p. 17 | Review and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 5. (2/4/1909)

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference

By G. B. Thompson

THE fifth annual session of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference was held in Lebanon, Jan. 12-19, 1909. Although we have a neat little church building here, the entire session of the conference was held in the Sons of America Hall, the largest and best-located hall in the city. This gave an excellent opportunity to make a special effort to reach those not of our faith. The efforts put forth in this direction were quite successful. Liberal and interesting methods of advertising were used; and although the weather was stormy and cold, a fair congregation was present each evening to listen to the stirring truths of the message. The city papers, the News and the Report, gave us considerable space each day. A number of persons expressed themselves as greatly interested in what they heard, and some of the conference laborers remained to follow up the interest which was created.

The conference was very encouraging. The attendance of our people was good, and over seventy delegates were present from the various churches. Unity prevailed in all the deliberations.

The reports rendered showed an encouraging growth in all departments. The tithe showed an increase of more than two thousand dollars over that of the previous year; there was also an increase of about one thousand dollars in offerings for foreign missions. Three churches were admitted and the report showed an increase of over one hundred Sabbath-keepers during the year. The sale of our books and other publications was greatly in excess of that of one year ago. A stirring canvassers' institute was planned to follow the meeting, and the outlook for the coming year is quite good for this kind of work.

The report from the Philadelphia Sanitarium was encouraging. This institution, like similar institutions elsewhere, has had its troubles, but under its present management the outlook is quite hopeful. The treasurer's report showed that with the patronage of the present time the sanitarium is nearly paying its way. Besides this, a spirit of consecration and loyalty to the message prevails. Some of the leading physicians of Philadelphia are on the consulting staff, and the institution is able to furnish as good care and medical advice as can be found anywhere. It should have the loyal and hearty support of our people. Plans were laid to push the sale of “Ministry of Healing” in the conference, in the interest of the institution. Dr. W. H. Smith, the medical superintendent, was present during part of the conference, and gave a stirring talk on the principles of health reform.

Brethren C. S. Wiest and I. M. Martin were ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. The officers elected for the coming year were about the same as last year. Elder W. H. Heckman was unanimously re-elected president, and Elder O. O. Bernstein vice-president. Elder K. C. Russell, Prof. H. R. Salisbury, and the writer shared with the laborers of the conference in the burdens and blessings of the meeting. The brethren and sisters left for their homes with renewed courage, to press forward in the message until its final triumph.

G. B. THOMPSON.

Alberta

By C. A. Burman

THE Alberta Conference was organized in July, 1906, with a constituency of about three hundred. All seemed to have a marked interest in the building up of the cause in this new field. Prior to this time, Brother F. L. Hommel and his associates had created quite an interest in the medical work, and fitted up a home in Edmonton, where the sick were being treated.

The following winter a canvassing school was held, which resulted in placing twelve agents in the field. At the time of the next conference it was decided to establish an intermediate school, and a committee was appointed to purchase a farm, and erect necessary buildings. Gifts, in cash and pledges, have been received to the amount of six thousand dollars.

During this time the medical work had been steadily growing, and demanded permanent quarters. It was thought advisable by the delegates assembled at the last conference to take over the medical work then carried on by private parties, and establish medical and educational institutions at the same place. Accordingly, a piece of land, containing one hundred ninety-eight acres, two miles northwest of Lacombe, was purchased, and steps have been taken to establish our work there. Among other gifts received by the conference for the establishment of these institutions are seven quarter sections of land. This land is all located in prosperous districts, and with the exception of one quarter, is easy of access from a railway. Each quarter has some improvements. This land will be sold as soon as possible, in order to get means with which to execute the work. The price on these farms varies from $10 to $17.50 an acre. Besides the above, the conference holds for sale one hundred sixty acres of land two miles west of Leduc and a farm three miles south of McLeod. The one at Leduc is one of the best in the province, having buildings, and one hundred acres of trimothy sod. The latter farms are held at $30 an acre. Here is a grand opportunity for some one living in the city to get a home in a rural district, and at the same time help to build up the work in this province. For further particulars write to F. J. Hippach, Lacombe, or the writer at Leduc.

