Earlier text: The BoyI. G. KNIGHT
By I. G. Knight
I LEFT Bocas del Toro about three weeks ago, to visit the Costa Rica field. I found the company at one station somewhat distracted, the enemy of all righteousness having stirred up division and doubts. But God, who is on the side of right, and always helps in time of need, came to our relief, and, thanks be to him, harmony now prevails. There is no time now to bicker and bite and devour one another. A church building was almost finished when I was last in that part of the field. The brethren will no doubt complete it soon. At our next visit we hope to be able to dedicate the building, and organize the company. Their number is about twenty-one. At Pacuarito, about ten miles farther inland, where there is a church of thirty members, with nine more awaiting letters from the Jamaica churches, making a total of thirty-nine, we had very pleasant and profitable services. They had a nice little chapel ready for dedication, which took place on Sunday, July 17. Some good impressions were made, I am sure, and the members were encouraged. I am now in Port Limon, but can not go to Bocas, on account of a rigid quarantine. We hope it will be lifted soon. The subject of the midsummer offering was introduced, and the companies responded quite heartily. We feel that the work throughout the wide harvest-field should be pushed forward with all possible speed, so delay shall be no longer; in fact, delay now means danger. We want to do all we can in this part of the field to finish the work. We realize the need of the Spirit's power to finish so great a work in so short a time. South Africa
By A. W. Kuehl
JOHANNESBURG.—We have spent a little over a year in this field. The mines are the chief dependence of the people, hence the population is shifting. The chief aim of the majority of the people is to gain wealth. They are not here to make homes and build up the country. Just at present we are holding a tent effort in one of the suburbs. The tent is pitched in a valley between the rocky, barren hills. We are having our cool, dry season, and are heating the tent with a coal stove. Our company of workers is small, consisting of Elder Edmed, president of the Natal-Transvaal Conference; Sister Webster, a Battle Creek trained nurse; two young workers, Brother Robinson and Sister Keet; the writer and his wife. We are holding four evening meetings each week. We have a fair attendance during the week, and a good attendance on Sunday evening. A few have decided for the truth, and a goodly number are interested. Some are having quite a struggle, but we earnestly pray that they may have grace to stand for principle. We have no trained Bible reader, so each member of the company does what he can. Sister Webster's medical work is much appreciated. She has fifteen patients at present. Her work is self-supporting.17 In addition to her treatments, she holds five Bible readings each week, and gives much valuable help in visiting. Sister Keet is taking hold of the Bible work nicely. She has been in the truth only about seven months. We are glad to see the young people here engaging in the work. It is much easier for Colonial people to work here than for foreigners. Brother Robinson is assisting at the tent, and canvassing for “Great Controversy.” Mrs. Kuehl holds children's meeting each Sunday afternoon at 3 P. M. We have an average attendance of sixty children. She also assists in giving Bible readings and visiting. Elder Edmed was called home this week by serious illness in his family. We have one German meeting each week. There are a few Germans here who understand very little or no English. We feel encouraged in our work, although we never before met so many discouragements as we have had here. We felt sure if we held on, the Lord would give us the victory, and he is now turning the captivity of his people. We know that our brethren in the home land will remember us at the throne of grace. A. W. KUEHL. C. H. PARKER
By C. H. PARKER
MUALEVU, LOMALOMA, LAU.—Our little cutter of five tons is finished, and I have just returned from a four-hundred-mile trip in her. At every place we stopped, we were well received, and many inquiries were made about the message. I distributed quite a little reading-matter, and it was eagerly read. The one thing above all others which is plain to me is, Fiji is waiting for the message. Every door seems to be opening. What we need is consecrated laborers. Our souls are weighed down as we see so many opportunities, and no way to meet them. We feel that we would like to make a special appeal for more help. But when we look at the island fields which as yet are unentered, at China, India, and Africa, with their groaning millions, we determine to cover our needs, that these other fields may be entered quickly. O that our people might feel the greatness of the work, and the awful responsibility that rests upon them to see that this message is preached throughout all nations, tribes, and dialects! We are all well, and of good courage. Sister Fulton and Miss Guilford have returned to the work here, and Pastor Fulton hopes to be released from his position as Bible teacher at Cooranbong, to return next month. He will bring a young man with him to take charge of our school work. Western Washington
