The work in this field is being greatly hindered by the war. Under the most favorable conditions the work moves hard, and now we find it doubly hard. Still we are trying to do what we can, and are encouraged at times by seeing something accomplished.
I do not think that it is necessary for me to speak particularly about the war, as the papers in America give a better account of the affairs here than do those printed in Africa. It is sufficient to say that the northern part of the Conference has in it four large armies,—two English and two Dutch, and the country is greatly agitated. The farming portion of this Conference is largely composed of Dutch persons, who have friends and relatives living in the Transvaal or in the Free State, many of whom have entered the service of their country. The feelings of these persons can be better imagined than described. For weeks it was feared that there would be a general uprising of this people from all parts of the colony, but we hear very little about it now.
We firmly believe that He in whose hands the nations are will in all this bring about a condition of things so that the Third Angel's Message will go to Africa as it has not in the past. To this end, we as a Conference have had special seasons of fasting and prayer. We feel anxious about our brethren in Kimberley, and wonder if they have been loyal to the King of Peace, and how it has been with them. The last report that we had was to the effect that the authorities came Sabbath morning, and told the elder of the church that his services were needed. He replied that he could not take up arms, and that he was now on the way to the church to preach to his brethren on this subject. We have heard that in both armies are a few of our people.
This has been a hard field in which to hold meetings. The churches have such a hold upon the people that they dare not attend our meetings. If they do, they are expelled from the church, and their children are turned out of the school. But few have the courage to face this kind of opposition. The Bible worker is welcomed to many homes. Our books have had a good sale, and are to be found everywhere. I think that I have never been in a section where our books have had a wider circulation; and still they sell quite well, even under the condition of things that exists here. This has been a source of encouragement to us. During the early part of 1899 we were placing one thousand books monthly in the homes of the people. At present our canvassing work is confined to the coast towns. The Lord is blessing the work, and much more is being done than we had supposed could be accomplished. The faithful canvasser takes from five to eight dollars' worth of orders daily, and delivers a good percentage of these.
The wide circulation that our papers have had is one source of encouragement. Our subscription list has not been large to either the Sentinel or De Wachter, but our people have scattered these papers far and near. Last year about four hundred dollars was raised for postage, to send these papers into the farming districts. In this way the papers visited thousands of homes where it is hard for the canvasser or minister to go. In response to this work, we received some encouraging letters, and a few persons have thus been led to accept the message. We have placed large numbers of our papers on board vessels visiting Cape Town, and the military camps have been visited. Many gladly receive the papers. In this way we are reaching persons from all parts of the world. We are finding it hard to continue to print both these papers, as our finances are low, and the expense of printing is quite heavy.
It may seem strange to some to hear that our finances are low, but such is the case. The Conference has employed a large force of laborers in the past, and now the surplus tithe is all gone, and we have to depend upon the tithe that comes from less12than four hundred Sabbath-keepers, the most of whom are poor persons. Still, while this is so, we firmly believe that if all will be faithful to the Lord, we shall be able to do a good work and support our laborers.
Each one has been willing to reduce his wages as much as it is possible and live, and now we ask our people to come up to the help of the Lord, and do their part. This we have courage to believe they will do.
The war has cut off our connection with Buluwayo, but still we have mail from there. Letters from the mission farm say that all are still usually well, and they are working as best they can to do something for that people.
We are of good courage, and have no desire to leave this field. We may have to face difficulties at present, but we believe that there are brighter days before us. We see men going to the front for their country, and facing every hardship, and this leads us to desire to be good soldiers for Jesus, who has done so much for us. It is encouraging to get letters saying that the brethren are praying for the workers in Africa. We hope to be loyal, and to be found in our place when the Saviour comes to take the faithful home to the eternal rest in the kingdom of God. W. S. HYATT.
FORTIETH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
In pursuance of the printed notice that appeared in the REVIEW AND HERALD, the fortieth annual session of the stockholders of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association (ninth annual session under the new charter) convened in the Tabernacle, Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., Mich., Monday, March 26, 1900, at 10 A. M., local time. The President of the Board of Directors, W. C. Sisley, occupied the chair. Hymn No. 162, “Let thy Spirit, blessed Saviour,” was sung to open the meeting, after which Elder J. H. Morrison led in prayer.
