Earlier text: PortugalOur Foreign Problem at Home
By O. A. OLSEN
That we have a problem on our hands, none who understand the situation will question. With a foreign population composed of peoples from all nations and languages in the world equal to about one third of our entire population, and with the stream of foreigners pouring into our country at the rate of a million (more or less) every year, we can not wonder that both the state and the church feel much concerned as to what will be the result of all this on our social, civil, and religious relations. While we can not but be interested in the question from both a social and a civil standpoint, still the overwhelming question with us must be, How can we bring them the saving truth of the gospel of Christ? Now is the time when a special proclamation of the gospel is to go to all the world, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and a great interest is shown in foreign mission enterprises. During the past quarter of a century funds have been raised and missionaries have gone forth to all the leading nations of the world, and the blessing of the Lord has attended the efforts in a very marked manner. During the same period of time the immigration, which at first was small and of little consequence, has increased by leaps and bounds. The largest number coming in any one year was 1,258,349. This was in 1907. The coming of these millions of immigrants to this country has brought a large foreign mission field to our very doors, still it seems to be very difficult for us to understand this fully. That there is a divine providence in this with a very important meaning must be evident to all. With reference to our duty to bring the message of salvation to far-away nations, there is no question. We all accept that responsibility, and cheerfully give our money, and with Christian willingness give our sons and daughters for the great mission fields afar, where many17 of them suffer much privation and endure many hardships for the sake of bringing the message of salvation to these people, learn difficult languages, and with marvelous fortitude labor courageously for the salvation of these souls. But when it comes to take up work for these same people at home, right close to our own doors, quite a different attitude is taken. Here we meet an astonishing indifference, bordering on aversion. Certainly this is not right. If it is worth our while to send missionaries to far-away lands at great sacrifice, is it not an equally important duty to set apart missionaries to labor for these same people right here in America? All must admit that it is. This is a matter that must receive our immediate attention. We must no longer pass it by with the indifference manifest in the past. But the questions will arise, What can we do? How shall we go to work? To this we answer, Do the same for the foreigner near by that has been done many times over for the foreigner afar. For foreign missions you select the best men and women, those best qualified and fitted by education and otherwise, and appoint them to mission fields where they are to learn the language and then work for these souls. Now why not do the same for these same nationalities who as foreigners have come to this country? Are they less worthy of the truth because they are in this country and not in Europe or Asia or some other land? It must be evident to every careful student of the immigration question that as a people we have a very special responsibility resting on us in this matter, and that it is high time that we awake to its importance. We must not think that because these people have come to this country, they can be reached by the truth in the same way that we reach the English-speaking people. There must be made an effort adapted to their condition. That is what we have found in our foreign mission work, and the same will be the case here. But how shall we go at it? some one will ask. Go to work among these foreigners just as you would if you were sent to Italy or Hungary or China or India,—get in among them; get acquainted; get some one who can speak the language to go with you to act as interpreter. This can usually be done. If you find some one in need or suffering, do what you can to give relief. Take with you appropriate literature to sell, to lend, or to give away as the case may be. Study the environment, and make yourself acquainted with the peculiarities of these people, so that you may find the best way to reach them. At the same time that you are working in this way, take up a study of the language. While you can do something through an interpreter, you can do much more when you begin to understand and speak even a little of their language. Starting in this way, you will soon find your hands full of work, and openings more than you can fill. The most important feature as to fitness for this class of missionary work is a heart overflowing with love, a real, genuine passion for souls, and a power of adaptation to meet the various conditions of these people. Such a worker will not fail of success; and until this work is taken hold of in this manner, we shall not see the success that we should so much like to see. There are other lines of work that can be taken up with success which will be considered at another time. We earnestly plead for a prayerful consideration of this very important question, for it must be evident to all that we can not continue our present attitude of inactivity, but must take hold in earnest to study the situation, and to enter upon an active campaign to bring the message of salvation to these millions of foreigners in our country. The Armenian Mission Field
