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Review and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 38.

The Ruins of Baalbec
Earlier text: Teaching the Boys to Read

Canvassing in India

By Della Burroway

It was with many misgivings that I bade my friends in Calcutta good-by, and, accompanied by one of our young sisters, started out to canvass the railway towns in Central India.
After a few hours’ ride, we reached our first town. When the train stopped, my companion called the coolies, giving them orders where to take our luggage. There was nothing for me to do but to stand and look on, for I did not understand one word that was being said. We decided to canvass together the first day, as she had never canvassed, and I did not know how to enter the homes with servants at the doors who could not speak English. With trembling hearts we called at the first bungalow. My friend gained entrance through the servant, and I canvassed the family. We were treated very cordially, which gave us confidence to go on. We are taking subscriptions for the Oriental Watchman and the Good Health, and are selling “Story of Daniel the Prophet.” God gave us success this first day, and when we returned to our room after our day’s work, we had only praise to offer him. My first evening was spent in learning a few words that were really necessary to gain admittance to the homes. After the three days, we were ready for our next town.
Among others that we canvassed was the station master, who was very kind to us. When we bought our third-class ticket of him, he accompanied us to our train; and as we should have to travel all night, he put us into a second-class compartment, which was empty, telling the guard to look after us. If you could know the difference between the two compartments, you could understand how much we appreciated this kindness.
To our surprise, on reaching the next town we heard that the plague was in the native city one mile away, and all Europeans had fled. By the time we learned this, our train was pulling out of the station, or we would have gone on at once. Finding that we must remain there for several hours before we could get another train, we decided to canvass the bungalows nearest the station. We felt, too, that God had some purpose in taking us there, so we started out to see what could be done. We went to the nearest bungalow, and after canvassing for our literature and taking an order, we made inquiries concerning the plague, and learned that it was only the people in the city that had fled. All the people living near the station were at home. We believe God led us to this family, for they would have us stop with them while we were canvassing the town, and would not take anything for their trouble. God gave us wonderful success the two days we spent at this place, and at the close of the two days we could understand why we were not permitted to go on the day we entered the town. Just before taking our train we canvassed a gentleman who has become much interested in the truth. He followed us to our compartment, asking questions in regard to the truth. He said he was sorry he had not known we were in the town, for he would have liked to talk with us.
The people of India breakfast at eleven o’clock. We are always canvassing at this hour, and very often are invited to take breakfast with the family. The canvasser receives a warm welcome in most of the homes.
We canvassed a town in the jungles of India, where the tiger and panther come into the town at night. Many of the deadly snakes of India are killed there. The gentleman with whom we stopped gave us a letter of introduction to a family in the next town. Upon arriving there we were given a hearty welcome to their home. We went back to the station to get our luggage, which we had placed on a tongo, a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by oxen. We walked by the side, to see that nothing was lost, but imagine our surprise on reaching the bungalow to find my friend’s small hand-grip gone. The police were notified, but it could not be found. Among other things in it was her Bible, which she prized very highly. We were six hundred miles from Calcutta, and a Bible could not be purchased in the small stations. She took it to God, in childlike faith, asking him to send her a Bible. The next morning when we boarded our train to leave this place, a strange thing happened. After we were seated, a native came to the car window with a Bible for sale. This sister at once recognized it as the hand of God; for in all her travels in India she never knew or heard of a native selling Bibles. He came in answer to prayer.
Just before entering a town we always ask God to help us find a place in which to stop while there. The canvasser is much more dependent on the people here than at home. There are no boarding-houses or hotels. In some of the towns there is the Dak Bungalow, a public building, but one is largely at the mercy of strangers for a home. We entered a town one Sunday afternoon, and started out to find a room. We went from house to house. “No room,” “no room,” was the cry, until we became almost discouraged. At last just before dark we found two vacant rooms, which we were told we could have for a few days. Although there was not one piece of furniture in them, we knelt and thanked God for the covering over our heads. As we made our beds on the hard floor that night, our hearts were heavy. Our Heavenly Father again came to our rescue. When we rented the rooms, we happened to mention that we were vegetarians, and did our own cooking. Somehow this came to the ears of the woman who lived up-stairs. Just when we needed a friend, she came to us, and told us that her husband was a vegetarian, and hearing we were, she felt there was a bond between us, and had come to make our acquaintance. She at once ordered a bed, table, and chairs, knowing we were so uncomfortable. During our stay there she sent us many a nice vegetarian dish. They took exceptions to our belief, but when we left them, this good woman bade us good-by with tears in her eyes.
At this place we canvassed a woman who is reading herself into the truth. She has taken the Oriental Watchman four years, and has read “Coming King” and “Christ’s Object Lessons.” She told us the Lord would soon come, as the signs are fast fulfilling. The same day we canvassed a native physician. He has been taking the Good Health for some time. He has given up the practise of medicine, because he can not use drugs. He would have me sit down and tell him something of our manner of treating the sick. We get many of the natives to subscribe for our papers and buy our books. Of course they do not believe in our God, and he alone knows the result of placing the literature in their homes. The educated classes like to read, and those who read English are pleased to have us call upon them, and if they have the money, subscribe for our papers and buy a book.
One morning we stopped in a small railway station. I canvassed seven houses, and took subscriptions for our papers in all but one. Of course we do not always meet with like success; but canvassing in India, as a whole, is much more pleasant than at home. How I should like to be able to speak the language, that I might gather the native children about me and tell them of a Saviour’s love. If my companion stops to ask a question of a native, many of them gather about us to hear what is being said. We never enter a native village but I am reminded of bees in a hive; so many live in one little hut, and the huts are one against the other. We have opportunity occasionally to hold a Bible reading as we canvass, and often have the privilege of calling the attention of some one to some phase of the message. God is good to us, and we are thankful for a part in the work here in India. DELLA BURROWAY.

