Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 27.
THE ONLY PERFECTED BIBLE KINDERGARTEN METHOD FOR THE HOME AND SCHOOLPage 2
Earlier text: The Law of KindnessMission Work and Progress in Argentina
By Juan McCarthy
BUENOS AYRES.— Nearly two months ago I visited San Cristobal, Santa Fé. Brethren Westphal and Vuilleumier had labored there, and as a result three sisters were keeping the Sabbath, but had taken no further advanced steps, refusing baptism. During my visit we studied in their own language,—the French,—and at the end of three weeks they decided to receive baptism and to pay tithe. They also purchased several books, and accepted the principal points of present truth. Others became interested in the third angel’s message, and two of them have begun to observe the Sabbath. I greatly expect to visit that place again in four or five months. I visited the province of Rio de Janeiro at this time, being the first minister to enter there. This state is completely priest-ridden, the priests being almost worshiped. I labored there for some time, but saw no results of my efforts. I have recently received a call to go to Chile, to give the brethren there a lift in the Spanish work, as they have only one Spanish laborer for that country. It is truly painful to see the condition of these countries, millions longing to hear the joyful tidings of salvation, and so very, very few to convey to them in their own language the closing message which the Lord has committed to this people. Some time ago it seemed as if I would fall a victim to tuberculosis. But the kind, loving Physician came to my aid, and to-day, praise be to God, I am almost completely restored to health. Truly, I have tasted that the Lord is good; hence I delight in doing his will. Hongkong Mission: New Converts from HMS Terrible
By J. N. Anderson
HONGKONG.—The Lord has blessed us by adding two more young men to our number. These are also from the British cruiser “Terrible.” They were led to take this step largely by the example and teaching of those on board who had already identified themselves with us. Others on that vessel are almost persuaded to accept the truth. This week the “Terrible” is about thirty miles from here, engaged in its annual target practice. She is to return the latter part of the week, when we shall learn whether she goes to Wei Hai Wei or remains here for the hot season. But we all believe that she is a light-bearer wherever she goes, and that the Lord will lead those few faithful young men in carrying his message to the world. The brethren had planned to carry on meetings at Wei Hai Wei, if they went to that place for the summer; and we feel more than willing that they should do so, since they have sufficient talent to conduct interesting and profitable meetings. So the Lord is raising up men and means for his work; and yet17 how inadequate for this great field all these agencies seem! Brother La Rue has fully recovered from his sickness, and is now as active as ever. Within the past few weeks we have made some needed alteration and repairs in our house. A room has been set apart as a public mission room, where thirty or forty persons may be seated for worship; and it also affords accommodations for a table, where some may sit and read. I expect to conduct meetings here regularly through the summer. We all keep well, although the weather is intensely hot at times. The rain, for which we have looked so long, has at last set in, and it seems to come in sheets. Yesterday it rained almost incessantly, flooding the sewers and sidewalks, and some of the houses. It gives us a new supply of water for general use. J. N. ANDERSON. Watertown (South Dakota) Camp Meeting
By S. H. Lane
This meeting was held according to appointment, June 17-23, and was especially for the accommodation of the brethren and sisters who live in the central and northern parts of the State. It was well attended, there being sixty-six tents pitched on the grounds and about three hundred persons in the camp. It was evident that those in attendance came for the purpose of seeking the Lord. From the first, the social meetings were good, and scarcely a moment passed but what from one to five, and often more, were standing, waiting patiently to praise the Lord for the pardon of sin and for his keeping power. The outside attendance was large, and would have been larger but for the cold nights. We had several quite heavy frosts. The many who came were seemingly interested, and listened with marked attention. The Sabbath meetings were of a nature to be long remembered. At the close of the forenoon meeting nearly one hundred came forward to seek a fuller consecration to the Lord and his truth. Quite a number made a start in the Christian life for the first time, and have had a bright experience. Thirty-one were baptized. The scene at the banks of the clear stream was a solemn one. Hundreds witnessed the baptism, and manifested a reverence which was truly commendable. Among those who were baptized was a sister who has been observing the Sabbath but a few months. She moved into some rooms vacated by a family who left behind them a few books, among which was a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” As she read on the explanation of the parables she had studied at home and at Sunday school, it awakened in her an earnest desire to learn more of the truth. Later she met one of our missionary workers, and is now rejoicing in the truth. The entire meeting was devoted to practical work, teaching the truth and