ALTHOUGH the past winter has been unusually severe, and the present spring has been for the most part cold and backward, and has, like the past winter, been unfavorable for holding meetings to the best advantage, having even opened in Grand Rapids with a destructive cyclone and with a flood breaking the record of all previous ones in this part of Michigan; yet I have utilized my time in furnishing articles for three of our denominational papers and in doing other necessary writing; in attending the West Michigan Conference held at Charlotte, January 8-13; in taking part with Elder W. D. Parkhurst, Brother H. W. Heckman, and Dr. P. S. Bourdeau, in a public effort at Grand Rapids, which lasted about six weeks; and in visiting and laboring for churches near this city. The public effort at Grand Rapids having already been partly reported in the REVIEW, I will limit myself to saying with regard to it:—
First, that notwithstanding the fact that during most of this effort the weather was anything but favorable to securing uniformly a large attendance, and that a fearful flood shut away from us some of our best hearers, we had at our meetings some interested and intelligent listeners, and that in some cases this interest is being followed up through private, personal effort.
Second, that we are convinced that Grand Rapids is a good missionary field, and that if proper and thorough efforts are put forth by the rank and file of the church in this city, by Bible workers, by evangelists, and by one representing the medical missionary work, the result will be a large harvest of souls.
Third, that to the glory of God and for the information and encouragement of my numerous friends, I am most thankful to be able to chronicle the fact that although I have, during the recent effort at Grand Rapids, spoken as often as my fellow laborers, besides walking considerable and doing house-to-house work, yet my strength has held out till the last. Indeed, I felt in better condition to labor at the close of this course than I did at its beginning. By this I am encouraged to hope that with the blessing of God, and a due regard for the laws of life and health, on my part, I shall yet be able to labor in new fields, in connection with younger laborers, besides having from time to time the privilege of varying my labors by strengthening and encouraging those of like precious faith.
I have lately been greatly refreshed in presenting the words of life and encouragement to the churches of Wright and Sand Lake. At Wright Mrs. Bourdeau was with me, and aided in the work. Here we were made at home with several tried and esteemed pilgrims, including Elder and Sister E. H. Root, under whose hospitable roof the saints have for many years found rest and spiritual refreshment, and under which Elder James White and his companion were so often welcomed in days of trial and affliction. Here, too, we visited and had profitable reflections on the very ground upon which was held the first Seventh-day Adventist camp-meeting thirty-six years ago, when Elder J. N. Loughborough and the writer were opening up the work in California. At this very meeting Elder James White wrote us, expressing great joy upon the successful opening of a new era to Seventh-day Adventists by the good meeting that was being held, and gave us sound counsel about the work on the Pacific Coast. Sister White also wrote us encouragingly. May God continue to bless the work and the believers on the Pacific Coast, making them a blessing to thousands in foreign fields as well as in their home field.
My visit at Sand Lake was also profitable able both to the writer and, I trust, to those to whom he ministered.
The church there had not celebrated the ordinances for nearly three years, because of the serious illness of its elder during that period. It also suffered from a want of the application of church discipline to unworthy persons who had apostatized. Several of these were disfellowshipped; Christian measures were taken to help some who were on the background; a new elder was ordained, other officers were elected, the ordinances were celebrated, one person was added to the church; the Spirit of God gave efficacy to the messages of truth borne to the church, giving its apparent sanction to the efforts put forth in pruning and purging this branch of God's moral vineyard. Thus the way is opened for a public effort in due time, since there is a cleaner and more inviting nucleus to which new converts may be safely added, with the expectation that true nursing fathers and mothers in Israel will look after them, binding them more securely to Jesus' great heart of love and to the truth as it is in Jesus.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Argentina
By N. Z. Town
BUENOS AYRES.—I have no discouraging word to send. I had a good time at Navarro. Through the influence of an Italian brother whom Brother Leland baptized in Diamante three years ago, an Italian family living in the province of Buenos Ayres, near Navarro, became interested in the Bible. They were Catholics, the wife especially being a very strong Catholic. The brother who interested them had a very limited knowledge of the truth; the most he could teach them was that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath, and that the beast represents the papacy. But what he could teach them they accepted, and about two months ago this family, consisting of the parents and two grown sons, began to keep the Sabbath. In the meantime, this brother wrote to me, urging that I come to visit these people. When I could arrange it, I went. I never saw people more anxious to know the truth, or more willing to accept it. The mother had an image of the virgin at the head of her bed, and she adored it at all hours. After a few studies, she took down her image. When I presented the matter of outward adorning of our bodies, she could not wait till the meeting closed, but while I was talking, she took out her earrings and took off her gold finger-ring. The father was an inveterate smoker, even smoking two or three times, generally, in bed during the night. He was also a wine-bibber. Acting on the instruction given in Volume VIII of the Testimonies, I drew up a pledge and presented it to them. This the whole family—parents and two grown sons—signed, and since that day not one of them has touched tobacco or wine.
