Earlier text: The Charm of Gentle MannersSeventh-day Adventists and “Undenominational Work”
By E. W. Webster
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS are generally a very liberal people toward mission and philanthropic work. The most of them answer freely to calls made for anything that appeals to them as a needy part of God’s work. So anxious are they to help, that they have at times been imposed upon by designing individuals who have had some personal advantage to gain. A word of warning seems occasionally necessary in order to save to the real cause of God the means and talents that would otherwise be turned into less worthy and needy channels. While some of these many personal enterprises have in view the coming of the Lord and the necessary preparation for that as the whole object of their work, some of them are wholly worldly and selfish, or even unworthy and bad. Just how far to go in supporting “philanthropic” or “undenominational” mission work, just how far to go in co-operating with such efforts and enterprises, and not openly teach our peculiar “denominational doctrines” therein, are questions to be settled by every Seventh-day Adventist in the fear of God. We know that these are largely individual questions, yet, as in many other points, there should be as nearly as possible a unanimous understanding and action in the matter. If it had been so in the past, our cause would have been saved, or would have received directly the benefit of, thousands of dollars that have been given to institutions or persons entirely unworthy, or which, though good in a passive way, are doing nothing at all in the way of preparing the world for the great crisis before it, or to prepare individuals for the coming of the Lord. There are many enterprises appealing to Seventh-day Adventists for help, and receiving more or less of it, that, were the world going to stand for a thousand years yet, might be proper objects for us to bestow our gifts upon; but, with our great burden of warning the world of the coming of the Lord demanding all our talents, it seems to me that these are often but suckers to drain the real work of God of just so much of its rightful and much-needed help from those whose first duty it is to close up the work of the third angel’s message in this generation. The safest way is to give to those enterprises which make calls through the officials or organs of the General Conference, or through the union or State conferences, or such local work as the church is interested in or approves of. As to Seventh-day Adventists’ operating or working in “undenominational” institutions and not saying a word about the peculiar points of faith the Lord has given us, I do not see how such a thought could enter the mind. Neither do I see how the doctrines of the Bible now due to the world can be called “denominational.” If they were man-made doctrines defined in some particular church creed, they could truly be called “denominational,” but not as they are. In the days of the prophets, apostles, and reformers there doubtless were many passively good societies and enterprises that would have been worthy of the assistance of the servants of the Lord had they not had their special God-given work in which to employ all their talents of time and strength and means. But who ever heard of Isaiah or Paul helping some “undenominational humanitarian” work? I imagine that they were so preoccupied with their own burdens that they had little time for others, and were probably often called narrow and selfish. We know of but one burden that John the Baptist had, one work to which he gave his time and strength. If Seventh-day Adventists do not have one particular calling, one all-important work to do, they have no excuse for their existence. If every individual member of this body of believers in the soon coming of the Saviour does not pledge himself and his all to this particular work, he has no business longer with the remnant people of God. Knowing that we have this calling and this work, we can be clear before God only as we make it the only thing we know in this world, even at the risk of being called exclusive and bigoted by those who are so “broad” and “liberal” that they can freely use time and talent in almost everything but the most important thing in the world. The Bible and history both show that when God has had a special work to be done in the earth, suddenly there springs up many apparently very worthy enterprises to attract the attention of the masses, to make God’s special work look small and insignificant, unimportant, and even intrusive. These others are made to appear very necessary and good and important, even religious. It would not do for them to appear otherwise; they would not succeed so well in diverting attention or time and means and talents from the one work God is doing, and which, if espoused as it should be, would soon include all that is necessary of all these other enterprises under his direct guidance; and while many souls have been drawn away by these side issues, God’s true servants have held steadily on their way, and his work has succeeded, while all the others have failed, and will fail. All this is and will be especially true in these last days, and of this last message. I know of more than one enterprise, worthy enough if conducted by those who do not know this message, started and run by Seventh-day Adventists, or by Seventh-day Adventists in partnership with others, as “undenominational” institutions, where not a word of present truth is taught, on the ground that it would be teaching “denominational doctrines,” and that would not be to the interests of the