Earlier text: Malamulo MissionIn the Outlook for August considerable space is devoted to the history of the Boy Scouts movement, which started in England about ten years ago. It has made such progress in that country that many thousands of boys have been enrolled in the organization. Recently a similar organization has been established in this country. The founders of the movement claim much for it, in that it seeks to make the boys more manly, chivalrous in their deportment, keen observers of nature, punctual in their habits, economical, etc. The underlying purpose, however, behind the movement is the education of boys for military service, and the creation of a patriotic spirit. And it is in this underlying object of the organization that the greatest evil is seen. The creation in the hearts of mere boys of the spirit of war is to be regretted, even if it be done under the plea of developing patriotism. It is better to train the minds of men away from the pursuits of war to the cultivation of peace and the development of peaceful industries. This surely is the principle of the gospel. The Responsibilities of Parents
THIS is an age in the world's history when much is done by proxy. There is a tendency to delegate to others individual responsibility. We see this particularly manifested in the home life. There are many influences to detract the attention and interest of the father and mother from their parental responsibility and the training of their children. Club life, the demands of society, and other untoward influences have led many parents to turn the training of their children over to others. The following words are from one of our exchanges with reference to this growing tendency:— The old-fashioned mother and the old-fashioned father have become almost obsolete in the large cities. Modern mothers and fathers have ceased to take their responsibility seriously. During the early days of the child's life the task of looking after manners and education is largely shifted to the schools. The education of children, consequently, has become more automatic, and, naturally, lacks the individual touch of refinement and breeding that can be obtained only in the home. Few schools teach kindness, gentleness, courtesy, or unselfishness. Such qualities can be thoroughly inculcated only in the home. It is only by the father making a chum of his boy, and the mother a friend of her girl, that the miracle of a gracious character can be wrought. If fathers would make confidants of their sons, and mothers confidants of their daughters, teaching them to share adversity or prosperity like partners, there would be less dissatisfaction and less extravagance among the growing generation. By unselfishness they would teach unselfishness; by kindness they would teach kindness; by courtesy they would teach courtesy. And the world would be the gainer.
There is no factor so powerful in the life of the child as the influence of a Christian home. Parents should sense not only their responsibility, but, above all, their blessed privilege, in training their children for lives of usefulness.
Sunday Baseball
By C. E. H.
THOSE who are advocating a prohibition by law of all sports on the first day of the week are having difficulties. In many instances, judges and juries fail to see the harm which it is claimed results from Sunday amusements. While some judicial decisions declare the injustice and unconstitutionality of Sunday laws, others touch upon the question of the harmfulness of the pleasures indulged in on that day. The Washington Post of August 4 reports a trial in which the jury held that Sunday baseball is no crime:— At Frankfort, in Herkimer County, N. Y., a jury after listening to a mass of evidence and extended arguments, decided that Sunday baseball is not a violation of law. During a game at Utica Park, on Sunday, July 17, between the Binghamton and Utica clubs, of the New York State League, several players were arrested on a charge of violating the Sunday law. . . . After being out about half an hour, the jury brought in a verdict of no cause for action, and the players were discharged. The finding of the jury is expected to have an important effect in determining the future of Sunday baseball in the New York State League. Practically every Protestant denomination confesses that there is no Scriptural sanction for making Sunday a holy day. Can the people be blamed for failing to respect a day religiously which has no divine appointment? When it is thus admitted that the first day of the week is a man-made rest day, it is not strange that many should accept that confession, and enjoy themselves as they see fit.
