“SPARE a copper, sir; I’m starving,” said a poor, half-clad man to a gentleman who was hastening homeward through the streets in the city, one bitter cold night. “Spare a copper, sir, and God will bless you.”
Struck with the poor fellow’s manner and appearance, the gentleman replied, “You look as if you had seen better days. If you tell me candidly what has been your greatest failing through life, I’ll give you enough money to pay your lodging.”
“I am afraid I could hardly do that,” the beggar answered with a mournful smile.
“Try, man, try,” added the gentleman. “Here’s a shilling to sharpen your memory; only be sure to speak the truth.”
The man pressed the coin tightly in his hand, and after thinking nearly a minute said: “To be honest with you, then, I believe my greatest fault has been learning to kill time. When I was a youngster, I had kind, loving parents, who let me do pretty much as I liked; so I became idle and careless, and never once thought of the change that was in store for me. In the hope that I should one day make a mark in the world, I was sent to college; but there I wasted my time in idle dreaming and expensive amusements. If I had been a poor boy, with necessity staring me in the face, I think I should have done better. But somehow I fell into the notion that life was only to be one continued round of pleasure. I gradually became fond of wine and company. In a few years my parents both died; and you can guess the rest. I soon wasted what little they left me; and now it is too late to combat my old habits. Yes, sir, idleness ruined me.”
“I believe your story,” replied the gentleman; “and when I get home I will tell it to my boys as a warning. I am sorry for you, indeed I am. But it is never too late to reform. Come to my office to-morrow, and let me inspire you with courage.” And giving the man another piece of money, and indicating where he could be found, he hurried away.—Christian Commonwealth.
A New Epoch in the History of Turkey
By CLAUDE D. ACMOODY
CLAUDE D. ACMOODY
(Concluded)
For several months Sir Edward Grey has been pushing a plan for the solution of the Macedonian question. The plan was to put Macedonia under a governorship. Of course this meant simply another Balkan state; for in order for the governorship to be efficacious in bringing about the desired reforms, it must, naturally, be dominated by some other authority than the authority of the sublime porte.
In June the king and the czar met at Reval. And the meeting proves to have been almost solely for the purpose of arriving at some conclusion regarding Macedonia. Sir Edward Grey's plan seems to have been practically decided upon. The following is quoted from W. T. Stead, in the Review of Reviews (London) of this month: “The only serious business of a diplomatic sort done at Reval was the discussion of the scheme for the pacification of Macedonia. This, it is reported, was advanced a step or two further, and the agreement of the two powers is said to be complete in principle. The only outstanding difference is due to the fact that Russia has a keener realization of the difficulty of securing Germany's assent to the project of reform, than that entertained by Sir Edward Grey.”
THE SERAGLIA, PART OF THE SULTAN’S PALACE
This concert of the powers, together with the Young Turk movement, has brought things to the climax, and the sultan faced these alternatives either to lose Macedonia or to grant the constitution and a parliament. Now it remains to be seen what the great powers will do since the sultan has given the constitution. France may be counted upon to stand with England and Russia; and though Italy is a member of the triple alliance, (Germany, Austria, and Italy), in this Macedonian question she is quite likely to stand with England and France; but viewed from the history of the past, one must indeed question the probability of England and Russia standing together for any length of time in the Macedonian field. As to Germany, she has so far stood for the integrity of Turkey. The kaiser and the sultan are on very cordial terms, and it was rumored extensively in the English press last month that if a European-Turkish war broke out, Germany would fight for Turkey. German capital controls a large per cent of all the railroads in Turkey. The trunk line running from Constantinople to Eregli, which is being projected to Bagdad, is a German road. Germany is resurrecting Asiatic Turkey. But this brings about another striking political situation. Through this railroad line, Germany becomes interested in the Lower Euphrates country, which brings her interests altogether too close to England and Russia in the near East. Austria, of course, is with Germany.