China

By Dr. Law Keem

HONGKONG.— We arrived at our destination July 26, after quite a pleasant voyage. Sister Anderson and her sister met us on the boat, so we had no trouble about landing. We are both well, and much encouraged at the prospects here. I expect to go to Canton this week, and look the ground over, and get our bearings, and then do what we can till Brother Anderson arrives to decide what definite steps to take.
My old friends and relatives are very glad and anxious to see us. Those who live here in Hongkong have spread the news of our arrival to inland friends and relatives. Several are waiting for treatment as soon as I am settled.
We are of the best courage, and feel confident of the Lord's blessing, and trust in his strength to carry us through all difficulties. Dr. Law Keem.

The Oklahoma Camp-Meeting

By G. B. THOMPSON

THE annual conference and camp-meeting of the Oklahoma Conference was held in Wheeler Park, Oklahoma City, August 24 to September 3. The free use of the park was granted by the city. In addition to this, the commercial club of the city contributed two hundred dollars toward the expenses of the meeting. The location of the camp being near the city, the attendance from the outside was fairly good, and a deep interest was manifested by those who attended. The evening services were devoted to a presentation of the distinctive features of our faith, and the last Sabbath of the meeting quite a number testified that they were keeping their first Sabbath.
The attendance of our own people was very good, there being probably over nine hundred in attendance the last Sabbath. All the conference laborers were present, and Elder N. P. Nelson, Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, Elders Riffel, Terry, A. Nelson, and Professor Hughes, and the writer were present from outside the conference. Brother C. L. Kilgore, manager of the Graysville Industrial Academy, was also present during a portion of the meeting, and presented the needs of this institution. Services were held daily in both English and German, and a spirit of love and unity was present from the beginning of the meeting till the close. The number of youth and children camped on the ground was large, and earnest efforts were made to help them spiritually. The Spirit of God visited the camp in a marked manner, especially the last Sabbath. Many gave their hearts to God for the first time, and some who had backslidden renewed their covenant. Two baptismal services were held, forty-five in all being baptized.
The business meetings were interesting, and the spirit of unity manifested was refreshing. On account of the action of the General Conference in calling Elder Haffner to labor in connection with the German work in the United States, it was necessary to select another man as president. After careful and prayerful deliberation, Brother Andrew Nelson, son of N. P. Nelson, was elected to this office, and takes up his duties with the confidence of all. Though sorry to lose the faithful services of Elder Haffner, the conference showed their interest and co-operation in the work to which he is called by voting to pay fourteen dollars a week to the General Conference toward his support for a year. They also voted to sustain another German laborer outside of their conference for the coming year. A deep interest was manifested in the study of the tithing question, and the financial support of our work in the foreign fields; and if the many vows made are lived up to, there will be a marked increase in both tithes and offerings the coming year. The Sabbath-school donation, and the First-day offerings for missions taken during the meeting, amounted to over two hundred dollars.
The Lord has blessed the conference in many ways during the past year. Eight new churches, with a membership of one hundred and fifty-six, were admitted into the conference. The treasurer's report showed the finances of the conference to be in a good condition, both the conference and tract society being free from debt. The tithe the past year amounted to $15,187.18. A good corps of laborers was sent into the field, and the outlook is good for a large ingathering of souls the coming year. The last day of the meeting Brother William Braley was ordained to the work of the ministry, prayer being offered by Brother Wilkinson, and the charge given by the writer. The Spirit of God was present on this occasion in a very special manner.
The conference was made sad by the serious illness of Elder N. P. Nelson during the meeting. He was in feeble health when he came here from the Arkansas camp-meeting, but rapidly grew worse with malarial fever. Many earnest seasons of prayer were held in his behalf, but he continued to decline until all hope of his life was abandoned, and it looked as if the labors of this faithful servant were finished. While at his worst stage, a telegram came, announcing that his devoted wife, whom he had left but recently in a fair state of health, had suddenly died. The following day the body of Sister Nelson passed through Oklahoma City, accompanied by her daughter, but the two sons were unable to join the sad procession, it being necessary for them to remain by the bedside of their father. This was a sad occasion; and as I witnessed it, I could but thank God that the terrible drama of sin was nearly over, when sorrow and death would be no more. When I left the grounds for the Wisconsin meeting, Elder Nelson was some better, and the physician thought there was a good chance for his recovery. The death of his wife had not yet been made known to him.
The Oklahoma camp-meeting was a good meeting indeed. All returned to their homes with renewed courage and hope. Personally, I enjoyed this meeting very much. A cordial welcome was extended to all the laborers, and they felt at home. The fertile soil and good climate found here are attracting a large emigration, and the country is being filled with an enterprising and progressive class of citizens. Oklahoma City, though only fifteen years old, has a substantial appearance, and a population of about forty thousand. If the Lord's people are faithful in sharing with others the blessings the Lord has so abundantly given to them, they will be blessed even more, and the message will increase in power among them.
G. B. THOMPSON,