While there, another man and his wife—Italians—became interested. They, too, were Catholics, but they accepted the word gladly. The Sabbath before I left, I had the privilege of burying seven dear souls in baptism—all adults. Afterward we celebrated the ordinances with them. The Lord blessed us in this service. I should have added that in the pledge was included tea, coffee, and mate. All who were baptized signed this pledge. You would be interested18to see the “spoils” that they delivered to me. There was a box of wine, eleven pounds of strong smoking tobacco, a jar of spirits, the mate cup (for preparing tea) that they had used for nineteen years, and two earthen images of the virgin. These all came from one family. They showed a willingness to walk in the light.
Brother McCarthy also reports victories in the north. He has recently organized a church of fourteen members. In another place where he labored, eighteen have accepted the truth. Brother Oppegard reports two new Sabbath-keepers where he is working. In the province of Santa Fe, where Brethren Lude and Dirivaechter are working, two families have recently taken their stand.
N. Z. Town.
Jamaica, West Indies
By J. B. Beckner
KINGSTON.—During the past month the blessing of the Lord has attended our work here. Thirty-two have been baptized, and twelve or thirteen are waiting for baptism. Although Satan is trying to hedge up the way in some places, the Lord is giving victory. Our church buildings are going up slowly, as our brethren are trying to do all the work, and they have to take time to work for their food. We are very thankful to our dear brethren in America for the help sent to us. We have now received $366.60 of our call for $500. Three of the churches have been rebuilt. The last of the three was dedicated May 1. The fourth is now so the brethren can meet in it, and the fifth has the frame up. We are trying to make every dollar purchase all it possibly can. We have three other churches in process of building, besides those that were blown down. We are all of good courage. We know that if we are faithful, victory is sure. We know also that our brethren are praying for the work where they are putting their money. J. B. BECKNER.
New York
By T. E. Bowen
THE Lord's work in New York is still making progress. Since the weather has become settled, after the most severe winter known in the State for many years, the workers in the different departments are meeting with success. This is perhaps the most apparent in connection with the book work. An institute was held at Lincklaen Center in the spring, from which several earnest workers went into the field. They are taking orders for our larger subscription books, such as “Great Controversy,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Story of Daniel,” etc., which truly is encouraging.
At Avon Brother and Sister Wightman are holding a series of meetings with a good interest. A new tent has been ordered for them, in which they will continue meetings as long as the interest remains good. Sister Wightman writes that they are planning to remain long enough to do thorough work. God has given instruction that field workers should remain until companies are established, houses of worship erected, a schoolroom provided in connection with the same, and a church-school established. Until this is done, the work is not finished. Certainly much is often lost to the cause by the workers leaving too soon, while again much may be lost by staying too long.
Elder J. W. Raymond visited Alfred last Sabbath, where he buried with Christ in baptism three willing souls. One of these candidates was R. H. Brown, who, with his family, recently moved into the State from Dover, N. H. Brother and Sister Brown have put forth commendable efforts to get present truth before others. They started a Sabbath-school as soon as they reached Alfred, which increased from six in attendance to as many as twenty-one some Sabbaths. As a result of these Bible studies a man and his wife began keeping the Sabbath, and last Sabbath they went forward with Brother Brown in the solemn ordinance of baptism. Others at this place are deeply interested, and are looking forward anxiously for Elder Raymond to return and hold meetings with them.
Elders Burrill and Ball are meeting with good success in working with “Christ's Object Lessons.” They are themselves canvassing for the book, and interesting others in its sale.
At the office we see many encouraging features which give evidence that God is blessing his people. The tithe and offerings have come in well since April 1. Jesus at one time sat beside the treasury, and beheld how people gave of their means. It was as he thus sat one day that he saw the poor widow give all her living. Jesus still sits beside the treasury. Here the true pulse of his people can be easily felt. Some are robbing themselves of great blessing by withholding that which should flow on to bless others.
