It has ever been the proud profession of us Seventh-day Adventists that we are the commandment-keeping people. Oftentimes upon our lips has been the well-known text, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
This verse calls for the keeping of all the commandments. It calls for the keeping of all the commandments perfectly. There is no room for qualification, nor for allowances for failure. It is written: “Here are they that KEEP—” What is perfect commandment-keeping?
A rich young man once came to Christ, saying: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” To this the Lord made reply: “Keep the commandments.” “Which?” “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
And now the young man answers: “All these things [commandments] have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet [in commandment-keeping]?” “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect [in commandment-keeping], go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
Perfect commandment-keeping, then, is to sell all that we have, and to lay the proceeds on the altar of God. Whether or not we will do this will yet be, and even now is, one of the supreme tests through which Seventh-day Adventists will be called upon to pass.
The call to do this will come to us in what may seem to be quiet, ordinary, commonplace ways,—ways so ordinary and commonplace that there is danger, unless our eyes have been anointed with the heavenly eye-salve, that we shall not see them. Money may be needed for some foreign field. Money may be required to open the work in some destitute part of the Southern States. A plea may come for gold and silver, in order that the financial relief of the schools may be effected. Any one of these needy causes may constitute God’s request and invitation to us to SELL.
Christ was the perfect commandment-keeper. And the wondrous thing in the work of Christ was that he gave up all that he had for the sake of the poor. He left the magnificent mansions of heaven;11he left the garden of God in paradise; he gave up the glory and the luxury of the palaces of his paternal home. Then he came to earth, and sojourned here a homeless wanderer. He never owned a house, nor a city lot, nor a farm, nor stocks, nor bonds, nor property of any name or nature. He himself said: “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Yea, and at the hour of his crucifixion he did not even have the poor, travel-stained garments, which had covered his sacred form; for it is written: “They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.”
All the hoarded wealth of eternity was laid upon the altar by the Master. All the material, property, and pleasures of the better world were relinquished by the Master for the benefit of the sinner. The doing of this constituted his commandment-keeping. Giving up all these things made him the perfect commandment-keeper.
“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Christ loved us sufficiently to leave all that he had, for our sakes. For our sakes he dwelt in the earth without promise of salary of any kind, and devoid of property from which to support himself. Such was the faith of Jesus.
Now the remnant church are to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The two things blend inseparably into one. The time will soon come when we must have the faith of Christ, so that we, too, shall be willing to live for a while in the earth with no salaries or property of any name or nature. When men and women reach the place where, in Christ’s name and for his sake, they are doing this, it can then indeed be truly said of them that they keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Many are even now being tested by the Lord on this point. God is pleading with many to do more than simply give of their abundance. He yearns for gifts of sacrifice from his professed followers. Gifts of sacrifice are for the most part those which require that we “sell” what we possess, in order that we may give. Many times such gifts require not only that we sell, but that we sell at a sacrifice.
How many are doing this? An earnest plea is now being made to our people to arise and set free the schools.
Awake, O Spirit of God, thy slumbering people, that in this matter we may have perfect love. Set free thy suffering cause, that our lives may be true to our watchword, and that we may indeed, in the doing of these things, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS.
Here are the names of those who have paid money for the RELIEF OF THE SCHOOLS since the last report:—
Chas. J. Rider, New Salem, N. D. .......... $100 00
Chas. A. Burman, Milbank, S. D. ........... 100 00
A. N. Heligso, Webster, S. D. ............... 5 00
L. D. Randall, Sioux Falls, S. D. ............ 5 00
W. J. Hazeltine and wife, Rogers, N. D. ..... 4 00
Hulda and Emily Thornlund, Bue, N. D. ...... 5 00
S. A. Hill, Sioux Falls, S. D. ............... 5 00
Alfred Carlson ............................... 4 00
Mrs. J. C. Pease, Sanborn, N. D. ............ 2 00
E. Erickson, Fulda, Minn. ................... 50 00
S. A. Anderson, Troy, Idaho. ................ 50 00
A. J. Carpenter, Port Gamble, Wash. ......... 4 00
D. Nettleton and family, Dakota. ............ 50 00
Simon Bowman (note surrendered) ........... 500 00
Lou Somers .................................. 50 00
Josephine Pence ............................. 60 00
H. L. Hahn .................................. 25 00
R. P. Hoff .................................. 25 00
D. P. Ziegler ............................... 25 00
J. B. Green ................................ 25 00
Mary E. Zener ............................... 50 00
Laura E. Young .............................. 50 00
Smaller sums ................................ 12 25
All money for the RELIEF OF THE SCHOOLS should be sent to A. G. Adams, Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich. P. T. MAGAN.
