Nearly three years ago my wife and I left Battle Creek on our way to this our chosen field of labor—Malaysia. We had but recently severed our connection with our old associations in the Methodist Church, and had so recently connected with the Seventh-day Adventist church at Battle Creek, that, having lost many old-time friends by our obedience to the truth, and having made but few acquaintances outside the Sanitarium, we felt lonely in Battle Creek, although we loved its associations and the friends we had made.
But doubtless it was the Lord’s will that we should not become too much attached to the home land, and so he put a thorn in our nest. We were not only not happy in America, but we longed to return to the Indies to declare the third angel’s message to the various races inhabiting this island world, particularly to the Malay-speaking Chinese, whose language we had learned, and whose manners and customs had become familiar to us during nearly ten years of labor among them in Singapore.
We felt keenly the separation this involved, from not only our kindred according to the flesh, but also from our brethren and sisters in the faith which we had embraced, and which was so precious to our hearts; yet we were eager to depart to this far-distant land, not reckoning it any sacrifice, but rather a great privilege, to leave our native land and loved ones for the sake of those who are sitting in darkness.
Among other painful emotions which we suffered was the anxiety we felt for the welfare of our five children in a new place and in surroundings concerning the character of which we were more or less ignorant. But we, like Abraham, reckoned him faithful who had promised never to leave nor forsake us, and to supply all our need.
All these things, and others I need not mention, put our devotion to the truth thoroughly to the test, but our faith was rewarded in seeing all things work together for good. As we advanced, the waters opened before us, as they did before ancient Israel, and by God’s abounding grace we were enabled to go forward, encouraged by the assurance which we had in our hearts that all must work out right in the end.
The Lord opened the way which seemed closed against us, the necessary fund and support were provided in the most clearly providential manner, so that we saw the pillar of cloud moving on before us, and we followed it.
The burden of our prayer had been, “Lord, open the way for us to return to Malaysia.” We knew of no way, nor did there appear to be any chance of any so far as we could see, by which the greatest desire of our hearts could be gratified. Yet in a very short time, in a manner that we had never dreamed of, the Lord opened hearts, and everything needful was provided.
Every stage of our journey was marked with the clearest providential tokens of God’s presence and favor and of angelic guardianship. I do not mean by this that we were not molested at all by the adversary; for he assailed us in various ways, more especially my wife, who was harassed with fears and anxieties, so characteristic of the mother’s heart, concerning the children, their health, their training, their education, and their general welfare. But, bless God, by his presence and help we triumphed over the devil, and have abundant cause for thanksgiving in all the mercies that have fallen to our lot. The Lord is faithful, and every promise is good for its full face value to every child of God who believes his Word and trusts his grace.
We knew nobody in Padang, or thought that we did not, and so we prayed very earnestly that the Lord would send some one to meet us.
An agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society whom we had known in Singapore, was laboring in Sumatra, and we hoped that he might be in Padang, and would be at the wharf, as I had written to him in advance. But as the ship drew alongside the wharf, we failed to discover any signs of his presence. After nearly all the other passengers had left or were leaving the ship, a Dutch gentleman approached, and inquired if we wanted to go to a hotel (there were three or four here at that time), and as he had a kind face, I thought, “This must be the man whom the Lord has sent to meet us,” and so I said yes.
The harbor lies nearly five miles from the town, with which it is connected by the narrow-gauge government railway which connects the coal mines in the interior with the seaport. We could not remain on the ship, and so we decided to stop at a hotel for at least a day, until the Sabbath was past, and we could look for a cheaper boarding house.16
The manager of the hotel was very kind, and rendered us valuable and timely assistance. He secured for us a new house belonging to a wealthy brother-in-law, for a little more than half its regular rental.
The following day, Sunday, we went to the German missionary of the Barmen Mission, and he directed us to a widow who kept a boarding house, where we arranged for less expensive board and lodging. This sister subsequently accepted the Sabbath, and was a regular attendant at our services until she returned to Holland more than a year ago. She has since come back to Sumatra, and is living in the interior with her married daughter.
