Earlier text: EditorialRelation of Church and State
IN the Western Recorder of June 9, W. R. Williams speaks of the distinct offices of the church and the state. While not clearly defining the relationship, he concludes with these just observations:— Should there be a collision at any time between the laws of God and those of the state, she [the church] holds, indeed, the law of God paramount to all and every contravening authority. It would undefy God to claim less than absolute supremacy for his law. She honors the earthly law which thus collides disastrously with the divine law, by bearing meekly the penalty of that mistaken law, and seeking, constitutionally, the amendment and repeal of that law. But she may not at man's bidding disobey a plain enactment of heaven, more than she could, on the plain of Dura, bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, or in Daniel's chamber restrain all prayer because the decree of Darius inhibited it. With the apostle she must ever hold that we are bound to obey God rather than man. Every Christian will obey the laws of the state wherein they do not countervail the laws of his heavenly Master; and he will obey the civil laws, not as the would-be evil-doer,—through fear of the penalty,—but, as the apostle Paul says, he will be subject for conscience' sake. A true disciple of the Lord will be the truest citizen in all that makes for the proper observance of his relationship to his fellows. It is a disgrace for a Christian to violate the laws of the government under which he lives, unless compelled to do this by the higher obligation of his duty to Heaven. Missouri Camp-Meetings
By O. A. OLSEN
AUGUST 4 I left Chicago for the closing part of the North Missouri camp-meeting at Hamilton. I found the camp nicely located in the town park, and a good meeting in progress, well attended from the town and surrounding country. Sabbath, August 6, was a very good day, and the camp enjoyed much of God's blessing. Following the afternoon discourse on the subject of the gospel ministry, Brethren A. F. French and V. Nutter were set apart by ordination to the sacred office of the gospel ministry. The blessing of the Lord was signally present on this occasion. This service was followed by an excellent social meeting, in which nearly every one in the tent took part. It was one of the rare meetings which we sometimes have the privilege of attending. The outlook for the work in the North Missouri Conference is very encouraging. The brethren are taking a lively interest in the work and finance of both the home and the foreign field. May the Lord continue to add still greater blessings. August 8 I turned my course toward Springfield, Mo., where the Southern Missouri camp-meeting was already in progress. I arrived in the evening, and found the camp pleasantly located in a suburb of the city. This was a larger meeting than that at Hamilton, and we were much pleased to see the large attendance and good interest manifested by the people of the surrounding community. As the various phases of the cause and its needs were presented, our brethren showed a commendable interest and a willingness to act their part faithfully. The missionary work abroad and at home, and our responsibility and privilege in regard to it, were set forth with much earnestness, and met a hearty response. Brother and Sister E. H. Wilbur, who have labored for about eight years in China, but who have recently returned to America for a vacation, were present, and related some of their experiences in that mission field. They were also present at the North Missouri camp-meeting, and spoke to an attentive audience on their work in China. The business meetings of the conference passed off very harmoniously. Elder D. U. Hale was again elected president, and the various departments of the work were carefully looked after. The last Sabbath of this meeting was rich in God's blessing. The weather was perfect, and there was a feeling of expectancy on the part of the congregation. Quite a number had come in to enjoy the closing part of the camp-meeting, and I am glad to report that none were disappointed. At the close of the forenoon service a large number responded to the call to seek the Lord. Many took their stand for the first time; others who had faltered by the way renewed their covenant with God; while still others reconsecrated their lives to the Lord by a more complete surrender. It was a time of refreshing, which all enjoyed very much. At 3 P. M. Prof. F. Griggs gave an instructive discourse on the gospel ministry, after which Brother J. Z. Walker was set apart to the gospel ministry by ordination. Then followed the examination of twenty-five candidates, who immediately repaired to the lake near by, where Brother Walker administered baptism. I was much pleased to make the acquaintance of our people in southern Missouri. Their camp arrangement was excellent and very sanitary, and their dining-tent was in efficient hands and well looked after. On Monday morning the camp broke up, and our brethren returned to their homes joyful in heart and with renewed courage. As I had a little time before the Kansas meeting, I took the opportunity to visit Clinton, where our new German seminary is located. There I met Brother Miller with a force of thirty men who are busy at work making some repairs and changes preparatory to the opening of school on September 28. Everything seemed to be moving on nicely, and the outlook for the school is very encouraging. O. A. OLSEN. _Camp-Meetings in Louisiana and Alabama_