The Secretary then called the roll of the shareholders and proxy holders, announcing the number of shares and proxies held by each person as he responded to his name. It was found that 3,225 shares of stock were represented, 763 in person and 2,462 by proxy. The Chairman stated that, as the minutes of the last meeting of the thirty-ninth annual session had been read and approved, it was not necessary to have them read on the present occasion, unless the shareholders wished it. No one made a request to have the minutes read.
The President said that on previous occasions, the Nominating Committee had experienced difficulty, and had been more or less handicapped, on account of the fact that so few young men belonging to the denomination own stock in the Association. He stated that there are several old persons who own stock, and who are now in reduced circumstances, and consequently are anxious to dispose of their shares for a small sum. He thought that quite a number of these shares could be had for two dollars each. He therefore suggested that those who are not shareholders have now an excellent opportunity of becoming such. In response to this request, several of the brethren signified their wish to purchase the shares referred to by the Chairman.
The President then read his annual address to the stockholders, as follows:—
Through the providence of God we are again permitted to meet, according to appointment, in this our thirty-ninth annual meeting, the ninth under the new charter, for the purpose of electing a board of trustees, and for the transaction of such business as may come before us.
As this is the fiftieth anniversary of the REVIEW AND HERALD, it may not be altogether out of place, before taking up the regular business of the day, to spend a few minutes in reviewing the past.
In the summer of 1849 the first number of Present Truth was issued in Middletown, Conn., under the most unfavorable circumstances. The publishers were destitute of money, and their few friends were of the poorer sort. In the autumn of 1850 the name of the paper, Present Truth, was changed to the ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD, started as an eight-page semimonthly, and printed at Paris, Me. May 6, 1852, No. 1 of Vol. 3 of the REVIEW AND HERALD was published at Rochester, N. Y., and printed on a hand press. The money necessary for the purchase of the entire outfit, $652.93, was contributed by the brethren.
During the spring of 1855 steps were taken to purchase ground and to build a publishing house in Battle Creek. Four of the brethren gave three hundred dollars each to start the enterprise. December 4, of the same year, No. 10 of Vol. 7 of the REVIEW was issued from the new building. This was the first property owned by Seventh-day Adventists for publishing purposes. In 1857 the first steam engine and power printing press were installed. The purchase money, about twenty-five hundred dollars, was contributed by the brethren for that purpose.
In the year 1858 a statement was made in the REVIEW to the effect that the Office, as it was then called, was a safe and convenient place for our brethren to deposit any surplus money they might have. From that day to this hundreds can testify to the truthfulness of that statement. How thankful we all should be that not a person has ever lost a dollar of money intrusted to the keeping of this Association.
In 1861 the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was organized, and the first brick building was erected. The book sales by this time were growing very rapidly. In the year 1859 they amounted to $702.17. In 1871 another brick building was erected, an exact duplicate of the first. In 1873 a third building like the first was put up, and the first cylinder press was added to the plant at a cost of thirty-four hundred dollars. At this time the book sales amounted to a little over one thousand dollars a month. In 1880 the two east buildings were joined by a substantial building, as it now stands. The book sales for that year were $27,914.53. From this time on, the business of the Association made rapid growth. New machines and additional room and facilities were added from time to time, until we now own the largest and best-equipped printing establishment in the State of Michigan, with very few better ones in the country. The book sales continued to grow until 1890, during which year they reached the enormous sum of five hundred thousand dollars. From that time until last year, we regret to say, there has been a gradual falling off in our sales. All should now be grateful that the tide is turning, as our book sales for last year were larger than for the year previous.
In the short time we have taken for this review, we have only caught sight of the bare outline of our history. Meager as our view of the past has been, none of us can fail to see that more than human agencies have been at work. All must acknowledge that God has wrought wonderfully for us in all these years. Hours might be profitably spent in recounting his gracious dealings with us all along the way. This should give us courage for the future.