By Z. G. BAHARIAN
I SPENT the time from October 11 to 22 in Eghin. Here we have only two brethren in the truth. They have continued faithful since 1899, when we sent our first missionary from Bardizag. He raised up a small company of believers, five in number. One sister sleeps in Jesus, another went to America, and still another to Constantinople; so only two brethren are left, and a sister who keeps the Sabbath, but who has not yet been baptized. I encouraged them. They see the face of a worker scarcely once a year, and then for only a few days. From Eghin it took me five days to go to Sivas. The mountain roads are dangerous. While passing through a very narrow way, my horse rolled down into a valley, and in trying to prevent it, I was pulled down with great force. God preserved both the horse and me. We were safe, except that my right hand was severely hurt. Thanks to God for his great mercy. Sivas is one of the large cities of Asia Minor. The population is more than one hundred thousand. The American Mission Board has here an academy for both sexes. So this city is an educational center for Sivas province. I studied the situation for a few days, and found an open door for our message. November 1, I arrived at Tokat, and my journey ended. Here I was expecting to find Brother Mihran Azkabedian, who was to come down from Samsun to join me in labor. I was astonished when I did not find him. Later I learned that he had been stricken with cholera at the same time that I had the accident with my horse in the mountains; but God saved him from death, even as he had preserved me. In a few days he arrived, and we rented a suitable house and announced meetings. Twenty-four persons attended our first Sunday meeting. This number gradually increased to forty-eight. We are studying the prophecies, and the interest is increasing. Twice a week we hold meetings, and I speak about the promises of God to our fathers. We expect to see fruits. At present only one young man has begun to obey. Brother Azkabedian sells tracts every afternoon. He has diverse experiences. In two days he sold to Moslems seventy-one Turkish tracts on Daniel 2. The reading of these tracts enraged the people, who stirred up the police against Brother Azkabedian. December 18 he was arrested, and investigated by the chief of police. I was also called to answer. Our situation was dangerous, but God helped us. The chief of police and the general-attorney saw clearly that we had spoken nothing against the Islam religion and the government, as had been complained by the people. So we were left free to continue our work. We think that nearly all the Moslems heard that our Lord will soon come. Some call our colporteurs “The end of the world.” We pray God to grant us a few Moslem believers. Basutoland
By H. C. OLMSTEAD
We have much to encourage us here in north Basutoland. The fence around our twenty-four-acre mission site is sufficiently completed so that we now have a place all our own for our sheep, goats, etc. It does seem good. The native helper's house is being built, and almost enough stone is quarried for the school-house and the stable. The mission house is beginning to look like a dwelling. I have nearly completed the roof. In three months we expect to be living in two rooms. It will be a good mission house, at a total cost of £130. I am doing the work on it at odd times, between evangelistic and other duties, so it goes slowly. Our native school is progressing nicely, and the Sabbath-school and various meetings are fairly well attended. A few are interested, and two are keeping the Sabbath. We have a special Bible class each Friday evening for three interested young men. The people and chiefs are still friendly, especially old Chief Jonathan. The three hundred twenty-five fruit-trees I planted last July and August are growing, as well as the eight hundred grape-vines and the seven hundred berry vines. As many more cuttings are growing this summer. Grapes do well here, and we shall have an abundance in a few years. Cuttings cost nothing, and are but little trouble. I might add that we have six acres of mealies, three acres of Kafir-corn, and two acres of oats planted, with four acres more to plant.