During the last stage of the journey we thought much of one of our old “orphan” lads whom I had baptized in Singapore, and whose home I knew was on this coast. We prayed often for him, almost daily, in fact, and asked our Heavenly Father to send him to us to help us in our work.
The next day after we arrived, Mrs. Munson and I went down into the Chinese quarter to make some necessary purchases, when we suddenly heard our name called, and looking around, we saw a young Chinaman hurrying across the street, and greeting us in very good English, and with a beaming countenance. He was another of our former school-boys from Singapore. We went into his house, and had an enjoyable visit with him. We had been lonesome, and rather disheartened by our strange, new surroundings and by the temptation of the adversary, but we left this young man’s house much lighter of heart and stronger of faith.
From this Chinaman we learned that our Christian boy was married, and was living at Fort de Kock. A few days later I wrote him a post card, telling him of our arrival in Padang, and of our purpose to open a mission and remain here to preach the gospel, and inquired if he would like to join us in the work. Three years and a half had passed since we last saw him. Sore trial and temptation had befallen him, but he had not lost his Bible nor given up prayer. He was overjoyed to receive my post card, and made all haste to come to see us. We were as glad to see him as he was to see us, and we spent some time in talking over all that had befallen us, and in prayer and the study of the Word. Then I sent him after his young wife and baby. From that time he has remained with us, and has been a faithful helper. It was a precious token of God’s care not only for him, but also for us, that he had prepared the way before us by bringing this dear boy from Singapore before we arrived.
A few days after his arrival in our home, he went one Sunday, accompanied by our two older boys, to see an aged uncle who lived not far away. At one time this old man was one of the best-known and most influential Chinamen on these coasts, and was also wealthy; but he had taken large contracts which he could not fill, and had failed. Timothius, for that is the young man’s Christian name, had taken some of our Malay hymn books along, and he and my sons sang some Malay Christian songs. The old man (he is a little past sixty) was delighted with the hymns, and so Timothius expounded their meaning to him. He proved a very eager listener, and when he had heard about me, he expressed a desire to see me. I went, as Paul and Barnabas went when called by Sergius Paulus, and he, like the Roman governor, became at last a true believer. He was the first man I baptized here.
We needed funds to support Timothius and meet various small expenses. We asked the Lord to send the money, and the Chinamen asked me to open an English school for their boys. I did so, and for two years this school was a source of considerable income. Ere long, also, Dutch gentlemen came to me, asking for conversation lessons in English, and were ready to pay well for them. In this way the Lord supplied the necessary funds.
During the year 1900 I began to feel the burden for other towns and cities in Malaysia, and in the fall of that year we were much drawn out in prayer for them. We prayed the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest.
Soon I began to get letters from Elder Gates and others in authority in Australia, telling me that they were praying for me and wanted to help. They have sent me sixty pounds to use in printing Malay tracts. One, “The Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the End of the World,” is already on the press. Others, on redemption, the state of the dead, the ten commandments, and other equally important subjects, will rapidly follow.
Last January our hearts were made glad by the arrival of our dear brother, Elder Gates, from Australia. He stayed with us two or three weeks, and many profitable and happy hours were spent with him in Bible study and in conversation on different phases of the truth. We learned many precious lessons from him which we shall never forget.
Medan, in the district of Deli, on the northeast coast of Sumatra, had long been upon my heart. I had spent much time in prayer for Deli. Brother Gates and I went to Medan, but owing to events utterly unlooked for, and beyond our control, we had to abandon one of the finest opportunities we shall ever have of opening a self-supporting mission station. I can truly say that it was the sorest disappointment of my life. Satan had spoiled our plans. Why did the Lord permit it? That is a question for which I cannot find any answer. If I am correctly informed, others have entered the door, and it is shut to us, perhaps forever. May God help all concerned to learn some wholesome and profitable lesson from this painful experience.