The Allegan (West Mich.) Camp-Meeting

By W. D. CURTIS

THIS meeting was held August 17-28 on the fair-grounds just outside the city. The tents were pitched in a beautiful grove. The overshadowing branches offered the campers an excellent protection from the rays of the sun. It was an ideal place for an encampment. The regular meeting was preceded by a workers' meeting, under the immediate supervision of the conference president, Elder A. G. Haughey. This was the first camp-meeting held in this conference to which all the laborers were called. I understand they were all present, except Elder Parkhurst, of Grand Rapids, who was detained on account of sickness in his home.
The laboring force of the West Michigan Conference consists of eight ministers who have reached the age of sixty or more, and five who are in the prime of life; one of the latter, Elder W. E. Videto, now leaves the conference work to take a position on the faculty of the Emmanuel Missionary College, and Elder C. A. Hansen and his wife go from this meeting to India, the West Michigan Conference paying their traveling expenses, and their salary for a time. There are also eight young men in the conference who have had from one to three years' experience in the ministry, and seven Bible workers.
On account of sickness, the corps of canvassers is quite small at present, but the prospects are good for the future. Brother S. D. Hartwell, of Canada, arrived at the beginning of the meeting, to take charge of the canvassing work.
Seven tent companies have been in the field during the summer, all of which were successful. Six tents will be operated during the remainder of the season.
The meeting was certainly a time of refreshing. The Spirit of the Lord accompanied the words spoken from the rostrum. The grand old message was the climax in every sermon, and the people loved to have it so. Among the interesting features was the “Pioneer's day.” It was very encouraging to listen to the early experiences of this people as given by those who have grown gray in the message. A day was also devoted to the educational work, and another to the young people's work.
There were about six hundred campers. Forty-one were baptized, and several will receive the ordinance at their homes.
Donations were taken up for the work in India, the colored people of the South, the Indians of Canada, and the Jewish work.
The visiting ministers present were Elders Farnsworth, I. H. Evans, Allen Moon, and F. C. Gilbert, and the writer; also Brother J. B. Blosser. The two former did the principal part of the preaching. The Lord blessed them in presenting the message, and many precious victories were gained.
The results of the meeting will be felt throughout the conference. If our people of West Michigan will weave the truth which they have heard into their daily experiences, the message will soon go to their entire State, and on to the world. May this be their experience. W. D. CURTIS.

