Earlier text: Killing TimeToronto (Ontario) Camp-Meeting
By C. S. Longacre.
This meeting was held from August 20 to 30 in Dufferin Park, a beautiful spot near the center of the city of Toronto. The membership of the Ontario Conference is only a little over five hundred, and for some reason there were not so many present as a year ago. But the universal testimony at the close of the meeting was that this was the best camp-meeting they had ever held. The outside interest was so marked that it was decided16 to continue the meetings in the large tent for another week or longer. The writer was requested to remain for several days, and assist in the special effort. Quite a number of outsiders signified their intention to keep the Sabbath, when a call was given the last Sunday night. They had listened to a sermon in the afternoon on the Sabbath question, and again in the evening on the change of the Sabbath. The annual conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting. The president’s report showed an increase in membership, but a slight drop in tithes. The panic in the United States has affected Canada as well, although there was a small surplus in the treasury after all the laborers were paid. An excellent spirit prevailed in the meetings from the beginning to the end. All the former officers were re-elected, with one exception on the conference committee. The preaching and studies given during the camp-meeting were of a spiritual and highly missionary nature. Revival efforts were held at different times. The first and last Sabbaths were especially good days. At the close of a discourse given in the afternoon of the first Sabbath, nearly the whole camp came forward to seek the Lord, for a better experience and power to overcome besetting sins. Quite a number of the young people confessed their lack of conversion, though they had professed the truth for years, and expressed their need of present help. An invitation was extended to all such to repair to another large tent. This was largely filled with youth, and here Satan put up a most determined battle. Many sought the Lord for deliverance, and the consciousness of sins forgiven. But Satan fought us on this issue until the going down of the sun, before complete victory came to all. As soon as one stubborn case was won, that individual at once began to labor for those who were still in bondage. It was a joyful praise-meeting we had after the last one was set free. On Wednesday the whole camp took the train and went to Lornedale Academy, about twenty miles from here, to attend its dedication. It is the only school in the conference, and is beautifully situated on about forty acres of good land. They have plenty of apples, berries of all kinds, grapes, potatoes, and vegetables, and cows and chickens to supply the table for the students, and a good surplus to sell on the market. Elder Eugene Leland, the president of the conference, was in charge of the school last year. Prof. H. T. Curtis of the Keene (Tex.) Academy, was elected its principal for the ensuing year. The prospects are that the school will be more than filled this year. The obligations resting upon the school were about twenty-eight hundred dollars. This whole amount was raised in cash and pledges, contrary to all expectation, by those who attended the dedication. This conference now has a property that is worth about fifteen thousand dollars, and under God’s blessing we were able to dedicate it free of debt. A good interest was manifested in the needs of the work in the regions beyond. A year ago, when the camp-meeting was was larger, the Sabbath-school collection amounted to only thirty-four dollars. This year it amounted to $700.26. Besides this, another collection, amounting to over forty-three dollars, was taken for the work in South America. The laborers from abroad were Elders E. R. Palmer, N. Z. Town, and the writer. Elder W. H. Thurston, president of the Canadian Union Conference, was compelled to leave early in the meeting on account of the Quebec camp-meeting. A joint temperance rally was held on the first Sunday afternoon. An excellent program was rendered to a very large outside audience. Three addresses were made. The first by Mr. W. Munns, president of the Christian Temperance Society of Toronto; the second by J. H. Wilkinson, a former Methodist preacher and present associate editor of the Toronto Sunday World; the last address was given by the writer. This temperance rally on the first Sunday of our meeting greatly helped to increase the attendance during the rest of the week. The conference also voted unanimously to carry into effect the ten-cent-a-week plan, and to take five thousand copies of the special Mission Review with which to solicit donations for the foreign mission work. The book sales at the camp amounted to over two hundred dollars. More were sold to outsiders than at any previous meeting. Everybody returned home rejoicing and determined to work energetically for the Master. "O thou whom thy Lord is sending,
Gather now the sheaves of gold,
Heavenward then at evening wending,
Thou shalt come with joy untold!
Lord of harvest, send forth reapers!