But there are many more important towns than Medan in the Netherlands and British Malayan territory, such as, Singapore, Penang, and Kwala Lumpur in British territory, and Batavia, Samorang, Soerabaya, Macassar, and Palembang, not to mention others, where open doors await us, and where the banner of the truth must be unfurled. This is leaving out of consideration the many places where work among the Malay races could be undertaken. This field is by no means a hard one when compared with many others, and now is the opportune moment. Delay may, nay, probably will, close against us some of these open and inviting doors.
The climate in the coast towns is warm and moist, more or less debilitating at times, and in some places trying, but never oppressive so far as the heat is concerned, with the exception perhaps of Java. But in Java it is possible to reach a high altitude in a short time at small expense, so that a change is possible, as it is here on the west coast of Sumatra.
The country abounds in wholesome cereals, fruits, and vegetables, which are generally cheap. Rice, potatoes, corn, beans, peas, string beans, bananas, pineapples, oranges, mangosteens, papaja, and coconuts are the staple articles of diet. A poor quality of white bread is available, and those who can afford to do so, can supply themselves with canned and dried fruits and vegetables from California and Europe. Cucumbers, cabbage, onions of a small variety, lettuce, sweet potatoes, yams, tapioca, sago, and many other excellent native-grown products furnish some variety.
We long to see medical workers sent in advance to all these points. They can do vastly more than preachers can to open hearts to the gospel message. The ignorance of sound principles is almost as dense among the Europeans as it is among the Asiatic races here, although there is not so much superstition.
Help has long been promised, and help is now ready and waiting to come, but where are the funds? A good sister, a trained nurse, is ready to come, and is longing to join us, but is detained in America. She cannot start before fall. It requires six weeks or more steady sailing to reach Padang or Singapore, so we need not expect any help before New Year’s. God grant we may not be disappointed then!
We are surrounded by perishing souls in the grossest darkness and sin. Time is rapidly bearing these millions into the tomb, beyond which no beam of hope can ever rise. We are doing what we can, but it is so little compared with what needs to be done! Is there not some child of God who reads this whose heart God has touched, who will dedicate to the work in this needy field a portion of the goods with which God has intrusted him? We have waited for two years for help here, yet no help comes. At times our hearts are ready to faint.
This great field, extending three thousand miles from Sumatra on the west to New Guinea on the east, and for eighteen hundred miles from Luzon on the north to Java, Bali, and Timor on the south, has a population of about fifty million, among whom we are the only missionary family representing the present truth.
Perhaps the greatest problem before us here is the evangelization of the immigrant Chinese, who outnumber the local born, Malay-speaking Chinese, almost ten to one. Among these there are no less than five or six different languages, or dialects, of Chinese represented in Malaysia. In order to evangelize these people, one man, at least, must go to China, and learn the most important of these dialects—Hokkien—under competent teachers at Amoy; for no such teachers can be found here. You will perceive how serious is the problem and how difficult of execution, and how urgent is the need of workers in the immediate future. If any determined effort is to be made to preach the third angel’s message to the Chinese, to17say nothing of the Malays, Tamils, and Europeans found here.
Perhaps the most serious aspect of this whole question is the inability of the adult converts from heathenism wholly to shake off or lay aside the superstitions and social customs which are hostile to the law of God and his gospel. There are many practices and habits of thought that have become a second nature to them which it is almost impossible to convince them are wrong. An old missionary in China said that not before the third generation of Christians could complete deliverance be wrought from all the evils peculiar to heathen Chinese people.
The message must and will go to these millions. Will you help to send or carry it, or shall another take your crown? If you wish to contribute to the traveling expense fund, send your donations to Elder W. A. Spicer, 267 W. Main St., Battle Creek, and label it, “For Malaysia Transit Fund.”