Texas Conference Proceedings

By Ida A. Nelson

The twenty-eighth annual session of the Texas Conference convened at Hillsboro, Tex., in connection with the camp-meeting, Aug. 3-13, 1905.
A goodly number of delegates were present. The visiting brethren, Elders Thompson, Wilkinson, and Shultz, and all the conference laborers took part in the deliberations of the conference.
Four churches were admitted into the conference, and the reports from the laborers showed that, during the year, many additions had been made to the already established churches.
The reports given by the different departmental secretaries showed an encouraging advancement. The tract society, which has been for years heavily involved in debt, is now freed entirely, and able to reach out and assist in promulgating the interests of the third angel's message.
In spite of storms, floods, and incessant rains, the canvassing work has made surprising advancement. The orders taken this year during the same length of time as last year were nearly double. But our field is large, and our greatest need, in order to sell more books, is more canvassers.
There are thirty-seven Sabbath-schools in our conference, with an enrolment of twelve hundred and seventy-seven. During the year twelve schools have been added, and eight have been dropped. There is a growing interest in the Sabbath-school work.
The report given by the superintendent of the church-schools was encouraging. During the year twenty teachers were employed in teaching three hundred and sixty-three pupils.
Among the important resolutions and recommendations passed by the conference are the following:—
“Resolved, That we express to God our thankfulness for the many blessings which have attended our work during the past year, and that we pledge ourselves to greater faithfulness in the work in the future.
“Whereas, Our interest in the spread of the third angel's message takes in the whole world, and being in accord with the plan of the home conferences' sharing their laborers and tithe with more needy fields, therefore,—
“Resolved, That we agree to support one of our laborers in another field during the coming year in co-operation with the General Conference.
“Resolved, That if a suitable person can be found, a secretary be elected to have charge of the Religious Liberty Department of the conference.
“Resolved, That in order to be in harmony with our general work as recommended by the General Conference at its last session, the fiscal year of the departments of this conference and the institutions under its control end on the thirty-first of December.
[On the subject of tithing.]
“Resolved, That we urge upon all our people a most careful and prayerful consideration of this matter, that the storehouse of the Lord be filled with meat necessary to a speedy and successful close of the message.
“Resolved, That we express our thankfulness to God for the prosperity of the Keene Academy during the past year, and that we pledge ourselves to encourage the attendance of worthy young people during the coming year, and also to assist in paying the debt and making much needed improvements.
“Resolved, That in view of the demand for church-school teachers, and because of their scarcity, the churches be asked to select young people and encourage them to attend school so as to become efficient teachers.
“Resolved, That the churches provide better accommodations and longer terms for their schools, and better pay for their teachers.
“Resolved, That the teachers all be requested to attend the teachers' institute, so as to prepare themselves to do better service.
“Whereas, The late General Conference passed the following recommendations, calculated to increase the offerings for foreign missions, namely:—
“(a) That the second Sabbath of each month be set apart by all our people everywhere as “missionary day,” for the special consideration of our missions.
