Review and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 2.
COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATEPage 1
Earlier text: THE MILLENNIUMOUR RECENT EXPERIENCE.
By O. A. Olsen
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5: 1–5. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1: 2–4. After the close of the annual meetings in the several Conferences and missions composing the European field, I contemplated spending considerable time working among the churches in Sweden, and after that in Norway; but this plan was not carried out. The financial crisis through which Christiania is passing began to work hardships for our publishing house, and this called me to that place. During all these years we have come into business relations with many different firms as well as persons. For some we have done work, from others we have bought material of different kinds; and in the business transactions, notes have been given for payment, also bills of exchange, and the plan of indorsing as security for payment, one for the other, had become a common thing. All seemed to go well till the financial crisis came on last summer, under the pressure of which many of these firms began to fail, being unable under the financial pressure to make the necessary arrangements with their creditors. Now began our difficulty. When we saw the crisis coming, we made every preparation to stand the storm, and thought we were in a fair way to do so; but when many firms, which had our names as indorsement on their notes, failed, the publishing house was brought into serious trouble, as it was utterly impossible for it to meet these added obligations. Therefore we had to declare suspension of payment, and seek for an arrangement. This situation brought a great trial upon all connected with the work. Our publishing house has all the way along had the very best of standing, and enjoyed the fullest confidence of the business public. It is our pioneer institution, in the work in these northern countries, and is held and treated as the representative institution of the message; hence,12 for this institution to fail would be a terrible disaster to the work, a calamity from which the work could never recover itself. It would place a stigma upon the cause, from which it could never be cleared. Now the question arose as to what we should do? Yes, what could we do? Jehoshaphat of old, when he learned of the great army that was coming against him, “feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” So did we. “And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah, they came to seek the Lord.” 1 Chron. 20: 3, 4. We did the same,—not that we gathered in one place, but each company of believers met, and all our isolated brethren and sisters took part in this seeking of God with an earnest heart, and thanks be to the name of the God of Israel, he heard our cry for help. In our distress we could but say, “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company [this great embarrassment] that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” And we did not seek in vain, for to us the word from the Lord has come, “Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Verses 12, 15. The Lord has wrought for us in a most wonderful manner. Never before had I lived the experience recorded above. I find a vast difference between reading of and living an experience. A new life has sprung up in many hearts, a new power has come to some of our workers. Testimonies of praise and triumph are heard from many lips. The more heartily they have taken part in the seeking, the greater is the blessing received. Even the canvassing work has received a new impetus; yes, we may say that every branch of the work has shared in the spiritual blessings that have followed in the wake of the great business reverses we have suffered. Not only was the publishing house here at the center threatened, but the depositories in Copenhagen, Denmark, Stockholm, Sweden, and Helsingfors, Finland, were also shaken to the foundation, and things looked exceedingly dark. But while we sought the Lord, we also sent word to our brethren in Switzerland and Germany, and they have nobly come to our rescue. Also the Foreign Mission Board sent us money that we had previously paid out, and by this means, together with what has come from our own sales, we have been able to meet all the obligations in these different depositories; and never before have we so much appreciated the blessing of the verse, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Ps. 133: 1. A friend in need is a friend indeed. As for the publishing house itself, we found it necessary to ask our creditors for time in which to make arrangements to meet our obligations; and they have kindly granted us six months, for which we are indeed thankful. Under these circumstances the work continues to go forward. Wherever we have discerned anything that we could correct and set right, we have done so. Every worker connected with the office is seeking the Lord with an earnest heart, and as a consequence, is enjoying much of his blessing. The whole church has come to realize that God is dealing with us in love, and that he is turning this severe trial to a glorious victory. “But you are not out yet,” says one. No; but we have sought God, and have had many unmistakable evidences of answer to prayer; and now we have taken up the word, “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” And in this faith we are going forward, praising God that his mercy endureth forever. We are fully aware that no human arm is able to render us the needed assistance, but the same God that has wrought so many deliverances for his people in the past, is just as able and willing to do it now. We have appealed to our brethren in America for a loan with which to pay up the banks, and thus restore the credit of the institution, and give us the opportunity to handle the property to the best advantage. All our brethren in Scandinavia are earnestly praying that God will open the way for them to help us meet this emergency, and this we believe he will do. Some have suggested, Let the institution go to failure. No; we can not do that; for it would be ruinous to the character of our work here. Nothing could please the enemy of God more than this. No; we believe God will be glorified in working a deliverance for his own cause in this matter. I have hesitated for some time in writing these things, but the Spirit of the Lord is moving on my heart to write, and thus give glory to the name of the Lord. I feel forbidden to think or speak unbelief, as it brings darkness and not light. I will trust and not be afraid. Personally, I have never enjoyed so much of God’s presence as in this trial. At first a chill like death seized my whole being, and I felt more like a statue than a living being. But God has revived my soul, strengthened my faith, given me new courage and a remarkable degree of freedom and trust in God. To the Lord belongs all the praise. The scripture at the beginning of this article has entered into my late experience as never before. Now we shall wait on the Lord, trust his promise, and pray and believe that he who “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” will redeem his own pledge. Christiania, Norway. O. A. OLSEN. The Week of Prayer in Battle Creek.
