Earlier text: The Fields Are WhitePacific Union Conference
By E. E. Andross
God is moving upon many hearts by his Spirit, to turn them to this blessed truth, and is prospering the work in California and in the other States of the Pacific Union Conference. Our workers in the field say the interest to hear the truth is greater than ever before. They are laboring earnestly and faithfully so to present the truth that the Lord can work to convert the people. Our lay brethren are giving their hearty support to these efforts. A worker who has just completed an effort in Bakersfield, reports that thirty signed the covenant, and that others are keeping the Sabbath. Nine were baptized recently, and others will soon be baptized. Opposition to our meetings developed, but the Lord did not permit it to injure his cause and work. The Bakersfield newspapers were very liberal, printing during the meetings ninety-two articles, covering eighty-two feet of space, or more than ten pages of newspaper type. Practically all points of the message were covered in these articles. This worker is now holding a series of meetings in Fresno. These are held in our own church building, which is centrally located. The attendance runs from five hundred to eight hundred, while a counter-effort, which has been begun by others, draws an attendance of from thirty-five to fifty. During the camp meeting held in Fresno last summer, the newspapers gave large space to reports of the meetings and business sessions. Quite an interest was created, and the people are now having the opportunity of hearing the truth preached. Elder B. E. Beddoe, president of the Central California Conference, is giving his active support to this series of meetings, which promises such good returns. The older members of the church say that never in the more than thirty years since the church was built have so many not of our faith been in regular attendance at the meetings. At Santa Ana and near-by towns a good work is also being done, twenty-eight having been baptized by one worker in that district since the first of the year. We expect that at least twelve others will be ready for baptism very soon. Some in other parts of the State have manifested a keen interest in the message. Following the Oakland camp meeting last summer, to which large publicity was given, a lot was selected about six blocks from the camp ground, and a series of meetings held for thirteen weeks. The interest was good throughout, four hundred attending the last service. The workers report sixty-three adults keeping the Sabbath as a result of this effort, about one half of these having been baptized, while others are studying and making good progress. Although persecution came to some who began to keep God’s commandments, the Lord has helped these dear ones to hold firmly to their faith. In several instances husbands are reported to have driven their wives and families from home, making threats—one even of murder. Some have since been permitted to return home; others have not. Even those of little experience in ministerial labor have had good success. Two students of Pacific Union College held a tent effort in Ukiah last summer. During the Christmas vacation they returned with a few other students, and held a week’s meetings in the Ukiah church. Including those now awaiting baptism, it is reported that the membership of the church will be doubled as a result of their labors. The little church was crowded to its capacity during the services. One of the students, speaking of the experience, says:— “Including four children, twelve have asked for baptism this time. Another, a woman who was baptized in another church, is keeping the Sabbath with her twelve-year-old boy, who said he was going to keep the Sabbath whether any one else did or not. She feels that her former baptism is sufficient. Three or four others have begun to keep the Sabbath, and wish to be baptized a little later; still others are convinced and say they are going to keep the Sabbath, but they have not the courage to begin immediately. “One young woman was intending to go to a dance, but changed her mind, and came to the meeting instead. She was immediately so deeply interested that she came every night. One night her brother wanted her to go with him to the theater. She replied that she had determined to give up everything like that, and that she might as well begin first as last. “As various calls at the close of the meetings were made during the week, she responded. Sabbath came, and she was out to morning meeting, and in the afternoon was present at the meeting for candidates for baptism. One of our young sisters had a personal talk with her, and asked her about the Sabbath. She answered, ‘Why, I am keeping it today,’ and then added, ‘If my Saviour kept the Sabbath, I can.’ She knows but little about the Bible, but is receptive, and eager to learn. One of our sisters at Ukiah will give her further Bible readings, and I believe she will be ready for baptism as soon as the baptismal service can be held. “One aged man, the husband of one of our sisters, became interested toward the close of the meetings last summer, and has now given up his tobacco and drink and begun keeping the Sabbath. He desires baptism. “Their son, who has been a heavy drinker and smoker and would not come near the tent last summer, was home from his ranch a few miles out in the country, and came to the first meeting. He continued to come throughout the week, not missing an evening, I believe. He told me at the meeting Saturday evening that he had intended to attend only two evenings, and then return to his ranch, but that the meetings were so interesting he could not miss any. I urged him to take his stand then, but he could not decide to do it, though the Spirit of the Lord was striving with him. “That night his mother spent the entire night, I understand, in prayer for him. The next evening Brother Dayton spoke on the judgment, and at the close of the meeting asked those to arise who would take their stand fully on the Lord’s side. He tried to stand when his father and others did, but seemed to be drawn back to his seat. But soon after a personal invitation, he suddenly sprang to his feet, trembling from head to foot, so intense was the struggle. Immediately at the close of the meeting I had a talk with him. The perspiration was standing in beads on his face, but he seemed to be very happy. He at once spoke of his sister, who had also back-slidden, and hoped that something could be done for her. He has asked for baptism. “So I might go on, giving experience after experience. The Lord blessed so abundantly that we could hardly realize what was going on. We all would much rather have remained in Ukiah to follow up the interest than to return to school. School work seems pretty dry to me just now.” Pacific Union College has more than three hundred students this year, a larger number than it ever has had since it opened. Lodi Academy also is enjoying a good school year, and Fernando Academy has a large enrollment. During the week of prayer the Lord’s Spirit was felt by both teachers and students in these institutions in a special way. Our other institutions and our people generally were likewise much benefited spiritually during this season of seeking the Lord. Although many interests demanded the earnest effort of our people during the autumn and winter, the total contributions to missions for the entire union field during 1914 averaged 18 1-3 cents a week per member, or a total of $84,600.46. Our aim was $92,258. We hope by God’s help to be able to reach the mark this year, and are receiving the cooperation of our people to this end. Three of our local conferences raised twenty cents or more a week a member, the amounts being as follows: Arizona, 55.3 cents; Nevada, 25.4 cents; Northern California, 20 cents; Southern California, 17.9 cents; Central California, 16.3 cents; California, 15.8 cents; Utah, 15.2 cents. The temperance and religious liberty campaigns were carried on vigorously during September and October. Thousands upon thousands of “dry” tracts and papers were distributed throughout California. Similar work was done in Arizona, and that State is now freed of the liquor evil. As the liquor interests bought a large amount of newspaper space in California, and used the billboards extensively, the vote, when polled, stood 524,781 in favor of the saloons and breweries, and 365,536 against them. Nevertheless our literature helped a great many to see the evils of the liquor traffic. No less than 575,000 leaflets exposing the evils of Sunday laws were distributed by our people throughout the State, and the publicity department of the Pacific Union Conference sent a series of eight articles on religious liberty to every newspaper in the State, besides the articles which our brethren in different cities wrote, calling attention to the principle of church-and-state union involved in the passage of the bill, and to the jokers it contained. We learned definitely that more than one hundred articles were printed in the newspapers, reaching hundreds of thousands of readers. Since the union conference meeting in Oakland last March the publicity bureau for this union has secured publication for nearly five hundred articles in the newspapers of this field, these dealing with all phases of our message. The California Sunday bill was defeated, doubtless as a result of these united efforts. The vote stood 457,890 against it, and 290,679 for it. Two one-day-rest-in-seven measures have been introduced thus far into the California Legislature, now in session in Sacramento. Paradise Valley Sanitarium is having a large patronage, almost to overflowing. Loma Linda Sanitarium, and the College of Medical Evangelists, which is connected with the sanitarium, are doing exceptionally well. A good class of students is studying in the college, and the patronage in the sanitarium has been good this year. The Loma Linda institutions had, on November 30, made a showing $4,718.08 better than for 1913. There was an improvement of $7,735.29 in the financial condition of Loma Linda Sanitarium for the five months from July to November, 1914, as compared with a similar period in 1913. Steady progress is being made in the raising of the $150,000 fund to liquidate the indebtedness on Pacific Union College and other educational institutions. Thus far $65,441 has been raised on this fund in pledges and cash. Elder G. W. Reaser is leading in the effort. We praise our Heavenly Father for the providential openings he has made for the truth, for sending conviction to the hearts of those who have heard this message, and for his blessing upon our institutions.