answering many questions and explaining many things which were perplexing to the minds of the inquirers. Several hundred dollars was raised in cash and pledges for the Missionary Acre Fund and the Southern work, mostly for the former. Dr. George, of the Nebraska Sanitarium, was present, and instructed the people in the health principles. He also took an active part in every line of work. The educational work was ably set forth by Elder Hoopes, of Union College. The last meeting, in which the farewells were said, was a precious season, and all departed feeling that they had been benefited spiritually. Thus closed one of the best camp meetings ever held in South Dakota. The conference president and his laborers are united in their efforts, and the work in the conference is prospering. They are determined to do all they can to diffuse a knowledge of the truth in the many towns where it has never been carried. The prospects for crops in the State are good, and the canvassers are disposing of many books. The people are liberal in aiding the Lord’s cause, and the good work must prosper in the future. The establishment of an intermediate school seems an assured fact. S. H. LANE. W. OSTRANDER
By W. Ostrander
MONTRÉAL.—Acting upon the recommendation of the Lake Union Conference, I came to this place a few weeks ago. The few who are endeavoring to hold up the light of truth in this city and gave me a most cordial welcome. In all, I think there are about twenty in Montreal who profess to keep the Sabbath. This is a city of great churches and cathedrals, the finest I ever saw. Not less than two thirds of the population are French, and nearly all of them are Roman Catholics. About one fourth are English-speaking people. Since coming here I have visited several places of worship, thus coming in contact with those who profess to be Christians. I have been invited to speak in missions, and to would take part in other religious gatherings, and God has blessed the words I have spoken to the good of the people. Our people had no suitable place in which to worship, so we have purchased a tent, 20 x 40 ft., and have pitched it near a house where two sisters are operating a small sanitarium. It is not in a part of the city where we expect to settle permanently, as nearly all in this vicinity are French. Our tent with all that appertains to it is paid for, and we have a little money in the bank. When I said to our people, “Our policy in this city must be to pay as we go,” they all said “Amen.” My heart was made glad to see how willing God’s people here were to sacrifice for his cause. They have been hoping and praying for help, and now that help has come, they respond, and the Quebec Conference feels grateful to our Michigan brethren for the assistance they are giving them, as this conference is not in a condition to take on any extra financial burden. We have means in sight to start a restaurant, school, and treatment rooms when the right place can be secured, and the proper persons to run such an institution can be found. May God give us good judgment, and may we have the prayers of our people for the success of the work in this needy field. West Indies
By Mrs. M. E. Van Deusen
KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT.—The terror of the people during the great disaster that overtook this place can better be seen than described. The bursting of the volcano and throwing out of fire, smoke, steam, heat, water, ashes, and stones, caused death and destruction for miles around. If we had not had hold on God’s promises we should have been frightened, too; but we were sure that nothing could happen to us unless the Lord saw that it was best. So we went to work to comfort others, and point them to the only Refuge. Whole families were killed. A young man living several miles from his parents, the next day found his father and mother, wife and children, and a cousin dead—eleven in number. A boy fourteen years old was saved out of a family of ten. He could get no one to help bury them but a cousin, about his age. They dug a trench, and buried them all. On Friday, May 9, a worse outburst than the one on Wednesday, killed many. We are about twelve or fourteen miles from the crater. Over sixteen hundred have been buried, besides those covered up in the eruption, which is thought to be enough to raise the number to two thousand. It has been a time to be remembered. People were afraid to go to bury the dead, and many of them were left until so decayed that they had to be handled with pitchforks and shovels, and put in trenches, fifty or sixty in one place. People have had to flee for their lives, and many were overtaken. Many animals are still lying where they died, as this is quite an island for stock, especially in that part. Probably thousands have been killed. The roaring and the lightning were something never to be forgotten. Earthquakes followed one after another. But we held on to the strong arm of our Father. Sunday evening, the eighteenth, just as our meeting closed, a young man18 called my husband out to see the volcano. It was belching smoke again, and the roaring and lightning began. It was awful, and it seemed to be coming nearer to us than before. You may imagine the terror of the people, after what had happened. I could not look at it. I felt to go and ask God to have mercy. People began to come in, and I pointed them to Jesus as their only safety. O, how glad I was that I had made my peace with him in my sober moments! How good the Christian’s hope seemed to me—a hope that