For nearly two years the horrors of war and the excitement of its preparations, victories, and defeats, and the poverty and distress that follow in its wake, have almost closed up the avenues through which the Lord permits us to carry the Third Angel’s Message. The restrictions of martial law, the racial feeling, which has been intensified by the hostilities, the military dislike of the gospel of “peace on earth, and good will toward men,” and the unwise participation in political issues on the part of many ministers and Christians, have combined to make it very difficult to herald the glad tidings of the Lord’s soon coming. Yet, in spite of all these adversities, the Lord has reserved a few places where the work could proceed, and a company he gathered out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
About two years ago Mrs. Edmed and I were closing up our work in Port Elizabeth, where we had assisted Elder Hankins in raising up a company of believers, and in building a church. A twenty-mile ride by train brought us to this town, which is the railway repair depot of the Eastern province, having huge workshops, and employing, according to circumstances, from one to two thousand men. In addition to those working in the shops, the town has a population of about two thousand white and one thousand colored persons. One of its principal trades is wool washing, preparatory to shipping the same to English markets. This is the chief town of the largest district in this province, and is regarded as an important center.
We soon succeeded in delivering over six hundred of our small books. We canvassed with a view to becoming acquainted with the people prior to holding a series of tent-meetings, and then pitched our tent in a suitable spot, and invited the public to hear the truth. The meetings were not well attended at first, owing largely to the attitude of the ministers of the churches, who unitedly started a crusade against us. Six persons, however, took their stand, and the interest began to increase. When these ministers began to calm down, we felt that if we could pitch our tent in another place, the Lord would continue to break down the prejudice, and give us more precious souls. We succeeded in securing a house and plot of ground, and Elder Hankins came to assist in an aggressive campaign. From the first, this effort was richly blessed of the Lord, who has given us victory after victory. The general public supported our meetings well, the congregation often containing the prominent men of the town. We published outlines of our sermons in the local paper, which the people sent to their farmer friends in outlying districts. Farmers began to keep the Sabbath, and we received invitations to go out from sixty to eighty miles to preach the message. Unfortunately, martial law was proclaimed at that time, and we have had to postpone our visit to those farms for a while. In the town, however, we have continued to hold meetings and to do Bible work, and we have now an organized Sabbath-school of forty-eight members, eighteen of whom are children of tender years. Fighting has proceeded all around us several times, but the war has never disturbed our work with these people. There are now thirty-two adult Sabbath-keepers, twenty-two of whom have already been baptized; the others, having begun to obey the Lord later, will be baptized before long. Such a blessing in South Africa causes us to praise the Lord!
We have just had the privilege of enjoying the association and counsel of our beloved president, Elder Hyatt, who stopped here for three weeks on his way to Natal. He found us enthusiastic over the question of building a church and schoolhouse. We talked the matter over, and decided to proceed if the Lord opened the way. In a few days we had the promise of about three hundred dollars. The children caught the spirit, and are holding “sewing bees” at my house daily, making wool clothing for babies, which they sell from house to house, and devote the proceeds to the building fund. A gentleman whose wife has been baptized has given us his brick field and plant to make our own bricks; another has undertaken to do all the inside painting, free of cost; five others have promised to do all the wood and iron work and window making, and yet another has just given a large bell. What we need is about seven hundred and fifty dollars in money, with which to buy the ground and materials. We made an appeal to our other churches in this colony, and some have responded, while others, feeling the pinch of hard times caused by the war, would like to help, but cannot. While writing this for the REVIEW, I have thought perhaps the Lord may impress some good brother or sister with a burden to send us the help we so much needed.
During Pastor Hyatt’s stay, four sisters sent “for the elders,” in answer to whose prayers they were healed of long-standing diseases. At one of our Sabbath meetings, the Spirit of God came in with great power. Testimonies having been borne by the adults, we were singing the closing hymn, when the children began to testify to the love of Jesus, and they all gave themselves to the Lord. Not an eye was dry, not a heart was hard. It was truly a shower of blessing. We wish to build a church and school, so that this glorious work may be permanently established in this place, and these little lambs be given an education that will fit them for the coming kingdom of our Lord. For these rich blessings we give the Lord all praise and glory.
HERBERT J. EDMED.
MT. VERNON ACADEMY.