We are living the present year at Fort de Kock, in the mountains, on account of Mrs. Munson’s health. She has worked too hard and worried too much, but not over home interests. The things that turn the hair gray and shorten life are the irregularities and wrong doing of native brethren. But thank God, we are learning to cast all our burdens on the Lord. We are glad to be here, and shall not leave except at the plain call of duty.
Since writing the preceding, I have learned that there is an open door at Sawah Loento, where the coal mines are located, not far from here. There are four thousand Malay and Chinese convicts, chiefly Malay, to whom the government will give us permission to preach. Besides these there are two thousand free coolies, or common laborers, who can be reached at the same time. A free house, and by and by a government grant of seventy-five dollars a month, would be secured to the missionary. Jesus said, “I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Surely no work could be more pleasing to God than to preach the gospel to these six thousand Malays, most of whom are under a heavy yoke of bondage. I cannot enter this door except to visit the place monthly, and hold open the door until a good man can be sent, if such, indeed, is possible. The missionary who labored among these poor convicts died, and no one has come forward to take his place. Ought we not to enter this open door? When these convicts have served their time, they will return to Java, whence most of them came, and if converted, will carry the message back to their homes.
Again I beg of you, beseech you, to pray for us and this sadly needy field. Pray with us that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into the harvest. R. W. MUNSON.
At Rest
By Mrs. C. E. Hutchins
After an illness of only thirteen days, my dear companion, Elder Frank J. Hutchins, quietly passed away. He had been working hard, and was apparently as well as usual until July 22, when he was attacked with dysentery. At the first it did not seem to be so severe, but notwithstanding all our efforts to check the disease, he continually grew worse. All the help and counsel that could be obtained in this place were secured, but it was of no avail; evidently it was God’s will to take him, and on August 4, at 10:30 A. M., he passed away.
His short sickness was attended with intense suffering, but he bore it all patiently, without a murmur. He said that he would like to live, but that if the Lord saw fit to lay him away for a little while, he was willing that it should be so.
He was born near San Francisco, Cal., Feb. 27, 1869, and at the day of his death was 33 years, 5 months, and 7 days old.
At the age of seventeen years he heard the truths of the third angel’s message preached by Elder Healey. He, with nearly all the members of his family, accepted the truth, and almost immediately he began preparation to fit himself to carry the message, so dear to his heart, to others.
Two summers he labored as tent master in California, after which he went to Michigan, where he labored two seasons.
On Oct. 1, 1890, we were united in marriage. Nov. 10, 1891, he was ordained to the ministry, and a few days later we took our departure for the Bay Islands, Honduras, Central America. We were both young, and it was with a little fear and trembling that we bade farewell to native land, and launched out upon the mighty deep in search of a country of whose people we knew but little; but the Lord was with us all the way, and it was truly joy to our hearts to see many souls turn to God as a result of the labors put forth.
In the spring of 1900 it was advised that we come farther south, and open up the work in Colombia, South America.
A little more than a year ago he sold the mission schooner “Herald,” and purchased a building here in Bocas del Toro, and fitted it up for mission purposes. It has been his object ever since to try to get the work established here on a solid basis.
During the past year the work has been much hindered by the revolution in Colombia.
About six years ago he connected the practice of dentistry with his other work, and this he found to be a great help, not only in relieving the suffering, but in winning the confidence of the people for whom he labored. It also made his labors nearly self-supporting. His work was very taxing, and he had felt for some time that he must have a change and a little rest, but was always waiting for some other worker to come to his relief. The Lord, however, has seen fit to give him rest, and what can we say only, “Thy will be done”? We have the comforting assurance, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. C. Notman (Baptist), assisted by Brethren Brooks and Humphrey.
Regret for his loss is universal in Bocas del Toro; and many, many kind and willing hands ministered to his last necessities.
He is laid to rest in Macca Hill Cemetery beside Dr. John Eccles,—two weary pilgrims, waiting till the Life-giver shall come to call them forth.