C. E. H. THE world-wide application of the gospel of Jesus Christ is strikingly illustrated in the great missionary gatherings of the present day. Says the British Congregationalist (London), “Surely Jesus Christ is Chinese as truly as he is English.” In the great plan of salvation, God recognized the needs of the human family throughout its entire history, and gave to the fallen race a gospel of salvation suited equally to the needs of Jew and Gentile, of black and white. In this are shown the wonderful provision of his grace and the exceeding breadth of his matchless love. _Seeking to Unite Christendom_
RECENTLY there has been formed an incorporation by twenty-four American Episcopalians who have as their grand object the union of the Christians of the world, including Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Greek Catholic. Says the United Presbyterian of July 28:— The task these men have before them is tremendous. There are 186 independent Protestant bodies in America; and England, Scotland, and continental Europe furnish many others. Organic Christian unity is far in the future. Even the men who have organized this society, frankly say that not one of them will live to see the accomplishment of its purpose. It is hoped to secure this union through conference of leaders, the dissemination of information regarding doctrines, a pointing out of the evils of division, etc. This proposed federation is probably as chimerical as scores of other unions which have been proposed. The Presbyterian adds:— There is absolute harmony on the desirableness of union, but each of those who are most ardent in advocating it wants the estranged and dissident members of the household of faith to move under his ecclesiastical roof. And this is the trouble with all the proposed plans of federation. Scores are ready for union, but they desire the union in ways of their own choosing. As fundamentals to be believed and practised by all, they desire to see the doctrines of their own church. This might result in a church union, but not a Christian union. Christian unity has Christ as the center. He is the head, directing by his Spirit every man. In this consists the unity which, when guided by the Spirit of the Lord, brings all into harmonious working. Suppressing Lawlessness
By J. N. Q.
THE recent outrages upon the Negro are to be deplored by those who believe in the equality of all men before the law. Occasionally members of that race, when stirred by the cruelty practised upon them by white men, are led to make rash utterances, and to recommend measures which could only result in added harshness and cruelty. A Negro in this city, in a local paper, under the caption, “Arms to Stop Riots,” stated that “the Negro Baptist ministers considered a resolution to ask President Taft to distribute arms among the male citizens throughout the country.” The Baptist ministers immediately put themselves on the right side of the question, as follows:— The colored ministers of Washington believe that lawlessness and crime, by whomsoever committed, should be punished, but that it should be punished only by the legally constituted authorities, and in a legal way. They are of the opinion that the present epidemic of crime and reign of murder in this country can not be suppressed by arms, but by the promulgation of the gospel, and an appeal to the sense of justice and right inherent in the American people. For that reason they are preparing to hold a mass-meeting of all pastors and other good citizens at Metropolitan Baptist Church, in R Street, this city, on next Monday night, to urge upon the entire nation the duty of obedience to the law, and necessity of suppressing the lawless element in America. When crime has been committed, no matter by whom, the law of the state should be enforced, and those guilty punished. When mob rule prevails, bitter feelings are engendered, which will seek opportunity for retaliation. Justice appeals to all men in their normal condition; and when it is meted out, both parties become reconciled, and peace ensues. Lawlessness should be suppressed, and the majesty of the law maintained. WE had a good conference in Gorbea this year. Brother N. Z. Town gave valuable service in counsel and in other lines. The Catholic priest made a strong effort against us. He telegraphed to the intendente in Valdivia, and to the minister of justice in Santiago, to stop our meetings. A few days after the meetings closed, there was a procession, led by the priests, and Bibles and Protestant religious papers were gathered up and burned. At the meeting in Gorbea eighteen were baptized. Since then I have baptized two in Bajo Imperial and two at Carahue. I have also organized three new churches,—one at Lavcoche, one at Temuco, and the conference church, composed of ministers and colporteurs who have no fixed homes, and the scattered believers. Brother Santiago Mangold also baptized several in Iquique, and others are waiting for baptism near Santiago. The colporteurs are doing good work. Georgia Camp-Meeting
By W. A. HENNIG
