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Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 2.

The Call of the New Year
Earlier text: The Atlanta (Ga.) Sanitarium

“The Tract League”

By A. J. S. B.

Literature in Reformation Days (Symposium)

A LITTLE tract has often been the means of saving a soul. A brief publication of this kind is frequently read when a book or a magazine would be pushed aside. Even before the days of the Reformation, the patient Waldenses (A. D. 1100) prepared hand-written leaflets containing extracts from the Scriptures and their “Noble Lesson,” for distribution from house to house.
On his way to his martyrdom at the Council of Constance (A. D. 1415) John Huss, the noble Bohemian Reformer, distributed hand-written leaflets containing the Lord’s prayer and the ten commandments.
“Printing,” said the indomitable Martin Luther, “is the latest and greatest gift by which God enables us to advance the things of the gospel.” In addition to many books, he issued over three hundred tracts and pamphlets. “The skilful printers of Germany and Switzerland,” says De Felice, in his “Protestants of France,” “poured forth an incessant stream of French, Dutch, and English Bibles, besides an infinite number of tracts and treatises by eminent Reformers. The demand for these books could never be sufficiently supplied. At Nuremberg, Mentz, and Strasburg, there was an eager struggle for Luther’s smallest pamphlets. Of his catechism one hundred thousand were sold. The sheets of his tracts, often wet from the press, were hidden under the purchasers’ cloaks, and passed from shop to shop. The most hated and the most feared of all the agents of reform, in this remarkable period, by priest and pope, was the humble colporteur or Bible-seller.”
Some time ago the writer asked ten hundred eighty Seventh-day Adventists, located in forty-four different churches, to tell briefly how they were led to accept present truth. Of the total number two hundred thirty stated that they had been led to change their belief through reading our publications. Of this number forty-seven were converted through reading our tracts, eighteen of which were mentioned by name: “Elihu on the Sabbath” (six conversions); “Scripture References” (two); “Which Day Do You Keep, and Why?” (two); “Heralds of His Coming” (one); “How the Sabbath Came to Me” (one); “Is Man Immortal” (one); “Who” “Changed the Sabbath?” (one); “Christ’s Second Coming” (one); “Sunday Not the Sabbath” (one); etc., nine of them being Sabbath tracts.