By J. W. Loughthead
The eighth year of this school's work closed on Monday, May 13. In looking back over the year, much is seen to encourage all who are interested in the academy, and to instruct those who are connected with it. And while much that was calculated to divert and mislead has been encountered, yet the Lord's presence and blessing baffled the power of evil, and brought victory and peace. For these experiences, and for the assurance and comfort they bring, all are grateful; and praise and thanksgiving are continually offered to the dear Saviour.
A good religious influence has been present during the entire year; and while there has been no special wave of emotion at any time, still the deep movings of the Spirit of the Lord have been seen, leading to the conversion of the unsaved, the reclaiming of the backslidden, and the deepening and broadening of the experience of all. There have been several baptismal services during the year, the last one being on the Friday preceding the close of the school, when seven promising young men and women followed the Master in this ordinance. A lively interest in missionary work was also quite manifest, and seemed to deepen as time went by. In this, as in all other religious work of the school, those students who were the most active and the most clearly identified with missionary effort, were among the most intellectual students in the academy, and the natural leaders in the student body. And of the class of seven who were graduated, five go directly into the Lord's work, while the remaining two expect to enter some time later. In addition to these, quite a number of those who have not yet finished their studies will enter the denominational work in some capacity during the vacation.
One of the most gratifying features of the work this year, has been the enrollment of an older and more mature class of students, men and women of rich Christian experience who came here for the express purpose of gaining a speedy preparation for the Lord's work, and who, having completed their studies, are out in the field again, actively at work. The coming of such a class of students was beneficial in many ways, and especially was their influence helpful with those who are younger and more easily influenced by the allurements of the world. To this source also can be traced in some measure, the rising interest in missionary work.
In the closing days we were especially favored with the presence of Elder Daniells, who gave the Commencement address; and as he was here several days, opportunity was given to all who desired to counsel with him. He also spoke publicly on several occasions, and his words of earnest admonition and instruction had a marked effect. The Lord seemed to press his words home upon the hearts and minds of all, and we believe much and lasting good will result from his visit.
Thus in looking back over the year, there is much which gives gladness of heart, and causes us to believe that the keeping power of God has been with the academy. The Lord has spoken good of this school, and we believe He is working out His own purposes in this place. Realizing, too, that the work of the Lord is onward, the trustees and teachers are laying broader plans for the future, and now offer advantages never before given here.
The outlook for the coming year is encouraging, for with the rich blessing of God's presence to guide and to keep, and with an earnest and devoted company of workers we can see no reason why the school should not prosper and accomplish the work for which it was brought into being. That this result may be realized, we invite the prayers of God's people everywhere.
J. W. LOUGHTHEAD.
AFTER MANY DAYS.
THE following cheering response to the truths taught by Father Miller long ago, has lingered in an honest heart, these many years, and is now found again to encourage us with the thought that the truth can never die:—
When fourteen years old, in 1844, in the Broadway (New York) tabernacle, I heard Father Miller preach the first message with force and power to a full house and crowded street. It was indeed as sweet as honey at first, but it did not endure, for I was at the time a wild sailor; yet his words of truth have been ringing in my heart, wherever I have been,—in Japan, the Okhotsk Sea, Guam, Sandwich Islands, California, Nebraska, Missouri, etc. And I believe with all my heart that those words, “For the hour of His Judgment is come,” are as true to-day under the third message as they were in 1844. But, ah, me! in my flesh I have been through a sea of trouble since that time; but now in my old age I cannot and will not boast but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. J. N. Floyd.
News and Notes
—The plague epidemic is spreading at Hong-kong, China.
—Senator Clarke will be obliged to pay a $240,000 tax on the United Verde Mine (Arizona), which is assessed at $6,000,000.
—Prof. Geo. D. Herron, the noted socialist from whom his wife recently divorced herself, married Miss Rand—“his affinity”—in New York, the 25th ult.
—Morocco has now complied with “all the demands of France in regard to the Algerian-Morocco frontier dispute and the outrages inflicted on French subjects.”
—A recent edict of China’s ruler declares his willingness to have China pay four-per-cent interest on the great indemnity. However, he desires the period of payment to be made forty instead of thirty years.
—The Michigan Legislature adjourned the 29th ult.
—The Poets’ Congress began its sessions in Paris, France, the 28th ult.
—The national conference of Dunkards is now in session at Lincoln, Neb.
—The amount paid by Chicago for liquor, per annum, is seventy-two dollars per capita.