Such a transition from abject absolutism to the most open liberalism, as set forth in the constitution of last Friday, is not accomplished in one day. This is not the end. Why is it that the eastern question is always Macedonia and not Persia or some other section of the near East?—Russia's determination to control Constantinople is not abated. Russia is determined to find an entrance to the sea where she is not blockaded with ice nine months in the year. The Japanese conflict ended in shutting her from the Pacific. The Russian-English agreement of last September shuts her from the Persian Gulf. Now there must be another attempt through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. This week war with Bulgaria is rumored, and Bulgaria is only the paw of Russia. There is already talk of taking Armenians for soldiers, and preparations are being made for a struggle.
“He shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them.” The Hague conference has cried, Peace, and now the sultan has cried, “Peace, justice, and rest.” What will be the sequence? Will this be a second 1877 experience? or will it be that “none shall help him?”
We are praying that this liberty may last long enough to give us an opportunity to carry the third angel's message to the Turkish empire. One week ago today such an article as this, if seen by postal authorities, would have been confiscated; and if seen in the hands of a native Armenian or Greek, would have been sufficient ground for years of imprisonment. To-day this can be carried before the doors of the palace by the humblest of the sultan's subjects! It can be read upon the streets. Turkey is now open for the gospel. Two years ago Russia's doors were thrown open to us. To-day, Turkey's doors are open. What shall we do to enter? We must move now? May God help us to give the message of the closing verses of Daniel the eleventh chapter to this nation immediately. Words are not strong enough to express the necessity of immediate action. We need money now for creating an Adventist literature for this empire. We need more young people preparing for work in this country. May the Lord seal home to the hearts of each one of his children the significance of the present political situation, and sanctify us to renewed service just now. “The way of the kings of the east” is being prepared.
Bagtchedjik, Asia Minor.
Back in Australia Again
By O. A. OLSEN
O. A. OLSEN
My long journey is at last brought to a termination. I was remarkably prospered all the way. There was no mishap on the journey, and I trust that I have profited by what I have seen and learned. I enjoyed my visit in the States very much, and am only sorry that I was so hurried at every point. A little more time would have enabled me to gather up a little more of interest than was possible under the circumstances. My visit to our Eastern Polynesian mission field was very interesting as well as profitable.
I left San Francisco, May 20, and landed on Tahiti Island the first day of June, a beautiful bright morning. I remained on Tahiti and Raiatea twenty days with Brother B. J. Cady. This gave me good opportunity to become acquainted with the work and the conditions in these places. We have three churches on the island of Tahiti. I visited them all, and held meetings in each place, and also visited many of the families at their homes. I was much pleased with the conditions there, and the nature and character of our island believers. The Lord has done much for them, for which we praise his name.
Our general meeting convened at Raiatea. We did not have as much time there as we desired, but we improved what we did have to the fullest extent, and we had an excellent meeting. We made definite arrangements for a missionary training-school to be conducted on Raiatea13at the place where Brother Cady is located. Sixteen persons gave in their names at once, and no doubt more will be added to this number. This was made possible by the coming of Brother and Sister Stirling to aid in the work. I trust that this training-school will be very successful, and prepare native laborers to go into the field. If the prospect is carried out, we shall soon have a number of natives who can take part in the circulation of the truth among their fellow countrymen.
On my arrival here I was glad to meet Elder R. C. Porter, who had reached Australia a few days before my return. They are well and seem to be enjoying themselves. I am especially pleased with the knowledge that they will remain with us for our union conference. This help will be greatly appreciated by our brethren. I learned that Miss Winifred Trunk has also arrived safely, and is at Cooranbong. I go there to-morrow to remain over Sabbath. Next week I go to Melbourne, Victoria, to attend our missionary convention. Elder Porter will accompany us to that meeting.
Burwood, N. S. W., Australia.
House-to-House Work in Java
By P. TUNHEIM
P. TUNHEIM.
SINCE our last report we have had many interesting experiences, and have been able to visit several hundred homes among the different nationalities. In a place like this we find very little true Christianity, even among those who are professed Christians. Though we find this to be more true here than in our home fields, yet it has gladdened our hearts as we have met those here and there who have seemed eager to receive the literature that we have left in their homes. We are often questioned in regard to our faith, often in reference to our eating and drinking. This has truly opened the way for Bible readings in several homes, some of which are Chinese.