By H. R. Salisbury
By leaving the Texas camp-meeting before its close, I was able to attend the last three days of the Louisiana meeting, held in Alexandria. Here I found our people enjoying much of God's blessing. Both here and at the meeting in Alabama, the Lord blessed Brother Martin as he worked for the unconverted and those who needed a deeper work of grace in their lives. Here also I was glad to be associated with Brother C. F. McVagh, the president of the Southern Union; Prof. M. B. Van Kirk, the educational secretary; and Brother A. F. Harrison, the general canvassing agent. The camp had been pitched across the river from Alexandria, making it necessary for the people of the town to cross a long bridge, for which toll was charged both ways for those on foot as well as those in carriages. This evidently proved a hindrance; for the attendance from the outside was very small. Brother E. L. Maxwell was again chosen president, and plans were laid by the conference committee to carry on more aggressive work. The brethren and sisters present also pledged themselves to do more, the coming year, in house-to-house work for their friends and neighbors. As there were three days between the Louisiana and Alabama meetings, I accepted an invitation from Brother W. H. Saxby to spend that time, with the brethren mentioned above, at our mission in New Orleans. Meetings were arranged for each evening, and attended by those who were unable to go to the camp-meeting, as well as by those returned from the meeting. I was glad to meet our brethren and sisters, and to study with the workers the needs of that great Southern port, with its large foreign population. We have an excellent mission house, situated in a most desirable part of the city. Brother Saxby should have associated with him two or three more trained Bible workers, and above all some one who can work for the thousands of French. I trust the day may soon come when a French church will be organized in New Orleans. Accompanied by the union workers who had been at Alexandria, I arrived in Celera, Ala., in time for the first meeting. This was not a large camp-meeting, but the evening meetings were well attended by the people from the little town. These visitors seemed very friendly, and manifested a genuine interest in our work. The brethren from the union, uniting with the local workers, gave themselves earnestly to the work by helping those encamped on the grounds and those who came in from the town. It is true these were small meetings, as doubtless the other camp-meetings will be in the Southland; but when we remember that whereas only a few years ago we had almost nothing in the South, we now have an organized conference in each State, we do indeed thank God and take courage. May the work of the coming year add many members to the churches and companies in the South. Ohio Camp-Meeting
By W. T. KNOX.
The Ohio State camp-meeting, held at Marion, August 11-21, was in every way very successful. The fair-grounds, within easy access of all parts of the city, had been secured, and proved a very desirable location. The refreshing shade and well-ordered camp added greatly to the enjoyment of the campers. From the opening service the attendance of our own people and of the citizens of Marion was very satisfactory, the numbers continuing to increase with each succeeding day, the general verdict being that it was the largest gathering ever held in Ohio. There were, however, features that were even more gratifying than this. The writer has attended few meetings of this character where there was less of a complaining and faultfinding spirit manifested. All appeared desirous of doing their part to make the meeting a real success. In the early morning meetings the testimonies were characterized by a general desire for a closer walk with God and a deeper consecration, a longing for more of the Spirit and power of the Lord, and a greater burden18 for the salvation of others. Such conditions contribute to a successful meeting, and such this proved to be. A large number of conversions was reported, and to twenty-one persons the ordinance of baptism was administered. In addition to this a large number took advance steps in Christian experience, and a general spirit of consecration prevailed. While there were no conference meetings in connection with this gathering, considerable attention was given to different phases of our work, especially the educational and medical work and the distribution of our literature. The presence of Elder A. G. Daniells the latter part of the meeting was greatly appreciated by all. His stirring talks on the progress of our work in foreign fields and the needs of the hour in our large cities made a deep impression. The necessities of different interests were presented from time to time with the result that during the meeting the following amounts were raised in cash and pledges: For tents, $637; for the blind, $172; for foreign mission enterprises, $4,574; camp-meeting expenses, $115; Sabbath-school offerings, $170; total, $5,668. North Missouri Conference and Camp-Meeting
By A. J. HAYSMER