By A. J. Breed
MEETINGS were held in the Tabernacle, Review and Herald Office chapel, the Sanitarium, and the College, with increased interest until the close. This gave the greater number of our people in Battle Creek the privilege of listening to the readings, and of attending the devotional meetings held during the week. There seemed to be a different bearing in the meetings this year than we have ever experienced before. Many of the brethren were heard to say that it meant more to them this year than ever before; and that if they did not gain decided victories at this time, they feared that their cases would be hopeless. As the meetings continued from day to day, it was seen that many were gaining the victories they had longed for. The meetings held in the Review Office chapel during the daytime were of a devotional nature, and the same kind of work was carried on as is usually done at camp-meeting. Those especially needing help were asked to retire to smaller rooms, where they could be more by themselves; and from the cheerful countenances seen after these meetings, it was known that the cloud of darkness hovering over the minds of some had given way, and the peace and quietness of heaven was abiding in their hearts. The offerings received in money were greater than for a number of years, amounting, in all, to $1,100. As we thought of the missionaries in foreign lands, and the needs of the destitute fields, the Spirit of God came in, and liberal contributions were made. We trust that the good work begun will continue, and that there will be brighter days for the cause of God in this place. A. J. BREED. THE interest on the part of parents in the education of the children leads me to think that many REVIEW AND HERALD readers will appreciate the experience related by one of our church school teachers. The following selection is taken from a private letter, and was not intended for publication, therefore names are withheld. When I see how the Lord can use an eighteen-year-old girl to his glory, I long to see more of our young people in his service. This teacher writes:— “We had a delightful trip, arriving in time to spend four days at the local camp-meeting. It was decided that we should come up to ——, as it was understood that the church wished a school, at least needed one, as there were about forty children in the church. We came, and found the church in a dead condition. There was no unity. They did not have a missionary meeting; and out of a church of seventy-five or eighty members, but three or four attended prayer-meeting.” “When the matter of the church school was mentioned, they said: ‘We have an excellent public school system here, the best in the State, and, besides, we are all too poor to support a school. We have no building, and are all so scattered,’ etc.” “It was a dark outlook; but we saw so many children going to ruin that our hearts ached for them, and for their parents, too. We began to pray and to work. We visited all the members; a missionary meeting was started, and an interest aroused. A few earnest ones began to work with us in educating the people in regard to the school. There was a Sabbath-school convention held in this county, which we attended. The subject of schools was brought before the convention for discussion. Some tried hard to stop the discussion, but the Lord was with us; and after a long, hard struggle, the truth began to go home to hearts.” “We said, Have faith! Step out, and God will work for you; but they were slow to move. At last we took a paper and went to each one to see how many pupils we could depend upon, and how much money they would give to support the school. In this way we received twenty dollars and eighteen pupils. People began to have more interest, and wished to know more about the work. A meeting was called, and together we sought the Lord, and studied the matter over. Those who did not attend the meeting we visited, with the Bible and the Testimonies13 in one hand and our paper in the other. This has been a wonderful experience for me. I am naturally very timid, but the Lord strengthened me to do what it would have been impossible for me to do otherwise.” “Now we shall have a large school, and a night-school for the parents, as there are about ten or fifteen of them who wish to come, and we know the number will increase. A committee has been appointed, and to-day they rented, and are fitting up, a large school-room, in what used to be a sanitarium. The room is well lighted, and can be ventilated easily. “They are going to pay me everything that comes in over and above expenses unless the amount should exceed twenty-five dollars, then the rest goes to the school fund for next year.” “Several from families not of our people wish admission, and we think we shall have enough students to keep us both busy. Mama and —— have rooms in the same building. I shall make my home there, and visit around among the pupils. We are so thankful that God can use us in this work. It seems too good to be true, that God can use me in his work.” ENCOURAGING REPORTS FROM THE WEEK OF PRAYER.