Interesting Experiences

CASE 1.—Last month a lady was baptized in San Francisco who had been a Roman Catholic up to seven weeks before her baptism. Last September, in an interior town, she picked up a portion of a tract on “The State of the Dead.” The truth it contained impressed her so strongly that she spent several hours among the bookstores and news-stands trying to find the name of the publishers, but failed. Immediately upon her return to San Francisco, she renewed the search, but not until she had spent three days did she find that the tract was a Seventh-day Adventist publication. She was directed to our dispensary, where she found the sought-for literature on a table in the waiting-room. She was convinced, after an investigation of about six weeks, and is now rejoicing in the truth.
CASE 2.—Brother Guy Dail, of Germany, reports that one of our Armenian brethren was recently arrested for circulating in Constantinople a Turkish tract, entitled “Who Is Jesus?” written especially for the Moslems. When taken to the police headquarters, the high officials took his tracts and investigated their contents. One asked: “How dare you sell such things to the Moslems?” He replied that the literature was good, and well adapted to the educated and cultured. A high officer took the tract and retired. He was gone about half an hour, and then returned and told our brother: “I have read this through. Would that more such good literature were circulated in place of so much cheap trash. It contains many quotations from the Gospels. Go and sell all the tracts you can.” So the brother was allowed to go free. He sells from twenty-five to forty tracts a day.
CASE 3.—The following remarkable instance is reported by one of our workers: During the secession war of America, a chaplain was passing through a hospital, and he left in an empty bed a tract which was a copy of the hymn, “Will You Go?” The soldier came to his bed, picked it up, read the title, and dropped it. A second time he picked it up, and read,— “We are traveling home to heaven above— Will you go?” and then threw it down again. Soon afterward he picked it up again, and read it through. Then, after deliberating over the matter in his quiet hours, he finally wrote on it, “By the grace of God I will go,” and signed his name. Some months later he was killed in battle in Virginia.
CASE 4.—Passing through Switzerland, a tract distributor presented a tract to a man in a town notorious for gambling. On his return, some days later, he met the man, who exclaimed, “I thank you for saving my soul and body.” He then explained that on that day when he received the tract, he had lost heavily in gambling, and was contemplating suicide, but the tract arrested his attention, and led him to Christ.
CASE 5.—A foreman in one of our large publishing-houses informed me that he became an Adventist through reading a Danish tract, entitled “Both Sides of the Sabbath Question.” This tract was handed him by a young man on a street corner in Christiania, Norway, one Sunday morning while he was on his way to church. He read it, investigated, and found the truth.
CASE 6.—One of our brethren states that one tract, entitled “The State of the Dead,” led him to attend one of our Sabbath-schools, which in turn led to Bible readings, the reading of our large books, attending Bible lectures by our ministers, and finally to his conversion.
CASE 7.—A tract distributor, passing through a sparsely settled country district in Canada, gave away many tracts. One of them, entitled “Repent or Perish,” was found floating in the Frazer River. A man saw it, took it out, dried it, read it, and by it was converted.
CASE 8.—In 1785 a tract was given to a family in Virginia. The family numbered fourteen, and that tract was the instrumentality used in the conversion of the whole family.
CASE 9.—“A few days ago,” writes one of our workers, “we received a letter from a person in Kentucky who had picked up a tract on the railroad right of way, evidently carelessly thrown out of a car window. This person picked up the tract, read it, became impressed with its importance, and wrote to our office for a number of books.”
CASE 10.—A lady not of our faith, becoming somewhat disturbed on the Sabbath question, went to a prominent member of her church for help. The gentleman said that he did not then have the time to sit down and talk it over with her, but would send her something to read on the subject. Soon after, as he was passing through a railroad station, he saw a reading-rack that our people had placed there. In it he saw a tract entitled “Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping.” Thinking this was just what he had been wanting, he eagerly took it from the rack, and without waiting to read it himself, mailed it to the lady. The reading of this tract resulted in her becoming an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This is but one of scores of similar cases in which one little tract has brought a soul into the truth.
CASE 11.—We would recommend that the one reading this item make a diagram of the following true story related by the general agent of one of our union conferences: “About twenty-five years ago a sister living in New York sent the tract ‘Who Changed the Sabbath?’ and copies of the Signs and REVIEW to the wife of a Methodist minister. This minister’s wife, not being able to answer the truths set forth, appealed to her husband for those Sunday texts of his, and to their great astonishment he found none. More tracts followed. Within six months the truth regarding the state of the dead was seen and accepted. Next came the Sabbath. The final decision was made by both the minister and his wife the same day, the same hour, although neither knew the step the other was taking. He had been away preaching, and when he came in to tell his wife the good news, he found her also rejoicing in the Sabbath blessing. Three years later a tent-meeting was called for, and soon a church of twenty members was organized. So many of the leading members of this minister’s flock became Seventh-day Adventists that the church building and grounds fell into the hands of our people.” In making the diagram, write the word tracts at the left; to the right indicate the following results of their circulation: (1) Minister and wife; (2) church of twenty members; (3) church-school (five additions to church); (4) twenty additions; (5) one minister; one general agent (has trained three State agents); (6) one nurse; (7) fifteen canvassers, who have sold four thousand books, valued at ten thousand dollars, thus giving the message to twenty thousand persons, besides leading five to accept the message.
CASE 12.—The late Elder J. M. Rees once related the following interesting circumstance: “At the first camp-meeting held in North Carolina, we had a missionary meeting; and while we were holding that meeting, a man and his wife stepped into the back part of the tent, and I noticed that they were interested in what we had to say. Our meeting had not been in session long until a sister got up, and produced a little bunch of tracts, yellow with age, sewed together, and she said, ‘Somebody sent me these tracts, and I accepted the truth from them, I do not know where they came from.’ Her husband said he accepted the truth, too, from reading those tracts. Then another arose, and said the same thing, and another, until eight persons in that congregation had testified that they had received the truth from reading those tracts. They all lived in the same neighborhood. The meeting closed; and the strange woman who had stayed in the rear of the tent, stepped forward to the woman who had spoken first, and facing her, said, ‘Do you know me? I am your sister, who left North Carolina twenty years ago. We sent you those tracts.’ You never saw such a greeting as they had then, and we all wept in sympathy with them. Then, when the greeting was over, the man said, ‘Yes, we are the ones who sent you the bunch of tracts. We lived in Kansas, and when we sent those tracts, we were so poor that we did not have any money, and we wondered how we were to get the postage to send them. We prayed that the Lord would help us to get the postage to send them, and he gave it to us, and we sent them.’”