There are a few points in connection with the establishment and early history of our Association that deserve our most careful consideration:—
First, that the object of establishing the publishing work was a purely missionary one—that of giving the truths of the Third Angel’s Message to the world. Should we have any other object in running the business to-day?
Second, that the work was established and kept running for years by great personal sacrifice on the part of those directly connected with the Office and its supporters throughout the field. Should not this same spirit of sacrifice be manifested by all concerned to-day?
Third, from the first, the publishing work was so closely connected with the other lines of denominational work that their interests were, in every sense, one. Soon it became the very heart of the message and the financial backbone of all our work. Whenever a new enterprise was to be started, the Review and Herald cared for it financially until it could go alone. In this way, through the help of God, it has rendered material assistance in the establishment of every one of our important lines of work.
As so much depended upon the Office, in earlier days, it was found absolutely necessary carefully to guard its reputation, and especially its financial credit. Is there any less need of our being careful in this matter to-day? Can any person needlessly cast a shadow upon the credit of this institution and be clear in the sight of God?
Fourth, the early managers of our work realized that the prosperity of the publishing work depended, almost wholly, under God, on the hearty co-operation of both ministry and laity throughout our ranks. How is it to-day? Can the Association accomplish the purpose for which it was established without this same hearty co-operation?
Fifth, all along through the earlier years a book fund was kept well filled by voluntary contributions, that the poor might be supplied with books and papers, which they otherwise would have had to go without. Is not such a fund as necessary now as then?
Years ago great interest was manifested in the circulation of literature in foreign languages. Books, papers, pamphlets, and tracts were brought out in the German, Swedish, Danish, French, and Dutch languages, many of which were sold in large quantities. Can we now be justified in slackening our efforts in this direction, or should we renew our diligence in this particular phase of missionary work?
We have called your attention to the work of past years, not merely to interest you, but that we might all be profited, encouraged, and stimulated for the future. If we all pull together, there is a glorious future before us. We must necessarily act a prominent part in the grand closing work of the Third Angel’s Message. Let us prepare for it, and act accordingly.
You will all be pleased to know that, through the manifold goodness of God, the work of the Association for the last year has been very encouraging.
Our manufacturing department has had an abundance of business. Our book sales were about seventeen thousand dollars larger than were those of the year previous.
The REVIEW list now stands at 15,458, which is more than two thousand higher than one year ago. There has been a gain of $4,634.41 in publishing this paper during the year.
The policy and general make-up of the Instructor has been changed in accordance with the suggestions last year. The circulation is gaining, and the loss in publishing is $1,684.89, while the year previous it was $4,854.47.
In accordance with your recommendation of last year, by joint action of the General Conference and the Review and Herald Board, the Christian Educator was discontinued.
The foreign papers are holding their own quite well. However, more interest must be taken in their circulation before they will become self-supporting. The aggregate loss on the three papers for last year was $2,363.50.
Our treasurer’s report shows a net gain, last year, of $16,126.56, besides donations to the amount of $4,076.50, making, in all, $20,203.06, which is the largest gain shown for years.
The annual report of our Atlanta Branch shows that it is doing well. According to the balance sheet, there has been a net gain of $928.67 during the year. Besides carrying forward its regular book business, this branch has done a large amount of gratuitous missionary work, under the direction of the Missionary Committee of District 2. This work was formerly cared for by the Southern Branch of the International Missionary Society.
The business done by the Toronto Branch has not been sufficient to make it prosperous from a financial point of view; still, we can not say that the year’s work has been unsuccessful; for, while there has been a net loss of $84.26 in the business during the last six months, we trust much good will be accomplished through the literature this branch has circulated. The territory of the Toronto Branch is large and good, but the constituency is small, and the laborers few. Neither of our branches can accomplish what they should unless their territories are better supplied with laborers. Each should have, in addition to those already in the field, a large corps of devoted, energetic canvassers. Can we not take steps to secure them?
We can not well close without stating, with all modesty, that during the last year the managers have enjoyed much of the presence and help of the Lord in all their labor, and that there is, at the present time, a good spiritual influence pervading the entire institution, and a kind and fraternal feeling existing between the managers and all hands.
