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Review and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 30.

SATISFIED
Earlier text: Escaping a Burning Building

“FAITH CURE” AND FAITH.

By L. A. S.

A GREAT many people have the idea that faith cure is a peculiar kind of cure which is suddenly and miraculously accomplished upon the sick in answer to prayer. They think that faith in God as the healer of disease requires that nothing should be done for the sick except to pray for them, and that if the sick are not healed by this method, in every case, it is because of a lack of faith.
This idea does not come from faith at all. It has some truth in it, but it is one of those counterfeits by which the enemy of gospel truth is seeking to confuse the minds of the people and deceive them in regard to the nature of faith in God.
In the first place, the healing of disease in answer to prayer is not a different kind of cure from any other healing of disease. This is so for the simple reason that there is only one power exercised in the healing of disease, and only one Being who has that power; in other words, it is always the power of God that heals disease. The devil can simulate this power, but it is God who heals in every genuine case.
It is God who heals, and not the doctor. What, then, can the doctor do?—He can at best only assist “nature” to repair the injuries caused by disease. He can create conditions, or instruct the patient to create them, under which “nature” can succeed in restoring what the disease has destroyed. But such assistance is most important, for without it, the vital forces of the body would often fail in the combat, and death would ensue.
But it is God who works in nature. “There is no power but of God,” and nature manifests no other power. The laws of nature are God’s laws. The Creator has established laws which control affairs in the physical world, and man must conform his physical life to these laws. When he is violating these laws, and from such violation suffers in health, he cannot reasonably expect the Lord to remove the consequences until he himself removes that which brought on the consequences. He cannot reasonably ask God to reverse His own laws, which are the laws of health. The violator of the law must reverse himself; he cannot ask God to reverse himself. Neither can he reasonably ask God to do for him that which he is able to do for himself.
“It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Phil. 2:13. Therefore man is to work out his own salvation, to the extent of his ability. No man creates his own power; he only exercises the power given him of God. And the power that man has is given him in order that he may exercise it. That God has given man power to do a thing, is clear evidence that God wishes man to do that thing when it needs to be done. At the same time it is God working in him that makes it possible for him to do it. When man refuses to do what he can do for himself, and tries to have it performed by prayer, he simply presumes to dictate to the Lord how or through what agencies He shall work. This is not faith.
It is God’s plan that man shall co-operate with Him. It is for this that God gives man the power to act. God rained manna down from heaven, but not into the mouths nor into the vessels of the Israelites. It fell on the ground, and they had to gather it. Christ miraculously provided loaves and fishes for the five thousand, but He told His disciples to “gather up the fragments.” To ask God to do everything for us is not an exhibition of faith, but of foolishness. If a swimmer should swim out into deep water, and then fold his hands and make no effort to keep afloat, but simply ask God to take him to the shore, he would drown, and God would not be to blame, either. He is able to take himself to shore, and the Lord would expect him to do it.
God does for man what man cannot do for himself. This is for the glory of God, but it would not be for His glory to perform what man himself can do, but does not choose to. That would be to reduce the Creator to the position of a servant.
Is it faith that sees God only in the power which suddenly restores the sick to health in answer to prayer? Or does true faith take a broader view, and discern God in all His works, and give God the glory for the restoration that is gradual as well as for that which is instantaneous? Is it faith which would dictate to God when and how He shall work? Or does true faith leave the Lord to work in that way and at that time that He may choose?
The “faith” of the “faith-cure” doctrine is altogether too narrow and short-sighted for true faith. And a faith that is too narrow is not faith at all, but fanaticism.
It is not “faith cure” that the people need to-day, but faith.
L. A. S.

In the Question Chair.