By W. F. Martin
SOUTH TACOMA.—At the close of the camp-meeting the writer was asked to remain, that he might follow up the interest, and also superintend the work in the city of Tacoma. A thirty-by-fifty-foot tent was left standing on the camp-ground, in which meetings were held. Elder G. A. Snyder accepted an invitation to join in the work during the summer. Brother John Reith, a student from Walla Walla College, and Miss Nellie Clark, are assisting in visiting and in distributing literature. Twenty-five copies of the Signs have been disposed of each week, and we have all done house-to-house labor. As a direct result of the tent-meetings, five have been baptized, and four other adults have taken a stand for the truth. Some who attended the meetings regularly are convinced, but have not yet decided. Each Sabbath one laborer from the tent attends services at the church. The church in the city is prospering. Almost every Sabbath marks one or more additions to its members. Since camp-meeting, fourteen have been added. The members are of good courage, and a number of them are actively engaged in missionary work. The church-school institute was held on the grounds after camp-meeting. Professor Bunch and the teachers from Western Washington and Western Oregon, in addition to their regular duties, assisted in the meetings. The educational convention of the Pacific Union Conference was also held at this time. We were glad to meet these brethren, and listen to their words of counsel. We have now moved our tent to the corner of Pacific Avenue and 35th Street, Tacoma. Up to the present, we have held two meetings, with a fair attendance. The Lord has richly blessed in the work, and our courage is good. H. H. JOHNSON
By H. H. Johnson
VICKSBURG.—The work in Mississippi is onward. Few fields, if any, are harder to work; few have greater dearth of workers or means; and few hold out greater inducements to those who wish to help where help is greatly needed. Those who have a part in this work must move quickly; for “there shall be delay no longer.” We are instructed that the work will close in this field before it will in many others, and, in fact, already many doors are closing against the truth, and we can get no foothold. On the other hand, there are still many open doors, and appeals for help. Like the drowning man going down for the last time, with hands outstretched for help, so many portions of this field appear to us at present. “Come over and help us” is the despairing cry, but with saddened hearts we behold our bankrupt treasury and our scarcity of workers. The way seems to be opening for us to raise up a memorial for the truth in the metropolis of this State. Lots have been purchased and paid for, upon which to build a meeting-house and school building. We hope soon to see an industrial school a few miles from this place in the country. What has been accomplished here has been done amid perplexity, trial, and hardship. Many who can not endure what must be met in this field can greatly help the work by sending us a few dollars. We believe that God is impressing many hearts with the great need of this field, and some can and will help us on our building fund. Those who wish to know about our work here, the condition of the field, etc., and also those who wish to come in person will receive candid information by addressing me at Vicksburg, Miss., Box 29. C. F. MARVIN
By C. F. Marvin
Los ANGELES.—Sunday evening, July 10, the first of a series of meetings conducted by Brother William Simpson, was held in the Simpson Auditorium, which seats two thousand people. The service was well advertised, and the house was filled to overflowing, the subject being the millennium, or binding of Satan. Although the rent was seventy-five dollars for one night, it proved to be a good investment, as it gave prominence and character to our work at the very first, and the people contributed about half of the expense that night. The next evening the meetings were opened in our big tent at the corner of 7th and Spring Streets, in the very heart of the city. Not half of the people could find seats, and the two center sections of the tent were put in, making it the size used on the camp-ground, one hundred and ten feet, seating two thousand persons. This is filled every night, and Sunday nights many are unable to obtain seats. The Los Angeles church hold their Sabbath meetings at the tent, and are being greatly blessed as they take part in the work. Thus far Elder Simpson has done most of the speaking, Elder Healy not being well enough to take part, but the Lord has heard prayer for his servant, and Elder Healy is now able to take his part of the work. The daily papers give favorable reports, and the very best of interest is shown by the people. The discourses are given in a forcible and convincing manner, the speaker demonstrating everything by means of