Hear us, Lord, to thee we cry;
Send them now the sheaves to gather,
Ere the harvest-time pass by." Our Maori Mission
By W. R. CARSWELL
After the camp-meeting in Cambridge, Brother Redward and I returned to Gisborne, and a few days later paid a brief visit to Tolago Bay, where we have some Maori believers, and some others who are part Maori. This little company seems to be a truth-loving band. Our visit was principally to become acquainted with a number of people of the Urewera tribe who were visiting Tolago; and to secure some names to which to send our literature, especially our Maori paper. Returning from that visit, we labored in Te Arai and the district around it, spending most of our time in the Maori work; but also visiting our European friends with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” We did not see great results from our work among the Maori people, but trust that the seed sown will not return void to our Heavenly Father. Leaving Mrs. Redward and Mrs. Carswell at Te Arai, Brother Redward and the writer again went to Tolago Bay to labor. Some in this place seem desirous of walking in the light which they have received. But the majority are slow to move, as the pleasures of life are dear to them. We have just taken a trip up the coast north of Tolago to visit other Maori villages. Letters of introduction were given us, addressed to the chief men of the places we were going to visit. We were kindly received at all these places, although the men whose names we had, were often found to be absent from their villages. At each place we usually had the opportunity of conducting morning and evening worship, and conversing freely about present truth. Leaving some of our tracts and papers, we went day after day to other villages, visiting about ten in all. The principal of these are Tokomaru, Waipiro, Hiruharama (Jerusalem), Mangahanea, Tuparoa, and Whareponga. Among those whom we met, and to whom we presented various phases of truth, were men who had studied at Te Aute College, daughters of a Maori minister, relatives of Sabbath-keeping friends in Tolago, and many others who showed interest in the truths presented. One lady (a daughter of a minister), with her husband, seemed much impressed with various phases of the truth presented to them. They live in Tokomaru, where there were a number of cases of typhoid fever. Brother Redward was able to give some treatments, and make some suggestions to those who had the care of these sick ones. A little girl was suffering from typhoid in the house at which we lodged. In Jerusalem, or Hiruharama, we spent a Sabbath day, and visited another village near by. The people are mostly Ringatus, or Seventh-day observers, at least in theory. We enjoyed opening the Word of God to them, and had several studies on Sabbath and Saturday night. Some saw the light regarding the true Sabbath for the first time, presumably Church of England, or Mormon people; for they as well as the Ringatus are found in most of these places. At Jerusalem we were also kindly received by the European teacher of the Maori children, and were invited to visit him at any time we were in the neighborhood. In each village we met some souls who seem desirous of leading a better life,—persons who love the Bible and desire to know it better. Some subscribed for our Maori paper; others purchased “Christ Our Saviour” in the Maori tongue. Altogether we left about two dozen copies of the latter in the hands of the people on our trip. We believe our Maori literature will be a great blessing to the people, and hope some precious souls will fully embrace the truth through this means. We hope soon to be able to increase our stock of literature by having other tracts and pamphlets translated and printed for the Maoris. We see evidences that the Holy Spirit is working for the Maori people, and rejoice in hope that some will obey the truth. MUSSOORIE.—Several months have passed since I last sent a report to the REVIEW, and it is only due to the Lord’s mercy that I am now able to write a few words to express my gratitude to him for having spared my life in answer to the many prayers of brethren and sisters. On the first of April I was attacked with typhoid fever, and for about two months there was a close combat between life and death; but the Lord heard our cries, and redeemed my life from destruction. On the first of June we began a course of Bible studies with a number of Hindustani men and women who came up from various places on the plains. They had heard something of present truth, and being convinced that there was light17 in it for them, were willing to leave all, and come for further study of the message. By the Lord’s help we were able to give them some new truth each day until they had covered all the special points. As we met together each morning for our study, we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit to impress the truth upon every heart, and we have never seen any people advance more rapidly than these Hindustani brethren and sisters. On the twenty-second of July we had the pleasure of seeing twelve of these follow the Lord in baptism. The service was conducted by Elder J. L. Shaw, in a beautiful spot on the mountainside. It was a solemn, yet a glad and impressive occasion, and one which we believe marks a new era in the Hindustani work. Surely there shall be delay no longer in giving this message to the millions of India, as the Lord is ready to co-operate with every one who gives himself to this work. Several of these new brethren and sisters have now returned to their homes, and we expect to hear soon of many others becoming interested through their efforts. Two of these brethren who have been studying with us, not many years ago were in the darkness of Hinduism, bowing down to idols of wood and stone; but through the reading of the Scriptures they were converted, and have been led on step by step until now they are rejoicing in the light of present truth. One of these new converts has taken up the nurses’ course at the sanitarium, and we trust he will make a useful worker in this line. Another also expects to take up this work from the first of August. Brother and Sister Meyers joined us in July, and assisted in giving the Bible studies. Their help and encouragement were appreciated by all. I trust the readers of the REVIEW will remember us at the throne of grace.