Last week I went to a European house to have a reading for the first time. Instead of finding two persons present, as I expected, seven or eight had come together. Seeing some quite intelligent men among them, and knowing so little of the language, I felt somewhat embarrassed for a few moments, and almost wished that I had not appointed the reading to be held there. But after my heart had been lifted to God for help, we began to study the second chapter of Daniel. All present seemed interested, remarking that they had never heard the Bible read like that before. One asked me to come to her house, where she had two girls and several native Christians to whom she wished me to read the Bible. Many are now persuaded that these things are so, and we believe some will take their stand before long.
We have been so glad to have Miss Gee Nio with us this last month. She is the first missionary sent out from Singapore. As it is not the custom for a Chinese nona to go anywhere alone, not even out into the street, it took some courage on her part to travel so far alone. She is a great help to us in our work among the Chinese, as she can speak the Malay fluently, and also one or two dialects in the Chinese. We lend tracts among the Chinese and natives also, and now we are getting into many homes where we are able to read the Bible.
Last Sunday we went to two places for the first time, and we read with them about creation. One large family, from the grandfather to his children’s children, seemed very much interested, and they wanted to buy a Bible. In the other house, as we left, a man was busy putting food on an altar for his dead ancestors. When we see these millions of people in darkness and heathenism, it rejoices our hearts to find those who are willing to turn from their idols and worship the true and living God. The interest is increasing week by week.
OUR WORKERS BEFORE THEIR RESIDENCE IN SOURABAYA, JAVA
I think Sister Nordstrom mentioned in one of her reports our sale of “Ministry of Healing,” toward a home in the mountains, where we can help many of the sick people who go there. The Lord not only helped us in disposing of the books, but also helped us in finding a country home, for which we have looked so long. An English merchant here has a piece of land (an acre or more) in one of the mountains nearest to Sourabaya. This he has promised us free for five years, and later we can buy or perhaps rent it. Neither Sister Nordstrom nor I have ever before seen such a beautiful place. This is surely an answer to our prayers, as we have for so long asked the Lord to help us find such a location. Brother Gates has promised to come to help us build a bamboo house on it, when the wet season is over.
The Lord has also helped us in finding a house in a more healthful part of Sourabaya, for which we have looked many months. This house is cheaper and more in the center of the town, and closer to the Chinese people among whom we expect to work. It has also rooms upstairs, where we can sleep, and breathe a purer air than on the ground floor. Very few houses here are built with two stories.
Sourabaya.
The Work in the European Fields
By L. R. CONRADI
L. R. CONRADI
God's threefold message moves steadily onward throughout all the European fields. Although over a decade passed before the first thousand Sabbath-keepers were gathered out in Europe, yet God has given such wonderful success to his work that during the last three months there were 1,104 additions in the German and Russian union conferences alone. For this we are truly thankful to him.
At the end of 1905, there were twelve thousand members in Europe. By the first of July, 1908, the membership increased to about sixteen thousand six hundred, showing a growth of forty-six hundred in two and one-half years. The total number received during that time was about seventy-five hundred.
Not only is our membership thus growing, but the cause is steadily spreading over every country in Europe, and into the very heart of Asia and Africa. We receive interesting letters as to how God's truth is going in Siberia, in Tarshkent, in Samarkand close to the border of India, from the regions round about Mount Ararat and along the Persian border. News comes of the openings for God's truth in the interior of Asia Minor, and Mesopotamia, as well as near the borders of Abyssinia, in Uganda, and in German East Africa.