The Lord has set his hand to the work here in Alberta. Success is attending all lines of the work. Forty bright young people are attending our school. Soon we shall be able to send out laborers who will do faithful service. New ones are constantly accepting the truth, for which we thank God. C. A. BURMAN.

Success in the Canvassing Work

By Walter Harper

THIS has been a day full of experiences for me, and I can only praise the Lord for it all. He is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. My cup seems full to overflowing, and I rejoice in the Lord, and can but speak of his wonderful work to the children of men. Ps. 107: 8, 15, 31; 145: 7.

I began work here at Morenci, Ariz., January 4, just one week ago, having left Globe on the third. From the very first, the Lord has blessed; but somehow in the last two or three days I seemed to get behind in securing my daily desired number of orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” It looked as if the way was hedged up for getting orders for this volume. This morning I decided that this state of affairs must not continue; that to-day, the Lord willing, I would get seven orders for that work, even if I had to set aside my regular canvassing work in order to do so. I asked the Lord to help me, and to remove the indifference that was manifested by the people toward this book. No one ever faithfully sought the Lord in vain. He never disappoints those who earnestly and truly seek him. I began my day’s work as early as possible. It was not long until I had been blessed in securing three orders for this work. One gentleman who ordered it, also gave me more than seven dollars’ worth of other orders, one being for “Patriarchs and Prophets,” full morocco, gilt. Then other orders were taken.

I came back to my lodging place about 3:30 P. M. for dinner, and when I resumed work, about 4:30, I still lacked four of the orders I wished to secure for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” I besought the Lord to enable me to get them. As I started out, my attention was drawn to a shop not over fifty yards from my room; there I met a man who at once gave me his order. Before I finished canvassing him, another man came in; he was quickly led to decide that he must have the book. Just then another man came down the street on horseback. Feeling confident that this was my opportunity to secure another order, I ascertained where the man was going. Soon I was with him. The book appealed to his mind, and he thought he must have it. I then stepped outside, and near by I saw a fine-looking, well-dressed Mexican gentleman sitting in front of a mercantile warehouse, trying to find solace in a bottle of beer, while evidently waiting for the clerk to come and open the place, so he could secure what he wanted. I induced him to place his name for the work, which he wished for his thirteen-year-old daughter. Thus in a brief space in four successive exhibitions, the four books were sold.

While returning at twilight, feeling that I would be much pleased to have two more orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons” before I closed the day’s efforts, I asked the Lord to grant them. I was directed to a place near at hand, and soon had the wished-for orders, to my great joy. That made nine orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons” to-day. And after all, through God’s blessing, I did not have to lay aside my regular canvassing work; for the Lord gave me over forty-two dollars in orders for books, helps, etc., besides the nine orders for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Such experiences are truly refreshing. A day’s experience like this teaches us our dependence on power from above; that all our success, all blessings, are from God. O how willing he is to bless all! How he longs to impart to every one who will ask, believe, and receive. All honors to our Father for evermore.

WALTER HARPER.

Fiji

By C. H. PARKER

BURESALA.—It has been some time since I reported for the REVIEW. I have been very busy, and have but just returned from our union conference session in New South Wales. We had a most refreshing time at this meeting, and the Lord blessed in a very marked manner.

The labors of Elders J. N. Loughborough and R. C. Porter were much appreciated, and there was no uncertain sound given to the message in their sermons. I know that the faith and confidence of all were strengthened and settled more thoroughly in the Testimonies and in the ultimate triumph of organization. Truly, the Lord’s hand arranged the circumstances so that these two brethren might be at this conference. We were surprised at Elder Loughborough’s powers of endurance. It is marvelous how the Lord has strengthened him.

