On July 12, in answer to a call from the South African Union Conference to engage in caring for the canvassing work, I left the Chesapeake Union Conference, and started on what proved to be a most delightful voyage to this great, needy field. Our boat, the “Teutonic,” left New York July 14, and reached Southampton eight days later. We had perfect weather, except one day, when it was somewhat foggy. On board were several children, whom I gathered about me several times and told Bible stories. This gave me easy access to the parents, with whom I conversed on Bible subjects, and to whom I gave Bible readings. Some were intensely interested in the state of the dead, the Sabbath, etc. Let us hope that the seed was not sown in vain.
I remained in England two weeks, visiting the most prominent places of interest, also gaining much valuable information concerning the canvassing work in that country. I was impressed with the manner in which the work is done there. A small number of books is12handled at a time, and the entire field is thoroughly worked with these before introducing others. Our brethren there have order and system in this work, which is very essential to its success. During my brief stay, I formed some very dear associations. The Lord has loyal people in that portion of his vineyard, and I pray for his blessing to rest richly upon them.
From Southampton to Cape Town it was my privilege to travel with Elder and Mrs. H. J. Edmed, who were on their way home from the General Conference. The voyage covered seventeen uneventful but very pleasant days.
When we reached Cape Town, we found several of the brethren at the dock, awaiting our arrival. Among them were Elder R. C. Porter, president of the South African Union Conference; Elder E. R. Williams, president of the Cape Colony Conference; and Prof. C. P. Crager, principal of Union College. Upon meeting, we all began talking about the canvassing work; and we have not backslidden from this, and do not expect to. All the laborers had been agitating this question, and in less than a week after landing we had two classes organized, and now almost daily some ex-canvasser comes to the front, and says he desires to go back into the field. One of our classes is in the college, and about fifteen students rise at 5:30 A. M. to attend it. They expect to spend their vacation in canvassing, thus gaining an experience in gospel work, also helping themselves financially while spreading the precious rays of light where they are so much needed.
Never have I been so warmly welcomed, and found such union among the workers, and such readiness on the part of all to co-operate in laboring for Christ. When such a combination exists, we may safely predict success and victory, in the name of the Lord. During the month of August, one colporteur here took orders for about three hundred twenty-five dollars’ worth of books.
During all the changes from land to sea, from heat to cold, from cold to heat, and from one kind of food to another, I have not experienced a sick day, not even from seasickness. Before starting, I asked the Lord to keep me well, and he has done it. I praise him for this. We are all of good courage, and expect the work to move forward steadily and triumphantly, until the Lord of the harvest comes to receive the sheaves that we have gathered for him. “Brethren, pray for us.”
Cape Town.
Harvest Ingathering for Missions
By A. J. S. Bourdeau
“Thy people offer themselves willingly in the day of thy power, in holy array.” Ps. 110: 3, A. R. V.
Special Campaign Week, Nov. 1-6.
Full Campaign Period, Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Campaign Notes
In view of the continued demand for the Missions REVIEW, we have printed two additional editions, amounting to 16,000 copies. Thus the total number printed to date is 716,000 copies.
As previously stated, we shall continue to fill all orders for the Missions REVIEW until December 31. Orders are still coming in at the rate of from three thousand to seven thousand copies a day.
The Allentown (Pa.) church has ordered another five hundred copies of the Missions REVIEW, making fifteen hundred copies in all for that company. They report that they intend to do better work than last year.
Brother Hirlinger, of the Lancaster (Pa.) church, states that all the members are taking hold of the work with more interest even than they did last year. He believes also that the collections will surpass those which were made last year.
Many physically unable to take an active part in this campaign are sending a cash remittance of one dollar or more for the ten extra copies of the REVIEW sent them. Most of them write that they will distribute the papers among their neighbors and friends. In this way those who are unable to engage in soliciting means may help the cause of missions.
Sister J. M. Weiss, of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, sends an encouraging report in regard to the Harvest Ingathering campaign. She states that the churches are taking hold with enthusiasm, and among other things says: “The business men are responding heartily, although the amounts are not always large. They have treated us with every respect and the greatest courtesy.”