E. E. ANDROSS. The readers of the Review have not had an opportunity to read a report of our work in Ohio for a considerable length of time. The past year has been one of faithful endeavor on the part of our workers in conference employ as well as the church members, and we have been gratified by seeing very favorable results. This great State of approximately five million persons furnishes a large and important mission field. Our people feel keenly the responsibility of giving the warning message to these millions. We have been trying to get into the cities, and have had fairly good success in some of them. The Bible workers and ministers in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Hamilton, Springfield, Zanesville, Toledo, Piqua, Akron, Youngstown, Findlay, Bucyrus, Portsmouth, and Newark have faithfully endeavored by the various methods that we employ in our work to seek out those who will receive the truth. Of the two hundred and five baptized during the past year, a large majority were in our cities. Our ministerial work has been quite largely confined to the cities. In most of these places the churches are prospering, and the membership is growing. We have endeavored to place in operation a movement that would bring as many as possible of the members of our churches into active missionary endeavor in the city work. In the use of our literature and in the sale of our bound books, 1914 is the banner year in the history of the conference. The sale of subscription books was over $5,000 more than in any preceding year. An equally good showing is seen in our magazine work and our other literature. This work in Ohio is on a good basis, and we now have in the field the strongest force of substantial colporteurs that we have ever had. Though one of the largest and oldest conferences, where it has seemed harder to bring the results of our mission funds up to the highest point, we have the satisfaction of knowing that Ohio succeeded in raising approximately $1,500 more than the twenty cents a week per member during 1914. A good showing is seen in the other conference funds. In my experience in the ministry, the few years I have been in Ohio indicate to me a degree of devotion and faithfulness to the cause of the Lord in the Buckeye State that is most gratifying. Our whole force of workers are earnestly seeking for the highest efficiency in their labors, and the believers throughout the State manifest a deep interest in the work committed to their hands. Worth General Reading
By G. W. Wells
[The following excellent letter was written by the president of the Minnesota Conference to his conference workers. It is well worth reading.—ED.] It would be a great pleasure, and I believe an inspiration, if all our workers in Minnesota could come together to seek the Lord in earnest prayer; tell their joys and sorrows, and speak of their battles and victories. This seems quite impossible at this time, but letter writing is open to us, and I hope you will consider this letter, even though machine made, as personal to you. I wish it were in my power to express to you my appreciation of the sympathy and cooperation which I feel I have had from the workers during the past year. It has been a great strength to me; and many times when perplexities have arisen and the burden seemed hard to carry, I have been encouraged by knowing that here and there over the State the workers were praying God to bless and lead us all in wisdom. I am confident you rejoice with me in the blessings that have attended the work the past year, for the spirit of liberality and earnestness shown by our dear lay brethren in the conference, and for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of those who have yielded themselves to God and united with us by baptism. According to reports, 180 or more have been baptized the past year, nearly $20,000 worth of books has been sold, and the sales of magazines have gone beyond $8,000. We reached our quota for missions, and went over the mark more than $1,500. I think perhaps I am safe in saying that as far as figures show, Minnesota has made the best record she has made for at least a number of years. But can we, in view of the thrilling times in which we live and the rapid fulfillment of prophecy, rest satisfied with what was accomplished last year, and take that as a goal for the present year? In a communication recently sent out from Washington, I find that the workers in the North American Division Conference won on an average a trifle less than four souls to the truth the first three quarters of 1914. It is true that we did a little better than this in Minnesota; but when we take into consideration that some workers have, by God’s grace, more than trebled this average, it is clear to all that others must, of necessity, have fallen considerably below it. This brings us to the practical, vital question: Are we as laborers in God’s cause doing all we can, all the Master expects of us, all that it is possible for us to do, to finish this work? Am I stating it too strongly if I say we are conscious that we are not? Go where you will, speak with whom you may, and you find a clear conviction and general confession that we are not doing anything like what we could and should do, and what the times in which we live and the message we have to give, demand of us. “Everything in the universe