enterprise; and a considerable amount of money and time and talent of Seventh-day Adventists is going to support them under these restrictions. I can not see that this is right. I have written thus at length on the principle; now I want to make the application to at least two such institutions in South Carolina that have been draining something from the needy work of God in this State. The first is that of a school run by one Pomeroy at or near either Blackville or Denmark, S. C. This is totally unworthy of the help of any person, Seventh-day Adventist or not. Further information will be given by letter, if desired. Write me before giving more to it. The next is an industrial school for colored people, located at Denmark, S. C. It has the name of Voorhese Industrial School. It is a worthy and useful17 school, as nearly as I can see, so far as this world alone is concerned. It may succeed in elevating some of the colored race in social and agricultural lines for the brief period that remains to this world, and, in a general and superficial way, teaches the Bible. It was at the beginning started, I understand, largely with the talent and means of Seventh-day Adventists, and more or less has been given to it by them since. Some of its representatives have gone among our people, I am informed, soliciting, with some success, money and gifts with which to carry it on. But the truth that is more important than all else, and without which the institution itself will be a total failure along with all other worldly enterprises, is not even mentioned in private there. Not one of our papers is to be seen there,—nothing to tell the students of what is coming. They are excluded on the ground that they are “denominational,” and they do not allow doctrinal instructions to be given there. I know nothing against the character of one of the managers or students; they all seem to be very nice people; and if our people wish to spend their money for any work that is so entirely passive concerning the great truths for these last days, there is a good place to give it. But if you want your few dollars to do the most good in giving a knowledge of the truth to the people of this destitute and needy field, you can send your donations to the Southern Union Conference, Nashville, Tenn. The real cause of God is suffering for men and means in this State. More information can be given by letter, if desired. You would do well also to write to the presidents of the conferences in other Southern States before giving to similar enterprises there. E. H. WILBUR
By E. H. Wilbur
CANTON.—Ignorance of the language and customs of the people has been a great barrier to our work here; nevertheless we are making progress. Little by little we are adding to our list of publications on present truth, but they ought to be multiplied. We issued five thousand calendars, which are sure to do good. These can now be seen posted up in many places of business in Canton. The cost of printing was about twenty dollars, gold. Already we have sold two thousand copies on the streets of Canton, for which ten dollars, gold, has been received. Besides this, we sent five hundred to Amoy, two hundred to Singapore, and three hundred to other places. New-year’s festivities are now nearly over, and I expect again to push the sale of the calendar. Thus far the Baptist Publishing Society in Canton has willingly done our printing for us at low rates. But it seems to me that it would be a wise thing for us to start a small printing plant of our own. I think the work could be done, partially, at least, by the students in our boys’ school. This would help the school and assist in getting out our literature. There is a constantly increasing demand for better printing in Canton, and outside work could be done at a profit. The Mandarin literature issued by our brethren in central China is not practical for use here, as it can not be well understood, and they are too far away (fifteen hundred miles by water route—the only means of communication from Hankow) to do printing for us, or for us to do work for them. If we should print for only the three southern provinces,—Fukien, Quangtong, and Quangsi, we would represent a population of over fifty millions. This is a wide field, and we must go to work in earnest to get the truth before the people. The sanitarium work is another important line that must receive encouragement. The Lord has pointed out that this work is the right hand of the message, that will open the door of opportunity, and, while blessing humanity physically, will prepare their hearts for the reception of the truth. We are very glad that Dr. and Mrs. Law Keem have come to take up this work. The doctor, having a knowledge of the Chinese language, has been a great help to us already. All are of good courage. South Africa
By W. H. Anderson