ARGENTINA
By F. H. Westphal
In my visit to the school in Entre Rios I found that the Lord is blessing the work there. Several of the students are preparing themselves to engage in the Master's work. They are glad for the privilege of studying the truth, and for the benefits of the school. I am sure that we did not build our school too soon. From one brother, about twenty-five years of age, I received a letter, in which he said that he had looked for work, but the way was hedged up so that he did not succeed. He accepted this as an evidence that the Lord wished him to go to school, and to prepare himself for usefulness in the Master's work. He said that he could not rest day nor night, as the conviction was growing stronger that he ought to prepare himself for usefulness in spreading the truth. It is a source of encouragement to us to see that the Lord is putting upon some a woe if they preach not the gospel.
The church in Entre Rios is also growing. Last Sabbath six members were added to it. The Lord blessed the church. Most of those who have lately come into the church were well grounded in the message before taking that step. For two weeks I held meetings with the church each evening. The meetings were greatly blessed of the Lord. A fund for the poor was raised. Each third Sabbath in the month they will take up a collection for the poor. The church also contributed liberally toward the special work in Buenos Ayres. We hope to see this church send out, very soon, many laborers into the wide harvest field. Some are thinking of entering upon a course of study in the school.
From Entre Rios I came to Santa Fé, and while passing through the city was suddenly stopped by a man who began to make crosses and pray to me. At first I could not understand why this was, but afterward learned that he thought I was a Catholic priest. My rain-coat had somewhat the appearance of a priest's robe. It made me feel much ashamed to think that one of my fellow men would pray to me. Surely there is a crying need for the preaching of the gospel, that men may not seek of man that which God alone can give. The Lord will lead many souls to himself if men will co-operate with him. The longing desire for the Lord's blessing planted in each heart is the work of the Holy Spirit. If men would step aside and let these souls come to Jesus, there would be joy in heaven.
I met Brother Vuilleumier at Las Tunas. He had just come from San Cristobal, where he had been preaching the truth. Ten or more had decided in favor of the truth, and others were deeply interested. The merchants, however, thought that it was their duty to interfere. They circulated and signed a petition, and delivered it to the commissario, demanding that Brother Vuilleumier leave. The commissario came to command Brother Vuilleumier to leave the place. Our brother stated that it was contrary to the constitution, and to the principles of liberty of speech guaranteed by the constitution, of Argentina. The commissario said that they followed the constitution as far as they could, but when it was necessary, they would have to resort to other means. It seems as if the principle of imperial domination is in the very air. When the republican constitutions will not serve to sustain this spirit of domination, they must be passed by to give place to the tyranny of the Dark Ages. Brother Vuilleumier followed the example of the Saviour, and left the place. In a few weeks I shall again visit San Cristobal.
It was my privilege to visit the Malbertina church. This church was called into the truth several years ago by the labors of Brother McCarthy. Some had moved away, and others were somewhat discouraged when I came here, but most of them are now full of courage and hope. Nearly all of them understand Spanish. The Lord's presence was felt in a marked manner. We celebrated the ordinance of the Lord's house, in which nearly all took part. There was rain but three times last year, so their harvest did not amount to much. The rainfall of the entire year amounted to only about three inches. While I am writing this, the rain is falling gently but continually. It may continue raining for two or three days. The farmers are greatly encouraged by this blessing. San Francisco is not far away, and is the market-place for the people here,
The intolerance of Catholicism is felt in a marked way in Cordoba. A class of religious preachers called The Brethren had secured a hall in San Francisco, and were holding meetings. Their hall was generally filled with interested listeners. When no other way offered itself to break up the meetings, the hall was filled with chloroform, or something of that nature, and thus the audience was scattered, and the meetings were broken up. We can see that there is a work to do in this country, as the people become interested in the truth of the word of God in spite of the opposition of the priests. Pray for the work here, that many souls may be led to the Lord and converted to the glorious Third Angel's Message.
F. H. WESTPHAL.
The Honor That Comes from God Is Lasting
“THE honor that comes from God is lasting.”
