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Review and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 44.

LIBERTY
Earlier text: Note and Comment

Developing Missionary Workers at Our Camp-Meetings

By A. J. S. Bourdeau

Launching Ingathering Campaign in the Chesapeake Conference

Although not so large as some of our camp-meetings, the Chesapeake Conference meeting, which was held in Willis’s Apple Grove, on the outskirts of the old historic village of Chestertown, Md., September 18-28, will be long remembered as one of the best. It having been decided to discuss the Harvest Ingathering campaign, Thursday, the twenty-fifth, it was suggested that a field-day in the village with the Ingathering REVIEW would be the best way to launch the campaign in the conference.
Following the practical missionary talk at the six o’clock meeting Thursday morning, based on Luke 8:38, 39 (the “publishing” experience of the new convert from the city of Decapolis), territory slips were assigned to each company of workers. A practical drill on the REVIEW canvass was next given, followed by hints regarding the best methods of gaining an entrance to the homes and securing liberal donations.
As our supply of the Harvest Ingathering REVIEW was limited to two hundred copies, we decided to use two hundred copies of the Watchman, making a total of four hundred periodicals. Our experience was that almost any of our periodicals can be used to good advantage in securing offerings for missions. After all, our denominational work is judged largely by those who go to the homes of the people.
Immediately after breakfast our crew of forty volunteers, with Elder R. T. Baer, the conference president, at their head, marched from the camp down to the plaza in front of the court-house, where the freshly printed programs of the meetings were quickly distributed to the workers, who immediately went to their territories armed with ten periodicals each, and with a keen desire to let their light shine.
The Lord greatly blessed in the effort. About four hundred visits were made, and four hundred magazines distributed, besides an equal number of invitations. By eleven o’clock most of the workers returned to camp and participated in the discussion of the missionary resolutions with greater zest than had been manifested in any previous meeting. It was with difficulty that each one restrained himself from relating the wonderful experiences of the morning until the appointed time for the—

Missionary Rally and Reports

Speaking of the two-hour experience meeting that was held from four to six o’clock in the afternoon in the large pavilion, Elder Baer said: “I have never been in such a blessed meeting as this one, nor heard such experiences. My soul has been watered by the experiences I have had.” These seemed to be the sentiments of all present.
As we walked the streets of old Chestertown, we thought of the pioneer work done by Brother Joseph Bates, who spoke in the court-house on the second coming of the Lord and the Eastern question in the year 1844. See “Life of Bates,” chapter 24.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HARVEST INGATHERING FIELD-DAY
VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HARVEST INGATHERING FIELD-DAY
This effort demonstrates the truth and wisdom of the following instructions received from the spirit of prophecy: “On such occasions as our annual camp-meetings, we must never lose sight of the opportunities afforded for teaching the believers how to do practical missionary work in the place where they may live. . . . Let some help the people to learn how to give Bible readings and to conduct cottage meetings. Let others bear the burden of teaching the people how to practise the principles of health and temperance. . . . Still others may labor in the interests of our periodical and book work.”
“One of the principal agencies He has ordained for our use is the printed page. . . . Particularly in our annual camp-meetings we must learn to make a wise use of this precious agency. With patient diligence, chosen workers must instruct our people how to approach unbelievers in a kindly, winning way, and how to place in their hands literature in which the truth for this time is presented with clearness and power. . . . He desires that we shall be a working corps of laborers endowed with adaptability for his service.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 82, 83, 87.
The inspiration of this united effort on the part of the conference president, his committee, union officials, church officers, and visiting ministers and workers, is bound to arouse enthusiasm and home missionary zeal in every church and isolated company of believers in the Chesapeake Conference. “For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, for that the people offered themselves willingly, bless ye Jehovah. . . . My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people.” Judges 5:2-9, A. R. V.
A. J. S. BOURDEAU.