KALOMA, NORTHWEST RHODESIA.—The letter that came yesterday was the first mail we had had for two months, and you may be sure it was appreciated. I hope soon to arrange for mail to be delivered to a station about twenty miles away, and then we can get it once in two weeks. With all the dangers from wild animals and fever, it is hard to get a native to go so far for the mail; in the wet season I do not want to take one of the boys from the school, as it keeps him away too long. We are not yet far enough advanced to start a training-school. I hope to begin one about the first of September. In the meantime, I am trying to give the boys a good foundation, by teaching them to be good readers, also to spell, write, and to count to one thousand. We also have oral Bible instruction. It is a brief story of the Bible as we teach it to children. Our studies in the training-school will be Bible (life of Christ), arithmetic (simple addition), geography (South Africa), teaching (practical work in the school here), reading, writing, spelling. This is to continue for one year. Then I expect to give them a few months of experience out in the kraals, and bring them in for their second year. Second year: Bible (Acts and one of Paul’s epistles), arithmetic (subtraction), geography (Africa), methods of teaching (practical work in the school here), reading, writing, spelling; more experience in kraals. Third year: Bible (call of Abraham, to captivity), arithmetic (multiplication), geography (world), teaching (practical work), reading, writing, spelling. Fourth year: Bible (Daniel, Revelation, present truth), arithmetic (division), geography (missionary), methods of labor (Sabbath-school, preaching, canvassing, and visiting), reading, writing (letter-writing), spelling. Then I expect them to go out to the villages, and settle as workers. During their vacations, they should come to the central station, and have summer school and ministerial institute work. We have our buildings started; but the boys keep coming in so fast that we are not making much progress. We now have thirty-five. I think that ten more will be all I can handle. I have written to Elder Hyatt, asking permission to go north of the Kafui, to look out a new mission station. I also asked for two hundred dollars to pay the expenses of the trip, which means about two months’ time, and four hundred miles on foot. He gives consent for me to go, but says that they can do nothing toward paying the expenses. Those natives speak a dialect of the Swahili, the same as is spoken in Nyassaland. From there we can reach across to the east, to clasp hands with Brother Branch. In July I hope to open two out-stations here. So we are trying to let our light shine at home, as well as going to the fields afar off. Journey to Ambato
By T. H. Davis
AMBATO.—As Brother Casebeer decided to make Ambato his central field of labor, we started for that town, in the interior of Ecuador, on the twenty-fourth of April. After a few hours’ ride through the fertile plantations of sugar-cane, cocoa, and rice, we found ourselves entering the foothills which are covered with thick forests and undergrowth. Before noon the train was winding up the steep Andes Mountains. One of the most interesting scenes on this trip is El Noría del Diablo, or “Nose of the Devil.” As one looks from this height down into the steep mountain gorge below, he is inclined not to look long, as it causes a chill to run over him. At about five o’clock in the evening we were at the highest point, or divide, here on the plains of Palmira, where the water from one side starts for the Pacific, and that on the other for the Atlantic. This sudden change from a hot climate to the freezing-point, or from sea-level to over eleven thousand feet above the sea-level, had quite an effect on us. But it was not for the worse, as was shown by our good appetites on reaching the hotel at Cajabamba, our last station. On this trip we got acquainted with one of the bosses on the railroad, who has three boys whom he wishes to place in a Christian school. We promised him that as soon as one could be started, we would let him know. From Cajabamba we made our journey to Ambato in two days, suffering some from cold as we passed Mount Chimborazo, which is covered with perpetual snow. In all our journey we could see the hand of the Lord manifested for our good and comfort. The conductor sent us from third-class to first. The first day at Ambato the brethren were able to rent a house with a fine flower and vegetable garden, from an unprejudiced man, which means a great deal in this country. The people of the interior of Ecuador are noted for their great devotion to the Catholic Church. While at Ambato, we noticed that when the vaticum passed, all the lower class of people fell on their knees, while the upper classes removed their hats. Several cried at me to remove mine, but without avail. The first Protestant missionaries in Ambato were threatened with death by a fanatical mob, but were protected by a few young men of liberal ideas. From six days’18 work at this place, the Lord gave me fifty orders for “Patriarchs.” While we read of open doors for our work in other countries, there can not, it seems to me, be another field so inviting as this is at present. English teachers could find plenty to do here, and be self-supporting missionaries. The Methodists have teachers in the high school at the capital. The young men here are very anxious to learn the English language. Ignorance in regard to healthful living causes the death of thousands every year, especially among the children along the coast. Nurses and doctors would have their hands full. Canvassers to distribute the printed page could find plenty to do. A printer has set up a tract for us at actual cost. So while I travel, I am giving out tracts laden with the third angel’s message. To our people who want to settle down to farming, gardening, and trading, the interior of this country offers a good site. First, the climate is good. Second, as the railroad is passing rapidly into the interior, products could easily be brought down to the coast in a day, where they demand a good price. Potatoes sell on the coast for from eight to ten pesos a quintal, or one-half that price in American money. Onions are much dearer. All legumes are in proportion. Boiled alfalfa is brought here from Chile, and only the rich buy it, to feed fancy stock, paying fabulous prices. Products from the coast, such as bananas, oranges, etc., which