p. 18 | Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 42. (10/17/1907)

Our Literature in Japan and Korea

By F. W. Field

We are glad to report some advancement in the production of literature in these fields. A few months ago we secured a new printing-press, large enough for printing our paper; and beginning with the first June number, we are issuing the paper from our own press. This year we changed the paper from a sixteen-page monthly to a twelve-page semi-monthly. We also continue to print our Sabbath-school lessons, and are able to do some work in issuing small tracts.

One of our Korean brethren began work in the printing-office early in the year, and is now able to set up matter in the Korean. We have already done some tract work in Korean, and now have Sabbath-school lessons and other matter in the Korean language ready for publication.

The interest taken in our literature by some has been a source of much encouragement to us. An old gentleman of some means here in Tokyo has been interested in the truth for several years. And while he has never fully identified himself with us, he is using his influence and his means in circulating our literature. He was so interested in a series of studies on the seven churches of Revelation, given him by Brother Kuniya, that he had a tract of thirty-two pages prepared on the subject, and bore the expense of an edition of two thousand copies for free distribution. Later we prepared matter for a tract on the subject of international peace and war as a sign of the times; and he was so much interested in this that he contributed the greater part of the expense of an edition of two thousand copies, reserving one hundred copies to send to his friends. The remainder we are circulating in the usual way.

Our literature is not only being published and circulated, but it is producing good results. For some time past Brother Kuniya has sent reading-matter to a Baptist pastor in Fukuoka, Kiusiu; and without having met any of our people, this young man has fully accepted the truth, resigned his position in the Baptist Church, and has just come to Tokyo to study the truth further, to prepare himself for a place in our work. Another pastor in the same place was supplied with our literature about a year ago (during a visit to Tokyo); and now he, too, has accepted the truth, and desires to devote himself to its promulgation. Brother Okohira will report the particulars of this case in giving his experience during a recent visit to Kiusiu. Other instances might be cited to show that many are interested especially in the prophetic portions of God's Word, and that the truths we hold are just what the people need, and are looking for. So we are of good courage in the work of scattering the printed page throughout these lands.

F. W. FIELD.

Roman Catholic Images and Pagan Idolatry

THE worship of images among the Roman Catholics is very confusing to the idolaters of pagan lands. They see no difference between their idols and the images before which the Roman Catholics bid them bow down. A missionary in Manila tells of a Chinaman who was heard to say that the only difference he saw between the religion of the Filipinos and that he had been used to at home in China, was that the Chinese gods sat down, and here they stood up.

South Africa

By William H. Anderson

MISSION FARM, PEMBA, NORTHWEST RHODESIA.—There was nothing that was reported from the Gland meeting that cheered our hearts more than the plan to establish a missionary training-school at Washington.

We are pushing the work here with all our strength. It goes slowly; and yet no one comes here who does not express surprise at what we have done in these two years. Professor Hayton said that our most advanced students were equal to fourth-grade pupils in reading, writing, spelling, and Bible knowledge. Less than two years ago they knew nothing. This statement was encouraging to us. We still have about the same number in the school here; but they are an older class of pupils, and we are doing more for them than we could do for the younger ones.

I have made another application to the government for permission to open the out-station, and am awaiting a reply. Some of the other societies have closed their out-stations in obedience to the new law, but some are defying the government. We now have a new administrator, and it remains to be seen what he will say. A similar law in regard to the closing of out-stations was passed in southern Rhodesia several years ago, but it was repealed, at the petition of all the missionaries.

Our farm produced well last year; but there is such a depression all over the country that we shall not be able to realize more than four hundred dollars, in addition to food for the school, and the out-stations, if we are able to open them. Our fruit-trees are all doing well, and some of the oranges, lemons, and guavas are blossoming. We have all the papaws we can use for a long time, and the trees look as if they were going to bear and ripen the year round.

Two weeks ago I went to Buluwayo, and purchased the material for three buildings to be erected here. These are a dwelling-house, a dining-room for the students, and a church and school building.

The bricks for these buildings were all made and burned by the students. In fact, all the work that has ever been done on the farm has been done by the students. I have never hired any help since the work started here.

I have received from the South African Union Conference one hundred and fifty pounds, which will pay for the material for the dwelling-house. As Elder Sturdevant has gone into the field to the north, I will not need to make that trip this year, and the fifty pounds appropriated for it will pay for the material for the dining-room. Mrs. Anderson and I have donated the material for the other building. So we are doing a great deal of building, and are not incurring any indebtedness. I have a brother here from the Colony, who is to do the work. It will take us until the end of the year to complete it.