THIS meeting closed the last day of July, but its blessings will long continue. Prior to the meeting a tent had been pitched in which Brother S. T. Shadel and his associates had presented the fundamental doctrines of Christianity to large and attentive congregations. When many of our people moved into the camp, and the general workers arrived, this interest increased until about six hundred persons listened to the stirring messages for to-day. One of the most gratifying results of the whole meeting was the goodly number who came to sing, to pray, and to study with us on the last Sabbath of the meeting, instead of going to their customary work. The day was also a blessing to our people and their children. After a short sermon a definite call for personal consecration was made to those who had been losers instead of victors in the battle with sin. Opportunity was then given to consecrate for, or in behalf of, a wayward child, a parent, a brother, a sister, or a friend. In a few moments almost the entire congregation were on their feet. Many who sought for personal victory over evil habits, remained in the tent, while those who consecrated themselves for others went to another tent for prayer and counsel. These were profitable seasons. In the afternoon all enjoyed an excellent Bible study, and the day closed with many expressions of praise and thanksgiving. Just before the close of the day the young people gathered in their tent for a short service. A few of these had not definitely surrendered all to the Lord. In the quiet of the evening the good Spirit of God worked for some of them, and as soon as the Sabbath was past, telegrams were sent home to tell their parents the good news. The conference business was transacted in a spirit of harmony and good will. The reports made clear the fact that progress had been made in all lines of work during the conference year. The tithe per capita had greatly increased, and now stands above that of many of the more favored conferences. The offerings passed the ten-cent-a-week standard, and almost reached the thirteen-cent-a-week mark. Another substantial evidence of the interest this conference has in the work of the Lord was the response made to a call in behalf of missions. Over five hundred dollars was pledged in a few minutes. Such hearty, cheerful offerings are certainly pleasing to the Lord. All lines of conference work received careful consideration and hearty support. The $300,000 Fund and the “Ministry of Healing” campaign have not only been considered, but much actual work has been done. Seventy-five new names have been added to the list of Sabbath-keepers during the year, and the conference has grown in membership and churches. The book work has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity, and some of the magazine workers have manifested great devotion and zeal. A new tent for field work among the colored people was needed, and the brethren cheerfully gave the money to buy one. The work among this people is making progress, and God is adding to the family of believers. Brother C. B. Stephenson was unanimously re-elected president for the coming year. The other officers are about the same as last year. Brother Charles Thompson, president of the Southeastern Union Conference, rendered good service during the meeting in presenting the truth, in the conference meetings, and in the management of affairs of the conference. Dr. J. H. Neall, of the Atlanta Sanitarium, Brother M. B. Van Kirk, of the Graysville school, and other union conference men also assisted in the meeting. The Georgia Conference has reason for gratitude to God, who has led the way to such prosperity, and it desires to make a much better record the coming year. We believe that the officers of the conference, the regular laborers, and all the people have a mind to work while the day lasts. The New England Sanitarium
By George B. Starr
WE are happy to report that the work of the New England Sanitarium, at Melrose, Mass., is in a prosperous condition, both spiritually and financially. Since April 9, we have enjoyed a steady patronage, averaging over sixty-three patients a week, the highest number during this time being seventy-four and the lowest fifty-five. Many of these patients, a larger number than usual, have required the services of a private nurse. This has taxed the working force to the utmost, but has added to the cash receipts. In fact, we have had to employ outside help to assist in the domestic work, and to call in the nurses who were on private work. We are glad to be able to report that the Lord is sending a good class of patients, whom it is a pleasure to live with and work for. Many manifest a lively interest in the religious exercises, and take part in them. The spiritual life of the family of workers is also on the up-grade. The average attendance at the early morning meeting at 6:40 is between fifty and sixty. It is good to hear this company of youth join in the early songs of praise, and take part in the seasons of prayer, and then to see them filing off promptly at seven o'clock to their daily work. In their uniforms they present a pleasing picture among the green trees on the beautiful lawns, as they pass from building to building. We can not but think that the sight of these workers taking up cheerfully their daily tasks must be pleasing in the sight of Heaven. And what is true of these is true of all the great army of workers connected with the many institutions in this cause. The patients speak in no unstinted terms of the good spirit they observe manifested. “I have not heard one unkind, complaining, or cross word since I have been here,” remarked a patient recently, who has spent a number of weeks here. The outside interest is also steadily increasing and widening. At the present time a “school of health” is being conducted at Winter Hill, Somerville, one of Boston's best suburbs, in connection with a tent-meeting held there. The last meeting was held Monday night, August 1. Nearly two hundred persons were present, and manifested a lively interest. A health talk and demonstration were given. Doors are opening for health talks and schools of health in other localities. Pray for their continued success, and that wise, well-balanced, aggressive work may be carried forward. We are praying for a large class of just the right