Germany
By John Norton Loughborough
The camp-meeting, with annual meetings of the German Conference, was held at Friedensau, Germany, July 5–15. On the 10th and 11th there were also meetings of the officers of the European Union Conference, Elder O. A. Olsen presiding. In these meetings were representatives from England and Scandinavia, and Brother A. G. Daniells, of Australia, was also present.
The camp-ground was a turfed meadow close to tall pines. The sod of grass and moss prevented dust, which is frequently present on camp-grounds. During the meeting about five hundred of our people attended. These were accommodated in the thirty-five tents on the grounds, and in the buildings of the school, sanitarium, and food factory adjoining one side of the camp. There were twelve nationalities represented in our meeting, and it was the largest gathering of Seventh-day Adventists ever held in Europe.
The placing of the school, sanitarium, and food factory here has made a favorable impression in the community. Men of prominence attended the meeting, and wrote articles for the papers, commending the work that is being done, and advising the people to come to the meetings and hear. Hundreds came every afternoon. On the last Sunday the large tent was filled with attentive listeners, at least five hundred of whom were not Seventh-day Adventists. In that section the meetings made a powerful impression in favor of the work, medical and educational, now being conducted at Friedensau. It was a blessed season for our people and for the workers. The business all passed off pleasantly. During this gathering twenty-one persons were baptized, and two brethren were ordained to the gospel ministry. One of these was Brother Rijsdam, of Holland; the other, Brother Hünergardt, of Hungary.
The report of standing showed that there are seventy-nine companies of our people in the German field, and a little over two thousand members. Of these, sixteen companies were gained last year, the net increase of members being about two hundred and fifty. The tithe of the Conference for the year was $15,003; First-day offerings, $308.22; other offerings, $4,192.63; Sabbath-school contributions, $1,254.28, all of which, except twenty-five dollars, was given to mission work. The book sales of the colporteurs and office amounted to $24,480. During the camp-meeting there was pledged to the work in Friedensau one thousand dollars. Of this considerable was paid on the grounds. The second Sabbath of the meeting the Sabbath-school contribution, which amounted to eighty-nine dollars, was given to the Russian field.
There was great freedom in the seasons of social worship. In one meeting I counted seventy persons who rose to their feet at once, waiting an opportunity to speak. In that meeting of ninety minutes about two hundred bore testimony. The workers separated from the camp in good cheer for another year of service for the Master. We could but say, The Lord bless the work in the German field. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Love Will Gain the Victory
“Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain results of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation, yet strong, mighty, to overcome great evils.”
SOUTH LANCASTER SUMMER SCHOOL.
By M. D. Mattson
The summer school, according to announcement, began July 5, and will close in a few days from the present time. The attendance is not large; but the interest that has been awakened in the few who are attending, is excellent; and if there is one lesson we are learning above another, it is the importance of these schools, where those who are to give instruction to our children may pursue a course of study that will prepare them for the duties demanded by the gospel message for this time.
This is the first school of the kind at this place, and those in attendance are expected to have but one object in view; that is, to enter our church schools for active service as soon as possible.
Living in the time when the truths of God are being set aside for fables, in the public schools and popular churches, it is essential that the teacher be qualified so to impart the truth as it is in Jesus, that our children may be saved from the deception of these last days.
The rejection of the law of God in the realm of morals, by the church, is more far-reaching in its baleful influence than one at first might think. In another form the same evil is made manifest in worldly schools, in denying the working of the law of God in the realm of science. The results that flow from both church and school are identical. Papal principles are supplanting Christian truth.
The influence of the school on the mind of the child is evidently far greater than the influence of the church, owing to the time spent in school life, and also to the direct instruction given by the teacher.
The message of God, calling our children out of worldly schools, is a timely one, and should be heeded at once by all parents. Therefore church schools must be established under the direction of competent teachers, who have had special training in the principles of the Third Angel’s Message, that the Bible may be made first in the education of our children.
The best way to make sure that the teacher is qualified to discern the Christian principle from the papal, is to establish schools in which an experience may be gained by our young people, requisite to meet the demands of these perilous times.
Thus far, the results of our school work have been most satisfactory. The class recitations are largely conducted by the students themselves, after which a free and general discussion is entered into by all. In this way, corrections can be made when necessary, thus making plain the principles of a Christian education, in contrast with those of a worldly one.
From the beginning, the Lord has been very near, and has so led in all discussions that it is plainly seen that all are here to be taught of the Lord.