Join the “Tract League” To-day

The foregoing are but a few of many like incidents which have resulted from the distribution of these little “silent messengers.” What has been done in the past can be done again. What part will you have in this winter’s campaign with tracts?
Many are now joining the “tract league.” The brethren are consecrating a pocket, and the sisters a portion of their hand-bags, to a good selection of tracts. Others are buying fifty-cent, one-dollar, and five-dollar packages to be used in envelope distribution by packages, as recommended in the REVIEW of October 13 and November 10. Still others are filling neat reading-racks with them, thus reaching thousands passing through railway depots, hotels, post-offices, and other public buildings.
In addition to the little booklet recently issued by the Review and Herald, the Pacific Press has just published a thirty-two-page envelope-size booklet entitled “Fireside Companions.” This contains the following:—
  1. Complete lists of all tracts, including the new illustrated Spanish, and recent Japanese, Chinese, and Korean tracts.
  2. Topically arranged lists of tracts.
  3. A tract sample case for church librarians and missionary workers.
  4. Full description of the one-dollar and five-dollar packages (with photographs); and, last, but not least,—
  5. Definite instructions regarding the systematic use of tracts,—a reprint of the reading which appeared in the REVIEW dated December 8.
Either or both of these booklets may be had free of charge upon application to your conference tract society. Secure them at once, and join the other members of the “tract league” in sowing the country with these little messengers “as the leaves of autumn.” A. J. S. B.

To the Elder or Missionary Leader

By A. J. S. B.

(Not to be read publicly)

Note 1

“WHAT IS MY DUTY?—A STUDY OF THE TALENTS.”—In this program special effort has been made to draw out the individuality of the church-members, who should be encouraged to do original work, such as the preparation of papers, portions of the program, research, etc. The writing out of outlines, selections from reference books, statistics, etc., will help their minds to retain much useful information.
Let members be selected to answer the following questions on “The Talents,” numbering their replies to correspond with the questions. Papers may be prepared, or the replies may be given verbally in their order as called for by the leader. The basis for this study will be found in that remarkable chapter in “Christ’s Object Lessons” (pages 325-365), which has elicited the admiration of many pastors and scholars not of our belief who have purchased this work. These questions are merely suggestive:—
Questions
1. Relate the parable of the talents. Matt. 25:13-30; “Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 325.
2. What nine talents are included among the gifts of the Holy Spirit? 1 Cor. 12:8-11; John 20:22; Eph. 4:8, 7; Id., page 327.
3. Name eight other talents given to man. Id., pages 328-352.
4. Upon what basis does God apportion our talents? Matt. 25:15; Id., pages 326-328.
5. For what purpose are talents given? Id., 329, 330.
6. By what means are talents retained and increased? Id., pages 330, 331.
7. Outline the characteristics of a Christian business man. Id., page 350.
8. Give the proper uses of money. Id., pages 351, 352.
9. Explain the law of growth in temporal as well as spiritual attainments. Id., pages 353-355.
10. Why did the man with one talent fail and lose all? Id., pages 355-365.
Numerous other questions will suggest themselves from the study of this remarkable chapter. In small churches one member may answer several questions. There is perhaps no other subject so easy to illustrate from science, biography, and the common walks of life, as that of the growth or loss of talents through use or disuse. Explain the difference between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, both fed by the same limpid stream. Point them out on the map, or draw them on the blackboard. Show the operation of this same law in music, teaching, etc.

Note 2

“OUR IMMEDIATE FIELD.”—Every church should intelligently study and work its territory. The missionary work to be done will depend largely upon the location and immediate surroundings. In small churches located in large cities or populous districts, opportunities for personal and house-to-house work are practically unlimited. On the other hand, large companies located in rural or sparsely settled districts may be obliged to resort almost wholly to missionary correspondence and the mailing of tracts or periodicals. In carrying forward the great gospel enterprise of the third angel’s message, we should be at least as methodical and careful in our study of conditions, obstacles, resources, and best methods of work, as are the great business firms that carry on a successful business. From the many methods of work suggested on the individual missionary report blank, a few can be easily selected well adapted to the local conditions in each community.
Proper organization is a prime factor in the success of church missionary work. Outlines of how to organize a church tract society will be found in this department of the REVIEW dated Oct. 6 and 13, 1910. A full outline also appears in Home Missionary Leaflet, No. 3, which may be obtained upon application to your conference tract society office. A statement of the duties of the church missionary secretary (librarian) appears in this department of the REVIEW dated October 13.