Medical Service at Camp-Meeting

By O. B. Kuhn

AT Charleston, W. Va., a splendid opportunity was presented to the nurses of the Washington Sanitarium who visited the Columbia Union camp-meetings. A former patient of the Sanitarium, who had accepted the third angel's message and had been baptized while at the institution, used her influence in making possible a successful medical missionary effort. Recognizing the value and importance of our system of healing, and desiring to benefit her relatives and friends by a knowledge of our methods, she invited twenty of Charleston's prominent citizens to come to her residence to meet the nurses. Among the guests were a bank president and a leading physician.
A parlor talk was given, picturing the physical degeneracy and spiritual declension of the race. Causes of the decline were also noted. The work of Seventh-day Adventists in promoting reform was outlined, and sanitarium methods for the prevention, as well as for the treatment, of a number of diseases were outlined, and demonstrations were given.
The following day we dined at the home of another bank president, whose wife had been present at the gathering mentioned. Our medical work was explained to him.
Two days later the union conference president was entertained at these homes. Thus we feel that a good work has been started in Charleston. Some are receiving treatment from a graduate nurse of the Washington Sanitarium who has chosen Charleston as her field of labor. The interest created will be followed up, and the work developed.
A leading daily newspaper gave a front-page report of our medical work in connection with the camp-meeting. Also our system of sanitariums and their use of natural methods were mentioned as a part of gospel work according to the teaching and example of the Saviour.
Several sick persons living in the neighborhood of the camp were cared for. Among them was a woman very ill with typhoid. The family was very poor. We met the attending doctor, who said the woman was in a precarious condition. He was hopeless of her recovery, but consented to our giving her treatments. We felt that God would bless us, so told the husband that we would care for his wife without charge, and hoped we could save her life. After the first treatment, the patient began to improve, and in a few days was much better. The doctor did not call on her after we took the case. We gave instruction to the family concerning the continuing of the treatments, and with faithful care the woman will recover. This family is now interested in the Bible, and will attend our church in order to learn more perfectly the Word of God. Similar experiences were enjoyed in our work among the townspeople.
We are grateful for the deep interest the conference president and his associates have taken in medical missionary work, and for their aid in helping us to accomplish our mission to the West Virginia camp-meeting. O. B. KUHN.

Indiana Camp-Meeting

By C. S. Longacre

The Indiana Conference held its annual camp-meeting at Hartford City, September 4-14. The attendance was not so large as usual, but at the close of the meetings there were more than five hundred of our people present. An excellent interest was awakened during the meetings, and hundreds were obliged to sit on the outside of the large pavilion on favorable nights. A good impression was made upon the public, and many wanted the meetings to continue longer. The business men extended a cordial invitation to the officers of the conference to hold the next camp-meeting in Hartford City.
The Lord was present by his Spirit in all the meetings, and blessed greatly in the presentation of the message for these last days. There was a great spiritual awakening on the last Sabbath of the meeting, and at the close of the service eighteen persons followed their Lord in baptism.
The interests of the Wabash Valley Sanitarium were given some consideration, and $1,100 was raised for improvements. Dr. Loop, who is in charge of the sanitarium, had a well-equipped sanitarium tent on the camp-grounds in which free treatments were given. Dr. Otis gave talks on health every evening for fifteen minutes before the regular service began.
The Sabbath-school donations for the two Sabbaths amounted to more than $500. On the last Sunday of the meeting, Elder Evans spoke on foreign missions, and a collection was taken which amounted to $125. The sales at the book tent amounted to over $800.
The home missionary work received quite a revival. A large number of young people were present, and many planned to go to the Beechwood Academy and Emmanuel Missionary College. A good donation was taken for improvements on the Beechwood Academy after an appeal made by Brother von Pohle, principal of the academy.
The camp was pitched in a beautiful grove on the edge of the city, and was well lighted with electricity. The writer was impressed with the order and system that prevailed throughout the entire meeting. Elder E. A. Bristol was elected president for the ensuing year, and the other officers retained their positions about the same as the year before.
As a result of the interest, the confidence, and the earnest spirit that was manifested by the people present, we believe that the Indiana Conference is going to have a most prosperous year in winning souls. C. S. LONGACRE.