By L. A. Hoopes
We are in constant receipt of letters from all over the field, containing encouraging reports from the meetings held during the week of prayer. Geo. W. Wells writes, from Chattanooga, Tenn.: “The Lord came very near to us, caused us to see our condition, and led us to repent and forsake our sins, that we may be prepared for translation.” Elder M. H. Brown writes, from Oakland, Cal.: “We are having excellent meetings here during the week of prayer, and we hear that they are having glorious meetings at Healdsburg College and at San Francisco.” T. B. Buckner writes, from Montgomery, Ala.: “The week of prayer was a refreshing season for us. The Lord came very near to us, and victories were gained.” A. C. Bird writes: “The week of prayer has been a profitable time with the churches at Cardiff and Ft. Payne, Ala.” Miss Nellie Patchen writes that the students in the colored school at Juniata, Ala., took a deep interest in the Readings for the Week of Prayer, and were much benefited. Elder William Covert writes, from Milwaukee, Wis.: “The week of prayer has been, with us, a most precious season. One member of our church was healed in answer to prayer on the morning of December 23; so the week began with a marked blessing. The services with both the German and English have been characterized by more than usual fervor and power. In fact, it has been a revival week, in which real advancement has been made. One backslider, who had wandered far away, has returned to the fold. The Germans will continue evening meetings in the church indefinitely. The annual offering was a large increase over recent years.” Brother A. M. Gibbs, of Lowell, Mich., writes: “The presence of the Lord was with us during the week of prayer. Our hearts were made glad and we rejoiced in listening to the instruction there is in the readings that were prepared. We also rejoiced in having Brother Childs among us. Hundreds have been warned; and many aroused to interest.” L. A. HOOPES, Sec. Gen. Conf. J. W. WESTPHAL
By J. W. Westphal
The work in this State is onward. There are many evidences that the Lord is working with and for the people. As the result of the summer's work, about one hundred and fifty persons have accepted the message. With a little further labor, we expect several churches will be organized. Through the labors of Elder S. Mortenson and others a Swedish company of from fifteen to twenty has been brought out in the northwestern part of the State. These will be visited by Elder L. Johnson before the close of the year, and, if thought best, organized into a church. As the result of a camp-meeting, followed by a tent-meeting, at Abilene, and a series of meetings a few miles distant, at Enterprise, about twenty-five persons accepted the message. With but one exception, every family therein is now taking the REVIEW AND HERALD, which, I believe, may be taken as an evidence that a firm foundation has been laid. At Logan, Anthony, and Attica companies have accepted the truth. The work in Kansas City has been encouraging indeed. In it has been demonstrated the truth of the statement, “The power and efficiency of Seventh-day Adventists depend largely upon the publications that come from our presses.” Especially has it shown the influence of the Signs of the Times. Hundreds of copies came to as many subscribers for several months. During the summer almost fifty persons began to keep the Sabbath, many of whom have already united with the church there. Elder R. W. Parmele, assisted by two Bible workers, has been doing faithful work in the place; but as a rule, these persons had become interested in truth through reading the Signs. But few of these could have been reached in any other way. The Signs is truly a pioneer paper. Feeling the importance of circulating the Signs, we have started a campaign in its interest. All our churches are being visited in the interest of aggressive missionary work. We find our brethren ready to take hold of it. In a brief space of time sufficient money has been subscribed by our brethren to send the Signs to three thousand persons for six months. Churches have subscribed for from fifty to over three hundred copies. It is a pleasure to see with what willingness they have done this. Families have subscribed for from a few copies to over twenty dollars' worth for this purpose, and that without urging. The papers are sent to some neighboring township where the truth has not yet been presented, and where it may be supplemented with personal work on the part of the members of the church, and by securing renewals from the people before the subscriptions expire. This personal work is necessary to keep alive the missionary spirit. We trust that by the time the first canvass of the churches is completed, the number of papers subscribed for by them will be increased to five or six thousand copies, and thus the total number coming to the States will be eight or ten thousand. Brother N. P. Dixon has been placed in charge of this work, but all are assisting. The prospects for another year's successful work are encouraging. TUCSON.