In closing, we most respectfully call your attention to the importance of every stockholder’s renewing his interest in, and efforts for, the prosperity of the Association. Now is the time to begin by laying wise, broad, and far-reaching plans, electing an efficient board, and instructing them well. Then give them your most hearty support and co-operation throughout the year.
DISTRICT 5.
By R. M. KILGORE.
From Canon City I went to Boulder and Ft. Collins, Colo. Brother Rees was with me at the latter place, where we held one meeting with the church. At the Boulder Sanitarium I found a greater degree of courage manifested than at my last visit, which was soon after the fire. Now a better and larger building covers the ground. It is filled with new and improved machinery, in both the bakery and the laundry. The present condition gives assurance that, with these new facilities, a better class of goods will be manufactured, and the demand for health foods will be more fully supplied.
At the meeting at Keene, Tex., there was a good representation from the surrounding churches. Nearly all the workers from the Texas Conference, and delegates from the Oklahoma and Arkansas Conferences were present, making a large company. The church at Keene devoted their time and attention to the meetings, and the school closed its work so that teachers and students might receive the benefits of this season of Bible instruction. Elder Haskell and his wife each occupied two hours daily. His lessons on the three angels' messages were presented221with power and freedom. All were quickened into new life, faith in the word of God was revived, and hope and courage sprang up anew. The Bible readings given by Sister Haskell on the sanctuary were appreciated by all who heard them. New desires were awakened to know more of God's word. A careful study of the Bible is imperative if we shall obtain that preparation and experience which will enable us to stand amid the trying scenes just before the people of God.
Elder Irwin was present but two days, being called to Battle Creek on important business. The reading of the recent Special Testimonies, which he was presenting, was continued daily. The instruction, warnings, and words of counsel given in these readings were welcomed by all; and we believe that solemn, lasting impressions were made. Throughout it was a profitable meeting, and all returned to their fields or homes encouraged, strengthened, and settled in the fundamental principles of the Third Angel's Message.
On returning to Keene I found a new two-story frame addition to the dormitory, the lower story being used as a kitchen, and also affording an enlarged dining-room; while in the upper story are rooms sufficient to accommodate eight more students. They now have a full house of young men and women in training for work in the cause of God.
The spring councils of the Conference Committee and academy and sanitarium boards were held, and plans for the future were laid. At the close of the meeting Sunday night, Brethren August Kunze and H. E. Giddings were set apart to the ministry by the laying on of hands, Elder H. Shultz offering the prayer, and Elder Haskell giving the charge.
On the way to the Kansas City Institute, Elder Haskell and his wife and I stopped two days at Springdale, Ark., where we labored night and day for the church. It was a timely visit. Some of its members had taken positions contrary to the body, and were zealous in advocating them. The instruction given by the servants of God quieted the threatening storm, and calmed the minds of most of those affected. The open, bitter war that is being waged against those whom God has used in presenting the Third Angel's Message, in righteousness by faith, and the bold, defiant opposition to this saving message which they have borne, should cause alarm and a just, righteous indignation to arise in every mind that is loyal to God, against any and every erroneous view advocated by those posing as expositors of Bible lore. No one need be afraid of those prophets whose utterances have failed in their fulfillment, though their anathemas may be declared against those who would dare to reject their message. When accusation, railing, and separation are the stock in trade of those who “arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them,” it is time for those who love the Lord to close their ears against such sophistries.
We would call the attention of our brethren everywhere to the timely warning given in our good REVIEW AND HERALD of Feb. 6, 1900, against the little sheet entitled Gospel Review, published at Petoskey, Mich. We are astonished that anyone having a knowledge of the Third Angel's Message should be troubled, or led to doubt for a moment that God is leading this people, by the wild vagaries of that paper.
R. M. KILGORE.
Current Events
—In Cleveland, Ohio, 1,500 machinists are out on a strike.
—A body of 800 Yaqui Indians are surrounded by Mexican troops.
—Winston Churchill, the British correspondent, asks for mercy for the Boers.
—German shipyards are overcrowded with war-vessels in course of construction.