a large blackboard and a variety of charts, etc. Some are attending from other towns as far out as Long Beach and San Pedro. Over eight hundred dollars has been contributed toward the expense of the meetings. Of this about three hundred and fifty dollars was raised by the Los Angeles church to start the work. Jewelry has also been given by those who felt impressed to help spread the truth, but had not the money to give. Several hundred dollars' worth of our books and tracts have been sold. A few evenings ago Elder Simpson requested those who were convinced that they had listened to the truth during the meetings to rise, and about three hundred arose. It is known that between eighty and one hundred of these have recently begun to observe the Sabbath. Among these is an ex-monk, formerly a member of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He has signified his intention to help carry this message. The meetings will continue until camp-meeting, when we shall expect a special blessing for us all. British Guiana, South America
By D. C. Babcock
“CAST thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.” This has been our experience recently, in this field. Our tent efforts in Kitty and Georgetown last year are now yielding fruit. Persons who attended those meetings, some of whom we knew nothing of, are coming forward now, and accepting the message. This increases our courage in the work. Since our last report, sixteen have accepted present truth, and thirteen of this number have been baptized. For this we praise the Lord. Brother Giddings has been spending some time with the churches at New Amsterdam, Fort Wellington, Ithica, and Canje Creek. Recently I visited Queenstown and Danielston. At each place new ones espoused the message by baptism. Brother Brown visited the Indians in the bush on the Essequibo River, and reports four ready for baptism. Brother Downer has been laboring for some time in Albouystown to build a house of worship. Brethren Hyder and Belgrave are doing what they can for the East Indians. While this branch of the work seems to move slowly, yet we see some results. Persons who have never labored among this class of people can not realize the many difficulties to be encountered. Brother Hyder was made to rejoice last Sunday morning, to see his own companion in life go down into the watery grave. This made a deep impression on many East Indians. A young East Indian has recently accepted the truth, whom I hope to see become a worker. He passed examination as a teacher in the public schools, and has been teaching for some time. The East Indian school started last March in Albouystown continues with interest. This school is supported by one of our brethren in North Dakota—Brother Gordon B. Loucks. The kindness of this brother is much appreciated by the brethren and sisters here, especially our East Indian workers. We have just completed a new tent, and will pitch it in New Amsterdam this week. Last Sabbath and Sunday we held our quarterly meeting with the Georgetown church. It was a time of rejoicing. The Spirit of the Lord came in, and confessions were made. The church was so full that it was difficult to celebrate the ordinances. Sunday night closed a series of studies on church history. Many were compelled to remain outside, on account of lack of room. Brighter days are dawning upon the work in Georgetown. The minister to whom I referred in a former report is earnestly studying the message, and as fast as he gets the truth, he gives it to his congregation. I have from four to five studies with him each week, and he then gives it to others. Thus the Lord is opening hearts which could not be reached in any other way. The Lord is our everlasting strength. J. N. ANDERSON
By J. N. Anderson
CANTON.—The Chinese girls' school has been a success so far. And while no visible results appear, it is certain that it has already done much good. There has been a regular attendance of twenty-five, and fully that many more applied for admission, but in vain, because we could not accommodate them. It has opened several homes to Bible study, and otherwise prepared the way for the truth. The school will reopen about September 1. This is a work that does not call for a great outlay of means, and at the same time there is a fair prospect of good results. It is a splendid way of reaching the homes of this people. We are planning to open a school for Chinese boys, and we intend to teach both Chinese and English. The demand for the latter is very strong in Canton, and in this way we shall be able to come into close touch with a good class of Chinese, who would be hard to reach without some such means. We hope to find a few young men whom we can readily train for evangelistic service. Here in the south we are in desperate need of native helpers, and I believe the Lord will speedily give us just such help. I am able to preach some, but it will still be some time before I can publicly set forth the truth effectively and intelligently. The English instruction in our proposed school will yield some financial returns, which will