L. J. BURGESS. Canvassing on the Pacific Coast
By WALTER HARPER
How speedily one more busy week has gone by! In it all I can see so many tokens of God’s love and care. Truly he is good, and his mercies are new every morning. God does hear and answer prayer. He never disappoints those who come to him in faith. I work hard, early and late, but look to God, have faith in him, and believe all success comes from the Lord. I sell many of that grand book, “Ministry of Healing.” I take this book along with me, as a part of my work, and try to secure one or two orders a day for it, as missionary work for the Lord, and he does bless. I use this book on the same plan, and work it by the same methods, as my regular canvassing work. I take “Ministry of Healing” on one trip and “Christ’s Object Lessons” on another. One day last week the Lord gave me seven orders for “Ministry of Healing,” besides a number of other orders for books, helps, etc. It may appear at times that one loses a lot of valuable time from the regular canvassing work, and that he can not afford to do it, but it only “appears” so, for sooner or later the Lord will make it all up. That day after about 6 P. M., the Lord gave me $48.50 in orders for books, helps, etc. That day, all told for all kinds, my orders amounted to $86.50. How I long to see these two “relief books,” “Ministry of Healing” and “Christ’s Object Lessons,” sold everywhere. If all our canvassers and workers would connect these books with their regular work, especially those working for scholarships, I believe the Lord would be pleased. Last week the dear Heavenly Father gave me over three hundred dollars in orders for books, helps, etc. I can only give the honor and praise to him. By his grace I am enabled to sell many of that heaven-sent book, “Patriarchs and Prophets.” I see marvelous answers to prayer in working for “Patriarchs and Prophets,”—things that are an astonishment to me,—how the Lord opens the way, and how some classes of rough, swearing men have their attention held, an interest awakened, a desire created to buy and read this book. They buy it, too. The Lord only knows the fruits to result to his honor and glory. In last week’s work, most all of these orders were secured in five days, as the preparation day, Friday, I did little work, only took orders to the value of twenty dollars. In it all I truly say, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” “What hath God wrought?” “It is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes!” My address is Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. East Michigan Camp-Meeting
By Frederick Griggs
THIS meeting was held at Lapeer, August 20-30. Lapeer is quite centrally located for this conference, and there was a better attendance at the meeting than there has been for years. On the last Sabbath it was estimated that more than one thousand of our own people were on the grounds. The camp was pitched in a large meadow just on the outskirts of the town, and there were about one hundred twenty-five family tents. These were arranged in perfect lines, and presented a very pretty appearance. Many of the tents are new, having been made in the tent-making department of the conference school at Holly. The excellent workmanship speaks well for the students' ability. In this connection I may mention that the school seems to be exerting a good influence in the conference, for nearly all of the numerous young people who were on the grounds are very anxious for an education, that they may be prepared for service in the cause. On the first Sabbath of the meeting there was a marked revival in the camp. Nearly the whole camp, including all of the laborers, came forward to seek the Lord for a deeper experience in this message. The spirit of conviction was present; wrongs were righted, and a sincere desire was manifested to be right with God. This revival spirit was continued throughout the entire meeting, and was again particularly marked on the last Sabbath when hundreds again came forward to seek the Lord. This brought into the meeting a spirit of willingness to take part in all of the interests of the cause. The laborers from outside the conference were: Elders Allen Moon, E. R. Palmer, C. P. Bollman, O. Reinke, Prof. Otto F. Graf, and the writer. About three hundred dollars in cash and pledges was raised for the work for the colored people in the South, five hundred fifty dollars for the school at Holly, and six thousand five hundred dollars for foreign missions. These liberal offerings made with willing hearts can but result in spiritual benefit to the people. Two baptismal services were held, in which thirty-six persons were baptized. Four more were to be baptized later. The meeting, as a whole, resulted in great benefit to the conference, and we can but believe that its work will be prosecuted with much more energy and vigor because of this spiritual feast. Experiences in Georgia