THE second annual conference and camp-meeting of the North Missouri Conference were held in a beautiful park at Hamilton, Mo., July 28 to August 8. About three hundred fifty of our people were in attendance. From the first the Spirit of God was present, and during the meeting nearly all reconsecrated themselves to the Lord. Eighteen were baptized. There was an excellent attendance from the city to the evening services. Several became deeply interested in the special message for this time. It was planned to continue the effort after the camp-meeting, and the prospects seemed favorable for a harvest of souls. The business sessions of the conference passed off very harmoniously, all departments of the work receiving careful attention. Few changes were made in the conference officers. Brother V. Nutter, assisted by E. E. Farnsworth and F. Griggs, took charge of the young people's meetings; and under the supervision of Sister A. R. Ogden, an excellent interest was developed among the children. Brethren C. G. Bellah and M. P. Manny took charge of the book and periodical work, in which a deep interest was manifested. The prospects are that North Missouri will have a strong force of book canvassers and periodical workers the coming year. The president's report showed the conference to be composed of eighteen churches, with a membership of 731, and fifty-seven isolated Sabbath-keepers, making a total of 788, including two new churches organized the present year, with a membership of about thirty. The tithe paid during the year amounted to $7,457.74; money raised for foreign missions, $3,616.62; and for the conference fund, $1,131.80,—making a total of $12,206.18 raised by the conference for carrying forward our work. A report of the tract society, organized Jan. 1, 1910, showed that $2,779.18 worth of our literature was sold the first six months. Book sales by the agents amounted to $6,124.75 for the year. Five tent companies have been in operation, and several new believers are now rejoicing in the truth as the result. The last Sabbath of the meeting was a day long to be remembered. After a soul-stirring discourse by Elder O. A. Olsen, nearly all in the tent arose, consecrating themselves anew to the service of God. In the afternoon Elder Olsen spoke on the high calling of the ministry, after which Brethren A. F. French and V. Nutter were ordained to the gospel ministry. The workers from outside the conference were Elders O. A. Olsen, E. T. Russell, E. E. Farnsworth, E. H. Wilbur (from China), Prof. F. Griggs, Dr. C. A. Hansen, L. A. Hansen, L. N. Muck, C. G. Bellah, and the writer. The Virginia Camp-Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
THE twenty-seventh annual session of the Virginia Conference was held in connection with the Virginia camp-meeting at New Market, on the campus adjoining the Shenandoah Valley Training Academy. Though not a full representation from all the different parts of the State was present, nevertheless there was a good attendance. The business of the conference was carried on in a spirit of harmony, all the brethren co-operating heartily for the advancement of the work of God. Elder Stewart Kime, of Southern California, who recently accepted a call to labor in the Virginia Conference, was present, and the Lord blessed his efforts. Excellent service was also rendered by the laborers of the conference who were present. We were favored a part of the time with the labors of Elder W. T. Knox from Washington; and Brethren F. I. Richardson and E. R. Numbers, representing the publishing work of the union, were also present and gave excellent assistance. The Lord came very near during this meeting; all felt that it was one of the best meetings ever held in Virginia. Many responses were made to the calls for the unconverted to turn to God, and for backsliders to return to the path of duty. There was also an excellent response to the presentation of the $300,000 Fund and the “Ministry of Healing” campaign. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, H. G. Thurston; secretary and treasurer of the tract society and of the conference, A. M. Neff; secretary of the Sabbath-school department, Naomi M. Herrell; religious liberty secretary, Stewart Kime; field missionary secretary, V. O. Punches; secretary of the educational department, Professor Forshee. Executive committee: H. G. Thurston, R. D. Hottel, A. C. Neff, Stewart Kime, J. E. Gardner. The usual credentials, licenses, etc., were granted to a goodly force of workers. Resolutions covering the great issues now before us as a people were brought in, and discussed with enthusiasm by the delegates present. We feel satisfied that this camp-meeting will result in the advancement of the cause in Virginia. B. G. WILKINSON. Church Workers’ Missionary Institute
By A. T. Robinson