Mrs. C. E. HUTCHINS.
September Study of the Field
1. TELL something of the introduction of Christianity into China in the seventh century. Describe later attempts to introduce the Christian religion.
2. What was the experience of the missionaries who entered this country in the latter part of the sixteenth century? What led to the expulsion of the missionaries?
3. Describe the island of Saba. How many Sabbath keepers have we there? What are some of the needs of this field?
4. What special appeal comes from the River Plate Conference?
5. What especially interesting report comes from Burma? From Singapore?
6. Mention several groups of islands in the vicinity of the Society Islands to which the message has not yet been carried. Tell what you can of these islands and their religious condition.
7. Describe Elder Krum’s trip through Asia Minor. Tell something of the experiences of our churches in that country.
8. What can you say of the progress of the message? What class of workers is especially called for?
9. Mention some of the productions of Fiji.
10. Describe Elder Westphal’s trip from Buenos Ayres to Valparaiso.
FUNERAL OF ELDER F. J. HUTCHINS
11. Mention items of progress from China, Trinidad, Switzerland, Central America, Barbados, Jamaica, India, British Guiana, Chile, Mexico, British America, Lesser Antilles, Argentina, and Porto Rico.
Raiatea School Doing Well With Sixteen Students
THE school in Raiatea is doing well, with sixteen in all on the place.
Precious in the Sight of the Lord
“Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints.”
Canvassers in Great Britain Sell Present Truth
Our canvassers in Great Britain sell books five days in the week, and then each sells at least 100 copies of Present Truth on Sunday. Brother Brandt, who is just beginning that work, stands at the head of the list, I believe, by selling 215 copies in less than five hours. His highest record was 225 copies for one Sunday.
Holmes Family Mission Work in Leeds, England
BROTHER AND SISTER C. E. HOLMES, who went with us to England from California, have been running a mission home for workers in Leeds, England. They have been most earnest, valuable burden bearers in connection with the tent and mission work preceding the camp meeting, and particularly during the camp meeting. This accounts largely for the small report from Brother Holmes in the summary. Brother W. O. James, who is working with them, has also devoted a large share of his time to the tent and camp meeting.
European General Conference Recommendations for Book Work Reorganization
THE following recommendations were made by the European General Conference, and afterward adopted by the British Union Conference as a basis for the reorganization of the book work in England:—
1. That conference and other laborers unite in a systematic effort to engage and instruct all the members of our churches in the circulation of our literature.
2. That great care be exercised in the selection and instruction of regular canvassers, with the purpose of securing only God-fearing, missionary workers to engage in this service, and that they be instructed thoroughly in gospel methods.
3. That the general canvassing agents manage their field work in a thoroughly systematic manner; and we emphasize the following points:—
(a) That agents be employed under a salesman's contract, which shall state clearly the regulations under which the agent is engaged, the territory to be worked, and the book to be sold.
(b) That agents be required to work their territory thoroughly before being assigned to a new field.
(c) That complete, carefully prepared weekly reports be required from each agent, and that books be supplied only to the extent that they have been thus reported.
(d) That good, permanent record books be kept, in which shall be entered the weekly reports of agents, and the results of the work in each territory.
4. That our missionary departments and publishing houses adopt a cash policy, as follows:—
(a) That cash with orders be required from church societies, Sabbath schools, conference laborers, and church members.
(b) That a complete settlement of his account be required from each agent at the time of his delivery, and that no agent be permitted to continue his work until this has been done.
A Remedy for Monday Morning Canvassing Dread
It is a well-known fact that agents usually dread to start out canvassing Monday morning. When once started, they are all right for the week. The long break from Friday night until Monday morning seems to be the cause of this Monday morning dread. While attending the camp meeting in Leeds, England, I asked if any canvasser present could give a good remedy for the prevalent Monday morning chill. A bright, enthusiastic Scotchman, who is selling nearly six hundred copies of Present Truth each week, replied, “Yes, let him sell one hundred copies of Present Truth on Sunday, then he will be warmed up ready for Monday morning.” Who in the United States will take the hint, and apply it to the Signs of the Times?