calls upon those who know the truth to consecrate themselves unreservedly to the proclamation of the truth as it has been made known to them in the third angel’s message.” This call from God comes to ministers, Bible workers, teachers, office helpers, and all who know the truth. The call is to proclaim the truth. Who of us as ministers called of God to proclaim this message, giving our entire time to the work, can be satisfied with winning one, two, or even a score of souls to Christ in twelve months? and should it not be the absorbing business of us all to come into personal touch with humanity, seek out the unsaved, and win them to Christ? If we are not doing this, there must be some direct causes for this failure, and they must be on our part. Those causes should be found and removed. Is not this a practical, fundamental question for us to consider? Should not a power be obtained that will give greater efficiency in soul winning? This problem should be pressing upon our hearts with greater weight than words can express. This question must be solved. A change must come, a new experience must be had. If all of us feel this, it is a hopeful sign—it is far better than to be at ease. In view of all that is taking place about us, the unmistakable evidence that the Lord is closing up the work, shall not we as ministers of Christ and leaders of the people, as teachers for God, take hold of this work with great earnestness? If we are in charge of a church, shall we not set our hearts on a genuine revival at the beginning of this new year, and actually lead the church into a great soul-winning campaign and strong missionary efforts? If we are out in the field, or going from door to door with our Bibles, let us cry mightily to God to give us souls for the kingdom. In whatever line of service we may be engaged, we must not lose sight of our personal responsibility in soul winning. My dear fellow workers, let us heed the call of God, and reconsecrate our18 lives for more earnest service. Shall we not make the most complete surrender of our lives and carry on our hearts the burden of lost men and women, and, under the guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit, learn to lead men to Christ? To this end I solicit your most earnest prayers for me personally, and I will gladly continue to remember you in my daily devotions. I should be glad to know how you look at this question, which seems so important and vital at this time. Yours in the bonds of Christian love, An Old-Fashioned Revival at Cedar Lake, Mich.
By C. F. McVAGH
THE week of prayer was the beginning of a most remarkable movement in the Cedar Lake church. The interest was such that Prof. J. G. Lamson felt obliged to continue the meetings, and the last reports tell that seventy-five have decided for the Lord and the message, and the end is not yet. It is a pleasure to come in contact with these new Sabbath keepers and to mark their enthusiasm for the truth, and their zeal to join in giving it to others. One is impressed at once that it is not superficial emotion, but the deep movings of the Holy Spirit. In view of the situation in the world, this is just what we should be expecting to see in many places; and I have no doubt that many will be interested to know how it all came about, in order to know just how to proceed in starting a similar work. The process is very simple. There was no special advertising of the beginning of this big revival, no brass band, no tabernacle building, no sending away for a big revivalist, nor anything of the sort. Professor Lamson presented the truth for this time, and the people and the Lord worked with him. I quote from his report: “From our experience, we know that the way to get to work is to clear up all the old grudges, confess all the sins, and begin to pray for definite results. In our prayer bands we made it our business to ask the Lord to give repentance to the very persons we wanted to see yield, and we kept praying until the answers came.” Professor Lamson had to take care of his school work during the day, but the united church distributed literature, did house-to-house work, and the people began to come. Then the prayer bands took the names of these persons, and prayed God to save them. Professor Lamson presented the truth in simplicity and power, and God touched the hearts until they cried out, “What must I do to be saved?” I quote again from Professor Lamson’s report: “Night after night large sleigh loads come from four to six miles. The academy building is wholly inadequate to hold the congregation. We are praying for wisdom to know how to lead this people on in the way of truth.” Let us join in this prayer, and also ask God to start such a revival in our own churches. C. F. McVAGH. Fire at the Southern Training School
By LYNN H. WOOD