kind of persons to join the full training-classes for medical missionary evangelists. G. B. STARR. JUNE 20 a meeting of the advisory board of the Mexican Mission was held in the city of Queretaro. Several matters of importance to the work here were thoroughly discussed. Harmony prevailed throughout the session. It is the firm conviction of our committee that our greatest need in Mexico, in order to place our God-given message on a firm foundation, is the establishment of an educational system that will reach our native believers, and tend to develop in them stability of character, in order that they may stand loyal without the constant watch-care of a minister. Our hope lies in selecting and training workers from the native Mexican young people, rather than in importing them all from the home land. Our success in Africa has been largely in gathering in the children and young people, and molding their minds by school work. Not a single Protestant denomination has met with success in Mexico, which has not adopted the same policy. Protestantism would have scarcely a17 foothold in Latin America to-day were it not for well-organized schools. We believe that the evangelistic, medical missionary, and publishing work will not suffice to develop a strong membership in Catholic Mexico. Educational work should be added. Our committee approves of the plan for a certain number of our young people from the United States, who are fitting themselves for service in Latin fields, to come to Mexico for the completion of their course by a year's work in a central training-school to be opened in Tacubaya, D. F., September 21. This school is intended to be especially strong in instruction in the Spanish language. When it is in successful operation, we should be able to select workers from it year by year to fill positions as teachers, colporteurs, and evangelists in Mexico, and possibly to go to other Latin fields as well. No one should come without first corresponding with Prof. G. W. Caviness, Tacubaya, D. F., Mexico. We have recently secured an excellent building, centrally located in San Luis Potosi, to be used as a school, to be conducted by Miss Bertha M. Lewis, of College View, Neb., and also as a chapel for our meetings. If we could have an evangelist there, our work ought to make good progress in that important city. From our experience so far in Mexico, it would seem that our work can never become self-supporting. At present the yearly expenditure for advancing the message in this field is about $11,000. Only $1,500 of this is paid into our treasury by our people in Mexico, and a considerable part of this amount comes from our workers. Aside from the tithe paid by the latter class, there would scarcely be enough tithe in the field to support one worker. Our native people are nearly all very poor. If there is full consecration on the part of all, there will be no lack of free-will offerings. Nearly everywhere we are at present enjoying financial prosperity; and this prosperity, so far as it affects God's people, is not given to be used selfishly in hoarding up treasure, nor in the pursuit of pleasure, but rather for the glorious work of giving the everlasting gospel to all the world in this generation. Plan for Securing Foreign Missionary Recruits
By J. L. SHAW
WE have now been carrying on mission work in foreign lands for thirty-six years. From a very small beginning the work has developed until we have entered every continent, and many of the islands of the sea. Fields that once had not more than one or two workers, and those from America, have grown into organized conferences, are now supporting their own work, and with their surplus funds are placing laborers of their own training in other mission fields. These, in turn, are raising up converts, establishing missions, and organizing churches. These years have not only been years of progress, but they have also been years of experience. Thirty-six years ago we knew comparatively little about foreign mission work. We knew very little of the peoples, the climate, and the conditions which obtain in other lands. Yet our pioneers labored on. As the work advanced, new plans developed, and old plans were laid aside. More experience has increased our knowledge of foreign mission work, and better plans have been devised, and greater prosperity has followed. The Mission Board has now changed its plan of selecting workers for our various mission fields. Instead of picking up workers wherever they may be found, without very full knowledge of them, or of their ability and fitness for the work, the present plan, as outlined by Elder A. G. Daniells in a previous number of the REVIEW AND HERALD, is to call workers for the mission field to the Foreign Mission Seminary for the purpose of becoming better acquainted with them, and giving them necessary training for work in other lands. Very much depends upon the character and capabilities of the missionaries sent to the mission field. We must send of our best to the great heathen lands of Africa, India, and China, if we wish to give a high character to our work in these lands, and develop strong native laborers, who will be able to build up the work among their own people. According to the new plan of selecting recruits for mission fields, workers will be given a salary sufficient to support them while in attendance at the Seminary. Instead of being sent on to the mission field drawing full pay, they will take a preliminary course of training on less pay. The General Conference is annually spending large sums of money in paying the transportation of many workers to distant fields. If by wiser plans more intimate knowledge of outgoing missionaries can be had