[Designed for the consideration of such questions as will be of interest and profit to the general reader. All correspondents should give their names and correct post-office address, that queries not replied to here may be answered by mail.]
What authority have we for the statement that the pope sometimes wears, or has worn, on his miter the words, “Vicarius Filii Dei”? It is disputed by some.
O. H., College Place, Wash.
Ans.— We have for it the statement quoted in the work on “Daniel and the Revelation,” page 586, commenting on Rev. 13:18. The statement purports to be from a work entitled “The Reformation,” bearing date of 1832. The declaration is that a gentleman visiting Rome, on the occasion of a Romish ceremony, witnessed the passing of the pope in the procession, with the motto fixed upon the front of his miter in dazzling letters of burnished gold, “Vicarius Filii Dei,” Vicegerent of the Son of God. Some of these letters stand for numbers in the Roman enumeration, the sum of which makes the number 666, the very number called for in the prophecy: Thus, v, 5; i, 1; C, 100; i, 1; v, written anciently the same as u, and having the same numerical value, 5; i, 1; l, 50; i, 1; i, 1; d, 500; i, 1; total, 666. We have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the statement here given, that this motto appeared on the miter of the pope, on the occasion here mentioned. This, of course, might refer to a particular pope, only on a particular occasion. Other popes may not have worn the title thus emblazoned on the miter; and as it is disputed that any of them ever did, let us consider how that would affect the question. No one can dispute that the popes all claim and assume the title, “Vicar of Christ.” See Standard Dictionary under “vicar;” also the Century Dictionary, under the same word. This book says: “Vicar of Jesus Christ, a title assumed by the pope, with reference to his claim to stand in the place of Jesus Christ, and possess His authority in the Church.” And what is the meaning of “vicar,” as used by the pope?—The same as “Vicegerent,”—Latin, Vicarius,—and the words “of Christ,” the same as “of the Son of God,” expressed by the Latin words filii Dei. So we have, according to all authorities, the title of the popes containing the exact equivalent of the words given above, Vicarius Filii Dei, the numerical value of which is 666. So, however much it may be denied that the popes wear the title above referred to, in that exact language, it cannot be denied that the common title which they do assume is its exact equivalent.

820.—The R. R. Prophecy.

Will you please tell me where in the Bible is found the prophecy of a modern locomotive and a train of cars. C. C. M., Fields, Lorain Co., Ohio.
Ans.— In Nahum 2:3–5 is a prophecy supposed to point out modern developments in railroading; such as the chariots raging, or jostling together, in the broad ways; seeming like torches, as an engine does, pouring out its smoke in the daytime, and flame and sparks by night; and running “like the lightnings.” Many trains are named “lightning” trains. Of course those who glory in the name of “higher critics” (Jude 13), whose business seems to be to criticise, question, and deny everything, oppose the application of this scripture to the railroad cars as we behold them to-day. But while it would not be consistent, perhaps, to attempt to apply everything as minutely as some do, there are some leading points so strikingly consistent and forcible as pointing out the cars that it seems hardly possible to apply them otherwise.

821.—More About Melchisedec.

Did Melchisedec ever officiate in the heavenly sanctuary? If so, at what time?
Mrs. A. P. H., Sedalia, Mo.
Ans.— Melchisedec, being only a man and living and dying like other men, if he ever was connected with the heavenly sanctuary, must have been taken at some time to heaven, of which we have no specific account. He was not Enoch nor Elijah, who were translated (Gen. 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11), nor Moses, who was raised from the dead. Matt. 17:3, 4; Jude 9. If, therefore, he was ever taken to heaven, he must have been one of those who were raised at the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ (Matt. 27:51–53), and one of the “multitude of captives” whom Christ led with Him to heaven, at His ascension (Eph. 4:8, margin), and who is now one of the four and twenty elders, and one who helps compose one of the “living creatures,” who have been redeemed from the earth (Rev. 5:9), and who are the assistants of Christ in His present sanctuary work. Rev. 5:10. It would seem very consistent and appropriate that he should be one of these; but here we cannot speak with certainty; for the names or former positions of these people are not given.

822.—Physical Condition of the Sanctuary.