The success that has attended our efforts has convinced us that our young people who are looking forward with a view of entering this most important profession, should make a great effort to avail themselves of the opportunities extended to them through this special course of instruction.
M. D. MATTSON.
MISSISSIPPI
By G. K. Owen
BILOXI.— This interesting and enterprising town is one of the most popular resorts on the Gulf Coast. It is spread over most of the peninsula on which it is situated. Along the southern coast it is cut up into small blocks by narrow streets, the population varying by several thousand at different seasons of the year. To the northward, as far as the shore of the Back Bay, the population is not so dense, although the residences are quite thickly scattered among the native magnolias and other forest trees.
A village of bathing houses, each connected with the shore by a narrow wooden bridge, stands on stilts in a line parallel with the shore, and extends several rods into the sea. But the bathing and boat-riding enterprise, although extensive, includes but a small part of the employment of this busy seaport. Several large canning factories employ many hands a part of the year, canning up the worm-, bug-, and spider-like creatures called oysters, shrimps, and crabs, which are scraped in from the slimy sea, to be sent in long train-loads to satisfy the craving scavenger appetites of the inhabitants of the land. The proprietors of these factories are radical “expansionists;” for although they diminish the sea, they are adding acres to the territory of the mighty United States Empire. The wagons, cars, and ships make such slow progress in moving the oyster shells out of the way, that the southern shore-line of our country is steadily moving onward toward the tropical regions, at least in the vicinity of these canning factories.
But, as a matter of infinitely greater interest, the message of present truth has come here, and has taken root. Elders Woodford, Horton, and Owen had been holding tent-meetings for a week or two before I came, and since then my brother and I have held meetings in three different locations in Biloxi; and since the tent was shipped to Columbus, to be used at the camp-meeting, I have held open-air meetings, and have visited from house to house. I find a large portion of the people convinced of the truth of the message, but slow to obey. A few have taken their stand for the truth, and we have two regular places of Sabbath meetings,—at Mechanics Hall, 10–12 A. M., and at Harrison’s Hall, 3–5 P. M., including Sabbath-school. We have the use of Mechanics Hall free of rent; for Harrison’s Hall we pay one dollar a month. Although the fruits of the work here are not abundant in quantity, we trust the quality will prove genuine.
G. K. OWEN.
CHESAPEAKE CAMP-MEETING.
By H. W. Cottrell
The Chesapeake camp-meeting and Conference were held, according to appointment, June 21 to July 2. The weather was favorable for such a gathering throughout the entire time, except a few days, which were disagreeably warm. However, there was little or no sickness among the campers, for which all were grateful.
There were about one hundred and twenty-five of our own people in attendance. At first thought, this number seems small, but when we consider that the Conference has been organized only about one year and a half, the attendance seems encouraging.
The camp was situated on a vacant lot in the closely built portion of the city; so a goodly number of persons could hear the preaching from their own houses as easily as if they were upon the grounds. This was one interesting feature in the location of the camp. There were only eighteen or twenty tents erected, a large number of those attending rooming in the city.
The ordained ministers who were present, either all or a portion of the time, and assisted in the meetings, were Elders K. C. Russell, A. Moon, R. A. Underwood, A. E. Place, A. F. Ballenger, J. F. Jones, S. M. Cobb, R. D. Hottel, and W. A. Westworth, and the writer. Professor Griggs, of South Lancaster Academy, was in attendance in the interest of education. Brother Curtis, of the Pacific Press, was there in the interest of the publishing work.
The preaching was wholly of a practical nature. The attendance from the city was fair. Many who had no settled evidence of their acceptance with the Lord, surrendered themselves to him, and received peace of soul. The meetings were of a quiet nature, the still, small voice being heard by many, and the deep moving of the Spirit of the Master being realized as present by all.
The various interests already referred to were considered, also others; such as, the foreign missions, religious liberty, Sabbath-school work, canvassing, and sanitarium interests. Eight hundred dollars was received for foreign missions.
Elder O. O. Farnsworth, of the New England Conference, was elected president of the Conference. A few other changes were made in the selection of an executive committee. Elder Russell was invited to labor in Boston, Mass., and has settled his family at South Lancaster, that his children may have the advantage of the academy. Elder A. F. Ballenger remained in Baltimore, and is continuing the well-begun work.