“To his church God has committed the work of diffusing light and bearing the message of his love.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 427. “The church of Christ on earth was organized for missionary purposes.”—Id., Vol. VIII, page 29. “The entire church, acting as one, blending in perfect union, is to be a living, active, missionary agency, moved and controlled by the Holy Spirit.”—Id., Vol. VIII, page 47. “Enfeebled and defective, needing constantly to be warned and counseled, the church is nevertheless the object of Christ’s supreme regard.”—Id., Vol. VII, page 16. For some time it has been borne in upon the minds of the workers in the Nebraska Conference that the organization commanded, ordained, and cherished by the Lord, has almost been lost sight of in the many special lines into which its work has been divided and subdivided; and that in our zealous care for the branches, we have left the root to wither. The later volumes of the Testimonies constantly refer to the sad condition of the churches, and clearly point to neglect of proper education and training as the cause of this condition. “Because of the lack of proper instruction among the church-members by those whom God has placed as overseers, there is not one merely, but scores, who are slothful, and who are hiding their talents in the earth. They need to be tended as do sick children.”—“Home Missionary Work,” page 15. (See Vol. VI, page 435.)19 “Were the kind of labor of which it stands in need bestowed upon the church, many who are doing nothing would be educated to become diligent laborers in the harvest-fields.”—“Home Missionary Work,” page 14. Pages of like import might be quoted from the spirit of prophecy. Earnestly desiring to meet the mind of the Lord in this matter, a beginning was made in our conference by planning and holding four “church workers’ missionary institutes,” in which we endeavored to reach the officers of all our churches with definite, practical instruction in reference to their duties, and how they might get the church-members into active service at home. These institutes were not simply a “Sabbath and Sunday visit” to a single church, but were held in four different sections of the State, in order to accommodate delegates from all the churches, as well as the isolated brethren and sisters, of whom there are over three hundred in this conference. In order to encourage a good attendance, the conference offered to pay the expenses of one delegate from each church to the nearest meeting. It was recommended that each church also pay the expenses of one delegate, and that a general attendance be urged. All told, in addition to the members of the churches where the institutes were held, one hundred fifty-six persons, nearly all of whom were church officers, attended the institutes. Ten days, filled to the last minute with about sixty services, were spent at each place. Believing that, since the church is a missionary institution, every branch of successful church work is based upon strong missionary principles, these principles were clearly set forth as the strong foundation and motive power for all Christian effort. Nearly all the instruction was in the nature of class work, and no effort was spared to secure competent instructors, and make all lessons intensely practical. The duties of all church officers were made clear. The books of the church clerk, church treasurer, and missionary secretary were carefully explained, and a set of accounts in each was carried through by the class. The missionary, educational, Sabbath-school, religious liberty, canvassing, and health reform departments of the work received careful attention, and we feel sure that a healthy interest was created in these different lines of work, which will show the usual result of more intelligent interest—more effective work. Our people are already responding nobly to the plans presented, and there are glowing prospects for these branches of the work in all parts of the field. A good display of our books was made at each place. Two thousand magazines were sold and the retail value of the books and periodicals sold was $747.54. It was truly refreshing to see our people literally “loading up” with message-filled books, tracts, and papers to be used among relatives, friends, and neighbors in missionary work. A “field day” was held at each institute, and the experience at each place demonstrated the same thing—that our magazines can be sold anywhere, and that our church workers can sell them. Excellent Bible studies were given each morning, and the evening services were strongly evangelistic. In these meetings, backsliders were reclaimed, some with whom work had already been begun by our laborers were led to decide definitely for the truth, and some took their stand for the first time without previous work having been done. The Lord’s Spirit witnessed his approval of the efforts put forth. A vacant building was rented at each place, fitted up with rented furniture, and the delegates all roomed and boarded at the same place, thus getting the full benefit of the lessons given in domestic science. We feel that the largest plans are awaiting our co-operation that the Lord has ever given us the privilege of having a part in. In the following sentences, which we wish might be burned into the consciousness of every professed follower of Christ, lies the secret of our success and our aim for this year:— “A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. We lament the scanty resources at present available, while various and urgent demands are pressing us for means and men. Were we thoroughly in earnest, even now we could multiply the resources a hundredfold.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 38. West Texas Camp-Meeting
By C. SORENSON