My little girl still has fever, and I think I shall soon send her to Kimberley. Mrs. Anderson is not strong, and she may have to go, also. I have better health this year than last, so hope to hold out this season. I trust that next year we shall be able to keep the fever off, as we shall have a good house, and there is every prospect of plenty of fruit.

This is truly the sifting time. But God's people will be triumphant. We must endure as seeing him who is invisible.

W. H. ANDERSON.

The Work in Bolivia

By E. W. Thomann; Mrs. E. W. Thomann

At last this long-neglected land has a chance to hear the third angel's message. It is the last country of South America to be entered by our people.

We began our journey from Valparaiso, Chile, the twenty-fifth of May, and the fourteenth of June we reached Cochabamba, Bolivia. Here we expect to establish our mission station, for this city is nearer the central point of Bolivia than any other of importance, and living is much cheaper here than in most other places. From here we hope to work the other localities and districts, and as far as possible carry forward the work equally in all parts of the country.

We have no churches or Sabbath-keepers here in Bolivia yet, but there are several persons who have a little inclination to search for the truth. This gives us hope that soon some will begin to keep the commandments of God.

The official language of this republic is Spanish, but Quichua is spoken more than the Spanish. In La Paz and the surrounding neighborhood the natives speak Aimarah. Of all the population only about one hundred thousand can read, therefore the work progresses under great difficulties, and as the means of traveling is so very poor, it is not easy to spread the gospel rapidly. Still according to Rom. 9:28, Matt. 24:14 must be fulfilled here too.

To be able to bring present truth as soon as possible to all the people, I have decided to write simple articles, which can be easily understood, on the most important points of the three angels' messages, and have them translated into Quichua and Aimarah, and print on a cyclostyle hundreds and, if possible, thousands of copies. These we wish to send to persons who read Spanish and know one or both of the Indian languages, and who also show an interest in the Word of God. They can read them to the natives, and in that way impart the saving message to them.

Evangelistic work by other denominations has not been done much yet in Bolivia. The American, and also the British and Foreign, Bible Society have spread a great many Bibles and parts of the same, but sad to say, a great many of them have fallen into the hands of the priests and been burned or destroyed in some other way, and thus kept from the people.

Baptists from Canada have been working in some of the most important cities for about eight years, and in Oruro and Cochabamba have had some success, and have organized small churches. One of their missionaries thought we should not come where they had already started. I told him that the three angels' messages must be proclaimed to all nations and people, and as the other denominations do not teach all that Christ commanded, the Seventh-day Adventists have to teach these messages.

With the help of God we hope to begin the work right, and follow it up until

all the people are warned, and our Lord shall come to gather his chosen ones. Brethren, pray for the work in Bolivia. From time to time we will let you hear what the Lord is doing here.

MR. AND MRS. E. W. THOMANN.

North Michigan Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

THE annual conference and camp-meeting of the North Michigan Conference was held at East Jordan August 29 to September 9. Sixty-five tents were pitched, and about three hundred were encamped on the ground. Owing to the failure to receive a reduction on the railroads, the attendance was a little less than last year. As the camp-meeting had been held here for three years, the attendance from the village was not large, but a number of interested hearers were present each evening, and listened to the presentation of the various points of our faith.

A most excellent spirit characterized the meeting throughout. The utmost unity was seen in all the business deliberations. Elder S. E. Wight was unanimously re-elected president. The other conference officials remain about the same as last year. Progress has been seen in the various departments of the work during the year. A number have embraced the truth, and one new church was received into the conference.

Here, as in other conferences, the financial needs of our cause were presented, and a very liberal spirit to help was manifested. An effort was made to raise the remainder of the conference's share of the $150,000 fund. To this there was a very hearty response. When the call was presented, one brother gave five hundred dollars. This brother has decided to sell his farm, and go into the canvassing work. Another brother gave forty acres of land—one half to help educate church-school teachers, and the rest for the $150,000 fund. Several others gave one hundred dollars each, and others smaller sums. One sister nearly eighty-five years of age gave to this fund a beautiful quilt she had recently pieced. This was quickly sold for ten dollars. In all, $1,550 was raised. This nearly completes the conference quota, and it is expected that the remainder will be raised in a short time.

The blessing of the Lord was especially manifested in this meeting. We have been expecting that we should come to the time when men would sell their farms and give the proceeds to the cause, as in apostolic times, and go into the work. We saw this done at this meeting. There were other examples of marked consecration manifested also in helping the cause. In addition to the amount raised on the $150,000 fund, about $300 was raised on the education fund and $225 for local expenses.

A number of revival services were held during the meeting, and many marked victories were obtained over besetting sins. The Holy Spirit wrought mightily on hearts. Two baptismal services were held during the meeting, thirty-two in all being baptized. An excellent work was done for the young people, many of whom willingly gave their hearts to the Lord.