Alabama Camp-Meeting

By G. E. PETERS

This meeting for colored believers was held at Anniston, September 5-12. The camp was pitched in a pretty grove in the western part of the city. The entire State was not represented, although the attendance was much larger than in previous years. Seven services were held daily. The preaching and Bible studies were both practical and doctrinal, and seemed to prove of great interest to those present.
All the mission laborers except one were present. Elder A. L. Miller, president of the Alabama Conference, spent two days with us, and gave valuable instruction. Other visitors were Brother Mark Wilson, field missionary agent of the conference; Professor Ryan, educational secretary of the Southern Union Conference; Prof. Floyd Bralliar, of Hillcrest School; and Dr. J. E. Caldwell, superintendent of the Oakwood Sanitarium. The labors of our colored evangelist, Elder Sydney Scott, were much appreciated. He was with us during the latter part of the meeting.
Financial and numerical gains were shown by the annual report of the mission as presented by the conference president. Pledges amounting to $156, and a small amount of cash, were raised to apply on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund. It was inspiring to hear the earnest words of the campers at the last morning sunrise service, and we believe all left the meeting determined to come up on a higher spiritual plane.
The friendly attitude of the townspeople gave evidence of the good impression made by the tent effort which preceded the camp-meeting. We pray that the workers who remain to follow up the interest created may be successful in their house-to-house labor.
G. E. PETERS.

Encouraging Experiences

By W. E. Arnett

TRULY the canvassing work is an important branch of the message for today. More than fourteen years ago I was canvassing in the southern part of Ohio. One morning as I passed along the road, I noticed a man at work alone in a corn-field. My first thought was not to interrupt him, as he seemed very busy. Then I reasoned that this might be the opportune moment to approach him, and decided to do so. I found him an agreeable young man, and after giving him a short canvass went on my way with his order for “Bible Readings for the Home Circle.”
The book was delivered in due time, and the following winter I learned indirectly that this young man was much interested in that book, and believed in the seventh-day Sabbath. A little later, while canvassing in an adjoining district, I called on him, and spent a very pleasant evening in his home. His wife seemed very much opposed to the truth. During our visit I very casually showed them “Coming King.” The lady was at once interested, and her husband ordered a copy. That book convinced her of present truth, and after a few months they both took a decided stand for the message.
Being associated with a young man in treatment-rooms last winter, I took occasion to lend him the book “Coming King.” He laid it aside, and some days later, just at the beginning of the great floods in the Ohio valley, I called his attention to it again. As business was largely suspended for some days, he had plenty of time for sober thought and reading. The book interested him. He read it carefully and has continued to study the truth. Every Sabbath finds his place of business closed, and he seems glad to take up every Christian duty as it comes to him. To God be all the glory. W. E. ARNETT.

The Cumberland Camp-Meeting

By O. Montgomery

THE Cumberland camp-meeting and conference were held at Athens, Tenn., September 4-14. Elder W. H. Branson and some of his coworkers conducted a two weeks’ tent-meeting on the grounds previous to the camp-meeting. A splendid interest was created, which increased as the camp-meeting progressed. The attendance from the city at the day session was small, but the people came out well to the evening services. It was thought advisable by the brethren to continue meetings after the camp-meeting closed, because of the splendid interest that was manifested.
We were very glad to have Elder G. B. Thompson with us the first part of this meeting, also Elder G. G. Lowry, Elder C. B. Haynes, and Brethren R. Hook, Jr., W. H. Williams, V. O. Cole, and L. D. Randall.
One very striking feature of this meeting was the splendid company of young people present, many of whom were converted to the Lord, and all of whom were greatly helped and blessed. Like all the other meetings in the union, this was a spiritual feast. The spirit of seeking the Lord pervaded the camp. There were several revival services held during the meeting, as well as on the Sabbath days, and there was always a very ready response on the part of the people. The offerings to missions was a liberal one, $1,530 being pledged by those present.
The conference officers were reelected for the coming year, and plans were laid for aggressive evangelical work. Like all the other conferences we have visited up to this time, the Cumberland Conference is enjoying much of the blessing of heaven, and reports a splendid growth in membership. O. MONTGOMERY.