holds thus all the time, when everything else gives way. I felt so glad for the truth, and I could point others to it. About eleven o’clock the smoke passed away, and all seemed quite clear. But many never slept during the night. Monday, the nineteenth, about 3 P. M., it began again, and continued about four hours. Everything looked rather dark, I can assure you; but still we did not give up to fear, but with hearts full of courage went about to comfort others who were in such a state of mind that they hardly knew what to do. I went out on the street, and found some who were glad to receive comfort. I received a great blessing in pointing them to the only Source of help. My husband was out in another direction, doing what he could for the poor people. About eight in the evening the smoke cleared away, things looked brighter, and we had a good night. This morning is fair, but what the day will bring forth we cannot say. We shall trust all to him who sees and knows all. We want to do just what the Lord would have us do. May he give his servants warning when it is time to leave. I could write much more, but time forbids. Do not cease to pray for us. Raiatea, Society Islands
By G. T. Beckner
AVARA.—The school home is completed now, and the school is in progress. My work, however, is largely in connection with the plantation. Cocoanuts are our main crop. We gather the nuts, and make them into copra by digging out the meat, and drying it in a house made for this purpose. As we go about our work, our hearts are glad because the Lord has permitted us to have a part in the closing work of the third angel’s message. We have no words of discouragement to offer. We have our trials and temptations, but the Lord is our helper in every time of need. I will say to those at home, We need your prayers. Then as you pray for us, the Lord will lead you to give of the means he has intrusted to you, for the needy fields beyond. May God impress his people with the thought that all that they have belongs to him, and some day they will have to give an account of the way in which they have used his money. The people in the home land sing, “The heathen, in his blindness, bows down to wood and stone;” but they cannot realize this until they see it for themselves, then all will be willing to make any sacrifice to tell them of Jesus and his love. As we learn of our workers going to other fields, our hearts are made glad; for we know that our redemption draweth nigh. Let our watchword be Onward and upward, for the victory is ours. We are contented and happy in our work here, and enjoy many of God’s richest blessings. G. T. BECKNER. The Work in Hawaii
By C. E. Leland; Mrs. C. E. Leland
WE closed our work in Port Huron, Mich., soon after the camp meeting; and after a short visit with our parents in Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, we left for California, where we had been invited to labor. At a convention of the Western workers held in San Francisco, instruction was given that “all should wrestle to get into new fields,” and after looking over the State of California, it was found that every place of any importance had been entered, so our attention was called, for the third time, to the Hawaiian Islands. After seeking the Lord and looking at the conditions, we decided to make Hawaii our field, and at once took ship for Hilo, the only place of any note on the island, which is the largest of the group. After a voyage of twenty-four days, we landed the second of March, in a very heavy rain, which is a daily occurrence here at this season. Some work having been done in this place, we found a company of five believers, who are much in need of help. This island is devoted to sugar-cane plantations, the work being done by foreign help, mostly Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese, grouped together in camps, very much as the negroes were during slavery in the South. As a result, sin abounds, and in many instances there is an entire lack of virtue and self-respect. We brought some books with us, and as soon as we were settled, we began canvassing and visiting the people. We have sold a number of books, and are now studying the Bible with some with whom we have formed a pleasant acquaintance. Our Sabbath meetings are held at the home of a native sister, as we have no public meeting place. One intelligent native woman who has attended our meetings regularly has decided to obey God, and is keeping the Sabbath. As she is educated in English, she is a help to us in interpreting. We are well pleased with the climate thus far, although it is more debilitating than that of the States. Provisions are high, being shipped from the coast. We have a small garden in which are growing some of our Michigan vegetables. But we have the promise of a lot on which to build a church as soon as we are prepared to do so. A building is much needed for school purposes as well as for meetings. The rain makes it difficult for us to go on foot from place to place with books, papers, etc. We need a colporteur’s wagon, with which to get about. This would enable us to reach many camps where we could leave our literature, and also hold meetings as opportunity offers. We hope our brethren will help give the word of God to these hungry souls, by sending us donations with which to pay for this much-needed conveyance. We are enjoying good health, and pray that God’s blessings may ever abide with us, leading us in all our plans and work. C. E. LELAND,
MRS. C. E. LELAND. The Work in San Diego, Cal.