Ninety-two delegates, representing the Australasian Union Conference, were present from all parts of the field, besides a large number of lay brethren. The meetings were well attended each day. There was a great deal of business, with many perplexing questions, to deal with; but the work went smoothly, as we all had a mind to work. There was perfect unity; not one dissenting vote was cast; every recommendation passed unanimously. Two years ago there was only one dissenting vote. This is improvement, and it looks as if we are near the time when the watchmen will all see eye to eye, and lift up the voice together. On both Sabbaths the Spirit of the Lord so moved upon the congregation that every one rose for prayers, the ministers taking the lead. It is hard to leave such a meeting as this.

There was only one thing lacking, and that was suitable laborers to meet the many calls. How striking in resemblance is our time to that of Christ! Our prayer ascends to the throne, that he will 'send forth laborers into his harvest.'

The interest here at Buresala is good. I am sending a photo of our missionary society. C. H. PARKER.

Norfolk Island

By H. MITCHELL

A WEALTHY Australian squatter thought of settling on this island, but after making a pleasant home for himself, decided to move to Africa. He accepted our offer to purchase the property, and the Australasian Union Conference advanced us the money to secure it. We firmly believe that the Lord led in the purchase of the new home. Now we are anxiously waiting to see the result of this quarter's offerings from our Australasian Sabbath-schools.

Until the purchase of this property, our workers had to find shelter as best they could among the islanders. While our field is small, we find ample opportunity for work. I do not know of one house among the islanders where I am not welcomed, and I could tell of many pleasant experiences if space would permit.

Kindness and Christian sympathy appeal to the hearts of the islanders. I love many of their homely and communistic ways. Perhaps a party of six will go out in a boat to fish, and on their return any who may be present at the landing are welcome to take what they need, free of charge. Sometimes a company will sail across to adjacent islands to gather sea-birds' eggs, which can be secured in numberless quantities. On returning they share them all around. They know of no such things as barns or storehouses or cellars for laying up food, etc., for future use. By their way of exchange everybody regards it as his duty to share what he has, and it is so natural to them that they do it with pleasure.

The roads are kept in order by a system they call public work. Every man over seventeen and under sixty is compelled to work three days a month free on the roads. Traders, tourists, missionaries, etc., are all included in the public work. There are no taxes or rent to pay, as the islanders have nothing with

which to pay them; but any settler other than the islanders has to pay rent for the land.

The one great drawback to this island's prosperity is (using the expression of an officer on the steamship "Powerful" in his report to the Sydney Morning Herald) "its hopelessly isolated condition."

We have many dear people here, who welcome us week by week as we meet to study with them; yet they are so slow to take their stand for the truth.

There have been for some time very strained relations between the crown and the islanders, and I am sorry to report the prospect of more trouble yet. I sincerely beg an interest in the prayers of God's people that we, as his workers, may have wisdom at this time in directing the minds of the people toward him who alone is able to help them in their trouble.

H. MITCHELL.

Minnesota

By GEO. L. BUDD.

BRUNO.—It was recommended by the conference committee that Brother E. M. Chapman and the writer go to this place immediately after the workers’ meeting at Minneapolis. When we arrived at Bruno, we found ourselves handicapped by a quarantine for diphtheria, and all public places were closed. The way looked dark to us, but we were sure the Lord had sent us here in response to a call that was made, and so finally decided to hold meetings in a little schoolhouse about two miles and a half from town, in a sparsely settled country, until the quarantine was raised. To our happy surprise the little schoolhouse was well filled. As a result of the work here, about fifty, including children, have taken a stand for the truth.

We are now beginning a new effort in a hall in the village. The country is stirred for miles around, and the ministers of other denominations are coming from every quarter to hinder the work. The work in the schoolhouse in the country created a desire to hear the Word, and we now have a large congregation in Bruno. We ask for the prayers of God’s people that the truth may still gain the victory at this place. GEO. L. BUDD.

Western Colorado

By E. T. Russell

PALISADES.—A general meeting was held at this place, December 23 to January 3. This is the first general gathering since the organization of the Western Colorado Conference. All the conference laborers and representatives from many of the churches were present.