M. B. BUTTERFIELD

By M. B. Butterfield

Iowa

OTTUMWA.—We began our tent effort here the first of July, and continued work until the nineteenth of August. We advertised our meetings in three ways: First, by putting sign-boards on the street-cars, some of which remained until the meetings closed; second, by distributing illustrated handbills once a week throughout the city; and third, by using the public press for a daily review of our discourses.
In this way during the meetings we published over forty sermons, with large head-lines, filling from half a column to a column and a half of the paper. The Courier has an extensive circulation throughout the southern part of the State of Iowa, and we felt that this did more for our meetings than the other advertising, which cost over one hundred dollars. Our attendance varied from seventy-five to three hundred each evening, and more than a score of persons accepted the truth.

M. B. BUTTERFIELD

Newspapers Played Important Part at Camp-Meetings and Tent Efforts

By W. L. Burgan

THE past summer will stand out as an unusual one in our newspaper publicity campaign. Presidents of many of the local conferences cooperated with the Press Bureau in a most encouraging way in appointing local workers to prepare daily accounts of the camp-meetings for the newspapers of the towns and cities where these meetings were held, while scores of evangelists engaged in tent efforts furnished daily extracts of their sermons for the newspapers.
One of the pleasing results from the newspaper campaign carried on in connection with the tent effort in Albany was that a man and three women accepted the truth through having been attracted to the meetings by the newspaper reports. Our cause has been advertised through the newspapers this past summer over an area which cannot be measured.
Practically all our camp-meetings held on the Pacific Coast were advertised, considerable space being given to those held in the large cities. Reports were furnished the newspapers about the camp-meetings held in the Lake, Columbia, and Atlantic Union Conferences, where we have the large centers of population. Practically all the State conferences in the Lake Union had their camp-meetings advertised on an extensive scale. Elder J. A. Applegate had charge of advertising the Northern Illinois Conference camp-meeting, which was held at Ottawa, and he says the papers there were very friendly. The Republican-Times sent a reporter to the grounds each day for the write-up. It published ninety-one inches of matter during the meeting, four of these articles being on the first page. Two other papers there also gave the camp-meeting notices, one publishing seventy-three inches of matter, and the other fifty inches. Some of the Chicago papers also published reports.
Brother E. E. Franklin did excellent work in connection with the Indiana camp-meeting for the Hartford City papers. Reports of this meeting were also published in papers of other cities in that great State. Brother H. M. Kelley had charge of the newspaper reporting at the Southern Illinois camp-meeting, while Brother Howard Bayley gave the West Michigan camp-meeting wide publicity.
The newspaper work was also advanced in the Northern and Central Unions, while a special worker visited all the camp-meetings in the Southeastern Union Conference for the purpose of furnishing reports to the newspapers. It is quite probable that the larger majority of the camp-meetings held in the United States this year, if not all, were advertised through the secular press. At some of the camp-meetings photographs were taken, and large display notices, illustrated by these photographs, were given in the papers. Many editors appreciate the character of our movement, and send reporters and photographers to the camp-grounds.
Elder H. M. J. Richards, president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, in writing about the newspaper work in connection with the tent effort at Hanover, Pa., says: “The newspaper of the town has printed reports of all the sermons; so that in this way it is being given to about ten thousand people.”
Brother Richard F. Farley, writing in a recent issue of the Columbia Union Visitor, tells of a young woman who accepted the truth after reading in the newspapers of the tent-meetings that he and Brother Harter have been holding in Hanover, Pa.: “A young woman had read our newspaper reports. She was stirred, but feared to attend the services. She stayed away until this past week, when she came and heard three sermons. One Sabbath morning she went to work as usual in the factory, but the Holy Spirit impressed her so strongly that she had to stop. She came to the tent, and after a short talk with Brother Harter, surrendered completely to the Lord. Opportunity presented itself to give her many points of the truth. She accepted God’s word as it came to her.”
Elder V. B. Watts, president of the New Mexico Conference, sends an encouraging word concerning his newspaper efforts in connection with a tent effort in Albuquerque, the capital of the State. He says: “We have been getting good reports published. The editors have been very liberal, and seem glad to get the articles. The people here in the city are reading the articles, which are creating quite an interest. I am so thankful that God has given us this opportunity for giving this last message to the world. I can see now that that is why the papers have been brought into existence.”
Not only is the press work advancing in the United States, but our foreign workers are also using this medium. From Elder A. N. Allen, who until recently had charge of the work in Peru, comes this word from that darkened country in South America: “I am glad to say that between our friends and our enemies something concerning our work is constantly being published in the dailies, not only in the capital but in many smaller towns.” This shows that even though articles derogatory to our work are printed in these lands, the editors also print items that tell the truth about us.
It is to be hoped that the brethren who are planning to hold hall efforts this fall and winter will keep up their activity in giving extracts of their sermons to the newspapers. W. L. BURGAN.