The first camp-meeting and conference held since the organization of the West Texas Conference, convened at Abilene, August 4, and continued ten days. This portion of the State has suffered from a drought the greater part of two years, and our people, who are nearly all farmers, have suffered severely in consequence. The work of the conference showed progress in all the departments. Two new churches were received into the organization; and the tract society, starting with nothing a year ago, now has a present worth of six hundred dollars. A spirit of confidence and co-operation prevailed between the churches and the conference officers. Several church-schools were in operation during the year, and will reopen this fall. With the school at Amarillo, under the direction of Prof. H. E. Giddings, and the intermediate school at Hamby, the brethren in this new conference are making wise provision for the education of their children and youth. The laborers present from outside the conference were Elders G. F. Watson, W. W. Eastman, and the writer. Professor Giddings was present the first part of the meeting, and labored earnestly in behalf of the religious liberty work. The following officers were elected: President, T. W. Field; treasurer, W. F. Field; tract society secretary, Mattie Field; Sabbath-school secretary, Mrs. Jessie G. Young; Missionary Volunteer secretary and State agent, E. H. Wilcox. Alberta Camp-Meeting
By K. C. RUSSELL
WEDNESDAY, July 13, we left Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan, for Lacombe, Alberta, for our next camp-meeting appointment, a distance of over six hundred miles. We stopped during the night of the thirteenth in the beautiful city of Regina, Saskatchewan, at the pleasant and hospitable home of Elder H. S. Shaw, and, after a good night’s rest, resumed our journey. We were pleased to meet Elder H. F. Haffner on the train out from Regina, on his way to Lacombe to labor for the German people at the camp-meeting. It was a most pleasant and interesting trip, although we found quite a drought prevailing in southern Alberta,—so severe, indeed, that a large number of families were obliged to leave the country in order to keep their stock from starving. This will have its effect upon our people who reside in that section of that province, and will also lessen the sale of our literature in that part of the Alberta field. We reached Lacombe, Friday, July 15, and found the camp nicely located near the center of the town, and of easy access to the citizens. From the very first the attendance of our people was excellent, and it continued to increase until nearly the close of the meeting. The services were both educational and spiritual in character. Special periods were set apart to consider the work of the different departments of the conference. Excellent papers were read treating the various lines of work; and following the reading of the papers there were lively and interesting discussions of the various topics considered. I had the pleasure of visiting the school farm, which is about two miles from Lacombe on a beautiful hill. It is one of the most conspicuous sites about Lacombe; for the place can be seen from the railroad trains as they pass miles away. The difficulties which students and faculty have surmounted in carrying on their school work without even the facility of desirable buildings, demonstrate the value they place upon education. Last year the school was conducted in an unfinished building. It seems almost incredible how a school could be successfully carried on under such circumstances; nevertheless, it was done, under the supervision of Professor Beardsley, aided by the self-sacrificing spirit of the noble students, who possessed a real desire for a Christian education. The ladies’ dormitory—a very substantial and commodious building—is now finished; and the foundation is being laid for a boys’ dormitory, a portion of which will be used for the chapel and class-rooms until such time as they are able to erect a third building for that purpose. There can, certainly, be no wiser investment made by the people of any conference than that made for the education of the young people for effective service in the cause of present truth. Besides the regular conference workers, Elders H. S. Shaw, L. H. Christian, G. F. Haffner, R. S. Owen, F. L. Perry, and the writer were present. On account of sickness in his family, Elder Owen was called away before the close of the meeting, and owing to a previous appointment, I also left before the meeting was over. I am informed that the Lord greatly blessed during the closing days of the meeting, especially on the last Sabbath. My visit to this field has given me a clearer view of its needs and possibilities than I previously possessed. RIVERSDALE.—Sabbath, July 2, we held a Sabbath-school consecration service with the students of the West Indian Training School at Riversdale, Jamaica. There were others present besides the students and teachers, and all took a deep interest in the meeting. After speaking to them from Matt. 11:28-30, an opportunity was given for those who wished to consecrate themselves to God to make it manifest. Every one in the house responded, some taking their stand for the truth for the first time, and others reconsecrating themselves to the Master. We all felt that the work of the teachers for the spiritual advancement of the students had been well rewarded.