H. C. OLMSTEAD. South Carolina
By W. H. Branson
SPARTANBURG.—Indications are that the Osborne Sunday bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, will not be reached in this session. Since we first learned that this bill had been presented, we have been doing what we could to help the legislators to see the danger in this kind of legislation. Many friends have been made, and we feel sure that had the bill been taken up, it would have met with defeat. Since time will be given in which to carry on a systematic campaign in the interests of religious liberty before the next session, it has been arranged by the conference committee for Brother A. H. Evers to visit the lawyers, magistrates, and judges of the State in the interests of this work, and endeavor to place “American State Papers” in their hands, as well as other literature on the subject. We are also desirous of securing the services of a good, live magazine agent who has a special burden for the sale of Liberty magazine. This would be a splendid field for this work for the next six months or a year. The columns of some of the leading daily papers are open for matter on the subject, and they are publishing favorable reports of our work.
W. H. BRANSON. A Call to Service and Action
God calls for workers, for live men and women who are filled with the influence of his Holy Spirit, those who are fired with a zeal and determination to work. Christ labored untiringly to accomplish the great work for which he came to the world. During his ministry, he went about doing good. His heart was ever touched with human woe. It was his mission to help those in need of help, to seek the lost, to heal the sick, to speak words of sympathy to the sorrowing and distressed. He placed himself on the altar of service a living sacrifice. If we are truly followers of the great Master Workman, we shall catch his spirit of service. Why are we so unwilling to give ourselves to the work to which he consecrated his life? God calls upon every church-member to enter his service. As members of the body of Christ, we have pledged ourselves to do this. Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted to others, loses its life-giving power in those who possess it. The continual impulse of the spiritual life is activity. Every child of the kingdom must learn to work, and stand in his lot and place as a burden-bearer. Christ’s example is to inspire us to put forth unceasing and self-sacrificing effort for the good of others, for the salvation of their souls. The followers of Christ are the light of the world. God does not approve of any self-satisfied endeavor to display superior goodness. He desires that his children shall be imbued with the principles of heaven; then as they come in contact with the world, they will reveal the light that is in them. We are to be distinguished from the world because God has placed his seal upon us. The work that he will accept is the work that reflects his image. Those who have stood on the heights above the city of Naples tell us that all the sounds arising from that gay and populous city mingle in the upper air as one unbroken minor strain, an indistinguishable moan. “There are voices of traffic and voices of command, the voices of affection and of rebuke, the shouts of sailors and the cries of venders in the streets, and the chatter and laugh of childhood, but they all come into the upper air as a plaintive, heart-rending wail. That is the voice of the world as it reaches the throne of God; that is the cry of the world for help.” Christ, who poured out his soul unto death that the world might be saved, hears this cry, and waits with longing that can not be uttered for his message to be carried to every part of this land of death. Shall we not with loyal hearts say, “Here am I; send me”? “The restless millions wait
That light whose coming maketh all things new;
Christ also waits, but men are slow and late.
Have we done all we could? Have I? Have you?” MANY important lines of work have been presented in former readings, such as working with our periodicals, distributing tracts, writing missionary letters, conducting Bible readings, and other means of getting the truth before our friends and neighbors. As these subjects have been presented and their importance dwelt upon, our interest has been aroused, and we have become more active in real missionary work. In order to carry on this work in such a way that it will be an honor to our Master, we must be filled with his spirit of service. Missionary work begins in the home. Before we are fitted to work for others, we must be true missionaries in our homes. Patience is one of the first essentials. There are many things in the home life to disturb and annoy, but each day we have the promise, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” We read of the meek and lowly Jesus. Did he quarrel with his brothers and sisters? Did he say sharp and unkind words to his parents? Did he? Do we? An impatient spirit is contagious. Parents oftentimes manifest this spirit toward each other, and then they wonder why their children are impatient and unkind. Because of this and other unlovely traits of character, home loses its charm, and loved ones are robbed of much of the sweetness of life. When all are gathered around the family altar