Our Trip to Jamaica

By E. Van Deusen

We left Grand Rapids, Mich., Monday morning, September 15. Our party consisted of Mrs. Van Deusen, and our daughter, Mrs. Haysmer, and myself. We expected to make close connections in Ft. Wayne, reaching Philadelphia the next morning, where our grandson, Dr. E. D. Haysmer, of Washington, D. C., was to meet us and spend the day with us. Our train being late, the train for Philadelphia was gone. This was a disappointment to us, as it would cost several dollars more to take a Pullman train, but this was the only thing to do if we met Dr. Haysmer according to arrangements; but when, a few miles from Philadelphia, we found the train that we had intended to take, a wreck, three cars on their side, several persons hurt, and the passengers waiting for our train to take them into the city, we felt that the Lord had overruled. We might have been among the injured.
Wednesday we started on our thirteen-hundred-mile trip to Port Antonio, Jamaica, on the “Admiral Dewey” of the United Fruit Company line. We had a very fine, smooth trip. There were twenty-three passengers, but after the first day the absence of some from the tables told that we were not all good sailors, even on a smooth sea. However, they gradually returned, and later on all were at their accustomed places.
We arrived at Port Antonio at eight o’clock Sunday night, and were met by our son-in-law, Elder A. J. Haysmer, who got our things through the customs and ready for us to take the early train for our destination. We slept on board that night, and also had breakfast before leaving.
We boarded the seven o’clock train, which took us along seashore windings, then up by serpentine ascents and right and left windings, through twenty-three tunnels, to Riversdale, six hundred feet above sea-level.
Today is Wednesday, and we are recovering from our journey. We found friends, and letters of welcome from some whom we knew when we were here years ago; also a neat little cottage waiting to be occupied; and although our goods have not arrived from America, we have been able to borrow some things and are very comfortably situated.
To give you a little idea of the weather, I shall say that Monday noon the thermometer registered 82°, at night 65°; Tuesday noon 83°, at night 68°; Wednesday noon 78°, at night 65°. We were have a good breeze most of the time.
The island has made great strides in banana raising since we were here before, many ship-loads leaving weekly. We are enjoying the tropical fruits,—oranges, guavas, lemons, etc.
E. VAN DEUSEN.

Virginia

By W. H. Sebastian; J. B. Mallory

PORTSMOUTH.— We are just entering upon the fourth month of labor for the colored people of this city. Twenty-one persons have taken their stand for the truth, and others are deeply interested. We praise the Lord for the rich blessings he has given us. Our tent effort has closed, but we are continuing services in a church one block from the place where our tent was located. We beg an interest in your prayers for our work here.
W. H. SEBASTIAN, J. B. MALLORY.