are very cheap, could be taken from the coast to the interior, and sold for a good price. While I go about sowing the seeds of truth, by selling books, giving out tracts, etc., it would be good to see others come and develop the work. Last night a barber came to see me. He is the only barber in Posorja, and, as he says, the only one who upholds and propagates the gospel as he knows it. He became much interested in the prophecies and the ten commandments, and stated that he was going to find a way to keep the Sabbath. A BROTHER in Ontario, ninety years of age, ordered a thousand copies of the Earthquake Special of The Signs of the Times. He has just sent us his first report, and he is selling his papers at the rate of from fifty-three to sixty a day. He writes very enthusiastically in regard to the coming of the Lord, and the privilege of having a part in giving this message to the world in this generation. Some very young children, as well as some very old people, are having unparalleled success in the circulation of our literature. This should be an eye-opener to all the rest. God is moving upon the hearts of men now, to finish his work quickly. If you are a Seventh-day Adventist, he is moving upon your heart. Are you yielding to him? This is a great question for every one of us to be asking ourselves at this time. Tennessee
By R. S. Donnell
MEMPHIS.—For more than two years the city of Memphis has been my field of labor. We are heeding the Testimony, however, that “we should work the cities, but not dwell in them.” Our post-office address is R. F. D. 2, Raleigh, Tenn. Before we reached Memphis, the church there had been disbanded, and so there was no organized church of our people in the city. A small company were meeting together in the church house each Sabbath for worship. Brother F. T. Wales and Brother and Sister Ballsbaugh were doing Bible work and canvassing in the city. They still continue their efforts, and have been able to accomplish a good work. After laboring a few months the church was reorganized, and others have been added to it from time to time until at the present we have a church of about fifty members. Others are keeping the Sabbath who have not yet joined the church. Our Sabbath-school numbers sixty-five, and from the few who attended at the first, our congregation on the Sabbath has grown to seventy-five or eighty. The interest is good, and new faces are often seen in the congregation at our Sabbath meetings. No tent-meeting, and not even a series of meetings, has been held in the church or anywhere in the city since I began my labors, but house-to-house work has been done. The Memphis church is not dead, and in it are some good workers. The debt on the church building has all been paid, for which we praise the Lord. We think it time now for a public effort to be made, and we are hoping for a tent-meeting before the season for tent labor ends. Memphis is a rapidly growing city, and at the present rate bids fair to outrival its larger sister cities of the South.19 As a field of labor we know of none the better; in fact, I have never been in another city where the people were so free to come out on the Sabbath to hear preaching. To the faithful worker Memphis promises a fruitful field. Our courage in the Lord and in his truth is good. Pray for us and for the work here.
R. S. DONNELL. Adventist Work in Brazil
By J. W. Westphal
Rio de Janeiro.—I have just returned from Espirito Santo. We had a good meeting. The Lord greatly blessed us. As elsewhere, we saw evidences that the time for the enlargement and growth of God's work has come. Fourteen were baptized, six of whom were heads of three families. None of these were included in the number we had heard about as desiring baptism. These, fifteen in number, are still awaiting baptism, and Elder Spies will administer the rite before returning. We learned of interests elsewhere, and those places will also be visited by Elder Spies. The reports come to me here in Rio de Janeiro that the interested cases are increasing in number. Since we took up the matter publicly, the criticisms and objections to the First-day offerings for missionary purposes have subsided. Elder Spies ought to be here to take up the work at once, but duty demands that he remain a month longer in Espirito Santo. Thus at every turn the question of laborers confronts us. While there are evidences that Satan is working hard to hinder, it is clear that the Lord has set his hand to the work. W. JAY TANNER
By W. Jay Tanner
CAPE HAYTIEN.— The work here stands very much as when I wrote last. Those who have taken their stand for the truth in the Catholic town of Limbé are holding their ground firmly, although there have been some strong efforts made to win or to frighten them back to Romanism. At present Brother Isaac is there, further instructing the people, and preparing them for baptism. Our faith and hope in the message and its ultimate triumph are stronger than ever before. TACUBAYA.—The attendance at our meetings here is growing since we have moved to our new meeting place in the city. I received a draft to-day from one of our brethren, for one hundred and fifty dollars, gold, as his tithe. He is a member of the Guadalajara church, but has been in New Mexico for about a year. He expects to return in the fall. The interest at San Luis Potosi is growing, and we shall soon be compelled to secure a larger place for the meetings. We shall have a baptism there before long, and probably organize a church. There are many reasons why we should be encouraged, and we expect to see greater power attend the work as we deepen our consecration to the Lord.