contribute materially to the expenses of the school. A young English engineer just out of the navy, for some time a believer in the truth, is with us now, conducting English classes, and we had thought some of setting him to work in our school. He could do this work in connection with his evening classes, and thus his living could be secured without much expense to the board. At the same time it would leave Brother Wilbur and myself comparatively free to push along our evangelistic work, such as preaching and getting out literature. One of the conditions of entrance to this school is that regular instruction in the Bible shall constitute a part of the daily program, and that every student shall attend a Bible study on Sabbath. It is a little difficult to find faithful, disinterested native helpers. Many are willing to serve us in a professional way for reasonable wages. They are preachers or teachers, as the case may be, by profession, and it makes little difference to them what they preach, or for whom; but it makes a world of difference to us. By means of our school, or otherwise, we hope to get true native assistants. At present I am working on our first tract. I hope to get it out within a few18 weeks, and as soon as possible have it followed by others. Our printing outfit in Honan is now complete by the arrival of type, papers, etc., from Japan within the last few weeks. I suppose they will at once get out small leaflets and Bible readings. Brother Wilbur will soon move to Canton. We felt that was the best, all things considered. We also look for one or two extra men from the States. It takes so long to get them into active work that their coming ought not to be delayed. Last Sabbath at the Matabele Mission
By W. S. Hyatt
No doubt many would be interested to know how we spend the Sabbath at the mission farm, so I will give last Sabbath's experience. I am sure that you will conclude that we are busy most of the time, and have but very few moments to ourselves during the day. Friday evening at sundown we meet in the church, and spend about an hour in prayer and testimonies. All seem to enjoy the Friday evening services very much. At the close of the meeting a class of those who desire to be baptized, meet at my house, and I spend an hour instructing them, and trying to prepare them for this important step. It is not a small task to take these poor heathen and educate their minds to that point where they will understand the claims of the gospel, and then have a heart to walk in the requirements of the Lord. During the time I have this class, Brother Sturdevant is studying the Sabbath-school lesson with the others. They retire before nine o'clock. Before breakfast Sabbath morning the boys had the chores to do, and then the herd boys took the cattle and goats to the pasture. Breakfast was at seven o'clock, and at eight the teachers of the Sabbath-school met at Brother Sturdevant's to study their lesson. The teaching is all done by native teachers. At ten o'clock Sabbath-school convened, and continued for about one hour. The lesson was the twenty-ninth Psalm. There were eighty young people in twelve classes, and the teachers seemed to take great interest in their work. Near the close of the school we took up the monthly collection, which amounted to twenty-one shillings. For a long time the school tried to have weekly collections; but money was so scarce that the collection was very small. Now we take the collection but once a month, and we get a good offering, much more than we did when we took one every week. At eleven o'clock Elder Sturdevant took the service, and Jim acted as his interpreter. He preached from Rev. 22:17, and the Lord blessed as he gave the invitation, “whosoever will may come.” There were about one hundred at this meeting. There are a few who come in every Sabbath to the meeting and the Sabbath-school. After this meeting the few white brethren and sisters meet at one of the houses for a Sabbath-school and meeting, which lasts for a little over an hour. Dinner is at two o'clock. Immediately after dinner we go to the kraals to hold what we would call in America, cottage meetings. The leader of the meeting has from two to four boys with him, who assist in the singing and prayer. On the previous Friday afternoon Elder Sturdevant gave all the young teachers a lesson on the subject of Christ the Redeemer, from Isa. 43:1. In this way the same subject is given to all the kraals; and through the boys, Brother Sturdevant was able to speak to two hundred and sixty-eight people in twelve kraals. These are from one to twenty miles from the mission. In this way we are able to reach a large number of natives about us here, and we are trying to give them the message as fast as we can. But the people are slow to accept the gospel. Most of the people worship the devil, and ask where he came from, the same as white people ask where Cain got his wife. They fulfil Rev. 9:20 in that they openly worship Satan, and have their stones and sacred goats for worship. But we have confidence that the power of the gospel will reach their hearts, if we work faithfully. It would do you good to hear the boys pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to go with them as they speak to the people. We visit as many kraals as we can with them. The day closed by meeting at the chapel for a few words of prayer, and praise for the blessings of the day. We thank the Lord that we can have a part in this work. W. S. HYATT. Camp-Meeting in Superior Mission Field