At the beginning of the meeting, a young people's convention was held, conducted by Chester Prout, assisted by Elder C. R. Kite. A Sabbath-school convention was also held, conducted by Miss Grace Dowden. During the meeting, Brother Will Innis, the State canvassing agent, was granted a few hours to consider the canvassing work.

Much interest was manifested by our people as various branches of the work were discussed. As Elder Kite had to leave quite early in the meeting, Mrs. J. S. Wightman was invited to take his place, and in company with the writer, she labored until the close of the meeting. Her work was much appreciated by our people and by the public. From night to night the audience increased, so that the commodious church edifice could scarcely accommodate the people, there being present about five hundred each night until the close of the meeting. It was pronounced by nearly all as the best meeting they had ever been privileged to attend. The last Sabbath of the meeting about fifty responded to a call for special consecration. As a result of this effort, thirteen or fourteen were converted, nine were baptized, and much prejudice was removed from the minds of those not of our faith.

The laborers and representatives from the churches who were present, will return to their fields of labor and to their churches with renewed courage, to work with greater earnestness in the future.

E. T. RUSSELL.

Abyssinia

By Julius Persson

ASMARA.—In June, 1907, I was called to go to Abyssinia, and in August I left my native land, Sweden, and with another brother went to Africa. We arrived here the twenty-first of October. As school or missionary work is not yet permitted in Abyssinia, we have begun here in Erithrea, the Italian colony on the northern border of Abyssinia. But, naturally, our aim is not only this colony, but Ethiopia, also.

During the past year I have learned the Italian language, so now I can hold small meetings, and translate Bible readings into that tongue. I have also learned to read and write Tigrigna, the language spoken here in the colony of the Abyssinians, and I trust God will also help me to learn Amharic, which is the standard language in Ethiopia.

Next year we intend to begin our school work. I am now getting along quite nicely in training three young men here, whom we may later be able to use as teachers for the natives. God is helping us, giving us health, and is preparing the way for the third angel's message. We are here to aid in the fulfilment of the prophecy that this gospel shall be proclaimed in all the world in this generation, and every week as we receive our dear friend, the REVIEW, and read of the onward progress of the truth, we become strengthened and encouraged.

JULIUS PERSSON.

Canadians in the United States

By W. H. Thurston

THE object of this brief article is to call the attention of Canadians living in the United States to the work in the metropolis of Canada. Montreal, with its suburbs, has five hundred thousand inhabitants, and, as we have no house of worship, it has been with difficulty that the gospel work has been carried on there. About three years ago the believers in the city began gathering funds, with the view of building a church; and several hundred dollars have been secured. Some others promised help, and last fall the work of building was begun.

Before the church was finished it was found that it would cost considerably more than was at first estimated, and a loan of over two thousand dollars was secured in order to complete the work. Unless help comes from others, this will be a heavy burden for the Montreal church to carry. Jan. 31, 1909, is the date set for the dedication, and we have reason to believe that Canadians in the United States are interested in the gospel work in Canada, and especially in the largest city in the Dominion.

We also believe they would esteem it a privilege to aid the brethren and sisters of Montreal in their struggle to secure a place of worship. We extend a most earnest invitation to our friends in the States to help us at this time, and assure them that their help will be greatly appreciated.

It is planned to hold a series of meetings following the dedication, and we hope others will be gathered into the fold.

Montreal is a hard field for gospel work, but the message is to be proclaimed there as well as in other places; and we solicit your prayers for the progress of the work there, and an offering for the house of worship. Please send your donations to Darwin Dingman, South Bolton, Quebec, Canada.

W. H. THURSTON, Pres. Canadian Union Conference.

Field Notes

DURING a recent series of meetings at Baldwin, Mich., twelve took their stand to keep the Sabbath.

AS a result of a series of meetings held in Baltimore, Md., fifteen persons were recently baptized.

ELDER W. H. HECKMAN baptized five persons on Sabbath, January 2, at Scranton, Pa. This makes fourteen members recently added to that church.