in the hush of evening, then is the time when wrongs and grievances can be adjusted, and a spirit of peace and harmony will pervade the home. If the parents fail in this, the children can not be expected to learn the spirit of confession and forgiveness. This is one of the most effective means of causing the children to lose confidence in the prayers of their parents. And when the parents’ prayers for their children touch no responsive chord in the hearts of those for whom they are so anxious, it is sad indeed. Yet the parents can expect nothing else if they, by their lives and example, fail to carry out the principles which they long to see in their children. One of the most potent influences that brings about this condition is the practise of reviewing before the children the faults and imperfections of our brethren and sisters. This is a pernicious evil that should be guarded against. Can we invite Christ to be a guest in our home when we, in this way, are continually inviting and fostering a faultfinding spirit? With unconverted children in the home, what kind of influence will this have upon them? This spirit, if unconquered, will increase and develop a poisonous influence that will counteract any influence which would lead them to their Saviour. On the other hand, in the home where Jesus takes up his abode; where the members bear and forbear with one another, in meekness and love; where discord is not permitted; where all pray at the family altar; where whatsoever things are honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report are talked of, there will be found a missionary zeal and endeavor which will broaden out and permeate the church as leaven in the meal. A working church is seen where we get right with God ourselves, with the members of our family, and with the church. We must save our children. What greater missionary work can be done than this? They will then help to save others. We sometimes wonder why our children leave the truth and go out into the world. Many children of worthy parents have only secular ambitions today, and the reason is because nothing else was ever talked of or read about at home. The things that are believed in, talked over around the table and about the fireside, the things that are prayed over and read about, leave an indelible impression on the child’s mind. The best of literature should be provided for them. Enlist their interest, and read and study with them the many mission fields mentioned from week to week in the REVIEW. Satanic influences and deceptions are on every hand. Many are left to meet these influences as best they can, their minds unstrengthened by discipline, their hearts unguided by counsel. How often do the cares of life eclipse their eternal interests! Into our homes should be brought the most beautiful thoughts, the grandest examples, the highest ideals, thus molding the plastic character of our children for purity and usefulness here, and for happiness hereafter. As a missionary people and a people entrusted with a world-wide message, the training of our children is especially significant, for “the light that shines the farthest shines the brightest nearest home.” And if we fail at the first step, how can the Lord trust us to “run” with the message? In a meeting where the interests of children and young people were being considered, a lovely woman said: “The best children’s meetings I ever attended were those that mother held with us at home. She was a very hard-working woman, but in the afternoons she would tidy up the room, put on a clean apron, and take down the Bible. We were delighted to sit down by her side to read and talk; then mother would gather us close in her arms and pray. I could never forget those prayers.” If our children are lost to the truth, and fail of eternal life, will it be because we have not laid hold mightily upon God in their19 behalf? Will it be because mother’s heart was not large enough to hold them, and father did not command through love and a good example his household after him? What could bring deeper anguish to the hearts of parents than the possibility that heaven would not open its gates to the children of their love and care, whom they have watched and tended, and that their voices would be hushed in eternal silence? To such in that day it will be said, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Our children and youth are the greatest asset of this denomination. Great possibilities are before us. Our children may be saved forever, and they will help to save others. Faithfulness now and the reward hereafter, or unfaithfulness now and lost forever—which shall it be? “Choose you this day.” [The following program was prepared by Mrs. Alta Carr, missionary secretary of Western New York.] Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service
OPENING SONG: No. 395, “Christ in Song.” SECOND SONG: No. 558, “Christ in Song.” FIRST READING: “A Call to Service and Action.” SECOND READING: “Work in the Home.” SONG: No. 98, “Where Is My Wandering Boy To-Night?” (Solo, congregation joining in chorus.) THIRD READING: “Christian Help Work.” MONTHLY SUMMARY of missionary work, read by missionary secretary (librarian). PASSING of report blanks. CLOSING SONG: No. 542, “Christ in Song.” Our Sanitariums for Colored People
By L. A. H.