By William Covert
This meeting was held at Gladstone, Mich., July 28 to August 8. All the laborers in that field were present during all the time. Elder Allen Moon, president of Lake Union Conference, was present the first seven days. Elder Wight, president of the North Michigan Conference, attended three days, and Elder S. M. Butler, principal of Cedar Lake Academy, was there during three days of the meeting. The writer of this report assisted in the meetings about nine days. The camp was very pleasantly located near the waters of the north extremity of Green Bay. A place better suited for a camp could scarcely be found in any part of the country. The number of persons camping on the ground in the early part of the meeting was about thirty, but this increased until seventy-five or eighty were in camp. The attendance from the city was not large, but it was steady, and quite an interest was developing in the truths of the message when the time set for the closing of the meeting came. It was therefore planned to continue another week beyond the date set for the limit of the camp-meeting. Although the number in attendance was quite small, yet twenty-one persons were baptized. The majority of these had accepted the truth the past year, and availed themselves of this opportunity for baptism. In compliance with a vote of the Lake Union Conference Committee at its meeting at Berrien Springs, May 26, Brother F. J. Harris was ordained to the gospel ministry. Elder M. C. Guild was chosen for the superintendency of the mission field. It was voted to ask the North Michigan Conference at its next annual session to receive the territory comprising this field into its conference limits. If this is done, it will then cease to be a mission field, and will become a part of the North Michigan Conference. The following items taken from the annual report rendered at one of the business meetings by Mrs. Florence Hutchinson, secretary and treasurer of the mission, show that the different interests have had careful attention, and that there has been a healthy growth in the work during the last year:— Membership, July 1, 1903.......... 150
Present membership ............... 180
No. organized churches ............ 5
Companies nearly ready for organi-
zation ........................... 2
No. Sabbath-schools ............... 9
No. family Sabbath-schools ......... 4
S. S. donations for year ending
July 1, 1904 ................. $ 131 17
Annual offerings .................. 160 02
First-day offerings ............... 25 27
Miscellaneous offerings to for-
eign missions ................. 14 90
Tithe received from Superior
Mission Field ................. 1,657 25
Assistance from East Michigan ..... 155 00
Assistance from West Michigan ... 1,200 00
Assistance from Lake Union
Conference .................... 300 00
Miscellaneous receipts ............ 89 01
Total .......................... $3,401 26
Cash on hand, July 1, 1903 ...... 290 73
$3,691 99
Paid out in salary and expense .. 3,444 35
Balance, July 1, 1904 .......$ 247 64
Amount of book sales for eight
months ...................$1,675 00 The financial showing is far better per capita than the average of our conferences. We trust that the work in this field will continue to advance until all the people have had a chance to hear the truth.
Wm. COVERT. The Danish Conference
By Jens Olsen
THIS meeting was held in our mission building at Copenhagen, June 7-12. Our daily program was about as follows: 7-8 A. M., workers’ prayer and social meeting, during which time we also had some studies in the Testimonies; 8-9 A. M., general prayer and social meeting, followed by canvassers’ meeting in charge of H. L. Henricksen; last hour of forenoon, business session of conference; in the afternoon, there was again a conference session of an hour, which followed the Bible study; in the evening, the regular preaching service was held. Elder P. A. Hansen generally acted as chairman. In addition to the regular local workers, we were favored with the presence of Elder O. A. Olsen, of England; Elder Ostland, of Iceland; and J. C. Nielsen, from America. Elder Conradi had been expected, but he was kept away because of the fever. The following preambles and resolutions were considered and passed:— “Whereas, We realize that the school work is of great importance for the advancement of the message, therefore,— “Resolved, That we express our thanks to God for the blessings that19 have attended our mission school in Copenhagen, and that we further express our gratitude to Brother P. A. Hansen for providing for the school to be continued at Hgholt (his farm). “Resolved, That we continue the high-school work, and