W. E. BAXTER. At Geddes, S. D., a tent-meeting has been conducted this summer by Brother O. M. Kittle. A number are interested, and some have decided to obey the truth. In the Western Colorado Conference, Brother J. T. Spriggs reports the baptism of five at Hayden, and Brethren W. F. Kennedy and C. E. Englund the addition of fifteen to the church at Aspen, thirteen of whom entered the church through baptism. ELDER R. T. BAER spent a Sabbath with the church at Wilmington, Del., recently, when two earnest souls were baptized and united with the church. Sabbath, August 20, he baptized three persons at Rock Hall, Md. These will unite with the Rock Hall church. Fireside Correspondence School
By W. E. HOWELL
They Are Beginning to Come In
ALREADY applications are beginning to come in from all directions in response to our announcement of the special autumn opening, October 3. The passing of the hot season and the approach of winter revive the spirit, restore the energies, and renew the determination to “press with vigor on” in pursuit of our ambition to become better educated, even if obliged to stay at home and follow our usual vocation. The idea of starting the winter’s study at the same time as others in the school, is a pleasing one to all, even if not privileged to assemble in bodily presence. The first one to enroll under registry B (our second year) came personally to our desk yesterday from a neighboring office, enrolled for Bible doctrines, “paid the fare thereof, and went.” Another student writes that he intends to take literature, New Testament Greek, and church history this winter, and says, further: “It is my intention to attend the Seminary in 1911-12; but I want to learn all I can this winter by correspondence.” It is an excellent thing to plan thus beforehand. We are sure this student will be much more likely to attend the Seminary next year by planning definitely for it, and working diligently toward it in this way, than if he did no particular studying meanwhile. Another student, who has taken correspondence study before, says: “I am hoping to attend school next year, but I should be glad to make a grade this year . . . with a view to taking the medical course after the necessary preparation. I am thinking that four or five studies would keep me busy. I think I can plan for five hours’ study a day.” One of our best students (the elder of a church) in New Testament Greek I, says, in a letter just received: “I also wish to register for second-year Greek.” From a homestead in Canada comes this word: “I feel the need of a better education. I am thirty years old, and do not look forward to going through a regular course in a school; but I wish to make myself as efficient as I can by studying at home. I had thought of taking a course in some worldly correspondence school this winter; but when Brother Griggs made it known to us at the Manitoba camp-meeting that a correspondence school is conducted at Washington, I readily grasped the opportunity.” Will other camp-meeting and public laborers please take this hint? The principal of the Alberta Industrial Academy writes: “I am preparing a circular letter to send to all the young people in Alberta this week, and intend to recommend your school to them if they are unable to come to us. I know you will not object to my doing that.” Will all other heads of schools please copy? One of our India students, who has persevered with his lessons in bookkeeping through the hot season there, says: “I am enjoying my study; think it is over made very clear. I hope to be more punctual with my lessons in the future.” One more we must mention: “I am much interested in the success and work of the Fireside Correspondence School, so I send you the names and addresses of my brothers and sisters [three names follow]. I am writing them to give earnest thought to the calendar, list of books, etc., also urging them to interest other young people there who need mental training. There are several at — who missed early school opportunities, and ought now to gain in knowledge, even though the training comes by mail. Please send me a late copy of the calendar. I shall attend Union College this year, but I wish to take up the study of — next summer. Besides, I like to have a copy on hand to interest those who can not attend Union College or some other school.” Let others plan ahead for themselves, and work thus for others. Remember that our new calendar is ready; that we offer six new subjects this year; that our faculty has been strengthened; and that all whose applications are dated before October 3 are admitted at the old rates of tuition. Address the Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. Graduate Nurses and the Foreign Mission Seminary
By M. E. Kern
“WITH such a preparation as they can gain, thousands upon thousands of youth and those older in years should be giving themselves to this work. Already many hearts are responding to the call of the Master Worker, and their numbers will increase.”