Note 3

“HOW WE ARE WORKING THIS FIELD.”—The small results of the past should never discourage us. With God on our side, we are always in the majority. The sheep of Christ’s fold can always, by divine grace, chase the wolves of the world. “One . . . of you shall chase a thousand.” Joshua 23:10. God’s promise is that “two” Christians shall “put ten thousand to flight.” Deut. 32:30. “William Carey, the great pioneer missionary, translated the Bible into twenty-seven dialects of India. When asked about his marvelous work, he said of himself simply: ‘I can plod; I can persevere.’” By patient effort covering several years, one of our invalid sisters succeeded in visiting once with our publications every house in a great city of four hundred thousand inhabitants. An invalid, mark you! “God, who prepares his work through ages, accomplishes it by the weakest instruments. . . . To effect great results by the smallest means, such is the law of God. . . . Everything was thus intended to manifest in the world that the work is not of man, but of God.”—D’Aubigné’s “History of the Reformation,” book 2, chapter 1. Jesus committed the proclamation of the gospel to a very small number of workers, and to his faithful followers he says, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Select other interesting examples from the Bible, Reformation times, and modern history.

Note 4

“THE TRACT LEAGUE: SOME INTERESTING EXPERIENCES.”—Choose suitable readers from among the members, the young people, and the children. To each assign one of the interesting experiences. Other similar incidents known to the members may also be written down and read with these. Give plenty of time for preparation and drill on the selections.

Note 5

“PLANS FOR WORK.”—The following books will be found helpful in the study of successful methods of missionary work, past and present: (1) The Bible; (2) Walker’s Comprehensive Concordance; (3) “Great Controversy,” by Mrs. E. G. White; (4) “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX (also volumes 1-8); (5) “Christ’s Object Lessons,” by Mrs. E. G. White; (6) “Ministry of Healing,” by Mrs. E. G. White; (7) “History of the Reformation,” by D’Aubigné (five volumes); (8) “The History of Protestantism,” by J. A. Wylie (three volumes); (9) “The Great Second Advent Movement,” by J. N. Loughborough; (10) “The Missionary Idea,” by Mrs. A. E. Ellis. Much information can also be found in the plans, programs, etc., published in the REVIEW, the Instructor, and our other papers. These books may be obtained by addressing your tract society office. Other lists will be given later. A. J. S. B.

Western New York Conference

By H. W. CARR

THE fifth annual session of the Western New York Conference will be held in the new church building at Burt, N. Y. The first meeting will be at 7:30 P. M., Feb. 1, 1911. It is hoped there will be a good delegation in attendance, as important matters of the conference will need careful and general consideration. At this time the officers for the conference as well as the officers for the legal corporation for the ensuing year are to be elected; such other business will be transacted as may properly come before the conference.
To reach Burt, come directly to Buffalo or Lockport, and there take the train or the trolley line from Buffalo, or the trolley line from Lockport, either of which will bring you to Burt, the place of meeting.
H. W. CARR, President.

Iowa Conference

By M. N. Campbell

NOTICE is hereby given that the forty-seventh annual session of the Iowa Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will convene in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Nevada, Iowa, Feb. 14-20, 1911, for the election of officers for the ensuing year, and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the delegates. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 P. M. Each church is entitled to one delegate for its organization and one additional delegate for every fifteen members. Delegates will be furnished free rooms. Board will be furnished at the sanitarium at twenty cents a meal. Matters of the greatest importance are coming up for consideration at this session, and it is hoped there will be a representation from every church.
M. N. CAMPBELL, President.

Iowa Industrial Academy

By M. N. Campbell

NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of the constituency of the corporation known as the Iowa Industrial Academy will be held in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Nevada, Iowa, Feb. 15-20, 1911. The first meeting is called for February 15, at 3 P. M. M. N. CAMPBELL, President.

