At the urgent request of Brother S. Marchisio I visited the place where he has been laboring for a few months. Some years ago a canvasser took subscriptions for our Spanish paper in Matehuala and vicinity. One man has been a constant subscriber since that time, and has also worked among his neighbors with the paper, thus creating an interest. At his repeated requests, Brother Marchisio was asked to visit the place. In a short time quite a number signified their desire to be baptized. After spending a week in giving them instruction, I had the pleasure of burying ten of them with their Lord in baptism.
This place is only a ranch, about twenty miles from Matehuala. There is no post-office or public school in the place as yet. The brethren are poor, and labor under great difficulties. But little rain falls in this part of the country, and crops are exceedingly short almost every year. I had also the privilege here of sleeping in a mud hut on boards laid across some benches with a rather thin mattress for a bed, but after a twenty-mile ride on a burro through a dry and dusty country beneath a rather warm sun, I was able to sleep very well indeed.
A gentleman who has been a reader of our paper for some time met me at the station in Matehuala, took me to his house, and kept me overnight, and he and his wife accompanied me to Visnaga. They took some bread and chocolate with them, so I had chocolate and bread as long as the supply lasted, in addition to corn cakes and beans. I was also treated once or twice to corn roasted in ashes, genuine roasting ears.
The meetings were held in a Mexican kitchen and bedroom combined, the congregation on the outside being at times nearly as large as the one inside. They must have a place for worship. One hundred fifty dollars United States currency will provide a house that will do for meetings, a school, and a room for the minister's use when he visits them.17The place where Brother Marchisio and I stayed was an adobe hut about eight by ten, and so low that I had to stoop quite a good deal to enter.
Although poor, and living in primitive style, the people are intelligent and capable of understanding and loving the truth. Some of them are innocent of books, but they have good minds. There being no school at all in the whole neighborhood, we decided to start one. One of the Sabbath-keepers, who has sufficient education to teach the “three R’s,” offered to teach the children of our people for fifteen pesos (about $7.50) a month. We felt safe in believing that this amount could be raised in order that the bright children of these poor Sabbath-keepers might at least learn enough to read the Word of God.
While only ten were baptized in this place, about as many more said they were going to keep the Sabbath and be ready for baptism at my next visit. There is an interest still in this vicinity, and Brother Marchisio will stay and follow up the work. At present there are quite a number of places where the seed sown in the past is springing up, and the Lord is blessing the efforts of our workers. The Mexican field calls for reapers,—reapers who can wield Spanish sickles. There are still more interesting reports from Mexico yet to follow.
G. W. CAVINESS.
Tacubaya, D. F.
Haiti and the Syrians
By W. J. Tanner
SOME time ago one of our workers in the Orient, in a report to the REVIEW, suggested that a good work could be done for the Syrians in America, by giving a little attention to the circulation of our Arabic literature among the thousands of these people who live in our large cities. I do not know how far this suggestion has been followed, but I want to say that it is a good one. We have a great many of these people in Haiti; in fact, the larger share of the retail business is in their hands. About two years ago one of them asked me if I could not secure an Arabic Bible for him. I did so, and he began reading it, to learn whether we are right in our views. After becoming thoroughly satisfied on this point, he closed his store on the Sabbath, and then asked for baptism. From what I know of his former life, and of his present manner of living, I believe that his conversion has been thorough.
When passing through New York on my way back to my field from the General Conference, I secured, at our office in that city, a quantity of our Arabic tracts. These I have circulated as best I could since my return, and they have made no small stir among the Syrians who have read them. One man of this nationality has promised to rent a hall in which to hold a series of meetings in Port au Prince, a proposition which we expect to accept. And here at the Cape a young Syrian of considerable intelligence is arranging his business so that he can fully identify himself with us.
As to our work among the Haitians themselves, we have no reason to be discouraged. I feel especially pleased to note the spiritual progress these poor people are making. One who has never been in Haiti can scarcely realize to what depths the masses have fallen; yet when individuals embrace this last message, it works miracles upon them. Many not of our faith are beginning to note this, and we hope that as time advances, our work will establish itself still more firmly in the hearts of the believers.
W. J. TANNER.
Cape Haytien.