—“Education,” pages 270, 271. The whole world is opening to the second advent message, and although it seems very difficult at times to send qualified workers to answer the calls, doubtless the Lord has his workmen in preparation. The following words from a letter recently received may illustrate the position of many others upon whom God is laying a burden for the millions who sit in darkness:— “I have been endeavoring to prepare myself for work in the foreign mission field, and for a preliminary training have taken the nurses’ course at the — Sanitarium. However, I feel the need of more training in lines which I can not obtain here, such as music, language, and a more thorough course in Bible. Feeling that the Lord is calling me to this work, and having a burden for the African field, I am writing you at this time for information in regard to entering the Foreign Mission Seminary, and the opportunity for earning my expenses, etc.” The Foreign Mission Board is looking for young people who have definite convictions, who have been preparing themselves for service, and who are still willing to sacrifice that they may become well equipped to do good work in the mission fields. In the same mail with the letter quoted came a letter from one of our physicians concerning recruits for the foreign field and the work of the Foreign Mission Seminary. It says:— “We have many graduate nurses all over the United States who ought to be taking just such work. It seems to me that it would be well to make a vigorous effort through all our conferences and training-schools to get in touch with these graduate nurses. They are the people with experience who will go into these foreign fields and do splendid work.” Who of these many nurses will respond to the call “from lands where the Lord is unknown”? Volunteers should write to the Secretary of the General Conference or to the undersigned, at Takoma Park, D. C. Christian Education
By H. R. SALISBURY
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference H. R. SALISBURY - - - - - Secretary The Missionary and Publishing Work
Notes, Plans, Reports, Statistics, and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature. Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference. E. R. PALMER — — — — Secretary N. F. TOWN — — — — Assistant Secretary A. J. S. BOURDEAU — — — — Missionary Secretary The West Caribbean Conference has recently taken an advance step in organizing the home tract and missionary work in the churches in that conference. In their last general meeting the following recommendation was passed:— “Whereas, We have seen that very much depends upon organized effort for the pushing forward of the sale of literature, and of doing missionary work; therefore,—” “Resolved, That steps be taken to organize tract and missionary societies in every church and company in our conference, and that a librarian (missionary secretary) be appointed to take charge of the periodicals and literature used by the society.” Evangelists as Well as Evangelical
By A. J. S. B.
IN speaking of the Waldenses, J. A. Wylie, the historian, says:— “To maintain the truth in their own mountains was not the only object of this people. They felt their relation to the rest of Christendom. They were an evangelistic as well as an evangelical church. There was no kingdom of southern or central Europe to which these missionaries did not find their way, and where they did not leave traces of their visit in the disciples whom they made. “They went forth two and two, under the guise of secular profession, most commonly that of merchants or peddlers. They carried silks, jewelry, and other articles, and were welcomed as merchants where they would have been spurned as missionaries. The door of the cottage and the portal of the baron’s castle stood equally open to them. “They concealed among their wares or about their persons, portions of the Word of God, their own transcription commonly, and to this they would draw the attention of the inmates.” Such was the method of evangelization used by the noble Protestant people who existed centuries before the rise of the great Protestant Reformation. THE Fort Worth (Tex.) branch of the Southern Publishing Association recently placed an order with the Nashville house for 12,600 books, at a retail value of $34,018.75. IN Western Canada ten canvassers recently earned eight and one-half yearly scholarships, working a total of 1,044 hours, or a trifle under 123 hours for each yearly scholarship. One worker earned his scholarship in sixty-one hours. SPEAKING of a shipment of books recently sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina, from the Pacific Press Office, Brother H. H. Hall writes: “The entire shipment numbers 56 cases, weighs 6¼ tons, and is valued at a little over $12,000. Certainly the prediction of 1902, ‘I saw that the canvassing work was to be revived and carried forward with increasing success,’ is being fulfilled before our eyes.” COMMENTING on the resolution recently passed by the General Conference Committee, authorizing the Publishing Department to secure twenty-five experienced canvassers, and arrange for them to attend the Foreign Mission Seminary, under provisional appointment to foreign fields, Brother H. H. Hall says: “It seems to us this plan of preparing canvassers for foreign fields is one of the wisest our people have ever taken. Ought we not, as book men, to see that our share of these twenty-five are hunted up and encouraged to go to the Seminary?” THE general manager of the Southern Publishing Association writes: “During the month of June we have shipped 16,070 bound volumes, and there are now 25,484 books going through our bindery. These books all contain present truth, so it is very evident that our book and periodical workers are definitely engaged in giving the gospel of the kingdom to the world.” IN a letter just received from Brother H. H. Hall, manager of the Pacific Press book department, he has this to say concerning the increase in the demand for home tract and missionary literature in the Pacific Press territory: “I am happy to tell you that the demand for missionary material seems to be on the increase. In our territory alone the trade-book sales have increased two thousand dollars, and the tract sales one thousand dollars, during the past six months.”