“(b) That the General Conference Committee appoint a committee to prepare readings for each missionary day, with a program and suitable songs for the occasion; that the readings be so divided that where convenient two or three can take part in the service, thus breaking the monotony.
“(c) That a map of the world be provided, so that the different fields may be located, thus educating our people regarding the extent and progress of the message,” therefore,—
“Resolved, That we urge the adoption of this plan in all our churches, and that all our conference laborers and church officers keep before our people the subject of the increase of the weekly offerings for missions.
“Resolved, That we give the Sabbath School Worker our hearty support, and that we endeavor to increase its circulation by placing it not only in the hands of all Sabbath-school officers, but also in the homes of our people generally.
“Resolved, That all our Sabbath-schools be urged to plan to increase their donations, both by increasing proper economy in their local expenditures and by more liberal giving, that the message may be given speedily to the regions beyond.
“We recommend, That the holding of Sabbath-school conventions be continued and encouraged, that the importance of the Sabbath-school work be brought more vividly before our people.
“In view of instructions given through the spirit of prophecy for the young to organize for active missionary work, and realizing the need of such organizations in this conference, therefore,—
“We recommend, That the church officers of the different churches encourage and aid the young people in organizing into Young People's Societies where advisable.
“Resolved, That the earnest campaign begun in behalf of our ‘most able minister,’ the REVIEW AND HERALD, be continued, and that we endeavor to place it in the home of every Sabbath-keeper in our conference.
“Resolved, That we give the sanitarium at Keene our hearty support by recommending it to those in need of sanitarium treatments.
“We recommend, That where a member removes from one church to another, he or she ask for a letter and place the membership with the nearest church.”
Ministerial credentials were granted to Clarence Santee, T. W. Field, H. B. French, C. W. Miller, W. W. Eastman, D. U. Hale, Andrew Nelson, E. B. Hopkins, W. M. Cubley, J. P. Lorenz, and W. A. McCutchen; honorary credentials to A. W. Jensen and N. J. Etheredge; ordination and credentials, N. V. Wilkes; ministerial licenses, E. L. Neff, W. L. Brandon, and J. I. Taylor; missionary licenses, W. E. Hancock, E. Harris, Lottie White, Jessie Hunter, Ida A. Nelson, Mrs. E. L. Neff, Jessie Robbins, Mrs. Ella E. Hughes, Mrs. J. I. Taylor, William Field, Isora Watts, Bertie Taylor, Mrs. W. M. Cubley, Dr. D. C. Ross, Ava Hopkins; colporteur's licenses, G. A. Lagrone and N. J. Etheredge.
The following officers were elected: President, Clarence Santee; Secretary, Ida A. Nelson; Treasurer, E. Harris; Conference Committee, Clarence Santee, T. W. Field, C. W. Miller, W. M. Cubley, W. W. Eastman, D. U. Hale, J. J. Cochran; State Agent, W. W. Eastman; Secretary and Treasurer of Texas Tract Society, E. Harris; Secretary and Treasurer of the Sabbath-school Department, Ida A. Nelson; Superintendent of Church-school Department, Mrs. Ella E. Hughes; Sanitarium Board, Clarence Santee, Dr. D. C. Ross, L. B. Wallen, C. B. Hughes, T. B. Creager; Transportation Agent, C. N. Woodward; Trustees of Texas Seventh-day Adventist Association, Clarence Santee, C. N. Woodward, J. D. Matthews, Sidney Smith, C. B. Hughes.
At the close of the last meeting, the brethren and sisters, by a rising vote, expressed their appreciation of Elder N. P. Nelson's untiring labor and efforts, and of his remaining with them as long as he had in spite of his ill health.
IDA A. NELSON, Sec.