GEO. M. BROWN. DARJEELING.—The first of May we came up to these beautiful mountains. None of us who came were sick, but we thought we would take a little tonic by breathing the fresh mountain air, which will stimulate us for the remainder of the hot season in Calcutta. We shall remain here until the first of June. Many are interested here, and are willing to investigate. Mrs. Jewett and her daughter, who heard the truth at the sanitarium in Calcutta, are very active workers. They are inviting the people to their home, and I am holding readings with them. The work in India would spread out very rapidly if we could enter every place that is open. But by doing this with the few workers we have, we would only weaken the places where we are already established. I am being pressed continually by the workers at Karmatar to enter Kora, a near-by place, of about six thousand inhabitants; but it would take some of the help from Karmatar, and there is no one to fill their places. So I am holding off until I can see the way more clearly. W. W. MILLER. NEWPORT NEWS.—My tent is located on a nice lot in this city, and I presented the Sabbath question to an attentive audience last First-day. Elder L. H. Painter spoke on the First-day claims in the evening. Two are keeping the Sabbath, and I hope others will decide to do so soon. I was at Portsmouth and Norfolk June 30, and baptized four willing souls. I look for better times in the future for those two churches. I conducted the quarterly meeting, and it was the best meeting I have attended for many years. Praise the Lord for this! Last night after I had preached to a large company of people, I left the meeting in charge of Elder Painter while I went, at ten o’clock, to baptize three persons. I am happy in the Lord.
C. B. RULE. W. S. CRUZAN
By W. S. Cruzan
Bay Minette, Brewton, and Boaz.—Tent-meetings were begun in Bay Minette, May 5. At the first two services about seventy-five were in attendance, then rain and cold weather set in for several days, after which I was taken sick and was unable to do anything for about ten days. May 22 the town was billed the second time, but it seemed impossible to get the people interested in religious things, so June 1 the tent was taken down and shipped to Brewton. While the effort at Bay Minette did not effect all that we desired to see, yet two things were accomplished,—the people were given an opportunity to hear the last message of mercy, and one earnest, energetic soul decided to keep all of God's commandments. Brother R. I. Keate was associated with me in the tent work, spending the greater part of each day in the canvassing work, in Bay Minette and its vicinity. Brother Keate sold upward of one hundred dollars' worth of books in Bay Minette, Atmore, and their vicinity. Meetings were begun at Brewton, June 15. At this place Elder Haysmer joined in the work. Failing to secure a hearing from the people, we remained there only a short time. Brother Keate sold in Brewton, Pollard, and their vicinity over two hundred dollars' worth of books, and thus, although the people refused to hear the minister, the silent messengers of truth, in the form of books, have been left in many homes. As the camp-meeting was soon to be held in the northern part of the State, it was decided to ship the tent to Boaz. Meetings were begun there July 2, and the hearing has been fair, the tent being well filled many evenings. At this writing we are ready to present the Sabbath truth, but our meetings have been broken into by four days' rain. Just what the interest will be when we start again, we can not tell. We ask the brethren to remember us in their prayers. In concluding this report, I wish to say a word to our brethren and sisters in Alabama about our camp-meeting at Attalla, August 16-26. We ought to make this the largest attended annual camp-meeting ever held in Alabama. We have a difficult field, and we ought to meet and pray and counsel together, and lay plans to discover, if possible, the best method of carrying the last warning message to the people of Alabama. Brethren, the conference committee needs your counsel and experience at the coming camp-meeting. Nothing of a trivial character should be permitted to hinder your attendance at this important gathering of God's people. It is a great incentive to laborers to go out from a camp-meeting that has been well attended by all in the conference, where God's blessing has been sought and obtained. They feel that their brethren's prayers and sympathies are with them. They can not feel thus when they go out from a poorly attended camp-meeting. Make every effort to attend, and come bringing the blessing of heaven with you. Work Among the Jews
By F. C. Gilbert