—In December, 1898, my wife and I came to this place, praying and believing that the Lord would lead us to souls ready to receive the truth. While canvassing, several Bible readers were obtained; and after working personally with them for some time, our hearts were cheered by two persons’ accepting the truth. We were then greatly impressed to visit the M. E. Spanish minister, although we were unable to speak Spanish. We were cordially received by him. We told him of our work, how we were teaching both publicly and from house to house the message of a soon-coming Saviour. We received an invitation to attend his prayer-meeting the next evening, which we did. Among those who were present was a Spanish teacher who understands English. At the request of Elder Serna, their minister, she acted as interpreter, he feeling incompetent in the English language. We then began Bible studies twice a week in the Spanish church, and it was good to see the people rejoice in the light they received. After a few weeks, Elder Serna went to visit another church in his charge, leaving me in charge of his work here. Upon his return I began regular daily Bible studies14 with him, and found him willing to take a “Thus saith the Lord” upon all the subjects studied. He soon accepted the Sabbath, and began keeping it even before we had presented it to his people. We both began labor with his people to give them the truth. The same truths which he had daily studied, he preached in demonstration of the Spirit and power, showing his people the blessed light that God had so graciously given him. He became so earnest in his work that he would arise at midnight to study, in order to be prepared to give the message to his people. After sufficient labor, a vote was taken to ascertain how many were willing to walk in the new light, and all but five in this church responded to the invitation. After this we went to give the truth to his other congregation at Solomonville. At this place we did much hard labor. Besides our regular public meetings, we had Bible studies from morning till night. We did not need to seek the people; for they sought us, coming to us and asking us to teach them the truth. As a result of the work at this place, fifty persons began to obey the truth, and have continued faithful. Two months later the M. E. superintendent of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona mission fields came to turn them from these unpopular truths, but all in vain. Brother Serna and Brother Williams went to meet him, and reviewed his two discourses. Then he came here to work against us, but the Lord gave us the victory; and as a result, the people were left much stronger. In these two places about eighty Spanish brethren are rejoicing in the blessed truth, and are studying the Bible as never before. Elder Serna, being a man of power and well educated in his own language, will prove, if faithful, a great help in giving the third angel’s message to those of his nationality. We rejoice also in the work that has been done among the American people. We are praising God daily for his wondrous workings and the leadings of his Spirit.
W. L. BLACK. LIVERPOOL.—In following up the interest created by our general meeting and the tent-meetings that were held afterward, the Lord has blessed, and fourteen persons have been baptized. The work is still going forward in the hall, and gives promise of other additions. The Sabbath-school now has a membership of forty-seven, thirteen of whom are children. This does not include two small companies living in distant parts of the city. All seem to be entering with deep interest into the study of the truth, which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord, that they may not only be ready themselves, but may assist in heralding the healing message to others. Sunday night, November 19, Brother Harris and myself began meetings in a hall in another part of the city, leaving Brother Andross to continue the work already in progress. The beginning has been encouraging, and we trust that God will visit this place also to take out a people for his name. In most respects, I find my new field of labor a pleasant one; and though separated from kindred and those dear to me through association in labor, I find pleasure and comfort in believing that the Master has called me here, and is using me to the glory of his name. W. A. ALTMAN. SEPTEMBER 5, in company with Brother Edwardo W. Thomann, of Santiago, I left Valparaiso, arriving at Iquique the 12th. We at once began to search for a suitable place to hold public meetings. Being unsuccessful, we feared our efforts would be confined to private houses; but the Lord heard our supplication, and we secured just the hall we needed. Meetings were held for thirty-one nights consecutively, with the result that eleven persons were baptized. At the baptism the only especial irreverence manifested was by members of another Protestant church, who seemed to be greater enemies to the Lord's baptism than are those of the Romish faith. It is, in fact, our experience in all parts of Chile that our most bitter enemies are so-called Protestants. Leaving the little flock in charge of Brother T. H. Davis, who now lives in Iquique, Casilla 240, I came to Huara. Here I found but two families who have continued faithful. Some have moved away, others have denied the faith. The native pastor, who was placed in charge of the flock, has moved away, to the relief, I am sorry to say, of the faithful ones who remain. For the benefit of those who may be in charge of missions in similar fields, my experience in Chile urges me to warn them not to be in a hurry to appoint native pastors. Not many of the natives can stand it. Being brought up under the papal idea that he who has power must use it to its utmost, they soon begin to lord it over God's heritage, and are not ensamples to the flock. There being but little interest here, I may leave soon for