The camp-meeting closed with an increase of faith on the part of the people. The laborers are of good courage, and each enters upon his work, to do, as unto the Lord, that which falls to his lot. The meeting was, as are all things to Christians, greatly to the glory of both the Father and the Son.
H. W. COTTRELL.
TENNESSEE AND VIRGINIA.
By B. F. Fordham
In January I was requested to make the Tennessee River Conference my field of labor, which I did at the close of our good meeting at Graysville. I labored at Fountain Head first, where I finally organized a church of twelve members. I baptized one brother near South Tunnel. I also held meetings at Rapids, Ky., and at Corinth and other places in Tennessee.
In June it was decided that I should again connect with the work in the Virginia Conference. I am now engaged in tent work in Norfolk, Va., and hope to see some accept the truth at this place. I have also held meetings with the church in Portsmouth. I baptized four persons there, and seven were added to the church.
It seems good to again get back to my native State, where I first heard and accepted the blessed truth, about twenty-two years ago, and where I entered the work about eighteen years ago. I feel a deep interest for the work in this field, and trust the Lord will give me grace to do his will.
My family are still at Archdale, N. C., but we hope soon to move to Virginia. B. F. FORDHAM.
THE TEXAS CAMP-MEETING.
By S. H. Lane
This meeting was held at Dallas, Tex., August 2–12, in South Park. The grounds were well shaded with large oak trees, whose protection from the heat was much appreciated. About seven hundred persons were camped on the grounds, in one hundred and fifty tents and covered wagons. From the first, there was a spirit of devotion that was soul cheering. The social meetings were simply wonderful, on account of the earnestness manifested. At times from five to twenty-five persons were standing, awaiting an opportunity to testify of their love for the Saviour and for the precious truths for these last days.
The revival efforts, which were frequent, were richly blessed by conversions and the redemption of those who had backslidden, whose voices were soon heard in the general chorus of praise to God. As a rule, just before the evening discourse a social meeting was held. Many of those not of our faith, but affiliating with other churches, became filled with the Spirit, and testified of their love for the Saviour, and of their interest in the meetings and in the things they had heard. Two families accepted the truth, and at the close of the meeting were rejoicing in the message of the second coming of Christ, and kindred truths.
The laborers of the Conference were present, and also Elders Kilgore, Shultz, McReynolds, and Jayne, and the writer. The Keene Academy was represented by Professor Kunz. The afternoon and evening discourses were on doctrinal subjects—the second coming of Christ, the prophecies, the Sabbath, and the kingdom question. These sermons had a good effect. The leading daily paper of Dallas gave excellent briefs of the discourses. A copy of the paper containing the sermon on the Sabbath question fell into the hands of a minister of another denomination in a city about seventy-five miles from Dallas. He read the article, and in a short time wrote to Elder Russell, who preached the sermon reported, thanking him for it, and saying that several years ago a company of Seventh-day Adventist canvassers, who were selling “Bible Readings,” camped near his residence. They worked so earnestly and conducted themselves so well, that he and his family became interested in them and invited them to dinner. They accepted the invitation, and sold a book. The reading of the book, said the minister in his letter, “opened our understanding on the Sabbath question in a great measure, and the sermon has added new light. We are now ready to obey.”
The last meeting was a precious season; scores testified that this camp-meeting was the best they had ever attended. The annual Conference session was not held at the meeting. All left greatly encouraged, determined to do everything possible to spread the truth this coming year. The good work is onward in the great State of Texas.
S. H. LANE.
ARKANSAS
By C. W. Brimer; H. Clay Griffin
BLACK ROCK.—We pitched our tent one and one-half miles from Black Rock, Ark., and began meetings June 5. From the first, the interest was good. We closed July 30. During the eight Sundays we were there, we had seven all-day meetings, with dinner on the grounds. From two hundred and fifty to five hundred persons were on the grounds each Sunday and night after the Sabbath. During the week, our congregations ranged from fifty to one hundred and twenty-five at night. We had the best of order and good attention. The last night of the meeting, our forty-foot tent would not hold the people; and at the close of the service, nearly every one present came forward, and gave us his hand as a token of his appreciation of our stay among them.
Fifteen are keeping the Sabbath as a result of our efforts, and many more are convinced, and are in the valley of decision. Many thought it the best meeting of their lives, and were sorry to have it close. We had no opposition to speak of, and left many warm friends, who urgently request us to return after camp-meeting, and pitch the tent in Black Rock. Prov. 16:7.