It is evident to every Bible student, and especially to lovers of present truth, that God has some very precious promises in his Word for ancient Israel. There is no doubt, either, but that the Lord will certainly fulfil them; for they are still beloved for the fathers' sakes. God has not cast them away, even though they have left him. He says in his Word, “When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; . . . he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.” Deut. 4: 30, 31. The Lord has not forgotten them; for the spirit of prophecy has said: “There are among the Jews many who will come to the light, and who will proclaim the immutability of the law of God with wonderful power. The Lord God will work. He will do wonderful things in righteousness.” “Souls will be saved from the Jewish nation.” “Many of the Jewish people will by faith receive Christ as their Redeemer.” From the experiences which we are having among them it is evident that these words will be fulfilled. One Jew who had been coming to the meeting for some time and had opposed us much, finally told one of our workers, “I shall not dare talk against your religion any more.” One evening two Jews came into the mission, and it was evident they had been having a rather warm discussion about our work and our people. Finally one said, “You are not Protestant, are you?” The other asked, “Are you not Protestant?” By investigation I found that the one thought we could not be Protestant because we neither observed the first day of the week nor ate swine-flesh. The other thought we must be Protestant because we protested against Rome and apostate Judaism. I then explained to them that they were both right. As our workers go among the Jews and give them tracts and Testaments, there are times when it seems they must certainly be mobbed. The worker will then turn and ask, “Do you keep the Sabbath?” The Jews reply, “Certainly, we believe it.” The worker then asks, “Do you think it right to eat swine-flesh?” “Of course not,” comes the reply. They are then told that we, too, observe the seventh day and do not eat swine-flesh. Instead of a mob they have an audience, and the Jews then wish to know all about us. They are puzzled, for they can not seem to understand it. As the workers go into the homes of the people, they are asked what their motive can be in coming to them. When told that it is only to help them, the Jewish women often take the worker by the hand, and with tears streaming down their faces as they kiss the hand, they say, “Thank you; God bless you.” It seems so impossible to them to think there are Christians who really love the Jews, and are willing to help them. One young man who attended several of the meetings, would stop for a little talk afterward. One evening I asked him what he thought of the truth he had heard. He asked, “What kind of religion is this?” I said, “It is the Christian religion, the religion of our own blessed Messiah.” “Oh,” he said, “it has a good taste, and I like it.” Yes, bless God, the truth does have a good taste when the poor Jew sees that it is the word of God. In visiting the Jewish women in their homes, a Testament was left with one. A few days later the workers called, and the following testimony was given: “This is a very good book. It make me pious. It make me good. It is so good. My husband come home; he read it; he like it. He sit up nearly all night to read it. It make him good. I feel so pious I must help my friend. I go to see a neighbor who need help, and I help her.” Yes, indeed, the New Testament is a blessed good book, and when the Jews see there are a people who believe it, and who can interpret it by their lives, it will lead them to want to do something for their friends and neighbors. A short time ago a young rabbi came into the mission, and told how he had read the New Testament, and some Jewish literature, with the result that he was convinced that Jesus is the Messiah. He was given a Bible reading, and when he received more light, he wanted to stay in the mission and be all the time with the workers, for he felt that he could get more help. He has not taken a public stand yet, but we feel sure that he will soon do so, for he is talking the truth to others. A young man who had read the New Testament came into the mission when there were quite a few Jews present. He said to them: “I read this New Testament, and I find in it that Jesus is our best Friend. He is not our enemy as we have been taught, but he is the best friend the Jews have.” Certainly the eyes of the blind are being opened, the ears of the deaf are being restored, and the dead bones are beginning to show signs of life. Bless God, the truth is beginning to go to the Jews. There are many more interesting things going on, not only in the Boston20 field, but in other parts of the country. We shall probably tell more of these later. It is evident that God is visiting these people, and, beloved, shall we not do what we can in this their time of visitation? We are greatly in need of a resident physician, a lady and gentleman nurse, and a stenographer; and we need means to carry on this work. When we think of what the early church did for the Gentiles,—how they suffered, bled, and died in order to bring to the world the light of the gospel,—we ought to feel it a privilege to do what we can to give to these poor people, who have been without a priest, a king, or prophet these many, many centuries, a few crumbs of the bread of life. May God stir the hearts of this people to remember these poor Jews, who once had the kingdom of God, and many of whom to-day are ready to receive it, if they can only see it in its purity. If any one desires to assist in this work, he can send remittances to H. B. Tucker, Secretary Central New England Conference, South Lancaster, Mass., or to the Treasurer of the Mission Board, Takoma Park, D. C., stating that it is for the Jewish work. If there are those who would like to know anything further about this work, we shall be glad to give them any information we can. Pray for the work and the workers. 107 Staniford St., Boston, Mass. C. P. HASKELL