By Arthur W. Bartlett
SINCE OUR last report, there have been some interesting developments in God’s work in southern Georgia. We came to Brunswick about six months ago, and found a beautiful city of about twelve thousand inhabitants, situated on the sea. There were but two white persons keeping the Sabbath, a Brother Fisher and his wife. Brother Fisher had been canvassing for our books in the city for three years, and by his godly life had won the confidence of many. We also found a little company of unorganized colored Sabbath-keepers, which numbered six adults, also a small mission school for colored children. We turned our attention to the establishment of treatment-rooms in the city, believing that we could make our health work a “right arm” to open doors for our evangelistic labors. The Lord greatly blessed us, and to-day we have well-equipped treatment-rooms in an ideal location, and a good class of patients. We next sought a location for a sanitarium on the beautiful and historic St. Silmon’s Island, a few miles from Brunswick, a famous summer resort for inland residents from several Southern States. By God’s blessing we were enabled to lease for ten years, with privilege of renewal, a fine building situated on a magnificent sea beach. We propose to enlarge this building, and build in connection with it a large concrete bathing-pool for winter bathing. This pool will18 be constantly filled with salt water, flowing into it from the sea. The climate on this island in the winter is like that of Florida; for the Florida line is but a few miles away, but in summer it is unlike that of Florida in that cool breezes blow continually from the ocean, and there is a remarkable absence of mosquitoes and sand-flies. Some of our Seventh-day Adventist farmers would find an opportunity on this island to secure farms for the raising of produce that brings a much higher price than in the North, and above all they could do missionary work in this most needy field. There are openings here for church-school teachers, both among the white and the colored people. We need consecrated laborers in this field more than we need money; but of course we are struggling with close financial conditions, and rejoice for any help in that line. We greatly enjoy our work here, and have realized what was promised through the Testimonies, that if any would respond to the pitiful call in the South for laborers, they would receive the Holy Spirit, and do a work that would fill all heaven with rejoicing. My address is 2200 Ellis St., Brunswick, Ga. ARTHUR W. BARTLETT. Pennsylvania
By O. O. BERNSTEIN
PHILADELPHIA.—This is the eighth week in our tent effort in this city. Our tent is located on Fifty-second and Locust streets, one square from the West Side church. Although an old stamping-ground, the people of this section are taking a great deal of interest in the truth presented. The life-size beast images illustrating the prophecies have attracted a great deal of attention; as has also the method used in advertising, the interest having increased from the very first. From five hundred to seven hundred persons are in attendance Sunday nights, with, of course, a less number during other nights of the week. We have received two hundred dollars in collections. Eighteen adults have thus far accepted the message. We have access to many homes, and scores are deeply convicted. Those assisting in the effort are Brethren I. M. Martin, W. T. Hilgirt, Charles S. Baum, and Sister Sue Andrews. Sister Nellie B. Underwood also gave us valuable help the first five weeks of the effort. The outlook is encouraging. As we continue to labor, we solicit an interest in the prayers of God's people. The Southern California Camp-Meeting
By A. G. DANIELLS.