before making definite appointments, very much money may be saved in missionary operations, while at the same time those receiving appointments will have the advantage of coming to the Foreign Mission Seminary for further preparation before going to their chosen places of labor. In order that the work in mission fields may become strongly organized, it is necessary that our missionaries should be carefully instructed in gospel organization. All that pertains to the church, the conference, and the union and General conferences, with their various departments, their relation to one another, and the respective officers and duties of the same from the standpoint of the Bible and the Testimonies, should be taught. Because of this need, and for the benefit of those attending the Seminary the coming year, the heads of the different departments of the General Conference will conduct courses of instruction in their respective lines of work. This instruction we feel certain will be very helpful to all classes of gospel workers. Prospective missionaries are now asked to fill out application blanks. These blanks call for quite full information regarding age, health, education, field experience, and line of work and field of labor desired. A letter of recommendation from a well-known minister is also required. The application blanks may be had by sending either to the General Conference or the Foreign Mission Seminary. The present call from our various mission fields, as presented in a recent issue of the REVIEW AND HERALD, is for 120 workers,—fifty-six of these to be evangelists, twenty-six canvassers, twenty-one nurses, four physicians, nine teachers, and four Bible workers. We have reached a time in our foreign mission undertaking when large calls are made for laborers to open up work in new places and strengthen the work already started. The coming year more missionaries should be placed in the field than in any previous year. If this is done, it means a heavier lift for every one interested in the cause of truth in heathen lands. To have more workers means a larger consecration of both means and talents to the Lord. The work before us in the continents of Asia and Africa is beyond the limit of our conception. Our young men and women should take these fields into account in setting their place of labor. Those who do not respond to calls from these fields should have a clear reason for not doing so. To present Christ and his soon coming to a billion of people in heathenism, within the limits of this generation, besides the work we are attempting in other lands, is a tremendous undertaking. We shall accomplish it only as a deep spirit of consecration comes upon this people as a whole; and as our young people, devoted to the service of the Master, trained for the work, and filled with the Spirit of God, answer the calls that come to them from the neglected fields of darkness. Medical Missionary Work in India
By Louise Scholz
A YOUNG man eighteen or twenty years of age was seriously ill with typhoid fever. Two doctors had given him up, when his parents called me in. One doctor was there when I visited him first. I learned that soon after the doctor had given him medicine, the boy became unconscious. I inquired what kind of medicine he had given, and found that he had used strong, poisonous drugs, as the heart was very weak, and the brain affected. The doctor and relatives wanted to know what I would do for him. I told them I would put away all drugs, and use hydropathic treatments. Of course the doctor did not like this. He said he had studied in large schools, and knew his drugs were good. Yes, I told him, I had taken a four years' course in a large university hospital in Germany, where we used to give drugs; but I afterward learned that we could do more good with the simple water treatments. As I was very busy, and the people were able to pay, I advised them to get another doctor. Two days later they asked me to come and see the boy again. They had dismissed the doctor, and were unwilling to call another if I would take the case, as the new doctor would have to come by train, which would take several hours. I did not feel clear in the matter, as it meant assuming a great responsibility, but the people pleaded so earnestly that I could not refuse. I saw the young man again, and found there was but little hope. It was the third week of his illness. I decided to take the case for two days, and during that time I asked God to make it very clear to me what I should do. I only desired that his name be glorified. The patient seemed to get on so nicely under the hot and cold applications that I felt impressed to keep on. His father and brother-in-law, both18 well-educated Hindus, who can speak some English, came at this time to stay with the young man. I taught them how to give packs, sponges, fomentations, etc., and you would have been surprised to see those two men give the treatments. It made my heart rejoice. I told them to take the temperature every two hours; and the next day when I called, I found they had fixed a book as a report blank, where they kept every little detail, and the record of the temperature, just as we nurses do. They followed my orders strictly. It certainly was the Lord who sent these two men. One day the young man's condition was very critical, and I did not feel like taking the responsibility any longer. But nothing could persuade his people to call a doctor. They said, 'We do not want a doctor. We do whatever you tell us, and we know you do all you can, and he is in God's hand.' Miss Burroway and I had prayed at his bedside in this Hindu house; and when we arose, the father's eyes were filled with tears. The young man is now recovering, healed by the power of God, for which we all thank and praise the Lord. Health Work in Public Schools