that we encourage all our people to continue to show their interest in the school work—partly by giving the high schools already started their hearty support, and partly by opening church-schools where there is a sufficient number of children.” For the support of the school and for the aid of pupils of limited means, the following resolution was passed:— “Resolved, That we request our brethren and sisters to make a strong effort to provide the necessary means to publish ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ as soon as possible, and that we heartily recommend all to take an active part in circulating the above-mentioned book in accordance with the original plan for its publication.” In order that the plan just referred to may be executed as soon as possible, it was— “Resolved, That we request the conference committee to send one of the workers to the churches to receive gifts for the publication of said book, and also to take orders for the same. “In view of the benefits which the Lord has granted us through the teaching of vegetarian principles, and our duty to bring the same blessing to others, who are suffering from sin and disease.— “Resolved, That we acknowledge the necessity of encouraging one another to stand shoulder to shoulder in the teaching and practise of these principles. “We would recommend, That, in order to develop efficient missionary workers, some of our canvassers from time to time be encouraged to take a complete course in nursing, and that nurses likewise be encouraged to take an active part in canvassing. “Resolved, That in view of the great importance of circulating our literature, especially our tracts and our paper Evangelists Sendebud, we encourage our people to take an active part in this work, and we would further request that, if possible, the conference committee send a man who has the understanding of, and an interest in, this work, to help our churches in this work by giving instruction and counsel, whereby we expect to see more spiritual life and greater interest in the churches, which, again, will result in bringing light and truth to many who sit in darkness.” Ministerial credentials were granted to P. A. Hansen, J. C. Raft, N. Clausen, P. Christensen, M. M. Olsen; ministerial licenses to L. Muderspach and Z. Sherrig; missionary credentials to N. P. Hansen. The officers chosen for the coming year are as follows: President, P. A. Hansen; Vice-president, J. C. Raft; Secretary and Treasurer, Jens Olsen; Auditors, N. P. Hansen and R. J. Aagaard; General Canvassing Agent, H. L. Henricksen; Executive Committee, P. A. Hansen, J. C. Raft, Dr. N. P. Nelson; Jens Olsen, Heilskov Christensen. Sabbath was a good day; the Spirit of God was present. Sinners turned to the Lord, and songs of praise were offered from many hearts. On the whole, the outlook is encouraging; the financial standing of the conference is better than it has been in the past, and calls for labor are received from various places, and more workers are entering the field. Five tent efforts are in progress in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Three persons were recently added by baptism to the church at Rocky Ford, Colo. Three persons were recently baptized at Howard City, Mich., and one more is awaiting baptism, as a result of work done in private houses in that vicinity. We have received a copy of the Mother Lode Banner, published at Sonora, Cal., which contains a report of the baptism of six persons near that place by Elder M. C. Israel, August 5. Elder J. G. Hanhardt reports the baptism of four persons at Great Bend, Kan., August 6, who with three others were added to the church there. Elder Sidney Scott, who has been working among the colored people in Nicodemus, Kan., reports that there are ten new Sabbath-keepers there, and he feels sure there are more to follow. Elder S. J. Hersum reports from Phillips, Maine: “Since my last report we have had two baptisms, at which nine persons were baptized. Seven have begun to keep the Sabbath since we came here.” The tent company at Toledo, Ohio, reports: “Everything indicates, at this writing, a good harvest of souls. A goodly number have already made their decision to keep all the commandments of God.” Brethren C. C. Webster and F. M. Fairchild report the addition of three persons by baptism to the church at East Liverpool, Ohio, adding that “others have begun the observance of the Sabbath.” Elder C. F. McVagh reports the baptism of three adults, August 4, at Duke Center, in the Western Pennsylvania Conference. The evening of the same day he extended the hand of fellowship to five new candidates for membership in that church. Elder R. C. Horton reports from Bangor, Mich.: “We leave behind us in Bangor a nice company of Sabbath-keepers who have accepted all parts of the message. We expect to soon organize a church there of twenty-five or thirty members. A tract society and Sabbath-school have been organized, and the company in that place are laboring faithfully for the salvation of their neighbors and friends.” Opening of the Work in Washington, D. C.