In addition to the conference laborers present, Elders Allen Moon, W. D. Curtis, and Brother J. B. Blosser attended the first part of the meeting. Prof. I. G. Lamson was present a short time in the interests of the college at Berrien Springs. The writer attended the last week. The Cedar Lake Academy was represented by Sisters Margaret Haughey and Edith Shepard.

All departed to their homes greatly encouraged by the blessings received at the camp-meeting. New resolutions were formed to remain faithful to the message until it is closed. The Lord is giving rich showers of the Holy Spirit in all these meetings, and the outlook for the speedy close of the message was never more encouraging.

G. B. THOMPSON.

The Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting

By ALLEN MOON

THE southern Illinois camp-meeting was held on the fair-grounds at Pana. In addition to the usual tents, the campers enjoyed the use of several buildings on the grounds, in one of which was conducted a most excellent dining service.

Elder G. A. Irwin, several other brethren, and the writer left the camp-meeting at La Fayette, Ind., in time to be at the first meeting. An excellent spirit prevailed, and the preaching by Elder Irwin and others was given close attention from the first, and an excellent interest was created. Among other practical subjects, there were presented the relation of the spirit of prophecy to the law of God, the gospel to the world in this generation, and other phases of missionary work. Meetings were held daily for the benefit of the young people and children, and several conversions among the youth were reported. Among the older people, differences that had existed between brethren were adjusted, and harmony seemed to prevail. Elders G. B. Thompson and W. D. Curtis arrived during the early part of the meeting, and took part in the educational and young people's work, as well as in the general work for the spiritual benefit of those in attendance.

This conference not having raised its proportion of the $150,000 fund, a meeting was held in which this subject received consideration, and in a very short time the people contributed three hundred sixty-eight dollars toward this fund, although the attendance was very small. There is no doubt that the good work will go on until the last dollar is raised.

Dr. H. W. Miller was present at the meeting, and an opportunity was given him to present the needs of the China Mission field; and although the brethren had lifted heavily to help other funds, they contributed liberally toward the work in this needy field.

At the close of the meeting, twenty souls were buried with their Lord in baptism, and were received into membership in several churches of the conference.

The southern Illinois camp-meeting was held at the same place as last year. At the opening of that meeting, there was not a family of Seventh-day Adventists in the place; but as a result of the interest created by the camp-meeting, and some labor done following the meeting, a church of more than thirty members now exists, and the work is still growing.

Southern Illinois is a prosperous and progressive section, much of which is virgin territory, so far as the presentation of the truth is concerned. It is evident that faithful labor and deep consecration on the part of the laborers will eventually result in a strong conference of our people. ALLEN MOON.

Scholarships the Fruit of Christian Effort

By E. R. Palmer

MAN’S ways are not all God’s ways. When men desire to promote an enterprise or dedicate an institution, there is a great blare of trumpets and display of flags. This is not God’s way of beginning things. “He who plans for his mighty work through centuries, accomplishes it by the smallest means, that it may be evident that the glory is all of him.” He plants the tiny seed, waters it by his grace, and tenderly nurtures it to strength and maturity. Every day, in God’s wonderful and inscrutable way of doing things, we see the growth of the mustard seed—that marvelous transition from the infinitely small to the infinitely great.

Notice the following wonderful illustration of this divine principle: About two years ago arrangements were made for a few young people to earn scholarships by selling books containing the third angel’s message. Within that little plant, that tiny seed, was wrapped up the embryo of a great and blessed movement. Within a few short months the scholarship idea has spread to every conference and to every school in the United States, and has illuminated hundreds of youthful hearts with bright rays of hope and a realizing sense of the possibilities which the future may hold in store for them. At the present time it is quite generally recognized that this scholarship plan is one of the primary factors in the prosperity of our tract and missionary work, and in bringing to our schools an army of young people which this year, at the very beginning, has filled the schools to overflowing. Thus far the effort to secure scholarships has been largely, if not wholly, confined to the short vacation period of three or four months. Recently through the columns of the REVIEW we have made a call for one thousand consecrated young men and women to enter the field as canvassers to work for scholarships for next year. If scores and scores can succeed during a period of from ten to sixteen weeks, and earn from one to three scholarships each, why can not hundreds, yes, a full thousand, of our young people secure at least one scholarship before the beginning of another school year in 1908?