The tent season promises to open earlier this year than last, and soon the different companies will be engaged in their work.
T. E. BOWEN,
Conference Secretary.
China
By Harry W. Miller, M. D.
SIN TSAI HSIEN.—The past few weeks have rapidly passed. It has now been four and one-half months since we left the States. We have heard very little news during that time, only what we receive from the States. We do not know what events are taking place in China. There may be war here now, for all we know. The Chinese communicate news verbally only. We receive news twice a week from the homeland when our friends write us. If it rains, the mail-carriers can not come, so sometimes it is a longer time between our mails.
The winters here are short and pleasant. It snows once or twice, the snow usually melting the same day it falls. We have a dry and a wet season. This is now the dry season. The rainy season begins in May, and lasts through July, when almost all the rivers overflow their banks.
A symbol of a serpent is used on all the coins and official documents, also symbols of other hideous creatures suspected of being devils. While the people are intelligent, they pattern after the devil in every respect they can. When they pray, they pray to the devil most earnestly. You may wonder why they do this. You would think they would pray to their gods to fight the devil. But when they get sick, they pray to the devil to be so kind as to leave them. And they continue to do this until they become so sick that they are about to die, then they call in their neighbors, each having some instrument or pan, with which to make a noise to scare the devil away. Being in a kingdom which the devil claims as entirely his own, we may expect a conflict with him in bringing the last message of warning to these people, but the gospel has the power of changing the hearts of the darkest heathen.
God has been working for us in a most remarkable way ever since we left the States. While it was hard to part with our friends, still we shall appreciate their companionship in the earth made new. In the blessing God has bestowed upon us, we have evidence that he will do the same for others who will come. God has pointed out the defects of the last church very plainly. The Laodiceans are neither hot nor cold, they are not active, nor do they feel their need; they are asleep. God finds no fault with them because of their gospel, but with the way they treat the gospel.
Our little company has been praying for the pentecostal blessing here in China, and we are getting it. When we reached our station, we found Mrs. Pilquist sick, and she continued to fail in health, having had tuberculosis for the last few years. She soon was compelled to take to her bed, on account of emaciation and weakness. We attended her faithfully, and the nurses stood by her bedside day and night. We saw her fail to a degree beyond which any human means could save her. We thought it not God's will to lay away a worker in heathen China, with millions around us in darkness, when she knew the gospel, and also this difficult language.
You have already read from her own pen how wonderfully the Lord has wrought in her case. God is working for us. This is only the beginning of the pentecostal blessings. Pray for us that we may be humble in God's service.
HARRY W. MILLER, M. D.
The Pacific Union -Conference
By W. B. White
THIS vast territory, stretching from Mexico to British Columbia and including the mission fields of Hawaii and Alaska, forms a very important part of the General Conference field. In this territory are centered many important interests of various kinds, and the development of the work in a healthy and symmetrical manner calls for devoted, consecrated men and women, who, with God's glory only in view, will press the battle forward with haste and energy. Having recently spent a few weeks on the coast immediately after the Healdsburg conference, possibly a few matters which have come under our notice might be of general interest.
THE spring council of the Southern California Conference at Los Angeles, April 5-8, was an interesting occasion. A deep spiritual current ran all through the meeting, and all felt drawn nearer to God, and strengthened anew for the work committed to us. Interesting reports were read from the different branches of work in this field, and while some perplexities, especially of a financial character, are being met by those who have the work in charge, all seem of good cheer, and in no wise inclined to look at the situation with discouragement. The Southern California Conference has a good force of workers who are bringing people to the truth, building churches, and developing the different branches of the work as best they can under the circumstances. The school at Fernando has had quite a successful year, with a fair attendance, and a good class of students. Many have yielded their hearts to the Lord, and have found rest in believing. This school may be a great power for good in Southern California. A deeper spiritual life should pervade all our schools, and more heart-to-heart work be done for the students. There are times when the Holy Spirit in a special manner moves in the school, and works upon the hearts of all; then is the time for a special effort to be made which will bear much fruit to the glory of God. By the payment of the second tithe this conference is supporting its church-schools, twelve being in operation in their nineteen churches. The brethren are planning for a strong tent effort in Los Angeles this summer, and expect to hold their camp-meeting at that place. The restaurant in this city is having a good patronage, and of late Monday evening lectures have been given by Dr. Simpson in the dining-room, on questions of health and diet. These19have been well attended by the people of the city, and highly appreciated. The treatment rooms above could do better service with better facilities for work, and probably erelong steps will be taken to secure the facilities needed.