The Lord’s Army

By E. M. Graham

“THE strength of an army is measured largely by the efficiency of the men in the ranks. A wise general instructs his officers to train every soldier for active service. He seeks to develop the highest efficiency on the part of all. If he were to depend on his officers alone, he could never expect to conduct a successful campaign. He counts on loyal and untiring service from every man in his army.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 116.
The organization of our work is very similar to that of an army. Our conference officers represent the general and other officers who look after the general divisions of the army. Our church officers are the captains, and those associated with them are the regiments. But the strength of an army is measured largely by the efficiency of the men in the ranks. The Lord’s army can be efficient only to the extent that the lay members co-operate with the officers. An army might have the most efficient and highly trained officers, but with untrained and undisciplined men it would be useless in time of war. How often does history tell us of a small well-trained army routing a very much larger one composed chiefly of raw, undisciplined men.
“And, of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.” 1 Chron. 12: 32, 33.
Here is a picture of the Lord’s army. First, the men who have understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. These are the men of experience, who study the situation, and what needs to be done to carry forward the Lord’s work. They are the men who have been selected to carry responsibilities,—conference officers, ministers, Bible workers, church officers. Their business is to know what Israel ought to do, to instruct and to lead in executing the plans.
Second, the fifty thousand who can keep rank, and are not of double heart. These are the lay members, the men and women whose efforts are necessary to the success of any and every plan.
The words “which could keep rank” are significant. They mean that the people must work together, work harmoniously, and that there must be no drawing apart. An army that cannot keep rank cannot stand against the enemy.
“They were not of double heart.” They have only one object in life,—to fight the battles of the Lord. This spirit, and this alone, will insure the victory. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8. So a Sabbath-keeper whose heart is half in the message and half in the world, is unstable and a useless soldier to the Lord.
In worldly armies the best are those in which the officers and men are not only well trained and disciplined, but their hearts are filled with enthusiasm for the cause or country they serve. Such an army will carry all before it. The men composing it glory in their service, they consider it an honor to belong to the army, and are ready cheerfully to suffer any hardships and to die, as long as their army wins the battle.
How much more should the people of the Lord glory in their army! What enthusiasm for their Commander and his cause should animate them! They should go forth conquering and to conquer, irresistible in the might of their united efforts in the strength of the Lord. And they will, for there is a sound of a going among the people. Some churches are working well, and others are rousing themselves to active service.
The last and fiercest battle is before us. The length of it we ourselves shall determine. If we go forth unitedly, all of us, no rebels, stragglers, nor indifferent ones, all filled with a mighty enthusiasm, glorying in the Master we serve, ready to endure anything for him, even death, the struggle will not last long. We shall soon fight our way through to the holy city.
E. M. GRAHAM.

Are the Reading Courses Meeting the Needs of Our Young People?