Peru, although the state of my health at present does not encourage me to undertake the journey. I have not had a well day for a month. The water is bad in Iquique, and did not agree with me. Here salt water is vaporized, still the taste is not pleasant. This being a saltpeter district, the soil is unproductive; consequently, everything used as food or raiment is brought from other parts of the country. Some of our brethren are employed at the mines, and are not forbidden the privilege of Sabbath rest. For this we thank the Lord. It was recently my privilege to hold some meetings with a small company of Sabbath-keepers about forty miles from Toronto. Although they have been observing the Sabbath for about eight years, some of them had never heard any preaching by Seventh-day Adventists. They were taking the REVIEW, Signs, Sentinel, and Good Health, by means of which they had become well established in the faith. Several of them will no doubt soon be baptized, and unite with the church. The attention of most of them was first called to present truth by a book they bought of one of our canvassers. This ought certainly to be an encouragement to those who are engaged in the work of selling our literature. Selton School’s Missionary Work
By Anna Nelson
SELTON.—It is now over two months since our school was started, and the Lord has been merciful to us. Here, as in all places where the Spirit of God works, Satan works also; but this is not discouraging; for I know that God is with us because the work is his. As he is with us, who can be against us? The school opened with a membership of ten, but now fourteen children are attending, and probably at least two more will join soon. In order to work for the Lord in a systematic way, we have organized a small missionary band. Every two weeks we give the afternoon to the study of missionary work and the needs of the field. We draw material from any of our papers, but chiefly from the Missionary Magazine, and the Life Boat, which is our school paper. Our missionary work consists in lending reading-matter, and in selling or giving away our periodicals. The pupils have also pieced an album quilt for the orphan’s home at London, Ontario. Since that was finished, we have been making such useful articles as hair pin, handkerchief, necktie, and spool boxes, and selling them. The proceeds are used in missionary work. All this work is done during the noon hour, instead of spending all the time in play.
ANNA NELSON. DELANEY.—After the tent-meeting at St. Paul, Brother Willie Norwood and I pitched the tent at this place, and began meetings, September 22. From the first the interest has been good. —Five persons have decided to keep the commandments of God, and others are interested and are reading. Many are convinced of the truth. As a result of the camp-meeting and the tent-meeting following at St. Paul, we have organized a Sabbath-school; about twelve persons are keeping the Sabbath, and two have united with the church. I am trying the envelope-tract plan there, and have about forty-five families reading. I go there every Friday and change the packages, hold Sabbath-school at 10 A. M. on Sabbath, and preach at 11 A. M. I then come back here and preach at night. During the week, I visit and hold Bible readings. The weather has been favorable, and with the aid of a large heater, the tent has been kept comfortable. Will have to close the meetings soon. I then expect to begin work with tracts, and to visit from house to house and hold Bible readings here and at Combs, in connection with my work at St. Paul. There are many calls for preaching in schoolhouses in the adjoining neighborhoods; but I think it best to stay with the interest here, and give all the honest in heart a good opportunity to learn the truth. Our Conference treasury is depleted, and the committee informs me that it can not promise pay for the winter's work; but I am heeding the injunction of the Saviour in Matt. 20: 6, 7, and firmly believe he will care for me and my family. So I would kindly ask the brethren to pray for me that I may hold on to the promise of God, and so relate myself to the True Vine that I may be an efficient worker—a channel through which the Lord can reach some perishing soul. Tracts alone are not sufficient for the work in this territory, and I would be pleased to have the friends of the cause who wish to do missionary work send me copies of our denominational books. Even if they are shelf worn, I can use them. Get your neighbor to throw in some good books, box and ship to me at St. Paul, Ark., prepaid, and I will use them to the glory of God. My address for the winter will be St. Paul, Ark. Now let the books and papers come. INDIANA
By Mrs. A. L. Hazelton
WOLFLAKE.—October 4 a home missionary school was opened at Brother Crandell's, two miles and a half northeast of Wolflake. The school is small, but the Lord is with it. The church schools have created quite a stir around here, and there is talk of trying to force us to close them; but as the State law will have to be changed before this can be done, we fear no immediate trouble. The youth who attend our church, many of whom are not members, are also being labored for. A good interest has been awakened, and they all seem anxious to learn the truth, and are willing to work. “I am the resurrection and the life.”—Jesus. WATSON.— Died at Stillwater, O. T., Albert, infant son of Jennie Watson, aged 11 months. Words of comfort were spoken by Elder King (Baptist), using 1 Sam. 12: 27-28.