By T. S. Whitelock
THE hand of the Lord is surely seen in the work in this place. The way has been opened to start a hygienic restaurant, health-food store, and treatment rooms in the center of the city. The gentleman of whom the rooms were rented has given us a reduction of over one half of the price paid by former renters, making the rent very reasonable. The restaurant will be equipped in first-class style, and will be one of the finest we have at the present time. The treatment rooms will be first class, and provided with the various facilities for treating the sick. We have also secured the co-operation of good, consecrated men and women to assist in the work, so that the grand truths of the third angel’s message may be impressed upon the minds of those with whom we come in contact. There are some excellent openings for sanitarium work a few miles from the center of the city. One building that was equipped, and formerly run as a sanitarium, and cost over one hundred thousand dollars, can now be had, with twenty acres of land, for fourteen thousand dollars. Another location which is about eight miles from the center of the city, and cost seventy-five thousand dollars, can be obtained for twelve thousand dollars. For sanitarium purposes, both of these locations are all that can be asked, and altogether, with the most beautiful and equable climate the world affords, would doubtless be the means in the hands of the Lord of bringing many souls to a knowledge of the truth. However, the opportunity to secure these low prices will soon be in the past. Real estate is now on the rise, and with the assured prospects for a railroad direct from the East, will soon double its value. In a Testimony dated March 14, 1902, the following words were penned: “Offers of buildings at a low price will be received from men of the world who are favorable to medical missionary work. All these things should be taken into consideration. Take advantage of favorable offers. Often there are offered at a low price country places on which are buildings that could be utilized for sanitarium work. If the grounds are extensive, and are beautified by ornamental and fruit trees, we should consider these as strong reasons why we should secure such places for sanitarium work.” In a recent meeting held with the San Diego church a donation of over five hundred dollars in contributions and loans was taken up. One brother in Illinois has loaned one thousand dollars. Should any feel impressed to help in the work in Southern California, with loans or donations, they are invited to correspond with Elder W. M. Healey, 2719 G St., or with me, at 229 20th St., San Diego, Cal. T. S. WHITELOCK. Honolulu Anglo-Chinese Academy Closes Successful School Year
By I. C. Colcord
JUNE 6 marked the close of a full nine months’ term of school work in the Anglo-Chinese Academy. We believe we can safely say we have had a successful year in many respects. First, a sweet spirit of harmony existed in the faculty, and also among the students. The motto of the school is “Do right.” Each of our boarding boys owns a Bible and a song book, as do also a large number of the day students. The last half of the term the boarding boys have been eating English foods, prepared and served in English style.19 No chopsticks, no pork, no ollapodrida preparations,—these all had to go; but they went with the willing consent of the boys. Some of them are fleshier, and there is less complaint of headache, and, as they say, “I feel more better.” At the beginning of the school year over half our thirty-eight boarding boys wore queues, and at the close I counted only five left. Nearly all of them wear American-cut suits. We have secured the transportation papers for three of our Chinese boys who will sail on the seventeenth of this month, in company with Elder B. L. Howe and his family, on the good boat “Sonoma.” These young men expect to enter Healdsburg College next fall. One other would like very much to do so. He is ready to take his stand on the side of truth, but his parents have not yet given their consent, and this he wishes to have, and intends at least to give them sufficient time to think it over. Two of these young men who go to the mainland were baptized in December, 1901, in Nuuanu Stream, before their fellow students, and are now members of the Honolulu Seventh-day Adventist church. Money is beginning to be scarce here in the islands, and the nonpayment of the “fire claims,” when the Chinese were burned out during the time of the plague, has caused quite a number of the smaller enterprises of this people to go to the wall, and is bringing some of their leading merchants into straitened circumstances. But present indications are that the United States will make an appropriation of one million and a half or two million dollars to pay off these fire claimants, which will, if done, greatly relieve the financial condition. Also there is a severe strife between the Bow Wong Society and the Consul Party here in the island; in other words, between the Reform Society and the old colonists. Some of the members of the Chinese committee that has the financial responsibility of this school, are Bow Wongs. This brings in a factional element, and they have already had some of their troubles in court. How this will affect our school we do not know, but the time may be not far distant when it will be necessary for us to quit our present quarters, and open up a denominational school, to which we may invite students from “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” We believe the hope of this cosmopolitan place is largely through the educational effort. I. C. COLCORD. British West Indies