EIGHT persons have recently united with the church at Sparta, Wis.,—four subject to baptism, and one by letter; the other three on profession of faith, having previously been baptized.

ON Sabbath, January 2, a Sabbath-school of seventeen members was organized at Spring Valley, S. D. Ten of these have recently taken their stand for the truth, as a result of a series of meetings held at that place.

AS the result of a series of meetings at Shattuck, Okla., three persons who had never before made a profession, took their stand for the truth, and on Sabbath, December 26, six members were added to the church.

BROTHER U. S. ANDERSON writes: “Quite an interest was awakened during the week-of-prayer meetings held with the New Hope (Ind.) church, and services were continued for a time, three persons uniting with the church as a result.”

A REPORT from Brother A. D. Ewert, says: “Five were added to the Winona [Minn.] church—all Germans. Four others are keeping the Sabbath, and are ready for baptism. Five other families are much interested, and will soon unite with God's people. At Mountain Lake two have taken their stand for the truth, and have united with the church. At Westbrook one young man has accepted the Sabbath, and four others are interested. I have had the privilege of baptizing five, two at Amboy, and three at Worthington.”

“Divine Talks to Lawmakers”

By W. A. C.

UNDER the above heading the following appeared in the Sacramento (Cal.) Bee, of Jan. 18, 1909:—

“Laying aside the cloth for the robes of common citizenship, the Rev. Dr. W. H. G. Temple talked to a small gathering of legislators last night. He sounded the throbbing questions of the day from the standpoint of a respectable man of Christian belief.

“Dr. Temple spoke in furtherance of four bills now before the legislature—the Anti-Racetrack Gambling bill, the Local Option bill, the Suffragette bill, and the Sunday Rest law. After analyzing them individually, the speaker asked that they be passed in the name of honor, charity, duty, and rectitude. . . .

“‘The last bill of which I will talk is the Sunday Rest law. The question has been heatedly debated. You must disentangle argument from sophistry. It has been recognized for ages that man must have one day of rest. This is a Christian nation, founded on prayer. We are not Mohammedans, nor Jews, nor Buddhists. We offer religious freedom to all, but we have a right to demand that the alien in religion shall conform outwardly to our customs. When one branch of the Christian church, so small it is insignificant, takes another day for Sunday, we have a right to make that sect conform to our practise.’”

It is not difficult to discern in this the dragon voice, or detect the spirit that would oppress dissenters.

The claim that this is a “Christian nation” in the sense that only Christians are citizens, is false; for there are thousands of all faiths and of no faiths who are citizens here. Religious belief is not a test of citizenship in this country.

This man says: “We offer religious freedom to all.” But what kind of “religious freedom” does he offer? upon what terms does he offer it? and how much “freedom” is there in it? After saying they offer it to all, he adds: “But we have a right to demand that the alien in religion shall conform outwardly to our customs.” Who does not know that all the great religious persecutions in the world were carried on under acts of conformity? All the most bigoted persecutor of the Dark Ages ever required was simply “outward conformity” to the prevailing religious customs. All that the established church in England or Scotland ever required was “conformity.” Bunyan’s long imprisonment of twelve and one-half years was simply for disregarding an “Act of Uniformity.” Sunday laws are mere acts of conformity and uniformity.

And that this man would bring all the strength of the civil power to bear against that small body of Christian people who dare to observe another day than Sunday, is apparent from the last statement above quoted. “When one branch of the Christian church, so small it is insignificant, takes another day for Sunday we have a right to make that sect conform to our practise.” Though so small as to be “insignificant,” he would not overlook them when it came to enforcing his religious practises by law, had he the law.

From this it is plain enough to be seen why a Sunday law is wanted in California. W. A. C.

A Good Report From California

By W. A. C.