Progress of the Book Work in England
By Editor
The Publishing department this week is devoted almost wholly to the progress of the book work in England during the past few weeks. From these reports, our workers here in America may be able to gather some profitable suggestions.
Colporteur Work with Home Hand-Book in Ireland
The belief that small books only could be sold has obtained a strong footing in Ireland, and yet Brethren Carscallen and Hartford volunteered to take up work there with “Home Hand-Book.” They began in the large city of Belfast, and the report here given of their work speaks for itself.
Publishing Department Pages in the Review and Herald
By Editor
THE managers of the REVIEW AND HERALD have kindly arranged for the publishing department of the General Conference to occupy at least one page of the paper each week. We think our readers, and the tract society workers in particular, will appreciate this arrangement. The summary of the canvassing work will appear monthly, as in the past.
British Union Conference Adopts Cash Basis and Reforms
The British Union Conference has taken a strong, progressive stand in behalf of their tract and missionary work. They have adopted a cash basis together with other needed reforms, as indicated by the resolutions in another column. In taking these steps they are receiving a strong loyal support from the canvassers and churches. To witness the spirit of the agents, and their loyalty, was indeed refreshing.
Why Large Books Struggle to Sell in England
ENGLAND, above all other English-speaking countries, has been a place where many have thought that large books could not be sold successfully, and the argument has seemed more plausible there than in most countries; for the middle and poorer classes, to whom the books are largely sold, are not as well off financially as are the people of the United States and Australia. England is also noted as a country of cheap literature.
Canvassing Work in Great Britain: July Report
By Editor
We are publishing the full report of the work in Great Britain for the month of July, thinking that it will be of interest to all our brethren in the United States to see just what is being done by our canvassers in that field. Evidently there is a great work before our brethren in this department in Great Britain if they take hold with that power which is always able to give success.
Summary of Book Sales and Agents Reports
The summary which appeared in the REVIEW last week was very unsatisfactory. Many of the reports, being late, were omitted, and the work done, therefore, was not properly represented. Below we give several reports which have come to hand since the last issue, which improves the total of the summary considerably:—
COUNTRY
AGENTS
ORDERS
VALUE
Australasia
74
1,355
$6,733 22
Great Britain
45
2,578
4,040 68
Sweden
3,254
3,129 32
Denmark
13
1,237
629 20
Iowa
644
823 30
Total
$15,355 72
This amount, added to the summary of last week, brings up the total for the month of July to $34,439.33.
Canvassing Report of the British Tract Society for Month Ending July 31
“HOME HAND-BOOK”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
A. A. Carscallen...
18
21
$ 99 44
L. A. Hartford...
14
46
220 83
E. S. Taylor...
17
38
184 75
W. B. Scott...
11
61
284 02
A. Rodd...
16
46
223 71
E. Brown...
13
107 98
W. L. Lake...
1
2
8 95
G. B. Haining...
5
11
53 38
“GREAT CONTROVERSY”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
A. Roach...
14
24
45 75
C. J. Howard...
11
20 56
W. H. Olmsted...
18
115
225 82
G. W. Bailey...
18
74
140 20
W. O. James...
13
11
21 44
C. E. Holmes...
4
1
2 28
Joseph Brandt...
20
58
120 43
George Nickels...
180
328 69
T. Pike...
12
14
33 82
E. Armstrong...
13
61
115 41
S. W. Hoseason...
39
83 99
Mrs. Loal...
13
18
41 36
“PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
G. W. Short...
2
2
11 96
Miss E. Cail...
3
38
89 34
“PROPHETIC LIGHTS”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
Miss M. Brown...