Mrs. J. S. Chandler, of New York, one of our many faithful magazine agents who are engaged in the campaign, writes: “Find enclosed $37 for missions. This is the amount I realized on the 250 copies of the Missions REVIEW ordered. I worked one whole week, donating my expenses during that time, amounting to $9. I obtained a portion of this money by selling Life and Health. How I wish that it were $50 instead of $37! I pray God that this, with the $30 sent some time ago, may be the means of bringing many precious souls into the joy of present truth.” The collections secured by this sister average $1.23 an hour.
The total demand for the Missions number of the REVIEW up to Thursday evening, November 18, called for 702,129 copies.
As the Review and Herald Office closes at noon on Fridays, the employees have one full afternoon off every week. A number of them are taking advantage of this to engage in the campaign work.
We are just in receipt of an order from one of our workers in China for sixty-one copies of the Missions number of the REVIEW to be used in that far-off field. It is encouraging to note that even our missionaries in foreign lands are taking an active part in the great Harvest Ingathering campaign.
As stated before, we shall continue to fill orders for the Missions number of the REVIEW until December 31. Address all orders for additional copies of the special REVIEW and other campaign supplies to your conference tract society; or if you do not know the address of your tract society, order direct from A. J. S. Bourdeau, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Emma F. Stevens, of Maryland, sends us the following encouraging experience: “I received the ten extra copies of the Missions REVIEW you sent me, and mailed them to friends. Thus far I have received donations from two of them. One lady sent me one dollar, and another one fifty cents. I am enclosing one dollar and a half.” Thus the first two letters received contained an average of seventy-five cents each. Soliciting by correspondence is indeed a splendid way in which to engage in the campaign.
Sister J. M. Fisher, of Missouri, sends us a post-office money-order for $6.50, the amount she collected while distributing the ten extra copies of the Missions REVIEW sent her a few days ago. She says: “Please send me one hundred copies of the REVIEW, as I think I shall be able to distribute them to advantage. Many for whom I had no papers gave something. Almost every one gives something.” This is but a sample of the many encouraging letters that are received from day to day from our brethren and sisters who went to work immediately upon receipt of the ten extra copies of the REVIEW sent them.
We are happy to report that before the Review and Herald Office closed its work Friday noon, November 12, every order for the Missions number of the REVIEW had been filled. The first copies were mailed Wednesday, October 6. Thus during these five weeks the Review and Herald bindery mailed about 700,000 copies to our workers. This is truly a splendid record. This means that 140,000 copies of this special REVIEW were mailed each week, besides the regular editions of the other six periodicals issued by this publishing house,—Life and Health, Liberty, the Protestant Magazine, the Youth’s Instructor, Christian Education, and the Sabbath School Worker.
A. J. S. BOURDEAU.
The Desire for Something Larger
SAD will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing; when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is still the child of God.—Phillips Brooks.
Report From Elder J. N. Loughborough
By John Norton Loughborough
At the time of my last report, September 1, I was at Stanborough Park, Watford, England. That evening I had the privilege of speaking to a well-filled hall of our people in Watford. On the second of September I made the journey of four hundred seventeen miles by railroad to Glasgow, Scotland, and spoke that evening to a tent full of our people who had assembled for the Scotch annual conference, over which Brother M. A. Altman presides. We had a fair attendance of our people at this conference. In addition to the local laborers, Brother W. J. Fitzgerald and the writer took part in the fifteen meetings of this five-day session. Our meetings were in a tent where services had been held previously to the conference. We were glad of the courage of the believers to push on the well-begun work in Scotland.
September 6 I took the train for Caterham. After one day's tarry at the sanitarium, I went, on September 9, to Harlesden, to attend the South England Conference. Brother W. L. Meredith has oversight of the work in this field. In these meetings Brother L. R. Conradi, Brother W. J. Fitzgerald, and the writer joined the local laborers. Our meetings were in a high-school building. There was a good representation of our people of the South England Conference. We had an interesting time together during the six days of that meeting. On September 15 I spoke to a good-sized gathering of our people, in the home of Sister Eastcott, Bowe Park, another suburb of London, where were some who could not go to the conference, but were anxious to hear of the past advent movement.