—Aguinaldo is still confined under guard, it being explained that this is “principally for his own protection.” His correspondence is censored.
—The late British census reports show the present population of Ireland to be 4,456,546—a decrease of 5.3 per cent since the previous census.
—The transportation companies of Paris, France, including the omnibus, tramways, metropolitan and underground lines, are to be merged into one large concern.
—President Charles M. Schwab, of the United States Steel Company—the billion-dollar trust—has given orders for the construction of a $35,000 private Pullman palace car.
—The Taft Commission has decided to “delay the establishment of provincial rule in the island of Mindanao, because the people are not yet capable of self-government.”
—In his efforts to “Germanize Alsace,” Emperor William of Germany is endeavoring to put Strasburg University under government control. However, in this he is opposed by the clergy.
—Two heavily loaded electric cars of the largest size collided near Albany, N. Y., while racing for a switch. Number killed, five; number wounded, over forty. Both conductors were killed.
—The trip from San Francisco to New York was recently made by Dr. W. Seward Webb, first vice-president of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, in seventy-nine hours.
—The Boston and Maine Railroad has issued a regulation which forbids the playing of cards by its employees “in all places owned by the company.” This action was taken by “hard-headed business men.”
—Prof. Arthur C. Lovejoy is another professor who has resigned from the faculty of Stanford University, Cal., because of the dismissal of Professor Ross. Prof. Charles B. Reiber, of Harvard, will take his place.
—An exchange states that since poultry manure is highly nitrogenous, it is “valuable for corn, giving it a quick, vigorous start and good color,” and also that “it is most efficient when distributed in the hill and mixed with earth.”
—The New York Produce Exchange states the number of bushels of grain requisite to constitute a car lot, as follows: “Oats, 1,500; corn, 900; wheat, 800; barley, 1,000; rye, 800; of mill feed in sacks, 40,000 lbs.; mill feed in bulk, 30,000 lbs.”
—The Bank of New York (National Banking Association) recently celebrated its 117th anniversary. It is the oldest bank in the State of New York, and also “the oldest, with one exception, in the United States.” Alexander Hamilton was a member of its first board of directors, and wrote its constitution.
—Although Marconi, inventor of wireless telegraphy, will soon be subject to military duty in Italy, the king “has promised to assign him to duty on a naval vessel, where he can continue his experiments looking toward the perfection of his system.” The conscript law knows no exception, and in most European states compulsory military service prevents the young men from learning any trade save that of shooting their fellow men.
—The dividend received by the stockholders of the Cunard Steamship Company, for 1900, was eight per cent. In 1899 the dividend was only five per cent; and in 1898, three and one-half per cent. “The increase of profits last year was due chiefly to the transportation of troops to South Africa, and to the advance in freight rates caused by the withdrawal of ships from general trade for the use of the War Department.”
—Speaking of the possibility of the establishment of compulsory military service in Great Britain, an exchange states that the “veiled hints” of Secretary of War Broderick and other members of the government in this regard, “were surpassed by a speech made at the United Services Club by Lord Raglan, Under-Secretary of the War Office. He defined the government’s army reforms as the best that could be achieved under the present system, and, in answering the frequent criticism that men could not be obtained for the army, he said ‘if this proved to be the case, compulsion must be used.’”
—The Moravians have one foreign missionary for every fifty-eight communicants.
—Thursday, May 30, was celebrated throughout the United States as Decoration day.
—The United States Supreme Court adjourned the 27th ult., for the summer vacation.
—The Presbyterian General Assembly has practically recommended a revision of its church creed.
—A statue in honor of the great violinist, Ole Bull, has been unveiled in Bergen, Norway, his native place.
—The General Assembly of United Presbyterians recently “voted to bar Masons and Oddfellows from membership in the church.”
—The Michigan Legislature has passed the Chandler bill, which provides for the “taxation of railroads on ad valorem basis.”
—Six French war-ships now threaten the capital of Morocco, and some French troops are about to be sent from Marseilles to Algiers.
—The German Catholic societies of Illinois have voted, in convention, to “contest school laws passed by the last legislature” of that State.
—The Rockefeller-Gould-Harriman syndicate on the one hand, and the Vanderbilts on the other, are trying to secure control of the Lackawanna Railway.