By L. E. Wellman
ST. JOHN, ANTIGUA.— A few months ago we began work in the district of Glengoffe, Jamaica, where there were two or three brethren who had been calling for several months for some one to help them. We erected a booth of bamboo and cocoanut boughs, in which to hold our meetings. We met much prejudice at first, but it was soon broken down. Eight precious souls accepted the message, and are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Five of these were baptized by Elder Richardson; one, an aged native preacher, was satisfied with his previous baptism, and two are yet to be baptized. Several others, who were observing the Sabbath, but who had had no education in the truth and had not been baptized, were established in the truth, and baptized at the same time. Before leaving, we assisted the brethren in putting up a temporary chapel in which to hold their meetings. This will serve them nicely for a few months, until they can arrange for a permanent place. We also organized a Sabbath school of twenty members, which we left in good condition. When we finished our work there, we were requested to labor in the island of Tortola. We sailed from Jamaica, May 6, and through the kindness of the steamship company, we had the privilege of stopping with our parents here for a few days. We are of good courage in the Lord, and look forward to our work in Tortola with hope. The Summer Assembly at Berrien Springs
By William Covert
THIS is Friday morning, June 27, and I am in camp with the Summer Assembly at Berrien Springs. It is inspiring to see the strong young people who are gathered here in the interest of the Lord's school work. It would be difficult to find a more promising class of young people than are now registered for work in this assembly. The total enrollment is a little more than one hundred and fifty, but not all of these are taking full work. Quite a number who are laboring upon the farm and upon the buildings had passed the examination before the regular school opened, and do not need quite as much as those who came especially for the summer term. A number of States are wanting more teachers than they can find in their own borders. It is quite clear that they should have been preparing these helpers long ago. But all the conferences should make the most of this opportunity by sending such persons as can be most quickly trained for the church-school work. Sister White has written to the matron of the camp, stating that she is deeply interested in the outcome of this summer school. She is very anxious to have a large number of our young people in training for the school work. Her great desire is that there shall be a sufficient number trained to supply the existing need. If our people hold back now, it will be at a very great loss. Unless the churches take hold of the Lord's plans, and work to save the children, they cannot hope to be ready for the coming of Jesus. Somebody must do this work. A most excellent opportunity is now offered to our people for educating workers. Let them not imitate the example of Meroz. If they do, they will certainly fare no better than Meroz did. Brethren and sisters, please rally to this work now. O, do not wait! A very good spirit is enjoyed by all in the camp. Courage and confidence prevail in a large degree. Elder Brunson has just begun a series of lessons on the messages. These he is delivering evenings. I wish that a thousand of our people who are preparing for work in the Lord's cause, could have the advantage of the lessons which are being given. We believe, however, that the number will be largely increased before the school closes. Australasian Union Conference
The following items relating to the progress of the work in the Australasian Union Conference are gleaned from the minutes of recent sessions of the Australasian Union Conference Committee:— The week of prayer was appointed for June 14-21. The readings for this occasion consisted of the subjects presented in the General Conference Bulletin, No. 4, 1901, excepting “Our Privilege of Giving,” in place of which the substitution of an article on the general needs of the Australasian field, followed by a short Bible reading on Giving, was recommended; also excepting the article embracing the medical work, in place of which it was recommended to substitute a similar article dealing especially with the medical work in Australasia. It was voted “that the second tithe, as a systematic plan of benevolence, be adopted and presented to our people as a permanent means of raising funds for the cause.” Dr. Lauretta Kress presented a financial report of the Avondale Health Retreat, showing a gain in nine months of £204. It was recommended by the committee on the management of periodicals that Mrs. V. J. Farnsworth be editor of the Bible Echo; that E. C. Chapman be requested to act as managing editor of the Union Conference Record; and that the publication of the Joyful Tidings be discontinued. A report of the progress of the work of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons” showed that thus far about two thousand books have been sold, and £200 received. The work has been started in New Zealand, Tasmania, and Victoria. It was recommended that the location of the food factory be changed from Cooranbong to Wahroonga, where the new sanitarium is now in process of construction, and that it be run in connection with that institution. In view of the financial situation of the sanitarium, the following resolution was adopted:— “Whereas, The financial condition of the medical work in Australasia is such that we do not feel free to borrow more money to complete the Sydney Sanitarium, and— “Whereas, The undertaking is greater than the brethren of these colonies seem able to lift, we therefore, as members of the Union Conference of Australasia in council assembled, appeal to our brethren in America to assist us to the amount of $15,000; this amount being less than the present actual deficit of the medical work, and calling for only twenty-five cents per member for each Sabbath keeper in America.” It was voted that the Sabbath-school donations be appropriated as follows:— Third quarter, 1902, fittings for Wahroonga Sanitarium treatment rooms; fourth quarter, Queensland; first quarter, 1903, missionary circulation of the Bible Echo; second quarter, 1903, Indian Tract Fund; third quarter, 1903, literature for our island mission field. Special quarter-end collections:— Third quarter, 1902, Avondale steam launch; fourth quarter, 1902, Sydney ship mission; first quarter, 1903, Union Conference church building fund; second quarter, 1903, Melbourne ship mission; third quarter, 1903, fittings for Christchurch Sanitarium treatment rooms. A short report of the work of the Echo Publishing Company was given by the manager, W. D. Salisbury. The report showed that the institution has been steadily prospering, the loss of the previous year being considerably reduced. The State tract societies under the cash system are steadily reducing their past indebtedness. The brethren in South Africa have offered the Echo Company the territory in Natal, Transvaal, and Orange River Colony to work with our literature until such time as they shall be prepared to organize tract societies there. It has been decided to open a depository in Durban, with J. H. Camp as field man, and C. H. Pretyman as treasurer and office man, and it is hoped that this branch will be a help to both the Echo Company and the South African field. The following report on distribution of labor was presented and adopted:— R. Hare, Victoria; A. T. Robinson, Queensland; J. E. Fulton, Maoris of New Zealand; C. H. Parker, Fiji; G. Teasdale, Tasmania; E. H. Gates, Bible teacher for Avondale school. The subject of the Forward Movement was introduced by G. A. Irwin. It was voted that this study be begun as soon as the present lessons on Revelation close. In view of the fact that Brother F. W. Reekie had received an invitation to go to England as a canvasser, he was released from all claim on the part of the Australasian Union Conference, and left free to act according to his judgment in the matter.20 The Committee on Sanitarium and Medical Plans recommended:— 1. That a forward movement be made to disseminate the principles of health, and that the medical association send to our churches throughout this field the help needed to give lectures, instruction in healthful cookery, etc., with a view of fitting our people to do acceptable work on health lines in this community. 2. That the local conferences and churches encourage and make provision to meet either wholly or in part the expense of such work. 3. That an inexpensive cookery book be gotten up, with simple hygienic recipes, giving special instruction in the preparation and use of health foods. Also that literature on the evils of tobacco, spirits, tea, etc., etc., and the benefits to be derived from hygienic living, including instruction in rational treatments in common diseases, be provided. Busy Men Wanted
By C. McReynolds
WE want to see some men who are successful in other work go out and make a success of selling books. It is busy men whom the Lord calls for,—men who have much to do,—men who will sacrifice a paying business to answer the call of God. Peter was a busy man, a hard worker and successful fisherman. He left all to answer the call of Jesus. Will you be true to your profession of faith? A great army will be raised up to engage in the canvassing work. Will you be one of them? Remember it is busy people whom the Lord is calling to go. May he give you grace to say, “Here am I; send me.” Can’t you go out at once and take orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons”? Take enough so that if you should not deliver more than half, you would have your quota sold. Let the church officers look after this matter at once. Orders can be taken for the books now much easier than the books can be sold in the spring and fall. And when this has been done, many will find that they can take orders, and will engage in the canvassing work. Finish the Work
By Wm. Covert