On September 16 we went one hundred eighty-six miles to Manchester, where, up to the morning of the twenty-first, in their iron tabernacle, on the “Moss Side” of the city, the annual conference of northern England, over which Brother S. G. Haughey presides, was held. The field was well represented by our people, who filled the house. This meeting inspired them with new courage for the prosecution of the work.
On September 22 we went on to Cardiff, Wales, one hundred sixty-three miles; and on the twenty-third we went on eighteen miles farther, to Porth. There, in the Y. M. C. A. hall, we met a large representation of our people and interested hearers of the Welsh Conference, of which Brother H. E. Armstrong is president. The Welsh meeting continued to the evening of the twenty-seventh. Brother Conradi then left for his home in Hamburg, and several of us came on to Cardiff, where we arrived about midnight. In all these conference meetings there was a commendable spirit of liberality in pledging and in making offerings for various enterprises in the British field.
Our people in Southampton, where the work in Britain opened thirty years ago, pleaded that they must hear me again. On the morning of September 28 I made the journey of one hundred sixteen miles to that place. In the evening, in their chapel, I spoke for two hours and ten minutes, on the rise of the great second advent movement. The next evening, to a still larger audience, I spoke one and one-fourth hours on those agencies the Lord has connected with his work in the rise of the third angel's message. On September 30 I returned to Caterham, to prepare for my homeward trip. On that evening, and that of October 1, I gave talks to the helpers at the sanitarium, on the same themes as the talks at Southampton.
On October 2 I made a railroad trip of two hundred eighty-three miles to Holy Head. There, at 7 P. M., I went on board the steamer “Arabic,” of the White Star line, for New York. For the first five days after leaving Queenstown, we had strong head winds, with one night of tempest, the waves coming over the promenade deck. After that, up to our arrival in New York, October 11, we had fine weather and a smooth sea. It is safe to say that about three fourths of the passengers were sick during the storm. As to myself, as in all the rest of my “sea travel,” I had not a single symptom of seasickness. As I landed again on American soil, after an absence of fifteen months, less two days, I find I have traveled by sea exactly 20,000 miles, and by railroad 13,023 miles, or a total of 43,023 miles. In that time I attended 540 meetings. In 330 of those meetings I preached. And, standing in the same clothing, I weigh fourteen pounds more than when I left America. To the Lord be the praise for his mercies, and for his care of his unworthy servant.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
CARLYLE B. HAYNES
By Carlyle B. Haynes
Maryland
BALTIMORE.—The tent effort in Baltimore came to an end Sunday night, October 10, with an attendance of four hundred. During this effort fifty-five meetings were held, with an aggregate attendance of 12,310. The average attendance per meeting was 224. The average Sunday night attendance was 425; the average through the week was 179.
The expenses of the effort were quite heavy, but were more than covered by the collections. The total expenses amounted to $190, $64 of which was for the rent of the lot. The total collections amounted to $203.50. The average collection per meeting was $3.70. The average Sunday night collection was $7.80, and the week night, $2.79.
A large number of people are keeping the Sabbath, and attending our Sabbath services. Just how many of these will be baptized and unite with the church I am at present unable to say. We are planning for a baptism in connection with the union conference meeting here.
We feel that there is a great work to be accomplished in this city. Very little has ever been done here, and the way seems now to be opening before us in many directions. There should be a number of Bible workers here, for the homes of many people are open to the truth. We trust that the Spirit of the Lord, which has so richly blessed the work of the summer, will remain with us to guide in all the way before us.
CARLYLE B. HAYNES
North American Negro Departmental Meeting
By W. H. Williams
At the thirty-seventh session of the General Conference, held in Washington, D. C., May 13 to June 6, 1909, there was organized the North American Negro Department of the General Conference. Elder J. W. Christian, who for years has been president of the South Dakota Conference, was asked to resign his position and accept the secretaryship of the work of the new department.