In studying the Sabbath-school lessons, and always in reading about the ceremonial law, the query has arisen in my mind how the premises in the vicinity of the tabernacle could be kept in a tidy condition when there was so much shedding of blood, and sprinkling of blood on the floor and on the various instruments and furniture of the tabernacle, such as the ark, altar of incense, altar of burnt offering, etc. Also at the dedication of Solomon’s temple, when such a vast number of offerings were made, how was the blood disposed of? In addition to all this, the continued burning of the lamps must have had a tendency to soil the walls of the holy place. How could the premises, under these circumstances, be kept in such a condition as would become the house of God? We have no record in the Bible of any time of special cleansing of these parts. Do the Testimonies anywhere speak of it?
E. R. H., South Kirtland, Ohio.
Answer.— We do not write the word “Answer,” with the expectation of being able to clear up fully the query; for, as our correspondent said, the Bible contains no record of such general clearing-up time, and we are not aware that the Testimonies speak of it; but when we consider that the services of the tabernacle, after it was permanently located in Palestine, were practiced in the same place for scores and even hundreds of years, it is evident that some process of physical cleanliness must have been resorted to, to keep them in a usable condition. We have often thought of the immense number of oxen and sheep offered at the dedication of Solomon’s temple,—“twenty-two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep” (1 Kings 8:63),—which must have given the temple court the appearance of a great slaughter house, and wondered how the débris was disposed of. Perhaps what we saw in Jerusalem may afford a partial explanation. Standing in the outer court of the Mosque of Omar, which covers the ancient site of the temple of Solomon, we were shown channels worn, or cut, in the rock, which here comes to the surface, leading to openings communicating with underground chambers, as shown by the hollow sound made by striking upon the places, and were told that the rock below was honeycombed with subterranean chambers to receive the blood in times of sacrifice. But even this would, by years of constant use, become unsalutary, and offensive and need cleansing. How much was enjoined upon those who had charge of the vessels of the sanctuary, as they bore them from place to place, to keep them free from physical impurities, we do not know. In the tabernacle service, blood was, of course, a familiar object, designed to keep constantly before the mind that without the shedding of blood there is no remission. Heb. 9:22. And it is evident that there must have been some provision by which to keep all the utensils scrupulously clean, when we consider that the service was part of a system in which a vessel even ceremonially unclean was broken in pieces and cast away. Lev. 15:12.

Editorial Notes.