Work of Adventists

Under this heading there appeared in the Washington Post of Sunday, September 10, an article occupying nearly four columns of space giving quite a full statement of the rise of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, its growth, its plan of organization, and the recent experiences in removing from Battle Creek, Mich., and establishing its headquarters in Washington. The article was illustrated with a view of the building on Iowa Circle occupied as a sanitarium, and with pictures of several brethren connected with the general work here.
As indicating the general trend and spirit of the article we quote the following paragraphs:—
“When William Miller, the father and forerunner of Seventh-day Adventism, stood on the steps of the Patent Office building, near the corner of P and Ninth Streets northwest, more than sixty-eight years ago, and to a wondering throng of Washingtonians, prophesied that the world would come to an end on Sunday, Oct. 22, 1844, he little dreamed that, on the contrary, a day would come when Washington would be the world center of the strongest and largest of the two denominations which took root and developed out of the older Millerism.”
“Out of the very error that he committed has grown one of the most active of American denominations. The Seventh-day Adventists are here to stay. They have purchased lands both within the District and in Maryland. They have many institutions in Washington, whereas a few years before they were scarcely known in this city. They are erecting large buildings, and propose, in short, to make the capital the center and headquarters of their faith for the whole world.”
“The Adventists have followed in the lead of other denominations in making Washington the center of their work. Just as the artist, the man of science, the composer, and the student find in Washington a world center possessing unusual advantages of communication with the outside world, so these several religious bodies have discovered that from a business standpoint the capital affords what no other American city can supply in the way of centralization and communication. . . .”
“Seventh-day Adventism grew by leaps and bounds. By 1883 they numbered over 17,000, with an annual tithe or income to the General Conference of $96,000. By 1893 their numbers had increased to 40,000, with an annual tithe of $400,000. To-day the church has over 80,000 members the world over, seventy unions in this country and twenty in Europe, with an annual income of close to a million dollars. This is all the more astonishing when one considers that the Adventists are by no means wealthy in the worldly sense. The church is made up of people of very moderate means, without a single millionaire or wealthy member to come forward in time of need with a check for a cool hundred thousand or more. . . .”
“The governing heads of the church are now actively engaged at Takoma Park in building operations. In fact, the place looks like a boom town in the West. Long before one reaches the place by electric car, he will be sure to note wagon after wagon loaded with cement and structural ironwork, and throughout the Park one encounters piles of building material on every hand.”
“Their ministerial training college, consisting of three large buildings of cement, brick, and wood, is already finished, and their thirty-sixth General Conference was held in one of these buildings and a large tent last spring under difficulties. These buildings were begun in November, 1904, and completed last May.”
“Work was begun last June on the new publishing house and the General Conference or headquarters building, and ground is soon to be broken for their new fifty thousand dollar sanitarium. . . .”
“In their missionary work they look upon it as their first duty to make the prospective convert physically correct, and for that reason their physicians and nurses are in a large sense missionaries. They argue that it is useless to expect one to lead the Adventist life whose system has been disorganized by indulgence in pork, tobacco, liquors, coffee, and an excess of flesh diet, and that to make him fit for conversion he should be first placed in a condition fit to receive the truths of their faith. This is the reason why they erect and conduct sanitariums wherever they go. This is always the first concern of the Adventist on entering a new field—first to establish a sanitarium, afterward a school, church, and religious liberty bureau. . . .”
“The Adventists are also devoting themselves largely to missionary work among the negroes. In the South they have been very successful along this line, and, despite the prejudice existing against the Adventists on account of their religion, a marked change for the better has been noted in those negroes who go over to the Adventist doctrine. They have addressed themselves to the work among the negroes of the District with great success. They have already a colored congregation in the District with a very able and conscientious colored minister at its head, and sooner or later it will be noted here, as it has already been observed in the South, that in becoming a Seventh-day Adventist the negro becomes a sober, industrious, and honest man.”
“In respect to industry the Adventists are like the Mormons. No drones or lazy-bones are tolerated, and even the heads of their church, when not engaged in active labors for the faith, will be found following humble occupations, farming and laboring with their hands. Thus it is that the white man as well as the negro who enters the fold of Adventism must first of all make up his mind to three things; namely, to work, to stay sober, and to let ham alone.”
The publication of an article of this character in a paper with the circulation and influence of the Washington Post brings the work of this denomination to the attention of many people who may not have previously known much about it, and we trust may awaken an interest in some minds to learn more concerning the truths represented in this advent movement.