South China
By J. P. Anderson
OUR literature will have to play an important part in giving the message to China’s millions. Thus far, in August, among the Hakkas alone we have sold 1,016 copies of our Chinese paper, besides, taking two subscriptions. This does my heart good; for these papers are sure to provoke inquiries about the gospel. Thus far—from March 1 to August 26—we have sold 4,304 papers, and taken fifty-six subscriptions. If I could give the canvassers more of my time, I am sure we could dispose of one thousand copies every month. While I was with one of the boys, we were selling papers that had the picture of the young emperor of China on the first page. We were among illiterate peasants. One of them said to an old man that the emperor had hired me to sell this paper among the people. Of course I corrected him, and told him we were not selling it because of the picture, but for the “thau li” (doctrine) it contained. In such ways an opening is made to tell them about the gospel.
One day, after walking about thirty-five miles, we had to put up at a very dirty inn, the only one in the village. In spite of the dirt and filth, the hard Chinese bed-board looked inviting. I proposed to the canvasser that we go to the river for a bath, before retiring. We had not been in the water very long before a man on the opposite shore began to call out to some one. Nobody answering him, I asked him whom he wanted. He said, “Why did you not answer when I called? I saw those white bodies in the water, and was afraid to cross, fearing they might be water devils.” I assured him that it was only a “foreign devil” he saw, and that he might cross in safety.
Next week I am to hold a week’s Bible study with the people at Moi Lung who desire to be baptized. I am sure we shall reap a good harvest from this place. I hope that soon a man will take charge of the Hakklo work, so that I may be released from the care of this place, and devote my whole time to the Hakkas. I am glad help is coming. We shall find plenty to do. The hardest proposition is to find quarters. Mine are hardly fit to live in. The only way to secure anything satisfactory is to buy and build. I think the committee has already taken some action in regard to this.
J. P. ANDERSON.
An Experience Collecting Stamps
IN the REVIEW a few months ago we noticed a call for our workers to collect canceled postage-stamps to be sent to Grand Rapids, Mich., and sold for the benefit of missions. We began to save what we could, and also asked others to help us make up a package. They were growing in numbers slowly.
Last week, after paying for a copy of “Great Controversy,” a woman said: “I want to ask you a question. We have a box of used postage-stamps that we have been collecting for years, and I want to know if you can sell them for your missionary work.”
I told her my story about collecting stamps, and we thanked the Lord together that she had been prompted to offer them. As she brought the stamps, a small box full, I saw there were thousands of them. Only a few have been classified, but they are of considerable value as a whole. Inspired by this, others have given us many stamps for the same purpose.
But this was not all. After a good talk we arranged for Bible studies, and now the whole family are interested in these studies.
Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Florida
The annual camp-meeting for the colored believers in Florida was held at Winter Park, November 4-14. Prior to the camp-meeting, Elder J. W. Manns, our Florida worker, held a two-weeks' tent-meeting. This aided largely in securing a good attendance at the night services.
The attendance of our own people was about sixty. Excellent help from our Southeastern Union Conference was supplied in the person of Elder M. C. Strachan, field secretary. The president of the Florida Conference, Elder R. W. Parmele, also his wife, Dr. Parmele, spent a few days at the camp, and their instruction was greatly appreciated. Brethren J. O. Cole and E. R. Button conducted a canvassers' institute, from which several workers went out.
When Elder Strachan, in one of our meetings, explained the general plan of operation for the Negro Department, there was a hearty, loyal response on the part of all our brethren and sisters, and all pledged a more earnest and liberal support to the work in the future than they had given in the past. A very liberal offering was taken up to be credited to the local department.
On the morning of the last day of the camp one of Florida's beautiful lakes was selected for the baptismal service. A large crowd witnessed the burial of eight dear souls. Four adults of Winter Park took their stand for the truth, and many others are in the valley of decision. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated on the last day of the camp. In fact, that entire day was a day of great joy and blessing to the campers and to the people of Winter Park.
Perfect harmony and unity prevailed throughout the meeting. All felt the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, and18returned to their homes with a greater zeal to work in the Master's cause. Elder J. W. Manns followed up the interest one week longer. Let us all remember in our prayers the interested ones at Winter Park.
ALMA CROOKE,
ELLA SANKS.
PENSACOLA.— Last May Brother J. H. Lawrence and the writer pitched a tent in this city. God blessed our labors, and as a result, after about twelve weeks, over thirty persons signed the covenant. We then secured a hall in which to hold weekly services. Soon after this, Brother Lawrence was called to Montgomery.