—It is reported that “the British have sent Zulus to raid the Vryheid district,” South Africa. A protest to the Powers against this action is contemplated.
—The authorities of the late Paris Exposition have sold a concession making it possible for any person to buy “exact duplicates of all the medals awarded.” This utterly destroys the value of the actual medals awarded at the exposition.
—The following decision was handed down May 27, by the Supreme Court of the United States: “First—That the constitution did follow the flag, that Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands became parts of the United States as soon as the treaty of peace [at Paris] was ratified, and that all duties collected on merchandise passing between the mainland and the islands under the Dingley law were illegal and must be refunded. Second, That the Foraker act is constitutional, and that Congress has the right to legislate for the Territories, without regard to the provision of the Constitution which requires all duties, imposts, and excises to be uniform throughout the United States.”
—The United States troops have withdrawn from China, and Russia is seemingly confining herself to Manchuria. France will soon withdraw her troops; and, according to latest dispatches, “this leaves Germany and England alone in the fight against China.” It seems that, owing to her agreement with Germany, England is unable to withdraw; and “Germany cannot withdraw, because the policy of interference in China is the emperor’s own policy, strongly disproved by the bulk of the nation, and to retire without recovering the millions that have been spent, would go far to ruin his reputation for political sagacity.” It is possible that the most serious complications in China are yet to come.
—According to the Mexican Herald of the 17th ult., the City of Mexico has, with the exception of the city of Bombay, India, “the highest mortality of any city in the world;” for during the year 1900, “out of a population of 368,777, the death rate was 18,438, or an average of 49.99 persons per thousand. The following table shows the number of deaths per thousand inhabitants, in the following leading cities of the world: Bombay (India), 69; City of Mexico, 49.99; Madras (India), 38.1; Cairo (Egypt), 36.4; Alexandria (Egypt), 31.2; Dublin, 30.8; Liverpool, 26.4; Manchester, 24.6; Vienna, 20.6; Paris, 20.2; Boston, 20.1; London, 19.8; Edinburgh, 19.6; Berlin, 18.7; Greater New York, 18.4; Rome, 17.4; Cincinnati, 14.8; Chicago, 14.6.”
—A dispatch from Havana, dated the 28th ult., says: “The constitutional convention to-day, by a vote of fifteen to fourteen, accepted the majority report of the Committee on Relations. This report accepts the Platt amendment. With the exception of a few American and Cuban newspaper men and half a dozen politicians, nobody but the delegates were present to hear the result announced. The people of Cuba long ago made up their minds that the Platt amendment was either desirable or inevitable.” Still later dispatches state that, by secret action, the convention “materially changed the terms of the Platt amendment, before voting to accept it,” and that the acceptance of their action “will be rejected, on the ground that it is not in substantial harmony with the conditions imposed by Congress.” The changes made are in the third clause of the Platt amendment, or the paragraph relating to intervention by the United States.367
—Aguinaldo expects to visit the United States in the fall.
—Rumania has at present 1,932 miles of railway open to traffic.
—President Erazuriz, of Chile, is seriously ill, not being expected to live.
—The Keloet volcano, in Java, is now in eruption, and the loss of many lives is reported.
—A British post near Maraisberg has been captured by the Boers, forty-one British soldiers surrendering.
—An explosion at Senghenydd, Wales, buried eighty coal-miners on the 24th ult. None of them can be rescued.
—The Powers have rejected the plan of the United States for “a modification of the demands for indemnity from China.”
—A New York syndicate has the option on the Hidalgo Northern Railroad of Mexico, which is to be extended to the American border.
—The recent elections to the Spanish Senate have resulted in the return of 120 Ministerialists and thirty members of the Opposition.
—To celebrate the surrender of the Filipino generals Mascardo and Lacuna, General MacArthur released a thousand Filipino prisoners on the 20th ult.
—The British War Office contemplate buying Dr. Barton’s cigar-shaped war balloon, capable of carrying three persons at the rate of twelve miles an hour.
—In a recent speech before the naval congress in Madrid, Admiral Cervera expressed “the fear that Spain will break up into a number of small States.”
—Hazers of the Batavia, N. Y., high school recently waylaid a student in a lonely place, and “painted his cheeks with acid.” He will be marked for life.
—A terrible explosion occurred at the Richland mine, two miles from Dayton, Ohio, the 29th ult. Twenty-one men were killed, and many others were seriously injured.