Iowa Seventh-day Adventist Association

By M. N. Campbell

NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Iowa Seventh-day Adventist Association will be held in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Nevada, Iowa, Feb. 15-20, 1911, for the election of officers, and the transaction of such other business as may require the attention of the constituency. The first meeting is called for February 15, at 11 A. M.
M. N. CAMPBELL, President.

Iowa Sanitarium and Benevolent Association

By M. N. Campbell

NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Iowa Sanitarium and Benevolent Association will be held in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Nevada, Iowa, Feb. 15-20, 1911, for the election of officers, and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the association. The first meeting of the constituency is called for 2 P. M., Feb. 15, 1911.
M. N. CAMPBELL, President.

British Columbia Association of Seventh-day Adventists

By F. H. Conway; J. J. Dougan

THE annual session of the British Columbia Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the conference at the Vancouver church, 1766 Barnard St., Vancouver, B. C., for the purpose of electing officers and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the association. The first meeting will be held Friday, Jan. 27, 1911, at 1:30 P. M.
F. H. CONWAY, President;
J. J. DOUGAN, Secretary.

New Jersey Conference Association

By B. F. Kneeland

THE fourth annual session of the New Jersey Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, an incorporated body, will be held in connection with the annual session of the conference, Jan. 17-22, 1911, at Irvington Center, Newark, N. J. The first meeting of the association will be called at 9:15 A. M., Thursday, Jan. 19, 1911. All delegates to the conference are members of the association. B. F. KNEELAND, President.

New Jersey Conference

By B. F. Kneeland

THE ninth annual session of the New Jersey Conference will be held Jan. 17-22, 1911, in the Masonic Hall, Irvington Center, Newark, N. J. This meeting will deeply concern the interests of every Seventh-day Adventist in the State, and we trust that each church will see that a full delegation is sent to represent it at this gathering. The constitution provides that each church is entitled to one delegate without regard to numbers, and an additional representative for every ten members.
It has been planned to conduct convention work in connection with the conference business meetings, so as to make the session as helpful as possible to the members of our churches who may be able to attend. The first meeting of the conference will be held Tuesday, January 17, at 7:45 P. M. On Wednesday afternoon there will be a Sabbath-school convention; Thursday afternoon will be devoted to the Missionary Volunteer and educational work; Friday the special topic will be missionary work; and on Sunday afternoon there will be held a convention for church officers. We feel very anxious that these meetings shall be beneficial to our churches, and hope to see representatives from every church.
All who expect to attend should write at once to Elder W. H. Smith, 24 Myrtle Ave., Irvington, N. J., so that arrangements may be made for accommodations. Meals will be served in the same building in which the conference is held. The charge for board and room for the entire session will be $3 each.
Delegates' credentials should be sent at once by the clerk of the church to the conference secretary, C. Lawry, 1635 S. Broad St., Trenton, N. J.
Those coming by train should take either the Springfield Avenue or Broad Street car at the station in Newark, and go to Irvington Center, where the car stops in front of the hall. Those coming by trolley can transfer to Springfield and Broad cars at the corner of Broad and Market streets, Newark, without extra charge.
Excellent help has been promised by the General and union conferences for this meeting. We believe also that the Spirit of God will be present to bless us abundantly. Let us make the most of this opportunity, and pray that this conference may be very helpful to the work of God in this State.
B. F. KNEELAND, President.

Publications Wanted

THE following-named persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, sent post-paid:—
James McAllister, 2416 Federal St., Philadelphia, Pa., general denominational periodicals in English.
Laura E. Winnett, Dedham, Iowa, Signs of the Times, Youth’s Instructor, Watchman, Life Boat, tracts.
G. D. Swingle, 709 Harrison Ave., Scranton, Pa., Life and Health, Youth’s Instructor, Life Boat, Signs of the Times, etc.
Charles Downey, Box 35, Rock Hall, Md., REVIEW, Signs of the Times, Little Friend, Liberty, Life and Health, Youth’s Instructor, Life Boat, etc.