An effort to extend the blessings of the scholarship plan has already begun. In the Seed Sower, dated September 20, published by the California Tract Society, appears the following announcement:—

“There will be held at an early date in Mountain View, Cal., a canvassers’ training-school, or convention, for the purpose of giving a thorough training in book salesmanship to all persons in this conference, young, middle-aged, or old, who are anxious to earn a scholarship in Pacific Union College. The course embraces a comprehensive study of the science and art of Christian salesmanship. The tuition will be free. Each student will be expected to pay his transportation to the convention, and his room and board during the four weeks of the course. Those who pass successful examinations, and who sign the salesman’s contract, will be entitled to free transportation to their assigned fields of labor. By consulting the scholarship list in last week’s REVIEW, it will be seen that during the last sixteen weeks over twenty young people sold more than the required value of books for one year’s scholarship in the college. What these young people did in the short summer vacation, you can do between now and the opening of the next school year. Church officers will please forward to me at once the names and addresses of those in their church who desire to take advantage of this excellent course, thus qualifying for entrance into our noble army of the “King’s Messengers.” Further announcement will be made through the Seed Sower, the Pacific Union Recorder, and the REVIEW, as to the exact date of the convention.”

From this same number of the Seed Sower we learn that during the past sixteen weeks the California Tract Society, through its agents, has sold nearly twenty thousand dollars’ worth of books, and although their little army of the “King’s Messengers” has entered the Pacific Union College, yet the sales by the agents still in the field amounted to $689.45 for the week ending September 20. Who will be next in pushing the scholarship effort during the fall and winter months? Hundreds of our young people should volunteer, and thus enter the grand highway of service and achievement. E. R. PALMER.

Sec. Gen. Conf. Publishing Dept.

Field Notes and Gleanings

NINE persons were baptized September 21 in the waters of the Atlantic at Beachmont, just out of Boston, Mass., by Brother Lee S. Wheeler.

THE president of the New York Conference, Elder F. H. DeVinney, recently spent Sabbath and Sunday with the church at Watertown, baptizing fourteen willing candidates.

FROM the Northern Illinois Recorder we learn that five persons were baptized by Elder H. Hansen at the Humboldt Park church (Scandinavian), Chicago, Sabbath, September 21. Others are keeping the Sabbath as a result of labors bestowed by Elder Hansen and Brother Edwardson in the tent effort.

ALTHOUGH there has been some public opposition by a Lutheran minister and a Catholic priest to the truths that have been for several weeks presented by Brethren A. F. Ferguson and J. W. McComas at Graettinger, Iowa, the contrast between the Word of God and the “Catholic Fathers” is distinct, and ten persons have decided to obey God’s Word.

IN reporting the recent baptism of three persons at Denver, Colo., Brother G. W. Anglebarger says: “The Lord has been greatly blessing the work here since camp-meeting. We see quite a number of new faces in our services. We have more calls than we have been able to fill. A number of others will soon be baptized. It causes our hearts to rejoice to see the work going.”

BRETHREN M. G. HUFFMAN and Chancy Wood, who have been holding tent-meetings in Granite City, Ill., since August 20, report that there are eight who have signified their intention to keep the Sabbath, and these, with those who were keeping it when they went there, make twelve. There is still a fair interest in spite of the cold evenings. This interest will be followed up by house-to-house work.

THERE are now seventeen substantial Sabbath-keepers, including three children, at Milo, Maine, where a company of workers led by Brother H. C. Giles has been laboring for some weeks. “The interest is unabated, and the workers are planning, the Lord willing, to hold a series of schoolhouse meetings in the outlying districts two or three evenings in a week, and then to invite the same people to their Sabbath and Sunday services at the hall in the village. The Lord is blessing the work there, and to his name be the glory.”

THE presentation of the Sabbath message has caused considerable stir at Cando, N. D. Three or four of the ministers and the Catholic priest have publicly denounced the truth, and some are turning a deaf ear to the message. However, a Sabbath-school has been organized, and regular Sabbath services established with six adults and a number of children in the faith. Elder E. H. Huntley replied to the arguments presented by the opposition, and about seventy-five of the thinking people of the place listened with interest.

BROTHER H. M. J. RICHARDS, assisted by Brother E. E. Farnsworth, conducted a tent-meeting at Loveland, Colo., and a good interest was manifest when the meeting was closed that the workers might attend the camp-meeting. Because of changes of fields for the workers, the regular evening meetings have not been resumed, but Brother Richards writes: “It was my privilege to go up to Loveland for a few days after camp-meeting. On Sabbath, September 7, I baptized four. This makes nine I have baptized in Loveland since the tent-meeting began late in the summer. Others desire baptism later. I am pleased to be able to report that I found two more keeping the Sabbath this time.”