THE annual conference and camp-meeting of the Southern California Conference was held at Los Angeles, August 6-16. About twelve hundred camped on the ground, and three or four hundred more attended the services each Sabbath. This, I judge, was one of the largest of our camp-meetings held this season. It was the first general meeting of our people in Southern California that I have had the privilege of attending, and it was a most enjoyable, encouraging, and helpful occasion. The prospering hand of the Lord has been with the Southern California Conference since its organization seven years ago. The membership has increased from 1,040 to 2,217; the annual tithes have increased from $17,398.36 in 1902 to $32,690.45 in 1907. The Fernando Academy has been developed into a successful institution without indebtedness, and several excellent sanitariums have been opened, and are now enjoying a good patronage. To one who visits that part of the field only occasionally, the change seems marvelous. True, this growth has been attended with much wearing toil, many perplexities, and some trials. Even now the financial obligations of the sanitariums cause anxiety, and call for wise management. But if the right course is pursued, in the fear of the Lord, his blessing will be with them. The councils and business affairs of the conference passed off very harmoniously. Some months before the meeting convened, the General Conference Committee requested Elder G. W. Reaser, president of the Southern California Conference, to take the oversight of the work in Mexico. Brother Reaser gave the call prayerful consideration, and decided to accept it. Those who knew the two fields have some appreciation of the sacrifice that Brother Reaser has made in this decision. But this is the way of the Master, in whose footsteps his ministers must be careful to walk. The hearts of the brethren and sisters were made tender as Brother Reaser told them of his decision, and his reasons for it. It was plain to all that the Lord has given our brother a good experience during the past year, and he goes to Mexico with the confidence and prayers of his brethren. Elder E. E. Andross was chosen to fill his place in Southern California. It is with deep regret to Brother and Sister Andross that they have been compelled to leave their post in Great Britain, and return to the States; but the health of Sister Andross has made it necessary. The brethren in Southern California are fortunate in securing these laborers, who have had years of tried and successful service abroad. The prayers of our people will be offered in behalf of Sister Andross, that she may be fully restored to health. Among the many interests brought before the conference were the needs of the foreign fields. These received friendly and sympathetic consideration. Two thousand dollars of surplus tithe was appropriated to foreign missions, and twelve thousand dollars was raised in cash, pledges, and jewelry for the foreign fields. If diligent efforts are made to pay these pledges, this splendid gift will prove a great blessing to our workers who are struggling with so many perplexities in the mission fields. One very interesting and impressive service at this camp-meeting was a special meeting of the Sabbath-keepers on the ground, representing various nationalities. A large space in front of the platform was reserved for these brethren and sisters. We were surprised to find that there were present representatives of thirty different foreign peoples. The Russian and Spanish Sabbath-keepers predominated. Special efforts have been made in Southern California to reach these two classes, and the results furnish another demonstration of what can be done for the foreign people who have come to the States. This unique meeting was under the leadership of Brother J. F. Blunt, who, with others in Los Angeles, has worked very earnestly for the Mexican people in that city. A great temperance rally was held on the camp-ground the first Sunday afternoon of the meeting. Among the speakers from the city who came to tender their services were two Presbyterian ministers, the State president of the W. C. T. U., two county presidents, the president of the Y. W. C. T. U., the secretary of the Y. M. C. A., the secretaries of eight departments of the W. C. T. U., one judge, and two attorneys. This was probably the most successful temperance rally we have ever held in connection with our camp-meetings. It did our people good to hear these earnest temperance workers plead for prohibition, and social purity. And it did the speakers good to meet such a body of earnest, genuine temperance people. One of the ministers and several of the leading W. C. T. U. workers remained to the evening service, to hear the story of our world-wide missionary endeavors. A number of the W. C. T. U. ladies stayed with us on the ground during the most of the week. One of them took her stand with us for the truth before the camp-meeting closed. The success of this meeting was due, very largely, to the wise, earnest efforts of Dr. Wood-Starr. For months Sister Starr had been working with these temperance people in Southern California. They had come to see that we as a people stand for temperance and purity, and they were glad to join us, and to have our support in their work. In arranging and carrying out the large program Dr. Starr worked untiringly until the meeting opened. Just here is where some of our efforts to hold such meetings have failed. Those in charge have not put the earnest enthusiasm and hard work into the effort they should. It is not too early now to begin to plan for large, impressive, fruit-bearing temperance meetings next year. In many respects the Los Angeles camp-meeting was one of the best I have attended in many years. Owing to the excellent interest in the meetings, it was decided to continue the camp-meeting, a week longer than had been planned. Sister White spoke a number of times with good effect. Elder H. W. Cottrell, the president of the Pacific Union Conference, rendered earnest and effective service throughout the meeting. The local ministers of the conference took an active part, and thus the whole meeting was made a great blessing to the people. Galston, New South Wales