Recently a few other persons have accepted the Sabbath truth. We now have a company of thirty-eight Sabbath-keepers. There is still quite an interest, and the outlook is very encouraging. Pray for us.
G. E. PETERS.
A Florida Experience
By E. R. Button
Two weeks ago Mrs. Button started out early one morning to deliver some books in Orlando, the understanding being that when she had delivered her first load, she was to return, and I was then to accompany her the remainder of the day. But before she returned, I had finished the work in hand; so I took a load of books and started out for her territory. I soon met her, every one of her books having been delivered. She pointed to a small house about a block distant, and said: “The woman living there, although she failed to give me her order, told me as I just passed her that she wanted one of the books.” Of course we went straight to her home; she insisted that we come in, as she had something she wanted to say to us.
After she had paid for her book, she said: “Do you know, I have been impressed several times to go down to your tent (camp-meeting was then in progress) and talk with you, but for some reason I never have done so. I am a Methodist, but am not satisfied with my Christian experience, and I want to know if you will pray for me sometime.”
Of course, those who know the way to the skies know full well how glad we were for such an opportunity, so I suggested that we all kneel right then. She joined us, and the Lord came graciously near as we sought him in her behalf. When we arose, she passed over to where Mrs. Button was, and throwing her arms around her neck, she sobbed aloud. She then made a full surrender, and rejoiced on account of the new-found light and peace.
Do such experiences as this cheer the weary and footsore canvasser on his way? This is but one of the many blessed experiences we meet almost daily.
E. R. BUTTON, Field Agent.
Lakeland.
W. H. SEBASTIAN
By W. H. Sebastian
Alabama
DECATUR.—About five months ago we arrived in this city to hold a tent effort. From the beginning, it seemed as if everything was against us, yet we did not allow appearances to discourage us. When we came here, we found a minister and his wife (Holiness) holding meetings under a large tree; they continued their services about three weeks. They kept the Sabbath from twelve o'clock midnight. Then came a company of sixteen (also Holiness) with a good-sized tent, and pitched four blocks from us. They drew a crowd every night, while our company was small. Nevertheless we thank God for nine souls won to the truth; these are developing nicely.
Our Sabbath-school is growing rapidly; eighteen were present last Sabbath, December 4. We are holding services at the home of one of the sisters. As the room is too small for our numbers, we shall be obliged to make a change soon. A neat building in this city would give influence to the work.
W. H. SEBASTIAN
Why Bishop Ferrer Was Martyred
By K. C. Russell
BISHOP FERRER, an English martyr of the sixteenth century, was burned at the stake because he refused to subscribe to the following articles and other accusations on points of doctrine:—
“He was required to renounce matrimony and to give up his wife; to grant the natural presence of Christ’s body and blood in the sacramental elements of bread and wine; to acknowledge the mass to be a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and dead; to agree that general councils lawfully congregated never did and never can err; to acknowledge that men are not justified before God by faith only, but that hope and charity are necessarily required to justification; that the Catholic (or rather Romanish) Church, which only has authority to expound Scripture and to define controversies of religion, and to ordain things appertaining to public discipline, is visible, and like unto a city set upon a mountain for all men to understand.”—“Memorials of the English Martyrs,” page 139.
The reader should remember that the foregoing articles, to which the martyred Bishop Ferrer was asked to subscribe, are not obsolete or outgrown by the lapse of three and one-half centuries, as multitudes of so-called Protestants believe. The Roman Catholic Church loudly boasts that she never has and never can change. The only reason that true Protestants are not required to subscribe to the same articles that Bishop Ferrer was, is because the Catholic Church has not yet regained her former authority and power to persecute.
We are, however, told by the spirit of prophecy that the time is coming when these things will be repeated, as will be seen from the following from “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. V, page 449:— “In the near future we shall see these words fulfilled, as the Protestant churches unite with the world and with the papal power against commandment-keepers. The same spirit which actuated papists in ages past, will lead Protestants to pursue a similar course toward those who will maintain their loyalty to God.”
The evidences are rapidly multiplying which show conclusively that the Catholic Church is speedily regaining her former power. It is high time that every true Protestant should awaken and sound the warning message against the Papacy.