It is not long since our medical workers and others of our people in the South saw the need of a sanitarium for colored people. As our work for them developed, it became more and more apparent that medical missionary effort, in its various phases, would be one of the effective means of reaching many and meeting their needs. There was no question with any as to the advisability of starting sanitarium work as soon as possible. All concerned entered heartily into plans looking to this end. We now have two sanitariums for colored people, well prepared to do the work usually required of such institutions. They have been established by earnest effort on the part of those directly interested, and by the cooperation of our people throughout this country. They are therefore institutions of our planting. They belong to us as a denomination. One of these sanitariums is located at Huntsville, Ala., and is operated in connection with the Oakwood Manual Training School. It occupies a new building, erected especially for it. The site is a beautiful one, in the midst of a fine grove of large oaks, about four miles from the city. A good equipment is possessed, and a full corps of workers is in attendance. Dr. M. M. Martinson, the superintendent, is a physician and surgeon of considerable experience both in connection with our own institutions and in outside practise. He is assisted by his wife, Dr. Stella Martinson, whose wide experience in her work adds strength to the institution. They are also conducting a training-school for nurses. Several workers, having already been graduated20 with creditable standings, are now doing good work, either in connection with institutions or in the field. The other sanitarium is at Nashville, Tenn., called the Rock City Sanitarium. Its address is 316 Foster Street. This institution is the outgrowth of work that has been carried forward about twelve years. Dr. Lottie Isbell Blake, the superintendent, has been connected with this work practically from the beginning, and has succeeded in overcoming many obstacles. Her husband, D. E. Blake, has now joined her in this work, and expects soon to be graduated as a physician. The sanitarium is prepared to care for patients in an acceptable manner, as well as to carry on a practical medical missionary effort among the many colored people of the city. Both of these sanitariums have the room, equipment, and the workers necessary for caring for many more patients than they now have. It is quite necessary that they have more business, and here we come to the point of this article. There must be many sick persons who ought to have the benefit of one or the other of these sanitariums, but who may not know of the special facilities offered. The low prices quoted by these institutions make it possible for many to secure sanitarium care and treatment that otherwise might be beyond their reach. The instruction to be secured in principles of health will prove a great blessing to those who come, and probably to many of their friends and neighbors on their return to their homes. Results already seen in this respect have been very encouraging. These sanitariums can not do much in the way of advertising. They are limited in their means of making known their work to those who should know about it. They are at a disadvantage in several ways as compared with our other sanitariums. In a special manner they are dependent upon our brethren and sisters to put them in touch with prospective patients. Will not our brethren and sisters, as far as is practicable, lend help in giving these institutions their quota of work? A proper interest to direct those who should go there, and perhaps a little planning or material assistance in getting there, will help to fill these two sanitariums and make them and their work a great blessing. Write them for any special information, addressing as above. OPPORTUNITIES are abundant for what is termed Christian Help work. It is possible that this line of work is more or less neglected in our great efforts to do other kinds of missionary work, but the requirements are plain in the Word of God regarding our duty to the poor and unfortunate, and in helping our neighbors. “Ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” Here is a field declared by the Lord himself to be ever open to missionary effort, and in this line of Christian Help work are great possibilities for utilizing a variety of talents, and for enlisting and holding the interest of old and young. A faithful Help Band can scatter blessings both far and near. All can do something. In one place the dear grandmothers pieced quilt blocks, younger and stronger hands finished many a box of bedding and barrel of comfortable clothing, made ready to send away or to be distributed at home. The children made iron-holders, wash-cloths, and dish-towels. The