—On the 23d ult. a British convoy was attacked by Boers near Ventersdorp, South Africa. The Boers were driven off; but the loss of the British was four killed and thirty wounded.
—The extract made from the pine needles of the Oregon yellow pine is said to possess “real efficacy in complaints of a pulmonary character,” and its manufacture is becoming “an industry of considerable importance” on the Pacific coast.
—M. Loubet, the president of France, and two of his ministers recently made a trip in the “Gustave Zede” submarine boat, at Toulon. The party remained in the boat for an hour and a half, during which time it traveled on the surface and beneath the water.
—In his first annual report, Governor Charles H. Allen, of Porto Rico, suggests “a scheme of colonial administration for the island, such as is followed in the Danish, French, and English West Indies, with variations dependent on the future policy of the home government.”
—On the 25th ult. an American sentry on guard near the United States legation in Peking, China, “fired on a German soldier who refused to obey the sentry. The bullet missed, but hit another German soldier some distance off. The wound was trifling. An investigation will be made.”
—The most conspicuous object in the sky during the short June nights, says the Scientific American, will be Jupiter, low in the southeast and south, with Saturn, much less bright, a short distance to the east. The two planets are now moving slowly to the west among the stars in their retrograde motion.
—The reports of the United States Weather Bureau show that “the number of buildings damaged or destroyed by lightning in 1899 was 5,527. In addition to these, 729 buildings caught fire as a result of the proximity to other structures that were fired by lightning. The approximate loss in 2,825 cases was $3,016,000.” Most of the buildings struck were not provided with lightning rods.
—The London Chronicle is authority for the statement that “three British officers and nearly a hundred non-commissioned officers and men, who were sent back from South Africa for various misdemeanors, are now in Portland prison. A majority of the prisoners are apparently ordinary offenders, but the officers, it is said, were convicted of treasonably siding with the Boers. One of them is sufficiently influential to procure the suppression of the names of all three.”
—A total eclipse of the sun was observed from the island of Sumatra, the 20th inst.
—The labor riots in Italy are causing “an exodus of the comfortable classes from Milan.”
—A new Wisconsin law imposes a tax of ten cents a ton on all ice shipped out of the State.
—The Olympian games, revived in 1896 by the king of Greece, are to be held in Chicago in 1904.
—Dispatches state that “three Russian officers at Yokohama, Japan, have been sentenced to six-months’ imprisonment for mapping Nagasaki harbor in the vicinity of the fortifications.”
—By a vote of nineteen to thirteen, the upper house of the Norwegian Parliament has “rejected the bill of the lower house allowing communal suffrage to women who pay taxes on an income of 300 crowns—about $70.”
—The French minister of finance states that “the great decrease in the taxes on wines and ciders has caused the consumption thereof to increase fifty per cent, since the first of the year, while the use of absinthe has been largely reduced.”
—The United States government is planning to build a larger, more powerful, and faster battleship than has ever been constructed. Its displacement will be one of 16,000 tons, or “1,000 tons more than the displacement of the most recent additions to the British navy, and of the ‘Georgia’ and ‘Virginia’ battleships recently ordered for our own navy.” These vessels once completed, the United States navy will rank fifth among the navies of the world.
—Russia is meeting with some opposition in her schemes with reference to the governing of Finland. It is reported that the Finland Senate recently “refused to agree to provide for the proposed political police force of Finland, in the budget of the grand duchy, on the ground that this branch of the administration often makes causeless accusations against innocent persons, and that this institution is in no wise Finnish, and is unnecessary. The hope is expressed that the imperial government [of Russia] will not insist upon the establishment of the gendarmerie in Finland. It is urged it would only provoke discontent and friction.” Of course, Russia cares nothing for Finnish feelings.
A GOOD CORRECTION.
By Editor
Brother Town, after sending his report last week, forwarded the following to add to his first communication. It is a good correction to be able to report that additional members are coming into the truth, not before known. Let the good work go on.—Ed.
A few days ago I sent you a short report of the meetings we have been holding here. At that time, I expected to leave here this week, but on learning that others were thinking of taking their stand for the truth, I decided to stay another Sabbath. Tomorrow we shall have baptism again if the Lord wills.
NEW YORK.