By Mrs. H. W. Carr

It hardly seems possible that our Missionary Volunteer Reading Course Circle is now nearly seven years old, but the records show that this is so. Every season many young people have taken their places in the reading circle, and quite a large number have renewed their membership from year to year. The young people who have persevered in the courses each year doubtless feel well paid for the time spent with the good books which have been recommended. There is less difficulty in enlisting those again who have taken the course, as a few statements like the following give evidence:—
“I hardly know how to express my appreciation of the Reading Course. Having a great love for story reading, I was fast getting into that habit; but the Reading Course plan fell across my path just in time to check it.” Another says: “The Reading Course is the best means I know of to keep young people from reading light, trashy literature. I was drifting into the world partly from reading such matter. I am now so thankful that I became interested in the Reading Course when I did, for it made such a change in my life.” A Junior reader, when sending in her answers on “Pilgrim’s Progress,” said: “I hope I can take the course in 1914.”
There are many who appreciate all the twenty-six books that have been used. The selection has given very good satisfaction. It seems that the Reading Courses are meeting the needs of our young people thus far. But a large problem is still before us in interesting those who are indifferent to their needs. We must secure the cooperation of our ministers, conference laborers, and church elders in this work, to help not only the interested, but especially the uninterested ones.
And perhaps some supplementary reading, which would lead up to the courses in an indirect way, and would have a tendency to awaken an interest for more good reading, could be used in accomplishing this. For instance, take some good letter, tract, or booklet, which is more easily read than a large book, then follow this up with other good literature leading toward the courses.
Again, others will read the books, but do not care to take the reviews, especially those in our schools. Some say their time is too full. This is true, no doubt, and yet scores of youth do find time to read books that please their fancy better. If the students in our schools were trained to take these courses, when they leave school they would go out and teach others to do the same.
A part of the Sabbath program should be some carefully selected reading. A program that is arranged for our schools on the Sabbath should be suggestive of the program they will follow when they leave school to interest others.
It is thought by some that the Reading Course is intended for only those who cannot attend our schools, but the students should be encouraged to join the circle and have this excellent drill as a part of their education. Our youth must be educated not only to cultivate a love for the best reading, but to use wisely the fragments of time.
The plan of having a book on missions each year is an excellent one. Some books do not appeal to many as being interesting, but as secretaries and leaders we can be so interested in the books ourselves as to inspire in the youth a desire to read them. If the subject is missions, in conversing or in correspondence we can take them in imagination to the field of which we are reading. Suppose that they, or their friends, at some future time should be chosen as missionaries, how good it would be to be acquainted with the customs and habits of the people, and know the need of greater missionary endeavor in these needy fields.
Many read the books hurriedly, and do not get the benefit that a more careful reading would give. I believe we should encourage using the weekly review questions in the Instructor, or if a few direct questions on each chapter were printed in leaflet form to be used in connection with the reading, it might create a deeper interest. Such a leaflet could be used as a book-mark. The way to succeed is to review and re-review.
The young people who enroll year by year are establishing tendencies and forming habits that will determine their success in life. “Something attempted, something done,” has given strength and more courage for new endeavors, but “something attempted and something undone” stands like a cloud before one whenever a new line of study is suggested.
Succeeding in the Reading Course is certainly helpful to our youth in persevering in other undertakings as well. The gift-book which is given to those holding three certificates is an incentive to complete their work, and is prized by those who earn it.
There should be a wholesome pride in the heart of every young person to build up a personal library, and there is no better way than to add to it each year the excellent books outlined. The societies should also have these books. Mr. Beecher once said, “A little library, growing larger each year, is an honorable part of a man’s history. It is a man’s duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life.”
Sixty-five per cent of the people in our denomination came into the truth through reading our books. This important fact impressed upon our youth will help them in strengthening this line of work. The Reading Course work should be ever a live issue on the part of those who are in touch with the youth in their conferences. The very fact that so many of our youth are drifting into the world each year is sufficient proof that the problem of saving our young people is not yet solved; but we are thankful the rescue work is begun in earnest, and for the results we now see.
MRS. H. W. CARR.

Results of the Reading Course

By A Mother

Two children were taking the Junior Reading Course for 1913, and their small brother was often an interested listener as they read aloud to each other.
He became greatly interested in the travels of Christian in “Pilgrim’s Progress,” so much so that even in his play he was often heard to remark about the different characters associated with Christian. One day the little fellow was seen sitting high upon a piano box with two small nails standing erect as he talked to them, calling them Christian and Faithful. Then he brought a very large nail, which he called Giant Despair; and as this giant seemed to be smiting the two pilgrims, the little boy brought out a spike which he addressed as Mr. Great Heart, whose duty it was to push Giant Despair off the piano box. This little drama was rightly interpreted by the little boy as he continued his play, all unconscious of any onlooker.
Tonight this little boy prayed at the family altar: “Lord help us to be faithful little pilgrims. Do not let us get into the Slough of Despond nor into Giant Despair’s Castle.”
But for the Reading Course, given us in the providence of God for our children, these three children would be wholly unacquainted with the heroic struggles of Whitman, Spalding, and others in “Winning the Oregon Country,” and the noble deeds of those who were used of the Lord to cause “Day-break in Korea.”
Another conference year draws near to a close. Another opportunity is offered us as parents to enter into the joy of seeing our children read the good books prescribed in the Reading Course for 1913 (winter reading for 1913-14). The cost in dollars and cents is small. The gain for our children may stretch into eternity. A MOTHER.
The Reading Courses began about October 1. The first weekly assignments were printed in the Instructor of September 30. Let young people who have not taken up the work yet, enroll at once.

Missionary Volunteer Department

M. E. KERN - - - General Secretary
C. L. BENSON - - - Assistant Secretary
MATHILDA ERICKSON - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
MEADE MACGUIRE - - N. Am. Div. Field Secretary

Publishing Department

N. Z. TOWN - - - General Secretary
W. W. EASTMAN - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
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