The Quebec Camp-Meeting

By W. H. Thurston

THE Quebec conference session and camp-meeting was held at Knowlton, September 5-15, according to appointment. The camp was located in Brother McClary’s grove and orchard, a quarter of a mile west of the sanitarium. It is an ideal location for a small camp, well shaded and sheltered, yet sufficiently light.

The laborers in attendance from outside the conference were Prof. F. Griggs, Elder Wm. Guthrie, and the writer. As the meetings progressed, light and sunshine came into the camp and into the hearts of the people. The Holy Spirit’s presence brought in unity and harmony.

The attendance from the outside was small, but of our own people the attendance increased until the meeting was said to be the largest for many years. The preaching was both practical and doctrinal, and all were encouraged by the study of the Word. The morning social services were well attended and much enjoyed by all.

Young people’s and children’s meetings were held every day, and a deep interest was manifested in all these services.

The last Sabbath of the camp-meeting was a glorious day. There was a deep moving of the Holy Spirit in the camp, and in the afternoon when the call was made for the unconverted, the back-sliders, and any who were not free in Christ, to come to the altar and get right with God, they began coming forward from all parts of the tent, both young and old, till more than half the camp responded. After an earnest season of prayer, a very touching and heart-searching testimony meeting was held, and nearly all took part.

At the close of the praise service an opportunity was given for any who desired baptism to manifest it by standing, and one after another responded until twenty-three thus expressed a desire to follow their Lord in that solemn rite. Some of these were baptized before joining this people, and were now rebaptized. The baptism took place Sunday noon in the beautiful waters of Brome Lake, near the sanitarium, and a large number of the villagers congregated to witness the solemn and beautiful scene. Elder G. H. Skinner administered the ordinance, assisted by Elder Guthrie and the writer. This was the largest baptism ever held in this conference. Several pictures were taken of the baptism by different persons in the audience, and a report of the service was prepared for the daily paper.

This was all a practical demonstration of what the Holy Spirit will do for the people when given free course. The stony heart is taken away, and a heart of flesh is given—a new heart. During the meetings all departments of the work were given careful study, and plans were formulated for more aggressive work.

Professor Griggs gave valuable instruction on education, and it was much appreciated.

The medical work was given careful study, and the outlook for the sanitarium is hopeful.

The religious liberty question was freely discussed, and it was voted to supply the members of the legislature with our journal Liberty.

The Young People’s department was strengthened by several new members.

The Canadian Publishing Association had a book tent on the ground, and about eighty dollars’ worth of books was sold, and several subscriptions were taken for periodicals.

The following officers were elected: President, D. E. Lindsey; Secretary and Treasurer, Darwin Dingman; Executive Committee, D. E. Lindsey, G. H. Skinner, Darwin Dingman, Perrien Brown, and George Cushing; Leader of Young People’s Department, Elder G. H. Skinner; Secretary Sabbath-school and Young People’s Department, Mrs. G. H. Skinner; Conference Auditor, H. W. Ingham; Religious Liberty Secretary, Elder D. E. Lindsey.

Sanitarium Managers: Executive Committee, Percival Holden and Dr. Roy Clarke; Medical Superintendent, Dr. McDonald; House Physician, Dr. Roy Clarke; Secretary and Treasurer of sanitarium, Mrs. Dr. Roy Clarke; Matron, Miss Bertha Arendt; Manager, Dr. Roy Clarke.

Credentials were issued to Elders D. E. Lindsey, H. E. Rickard, and G. H. Skinner. Ministerial license was given to H. W. Ingham, and missionary license to Miss Eva Johnson.

Elder Lindsey gave the closing address Sunday night, and all returned to their homes renewed in faith, hope, and charity.

Steps are being taken to secure another minister for the conference, and with this additional help two tents can be put in the field next year. The outlook for the Quebec Conference is hopeful, and we shall all pray for greater results in the future than we have realized in the past. Oneness with Christ brings harmonious action, and then the work prospers.

W. H. THURSTON.

S. F. SVENSSON

By S. F. Svensson

Sweden

STOCKHOLM.—Since the last of December I have been conducting a series of meetings in Stockholm. The interest has been excellent all the time, and good attention has been paid to the truths spoken. Some Sunday nights we have not been able to accommodate the people who wished to hear.

The results of the services have been good. We have had baptism several times, and quite a number have been buried with Christ. Thirty-six have united with the church, most of whom have been converted for the first time. Several others are keeping the Sabbath, and are preparing to unite with God's believing, obedient children.

We are grateful to God for his presence with us and for the blessing that he bestows upon us. It is our earnest prayer that many more who know the truth may receive courage to taste the sweetness of the third angel's message, and become acquainted with God.

S. F. SVENSSON

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