THE devil is satisfied if he can administer error in homeopathic doses.
HE who has most of the fear of God, will be the least afraid of His fellow men.
BETTER be called a pessimist with your eyes open than be an optimist with your eyes shut.
THE arrival of the age of gold has evidently done nothing to hasten the coming of the golden age.
MAN’S way of getting to heaven is by a tower of babel; God’s way, and the only true one, is by Jacob’s Ladder.
THE law of God is not the measure of our ability to do right, but the measure of God’s ability to make us righteous.
IF you fail of the blessing that you need, it is because you are not as willing to receive it as God is to bestow it.
IN fulfilling the injunction to love our neighbor as ourselves, it may frequently be found helpful to lower our estimate of ourselves.
FOR weakness of character there is nothing better than to drink daily of the “spiritual Rock,” as did ancient Israel in the wilderness.
“If you would be discouraged, look within; if you would be distracted, look around; but if you would be strengthened, look up.”
IT is very hard work to be half a Christian, because “no man can serve two masters;” but it is twice as easy to be a whole Christian as half a Christian.
HE who will learn the things which God has revealed, will have neither time nor inclination to pry into things that God has concealed.
IF you do not know that Jesus Christ lives because He lives at your house, do you really know that He lives at all? Is your evidence on the point anything more than “hearsay” evidence, which would not be accepted in any court of law?
“HE do nothing; he very holy man,” were the words in which an Arab dragoman described to a traveler the virtues of a Moslem saint. The belief in this sort of negative “holiness” is altogether too common throughout the world.
THE progress of Mormonism in the United States is indicated by the fact that the president and the secretary of a Christian Endeavor Society in New York City recently became Mormon converts, and the erection of a Mormon temple in that city is being seriously considered. Mormons say it is no longer the policy of their Church to concentrate converts in Utah.
“THE progress made in this country during the last year in the direction of federating churches and Christian interests is remarkable,” says the Congregationalist and Christian World. “It is noteworthy,” says this journal, “that the idea is appealing to prominent and forceful ministers and laymen.” There are numerous State federations, and there is also a “national organization which serves as a bond between different State and city organizations.” The rise and progress of this Church federation movement, as a substitute for Scriptural Christian unity, is one of the signs of the times.
THE librarian of the national library in Buenos Ayres, Argentine, Señor Gáranasc, says of the colonial policy of the United States, as viewed by the South American republics, that it constitutes an attack “upon our political beliefs, and an attack delivered by the very people who had impressed them upon us, by both precept and example. We find ourselves bewildered,” he says, “like a scholar in presence of the apostasy of his teacher.” And “having lost all faith in the apostle, we are in danger of losing faith in his gospel.” He declares that “the historian will not regard it as the smallest of the crimes of American imperialism that it gave this profound shock to the souls of us South Americans.”
THERE are many kinds of salvation in the world, which are sought after by many people; but only one kind is of lasting worth; only one kind is sure to the earnest seeker.
Some are seeking salvation from poverty; others, salvation of their name and reputation; others, salvation from disease. The Jews sought salvation from the Romans, and rejected Christ. The papers to-day are full of talk about the salvation of the nation. The nations of Europe are each seeking its own salvation, and crushing the life out of individuals in the process.
For what salvation are you seeking? For what are you putting forth your most earnest efforts? Are you seeking the salvation that alone is promised in the word of God? The only promise of salvation is, “And thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.
Of little avail will every other kind of salvation be, without this salvation. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” But having this salvation, every other salvation must follow in due time.
Again we ask, What kind of salvation are you making the first object of your efforts? L. A. S.

THE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE.

By M. Bessie DeGraw

TEACHERS in every part of the country have been looking forward to the Conference. Many are now experiencing the pleasures of that meeting.
The Conference was at first called to meet at Gulf Lake, but at the last hour this appointment was withdrawn in favor of Berrien Springs, owing to the fact that the locating committee, who had been in search of a site for the new college, reported favorably concerning the country in southwestern Michigan.
Like the spies who went up from Kadesh-Barnea and brought back the fruit of Palestine, those who have seen this place say: “We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey.”
The camp is in a grove of oaks, on the bank of the St. Joseph River. As one looks upon the tents, sheltered by those towering trees, he cannot but think that it is one of God’s own temples. It must be something like the grove at Shechem, where Abraham and his family pitched their tents and erected their altars. As Jehovah met His servant there, so will He meet with us to-day in our camp. It is a fitting place for a school.
The first meeting was a praise service, held on the evening of the 10th. Those who heard the voice of prayer and song knew that it was good to be there. Among the first on the grounds were Prof. E. S. Ballenger, from California; F. W. Field, Jerry Clymer, and W. H. Wakeham, from Mt. Vernon; Elders Haughey and Lindsey, and other members of the General Conference Committee, from Ohio. Elder Hankins, with Brethren Lloyd and McCuaig, and Mrs. Miller, from Indiana; Elder Covert and company of fifteen, from Wisconsin; Joel C. Rogers and wife; W. D. Curtis and wife; Elder Gowell, Brother Edwards, Brother Amadon and daughter, and others. Elders Daniells and Jones and others came a little later.
This Conference is a departure from the regular meetings of Seventh-day Adventists. Ten years ago the teachers of the denomination met in institute at Harbor Springs, but they were concerned wholly with the work of the colleges and academies. To-day ministers and teachers are studying the still more important problem, How shall the children of the denomination be trained for the service of God?
The first day of the Conference was devoted to a consideration of home schools: How can the denomination substantially maintain schools for the children and youth? scope of work for these schools, and kindred topics.
Ministers and teachers are equally interested in these questions, and a wave of enthusiasm should sweep the Church as a result of this Conference.
The work of the summer school proper began July 20. Those who have not come because of the change of location will never know the extent of their loss. This is a God-given opportunity, and it would seem that our Father is blessing the effort in every way. If you cannot be present, pray for the success of the work. M. BESSIE DeGRAW.