IN Arizona the cause is weak in point of numbers, but an excellent spirit of courage and sacrifice seems to be in the hearts of the workers. Quite a number have been brought to the truth the past year, and considering the size of their working force, a good amount of general missionary work has been done. At the spring conference a legal association was formed under the laws of the territory, to the end that conference property may be held, and transactions carried forward, in a lawful way. The sanitarium at Phoenix has been having a good patronage, and evidently the Lord led in the opening of this institution. They have an ideal location, and Dr. Bond and his associate workers are laboring hard to make the institution what it should be. Better facilities, however, are needed for work, and a few hundred dollars could be used by the management to excellent advantage. Should any who read these lines feel disposed to assist this struggling and deserving sanitarium that really needs help just now, remittances could be made to the Arizona Sanitarium, 525 Central Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. The fall, winter, and spring climate at this place is ideal, especially for invalids, and we are glad that here God has raised a beacon light. The Arizona Sanitarium should have the hearty support of our people everywhere; for we are sure that it is doing a good work for God and humanity. Elder C. D. M. Williams and wife, who for years have been working in this field, will now assist the work in the Utah field. We are glad to see the work there strengthened, though the available field force in the Arizona Conference is now rather small. A danger exists in these small conferences, where institutional work is being done, that much of the energy of the conference which should be expended in extending the truth into new fields will be absorbed by the institution. This should be carefully guarded, or the interests of the conference will suffer.
AT Mountain View, Cal., the new Pacific Press publishing plant is undergoing construction. No doubt the transfer of these interests to the country is timely, but those who are upon the ground, and those needed in the work of the institution, are quite sufficient to hold up the light of truth in that community. It is a farming section, land is very expensive, and we could not advise our people to locate at this place. Unless one has business which calls him there in connection with the work of God, he would better not go, but rather go into other places where the light of truth never has entered. It is hoped that the camp-meetings on the Coast this summer may be seasons of great refreshing and power. Certainly the time is here when this people should be so emptied of self, and filled with the spirit of might and power, that many souls may turn to the Lord and find the salvation of God.
British Columbia, among other plans for the summer, hopes to open a campaign among the Indians in the Skeena River country. It is expected that Elder Watson, of the Western Washington Conference, will pitch a tent there this season, and carry on work among them. A little has been done to give them the truth, and the sound of it has gone through all the tribes in that region, and they are calling loudly for help. In the summer season from one to three thousand Indians camp along the Skeena River, and here, among this long-neglected people, will be preached the last message to the world. Pray for the success of the missionaries who go among them. Opposition of the most determined nature is being made by other denominations to keep out the truth, but God will give victory to those who trust in him. Three tents will be run this summer in this field, which is rapidly advancing toward a self-supporting conference. The conferences along the coast are assisting British Columbia in this Indian work, Upper Columbia having appropriated two hundred dollars of its conference funds at its spring session for this purpose.
Walla Walla College is just completing another year of school work. Prof. J. L. Kay has been elected president for the ensuing year, to fill the place made vacant by the removal of Prof. C. C. Lewis, to take the presidency of Union College. Pray for the work on the Pacific Coast, that it may prosper, and that a people here may be made ready for the glorious appearing of Christ the King.
W. B. WHITE.
1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
The Work in the Southern Union Conference
By George I. Butler
PERHAPS it may be of interest briefly to review the progress of the message from the time the Southern Union Conference was organized, about three years ago. Previously to that time this portion of the Southern field was mainly “a mission field,” under the watchcare of the General Conference. This union conference is composed of nine large States — Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Each of these States is now a State conference, with the exception of South Carolina, which is a mission field under the direction of the Southern Union Conference. When it was thought best to organize all this territory into a union conference, there were only three State conferences in existence in this territory — the Tennessee River Conference, the Cumberland Conference, and the Florida Conference. The States of Kentucky and Tennessee being very long east and west, it was more convenient to unite the eastern and western portions of each into a conference, so they were named after the great rivers which run through them. These three State conferences, organized previously to the formation of the union conference, have ever paid their own bills, and have supported their own work without any help from the General Conference.