husbands and brothers did their part on collection day, or at some needy person’s wood pile, and also supplied the wood. Everywhere are the sick to be cared for, and the sorrowing to be comforted. We are inclined to look upon all this as very humble work, but it was not too humble to occupy the time and thoughts of our Saviour. One of the most successful ways of giving the message to those around us is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions and help bestowed, may be great factors in sweeping away prejudice. It has been said in some localities that Seventh-day Adventists seldom are seen only as they come to sell their literature. We surely do not want our neighbors to get this impression of us. Watch the opportunities to lend a helping hand in time of sickness or need. All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones, and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. In all our associations, it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that weaken courage, confidence, and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life against great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold and silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels. This will open the way for us to help them. Speak to them of God’s promises. Pray with and for them; inspire them with hope. Words of cheer and encouragement spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is low,—these are regarded by the Saviour as spoken to himself. Souls are in the balance. To-day we may mingle with those who seem indifferent, yet these may be longing for the riches of his grace. The opportunity of to-morrow may never come. A wayward, wandering girl once heard the parable of the prodigal son, and as the explanation was given, her hungry heart and simple faith accepted Jesus. Shortly after, she was stricken with the fever; and when death was so near that it was supposed that all power of utterance was gone, she roused herself, and said in a clear, distinct voice: “Fetch them in, O be sure to fetch them in! Fetch them in and tell them of Jesus; tell them of Jesus; tell them of Jesus. O be sure to fetch them in!” Should we not continually bear on our hearts this burden for souls? The lives of our fellow men depend on how we live and how we work. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Jonathan Edwards, when a boy, wrote in his diary, “Resolved to live with all my might while I do live.” This is a good motto for Seventh-day Adventists. What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?
“To every man his work.” That means, to you your work, to me my work. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” We are to sow in faith, for God has not promised that all the seed shall bear fruit. We may not see it in this life, but in the gathering day the Lord will be glorified in the fruits of our labor. We must work while the day lasts. Let us ask ourselves this question, For whom am I personally responsible? It may be our next-door neighbor. It may be our schoolmate, or it may be those we come in contact with each day. There is a work for us all according to our ability, and we may be sure of one thing, that our abilities will be enlarged as we use them. As we grow in grace and knowledge, we shall know that we are filling our place in the plan of God. There was an incident of a young man who was always complaining at his lot, and wishing that he had some real work that would count in the world. He fell asleep, and dreamed that he was being conducted through a magnificent temple. There were grand pillars and lofty windows, and hundreds upon hundreds of niches, each beautifully adorned. Among these niches was only one that was bare and unsightly. Astonished, the young man asked his guide why so ugly a spot had been left to deform so lovely a building, and received the reply: “This is the temple of life. That is your niche, which you have failed to adorn.” He took the lesson to heart, and from that day began to fill his place and make his life beautiful. God could then make his life a blessing to others, and thus it may be with each of us who earnestly seeks the Lord to know what he would have us to do. There’ll be joy when the work is done. “When I enter that beautiful city,
Far removed from earth’s sorrow and fear,
I want to hear somebody saying,
‘It was you who invited me here.’
“When at home in those mansions eternal
The saved of the nations appear,
I want to have somebody tell me,
‘It was you who invited me here.’
“When the glad harps of heaven are ringing
With music so tender and clear,
I want to hear somebody singing,
‘It was you who invited me here.’” Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference GEORGE THOMASON, M. D. - - - - - Secretary L. A. HANSEN - - - - - Assistant Secretary Reports From Schools
By H. R. S.