A HEARING on the proposed Sunday-law constitutional amendment recently introduced in the California Legislature was held on January 21, before the Committee on Constitutional Amendments. Mr. Chauncey Dann, a Sacramento lawyer, appeared for the friends of the measure, and made a plea in its behalf, speaking for half an hour. Elders J. O. Corliss and W. M. Healey spoke in opposition to it, the hearing lasting, altogether, an hour and three quarters. The committee then went into executive session. Before our brethren left the capitol building, they had the pleasure of being informed that the committee had unanimously decided to return the amendment to the Assembly, reporting adversely upon it. Conveying this good news to us, Elder Corliss expresses the firm conviction that the Lord's hand was in the matter, and adds: 'I hope you people there will remember us, and thank the Lord on our behalf for what he is doing. Pray for us as we appear before the other committees on the straight [Sunday] bills now before the Senate and Assembly, at the hearing set for January 28 at three o'clock.'

Elder Corliss reports one rather amusing little incident which occurred in connection with the hearing already held. He says:— “When we came out of the committee room, one of the men on the other side asked Elder Healey the question, ‘Are you a Christian?’ Elder Healey's answer was, ‘Yes, sir.’ ‘Well, then,’ said the man, ‘I don't want any of your religion.’ ‘Very good,’ Brother Healey said, ‘I have a kind of religion you do not have to have unless you want it. Your religion is the kind that you wish to make others take whether they want it or not.’ Quite a crowd was standing round, who heard what Brother Healey said. All seemed to enjoy it, and understand the point.’ W. A. C.

More Sunday Legislation Demanded in Maine

By W. A. C.

THE following Sunday bill has been introduced in the Maine Legislature:—

AN ACT FOR THE BETTER OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY

“Be it enacted by the people of the State of Maine as follows:—

“Section 1: It shall be unlawful to have in possession any firearms outside of one's dwelling-place or camp on Sunday, except soldiers in the performance of their military duties and officers of the law in the performance of their official duties, under a penalty of the forfeiture of firearms found in possession in violation of the provisions of this Act, and a further penalty of ten dollars and costs for each offense.”

“Sec. 2: It shall be the duty of sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, police officers, constables, and fish and game wardens to faithfully enforce the provisions of this Act.”

This, by implication, means that it shall be lawful for ordinary citizens in Maine to have in their possession firearms away from their own homes on all other days of the week. It is the carrying of firearms on Sunday that is to constitute the crime.

Writing concerning this measure, Brother W. O. Howe, our religious liberty secretary for Maine, says:—

“You will see that it is a very mild one for a Sunday bill, almost superfluous, because there are Sunday laws already on our statute-books much more stringent. We are given to understand, however, that this is only an entering wedge, a starter for more Sunday legislation if this passes. A copy of this bill has been sent to the churches of all denominations in this State, presumably for their approval, and to solicit their aid in its passage.”

A Sunday bill in Maine! Sunday bills in California! Sunday bills in Congress! Sunday laws and Sunday bills all along the line from Maine to California! This is the program. W. A. C.

Does the Petition Work Amount to Anything?

By W. A. C.

Rev. G. L. Tufts, the International Reform Bureau Sunday-law worker on the Pacific Coast, said to us, “If you will agree not to circulate petitions, we will not do so.” It is generally pretty safe to do just the opposite of what the enemies of truth ask you to do. This is what our California brethren thought, so they answered this proposition by sending in to the California Legislature petitions against Sunday legislation, bearing 35,535 signatures, gathered from every county in the State.

Think of this, brother, sister, when some one tries to dissuade you from circulating petitions against religious legislation, and says they do not amount to anything. If the petition work did not amount to anything, why would the advocates of Sunday legislation be anxious that we should not engage in it?

W. A. C.

Its Object

By W. A. C.

THE petition work furnishes a splendid opportunity to talk with people on the principles of religious liberty, the Sabbath question, and present truth in general. The primary object of this work is not simply to influence legislators or to prevent religious legislation and shield ourselves from religious persecution, but to warn the people in regard to the evils of religious legislation, preserve as long as possible the blessings of religious liberty to all, and present to all the truth for this time, thus preparing the world for the great events and changes soon to take place.