By Edmund C. Jaegar
The predominant note in social science is “preventive medicine.” The school men are coming to see that true education seeks prevention rather than correction. In regard to the youth, they agree with Judge Ben Lindsey that “the best time to handle a man is when he is a boy.” Nothing could be more favorable to the cause of hygiene and temperance than this realization; for the only way to make any telling effect on a generation is to begin with the instruction of its children. The alarming increase of the cigarette habit and the resulting lawlessness have no doubt had much to do in bringing this conviction about. Believing that the time was ripe for immediate action in the dissemination of the principles of true hygiene, I began an educational temperance effort in the public schools of California, in September, 1909. Though working under the many difficulties which accompany pioneer work in any line, I found openings for over two hundred lectures before fifty thousand children, besides being able to interest many private individuals. In addition to the publication of Practical Hygiene, a small health publication for children, and the printing of seventy-seven thousand pages of tracts, I have had published over fifty-seven columns of matter in the daily newspapers. These articles have all been well received, and much more could have been done if necessary time could have been found. Openings have now been secured for work in the Los Angeles schools as well as those in many smaller cities. Pasadena, Long Beach, San Bernardino, Pomona, and other places where the work has been done the past winter have asked that it be carried on another year. I feel that the most satisfactory and permanent work was done in Riverside, where the lectures were given each month, and where much personal work with the boys in social purity lines was made possible through the co-operation of the Y. M. C. A. I am especially pleased with the interest shown by the teachers, and the interested co-operation of the parents, both fathers and mothers. “Perhaps,” says Eugene Foster, “our best stroke for the boy will be to win his home to our side of the effort for him. When the parents are consistent with our standards, we may then expect results.” Not only was I able to speak before the schools on the subject of hygiene, but wide range was given me on ethical subjects. One interesting incident is that in connection with a lecture on proper reading. I had just passed the home of two children, when a friend of mine happened along to make a call upon their parents. She noticed that the porch floor was covered with comic sections of the Sunday newspapers. She made a remark about the papers, when one of the little girls said, “I tell you, we ‘ditched’ our papers when we saw Mr. Jaegar go by.” Evidently their consciences were tender. Another happening was even more satisfactory. I had just completed a number of talks on headaches and headache-powders. James came home the next day with a bad headache, and his father tossed the little fellow a sample of headache-powder that had been thrown at the door a few minutes before. The boy read the formula, and threw the envelope in the corner. Being questioned, he said that “he couldn’t take that, because it contained acetanilid, and Mr. Jaegar said in school that it was bad.” These early impressions are the ones that last. Canvassing on the East Coast of South America
By MAXIMO TRUMMER
As the circulation of our literature is one of the most effective means of work in the mission fields, I am sure our brethren in the home land are always glad to know what is being done in this direction. Here in the Rio de la Plata field, I am thankful to say that we see many signs of steady progress. Our canvassers have been out on the “firing-line” week after week, working faithfully, and will continue their efforts all winter, which with us is from June to August. In the beginning, some thought that our large books could not be sold, but I believed they could; and now the boys can not be induced to sell the small ones. In fact, our stock of “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “Home and Health” was sold so quickly that now we have to take orders for books which will come about August, from California. By that time we shall no doubt have orders for a thousand books. Frequently we take from ten to fifteen orders a day, and we have already delivered books to bankers, lawyers, and many leading families. These will soon exert a favorable influence for the truth in these Catholic lands. The book work is also becoming a live question in our churches, for which we are very grateful. Two of these are giving a horse and cart, each, for the work in the country. As the work broadens, we shall need to strengthen our force of laborers. Instead of seven we should have forty canvassers traversing these broad, fertile prairies of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. We should have half a dozen young men on horseback to take orders for our large books between the railroads. There are many large cities which have none of our books as yet. How long must they wait to know of the soon-coming crisis? All heaven is in earnest to finish the work quickly. Why are there so few volunteers to undertake it? Who will come? We Want More Letters Like This
By Mrs. B. C. Haark
[THE following letter, which explains itself, has been handed to the REVIEW by Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, secretary of the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference.—ED.] “JAMESTOWN, N. D., — —.