Southern California Items

By G. W. REASER

ON the two Sabbaths preceding our camp-meeting, fifteen persons were baptized in the Los Angeles church. These were persons not heretofore reported, who became obedient to the faith as a result of the last tent-meetings held in Los Angeles.
It was estimated that fully one thousand of our people attended our recent camp-meeting in Los Angeles. It was the universal testimony of all present that they had never attended a better meeting.
On the first Sabbath of the camp-meeting, after a sermon on vital godliness, by Elder J. O. Corliss, nearly half the congregation came forward for the purpose of reconsecrating their lives to the service of God.
On the last Sabbath of this spiritual feast, when opportunity was extended to those who had never before started in the Christian life, to accept salvation, nearly one hundred responded to the call. Of this number twenty-two were baptized the following day, and others were referred to various churches in our conference for baptism and membership.
During the camp-meeting a medical missionary department of our conference was created, and an advisory committee of seven persons elected.
Two new corporations have recently been formed in our conference for the control and management of our two medical institutions. Each of these corporations bears the name of the institution which it was created to control. The names are “Glendale Sanitarium” and “Loma Linda Sanitarium.”
During the camp-meeting about $3,800 was assured in donations, pledges, and loans for Loma Linda Sanitarium; nearly $2,000 for Fernando College, and $450 for camp-meeting expenses. This liberality on the part of a willing membership, few of whom are well off in this world’s goods, ought to stimulate confidence in our own conference, and perhaps inspire other conferences to raise funds to liquidate all indebtedness.
The Ontario church, with thirty-two members, was admitted to our conference during the camp-meeting. Two other churches await organization.
Brother E. H. Adams was ordained to the gospel ministry at the last meeting of our camp-meeting. This is the fourth son of Elder J. W. Adams who has been thus set apart.
After a brief talk on the needs of Africa, during Sabbath-school the first Sabbath on the camp-ground, three of our brethren promised to support four native missionaries for at least one year in that field.
Elder S. T. Hare will join Elder E. H. Adams in the tent-meetings at Chino, Cal., where a good interest is reported.
Elder Healey will soon make a tour among about half the churches in the Southern California Conference.
Sister E. G. White is taking a needed rest at Loma Linda. She worked with much earnestness for our people in several public meetings on the camp-ground.
A church-school teachers’ institute has just been held at Fernando, Cal. The attendance was good, and the interest excellent.
On Sabbath, August 26, five more converts were baptized in the Los Angeles church.
G. W. REASER.

The Quebec Camp-Meeting

By W. H. Thurston

THE Quebec camp-meeting closed Sunday evening, September 10; many said it was the best meeting in the history of the work in Quebec.
Thirty subscriptions were taken for our periodicals, and a deep interest was shown in the missionary work. A spirit of unity and service was manifested, and special blessings were experienced on the Sabbath days. Nearly the entire camp consecrated themselves anew to God for service, and the last Sabbath ten dear souls followed their Lord in the ordinance of baptism.
All seemed to feel that there are brighter days for the Quebec Conference, and rich blessings in store for the faithful. A full report of the meeting will be given later.
W. H. Thurston.