W. A. C.

The Sixtieth Congress

The Sixtieth Congress closes on March 4, inauguration day. While expressing himself as opposed to Sunday legislation, and the belief that the Johnston bill would not get through the House, a representative says that there is, nevertheless, danger of bills of this kind “slipping through with but little notice.”

Christian Liberty

By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the

Current History of the Rights of Conscience

Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau

K. C. RUSSELL . . . . . Chairman

W. A. COLCORD, . . . . . Secretary

Canvassers’ Summary for December, 1908

Conference / Field	AGENTS	HOURS	ORDERS	VALUE
Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England	7	744	184	$678.97
Maine	3	162	31	130.80
Vermont	1	67	12	40.40
Greater New York	4	308	103	333.60
Southern New England	8	87	31	76.13
Western New York	3	170	42	96.85
New York	3	225	54	169.45
Total	29	1763	457	1526.20
Lake Union Conference
West Michigan	5	72	42	87.50
Northern Illinois	9	497	102	306.90
Indiana	5	169	26	62.60
Wisconsin	7	194	25	106.80
East Michigan	18	808	204	403.75
North Michigan	3	260	70	154.70
Southern Illinois	12	632	153	440.05
Total	59	3332	622	1562.30
Columbia Union Conference
West Pennsylvania	13	939	188	707.76
New Jersey	11	388	212	504.40
Ohio	10	820	276	487.70
Chesapeake	8	732	263	436.90
Eastern Pennsylvania	15	838	246	412.85
West Virginia	9	308	91	388.51
Virginia	9	387	95	122.15
Total	75	4412	1371	3062.27
Southern Union Conference
Mississippi	5	428	108	107.75
Tennessee River	12	596	100	234.85
Kentucky	10	549	137	157.00
Alabama	13	385	150	261.35
Louisiana	9	752	127	337.05
Total	49	2710	622	1097.00
Southwestern Union Conference
Oklahoma	10	1083	124	424.00
Arkansas	10	378	58	127.80
Texas	3	157	25	74.25
West Texas	3	386	6	27.25
New Mexico	4	379	152	349.45
Total	30	2383	365	1003.25
Southeastern Union Conference
Cumberland	19	1575	392	789.35
Georgia	6	774	83	216.05
North Carolina	11	751	250	416.85
South Carolina	16	764	411	365.00
Florida	8	279	195	264.65
Total	60	4143	1331	2051.90
Canadian Union Conference
Ontario	2	40	2	19.25
Maritime	1	23	15	26.60
Quebec	2	94	33	88.45
Total	5	157	50	134.30
Pacific Union Conference
Arizona	..	...	...	......
California	..	...	...	......
Southern California	5	251	160	337.74
Utah	..	...	...	......
Total	5	251	160	337.74
Central Union Conference
North Missouri	6	149	49	256.00
Southern Missouri	9	357	98	223.95
Kansas	16	980	243	1002.25
Western Colorado	8	765	283	777.85
Eastern Colorado	10	449	196	435.05
Nebraska	7	840	231	1000.00
Wyoming	3	125	27	132.00
Total	59	3665	1127	3827.10
Western Canadian Union Conference
Alberta	..	...	...	......
Saskatchewan	..	...	...	......
British Columbia	..	...	...	......
Manitoba	..	...	...	......