JENNIE WATSON. GRANDALL.— Died in Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 26, 1899, after only two-days' illness, Preston Ashley, youngest son of George H. and Lizzie A. Crandall, aged 5 years, 4 months, 14 days. In this great affliction we rejoice in the hope of soon meeting our little Preston, clad in immortal beauty.
LIZZIE ASHLEY CRANDALL. McALEXANDER.— Died Oct. 30, 1899, Samuel McAlexander, aged 79 years, 1 month, 11 days. He accepted present truth in 1872, and died in the blessed hope. He was a subscriber to the REVIEW twenty-seven years. JENSEN.— Died at Churchula, Ala., Sept. 29, 1899, my little niece, Marguerite, daughter of Brother and Sister P. E. Jensen, aged 3 years, 2 months, 20 days. Words of comfort were spoken at the grave by Brother G. A. Williams.
A. L. MAY. BORTHICK.— Died at Seneca, Mo., Nov. 21, 1899, of pneumonia, J. J. Borthick. He passed away with the hope of meeting the Saviour when he comes. Funeral discourse was given from 2 Peter 1: 14, by Elder W. D. White (Baptist).
M. E. BORTHICK. BEARDT.— Died at Silver Creek, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1899, of inflammation of the lungs, Joseph Beardt, aged 75 years, 6 months. His birthplace was at Welney, Cambridge Co., England. He accepted the truth about a year ago through the labors of Sister Lulu Wightman while in Sheridan.
WALTER A. ERB. PULLEN.— Died Dec. 20, 1899, in Fairhaven, Minn., Sister Nora, wife of Brother E. H. Pullen, aged 48 years, 3 months, 29 days. She suffered from childhood with spinal trouble, which finally resulted in death. She was converted under the labors of Elder W. B. Hill, in 1874, at Kingston, Minn., and ever stood firmly for the truth.
H. S. SHAW. HURLBUT.— Died at Riverside, Cal., Nov. 6, 1899, of heart-disease, Sister Emeline E. Hurlbut. While riding with her husband, in this city, she remarked to him that she felt faint, and, resting her head on his shoulder, she immediately died. The deceased was a faithful laborer in the church. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer.
H. S. GUILFORD. TURNER.— Died at Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 30, 1899, Cynthia Turner, aged 84 years, 8 months. She was converted to the Methodist faith when twelve years of age, but accepted present truth four years ago. She fell asleep in Jesus, with a bright hope of having a part in the first resurrection. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Ps. 144: 3, 4.
N. P. NELSON. CARMICHAEL.— Died at her home near Alpena, Mich., of consumption, Hannah Jane Carmichael, aged 70 years, 6 months, 12 days. She was converted and baptized during the last summer. Like a tired child, she fell asleep in Jesus. Her many friends sorrow not as others who have no hope. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Luke 11: 21, 22.
W. E. FALCONER. PERSON.— Died at my home in —, Nov. 10, 1899, of consumption, Hans Person. His home was in Sweden, and he had been in Battle Creek, Mich., also in Phoenix, Ariz. His patient, godly life was a blessing to all who knew him. He died trusting in Jesus. No Adventist minister living near, words of comfort were spoken by Elder Faris (Presbyterian).
E. STUTCH. NEEL.— Died at Beverley, Kan., Sept. 16, 1899, Mrs. Janet Neel, aged 63 years, 2 months, 28 days. She was for years a member of the Christian Church, and at the time of her death a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Shortly before her death, she attended the quarterly meetings of the Beverley church, taking part in the services. She will be greatly missed by the church.
G. G. STRAIT. GETTINGS.— Died at Frankfort, Mich., Nov. 17, 1899, of consumption, Miss Ella Gettings, aged 17 years, 8 months, 17 days. Sister Ella was baptized about four years ago, and joined the Seventh-day Adventist church in Chicago. During her sufferings she manifested perfect patience, and expressed her faith in the keeping power of God. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from John 11: 35.
C. A. WATKINS. FENNER.— Died at Bancroft, Mich., Lucretia Fenner, aged 79 years. Her hope was good, and she loved to converse on the soon coming of the Lord, and its kindred truths that we as a people hold most dear. She left us Sept. 27, 1899, and we know she rests in hope. Comforting assurance, from Isa. 40: 1 and other scriptures, was presented by Mrs. M. M. Faulkner to the bereaved family.