—Great floods are interfering with the movements of the British troops in South Africa.
—Reports are afloat that the United States has purchased the Danish Antilles Islands.
—Two hundred Finns have reached Philadelphia. They are refugees from Russia’s power and cruelty to them.
—General Otis has suppressed a Manila paper, for publishing articles unfriendly to the present military government.
—England is becoming alarmed at Russian war preparations in southern Russia, 250,000 troops having been recently mobilized.
—The Japanese are uneasy over the arrival of a Russian squadron at Chemulpo, Corea, and fear a demand for a Russian harbor.
—A raft of 14,000,000 feet of lumber is about to leave Seattle, Wash., for Japan. If successful, the venture will be very profitable.
—The Merchants’ National Bank, of Rutland, Vt., has closed its doors, and the cashier is under arrest for misappropriation of funds.
—The largest blast furnace in the world was recently lighted at Youngstown, Ohio, its capacity being 600 tons every twenty-four hours.
—Enormous shipments of agricultural machinery and implements are going to Russia for the development of the vast wheat fields of Siberia.
—Transvaal agents recently offered Portugal funds with which to pay the Delagoa Bay award, which was decided in favor of Great Britain.
—A severe fight is in progress between the society of “boxers” and the imperial troops, at Yen Chin, China, each force numbering about 15,000.
—Work has begun on the $36,000,000 tunnel in New York City, for the underground rapid railway. Employment will be given to 10,000 men.
—General Cronje and his men have been deported by the British to the Island of St. Helena, the place to which Napoleon I was exiled.
—The Wedemosti, a St. Petersburg paper, contains a communication from Oman, the province of Arabia bordering on the Gulf of Oman, to the effect that “the Indo-British government is worried over the rapid increase in the smuggling of guns into the Persian Gulf territory. The British agent in Muscat demanded from the sultan the prohibition of the importing of arms into Oman, but the sultan called attention to the contract between Turkey and France, giving the latter free trade rights in Oman.” The value of the weapons imported into the province last year amounted to over half a million dollars; and, the Wedemosti continues, “the interesting part is that nine tenths of the weapons are of English manufacture.”
—It is announced that “the Paris exposition will be opened with great ceremonials on Easter Sunday, April 15, when the French government expects all national pavilions to be decorated and illuminated, and all foreign commissioners to be present with their retinues to participate.” The Northwestern Christian Advocate, commenting upon the situation, says: “We are told that, at the same time, President McKinley has ordered the American commission to observe an American sabbath, and to close the United States pavilion on that day. We are still further assured that ‘in deference to the French government it is probable that an exception will be made of the opening ceremonies.’” The exposition will close Nov. 15, 1900.
—With an overflowing treasury, President Dole, of Hawaii, and his cabinet find themselves confronted with “an absolute legal inability to use a dollar of the public money for the public service, after the end of this month.” This is because “there is no legislation to make the necessary appropriations.” Mr. Dole issued orders for the election of a new legislature, in September, 1899, but President McKinley ordered such election not to be held. Speaking of the situation, in the Independent, Dr. Bishop, of Honolulu, says: “We have a most capable government, but it has been made subject to Washington, and Washington has cut off our legislative arm, and with it the power to draw upon our treasury. In fact, we shall in a few days become incapable of paying our teachers, our police, our post-office, and our customhouse.”14
—Italy’s ex-premier Crispi is seriously ill with influenza.
—A corps of 2,000 Boer women has been formed at Pretoria, fully armed.
—General Sir William Lockhart, commander-in-chief of the British army in India, is dead.
—Five hundred miners at Wilkesbarre, Pa., have struck on account of excessive docking.
—A general strike among machinists is talked of, because of union troubles in Chicago.
—The sheet steel interests of the country have consolidated, with a capital of $52,000,000.
—Eighteen hundred Free State Boers are reported to have given up their arms to the British.
—Robbers recently secured a valise containing 400,000 francs, from the Bank of France, Paris.
—General Davis cables that the situation in Puerto Rico is distressing, and asks for 500 tons of food each week.