<page-break/> | North Pacific Union Conference | AGENTS | HOURS | ORDERS | VALUE | | Western Oregon | 6 | 331 | 84 | 420.85 | | Western Washington | 9 | 183 | 54 | 243.20 | | Upper Columbia | 4 | 312 | 81 | 225.65 | | Southern Idaho | .. | ... | ... | ...... | | Montana | .. | ... | ... | ...... | | Total | 19 | 826 | 219 | 889.70 | | Northern Union Conference | | | | | | Iowa | 8 | 562 | 84 | 349.45 | | North Dakota | 4 | 320 | 115 | 521.75 | | South Dakota | 2 | 176 | 18 | 92.75 | | Minnesota | 2 | 158 | 35 | 138.10 | | Total | 16 | 1216 | 252 | 1102.05 | | British Union Conference | 82 | 4693 | 2153 | 5344.14 | | Australasian Union Conference | 54 | 3485 | 1118 | 4860.86 | | German Union Conference | 229 | .... | .... | 6730.20 | | Latin Union Conference | 11 | 1774 | 2546 | 1286.10 | | Scandinavian Union Conference | 103 | 10024 | 7356 | 3276.05 | | China Mission | 2 | 170 | 128 | 362.05 | | Cape Colony | 5 | .... | .. | 742.00 | | West Indian Union Conference | 6 | 547 | 274 | 355.55 | | South American Union Conference | 12 | 538 | 62 | 323.92 | | Total, foreign union conferences and mission fields | | | | $23,280.87 | | Total, North American union conferences | | | | 16,593.81 | | Grand Total | | | | $39,874.68 |

Comparative Summary

	1906	1907	1908
January	$21,000.00	$26,325.50	$25,929.06
February	15,000.00	26,369.61	30,466.40
March	18,000.00	36,253.65	36,390.09
April	23,700.00	35,276.76	43,858.29
May	36,800.00	51,097.51	67,445.44
June	46,300.00	65,317.23	82,878.67
July	52,218.04	75,691.57	120,973.89
August	36,555.30	46,590.68	66,946.38
September	22,038.63	32,503.48	51,029.06
October	26,382.61	40,646.45	62,719.91
November	43,733.16	30,016.77	54,988.81
December	29,756.47	25,261.54	39,874.68
Totals	$370,484.30	$491,350.75	$683,500.68

Gain in Book Sales

NOTE the gain in the value of books sold in 1908 as compared with 1906,—nearly one hundred per cent.

The Publishing Work

Conducted under the auspices of the General Conference Publishing Department.

C. H. JONES - - - Chairman E. R. PALMER - - - Secretary H. H. HALL - - Assistant Secretary

The Bookmen’s Convention in the South

By E. R. PALMER

THE bookmen’s convention for the territory of the Southern Publishing Association, consisting of the Southern, Southwestern, and Southeastern union conferences, was held, according to appointment, December 30 to January 6. There was a full attendance of union and State conference bookmen. As a meeting of the constituency of the publishing house was to be held immediately following this convention, the leading officers of the three union conferences, and several conference presidents, came early and attended the convention.

It was uplifting to our bookmen to have with them in the studies, workers of long experience in this cause, such as Elders A. O. Burrill, Clarence Santee, and L. W. Terry, who were present at nearly every meeting of the convention, and many other leading brethren who were present a large portion of the time.

Elder W. W. Eastman conducted a series of studies on the subject-matter and selling points of “Great Controversy;” V. O. Cole on “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation;” A. F. Harrison in selling points and practical drill; and the writer conducted a series of health book studies. These book studies and drills were made intensely practical, and were designed to assist the field agents in a more thorough preparation for training their agents in the selling of these large books.

The writer, assisted by Elder N. Z. Town, conducted a series of round-table councils on the practical features of the book work, and Brother D. W. Reavis led out in the study of the periodical work, and church tract and missionary work.

The work of this convention was strong, clear-cut, and right to the point. There were present nine men who had been engaged in the subscription book work for more than twenty years. This came the nearest to being a reunion of the old veterans of any bookmen’s convention we have yet held.

All the features of the publishing work are advancing on a good, sound basis in the Southern field. The Lord has blessed those three unions with the help of sturdy, hard-working leaders. As we worked day after day with those smiling, broad-shouldered, weather-beaten men, we were impressed, with what is undoubtedly the fact, that they depend for their success chiefly upon genuine hard work with their men in the field, rather than upon office niceties and theories.

We enjoyed the meeting very much indeed, and confidently expect that, under the blessing of God, it will be found that this convention has set the pace for a good year for the publishing interests in the South. E. R. PALMER.

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