By F. W. Paap
A LITTLE over two months ago, we pitched our tent at Galston, in a very central and in every way desirable spot. The Lord favored us in securing the site. At first the attendance was small, and a good deal of prejudice seemed to exist. Little by little this was broken down, and the attendance increased, and at this writing a goodly number have already embraced the message, and others are deeply interested. The attendance is as large now as at any time during the effort. The district is a very scattered one; but when an interest is taken in the study of God's Word, keen enough to lead men and women to walk as far as eight miles to and from the meetings, and this night after night, a good congregation is a certainty. God has given us his Spirit in a rich measure. Great spiritual blessings have been showered upon us. The third angel's19 message never shone with a greater luster than it does to-day, and we feel deeply grateful to God for its bright rays. In the desk and while going from house to house, we have been conscious of the presence of the heavenly visitants. Last Sabbath was a good day. It was planned to have all the Sabbath-keepers of the district meet at the tent for Sabbath-school at 10 A. M., and right on time we opened with an attendance of nearly sixty. At eleven o'clock we held a preaching service, and the leading thought was based on the text, “Look on the fields: for they are white already to harvest.” The Lord came very near, and we were caused to realize our responsibility. At 2:30 P. M. we reassembled to conduct a social meeting. A spirit of true devotion and full surrender was manifest. Some with us were keeping the Sabbath for the first time, and their testimonies, like those of others, were encouraging. Some spoke of their deepening confidence in the message, and of victories gained; and a number of both old and young declared their desire and intention to fit themselves for his service. The day was one of special blessing, and one that we shall not soon forget. Already several of our little company are at the Avondale School, and others will join them the first of next year, God willing. This people are going to join in the work of proclaiming the third angel's message to all the world in this generation. We ask a very special interest in your prayers right at this time. Souls are in the valley of decision. ABOUT eighteen months ago Dr. S. W. Gamble visited the province of Alberta, holding meetings in every locality where Seventh-day Adventists were to be found, except in the largest cities. He was sent out by the Lord's-day Alliance, and was welcomed by the churches in general. Among other boastful statements, he said that wherever he had labored, Seventh-day Adventists had decreased in numbers. At that time our church-membership was about one hundred sixty; at present there are nearly three hundred on our church records. Several became deeply interested in the truth as an indirect result of his work. It may be asked, What has become of the doctor? He is to be found on a homestead in Alberta. From time to time he speaks in a country school-house in an Adventist community. The words of men are as idle tales; but God's truth is as powerful and enduring as God himself. C. A. BURMAN. Italian Work in the Greater New York Conference
By LOUIS ZECCHETTO
THE Italian work in the Greater New York Conference is progressing nicely. August 15 Brother A. Saverese baptized four converts as a result of his open-air meetings. Besides these four converts, a number of others are interested in the third angel’s message. In our tent-meetings in Brooklyn all through the summer the attendance has been equal to the capacity of the tent, and some evenings there were about a hundred persons outside, listening to the preaching. In fact, we have kept the Catholic priest busy going from house to house with a pail containing holy water (so-called) to bless the homes, and drive the evil spirit out that has been brought in by us. He has also threatened them with excommunication, and forbids them to come to his church, in case he should find out that they entered the tent. For this reason quite a number of the people listened from the outside. We managed to preach from the Catholic Bible sometimes, and this has been a help to gain the confidence of some. At the beginning, the people being of Calabria, one of the most ignorant and superstitious provinces in Italy, they threatened to burn our tent, and gave us so many days to move; but later on the same persons, after they had heard the message, all gathered to our assistance to save the tent when there was a heavy storm that threatened it. When we presented the Sabbath question, a number signified their intention of accepting it, but after hearing some other doctrines that we as a people hold, some withdrew; still we have quite a number who meet with us on every Sabbath day. Brother R. Calderone is having a good attendance where he is preaching at Wallabout Mission, and we trust our Heavenly Father will enable us to reach this people. Our Italian paper, L’Ultimo Messaggio, is increasing in circulation steadily. We hope every reader of the REVIEW will help us to circulate this monthly paper in order to make it self-supporting. We received an encouraging order from South America, increasing their circulation club from fifty to three hundred fifty. We hope other conferences will follow their example. Work for the Colored People in the South
By C. F. McVAGH