“Sabbath School Department,
“Takoma Park Station,
“Washington, D. C.” “DEAR SISTER PLUMMER: Enclosed you will find twenty-five cents, for which please send me six birthday cards. I would like to get them this week if it is possible; for one of the little boys in my class is going to put in his offering next Sabbath, and I want to have a card to give him. Last Sabbath Brother Hayward gave us a talk on our work in other lands, and I followed it by making a plea for larger donations, and one of the ways I suggested was by birthday offerings. The idea took well, and the children were especially pleased. When I had finished talking, I dropped a quarter into the box, as it was my twenty-fourth birthday; thus the good work was started in our Sabbath-school. I was pleased when one old lady arose and said that each one should bring two extra pennies,—one to grow on and the other to be good on. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad idea. “Yours in the work I love,
“MRS. B. C. HAARK.” The baptism of six new converts at Elmira, N. Y., is reported by Elder L. H. Proctor. Fifteen persons have been added to the church at Walla Walla, Wash., seven by baptism. At Bedford, Mich., three have followed their Lord in baptism, and others are deeply interested. The Brooklyn (N. Y.) German church has had four added to its membership, and one other baptized, as the result of a tent effort. Through the faithful efforts of a few, the church at Royalton, Wis., now has a membership of twenty-two, of whom eight young persons were recently baptized. From Brother J. W. McComas, at Mason City, Iowa, comes the good word that fourteen have taken their stand for truth, and desire to be baptized and organized into a church. The church at Iola, Kan., is growing in numbers as well as spiritually, according to a report from Brother B. W. Brown, who baptized four young persons at that place recently. Young People's Work
By M. E. K.
Conducted by the Young People's Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference M. E. Kern - - - - Secretary Matilda Erickson - Corresponding Secretary Young People at Camp-Meeting
SPECIAL efforts are being made at all our camp-meetings to provide suitable instruction and help for the children and young people. It is an important time when the Lord's people assemble in these annual gatherings; and the young people should be there. The pleasures of the journey, the personal contact with wise workers for the youth, association with Christian young people, meeting leaders in the work, the instruction on many topics, and the solemn services will do much to bring them to decisions for Christ, to give them definite conceptions of their place in this message, and to weaken the power of worldly influences about their homes. These are the possibilities,—if they are there. Giving to Missions
By M. E.
THE young people are receiving a great blessing through their gifts for home and foreign missions. A Massachusetts Missionary Volunteer society raised $100 that the new church building might be dedicated free from debt; another society in the same State presented $50 to one of its members who went to China as a missionary. The young people in Arkansas are raising $200 to apply on the conference debt. In New York the Missionary Volunteers last year sent some Indian boys to the school at Tunesassa. One society in British Columbia is supporting a student in the South. Last year the society at Mt. Vernon, Wash., gave $12 a month for the support of a church-school teacher in the South. Kentucky, Maine, Western Washington, and other conferences have been helping the Southern work. The Graysville (Tenn.) society has been supporting a student in the Oakwood school. The young people in Minnesota have raised money for a tent in which to hold their services at camp-meeting; so also have the youth of the Cumberland Conference. The Missionary Volunteers in the Columbia Union Conference are working on a $1,200 fund for a new water-plant for the college at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. The West Michigan Missionary Volunteers are endeavoring to raise $1,000 to build a home for one of our missionaries in China. Western Oregon has just completed a fund of $150 for a gospel tent for Japan. Although the young people in Western Washington are trying to raise a conference educational fund, they have united with Upper Columbia in the effort to send Japan $250 for sanitarium supplies. The Iowa young people have been raising money for a denominational library for the sanitarium in that conference. Besides this the Elk Horn church has sent $12.50 for furnishing the teacher's room in the new school in China, and the Exira young people have raised $25 to pay a Fijian boy's tuition for one year. Wisconsin is raising $150 for the assembly-room20 of the new school in China. One society in Ontario is raising $5 a month toward the support of a Chinese laborer. A society in Southern New England has just raised $10 for Africa. The Southern California secretary writes that they are raising money for a gospel tent in Japan, a stereopticon outfit for China, a chapel in Mexico, and have been supporting two students in the Fernando Academy. A glance at our young people in foreign fields is equally cheering. In the British Union Conference our youth are aiding financially the work in north Scotland. The Scandinavian youth give of their means to help the missionaries on the borders of Abyssinia. In Australia the young people are supporting ten missionaries. These gleanings from the mail-bag suffice to show what our young people are doing, and what they may do.
M. E.