C. W. BRIMER.
H. CLAY GRIFFIN.
GEORGIA
By I. E. Kimball
SAVANNAH.—Last March, in company with my wife, I left Charleston, S. C., for Savannah, Ga. We were at Savannah till May 17, engaged in preaching in the colored churches of the city. I became acquainted with the leading men and preachers in the principal churches of the city, giving about seventy discourses, which were much appreciated. Every night and each Sunday was occupied. We also had studies with the Sabbath-keepers on Sabbaths and Tuesdays. In some of the churches I spoke three or four times, by request. I confined myself largely to practical truths—truths which Baptists and Methodists have known in the past, but which are now fast slipping from them.
These churches seem to be as ignorant of the message of the second coming of Christ as were the churches of New England prior to 1844. I sought to raise them up to a living Christian experience, to establish them in the rudiments of the truth, particularly the binding obligations of the law of God, etc. Hundreds came forward for prayer. (I happened to be among them at the time of their revival efforts.) I tried earnestly to point them to the Lamb of God, impressing upon them the great necessity of careful study of the Scriptures.
We sold about five hundred copies of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” One minister in good standing among the Baptists espoused the Sabbath, and I hope to see him actively engaged in giving the message.
My wife labored with me all the time, showing the books at the close of the meetings, and in some cases holding meetings with the women.
We found a few seemingly spiritual men among the ministers, whom we shall seek, by every possible means, to interest in the whole message.
We are now in Vermont for a time, but expect to return soon to the South.
I. E. KIMBALL.
ALABAMA AND GEORGIA CAMP-MEETINGS.
By N. W. Allee
The camp-meeting for Alabama was held at Fruithurst, August 2-12. Fruithurst is a new village of grape-growers in the eastern part of the State. The location was good, being in a high, rolling section of the country.
Elders Woodford and Bird had preceded the camp-meeting with a tent effort of a few weeks. The attendance of our brethren at the camp-meeting was fair, but not as large as we had hoped. The services were such as to lead to earnest searching of heart, and to create desire for a holier and purer life. At times almost the whole camp responded to the invitation to seek the Lord. We feel sure that real victories were gained. The different features of the work were given consideration. The camp-meeting work seems to be an established feature of the message in this district, and funds were raised by pledges to provide for tent and camp-meeting purposes. The interest among the citizens of the village was such that the tent-meeting was continued, and we trust that a company who will hold up the light of the truth for this time will be established before the work closes there. The Georgia meeting was held at Norcross, a town about twenty miles northeast of Atlanta.
There was not as large an attendance of the brethren and sisters of the State as we had hoped to see. The attendance of the townspeople was quite good, and the interest awakened was sufficiently good to warrant the continuation of the services at the tent. The brethren present were greatly benefited by the meeting. The preaching was of the close, practical nature that leads to searching of heart. It is evident that many are earnestly seeking that preparation that fits for translation.
Faith in the soon coming of the Lord is the element in Christian experience that leads to earnest heart work. The Lord will not be satisfied with our experience until his image is fully reflected in us. He patiently waits, “is long-suffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” So far the camp-meeting services in this district have been of an encouraging nature, and we believe the most profitable of any season. The work moves onward.
N. W. ALLEE.
MICHIGAN
By M. C. Guild; O. Soule
ALPENA is a city of fourteen thousand inhabitants, and is pleasantly situated on Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. This part of the State is practically a new field.
At the State meeting last spring it was decided that my family and I should engage in labor at this place, in company with Elder O. Soule. When we came, we found four Sabbath-keepers living here. We secured a pleasant location for the tent, on one of the principal avenues, and began meetings, June 22. The attendance has not been large, but a fair number have come quite regularly. We have endeavored to present the Third Angel’s Message, and in consequence six persons now observe the Sabbath, and others are convinced of the truth. The daily papers are favorable, and print notices of the meetings through the week.
A Sabbath-school of twenty-three members has been organized. Each Sunday afternoon a temperance meeting is held, followed by a children’s meeting. Thirty-four persons have signed the pledge.
Ten subscriptions for the Sentinel have been secured from the business men, and we have sold a fair number of books and tracts, and have nearly fifty subscriptions for the Signs. A reading-rack has been placed in the depot.
Sisters Clara Kiep and Lucy Tyte have connected with the work here, and are rendering efficient help.