The other six States were organized so as to become State conferences when the union conference was formed. The number of Sabbath-keepers in each of these States being too small to carry on conference work as it should be, the General Conference laborers who organized this union conference promised them financial help, the same as if they had still remained mission fields.
Hence it is that the General Conference is honorably compelled to assist these weaker conferences, while those that were stronger — Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida — support their work without financial assistance, as they were organized before the union conference was formed.
As the cause in this large Southern territory was composed of small churches, scattered here and there, far apart and but little acquainted with one another, there was but little unity and coherence at the time of its organization. There had been but little association up to that point. There were disagreements and differences of opinion between certain prominent places, causing some measure of dissension at times.
The work of harmonizing and unifying the conflicting elements was a matter of some difficulty and perplexity. I am happy to say that such difficulties have been largely obviated, and all express the opinion that the greatest degree of union and harmony exists now that ever has in this field. I know of no disturbing elements of any great importance.
There is an earnest desire, as far as I know, in every part of this union conference, to push the work into new fields, and bring souls into the truth. Many difficulties meet us at every turn. The Southern field is a hard one in which to make rapid progress. I think, however, greater relative progress has been made in the Southern Union Conference the last year than in the more favored Northern fields.
We have comparatively few laborers here, and our financial strength is very small, considering the largeness of the field and the greatness of the work that ought to be accomplished. However, nearly all the conferences received some new churches into their body of believers. Two of them received four churches each. One small conference, with only one or two laborers, young men of little experience at that, had fifty or sixty conversions in a little over a year. Another had fifty or sixty colored believers added to their membership. This, of course, was far short of what we hope to see accomplished the present season.
To give the reader a clearer insight into the condition of this field, it may be proper to speak of the following subdivisions, or departments, of our work here; namely, the Educational, the Medical Missionary, and the Publishing Departments. I will not endeavor to give the exact statistics, but only a general statement.
At the head of our educational work stand our two training-schools,—one at Graysville, Tenn., for the white students; the other at Huntsville, Ala., for the colored. The first has had a yearly attendance of nearly one hundred, the second of nearly fifty. The prospects for prosperity at Graysville never seemed more promising than they do at the present time. The colored school has struggled under the greatest difficulties; but the present season the faculty report good progress, and an excellent influence in the school.
Both these schools have been greatly hampered for lack of means, especially the colored institution. Both deserve the assistance and encouragement of our people. Great interests center in them, and both ought to be made flourishing and important institutions.
In the intermediate grade of our school system little has yet been accomplished.20The Tennessee River Conference has had a good school of this kind, at Hazel, Ky., under the charge of Brother Stone. In other State conferences efforts are being made to create this grade of schools; but our poverty seems to present an insuperable barrier in most cases.
All our conferences, I believe, have one or more church-schools; but there is great need of improvement in them. We are struggling hard to bring about better facilities for the proper education of our children. Our people live long distances from one another, and are poor, so the difficulties are great.
We have three sanitarium buildings nearly ready to receive patients. Possibly a few may be already entertained in some of them; but they are in an unfinished condition. A few hundred dollars each would start them in their work of mercy and blessing. These are located at Graysville, Tenn., Hildebran, N. C., and Atlanta, Ga.
These were called into being by the testimony of the Spirit, which has over and over declared that small sanitariums should be established at important points all over the South. We have been earnestly seeking to carry out this instruction, and shall still do our best to accomplish the task set for us. But our poverty hinders. The council held last winter took action that another should be established at Nashville. Special light has been given over and over, that such an institution should be placed here, both for white and for black. A feeble beginning has been made. Buildings have been rented for both, and patients are being treated. Dr. Hayward, and Brother L. A. Hansen, and several nurses are already giving treatments to a number of patients in a building in the city, and also in another comparatively in the country. Dr. Isbell and Brother and Sister Young are treating the colored people in their rented house. It would be very desirable and important for the upbuilding of the cause if means could be secured for sanitariums for the white people and for the colored people in the vicinity of Nashville, Tenn.