K. C. RUSSELL.
Nineteenth Anniversary of the New York State Sabbath Association
By G. B. Starr
The meeting was held at Middletown, N. Y., Oct. 24-26, 1909. The first day of the meeting, Sunday, was spent by the various visiting ministers and officers of the association in occupying the pulpits of the Protestant churches of the city, and delivering strong discourses upon the subject of Sunday desecration and the apparent demand for Sunday legislation and the enforcement of existing Sunday laws. From some notes taken at this gathering I present the following of general interest:—
Rev. Geo. W. Grannis, D. D., general secretary of the Lord's Day Alliance, addressed the meeting. One of his most energetic and oft-repeated statements was that “God was going to maintain his Sunday!” Said the speaker, “He may have to go to Japan to get witnesses to it, but he will sustain it.” He then related of the Japanese merchants, that, while recently visiting the United States, they refused to attend dinners or visit the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition on Sunday, giving as the reason for their refusal, that they were Christians.
The speaker stated that the greatest assistance they were having at the present in securing Sunday legislation was from the laboring classes. He also informed the meeting that the “American Sabbath Union” had been transformed into the “Lord's Day Alliance,” and assured us that under this new name “no less emphasis would be laid upon the worshipful and spiritual features of the day.”
One speaker, Rev. David J. Burrell, D. D., LL. D., chose for his subject the “Sunday newspaper,” and from the standpoint of Sunday sacredness made a number of telling points against it, none of which, however, were applicable to Sunday except on the ground of its being a sacred day. This he emphasized in the beginning of his talk by stating that the whole question was based upon the fourth commandment, which he very deliberately quoted in full, dwelling upon the fact that God blessed the “seventh day,” and rested upon the “seventh day,” and commanded that it should not be forgotten, but “remembered.” He stated that this Sabbath law had never been abrogated, and that “no minister or layman had any right to state that it had been.” He affirmed that as the Bible was a sacred book, separated in our minds from all other books, so was the Sabbath a sacred day, separated from all the other days, and should be so regarded. He affirmed that Christ did not abrogate the Sabbath law, but simply removed from it the “Jewish appurtenances,” and placed it back on its original basis, “made for man,” even as a vessel is put into dry dock to remove barnacles. All this, so far, sounded like a champion of the original seventh-day Sabbath speaking, but instantly, and without warning or proofs, he metamorphosed the Sunday, the resurrection day, into a more glorious sabbath than the seventh, having all the sacredness of the original day somehow transferred to it, and “all the original commands and sacredness made more sacred by the associations connected with the resurrection day.” And thus Ezekiel 13 was again fulfilled in our hearing. This new day, he affirmed, “was Christ's gift in his church.”
The “Saturday half-holiday” was recommended as a solution of many difficulties.
The leading speakers disagreed as to how the Sunday laws were to be best enforced. Some thought that it was only as the ministers and people formed themselves into “vigilance committees,” and spied out offenders, and had them prosecuted, that they would stop the many violations of the law. The president, however, not knowing what position the other speakers had taken, as he was not present until the last day, denounced very emphatically, as out of place and “unministerial,” any spying on the part of the clergy. He urged that magistrates be pressed to do their duty, and fulfil the sacred oath of office which they took promising to enforce the laws and bring all offenders to justice. He waxed eloquent in his denunciations of the magistrate who would so far forget his sacred oath as to neglect his duty, and recommended that he be put out of office.
Mayor Lawrence, of Middletown, attended two meetings, and in welcoming the association to his city, assured them of his sympathy and co-operation. He stated that there were no Sunday theaters, moving pictures, or baseball games at present in Middletown, nor were there likely to be while he was mayor. The attitude of the mayor greatly pleased the members, and his speech was eulogized as the best of the session.
G. B. STARR.
Religious Liberty Notes
COMMENT of the Washington press on congressional prospects indicates that the Johnston Sunday bill is slated for early consideration by our national legislators. This will suggest to our people in every State and Territory the necessity of taking a vigorous hold of the petition work, if we expect success again in our opposition to this damaging legislation.
The Catholic Church beseeching liberty for conscience is a most astonishing thing, and is suggestive of the irony that seems sometimes, truly enough, to enter even into fate itself. Yet a late pastoral letter by the Bishop of Paris calls on the government in France to give the church the benefit of “one of the principles proclaimed by itself, namely, respect for liberty of conscience.” “One of the principles proclaimed by itself” is well put, for probably never in the history of that church was such a principle proclaimed by her. She seems very glad, however, that her present powerful adversary has been so justly disposed, and gladly avails herself of the leniency involved in such justness.
Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL - - - - Secretary
W. A. COLCORD - - - - Assistant Secretary
(To be continued)
By C. C. Lewis
History of Educational Work Among Seventh-day Adventists—No. 2
At the eleventh session of the General Conference, beginning March 11, 1873, the following resolutions were adopted:—
“Resolved, That we regard it as the imperative duty of Seventh-day Adventists to take immediate steps for the formation of an educational society and the establishment of a denominational school.
“Resolved, That while steps should be taken to secure a good moral influence in the community where the school shall be located, as a safeguard to its best interests, some provision should also be made to guard the community (as well as the school) against evil influences which may be imported in the persons of unsanctified and ungovernable pupils; and we therefore recommend that those who have charge of the school require certificates, from proper sources, that the applicants for admission are persons suitable to be received into the school, and that whenever their course is detrimental to the school or the community, they be promptly discharged.”—Review and Herald, March 18, 1873.
After the passing of the foregoing resolution, the subject of the establishment of the proposed school received a great deal of attention in the REVIEW AND HERALD, and also at the camp-meetings of our people. The following short article, entitled “Our Proposed School,” from the pen of Elder J. N. Andrews, appeared in the REVIEW of April 1, 1873, and will give a clear idea of the motives and principles uppermost in the minds of our leading workers and the causes leading to the founding of our first college, and ultimately to the development of our educational system as it is now:—
“It was the judgment of the General Conference that a school should be established to aid those who desire to prepare themselves for usefulness in the cause of God. It is very evident that such a place of instruction is greatly needed. It is not enough that those who offer themselves to become laborers in the work of the ministry be men of piety. This is indeed indispensable, but it is also necessary that those who teach others should have knowledge to impart. ‘Moreover,’ says Solomon, ‘because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge.’ We do not desire the knowledge that puffeth up. Let others seek after that which shall inflate them with pride, and that shall enable them to walk in a vain show. We desire none of these things.
“But men can not teach the present truth without understanding many important facts in Biblical knowledge, in history, and in science. We have not time to give them what is technically called a finished education. But we can give important instruction in divine truth, in science, in historical knowledge, and in the languages, sufficient at least to place the keys of knowledge in the student’s hands and to put him in the way of making further progress.
“The calls that come from every quarter, from men speaking other languages, must be answered by us. We can not do this in our present circumstances. But we can do it if the Lord bless our efforts in the establishment of our proposed school. We have delayed this effort too long. The time past can not be recalled, but the time remaining can be improved. Let no man stand back to criticize and find fault. We want the united action of all the friends of this cause.”
May these principles be ever kept in mind by our educators.
(To be continued)
C. C. LEWIS.
The Spiritual Needs of Our Young People
By S. Lela Hoover
“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18: 2-3.
In teaching the principles of truth, our Lord often used the illustration of the life of a child to teach the relation that exists between God and his children. And indeed the needs of the spiritual life may well be compared to the needs of the physical life. As in the life of the child the first important need is birth, so in the spiritual life the first great need is conversion, or spiritual birth. “Ye must be born again” is the message to every one who would become a child of God, received and adopted into the heavenly family.
It is the privilege, and must be the experience, of all of our young people to know the Son of God, not only as a Saviour from sin, but also as a loving, compassionate friend. Their experience should be that of one of God’s noble workers, who said, “The presence of my Saviour is more real to me than that of any human friend.” They must know him as one to whom they can tell their joys, their sorrows, their disappointments, and their perplexities, and from whom they can expect and receive the counsel necessary to guide the feet of inexperience over the quicksands of sin.
After conversion has been experienced, and Christ Jesus has been received into the life by faith, the next thing to be considered is—
How to Abide in Him
The helpless infant brought into the world may be a beautiful and promising child, but unless this new life is nourished daily, it will soon languish and die, and all that it may have promised to the world will be forever lost. In the spiritual life, the same truth is applicable. If the soul that is born again is not fed daily with the bread from heaven, it will soon falter, and will finally settle back into the darkness whence it came.
I have in mind three young people, who, together with a number of others, were converted at one of our camp-meetings, but because they were not properly instructed as to how to retain the spiritual life, after trying to exist for about six months on their camp-meeting experience, gave up and went back to the world. This was before the Missionary Volunteer methods were operative in our field. Our young people must have definite instruction, that after they have received Christ Jesus, they may know how to abide in him daily, that the babe in Christ may grow into the good soldier of the cross, enduring the hardness with unflinching courage.