12
37
27 23
Miss A. Sparks...
12
57
114 53
“BIBLE READINGS”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
A. Wood...
57
114 53
“CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
S. Brown...
20
112
112 01
J. Anderson...
18
63
61 32
E. Smedley...
14
16
20 32
Mrs. Gillatt...
37
36 01
G. H. Murphy...
24
26 39
“CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
R. Whiteside...
18
124
66 47
R. W. Larnie...
38
61 44
Alexander Hastie...
4
139
135 09
C. Dyer...
10
208
167 14
Miss M. Miner...
30
165
107 98
A. E. Freeth...
19
11 54
E. Budm’ran...
13
61
49 60
J. Pickard...
5
43
26 45
D. M. Clelland...
5
58
28 85
A. E. Earll...
16
105
65 63
John Brown...
10
79
48 03
John G. Pleasley...
89
54 17
W. Brown...
16
82
55 47
“STEPS TO CHRIST”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
M. Hussey...
18 93
“HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING”
NO. DAYS
NO. ORDERS
VALUE
A. C. Johnson...
6
105
25 55
Miscellaneous...
124 25
Total,
421¹
2,578
$4,040 68
“My Peace I Give”
WHEN trials come, let me but see,
Beyond the clouds, thy face, dear Lord,
And hear thy voice, and I shall be
Upheld, supported, by thy word.
If I may know, whate’er the way,
That thou art ever near my side,
I’ll praise thy name, and calmly say,
“Dear Saviour, I am satisfied.”
— Selected.
Silent Messengers
By Editor
Our Books, Tracts, and Periodicals
E. R. PALMER Editor
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to Aug. 19, 1902, is $45,861.64.
NAME
AMOUNT
Ethel Oliver
$ 2 00
V. P. Lancefield
2 00
Clara Z. Woodworth
1 00
William & Delia Brandon
1 50
Mrs. W. H. Oakes
10 00
Calvin Green
1 00
Mrs. Orilla Estel
50
E. R. Jones
1 00
J. O. Corliss
5 00
C. Christiansen
2 00
Mrs. N. A. Pike
1 00
Mrs. M. L. Williamson
5 00
Petaluma, Cal.
39 35
Mrs. M. G. Ross
2 00
Helen Miller
1 00
St. Helena, Cal.
50
Mrs. W. L. Mitchner
1 25
William Hartman
5 00
Sacramento, Cal.
50
Soquel, Cal.
10
Western Washington
1 50
Lillian Glass
5 00
Prescott Wheeler
5 00
Mrs. J. Saylor
50
H. L. Ogden
2 50
J. J. Knapp
10 00
S. C. Mott
1 00
Elmira J. Hicks
25
C. B. Green
5 00
Newburg Y. P. S.
3 45
Belle Hickox
1 00
E. J. Drake
5 00
J. B. Silva
1 00
Eugene Frisbie
10 00
Marie Barber
5 00
D. W. Barr
5 00
D. A. Adams
1 00
M. A. Pond
1 00
Mrs. S. C. Hayes
5 00
S. Thurston
5 00
J. K. Shrowder
5 00
Addie Morrison
5 00
| M. H. Brown | 10 00 |
| V. Hardy | 1 00 |
| R. Blackwood | 2 50 |
| William Saunders | 5 00 |
| Louis Oberti | 2 00 |
| W. H. Goodwin | 6 00 |
An Encouraging Experience
By William T. Hilgert
“AND Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed. . . . And God granted him that which he requested.” We all, like Jabez, desire the blessing of our Heavenly Father, and we may be assured of its reception; but it is another matter as to whether we are willing to comply with the conditions under which it is granted to us.