Our publishing house in Nashville, established about three years ago, seems to be entering upon a career of remarkable prosperity. Two years ago at this time it was apparently almost in the throes of dissolution. There were weeks, and even months, when it seemed problematical whether it might not have to be shut up almost any day for lack of means to keep it running. Those were days of great anxiety and much prayer.
But the skies have been clearing. Through the help of Sister White’s encouraging letters, means began to flow in. Things have providentially taken a favorable turn. We have our office fairly well equipped with new machinery, of the best quality in the market. The old second-hand machinery has all been sold. We have plenty of work to keep fifty or sixty employees busy. Very often we have to run far into the night with our three presses. They are loaded down with printing our special number, and we are considerably behind in our orders. Our office, since January, has been more than paying its way. We have reached that happy period where we are no longer running behind. The last year our business fully doubled in volume. We have every reason to thank God and take courage.
Our work is very largely denominational work. To do that work is the purpose for which this institution exists. We do commercial work, in very moderate volume, and of the best quality, when the church work is slack. We need money to pay for our machinery, though over half of it is paid for already.
In conclusion, I would say that our courage here in the South is excellent. Finances are very low in all directions. One prominent conference has been able to pay ordinary laborers only three dollars a week for many months. The president has received only five dollars a week for half a year past. Several other conferences are in nearly the same condition. Yet these laborers work away the best they can. We are struggling to the best of our ability, expecting God will care for us. We know his Spirit is with us. His work will go forward. We dislike to be considered professional beggars. God lives and reigns. ‘The foundation of God standeth sure. . . . The Lord knoweth them that are his.’ His cause will prevail, money or no money.
We are about to begin our lectures in Nashville, and hope for success. May all God’s people pray for us.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Keene Sabbath-School Convention
By Ida A. Nelson
SABBATH, May 7, was an interesting day for the brethren and sisters at Keene, Tex. In the morning after all the different divisions of the Sabbath-school had assembled in the academy chapel for the closing exercises of the Sabbath-school, twenty-seven of the little children from the kindergarten and primary divisions sang “Little Lights.” At the opening of the morning session, twenty-four of the same children formed in a straight line upon the rostrum. Each child carried a card and repeated a verse beginning with the letter printed upon the card. They then sang that beautiful song “Once a Shepherd Band.” This exercise was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the parents and teachers of the children. The enthusiasm manifested on the part of the children shows that with little effort the children can be made to realize that they are a part of the Sabbath-school.
Following this exercise, Elder C. P. Haskell delivered a discourse on the subject “The Teacher as Pastor of His Class.” Among other points he brought out the following: “Pastor” means shepherd. The shepherd feeds his flock, and gives his life for the sheep; not only twenty minutes each Sabbath, but his life, to the sheep. In Eze. 34: 2-4 judgment is pronounced upon the unfaithful shepherds, or pastors, who do not feed their flocks, strengthen the diseased, nor heal the sick among them. God has placed a great responsibility upon the Sabbath-school teacher as pastor of his class. He must have love for the lambs or sheep of his fold. When a member of the class is sick, it is the duty of the teacher, as pastor of his class, to visit the individual, and do all in his power to comfort and relieve the sufferer. If any one under his charge is discouraged or despondent, the teacher, through love for the lost sheep of his fold, will earnestly pray with and
for the wanderer. If one is lost, the shepherd will go and seek the lamb until it is found, and replaced among the “ninety and nine” that are safe in the fold. Only the teacher who has a jealous love for each member of his class can be indeed a pastor of his class, and make a success of the important soul-saving work the Lord has given him to do.
In the afternoon the following topics were considered: (1) The Teacher’s Preparation of the Sabbath-school Lesson, and the Use of the Lesson Pamphlet; (2) The Pupil’s Preparation of the Sabbath-school Lesson; (3) The Qualifications of a Teacher; (4) How May a Secretary’s Report Be Made Interesting?
The first topic was discussed by Mrs. L. O. Corwin. In beginning the study of the Sabbath-school lesson the teacher should have in mind the different members of his class, and study the lesson with the object in view of being able to apply the lesson personally to each member of the class. He should have the lesson so clearly in mind that he will not need to read the questions from the pamphlet.
The next topic was dealt with in a paper by Mrs. S. Waters. She suggested that Sabbath afternoon the study of the lesson for the following Sabbath be begun, and that it be continued a short time each day, and on Friday all the points in the lesson be summed up and reviewed.