This season we have just held four large meetings in Scandinavia, including the Scandinavian Union Conference, and we have had three meetings in the German Union Conference, including the German Union Conference camp-meeting at Friedensau. These have been most excellent and refreshing seasons. Not only do we now have in Europe the five union conferences, but each of these unions has its own local president: Elder W. J. Fitzgerald in Great Britain; Elder J. C. Raft in Scandinavia; Elder H. F. Schuberth in the German Union Conference; Elder J. T. Boettcher in Russia; and Elder L. P. Tieche in the Latin Union Conference. These brethren, with Brother W. C. Sisley and the vice-president of the General Conference, make the seven members of the General Conference Committee in the European field.14
The three divisions of the Levant field are each supplied with a local director, and the East African missions have their own local committees. We are beginning to do effectual work among the heathen, as we have received our first-fruits already in the East African mission.
The vice-president of the General Conference is now in a position to give his attention more fully to the mission fields that are in Africa, outside of the European unions. Thus far both the German and Scandinavian union conferences have placed their East African missions under the direct charge of the General Conference Committee in Europe. That this has in no way lessened the interest of these union conferences in their African work, is best seen by their increased gifts, and by the additional force of laborers they are ready to send to these parts. While during 1907 the German Union Conference used its offerings and surplus tithe in Russia, East Africa, and other mission territories, yet, since Jan. 1, 1908, it turns over all these offerings and the tithe of its tithe to the General Conference; and since it has placed the management of the German East African mission in the hands of the General Conference Committee, it has been able to look after its large population of about one hundred thirty-five million on its income of seventy thousand dollars a year. As the result of investing the half of this during the first six months of 1908, there were 1,125 additions, and the tithe during this time has been higher than it was for the corresponding six months of 1907, while the Russian Union Conference was still a part of the German Union Conference territory. Germany proper, with German-Switzerland, has ten conferences, and it is now giving special attention to developing the great Austria-Hungarian and Balkan, and Holland and Flemish-Belgium missions.
Austria-Hungary, with fifty million people, has thus far only one conference, the Hungarian, with four hundred seventy-three members and one mission, the Austrian mission field, with one hundred ten members. But in the German Union Conference, recently held in Friedensau, several workers were selected for these fields. Two are to open up the work in Croatia; the first worker is being sent to Galicia; and plans are being formulated to send a worker to the southern part of Austria, near Triest, where Italian is spoken. We have also placed an additional minister in the Balkans, to assist in developing the work in Rumania and Bulgaria. We are thankful that the work in Holland and Flemish Belgium has now developed until we have about two hundred twenty-five Sabbath-keepers there, and over thirty canvassers.
In the Scandinavian Union Conference there are three prosperous conferences. Elder J. C. Raft is visiting the Northlands and Iceland mission fields, so that these two missions, as well as Finland, may receive special help from the union conference president.
(Concluded next week)
Mission Schools for the Colored People
By James Edson White
For nearly thirteen years a quiet mission-school work has been going forward among the colored people of the South. Considerable liberality and sacrifice have been shown by our people in maintaining this work, and it is proper that they should know something definite as to the net results of these efforts.
This year the Southern Missionary Society is planning to maintain thirty mission schools, scattered among nine of the Southern States. The enrolment of these schools will reach fully one thousand pupils. The cost of this tremendous work for this year may be estimated at from six thousand dollars to eight thousand dollars.
By way of comparison, it would tax the facilities of fully three of the large colleges for colored students at Nashville to accommodate as many students as will be taught this year in the chain of mission schools of the Southern Missionary Society. It would require a donation of from twenty-five thousand dollars to fifty thousand dollars to support three such colleges with any degree of success. From a comparison of the relative15expense of maintenance may be estimated the intrinsic value and economy of the mission school.
More than this, the enrolment of the mission schools does not cover the numbers benefited by them. The good work of the school is carried into the homes by the children, and fathers and mothers become interested. The teacher visits the homes, and gradually through these influences, the standard of the home is uplifted, and the whole neighborhood is benefited. Through the night-school, and by personal work in the home, the older members of the family,—the workers,—learn to read, and begin to live more human lives. It is safe to say that while the school enrolment may reach one thousand, the real benefits will reach four or perhaps even five thousand persons. It is a grand work, and it pays. Eternity alone will reveal the full fruits of this line of work, carried on by teachers and workers with such skill and at such sacrifice as none outside the field can realize or appreciate. One feature should be of interest. Every mission school established results in building up a church organization. It is the strongest medium for bringing the third angel’s message to the knowledge of these people.