A little while ago we were told that there was a special blessing for those who would sell “Christ’s Object Lessons” “just now.” It is needless to say that those who entered upon this work at that time proved the promise and received blessings “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
When I read this statement,—“just now,”—I longed not only to share the blessing, but to have a part in the greatest opportunity to give the pure gospel that has ever been granted any people. I am sad to think that I cannot be classed with the first to sell this precious mine of truth, but am thankful, truly thankful, for the experiences I had in presenting it to the people, and of placing it in over one hundred homes not of our faith. I have a number of orders for delivery soon, about thirteen, and others are considering subscription.
Former business relations brought me in contact with some of Philadelphia’s prominent merchants and professional men, and acquaintance with them offered opportunity not only to approach them, but to make a canvass and sell “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and also to receive words of encouragement from them. Among those who purchased the book were the consul to Portugal, the vice consul to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (one man), while the vice consul to Spain took two copies.
I regret that I cannot report one thousand books as sold, but whatever changes the future may bring in my experience, I shall continue to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons” with our other good books.
Brother, sister, will not you take up this work at once, and share in the promised blessing?
WILLIAM T. HILGERT.
“Christ’s Object Lessons” Appeals to the Leading Ministers of California
By Chas. T. Everson
To the list of the many prominent ministers of California who have already indorsed the effort with “Christ’s Object Lessons,” some new names have been added. Among these new names are found those of such leading men as Dr. John Hemphill, who for thirty years has been the leading Presbyterian minister of San Francisco, and Dr. J. K. McLain, president of the Pacific Theological Seminary, and for many years the leading Congregational minister in California. Dr. McLain’s indorsement being especially worthy of notice, we give it here:—
“Mrs. Ellen G. White’s exposition of the parables, entitled ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ appears, from the cursory examination I have been able to give it, to be free from denominational peculiarities. The view point is practical and helpful, and the spirit is earnest. For those who have in their possession other similar expositions of our Lord’s teaching this might well be added as an utterance from a new quarter; for such as have no work of this kind, it will give much light upon some of the most important questions of human life.”
Dr. William Rader, who has really gained somewhat of a national reputation, being mentioned in the public utterances of the late Wm. McKinley when at San Francisco, has also purchased the book, and given an excellent indorsement. He said, “Why, that book ought to have been published by some leading publishing house, that it might have had a wide circulation.” He said, further: “When I was standing on board of a vessel in the Bay of Naples, I was asked the meaning of the parable of the unjust steward, and I had to confess that I did not know what it was intended to teach. So just as soon as I got your book, I turned to that parable, and I found that the author had thought it through, and had discovered its meaning.”
These men, whose acquaintance with books is so extensive, are in a position to appreciate such an excellent book as “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Dr. Rader’s20written indorsement is as follows: “I have examined ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ with interest, and find the treatment of the parables singularly strong and fair. There is no denominationalism in the book, but a broad and spiritual interpretation of the things our Lord meant to teach his hearers. It is a book for the family, the pastor, and the student.”
No one can read of the success that is attending the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” without seeing that God is in this work, giving “favor and success.”
CHAS. T. EVERSON.
More Agents for Great Britain
THE following resolution will explain itself, and will indicate to some degree the feelings of the brethren in England with regard to the action of the Mission Board in sending canvassing agents to that country:—
Whereas, Various conferences in America have contributed materially to the work in this field, by sending to us some of their best canvassers, paying their fare over, so that the cause here has had the benefit of their labors, with no expense whatever,—
We, as a conference, esteem it a privilege hereby to express our appreciation of the help thus rendered, and to tender our sincere and hearty thanks to our brethren in America for their Christian sympathy and generosity toward the work in Great Britain. And further,—
In view of the promising field for canvassing in Great Britain, and the fact that our present force of laborers, although efficient, is swallowed up in the vast population, there being ample room for ten times as many workers as we now have, we know of no more practical way of showing our appreciation of the kindness shown us by the Mission Board and the brethren in America, than to ask, as we hereby do, that they will select and send to us at least ten canvassers as good as those we now have, if such can be found, on the same generous terms as the party first sent over.