On Thursday morning, February 18, at four o’clock, the students of the homes were alarmed by the cry of “Fire!” coming from the girls’ dormitory. The fire had made good headway before being discovered. Before all the girls were taken out, the first floor had gone through in some places, and twelve girls were taken out after the piano had fallen through the floor into the basement. One girl jumped from her window about twenty-two feet. The fall broke her wrist, and slightly injured her back. She is now in a wheel chair, and we hope that she will soon be with us in school. Another girl rolled off the roof of the porch, and struck on her hip, receiving bruises, but no bones were broken. These were the only girls that received injuries, and we are very grateful to God that no lives were lost. It was clearly seen at the very first that the building could not be saved, and heroic efforts were made by all the men to save the other buildings. There was no wind, and so, although the water was cut off by the bursting of pipes in the burning building, the other buildings were saved. The academy was badly blistered, however, and the bake-shop, which stood near the dining hall, was destroyed, as well as the greenhouse. The printing office and boiler house were saved by the bucket brigade. After the fire the students all came to a six-thirty rally in the chapel, and such a spirit of loyalty and earnestness had never been manifested in the history of the school. A subscription list was started for the help of those students who had lost nearly everything in the fire.19 The personal loss of such will run very close to $2,000. The loss of the buildings is estimated at nearly $10,000, while there is about $3,100 insurance. None of the students are going home. Everybody is rallying round the school, and it would make your heart glad to see the spirit manifested by those who have not stood with the school in the past. The girls were taken to the sanitarium for temporary quarters, but a large dwelling on the campus has been procured, and will be used for a girls’ home; and a rough dining camp will be erected in front of the old home. This will tide us over the three remaining months of the school year. Our greatest need at the present time is money to assist the students who lost so heavily in the fire, and have no way of replacing their loss, and also to reimburse ourselves for the heavy loss of food. We should greatly appreciate any contributions of foodstuffs that may be sent in by our friends who are interested in the work in the Southland. All donations, whether of money or food, will be only too thankfully received. Pray for us that we may get just the lesson out of this experience that God would have us. “The World’s Crisis” Sells
By F. W. Stray
MANY persons do not attempt to sell our books because they are not trained, and think they cannot succeed; but we now have a little book that everybody can sell. Its price is twenty-five cents, and it gives the message—signs, Sabbath, and all—condensed. All that you have to say to introduce the book is to read the title, and add, “What the Bible says about the war. There is no other book like it.” Do not take orders, but deliver on the spot. Two farmers in Center Barnstead thought they would try it, and ordered fifty. Each began work at about 11 A. M. One went to a near-by city, and disposed of twenty books before night, in offices and stores. The other began over against his own house, and sold eighteen among the farmers before night. So thirty-eight books right up-to-date on the message were placed in different homes in one day. This book is read. Let everybody take hold of it, and order in lots of from twenty-five to one thousand copies. Many will embrace the truth after reading this book. I urge all our brethren and sisters to distribute it. You will earn good pay and be doing missionary work of the highest order. Start out, and by presenting this book, give every one within reach a chance to learn the truth before it is too late.—F. W. Stray, in the Atlantic Union Gleaner. Literature Distribution by Automobile
By Andrew J. Harris
Some of our people own automobiles, and as they doubtless take occasional trips through the country, I wish to say a few words by way of suggestion. Last summer we took our vacation in a touring car, going from Nashville, Tenn., as far north as Detroit, Mich. We left home with a large supply of tracts, pamphlets, denominational papers and magazines, and judiciously scattered them through the rural districts as we passed along. Frequently we tossed these truth-filled pages into front yards and farm wagons. On our return trip we followed another route. I bought some cheap envelopes, stamped on them the name and address of the East Michigan Tract Society, and placed in them tracts on various subjects of vital interest at this time. These we scattered from Michigan to Tennessee. We trust that through this means some honest souls may be brought to a saving knowledge of present truth. Pennsylvania
By A. N. Durrant
PITTSBURGH.—The year 1914 brought many rich blessings to our work in behalf of the colored people in this city, and in our efforts to help the regions beyond. Not having a permanent place of worship, we were forced to worship in three different places during the year. For nine years we have needed a church building. This lack affects our growth in membership, as it causes many to lose confidence in our work. But thank God, the cloud seems to be disappearing, and we hope before another year closes to be permanently settled. Eight members were added to the Second Seventh-day Adventist Church of Pittsburgh, while two others were added to the company at McDonald, which can meet only once in three months. The financial figures of the McDonald company are not yet to hand; but those of the Pittsburgh church are, compared with the previous year, as follows:— |
TITHE |
MISSION OFF'GS |
|---|