Learning to Do
This is another necessity in the spiritual life. The little child, to be kept happy, healthy, and contented, to deepen his respect and increase his love for parental authority, must be taught to have a part in the home duties, bearing a responsibility in the household of which he is a part. Again this truth applies to the spiritual life. Every heaven-born child has his specific duties in the household of which he has become a member, and the sooner he applies himself in the spirit of love to the duty assigned him, the sooner will he experience the joy of the new life and enter fully into the blessed relationship that is alone to be found in the family of God. Every youth must be taught, not only to be good, but also to be good for something.
But the all-important thing in the spiritual life is the—
Entire Surrender of the Will
If the little child whom we have taken for example, had grown strong and beautiful physically as a result of nourishment and care, and had arrived at the age when it could begin to exercise its will, we would think it anything but a lovable and amiable child, should it persist in having its own way and doing its own will regardless of its parents’ wishes. Therefore, wise parents begin early to train the young will to bend in harmony with their wiser and more mature wills, that it may learn to render loving obedience, delighting to do the things that its parents will it should.
This is a lesson that some children seemingly never learn, and one that it sometimes takes the Christian years to20learn. However, until the young Christian has learned the necessity of submitting his will in all things to God, he can never make any real spiritual progress, for upon this entire surrender depends the reception of the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has promised to them that obey him. But when he has learned to make God’s will his will, and to leave in his Father’s hand all that he can not understand, he has found the peace that the world can not give, neither can take away; and he will find himself a channel through which God can work for the salvation of souls.
S. LELA HOOVER.
Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
FREDERICK GRIGGS · · · · Secretary
The Standard Graded Course of Sight Singing
By F. G.
PROF. GERARD GERRITSEN, of Berrien Springs, Mich., has published a small edition of this music course for use in our schools. While it has been quite carefully examined by our teachers, it has not been formally adopted by the department; however, the books are in such good form, and the matter they contain is so helpful, that we trust our church-school teachers and music teachers everywhere will use them in their work. They should make a careful study of the book as adapted to their work, and make such suggestions as will enable the author to bring out a final edition in the best form possible for our schools, and for the department to adopt formally as one of its text-books. Our teachers will find these books a valuable aid in music teaching.
F. G.
Young People’s Work
Conducted by the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference
M. E. Kern . . . . Secretary
Matilda Erickson . . . . Corresponding Secretary
Medical Missionary Work in Korea
By Riley Russell
I HAVE just made a visit to all our churches. We traveled on horseback, on foot, and by boat, and had many interesting experiences. At one place I had one hundred patients after sundown Saturday night, and as I had talked almost all day, and had not been alone for one minute, I was very thankful for the privilege of lying down on the floor for the night, even if there were two families in the room, which was eight by sixteen feet in size and five feet high. I have a small Korean house now for a dispensary. It is eight by sixteen feet and five and one-half feet high. I see patients only once a day.
We have a boys' school of twenty-five students, also a church-school. I now have my work better arranged than at any time since coming. I study Korean about four hours a day and Chinese about two hours a day, so am quite well satisfied. This month I had about five hundred fifty patients. Altogether this year I have had 4,435 patients. I have given only three general anesthetics, but have had many cases of cocain surgery. I never believed that individuals could have such abscesses as some of these people have, and live.
There is a very large field here for eye work, and I hope, in a year or two, to be able to take some special work along that line. Specific diseases are everywhere, with their attendant ills—foul ulcers, bad teeth, and blind eyes. The poor women and babies are certainly in great need. When the babies have convulsions, which are common, the native doctor burns a spot on the top of the head with a hot rod to let out the foul spirit. Pneumonia carries off thousands of children every year. These people respond very readily to treatment—much better than do the American people.
We try to interest all of our patients in the true God, and endeavor to get a tract into the hands of each one, and many are interested and studying. We have very many warm friends in all the villages round about us, and the magistrate here is very kind to us. We appreciate the work our people are doing in America to help the foreign fields; but O, they can not realize how white the harvest is, and the immense amount of work that must be done quickly! We have calls from every direction for work to be done. In the last company I visited, quite a number had just come into the truth, partly from reading. We are very busy, and are very happy, and we love these people. Remember us in your prayers, that God will help us to be true ministers for him.