Pursuant to the counsel and recommendations of the General Conference, a meeting was called to convene at Huntsville, Ala., to further organize and put in operation its general policies. The following-named persons constitute the present membership of the department: J. W. Christian (secretary), C. F. McVagh, W. A. Westworth, Clarence Santee, J. E. White, C. P. Bollman, F. R. Rogers, W. H. Green, D. E. Blake, M. C. Strachan, A. J. Haysmer, R. T. Dowsett, Thomas Murphy, W. H. Sebastian, C. N. Woodward, C. M. Jones, Sydney Scott, and T. H. Branch.
Elder Christian called the council together Tuesday morning, September 28, and made a few earnest remarks concerning the need of divine guidance in this important work. All members of the department present entered heartily into the discussion of plans. Elder A. G. Daniells gave timely counsel in launching the new department. Its working policy is quite fully outlined in the resolutions contained in the report of the College View Council, as given on page 7 of the REVIEW of October 28.
Upon looking over the field and considering its needs, it was found necessary to ask for an appropriation of nearly forty thousand dollars to carry on the established work, and to meet the many urgent calls.
The work of the department bears the same general relation to our cause as does the Medical, Educational, Publishing, and Sabbath-school departments, being fostered and carried forward by the denomination in harmony with the gospel principles which have guided us from the beginning of our work. It has, however, a broader scope of work than the other general department, for it has not only one phase, but all phases of the gospel to carry to the colored people.
The council brought encouragement to the hearts of our colored brethren, and it is hoped that the new-formed plans will greatly extend this branch of the work.
For many years the Lord has been keeping before his people the needs of the work among this race. Although much remains to be done, yet we have cause to rejoice over the good beginning that has been made. Fifteen years ago there were not over twenty colored Seventh-day Adventists south of the Mason and Dixon line; but to-day we14have seven hundred. Twelve years ago there was only one colored Seventh-day Adventist church; to-day there are fifty. Fifteen years ago the tithe was not over fifty dollars; last year, in the United States, it amounted to five thousand dollars.
The message is rapidly gaining strength in the Southland. An excellent class of young, consecrated laborers is being brought into service. God will do a quick and mighty work for his people, if we but put ourselves in right relation to his divine plans.
W. H. WILLIAMS.
Chesapeake Conference
By F. I. Richardson
IN response to a call from the General Conference Committee, Mrs. Richardson and the writer left our field of labor in Southern California to take up work in the Chesapeake Conference, where we arrived August 25. Since that time we have been very busy getting settled, becoming acquainted with the field, and preparing for the conference which was held at Rock Hall, November 3-8. There was a good representation from nearly all the fourteen churches of the conference. All the conference laborers were in attendance, also Elder B. G. Wilkinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference, and Elder W. A. Spicer. All took hold of the work earnestly, and rendered efficient service. The missionary talks by Elder Spicer were very interesting, and touched the hearts of the hearers, as attested by the many tear-dimmed eyes. The missionary spirit was revived in old and young; and many expressed themselves as having decided to arouse from their lethargy, and begin at once to aid in the spread of the great message, and to try to win souls to accept it.
On the Sabbath at the close of Elder Spicer's sermon, many who had been in a backslidden condition, and some for the first time, went forward weeping and confessing their sins. Again in the afternoon, Elder Wilkinson, at the close of his remarks, made an appeal, and several others expressed a desire to live a better life, and asked the prayers of God's people. At this service Brother W. R. Pohle was set apart to the sacred work of the gospel ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands. Elder Spicer offered the prayer, and Elder Wilkinson delivered the charge. The Spirit of God was present in a remarkable manner in all of the services of the day. At all the evening services the house was filled to overflowing. Many not of our faith became deeply interested as they listened to the stirring discourses, and at the close asked eagerly if we were not coming back again.
The officers chosen were as follows: President, F. I. Richardson; secretary and treasurer, Miss Emma S. Newcomer. Executive Committee: F. I. Richardson, John F. Jones, G. P. Gaede, R. M. Rosin, and George R. Apsley.