By G. B. Thompson
SINCE the General Conference we have been very busy planning the work for the summer in harmony with the light which came to us from day to day during that remarkable gathering of the Lord's people. We are thankful for the many evidences of the blessing of the Lord in His precious work. All our laborers are of good courage, and have taken hold of the work with renewed earnestness and zeal. Six tents will be run in the Conference this summer, all in new fields, and we are hopeful for a large ingathering of souls. It has been particularly encouraging of late to see the marked increase in missionary work in the churches, and tracts and papers are being circulated everywhere.
We are planning to labor this summer especially in the interest of the canvassing work, and everything possible will be done to put the old-time spirit into this important branch of the Master's work. We recently closed a general meeting, which was followed by an institute, conducted by the State agent; and as a result, several persons entered the field as canvassers. The Spirit of God was present in power in this meeting: some saw the truth on the Sabbath for the first time, and five were baptized. Other meetings are appointed, which we expect will be attended with like good results.
The past year witnessed a marked increase in tithe and offerings. Contributions for the work in mission fields were more than double those of the year previous. The dear brethren and sisters throughout the Conference are deeply interested in the foreign work, and we expect them to give liberally to extend the news of the Saviour's return.
During the winter we disposed of many copies of “Christ's Object Lessons,” and forwarded the proceeds to help liquidate the debt on the South Lancaster Academy. We expect to push the work vigorously during the summer, and share with others in that jubilee song of freedom from debt which we hope will soon be sung by the faithful in Israel.
We are thankful for the blessing of God with us in the work. Our courage and hope were never better. This message is from heaven; it will soon triumph. We can see the pillar of cloud leading on, and are determined to follow. We are expecting a good camp-meeting in the fall. The time and place will soon be announced. We hope that this field, where so many battles have been fought for the message, will be remembered at the throne of grace.
G. B. THOMPSON.
GENERAL MEETING FOR THE CUMBERLAND CONFERENCE.
By Smith Sharp
June 13 to July 4, 1901.
FOR some time arrangements have been in progress for an educational convention at Graysville, Tenn., for the special benefit of teachers and laborers in the entire Southern Union Conference. In arranging the time for the meeting, it was not only necessary to consult the convenience of the whole field, but to place it so that we could secure the services of instructors outside of our Conference. After much thought and correspondence by those having the matter in charge, June 13 to July 4 has been selected as the time. This comes at the time that was chosen for the camp-meeting in the Cumberland Conference, and it now seems best to hold a general meeting for this Conference at the place and date mentioned above, instead of a camp-meeting, as before arranged. Let our brethren and sisters in all parts of the Conference plan to come. Further information will be given next week.
SMITH SHARP, Pres. Cumberland Conf.
SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE EDUCATIONAL CONVENTION.
By R. M. KILGORE
June 13 to July 4, at Graysville, Tenn.
THIS summer school for the workers in the South will be an important season, which we trust will be appreciated. Those laboring in the ministry and Bible work, as well as the teachers in our schools, need this instruction. Our workers should then turn aside and rest awhile, to obtain a preparation for better service, that better results may follow their efforts. Professors E. A. Sutherland, H. R. Salisbury, and J. E. Tenney will be the teachers.
Later instructions will be given concerning railroad rates, etc., etc.
R. M. KILGORE.
ONTARIO CAMP-MEETING.
By F. D. Starr
We trust all our people who can possibly do so will attend this very important meeting, which is to be held in Toronto, June 20 to July 1. The best ministerial help that can be furnished will be present. It is expected that Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, Elder I. H. Evans, and several others will be with us. No one who can possibly attend should miss doing so. Arrangements have been made by which those in attendance may return at one-third fare providing they obtain certificates showing they have paid full fare going. A canvassers’ institute of ten days will precede the camp-meeting. All who are interested in the canvassing work should attend the institute. Take Church Street cars to the camp-ground.
F. D. STARR.
CUMBERLAND CONFERENCE GENERAL MEETING.
By Smith Sharp
As the general meeting appointed for the Southern Union Conference at Graysville, Tenn., June 13 to July 4, comes at the time of the Cumberland camp-meeting, it has been thought best to hold the general meeting for this Conference in connection with this meeting. As this is to be a very important gathering of our people, and as a strong force of excellent instructors in the various departments of our work has been secured, it is earnestly hoped that our brethren and sisters will plan at once to attend. Should it not be thought best to hold a camp-meeting later in the season, the Conference business will probably be deferred until about the first of January. Our brethren should come prepared to care for themselves as far as possible, the same as at camp-meeting. Meals may be procured at the school home, on the European plan. Those coming on the cars must secure a certificate when ticket is purchased in order to obtain a return ticket at one-third rate. Do not neglect this, as we must have fifty certificates in order to obtain the reduction. Plan at once to come.