Kansas Conference and Camp-Meeting

By Florence P. Rice; A. R. Ogden

The thirty-first session of the Kansas Conference was called to order Aug. 21, 1905, on the camp-ground at Hutchinson. There was a splendid representation of delegates at the first meeting; in all, one hundred and thirty-one responded to roll-call, representing fifty-seven of the ninety-three churches of the conference. Elder C. McReynolds, who has faithfully served the Kansas Conference at different times as president, was in attendance until after the first Sabbath of the meeting; he then left to take up the work as president of the Wisconsin Conference. The prayers of his many friends in Kansas accompany him to his new field of labor.
The officers elected to take charge of the conference work are as follows: President, J. A. Crane; Vice-President, H. F. Ketring; Conference Committee, J. G. Hanhardt, A. R. Ogden, L. F. Trubey, I. F. Thorn, and B. W. Brown; Secretary and Treasurer, Florence P. Rice; editor of Kansas Worker, H. Meyer; Secretary of Sabbath-school Work, Dora Meyer; Superintendent of church, Sabbath-school, and Young People's Work, I. C. Sultz; State Missionary, F. L. Limerick.
The various branches of the work were remembered by liberal cash donations and pledges, as follows:—
Wichita (Kan.) Sanitarium, cash $ 89 89
Wichita (Kan.) Sanitarium, pledges 369 00
Foreign Missions, cash 351 63
Sabbath-school C. M. Donation 110 42
Religious Liberty Work 21 43
Work for Blind 58 86
Southern Work 50 00
Wichita (Kan.) Sanitarium Carriage Fund 49 08
Total $1,100 31
Thus not only were our own home wants remembered, but at least a little thought was given to the more needy fields,—the regions beyond. The Sabbath-school donations showed an average of almost ten cents per capita in attendance at Sabbath-school during the two Sabbaths of the meeting. If all our schools in the land could make such an average Sabbath-school offering each Sabbath during the year, what a flood of means it would bring into the treasury to hasten on the glad message of the coming King. What a glad day that will be when from Sabbath to Sabbath all flesh shall come to worship before the Lord. We may now in our family or church Sabbath-schools be few in number, a small minority of Sabbath-keepers, but if faithful we shall be in the great majority when “all” shall come each Sabbath day to worship before their heavenly King.
The following recommendations were passed by the conference:—
“1. In view of the blessings and prosperity that have attended all the various branches of the work during the past year, we lift our hearts in gratitude and thanksgiving to God as the giver of all these blessings, and do humbly beseech that they be continued to us during the coming year, and that we may be brought into so close a relation to him that he can use us more successfully in his cause.
“Recognizing that the Scriptures teach that we and everything that we have belong to God, and that he has reserved one tenth of all as holy unto himself, and that in appropriating this tenth to their own use, many are robbing him and depriving themselves of his promised blessings, therefore,—
“2. We recommend, That all be urged to be faithful in bringing all the tithes into the Lord's storehouse.
“Whereas, The foreign missions are wholly dependent upon the free-will offerings of our people, and,—
“Whereas, The extension of our missionary enterprises in fields yet unentered demands an increase in these offerings, therefore,—
“3. We recommend, A more systematic adoption of the envelope plan of giving to missions.
“Whereas, We believe that the life and interest of the Sabbath-school is increased in proportion to the interest manifested in the work of our missionaries in foreign lands; and,—
“Whereas, In many of our schools more of the donations is used in defraying local expenses than is given to the foreign missionary work,—
“4. We recommend, That our Sabbath-schools meet their local needs in some other way, and that the entire donations be given to the work of carrying the message into the darker regions of the earth.
“Whereas, The Scriptures clearly teach that those who fill positions of responsibility in the church must be men of ‘sound doctrine’ as well as of ‘good report of them that are without,’ therefore,—
“5. We recommend, That no man be elected to any place of responsibility in either the local church or the conference who is not in harmony with the tithing system and all the cardinal points of present truth.
“Realizing that ‘if there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the people,’ and that to do this most successfully requires the fullest co-operation of all our people, therefore,—
“6. Resolved, That we urge our brethren throughout the State to work earnestly and in harmony with our State agent to develop both field and home canvassers.”
G. A. Irwin, E. T. Russell, K. C. Russell, H. Shultz, C. C. Lewis, and G. A. Grauer were the laborers present from outside the State, and the Kansas workers were all present.
FLORENCE P. RICE, Conf. Sec., A. R. OGDEN, Sec. pro tem.
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