The Kingston (Jamaica) School
BROTHER EMILE TONGES, the teacher, writes:— “The Lord has blessed our educational work here in Kingston. The enrolment this year is almost twice as large as last year, and considerably larger than at any previous time. It has now reached seventy-seven pupils, both boys and girls. Some have passed the ‘pupil’ stage, and are real ‘students.’ “We have a strong primary department, with a good native teacher in charge. I have the church-school and the intermediate school, comprising about fifty pupils. The ages range from six to seventeen. Grades one to ten, inclusive, are taught. Our books are standard. In history and mathematics I have chosen English texts. This meets the requirements of the board of education here. In the other branches I have in use our own books. This meets the minds of our people. It was a problem, and not an easy one, to make people see the necessity of good and proper text-books for their children. “Plans are made, and soon we shall have a new school building. This is now a necessity, as our old quarters can not accommodate the students any longer. I am looking for one hundred ere long, and am going to have them, the Lord willing. There has been a great awakening on the subject of education. I am keeping in close touch with every parent and guardian. This, I know, is the key to success in running a school. Our elder—Brother J. H. Farman, from Vermont—and I have what we term ‘parents’ meetings,’ at frequent intervals, in which we talk things over. “Personally, I am very glad I followed your ‘hurry-call’ and came here. I enjoy my labor, and like the climate. It is a grand place in every sense.” River Plate Academy (Argentina)
Prof. Walton C. John sends the following interesting report:— “Again our South American school year has passed, and we find ourselves ready to go out into the field. Eleven young men of this year’s classes, besides students of past years, are already canvassing for ‘Patriarchs and Prophets’ and ‘Home and Health.’ I leave in two days to visit the churches in the province of Santa Fe, in the interest of the school, after which I shall canvass two months for ‘Patriarchs and Prophets.’ “The school has had much success this year, in spite of the hard times, and there has been a better spirit reigning throughout,—a Christian spirit, a greater desire to study, and, still more, to enter the work. Twenty students above fifteen years of age manifested their desire to take up labor. Of these, ten or eleven remained after school closed, to attend the special canvassers’ institute held under the direction of Brother Max Trummer. It was very interesting to see them during the practise hour—Germans, Italians, Swiss, French, and Argentine boys and young men, from the ages of seventeen to twenty-four—canvassing and criticizing one another. These are expecting to earn scholarships for next year. During the past year there were a goodly number of the students baptized, fifteen, I believe, in all. “Next year we shall teach twelve grades complete. The six grades of our primary-intermediate course are really eight, the first two being divided into sections. This enables older pupils to finish quickly the primary part, while children can take the time they need. Then come the four years of the high-school or missionary course. We have added another subject to the last year, called evangelical methods, which will help the outgoing student in adapting himself to the field effort in its different branches. “One of our students of a year ago has finished the first year of the provincial normal school. He has had an exceptionally fine record, being one of the seven best students in the whole school. The director told me the other day, ‘Julio is one of our best boys, studious and attentive, and very good in deportment.’ I was glad to get this testimony. I had obtained special permission from the director of education of the province, allowing him freedom from Sabbath classes and work; so he has had to do extra work, on account of the loss of a day each week. In two years more he will be graduated a certified government teacher. Professor Gil, our Spanish teacher, will attend the summer normal, and thus in a short time we shall have two recognized teachers. Both Julio Weiss and Brother Gil are spiritually minded young men, and will rightly represent the truth wherever they are. “Our closing program was of much interest. We had recitations, dialogues, music, essays from those who finished the sixth grade, besides demonstrations from the cooking and domestic economy classes. An exhibition of maps, draw-21ings, and note-books was very interesting, besides the work of the sewing class. Dr. R. H. Habenicht and Elder J. W. Westphal gave short, interesting talks, encouraging both parents and pupils in the matter of obtaining an education. “Our total enrolment this year was one hundred twenty-five. Of these, one hundred four were in the grades, ten were special students, and the remainder, nurses who took Bible and English in the school. “As the crops are very promising this year, we can expect a larger attendance for 1912.” A Publicity Pamphlet
By L. A. H.
THERE has been issued by the General Conference Medical Department, in conjunction with a number of sanitariums in this country, a pamphlet entitled “The Way to Health,” presenting general information concerning our sanitariums. The title-page announces “a world-wide system of health institutions based on natural healing methods.” Good pictures are shown of twenty-four conference sanitariums in this country. This pamphlet makes an acceptable piece of literature to hand to persons who might be interested in our sanitariums, their methods, facilities, and rates. Our people in general could, doubtless, make use of them to advantage. They may be had free of charge by addressing the nearest conference sanitarium. Christian Education
By H. R. SALISBURY
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference H. R. SALISBURY . . . . . Secretary