THE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE.

By A. E. Place; H. B. Tucker

The thirty-first annual session of the New England Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Springfield, Mass., June 20–30, at which time the following-named officers were elected, and resolutions passed:—
President, A. E. Place; Vice-President, M. D. Mattson; other members of the Executive Committee, D. B. Parmelee, D. M. Hull, K. C. Russell; Secretary and Treasurer, H. B. Tucker; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. E. T. Palmer; Auditor, G. W. Palmer; Canvassing Agent, H. C. Wilcox; Secretary and Treasurer of the Sabbath-school Department, Miss Fannie Dickerson, with Mrs. F. C. Gilbert as assistant.

RESOLUTIONS.

1. Resolved; That in harmony with the instruction given by the Spirit of Prophecy, we pay the South Lancaster Academy from the tithe a sum of money equal to the salary of the principal.
2. That we encourage the spirit which is coming among us of returning to the old-time missionary methods of selling, loaning, and giving away tracts, pamphlets, periodicals, and books, and especially the selling of “Christ’s Object Lessons.”
3. That each church be requested to enlist one or more of its members to enter the regular canvassing field, under the direction of the State Agent and Conference Committee, and that the church stand back of its workers with its prayers, and so far as practicable, with substantial aid.
4. That we continue our support of the endowed bed at the New England Sanitarium, and that, to meet this expense, two hundred and fifty dollars be raised by contributions at this meeting.
5. That our Conference and church workers make special effort to see that the REVIEW AND HERALD, Signs of the Times, Good Health, Missionary Magazine, Berean Library, and New England Gleaner are placed in the home of every Seventh-day Adventist family in this Conference.
6. That it is the sense of this body that the Sabbath-school Association hereafter be a department of the Conference.
7. That we request our ministers and workers, when visiting our churches, to hold, if consistent, at least one service for the children.
8. That we furnish a Bible worker to assist in New York City, under pay of this Conference.
9. That this Conference obligate itself by vote to become responsible for the sale of its quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” at an average of six books to the entire church-membership, and that it see to the securing of its proportion of the Material Fund, which is seventeen cents per book for the number brought into the Conference.
10. That we continue to hold Sabbath-school conventions, under the direction of the secretary of the department and Conference Committee.
11. That we still urge upon our churches the necessity of establishing church schools wherever practicable, under the counsel of the Conference Committee.
12. That in accordance with the action of the recent General Conference to pay a second tithe for mission purposes, we pay this tithe to the foreign mission treasury.
13. That in harmony with the wish of the General Conference, we send one laborer to the Maritime Provinces, under pay of this Conference, and under the direction of the Eastern Union Conference.
14. That we recommend the holding of missionary, or gospel workers’ conventions, something after the order of Sabbath-school conventions held in this Conference during the past few years.
Credentials were granted to A. E. Place, M. D. Mattson, G. B. Wheeler, J. M. Eriksson, A. H. Clark, C. H. Edwards, F. C. Gilbert, K. C. Russell, E. E. Miles, and F. W. Mace; ministerial licenses to D. B. Parmelee, F. Griggs, W. R. Andrews, H. N. Sisco, and S. A. Whittier; missionary licenses to C. E. Palmer, Mrs. M. A. Scribner, Miss Jennie Bates, Mrs. E. M. Wilber, and A. J. Clark.
Cash and pledges were taken at the meeting as follows: Tent and Camp-meeting Fund, $190.50; work in New York City, $227; work in Boston, $134.16; endowed bed, $149.
A. E. PLACE, Pres.,
H. B. TUCKER, Sec.

THE GOSPEL CHARIOT.