—Seven thousand dollars has been subscribed for decorating Dublin, Ireland, during Queen Victoria’s visit.
—Commander Richard Wainwright has assumed charge of the United States naval academy at Annapolis.
—The American Bell Telephone Company and the American Telephone and Telegraph Company have combined.
—There exists a partial suspense in the war operations in South Africa. The Boer cause seems to be weakening.
—Queen Victoria discharged a groom from her stables for having the tail of a newly purchased saddle horse docked.
—The Carlisle (Ind.) Indian school band played at the White House, Washington, previously to sailing for the Paris Exposition.
—The United States district court judge of New York has refused to declare the corporation of Harper and Brothers bankrupt.
—Sixty acres of land, recently dislodged by an earthquake, on San Jacinto Mountain (California) slipped 150 feet down the mountain.
—Germany has conceded the right of the United States to send a war-ship to Taku, China, to look after the interests of American citizens.
—The principal chair manufacturers of this country are combining, with a capital of $3,000,000, and will be known as the Standard Chair Company.
—The British high commissioner of South Africa has stated that “Great Britain will repudiate all property trades of the Free Staters and Transvaalers.”
—It is said that Dr. Jameson, of the famous Jameson raid incident, is not welcome in Ladysmith, and for political reasons is excluded from service in the British army.
—By the burning of the wagon works at Flint, Mich., recently, over 500 men will be thrown out of employment. This, coupled with the destruction of the Armstrong steel works, is a severe blow to that city.
—In granting a part of their reservation to be used for the Illinois-Michigan canal, the Indians did so with the express understanding that they were forever to have the privilege of navigating it with their canoes.
—It is said that “Dr. J. M. Selfridge, of Oakland, Cal., has cured himself of a cancer of the face by the use of the X-ray, covering his face with thin sheets of lead, leaving only the cancerous growth exposed to the effects of the X-ray.”
—Ex-Congressman Springer says that “an acquaintance of his, a Creek Indian among our volunteers in the Philippines, found a tribe of Malays whose dialect was almost the same as that of the Creek nation. He could understand them, and they him.”
—A dispatch from Washington, D. C., says that “Admiral and Mrs. Dewey are going to make an extensive tour of Europe. They may be gone a year. They are to sail May 25. The Admiral will be in Paris to head the American delegates to the congress of navigation. Admiral Dewey will also have an audience with the pope. The date for this event has not been absolutely fixed. ‘Cardinal Gibbons has opened correspondence with the Vatican on the subject.’” It is said that Mr. Dewey is one of the few persons “of whom Leo XIII is one of the warmest admirers.”
—The Detroit religious weekly, the Christian Herald, is authority for the statement that “when the [late] vice-president and Mrs. Hobart signified to the Belgian minister at Washington their desire to entertain Prince Albert, the crown prince of Belgium, they were informed that Sunday evening would be an agreeable date for their royal guest to attend the proposed dinner party. To this proposal Mrs. Hobart returned a prompt refusal, giving even royalty to understand that on the Lord’s day Americans are engaged in something higher than giving dinners, a custom which she did not propose to infringe upon.”
—A fathom is understood to be about six feet, or the distance indicated by the stretch of a man’s arms.
—Four hundred farmers of Japan have demanded compensation from their government for the destruction of their crops by the poisonous exhalations from the great Ashio copper mines near Tokio.
—It is said that “the greatest known ocean depth is midway between the Island of Tristan d’Acunha and the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. The bottom was there reached at a depth of 40,236 feet, or nearly eight miles.”
—It is said, on good authority, that “in 1,300 places in Chicago, five eighths of a bushel of coal is sold to poor persons, for a bushel. Two hundred dealers give three quarters of a bushel, and three give honest weight. Inspector Quinn asked that new ordinances be adopted.”
ONTARIO
By J. F. Ballenger
Previously to the organization of the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the Michigan Conference carried, to a large extent, the financial burden of the work in this field. At the time of the organization, the Michigan brethren kindly offered to continue their assistance by a stipulated sum for a limited time. When this financial aid is exhausted, we shall be thrown on our own resources; and if the brethren do not contribute liberally, the work in this fruitful field must necessarily be crippled.