As substantial evidence of the success of our past effort, we call attention to the group of buildings shown in connection with this article. The leaders in this work do not come empty-handed to the readers of the REVIEW. We rejoice that so much of a substantial showing can be presented. A brief description of what these buildings represent may be of interest.
Vicksburg, Miss.
Thirteen years ago next January the “Morning Star” cast anchor before this city, and its crew began active work. A church company was soon brought out, and a building twenty by forty feet, costing one hundred fifty dollars was erected on leased ground. Three years later the present site was purchased, and buildings were erected as shown in the picture. The church floor is a little above the grade of the street, and as the lot slopes sharply to the rear, a fine basement, all above ground, gives an excellent school-room. The mission Home, in two flats, affords a home for the teachers and workers. The little four-room cottage, designated as “Bath Room” is also occupied as the home of the janitor. Total cost of entire plant, about five thousand dollars. A few months ago this property could have been sold for ten thousand dollars. The school enrolment is one hundred twenty-five, with four teachers. This is an intermediate school, as well as a mission school.
Yazoo City
This was the second place entered by the Southern Missionary Society. Work was conducted for two years in private buildings. A movable chapel was then erected on the site of the present building. In December, 1907, the new building was erected, and the material from the movable chapel was used in building the teacher’s home. At this place is the strongest church organization of colored people in the field. The school attendance last year was sixty-five, with three teachers. Natchez and Yazoo City buildings are duplicates.
Columbus, Miss.
This was the third school building erected. It is plain, simple, but commodious. The school enrolment is about twenty-five. Great opposition from churches and other schools has been encountered, but a good work is still being done. The building needs some repairs and painting.
Jackson, Miss.
The church here was brought out through the efforts of Elder M. C. Strachan and his colaborers, and the building was erected in 1903. The school enrolment is forty-five, with two teachers. This is an important center for the work in Mississippi. A cottage for workers is much needed.
Nashville, Tenn.
Our church building here was erected in 1903, and is practically a duplicate of the building at Jackson, Miss. There was quite a church company here years before the building of the church. In 1905 the basement was finished for school purposes. The school attendance is fifty-five, with two teachers. Elder Barry recently began work for the upbuilding of the church interests. A series of night meetings will begin next week.
Greenville, Miss.
A four-room cottage was erected here in 1906. Two of the rooms were used for school and church purposes, and the other two as a home for the teachers. We have a small but growing church-membership at this place. The school attendance is twenty-two, with two teachers. A small church and a school building are needed.
Natchez, Miss.
This is one of the new places, only two years old, and has a school enrolment of ninety, with two teachers and a strong church company. The building was erected the first part of this year.
The foregoing represents the seven schools where the Southern Missionary Society owns the buildings occupied for this purpose. The remaining twenty-three are held in leased buildings or in private houses. In several places we have offers of land for schools. These should be accepted, and several inexpensive buildings be erected at an early date.
Huntsville, Ala.
The Oakwood School at this place is owned and operated at the present time by the Southern Union Conference. This important training-school should not be forgotten. It is the only school of the kind for the colored people in the denomination. Its large farm and several important buildings have been so well described, that attention will be called only to the fine new school building shown in the center of the picture. It is built of cement blocks, and is to this extent fireproof. It takes the place of the building destroyed by fire over a year ago, and is a credit to the whole school equipment. A small sanitarium is being erected this season.
Nashville Sanitarium for Colored People
The grounds and buildings for this enterprise have been so well described in a recent number of the REVIEW that we will only add that the work of fitting up has begun, and it will soon be ready to open.