By Elder John Mc Carthy

ELDER JOHN MC CARTHY.
Drive on the gospel chariot In haste; waste not thy time. Drive on; the Saviour's coming Announce in every clime, That great event is nearing, Life's race will soon be run. Drive on apace, my brother, Ere sets the gospel sun.
Drive on the good old chariot That brings good will to men; Tell of redeeming grace, that Christ Can cleanse from every stain. Drive on; the night approacheth; The day will soon be past. Drive on apace, my brother, Probation closes fast.
Drive on the gospel chariot, Ere it may be too late: The King is on the threshold; Drive on, no longer wait. Proclaim the joyful tidings In loving accents sweet, And bring the wandering sinner To thy Redeemer's feet.

STREET MEETINGS IN DENVER, COLO.

By Loyd J. Caldwell

Why not use the idle Sunday streets of our cities to give the truth wings? How can we scatter the printed page or the spoken word faster or cheaper than by an appeal direct to the unchurched masses there?
The writer has taught in this way, and has found it a blessed success. Sales of tracts and papers have run from ninety cents to five dollars each Sunday. Thousands of people thus hear or read something of saving truth, at no expense to the Conference. A colporteur's wagon, covered with Bible texts, is used. A chair and table, or two chairs, answer well. Our periodicals, tracts, etc., are readily taken by the people. I could use many more if I had them. “We are not doing a thousandth part of what should be done.” LOYD J. CALDWELL.
Arvada, Colo.

IOWA

By H. Nicola; P. P. Adams

MILLERSBURG.— We held meetings in the country about one mile and a half from this place, from June 17 to July 7, preaching nineteen sermons, selling about eight dollars' worth of books, taking five subscriptions for the Signs of the Times and one for Good Health. About nine years ago a tent-meeting was held here, and a small church organized. Apostasies, deaths, and removals had left very few, but these few have been an honor to the cause of truth.
A strong effort was made by the resident minister to tear down the truth, even to discrediting the Authorized Version and introducing the Septuagint Bible.
In spite of the busy season and excessive heat, our attendance was good. One took a firm stand, another was reclaimed, and still others are at the point of decision. A number of earnest young men manifest a deep interest. H. NICOLA, P. P. ADAMS.

NORTH DAKOTA CAMP-MEETING.

By N. W. Allee

This meeting was held at Jamestown, June 28 to July 7. Services were conducted in the German, Scandinavian, and English languages. Many of the brethren came with teams; and the attendance was good, considering the rains, which rendered the roads somewhat difficult of travel. The heavy rains during the meeting made the camp quite uncomfortable, yet no complaints were heard, all vieing with one another to make the meeting pleasant and profitable.
The Conference laborers were present, and we were also favored with the labors of Elders C. W. Flaiz and F. H. Westphal and Prof. C. C. Lewis. The services of these brethren were much appreciated.
Each branch of the message received such attention as the circumstances of the meeting would permit. Much interest was taken in the educational features of our work. Church schools, canvassers' schools, and Union College each received consideration; yet the most encouraging feature of the meeting was the earnest seeking of God for a deeper personal experience in the divine life, keeping before our minds the fact that the Saviour is soon coming, and a people must be prepared for translation at His appearing.
Frequent revival services prepared the hearts of the campers for a refreshing on the Sabbath. On Friday afternoon a solemn baptismal service was held, in which a number of willing souls received the administration of this sacred rite. Sabbath afternoon was an occasion long to be remembered. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, the different nationalities freely mingling together in the services. The scene must have been pleasing to God, as His Spirit was present in a large measure. A short talk was given on the object and importance of the ordinances of humility and the Lord's Supper, which was translated into the German language for the benefit of the German brethren, as they composed a large part of the congregation This service was followed by an intensely interesting social meeting. The hearts of God's children were drawn closely together, and brotherly love greatly increased. It was good to be there. Some previous planning made this service not a difficult matter on the camp-ground, and in this instance proved a great blessing.
The meeting closed the following Sunday night, and the brethren returned to their homes with faith and confidence increased in the power of God, both to pardon and to keep from sin.
The donation on Sabbath, July 6, was liberal, considering the close financial condition of the brethren of this State on account of the short crop of last season, occasioned by a prolonged drought. North Dakota seems to be a good field for labor, and our workers go out with courage.
In connection with Elders Westphal and Reiswig, I am laboring among the German churches of North Dakota. We ask the prayers of those interested in this work, that God may bless our labors to the good of His cause in this part of the harvest field.
N. W. ALLEE.