No more perplexing problem confronts Seventh-day Adventists than that of getting the third angel's message before the eight millions of colored people in the South. Already many favorable opportunities have been allowed to slip away. Notwithstanding the oft-repeated calls, and the instruction of the spirit of prophecy, some of these are gone, never to return. But to those who have the work at heart, and are studying the situation on the ground, it is very evident that now is the most favorable time we shall ever have in which to act; and that whatever is done, must be done quickly. We can not grapple with this great problem alone. For the money, prayers, and labor of the past, there is a nucleus of faithful colored Sabbath-keepers scattered throughout the broad South; the Huntsville School training hundreds of colored people to go out as teachers, ministers, Bible readers, canvassers, and nurses among their own people; and the Southern Missionary Society, with its established and rapidly growing system of mission schools. These schools are doing good work in the cause of negro education, and also in raising up churches and laborers for the advancement of the message. Just now the calls are many, and we are getting a corps of consecrated workers who are anxious to fill the calls; but it takes means to send laborers, provide facilities, hold institutes, etc. The larger part of the money thus far expended in the South has been for work among the white people, and this work is rapidly becoming self-supporting; but Huntsville is hard pressed for means already voted for absolutely necessary facilities, and the Southern Missionary Society officers are perplexed to know how to meet the growing demands upon their treasury. Two years ago the mission schools numbered nine, last year there were eighteen, and this fall twenty-five are starting, besides which, under the recommendation of the union conferences, the society is opening treatment-rooms in Nashville, Tenn., and greatly enlarging the work in Atlanta, Ga. Elders G. A. Irwin and C. P. Bollman have been presenting the needs at camp-meetings in the North, and it is earnestly hoped that immediate relief, promptly forwarded, will be sent in answer to these appeals in addition to a more than usually liberal October collection this fall. No money can be expended in the United States that will bring more blessed results than that given to support the work for the colored people, of which the October collection is the main regular support. The offering this year should be more than double that of last year, in order to provide for the growth of the work already planned. I have just returned from a visit to the camp-meeting for our colored people at Jackson, Miss. The workers are of good courage. Elders Thomas Murphy and S. A. Jordan report a most successful tent effort at Ellisville, Miss.; and encouraging reports come from other points in the Southern and Southeastern union conferences, with souls rejoicing in the truth, and other openings for work. Brethren and sisters, remember this needy part of the Lord's vineyard on October 3, and pray for the laborers, and those who have the burden of the work, as you make up and forward your donations to the work in the South. A Golden Opportunity
By GEO. W. WELLS.
THE calls for means are numerous; the importance of the message we have to bear, and the times in which we live, make this imperative. In the South a vast army of colored people have never been reached with this message. We find among them those who are susceptible to the truth; little companies here and there are being raised up, and some are developing into strong workers. An earnest effort is being made to push the work in this field among this class of people, and God is blessing the laborers. The results seen are indeed encouraging. In this conference alone we have over one million colored people, and whatever20 is done for them must be done quickly; for the work is fast closing up. We are told that “as yet we have touched this work only with the tips of our fingers.” Is it not high time that we awake out of sleep, and take hold of this work as never before? The time is shorter, the demands are greater, the openings for work and calls for workers are more numerous, than at any previous time. This being true, our gifts to the Southern work on this occasion (October 3) should be larger than ever before. Russia
By Mrs. J. T. Boetrcher
RIGA.—Here is an item which I have hastily translated, and which I think will interest you. There has just been a missionary congress in the city of Kiew. Most of their meetings have been secret, and not open to the press. But the last Sabbath this telegram appeared in one of the Riga daily papers:— “KIEW, AUGUST 1.—The missionary congress found the sect called Adventists to be especially injurious, and recommended that the teachings of that sect be thoroughly studied by means of their books, so as to find how and where they differ from the Orthodox (Greek) Church; also that the Holy Synod be asked to offer a premium for the best work written against the Adventists. The congress further found that it would be well if their missionaries would be present at the sessions of this sect, and take part in their discussions, endeavoring to point out the crudeness and mockery of religion found in their teachings, as well as their connection with Judaism. Further, the congress recommended that the Holy Synod be asked to publish a Bible to be used for missionary purposes, and expressed the hope that a new translation might be given, as the old contains so many mistakes.”
I am glad to say that the Holy Synod is quite thoroughly acquainted with our teachings; and the director himself said he had never heard anything so wonderful. How good that we got there first. This is not bad. I hope we shall see some of these missionaries at our fall meetings. Mrs. J. T. BOETRCHER.