Obituaries

MILLER.—Died at her home at Mt. Carey, St. James, Jamaica, Oct. 27, 1910, Sister Susan Miller. Sister Miller was born Nov. 19, 1848. She accepted present truth in September, 1903, and was a member of the Mt. Carey church at the time of her death. Her husband and one daughter are left to mourn. The funeral services were conducted by the writer, who spoke from 1 Cor. 15:26. W. H. RANDLE.
WAGNER.—John Martin Wagner was born at Wolensdorf, Pa., Feb. 18, 1872, and died Nov. 23, 1910, aged 38 years, 10 months, and 9 days. He leaves a wife and little son, with many relatives and friends, to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. We laid him away to rest for a little while, with the hope of seeing him raised to immortal life. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Rev. 14:13. FRANCIS M. FAIRCHILD.
VAN NUTER.—Died at the home of her daughter, near Springfield, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1910, Mrs. Rachel Van Nuter, aged 83 years, 5 months, and 23 days. In the year 1870 she, with her husband, accepted the third angel’s message, and she has lived a consecrated Christian life ever since. During her last sickness she said to the writer that the precious Saviour was her only hope. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer to a goodly number of her friends and neighbors. C. C. WEBSTER.
SNYDER.—Sophia Hill was born in Summerset County, Pennsylvania, Feb. 5, 1825; was married to A. H. Snyder, Sept. 7, 1851; and died Nov. 27, 1910, at Coquille, Ore., aged 85 years, 9 months, and 20 days. Sister Snyder accepted the message years ago, and we believe she will hear the call to immortal life on the resurrection morning. The funeral services, held in the Dunkard church at Myrtle Point, were conducted by the writer, assisted by the pastor of the church. F. G. BUNCH.
MOREY.—Fell asleep on the morning of Dec. 6, 1910, my dear wife and life companion. The funeral services were conducted in Pensacola, Fla., Elder Pendleton, of the First Baptist church, speaking words of comfort and hope on the theme of the resurrection of those who sleep in Jesus. Two sons and a daughter are left with me to mourn the loss of a loving mother and a devoted wife. Though we sorrow, we look forward with hope to the glad morning of the resurrection. THOMAS E. MOREY.
CHEESMAN.—Died at Delevan, N. Y., Dec. 24, 1910, Sister Charlotte Cheesman. Had she lived until Jan. 7, 1911, Sister Cheesman would have been seventy-five years old. With her husband, she spent nearly all her life in the vicinity of the place where she died. Brother and Sister Cheesman accepted the truths of the third angel’s message about thirty years ago. Brother Cheesman died fifteen years ago. They both remained faithful and in the love of the truth until death. Four of their children are sleeping with them, but two sons survive their parents, and believe the same faith. A goodly number of neighbors and relatives attended the funeral, which was held in her home. Text, 2 Sam. 14:14. H. W. CARR.
OCKER.—Sarah A. Ocker was born in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, Jan. 31, 1838. She was married to J. H. Ocker, Dec. 24, 1861. In her youth she became a member of the Lutheran Church; but later in life, with her husband, she joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in which faith she remained till her death, Dec. 20, 1910. Six children were born to Brother and Sister Ocker, four of whom, with the husband, survive to mourn. The funeral services were held at Mount Tabor, near Atlanta, Mo., and were attended by a large company of sympathizing friends and neighbors. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from the words, “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25. A. F. FRENCH.