As the brethren and sisters were leaving at the close of the meeting on Monday morning, expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God were heard on all sides, for the controlling and uplifting power of his Holy Spirit which had been felt throughout the entire session of the conference.
F. I. RICHARDSON.
The Florida Camp-Meeting
By W. A. Westworth
The last camp-meeting for 1909 was held at Orlando, Fla., October 20-30, and was a most enjoyable and encouraging season. Following a tent effort, and very easy of access to the people, it afforded a good opportunity to press home the truths of the message to a good attendance of the citizens. The conference session was marked with a unanimity and spirit of progress which was encouraging for this field, and the harmony of effort to press forward along advance lines shows the hand of the Lord at work.
For the first time in the history of the Southland, as far as we are aware, Florida set the pace in donating of her surplus tithe to the General Conference; and while the amount was small, it was so only comparatively. The past has seen only the calls from the weak Southern conferences to the General Conference for aid; and as this conference voted two hundred fifty dollars to missions, we thanked God that the tide has started to turn just the way it ought to go, and we confidently expect this good work to go on, and we long for the time when every conference in the Southeastern Union Conference can join in the good work. Besides this, Florida raised over eight hundred dollars for missions.
We were favored with the help of Elder A. G. Daniells, who, together with Brethren R. T. Dowsett and V. O. Cole and the writer, constituted the help from outside the conference. We were pleased to have from within the borders of the conference itself the assistance of Brother G. I. Butler, who still, with no small vigor, presses forward the good work of the third angel’s message.
Elder R. W. Parmele, with a strong committee, was chosen to lead in the work for the coming year, and the prosperous condition of the conference bespeaks a year of advancement ahead.
The sanitarium work had a prominent place in the considerations, and the people rallied around this latest proposition of Florida in a commendable way. As many of our people and their acquaintances as may need the advantages of the delightful climatic conditions which prevail during the winter months in Florida should investigate the advantages of the Orlando Sanitarium, and we bespeak for this institution a general support; for here, in a special and peculiar way, are advantages offered for restoration to health.
The camp-meeting for the white people is now being followed by one for the colored brethren at Winter Park, a few miles north of the Orlando site, report of which will appear later.
W. A. Westworth.
The Annual Maine Conference
By W. B. White
This meeting was held October 21-24 in the small town of Richmond, on the Kennebec River, about forty miles northeast of the city of Portland. Shortly after the last General Conference in Washington, D. C., the Maine Conference held a camp-meeting in Portland, which Sister E. G. White and other leading workers attended. At this time, however, the conference business was not transacted, but was deferred till the meeting of which we are writing.
Forty-two delegates were present, representing seventeen churches; and the secretary's report showed that during the last year sixty-three members had been added, making the membership of the conference three hundred ninety-three.
The tithe for 1908 was $5,912.36. For the first six months of 1909 the tithe is $103.80 larger than for the first six months of 1908; so we can reasonably expect that a fair increase in tithe will15be seen this year in the Maine Conference.
Their tract society and conference are free from debt, the tract society having a net gain last year of $38.39. The total value of its book and periodical sales for 1908 was $3,852.84, an increase of $1,742.72 over the previous year. Gifts to foreign missions were increased $292.29 in 1908 over the previous year.
A good spirit seemed to pervade the conference, and there was in the hearts of all a strong determination to press the battle forward in old Maine, where the third angel's message had its rise. Resolutions were passed unanimously, touching all aggressive movements of the cause, and we believe the coming year will see a marked advance in all departments of the work.
Elder G. A. Irwin and Brethren F. M. Dana and R. J. Bryant were present, and rendered valuable and much appreciated aid.
Elder J. B. Goodrich presided at all sessions of the conference. Failing strength now compels him to lay on younger shoulders the burdens he has carried so long and faithfully.
The conference at this session did not make choice of a president, but referred the matter of his selection to the Atlantic Union Conference, which convenes at South Lancaster November 14-28. Sister Eliza Morton, who has served the cause in this conference so long and efficiently as its secretary and treasurer, was again elected, as were also the several departmental heads.