It is not difficult to get a church to begin the work of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons,” but it often requires considerable time to get all the members to do their full part. Not all the churches where a good beginning has been made have filled their quota. There are members in many places who have not as yet made an effort to sell a book, while many others have surmounted obstacles, and cheerfully completed the work assigned them. It is presumed that those who have not yet sold the required number of books are unfavorably situated for such work, and that they will yet do their full share. Many have sent us word to this effect. They say that as soon as possible they will go out and dispose of a full complement of the book. Almost every mail tells us of some one who has succeeded in disposing of a full quota of books where the outlook was unfavorable. These reports are encouraging, because they show that the completion of this whole matter is only a question of time. In fact, we are now so well along in this work that it would be unwise and cowardly to speak of failure. The leaders of our churches will do well to come in touch with every member enrolled upon the church records, and secure the co-operation of all as early as possible. Kindly keep the matter before them until a favorable response is secured. There is not a church in Wisconsin that cannot in time fill its quota. Very many individuals have sold double the number of books assigned them, and many others a great many times their quota, some even twenty-five times the number assigned them. We confidently expect that the twelve thousand for Emmanuel Missionary College will be sold before many months have passed, and not only so, but that many thousand more will be sold, and the money used in establishing our German school in Wisconsin. We are glad to say that arrangements to this effect have already been perfected with those who have the management of the matter in hand. A spirit of courage and confidence prevails, though we have not succeeded in disposing of our quota as early as might have been done if all had rallied to the call when it was first made. A kind, persevering spirit in the Lord’s work will do wonders, and every one of us should seek to obtain and hold fast such a spirit. Let every one in the conference continue to press forward in this good work, and we shall soon see the work accomplished. Experiences in Canvassing and Visiting Families
By Elsie A. Brown
IN giving a canvass for “Christ’s Object Lessons” the other day, while dwelling upon the parable of The Lost Sheep, and holding to view the beautiful engraving by which the artist has illustrated the subject, the little ones of the family, though naturally diffident, drew so closely about me, and their upturned faces bespoke so much of earnest interest, that I could not forbear to direct my conversation for the time being to them. When I explained to them the shepherd’s manner of dealing with the little lambs that stray, neither driving nor expecting them to follow when found, but carrying them tenderly in his arms to the fold, and told them that Christ called the little children his lambs, and gave this lesson as illustrative of his manner of dealing with them when they go astray, or do wrong, their countenances expressed such sweet satisfaction as to inspire me with the hope that seed had been sown which would one day bear fruit. The next day in a quiet little home in the outskirts of the town, I met a German mother who, by her tenderness of soul and strong faith in God, so met my ideal of motherhood as to draw me to her with cords both strong and tender. She certainly evinced a character strangely wanting in these days, but not the less sweet and potent because of its rarity. When I spoke to her of our work, particularly of our medical missionary work as carried on in Chicago, she manifested much interest, and her tears flowed freely, as well as when telling21 me of how earnestly she had sought to train her children to God’s glory. Some of these, since going out into the world, have in a measure lost their hold on God. Through her tears she gave expression to words of strong faith that Prov. 22:6 would yet be verified to her. And I can but believe that it will; for what is a factor so strong in the soul-saving service as the prayers and intercessions of a mother? Before I had spoken of the matter to this mother, she told me, with strong assurance, that she believes that the coming of Christ is near, as everything seems to indicate it. I gave her some tracts relative to this subject, took her subscription for The Life Boat, and left her presence with renewed courage, and the prayer that God would lead her fully into the light of present truth. My heart was filled with gratitude to God for once more permitting me to meet such a mother. ELSIE A. BROWN. The Lord Knew Best
By Ellen G. White
THE Lord knew just the best way to help us out of our difficulty in regard to the debt on the schools. The school work is to me a part of myself, and I am greatly encouraged by the success of the plan to relieve our schools from debt. My heart is made glad in the Lord as I hear of the money brought in by the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The sale of this book is the Lord’s own plan, and his blessing is attending the efforts made to carry out this plan. I have already seen much more accomplished than I expected to see. I hope that no one who can engage in this work will excuse himself, and so lose the blessing there is in it. This is the means the Lord has ordained for uniting the hearts of his people to one another by the same link that unites them to himself as his co-workers. “We are laborers together with God.” These words seem so appropriate to the work now being done. MRS. E. G. WHITE.