Our work for the colored people has been, is, and always will be, a missionary work, continually appealing to the liberality of those who are better situated, and hence able to assist with their means. The constituency formed through the work for this people brings no financial aid, as they are a people without money. By faith a line of work has been outlined for the coming year, requiring greater outlays than ever before. Right upon us is the time for the annual October offering for this work. Let us respond as never before, so that the great advance movement for this important work in the South shall not be hindered.
J. E. WHITE.
New Jersey Camp-Meeting
By B. F. Kneeland
This meeting was held at Woodbury, August 20-30. An excellent spirit prevailed. The camp being located near the center of the city, the meeting was well attended by the citizens. A tent-meeting in charge of Elder G. W. Spies had been in progress for several weeks in another part of the city, and this had created a good impression of our work. Over fifty tents were pitched on the grounds, while a number found lodging in neighboring houses. I think I never attended a meeting where the people of the city seemed so friendly to us. The distribution of a large number of the special Temperance number of the Watchman throughout the city, and the excellent temperance rally held on the first Sunday of the meeting, helped to interest the people in our work.
The pastors of the city were either sick or absent at the time of our temperance rally, but we secured the hearty co-operation of the W. C. T. U. Mrs. M. E. Sparks, the county secretary, gave an excellent address at the rally. Among the other speakers were Elders Morris Lukens, of Washington, D. C., and D. E. Lindsey, who was formerly a laborer in the New Jersey Conference. The program was thoroughly enjoyed by the large number of citizens who were present, and served as a good introduction of our meeting to the people, a number of whom attended nearly every service, including early morning meetings.
The time of the meeting was entirely occupied in labor for the spiritual interests of the people, and instruction in the various lines of work. Special days were devoted to home and foreign missionary work, Missionary Volunteer work, educational, religious liberty, medical missionary, and other lines. Studies were conducted for the benefit of church officers, and Elder E. E. Andross gave a series of talks on the spirit of prophecy which were greatly appreciated. At the evening services there were strong presentations of various doctrinal themes, which made a deep impression on the large audiences.
Several laborers from abroad were in attendance, but most of them remained only a few days. However, the short visits of Elders I. H. Evans, K. C. Russell, W. G. Kneeland, O. O. Bernstein, and Prof. H. R. Salisbury were greatly appreciated. Elder W. H. Heckman, of the East Pennsylvania Conference, and Elder L. F. Starr, of the Chesapeake Conference, also rendered efficient aid during the meeting. Profs. S. M. Butler of Mount Vernon College, and M. E. Kern labored for the young people and the educational work. Elder Lukens and Brother I. D. Richardson assisted our own workers in looking after the interests of the book work. A symposium was held on Monday afternoon in which about twenty of our canvassers gave inspiring accounts of their experiences. The services of Dr. W. H. Smith, superintendent of the Philadelphia Sanitarium, were very helpful. He devoted considerable time to medical consultations and public talks on medical missionary topics. After the reading of some special Testimonies on the sale of “Ministry of Healing” as a means of aiding our sanitariums, a resolution pledging our support to this plan was unanimously adopted.
After Elder Evans had outlined the plan for the Thanksgiving week campaign, it was decided by unanimous vote of the congregation that New Jersey would take and use ten thousand copies of the special Mission number of the REVIEW in this campaign. We feel sure that this will bring great blessings to the work in our conference, as well as aid the Foreign Mission Board in carrying the message to foreign fields.
The Sabbath-school donations amounted to $55, and $531.64 was subscribed to the conference tent fund. The previous donation of a new gospel tent from the Paterson church has enabled us to put five tent companies in the field.
The meeting was a great blessing spiritually to our people. More than twenty made a start for the first time, and many backsliders were reclaimed. Seven were baptized in the Delaware River during the meeting. The outside interest increased until the close. The last Sunday night a large audience listened to an inspiring sermon on the change of the Sabbath by Elder Andross.
Elder Geo. W. Spies remains at Woodbury with a tent and a good supply of workers to follow up the interest. We feel sure that this meeting has been a great blessing to all who attended, and trust that all will pray that God will especially bless the work during the fall campaign. The note of advance has sounded; delay is dangerous.