By W. H. Saxby
It was decided at the General Conference in the autumn of 1885 that Mrs. Saxby and myself should go to Washington, D. C., to open the work in that city. We arrived there Jan. 13, 1886, and were met at the Pennsylvania depot by Brother Reuben Wright, who very kindly provided entertainment for us for several days, or until we found a suitable house and location for our mission work. After much prayer and searching, we secured a new three-story building at 1831 Vermont Ave., N. W. About two weeks later we were joined by Brother Chas. Parmele and his sister Julia, of Illinois. There were only two Sabbath-keepers in the city. We immediately organized a Sabbath-school, and opened regular Sabbath services. About six weeks later a lawyer’s wife, who had been reading The Signs of the Times for some time, began the observance of the Sabbath, and met with us, to our great joy. We began by house-to-house work with our publications, especially with the Signs and the Good Health. As the interest developed, we held Bible readings. My first work was to visit the ministers of20 the city with “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” In May we were favored with a visit from Elder George B. Starr, of the Chicago Mission, the first opened by our people. This mission had then been in operation about two years. His instruction and counsel were much appreciated. In September the first government clerk accepted the truth. He had quietly kept the Sabbath for three or four weeks before we were aware of it. He conceived and carried out the plan of taking one of the “thirty days’ leave of absence” granted to all government clerks each year, every Sabbath for thirty weeks; then at the close of the seven and one-half months came the great trial and test. A little before this, an influential United States representative became providentially interested in our people. At a crisis this case was brought by this congressman to the attention of the secretary of war, and he laid the case before a cabinet meeting. A favorable decision was reached in this way: the clerk was to be retained with the thirty days applied in that number of weeks, and with the understanding that he would lose the remainder of the Saturdays—twenty-two. He had previously signified his willingness to do this. This decision was far-reaching, as it formed a precedent for the other secretaries in the other departments of the government to follow. That autumn two other Bible readers were added to our force, and from time to time new Sabbath-keepers took their stand in the message. Elder J. O. Corliss gave faithful instruction at the organization of the church in the fall of 1888. There were twenty-seven charter members. From the beginning, all of the finances began to flourish. I will speak of the tithe only. Part of the first year it was between $75 and $80, the second year $340, the third nearly $700, the fourth $1,300. We sold a little more than $6,000 worth of our publications. A new conference had been formed, which included Washington, D. C., and Elder Joel Robinson was chosen as its first president, taking charge in June. Assisted by his brother, Elder H. E. Robinson, a series of tent-meetings was held that fall. The next summer Elder J. S. Washburn and Brother C. L. Taylor held two or three series of tent-meetings. The Lord blessed with some of the brightest experiences of my life in Washington. We confidently expect great things from the steps that have been taken in the last few months at the nation’s capital. Cause and Effect
By H. H. Hall
THE following is taken from a private letter recently received, and emphasizes the value of the judicious circulation of our publications:— “During my work this last winter I had some interesting experiences. One was as follows: I was visiting at a certain home when a neighbor lady came in. I was introduced to her as the evangelist that was conducting the meeting at that place. Then the lady of the house handed her ‘Steps to Christ,’ which I had just sold her, and said, ‘There is a book that you ought to buy.’ ‘“Steps to Christ,”’ said the lady, ‘we have that book. Yes, and we have the book “Patriarchs and Prophets” also. Excepting the Bible, we think they are the best books we have ever seen.’ Then, turning to me, the neighbor lady said, ‘Are you in any way connected with these books?’ ‘I am,’ I replied. ‘Well,’ she continued, ‘my husband took The Signs of the Times for about six months, and he thinks that it is the best paper of the kind he ever saw. He kept every one of the copies, and reread them; then in a month or two he read them all again. Now he has loaned them to a neighbor, and has instructed him to be sure to return them, for he wants to read them again.’ “Well, you may be sure that when I went to see that family, I was welcome, and he gave me a year’s subscription to the Signs. I also sold him ‘Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,’ ‘Andrews’ ‘History of the Sabbath,’ and some smaller books. That family is now studying the whole truth of the third angel’s message. “The Signs is doing a splendid work, and I pray that it may ever give the gospel a certain sound.” Those who have the opportunity of corresponding with our brethren and of meeting them in the field, know that such experiences as that recorded above are by no means rare. Shall we not, then, take fresh courage, and put forth still greater efforts to bring the light of this soul-saving message to the people about us?