Elder Soule and I spent a Sabbath and a Sunday in June with the church at Onaway. Profitable meetings were held, and some reconsecrated themselves to the Lord.
M. C. GUILD,
O. SOULE.
UTAH
By W. A. Alway
LOGAN AND HYRUM.—June 8 I had the privilege of baptizing five persons at Logan, as the first fruits of the present truth in Cache County. Others are keeping the Sabbath, and still others are interested. Brother Charles Nelson has worked faithfully in this valley during the last two years.
July 12, in company with Brethren C. Nelson and L. J. Burgess and Sister Anna Hammond, I began a tent effort at Hyrum, a country village of about fourteen hundred inhabitants, eight miles from the city of Logan. The visible results of this effort were not large. One Mormon family signified their purpose to obey all of God's commandments. Every house in the village was visited, and provided with literature upon the lasting truths of the message, and in many instances we pressed home these truths with personal appeals and prayer. The Lord gave us favor with the people. The bishop of the Mormon Church was especially kind, allowing us the free use of the church-school campus, and of a sufficient number of the chapel seats to accommodate our congregation. I learned that this kindness was due to the Christian method of our people in dealing with the Mormon problem. The son of the bishop, who is now on a mission in Michigan, upon being informed that we had pitched our tent in his home town, wrote to his father, urging him to special kindness; for, he said, “They are a just people; and when we are cold and hungry and tired, we are not turned with insult from the doors of the Adventists.” I thank the Lord that our people are sufficiently Christlike to be kind even to those whom they know are in the wrong.
W. A. ALWAY.
Labor in Utah
By Geo. O. States
APRIL 11, in harmony with the recommendation of the General Conference, I left Flagstaff, Ariz., for my new field of labor. I spent a little time holding meetings in Delta and Crawford, Colo. May 2 I arrived at Salt Lake City, where I was heartily welcomed. Much of my work in this city has been with our own people, but I have given out reading matter, and held several readings with those not of our faith. I visited Ogden twice, and was glad to find a few who love the truth. Removals have made this company rather small.
As there was no elder in the Provo church, I was asked to be with them at the quarterly meeting the first Sabbath in July. I had it in mind to give the church some lessons on church organization, officers, etc. At our first meeting some not of our faith were present, and I wondered how that kind of study would take; but I felt that it was what the Lord wanted me to give, so I went ahead, dwelling on Christ as the great head of the church, directing each one by his Holy Spirit, thus producing unity among all the members. The Lord came especially near at the ordinance meeting, and some who never made a profession were touched. In the evening meeting, Brother Whitehead was unanimously reelected elder, and Brother Angelo was elected deacon, and ordained.
Some not of our faith were much interested, but I had to leave, in order to meet with the Salt Lake church the following Sabbath.
July 20 I returned to Provo, and found them still interested. Sabbath afternoon I invited those who had decided to be baptized and to unite with the church to come to the front seat. Six responded. Sunday afternoon I spoke on baptism, and two others took their stand. I am learning to love the work and the people of Utah. GEO. O. STATES.
ONLY AN INSTANCE.
By A. O. Tait
Among the many reports that are coming to the office from the field, regarding the work that the Signs of the Times is doing, we might present the following as a sample. A minister who is out in the field with a tent, writes:—
“In this town we found a family who are rejoicing in the truth through reading the Signs. Because of its circulation, we also find a wide-spread inquiry after truth. Brother ——, from ——, has relatives here, and has been circulating a goodly number of the Signs among them. We came here with our tent, not knowing of this, and found the people waiting for the message. Eight or ten are now keeping the Sabbath, and others are favorably impressed.”
Perhaps the brother who has been sending the Signs into that neighborhood has not known of any particular effect that it was having upon the minds of the people, and at times he may have felt discouraged with his work, and may have thought that there was no use of continuing it. But now, in the great preparation for the harvest time, how wonderful are the results the workers attain who water the seeds of truth that have already been sown. The spreading of our literature is producing a wonderful effect in the world; and we should not spend so much time in considering what the results may be as in putting forth more earnest efforts to scatter the seed. We should be assured in advance that the results will be taken care of by the Lord of the great harvest. And yet, as we pass along, it is encouraging to note the most cheering effects of the work done.
Are you circulating any copies of the Signs of the Times? Do you know about the plans that are being so effectively worked in various parts of the field at the present time? If not, drop us a line, and we will be glad to tell you about the plans, and to render you any assistance within our power.