SMITH SHARP.
“THE MISSIONARY ACRE.”
By G. W. Howard
My attention has been called of late to a plan, not new, however, by which we farmers may engage in missionary work at home on our farms. The Lord has given to every man his work. If our God-given work is to farm, we can farm to His glory. If one’s work is to preach the gospel, he can preach to the glory of His name. If one’s work is to sell books and scatter the printed page, all this work can be done to the glory of God and with His approval. Our work, however, may not be strictly confined to any one of these things. But let us all engage in the work at once.
Immediate action is demanded. God’s work must go forward, and we are responsible for the doing of our part. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” (Matt. 20: 6) is the Master’s question. Do we answer, Because no man has hired us? The reply is, “Go work to-day in my vineyard.” Matt. 21:28; Mark 13:34. Many of us have inclined to the thought that we can do nothing to help the work forward. This is a mistaken idea. It is the voice of the enemy. Are we going to say, “Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man”? If so, the Lord says, “Take, therefore, the talent from him.”
Dear brother farmers, everywhere, to you I appeal: Let us plant and harvest our fields for the grand object of helping on the glorious work of the Third Angel’s Message. May our lands be missionary lands, dedicated to God’s cause.
G. W. HOWARD.
A SAD MISFORTUNE.
Dr. H. A. Dow, of the Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich., has just received word from his friend, Brother T. McF. Duff, 11½ N. Perry St., Montgomery, Ala., that the treatment rooms he was fitting up in that city have just been destroyed by fire, with all the apparatus arranged for his business, such as batteries, instruments, a hot-air cabinet, etc. He had labored two years to get his rooms in readiness, and some of his apparatus had just been procured new. The fire is supposed to have originated from electric wires, in an electric store underneath his apartments, and broke out about one o'clock in the morning. The fire was so located as to burn out the rear room, with all his office fixtures and appliances, and a portion of his household utensils and groceries. But all is gone now, and he is left destitute of means and facilities for his work. If any of his friends see fit to assist him in his extremity to re-establish himself, it will be thankfully received.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Brief business notices and “wants” will be published in this department, subject to the discretion of the publishers. A charge of one dollar for one insertion of four lines or less, and of twenty-five cents for every line over four, will be made, though in the case of the poor who wish employment, the charge may be remitted. Persons unknown to the managers of the publishing house must furnish good references.
WANTED.—A hygienic cook. Will pay good wages. Give references. Address The Indianapolis Sanitarium, 224 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, Ind.
FOR SALE.—Organs for the Master’s work; four octaves, skeleton frame; sweet tone; play loud or soft; made for service—not show. Price, $10. Reference, S. D. A. church at Winston. Address Tom Hege, Winston, N. C.
FOR SALE.—Good four-room house, newly built, plastered, and painted; also lot containing fruit trees and strawberry patch. Price, $225. A part of proceeds to be devoted to Relief of Schools fund. Address P. S. Misser, Graysville, Tenn.
FOR SALE.—Hardware store with tin-shop attached; well-established business; building 16 x 48 feet, two stories. Dwelling on same lot. Good reasons for selling; terms liberal. Don’t write unless you mean business. Address Stricker & Pilkington, Laura, Ohio.
FOR SALE.—Farm of 120 acres; 40 acres cleared; 75 fruit trees; 4,000 strawberry plants; new five-room house; barn; 2½ miles from depot. Owner desires to assist in building up a church elsewhere. Address W. D. Dortch, Springville, Tenn.
QUEBEC, ATTENTION!
By S. A. Farnsworth
THE next annual camp-meeting of the Quebec Conference will be held in Coaticook, Quebec, June 13-23. As this is a new field, a general attendance is desired. Let all come seeking the Lord with all the heart, that He may pour out His Spirit upon the people. S. A. FARNSWORTH.
THE twenty-second annual session of the Quebec Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Coaticook, Quebec, June 13-23. All churches should elect their full quota of delegates, and forward their credentials to the secretary, W. I. Blake. S. A. FARNSWORTH, Pres.
