the continued cherished purpose of the Papacy to rule the world. Said Bishop Earl Cranston, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in a sermon at York, Pa., on March 20, before the Central Pennsylvania M. E. conference:— Now suppose with the addition of more territory, with twelve or more millions of Roman Catholics, the majority of the people of this government fifty years hence would be Roman Catholic, who doubts for a moment that the reigning Pope would assume control of legislation and government? He would then define for all of us the meaning of Christianity. . . . Our only protection is to hold public sentiment to the side of freedom. The recent Fairbanks episode was providential. It jolted the people into consciousness,—set them to thinking. And if the Fairbanks incident had such an effect, what ought we not to expect from the Pope’s refusal to see former President Roosevelt except upon the condition that he put himself under bonds to obey the Pope’s behests in Rome? There is no rôle but that of king of kings and ruler of presidents that will ever be satisfying to the head of the Roman hierarchy. Lake Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
This conference held its fifth biennial session in Battle Creek, Mich., February 3-13. No general meeting or conference session had been held in Battle Creek since the removal of our headquarters to Washington in 1903. During this time the Battle Creek church has passed through some serious trials, which have proved a great blessing to a large number of the members. During the fifty years that the headquarters of our work were located in that city, the membership of the church became very large. Many who had been resident members removed to other places, and failed to transfer their membership. Others for various reasons became worldly and lost all interest in our message and work. Others remained true and loyal to the cause. The trials and changes which came to the church sifted the chaff from the wheat. While this sifting process has been going on, the church has been endeavoring to place the membership on a right and correct basis. As already stated, the experiences through which the church has passed during these years have drawn the resident members nearer to God and to one another. When it was necessary to decide upon a place in which to hold the recent session of the Lake Union conference, there was an earnest desire on the part of the church to have the meeting held in Battle Creek. As this was in harmony with the convictions of the union conference committee, it was decided to hold the meeting at that place. The church gave the delegates a warm welcome, and the presence of the large number of the members at the business meetings during the day, as well as at the Bible studies in the evening, gave evidence of their appreciation of the conference. It seemed to be the feeling of the delegates, as well as of the members of the church, that the right step had been taken in deciding to hold the conference in Battle Creek. The territory of the Lake Union Conference includes Wisconsin, Indiana, two conferences in Illinois, and three in Michigan. This union has a population of twelve millions, and a membership of 12,473. There were eighty delegates present at the conference, representing the entire field, and all departments of work being carried forward in the union. Encouraging reports were presented by the officers of the union conference, the presidents of local conferences, and the secretaries of various departments of the work. In most respects these reports show that encouraging progress is being made. Owing to the corrections of the church records in the Battle Creek church and in a number of the conferences, the membership of the union conference does not show the gain that it would, had these records been adjusted year by year as changes have taken place. But the increase in tithes and offerings and in the sale of our literature, shows an increased interest and effort on the part of the members. A very interesting convention of the book men was held in connection with the conference. The field agents of the various conferences presented most encouraging reports relating to the distribution of our literature. Brother J. B. Blosser, who has been acting as union field secretary of the publishing department for about eight years, has labored with great determination to build up the book work in that union conference. It has required much wisdom and courage; but success has attended his efforts. The work now being carried forward has a good, substantial basis, and everything indicates that it will continue to make steady progress. The book sales reported for the biennial period of 1906 and 1907 amounted to $34,689.10, and the sales reported for the years 1908 and 1909 to $64,038.05. This shows an increase of nearly one hundred per cent. As the conferences now have good field agents and a large number of energetic, experienced workers, there is every reason to believe that the biennial term upon which they have just entered will record still greater progress. Encouraging reports were given by those in charge of the educational work. Prof. O. J. Graff presented a very cheering report for Emmanuel Missionary College, of Berrien Springs. We were all glad to learn of the large attendance at this school, and of the excellent work being done. Good reports were given by those in charge of the intermediate schools in the various local conferences. These reports show that our people are making greater efforts to give their children a Christian education. Two periods of each day were devoted to Bible study. These studies were full of interest, instruction, and spiritual help. They were attended by the entire delegation and by a large number of the resident members of the church. Some of the people from the city who attended the evening services became so interested that they came to the morning studies. On different occasions they telephoned to learn the hour of the Bible study for the day. I have seldom seen a greater interest manifested in the study of the Scriptures than was shown in the lessons given during this conference by Professor Prescott on the prophecies. The presence of the Lord was with the speakers and the hearers. This should be the leading and most impressive feature of all our conferences and conventions. There were so many important matters of interest demanding attention that ten days seemed hardly sufficient time for the conference. But the delegates returned to their homes full of confidence and courage regarding the message. The closing meeting was a very precious one for both the delegates and the church. Elder Allen Moon and his associates were re-elected for another term. They will have the confidence and the support of the entire union conference. The field is a promising one, and we hope great progress will be made in all departments of the work. The Work in San Francisco
By Clarence E. Moon
THE Lord has blessed us in a special manner in the last few months in helping to get this blessed, saving truth before the people of this great city. We have been enabled to sell three hundred or more Chinese papers in China Town, one hundred Japanese papers, and hundreds of English — Signs, Life and Health, Life Boat, and Watchman. We have also been blessed in personal work among all classes. A most remarkable case was that of a man who had been held under by the drink habit for twenty years. He came to us and asked for work. We told him that he did not need work so much as he needed freedom from his evil habit. He said that was impossible, for he had tried so many times and failed. Then we told him of the Great Physician who has power to cleanse from every vestige of sin, after which we knelt in prayer with him. We felt that there was joy in heaven that night; for Christ had said, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth;” and we all17 could testify to the joy in our own hearts. I have since received three letters from this brother, and in his last letter he said that he thanked God for this new life, that he felt much better both spiritually and physically, and is proving faithful to Christ and his truth, although he has had some hard trials. Loved Ones Unsaved
By L. D. Santee
“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left,” Matt. 24 : 40. My words are of Christ and his pleading,
But they fall on indifferent ears,
All the offers of mercy unheeding,
Though I water the seed with my tears.
I rejoice in the Saviour’s salvation,
But my joy with a sadness is crossed,
For I know that when endeth probation,
Some dear to my heart will be lost. They are lost, though the Saviour’s inviting
And calling the sinner to-day;
The offer of mercy they’re slighting,
Till the angels turn sadly away;
Their hearts growing hard by resistance,
Their love growing selfish and cold,
While there, gleaming bright in the distance,
Is the jasper, the pearl, and the gold. With them is the truth unavailing,
No help in the hour of need,
There’s a harvest of “weeping and wailing,”
And loved ones are sowing the seed.
Soon Christ will descend in his splendor
While the earth with convulsions is tossed,
Just judgment to each he will render,
But some dear to my heart will be lost. I think of the families broken,
Parting to meet nevermore;
Unto some will the dread words be spoken,
“Depart, there is mercy no more;”
While some that are “blessed of the Father,”
Are welcomed to heaven, and home.
O! the tears in my eyes thickly gather;
Many dear to my heart will not come.