| 1913 |
$438.29 |
$130.46 |
| 1914 |
556.12 |
336.61 |
In addition to the above, $151 was paid out for rent and other expenses, including local missionary work. We were also able to strengthen our building fund a little. The members, who actually sacrificed from scanty earnings, felt glad that the church raised $336.61 on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, instead of the $270.40 apportioned them. To illustrate the spirit of devotion, one sister actually had to deny herself greatly desired privileges in order to pay a pledge she had made to missions. She wept at one time when it seemed that the month of December would end without her pledge being paid. Surely God will reward such faithfulness in the day when he shall say, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50: 5. As past blessings and good works will not suffice to fit us for the kingdom, we have determined to seek God for greater blessings, for more efficient service, during this year. Our church building problem is a most trying one to us, because of the high cost of property in this industrial city. We solicit an interest in your prayers that God may specially help us to build him a memorial here, that we may better reach souls. A. N. DURRANT. Among Our Schools
By Frederick Griggs
In company with Elder I. H. Evans I left Washington early in January to attend a number of union conference committee and school board meetings, and to make an extended visit to our schools. Emmanuel Missionary College
We first went to Berrien Springs, where the Lake Union Conference Committee met for its work of auditing and to plan for the summer’s campaign. The Emmanuel Missionary College Board also at this time held its annual meeting for the election of the faculty and the forming of plans for the coming year. Last July this committee and school board met to consider the general educational interests of the union. At that time Elder I. H. Evans, Prof. W. E. Howell, and I met with them. This union, in common with two or three others, has a large number of academies. This seems to beget financial difficulties which are oftentimes serious. The academies desire to carry work through twelve grades. To do so requires an equipment in laboratory and library which but few of our academies have, and a teaching force greater than can be afforded by many. This plan also naturally limits the college attendance so that its financial difficulties are greatly increased. At this meeting held in July, it was decided that the academies of the Lake Union should limit their work to ten grades, save in special cases, which for a time were to be provided for. There was a serious question on the part of the academy managers as to whether the academies could secure an attendance under this arrangement sufficient to meet their running expenses, and it was further understood that such schools as could not do this should be closed. It was therefore with much pleasure at this recent meeting that we learned that these academies are all prospering, in several instances far beyond the expectations of those in charge. All save one or two are filled to their full capacity. The college has a far larger attendance than ever before, and there is good prospect that the previous yearly losses in the school finances of the Lake Union will this year be changed into gains. The college is enjoying the most prosperous year of its history, with its large enrollment, its excellent class of students, and its large graduating class. Scarcely any change was made in the faculty list for the coming year. This will tend to further strengthen the work of the college next year. We next attended the annual meeting of the board of our German school. This is the first year of Elder J. H. Schilling’s connection with the school as its president, and we were much pleased to find the school in such a prosperous condition. The enrollment has increased over that of last year, and the faculty and student body are enthusiastic in the upbuilding of the seminary in all phases of its work, and in increasing the attendance this next year. The students in our schools often can do much more than the faculty to increase the enrollment. To illustrate: One student, an unconverted boy, went to Union College a little over a year ago, and was converted. This year he returned, bringing four other young persons to receive the benefits of the school. What this boy did can be done by hundreds of others. It was naturally with peculiar pleasure that I again met the teachers and students of this college. It was very gratifying to find a larger enrollment than that of last year, and to note a deep spiritual condition in the school. President Morrison and his faculty are working very earnestly and successfully for the upbuilding of all phases of the work of the college. An important change in the legal organization of the college was made at this meeting. Heretofore the property has been held by the Central Union Conference Association, but at this time a corporation was formed of representatives of the Northern, Central, and Southwestern Unions. This corporation assumes the financial obligations of the college, and its general management. The financial obligations, however, are in reality assumed by the Central and Northern Unions, in a ratio of two portions for the Central to one for the Northern. The