GASS.—Carry C. Gass was born in Blackwell County, Texas, Feb. 27, 1857, and died at his home near Waurika, Okla., Dec. 9, 1910. At the age of twenty-one he was married to Melissa Baxter, who survives him. Eleven children were born to them, of whom nine are yet living. In 1894 they removed to Keene, Tex., where they lived for ten years, and then to Oklahoma, where they were living at the time of his death. He died in the faith of the third angel’s message, which he accepted twenty-five years ago. He was a respected neighbor, a loving father, and a faithful companion. Words of comfort based on 2 Cor. 1:4 were spoken at the funeral service. H. L. WILCOX.
COOK.—Charles Frederick Cook was born in Augusta, Maine, Sept. 2, 1856, and died at his home in Palmyra, Maine, Dec. 17, 1910, aged fifty-four years. Brother Cook gave his heart to the Lord a number of years ago. About two and one-half years ago he heard and accepted the doctrines held by Seventh-day Adventists, was baptized, and joined the Hartland church, and has since lived a sincere, earnest Christian life. His faith in a risen and soon-coming Saviour was strong and unwavering. His life testified to his faith, and we believe he will have a part in the first resurrection. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer to a large company of friends and neighbors. Text, 2 Sam. 14:14. O. MONTGOMERY.
BROWN.—Archie E. Brown was born at Winterset, Iowa, Feb. 14, 1883, and died Nov. 28, 1910, aged 27 years, 9 months, and 14 days. With his parents, he moved to College View, Neb., when he was ten years old. A year later he was converted, baptized, and united with the church. For years he was intensely interested in his service to the Master. About six years ago he married; two children were born to this union. One year ago he moved to Bayard, Neb., settling upon a homestead. Recently he indicated a desire to live nearer the Saviour, and to exercise greater faith in God. After a short illness he fell asleep to await the trumpet call. The funeral was held at the Methodist church, assisted by Elder G. A. Kirke. G. W. BERRY.
VAN DORFY.—Died Nov. 23, 1910, at the home of his parents, three and one-half miles south of Medford, Ore., of diphtheria, Ethan A. Van Dorfy, eldest son of Brother and Sister J. S. Van Dorfy. Our little brother was born in the Willamette Valley. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to eastern Oregon, where he spent most of his life. He attended the church-school at College Place, Wash., for more than two years before coming to Medford. He was 14 years, 8 months, and 28 days old at the time of his death. There was no funeral service held, owing to the nature of the disease. A few appropriate words were spoken at the grave, those present joining in the song, “Rock of Ages.” The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Phoenix, Ore., to await the call of the Lifegiver. JOHNNIE B. MEECHAN, JR.
POTTER.—Died in Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 3, 1910, Elder William Potter, aged 76 years, 3 months, and 11 days. Brother Potter was born in Pontiac, Mich., June 22, 1834. In 1854 he was married to Miss Eliza Cornell, a cousin of Elder M. E. Cornell, from whom they had both heard and accepted the truth. Eight children were born to them, four of whom are still living. Sister Potter died in 1882, and after some years he was married to Mrs. Elvira Anderson. He was elder of the church at Lapeer, Mich., for thirteen years. He began his public labors in Northern Michigan, afterward going to Oregon and Washington. In 1885 he was ordained to the gospel ministry, and continued to labor for thirteen years. On account of failing health, he removed to Tennessee and then to Florida; but his health gradually failed till a brief time before his death he was rendered nearly helpless by paralysis. Elder Potter rests in the Lord, and his life is hid with Christ in God, so his family and friends mourn not as those who have no hope. The writer spoke words of comfort at the funeral, from Heb. 11:13. E. W. FARNSWORTH.