Before taking up the next topics, twenty-five students of Mrs. C. B. Hughes’s classes in elocution repeated pithy quotations from the Testimonies in regard to Sabbath-school work.
Prof. C. B. Hughes opened the discussion on the subject of “Qualifications of a Teacher.” The principal points brought out in this discussion were that the teacher should teach his pupils to teach; for every one will, at some time, teach in one way or another. A teacher should study to show himself approved unto God, not men, and what he teaches should have such a foundation as will stand the test of the judgment. He should teach known facts rather than presumptions. He should draw out from the pupils what they know, and then offer suggestions.
The subject of “How May a Sabbath-school Report Be Made Interesting?” was explained in a paper by Miss Sudie Bayliss. The secretary should be consecrated and have a love for his work. He should always be on time, and take full note of all the proceedings of the exercises. In writing the report, he should be natural, and not imitate nor have a set form for the minutes. He should mention all the departments of the Sabbath-school, and note any especially interesting feature connected with any part of the Sabbath-school, as well as the especially emphasized points of the review. In the reading of the minutes, he should read to the school, and not to himself.
After each talk or paper a general discussion followed, in which the brethren and sisters took an active part.
During the evening session five topics were discussed. Brother E. Harris, in speaking of the proper use of the Sabbath-school donations, stated that the donations were designed to be used in the most needy fields, which usually is not at home. Among other things, he21stated that ninety per cent of the donations of the Keene Sabbath-school is sent to foreign missions.
Mrs. J. P. Lorenz read a very interesting paper on “The Place of Music in the Sabbath-school.” The world of to-day craves sentimentalism, and is fast losing its love for the old gospel hymns. The composition of music is more of a money-making scheme than a desire to elevate and ennoble through the power of music. Mothers should set apart a little time each day to sing old hymns to the children.
“What Are the Advantages of Teachers’ Meetings? and When Should They Be Held?” was discussed by Mrs. C. B. Hughes. One purpose of the teachers’ meeting is that the teachers and officers may come together to consider matters of business. Another object is that the teachers may together recite the lessons, and be able harmoniously to present them to their classes. The teachers’ meeting is also the Sabbath-school prayer-meeting, where erring pupils should be remembered, and God’s blessing sought for the entire school. Considering the fact that the teachers’ meeting is more or less of a business nature, it was suggested that some time aside from the Sabbath hours should be given to these meetings. The hour just preceding the weekly prayer-meeting was suggested as an appropriate time.
A question which in many schools is a perplexing one,—“How May We Secure Punctuality?”—was discussed by Prof. H. T. Curtis. Always begin the school promptly on time with an interesting exercise, so that the tardy ones will be made to feel that they have missed something. Study the life of Christ, and seek to follow the example of punctuality he has set. Encourage the members of the Sabbath-school to make all necessary preparations before the Sabbath, and rise as early on Sabbath morning as on other days, and thus they will be able to be at the Sabbath-school on time.
The last topic that was discussed was “The Relation of the Day-school to the Sabbath-school,” by Prof. J. L. Jones. If the lessons in the day-school are a continuation of the Sabbath-school lesson, and both schools have the same object in view—the salvation of souls—both will be strengthened.
Such a thorough study of so many important questions will surely be the means of coming nearer the high standard God has for the Sabbath-school.
IDA A. NELSON,
Texas Sabbath-school Secretary.
Field Notes
A NEW church building for the German church at Bazine, Kan., was dedicated May 7, 8.
A CHURCH of nineteen members was recently organized at Rothbury, Mich., by Elder W. C. Hebner.
THE company at McCook, Neb., have purchased the Methodist church building at that place at a cost of eight hundred dollars.
THE company at Hampton, Iowa, have effected a church organization, and have a new church building completed, with provision for a church-school.
BROTHER H. STEEN, in a report of recent work done among the Scandinavians in Minneapolis, Minn., states that "a few have decided to obey the Lord and walk in the light."
REPORTING from Fergus Falls, Minn.. Brother O. O. Bernstein states that ten persons are awaiting baptism there, thirty persons in all having accepted the truth at that place since last summer.22
A REPORT from the Dayton, Ohio, church states that it is growing in members and spirituality. Four persons were baptized at that place, May 1.
AT Rollwitz, Neb., twelve adults have accepted the truths presented to them by Brother C. W. Graves, who has been holding meetings in a schoolhouse.