Southwestern Union, because of its present heavy financial burdens, was not involved in the financial obligations now resting upon the college, but otherwise assumed its share of the general management of the college. This new organization augurs well for the future prosperity of the college, as it binds together the school interests of these three unions, placing upon them this relative responsibility for the welfare of this, our largest school. The faculty of the college remains essentially the same for the coming year as at present, and the plans laid for the work of the ensuing year were progressive. The treasurer’s report showed the school as operating without loss. The liquidation of the entire debt within the next year or so has been undertaken, and so, from every point of view, there are many reasons for gratitude for the present prosperity of the school, and courage for its future. In connection with the meetings of the Union College Board occurred meetings of the International Publishing Association, at which the property and work of the association were turned over to the Pacific Press Publishing Association, and also meetings of the Central Union Conference Committee, when the annual audit was taken, and general plans for prosecuting the work of the conference were formed. All these important meetings were distinguished by a remarkable spirit of brotherly love and cooperation. From this place Elder Evans returned to Washington to attend important legal meetings of the College, the Review and Herald, and the Sanitarium, and also the bookmen’s convention, and I left to attend meetings of the Western Canadian and North Pacific Union Conference Committees and to visit our schools in these and other union conferences. God's Great Plan
By E. M. Graham
It is God's plan that every created being, animate and inanimate, shall receive in order to give again that which has been received. “Upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, he wrote the message of the Father's love. Now sin has marred God's perfect work, yet that handwriting remains. Even now all created things declare the glory of his excellence. There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry. Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element of life, without which neither man nor animal could live; and man and animal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf. The flowers breathe fragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud.”—“The Desire of Ages,” pages 20, 21. In this statement there is an impressive lesson for us. All nature tells us of our duty to pass on to others the blessings we receive, or, in other words, to be home missionary workers. In this home missionary movement we are being called back to God's original plan, that blessings are given to be in turn given to others. Before Jesus comes to take us to the mansions he has been preparing for us, there is to be a church developed “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any20 such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5: 27. Every member of this church will be a home missionary worker, for only such can inherit the kingdom. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Matt. 25: 34-36. May we not also learn a lesson from the manna which was sent down from heaven? “And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank.” Ex. 16: 19, 20. Just as the manna which was to feed their bodies turned to corruption when hoarded, so the spiritual manna which comes to build up the spiritual life will turn to corruption if hoarded instead of being passed on to the souls in need of it. “The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies. But the Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life. They had hoarded the living manna, and it had turned to corruption. The religion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense. They robbed God of his glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel. They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction.”—“Id., page 36.” We are frequently grieved by learning that some one who once believed the truth has given it up. May not the secret of this be that such persons hoarded the truth, keeping it to themselves until it became a dead formality? Is it not possible that if they had been taught how to work for others, they might have kept their own faith bright and strong? Here again we may learn a lesson from nature, for a stagnant pool is full of corruption, and is an offense, while a flowing stream is life-giving. These things are of the greatest importance, for we have little time left in which to recover what has been lost by neglect of them. Many of our churches are almost dead because of their failure to work for others. Would not a good aim for 1915 be, Every church of Sabbath keepers organized for active service, and every isolated member enlisted in the conference missionary band? When all Sabbath keepers become living channels through which the blessings of God can flow to enrich the world, they will be prepared for the kingdom of God, and the work of gathering in the honest-hearted will speedily be completed. Then will the end come. F. GRIGGS General and N. Am. Div. Secretary W. E. HOWELL N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary N. Z. TOWN General Secretary W. W. EASTMAN N. Am. Div. Secretary