Elder H. C. Giles has opened a small Bible Training-school in Portland, and has with him a few earnest, consecrated workers. This seems a step in the right direction, for the Lord has plainly indicated that in Portland labor must be performed, and the attention of the people called to this message. A neat, commodious church building is nearing completion there, which will be a credit to our work.
Sabbath forenoon, Brother A. J. Verrill was ordained to the gospel ministry, the writer offering the prayer, and Elder Irwin giving the charge. God blessed in this service. Maine has a good, warm-hearted, loyal band of Seventh-day Adventists, who believe the present truth with all their heart, and are willing to sacrifice for its advancement; and if these will prove true to him and be workers together with God, his truth will yet triumph gloriously in the Pine Tree State.
W. B. WHITE.
C. H. PARKER
By C. H. Parker
Fiji
I EXPECTED to be able to make a trip to Colo and Ra between our council in June and our laborers' council, which is to be held here about August 5; but storm and calm delayed the “Cina” in returning from taking our brethren to their homes in Vanua Levu and Lau. This time has not been lost, however, as there are always a great many things to see to in a mission field, where one is away from headquarters so much of the time. Our girls' home is now completed, and the first nine girls are safely housed in it.
This place was set apart to the work of the Lord on the twenty-fifth of this month. We spent a very enjoyable time together, and a number took part in the exercises. We all rejoice for this advance step that the work is taking in Fiji, and feel that it will have far-reaching effects upon the work for this people. A number of other girls will soon be added to the present attendance. We ask the prayers of one and all in behalf of this school. Other denominations have tried to conduct a girls' school, and have failed. We believe that there is power in the third angel's message to make this work a success for the girls as well as for the boys.
Just a few days, and we shall be welcoming Brother and Sister J. E. Fulton, also Brother and Sister C. J. Cole and family. We are glad that we shall have their counsel and experience to help us broaden our work here. We shall have some items of interest to report after their visit.
C. H. PARKER
North Missouri Conference
By A. R. Ogden
SINCE OUR camp-meeting in August a number of souls have accepted the truth as a result of the tent-meetings held at St. Joseph by Elder E. A. Merrell and Brother G. H. Kisner; at Macon by Brother Nutter; at Paradise by Elder M. G. Huffman and Brother Herring; and at Chillicothe by Elder Beams and the writer. As a result of a country effort by Elder Beams, assisted by Brother Bradley, two families have accepted the message at Leoffler. Thus one by one, a few here and a few there, people are accepting the precious light of present truth.
Brother J. M. Campbell has an excellent interest among the colored people of Kansas City. We are planning for the erection of a church building in that city. In the two cities bearing the name Kansas City there are forty thousand colored people, and a church building is much needed to represent the light of truth.
In all branches of the work in our conference there seems to be advance. The workers are all of good courage, and are hard at work, hoping to see definite and larger results from their labors. A. R. OGDEN.
The Virginia Conference
By B. G. Wilkinson
THE annual session of the Virginia Conference assembled October 26 to November 7 at Lynchburg, Va. A goodly delegation, representing about ten churches, had come from the different parts of this great State to deliberate for the advancement of the cause of present truth. An excellent spirit, both for harmony and for progress, prevailed, and the opinion was expressed that this was the best meeting the Virginia Conference had held for some time.
There has been commendable improvement in the Virginia Conference during the last two or three years. There is a growing disposition throughout the field to do greater things for God. The president's report showed sixty-nine added to the membership of the churches for 1908, and fifty-seven for the first nine months of 1909. During 1908 there was an increase of $1,108.30 in the tithe, and of $7,600 in the tract society book sales, over the tithe and book sales of 1907.
Resolutions were enthusiastically passed in behalf of the young people's, the educational, and the periodical work, and for greater activity in the religious liberty work. It was voted to hold a camp-meeting next summer, and to hold the next session of the conference in connection with this camp-meeting. This was especially encouraging, inasmuch as so many members of the different conferences lying near to Washington having attended the General Conference, camp-meetings during 1909 were held in only two of the conferences of the Columbia Union. A liberal donation was given toward the camp-meeting fund. One resolution, to which all responded with hearty assent, was that accepting Virginia's share in raising the $300,000 fund.