THE SWEDISH CONFERENCE

By O. A. Olsen; L. R. Conrad

We left Christiania the evening of June 16, for Orebro, Sweden, where the annual meeting of that Conference was to be held, June 20-27. As there was sufficient time to allow it, we visited our school farm at Nyhyttan, Sweden, June 17. Four years ago this industrial school was purchased for about six thousand dollars. The property contains over six hundred acres, seventy-five of which are under cultivation. The remainder of the land is wooded, and for three years we have realized quite a little money from the sale of charcoal burnt on it. The farm is in much better condition now than when it was bought, owing to improvements we have made, and live stock we have purchased and raised. Our manner of conducting the work gives to the surrounding region an object-lesson of what thrift and perseverance will do. The school is in the midst of a large mining country, so there is a good home market for whatever we may offer for sale; and yet the place is so retired and quiet that it seems admirably adapted to our needs. The teachers are struggling with very meager facilities, however; and when we went into the schoolrooms and saw how few things they have, we could but contrast the situation here with that existing in some of our other institutions. As a sort of apology, one of the brethren said to us, “We believe in keeping our expenses within our income.” During the winter twenty-one students were in attendance, but there are only ten students taking the summer course, and they are largely earning their own way. One of these is a Laplander, who has manifested extraordinary eagerness to obtain an education. During the year five of the students have been converted. We believe the future of the school will be useful to the cause of God in Sweden.
Returning to Orebro, we met with the auditing committee, which got its work all out of the way before the beginning of the Conference proper. The tithes for the year amounted to $3,535.81; and after paying the laborers, there was a small sum to apply on the Conference indebtedness. The canvassing work has done well. The annual sales of the Book Mission were $25,110, and, after deducting the loss on the Swedish papers, there was a net gain of about $1,600.
The business of the Conference passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. Although some perplexing questions came up for consideration, yet we believe they were disposed of in a satisfactory manner. Elder O. A. Johnson, of Norway, and Elder John Hoffman, of Finland, rendered help that was appreciated by all.
The meeting proved a spiritual blessing to those who were present, and opened their hearts to the reception of the Holy Spirit. Sabbath, June 22, was an exceptionally good day. At an early morning hour we repaired to the riverside, where eight were buried with their Lord in baptism, and rose again to walk in newness of life. Later on, two more were baptized. An interesting Sabbath-school, which was attended by one hundred and sixty-eight persons, was followed by the preaching service. After the sermon, opportunity was given for the unconverted, the backslidden, or any who desired a closer walk with God, to arise; about one third of the congregation arose. In the season of prayer which followed, God came sensibly near, and the work of grace was deepened in many hearts. According to the custom of our Swedish brethren, the ordinances of the Lord’s house are celebrated at every annual meeting; and Sabbath afternoon we participated in this service, to the upbuilding of all.
But the closing day was the best of all. During the meeting in the evening, while the report of the committee on ordination and credentials was under consideration, it became evident that Brother A. J. Settergren should be set apart to the gospel ministry. After a few introductory remarks on the importance and sacredness of the work of the ambassador of Christ, the ordination took place, and the occasion was solemnized by the marked presence of God. Following this was a spirited social meeting, to close the Conference.
The outlook for the future in Sweden is encouraging. They begin the coming year under the presidency of Elder O. A. Johnson, with fourteen ministerial workers and about forty canvassers. We believe an abundant success may be theirs so long as they continue to seek God.
O. A. Olsen, L. R. Conrad.
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