We have but a small corps of laborers, though large in proportion to our membership; and as but a small part of the province has yet been entered, we can hardly think that the friends of present truth will suffer our already small force to be diminished. This need not be if our brethren will bring all the tithes into the storehouse, not robbing the Lord by withholding that which justly belongs to him. If our brethren and sisters who have money would make offerings to our Conference treasury, it would help to carry on the work until our numerical strength is increased.
It seems hardly necessary to call the attention of our people to the fact that passing events show with tremendous significance that we have but a short time in which to use for the saving of souls the money committed to our trust. How important, then, that we make a right use of what the Lord has given us! Many will mourn and lament when they see their earthly wealth, on which they have set their affections, consumed in the fires of the last day. Can we bear the thought of having our names come up for examination before the Judge, when we know that we have withheld the Lord's tithes and offerings, and that souls have been left to perish for lack of money to send them the light? I should be glad if I could think this does not apply to any of our people, but I am sorry to say that I know persons who receive wages, but do not pay tithes. Come, brethren and sisters, let us lay up our treasure in heaven. We can do this by using our money in carrying forward the last warning message. Let all who have neglected to pay an honest tithe remember that we have but a little time left to make up arrears. To-day, if we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts, nor close our eyes, to the light God has given his people on the question of tithes and offerings.
All Conference money should be forwarded to T. H. Robinson, Health Food Factory, London, Ontario.
J. F. BALLENGER.
MICHIGAN
By B. HAGLE
STURGIS.—I came to this place Monday, February 26, and was surprised to find in the home of Brother Harlan a church school with eleven pupils. I believe this is a school after the Lord’s plan. I was invited to visit it, and I found them studying from the Bible, “Great Controversy,” “Steps to Christ,” and “Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists.” They also study grammar, arithmetic, and geography. I believe that the time has come for every Seventh-day Adventist family to make such arrangements for their children that they may have the proper instruction.
Many are saying: “My children are all going after the world. What can I do to get them converted?” I believe that if we would follow the example of this family, we should have no trouble in getting our children converted. I held three meetings with these children, and everyone gave his heart to the Lord. Now, does it pay?
“Well,” says one, “I am poor, and can’t pay the tuition.” These children here are poor, too; but they are determined to have an education, and the kind that will meet the mind of the Lord. I will tell you how these are meeting the expense: The children go out after school and sell pop corn.
Brethren and sisters, I believe that if we take hold in earnest, the Lord will open the way, and our children will be saved in the kingdom of God. If they are not saved, I believe we as parents will be to blame if we do not make an effort to get them under the proper instruction. May the Lord help us to arouse before it is too late. B. HAGLE.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
By I. E. Kimball
CHARLESTON.—Our labors in Charleston and vicinity this winter have not been in vain. Eight persons have been baptized, and we have organized a church of seventeen members. There are yet other Sabbath-keepers who have not joined in church capacity, but whose sympathies are truly with us.
Since beginning the work here, some who have accepted the truth have moved from the city; some have died; and many have given up because of the tribulations and trials that have come to them through obedience to unpopular truth. Those who stand firm have a fervent love for the truth. Some of these have endured great trials, and are more than conquerors through Him who loves them.
We have been renting a small room in the central part of the city, where we have had meetings four or five times a week. Our Sabbath evening service has been held for the especial reading of the Testimonies. This has been helpful. There is little reading done among the poorer classes here, and we despaired of their ever becoming familiar with the Testimonies unless we took some such means to get these writings before them. The white and the colored people seem to come together in mutual confidence and love.
Our last service was one of especial interest. The ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated for the first time, and the hearts of all were deeply touched. An elder and a deacon were also ordained. Brother Lawson, who has labored at Georgetown for some time, beset by many trials, but who has nevertheless stood firmly for the truth, is now elder of the church here. I would that the brethren in the North might remember him in a substantial way. If they knew the trials he has endured in the last four years for the truth’s sake, surely they would help him.
My wife and I are now at Savannah, Ga., where we expect to remain for about eight weeks.