By C. P. HASKELL
JEFFERSON.—I am sure it will interest the readers of the REVIEW to know that the lovers of present truth in this little nook of the Lord’s vineyard are of good courage. July 6 it was my privilege to hold quarterly meeting services with the believers in Ashtabula County. It was an occasion to be remembered as one of profit and pleasure. There were thirty-six present, representing seven different townships. The presence of the tender Spirit of the Lord was with us as we celebrated the memorials that our Saviour left us. We were glad to have Sister Tracy with us, who was so long in the Master’s service in South Africa. This church, which was formerly the Geneva church, is widely scattered, but their interests are all one, and they are all looking forward with happy expectancy to the time when distances will not be considered. There seemed to be a spirit of true devotion to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, which was encouraging to us all. Our next general meeting of the church will be at Austinburg, July 28. FIVE have begun the observance of the Sabbath as a result of the tent effort at Cape May Court House, N. J. ON profession of faith and baptism six were added to the church at Clintonville, Wis., on July 7. THREE young people at Cliff Island, Maine, have taken their stand for the truth, and two others have been reclaimed. THE tent effort at Newberry, Pa., is beginning to bear fruit, ten having already signified their intention of obeying the commandments of God. ON July 7 and 14 fourteen persons were added to the church at LaFarge, Wis. Most of these had but recently taken their stand for the truth. BROTHER W. F. SCHWARTZ reports the addition of four persons to the church at Johnstown, Pa., by baptism, and six additions to the Clearfield church. THE work carried on by Brethren P. G. Stanley and M. B. Butterfield at Urbana, Ill., has resulted in the addition of ten new Sabbath-keepers to the company there. A SERIES of tent-meetings just closed in Cushing, Tex., as a result of which ten persons took their stand for the truth, while others are expected soon to join the company. THE brethren at Cordell, O. T., purchased a tent for the holding of meetings at that place. Brother Isaac Baker is conducting a series of meetings at that place at the present time with every indication of encouraging results. ELDER A. P. HEACOCK reports the baptism of ten persons at St. Joseph, Mo., with several others, both German and English, keeping the Sabbath. AT Kanawha, I. T., Brother T. J. Hickman is conducting an encouraging tent effort, and has already organized a Sabbath-school of fourteen members. He says: “The enemy is roaring a little, and threatens to send for a fighter, but he is not keeping the good people away.” OUR churches in Boston and Everett united in a day of fasting and prayer just prior to the presentation of the Sabbath truth at the Boston tent by Elder Lee S. Wheeler. As a result, at the close of the discourse on the Sabbath question, a considerable number arose and signified their intention of keeping the Sabbath. FOLLOWING a debate at Richland Springs, Tex., earnest house-to-house work was taken up, and thousands of pages of our literature were circulated among the people. Brother W. M. Cubley reports the organization of a Sabbath-school of fifteen members at that place. By further labor it is hoped a company will be brought out sufficiently large to form a good church organization. BROTHER H. E. SHELSTAD, who is doing regular colporteur work in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, reports as one week’s work in that vicinity the sale of over six hundred of the earthquake special Signs, the sale of books amounting to nineteen dollars, and the holding of ten Bible readings. He says: “I praise God that he gives me a part in this closing work. It makes one happy to see how eager the people are to send the paper to their friends.” IN all the conferences meetings in tents or halls are now in progress, and in very many of these the workers are just in the midst of presenting the most testing truths to their audiences. In the State and union conference papers many appeals are being made by the workers that the brethren and sisters remember the work in their prayers, that the importance of these truths may be pressed home by the Holy Spirit, and that the hearers may be led to accept, rather than turn away from, this saving truth. In many places efforts are about to close, and souls are deciding for eternity. Pray for victory. AT the western Pennsylvania camp-meeting and conference held at Du Bois, we find among the resolutions the following: “That we recognize in the magazine Liberty a timely publication, and recommend that it be given a wide circulation.” They also resolved to take definite means to place the REVIEW in the hands of every Seventh-day Adventist in that conference. They propose to join with the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in supplying Liberty to State officials, members of the State legislature, and to prominent judges and lawyers in the State. They recommend that the local churches supply it to city, county, and town officers, lawyers, judges, justices, and ministers, and that some in each church take up the work of securing subscriptions for it.