Business Notices

This department is conducted especially for the accommodation of the Seventh-day Adventist readers of this paper.
No advertisements of “agents wanted,” or “partners wanted,” and no “promotion” nor “colonization” enterprises, will be printed in this column. Brief business notices will be published, subject to the discretion of the publishers, and on compliance with the following—

Conditions

Any person unknown to the managers of this paper must send with his advertisement satisfactory written recommendation. The fact that one is a subscriber does not necessarily make him “known” to the managers, nor constitute sufficient recommendation. Such recommendation should come from one of our ministers, or from the elder of a Seventh-day Adventist church. It is not enough to refer to some individual by name. Secure his recommendation in writing, and send it.
We open no accounts for advertising, and cash must accompany each order.
A charge of one dollar will be made for each insertion of forty words or less. Each additional word, initial, or group of figures in excess of forty, will cost three cents.
No discount for several insertions.
FOR SALE.—Five acres good orchard land, near Seventh-day Adventist academy; $250 interest in large pumping plant; cement irrigating ditch in. Address E. A. McWhinny, R. F. D. 46 A, San Fernando, Cal.
WANTED.—At the Madison Sanitarium, a competent hygienic cook, lady or gentleman; lady preferred. None but Seventh-day Adventist need apply. Reference required. Address Madison Sanitarium, Madison, Wis.
FOR SALE.—Home near Hot Springs, Ark. Two and one-half acres, part in berries; five-room house; near Seventh-day Adventist church; healthful location; good water. For particulars address C. J. Dart, Fayetteville, Ark.
OLIVES.—5 to 25 gallons, 60 cents a gallon; 25 to 50 gallons, 55 cents; 50 or more, 45 cents. Extra large, 20 cents extra a gallon; medium, 10 cents less. F. O. B. Chico. White or black figs, 45-lb. bucket, 7 cents a pound. A. E. Crist, Chico, Cal.
WANTED.—Carpenter, young man. Must be Sabbath-keeper, and able to furnish references as to character. Steady work year round to good man. Write, giving experience, Karr Portable House Co., 2554 Irving Park Boulevard, Chicago, Ill.
Do you use shortening? Write to-day for Dr. Godmark’s free Cook-booklet, circulars, and special prices on Hygienic Vegetable Shortening and other Home Supplies. Address Home Supply and Manufacturing Co., Department A, Chattanooga, Tenn.
FOR SALE.—Sanitarium Cooking Oil; pure and healthful; no odor; keeps indefinitely; 5-gallon can, $4.30; 10-gallon can, $8.45; ½ bbl. (30 gallons), 79 cents a gallon; 1 bbl. (50 gallons), 78 cents a gallon. Address Sanitarium Cooking Oil Co., Louisville, Ky.
FOR SALE.—119 acres improved land near Seventh-day Adventist company in Warren County, Iowa, 35 miles south of Des Moines. Price, $8,000. $3,000 down; balance five years at six per cent. Situated in good country. A bargain. Address B. F. Caviness, Lacona, Iowa.
FOR SALE.—Bible Mottoes—foreign beauties, all of imported designs. Almost 500,000 sold in 1910. We print our own designs. We are the only company to get out a Father and Mother motto, and they lead the world. Special offer for January: 200 Spanish, $5. Assorted, English and German, 100, $5; 200, $9; 500, $20; 1,000, $35. Twenty-five free with each 100 ordered; express prepaid. Address Hampton Art Co., Lock Box 257, Hampton, Iowa.

Review Volumes and Home Missionary Program

By Editor

THE Foreign Mission Seminary is very anxious to obtain all the back volumes of the REVIEW AND HERALD for its library. These are very necessary for the study of the history of Seventh-day Adventist missions. If any have old volumes of the REVIEW that they can give to the Seminary, please write (before sending) to the Seminary, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
In this number is given the program for the fourth Sabbath home missionary service to be held January 28. An excellent suggestive program is presented, and we hope all our church officers will heartily unite in seeking to make this service one of instruction and profit to their churches.

The Watchman

THE Watchman for January begins the new year with a strong presentation of some of the truths and questions particularly vital to this time. The editor writes of the World's Christian Citizenship Convention, and the influence it is exerting in bringing about in this country the union of church and state foretold in prophecy. C. P. Bollman, of the editorial staff, writes of the portent of the “World's War Cloud,” which for so many years has menaced the world's peace. “The Seven Seals,” “Significant ‘Straws,’” “The Law of God, Unchangeable and Eternal,” “The Church and State,” “Washington Correspondence,” “The Rapid Increase of Knowledge—a Sign of the Time of the End,” are other leading articles on living questions. The Outlook Department, The Mission Field, and Home and Health departments present some excellent matter. Our agents throughout the field will find this an excellent sales number, and we hope it will reach a generous circulation.
LET all bear in mind the day of prayer and fasting, which has been appointed for January 21. By confession of sin, humility of soul, and consecration of heart and life, let us seek to draw near to God, that he may bestow upon us added blessings in the way of spiritual power, and increased wisdom for the finishing of his work.

Lake Union Conference Committee

THE Lake Union Conference Committee is in session this week at Berrien Springs, Mich. Elders W. T. Knox and O. A. Olsen are meeting with them.

An Aged Sister Supports Missions

AN aged, infirm sister sends fifteen dollars for missions, and thanks God for “a new way that has opened up” by which she can help the missionary cause by her needle.

Graduating Exercises of Nurses’ Class

WE have received the announcement of the graduating exercises of the nurses' class of the Chamberlain Sanitarium, South Dakota. It shows ten newly graduated nurses, taking up their work with the motto, “Not for self but for humanity.”

Changes in Union Conference Workers

IN response to invitation of the recent council, Brother W. L. Manful, for years general field agent of the Northern Union Conference, has accepted a call to the Western Canadian Union. Brother F. E. Painter, of Pennsylvania, accepts the call to the Northern Union to take up the general book work. May this important branch of the work greatly thrive in both these union conferences of the vigorous Northwest.
Continue reading: The Story of a Welsh Hymn