M. S. AVERY. RAHN.— Died Wednesday morning, November 1, at Hutchinson, Minn., of a gunshot wound received Tuesday night, October 31, “Halloween,” from a trap-gun set for “Halloween” raiders, Brother Willie Rahn, only son of Brother and Sister Wm. C. Rahn, aged 18 years. Scriptures used at the funeral, Isa. 38: 1; 1 Sam. 20: 3; Gen. 18: 25; Rom. 8: 28. The bereaved parents are wonderfully and fully sustained by the grace of God. KAERTH.— Died at Arbuckle, Cal., in October of the present year, Brother William Kaerth, leaving to mourn him a wife and eight children. Brother Kaerth accepted the truth at Woodland, Cal., about ten years ago, and has always been an ardent and faithful worker for the Master. His death was caused by a complication of diseases, culminating in heart-disease. He is greatly missed by the little company at Arbuckle, as well as by other friends who had known him so long as a kind and helpful neighbor.
MRS. M. A. WHYBARK. TENNESSEE RIVER CONFERENCE.
By W. J. Stone
NOVEMBER 1, my wife and I left Battle Creek, Mich., by advice of the General Conference Committee, for Nashville, Tenn., to labor in the Tennessee River Conference. Since coming here, I have visited the brethren at Nashville, Guthrie, Springville, Paris, Hazel, Trezevant, Leach, and Lane. At all these places I received a cordial welcome, and the brethren have been encouraged and strengthened by the meetings. I find a debt of about seven hundred dollars upon the Conference, of several years' standing, also that the tract society is owing our publishing houses about twenty-two hundred dollars. This matter was taken into consideration by the Conference Committee, and has been presented to our brethren where I have visited, and I believe that they have a mind to do what they can to reduce this indebtedness. The brethren are mostly poor, but there seems to be a willingness to do all they can to carry forward the work. I confidently expect to see the Conference out of debt by the time of our next annual meeting. Meanwhile I shall also do all I can to lessen the debt of the tract society. I was glad to meet Elder Bollman before he left for his new field of labor in Chicago. I am of good courage in the Lord, and expect, with his blessing, to see the work advance in this field.
W. J. STONE. The twenty-eighth session of the California Conference was held at Stockton, May 30 to June 11, a report of which has appeared in the REVIEW AND HERALD. Since then four local camp-meetings have been held in the Conference. The first was at Arcata, Humboldt County, beginning July 13, with an attendance of about two hundred, which was much larger than any previous meeting held in this part of the Conference. This was followed, August 10-27, by the southern California meeting at Santa Ana. Here, we had an excellent interest among the people of the town and surrounding country. The meeting at Santa Rosa was a profitable one for our people, and here also the people seemed glad to hear the message. October 26 to November 5, at Visalia, we held our last camp-meeting for this year; but the time was not convenient for the people, and the weather was such as seriously to interfere with attendance from the city. The latter portion of the meeting was better attended, however. After this meeting, as well as the previous ones, it seemed necessary to leave Conference laborers further to develop and bind off the interest. From this work good results are being seen. The Spirit of God was present in all these gatherings, working with power for the uplifting of Zion. Several gave their hearts to the Lord for the first time. About sixty persons were baptized, while other candidates were referred to the churches with which they would unite. An effort was begun at the Stockton camp-meeting to provide for the indebtedness of the Healdsburg College by contributions and pledges. This work was continued at the local camp-meetings, and over twenty thousand dollars has been thus provided, and hopes are entertained that we will soon see provision made for the entire amount. The existing conditions in the Conference are encouraging. The Lord has been blessing his people, both spiritually and financially. Several church schools have been started, and are meeting with success. The attendance at the college is better than for several years, and the prospects for a good year at the institution are encouraging, for all of which our hearts go out in gratitude to God.
W. T. KNOX. RECEIPTS FOR PRESENT TRUTH FUND.
Formerly reported........................................ $26.50 RECEIPTS FOR FRENCH TRACT FUND.
Formerly reported........................................ $188.95 WANTED, at once, the name and address of every Seventh-day Adventist in your church who does not take the REVIEW. Address the editors. APPOINTMENT
By W. R. MATTHEWS
There will be a general meeting at Alaledon, January 18-21. We wish to see all our people present who can possibly come, as it will be an important meeting in considering plans for work. Brethren, forsake "not the assembling of ourselves together, . . . as ye see the day approaching."