The following officers were elected: President, H. W. Herrell; secretary, A. M. Neff; treasurer, O. F. Dart; tract society secretary and treasurer, A. M. Neff; Sabbath-school secretary, Naomi M. Herrell; Religious Liberty secretary, B. L. House; field missionary agent, V. O. Punches; field missionary and Missionary Volunteer Department secretary, J. G. Hanna; Educational secretary, C. A. Maxwell. Executive Committee: H. W. Herrell, R. D. Hottel, O. F. Dart, J. E. Gardiner, A. C. Neff.
At the evening meetings, there was a good attendance of those not of our faith. On the last Sabbath day, heaven came very near while Elder W. A. Spicer was breaking the bread of life to the people. The meetings of that Sabbath will long be remembered, and will tell strongly for the work in Virginia.
B. G. WILKINSON.
The Negro Cause
By J. W. Christian
SINCE the organization of the Negro Department, we have been desirous of putting the work for the colored people on a sound, workable basis. Our ministers, Bible workers, medical missionaries, and mission-school teachers are working diligently to bring the message of a soon-coming Saviour to the million of their own people now sitting in darkness. The Negro people respond readily to the story of the cross when told in its simplicity. It works a marvelous transformation in their lives. Our efforts for them are not in vain. Eternity alone can reveal the results of self-sacrifice on the part of the worker, and the one who sends his means to sustain the work.
In the past considerable misunderstanding has arisen as the result of the failure to have the donations properly designated. Some seem to have the idea that to say, “For the South,” is sufficient to insure its being applied to the Negro work. This is not the case. The work in the South is large, and its interests are many; and when money is sent in that indefinite way, it is put into the general fund, and does not always reach the particular work for which it was intended. No one but the sender is to blame for this. We desire, therefore, that all who send money to the work for the colored people should state clearly that it is for that purpose. We are in great need just now of means to sustain the mission schools already in operation, and to continue the evangelistic efforts put forth by the Negro ministry in behalf of this sadly neglected people. You may send the gift you desire to make in your conference office, properly marked, or to the Southern Missionary Society, 85 Arcade, Nashville, Tenn., and you will receive your receipt, and the money will be used as you may direct. We are of good courage in this great needy Southland, and are sure our Captain will lead us on to victory. J. W. CHRISTIAN.
Louisiana
By W. H. Saxby
NEW ORLEANS.—We came to this State a little over one year ago. We had some idea of what we would meet from a previous experience of nearly four years in the State of Kentucky.
The conference owns a large typical Southern home on a prominent avenue, which answers very well for a mission home. Friends in the North have sent us over two hundred dollars in donations, which has been an appreciated help in furnishing the home in a plain, substantial manner. Our public services are held in the large double parlor.
We thoroughly enjoyed the privileges of our good camp-meeting. It was very gratifying to see the liberal spirit manifested in lifting the debts of the conference. Truly, “the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.” Isa. 32:8. It seems to me16that the reverse of this would be equally true: The stingy deviseth stingy things; and by stingy things shall he stand, or fall, rather. I have been impressed recently with the following scripture, or slight paraphrase: Where sin (debts) abounded, grace (prosperity) does much more abound.
The mission received a gift of four hundred fifty dollars last week, and more is promised from the same source. “If all the tithes of our people flowed into the treasury of the Lord as they should, such blessing would be received that gifts and offerings for sacred purposes would be multiplied tenfold, and thus the channel between God and man would be kept open.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, page 474. We are delighted to see each quarter a substantial increase in tithes and offerings, for this indicates so much. “Those churches which are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God, are the most prosperous spiritually.”—Id., Vol. III.
A recent Sabbath was a precious day. The tender influence of the Spirit was manifest as five were baptized and united with the church. One each was from the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic churches, and one, an aged canvasser, was reclaimed. We now have a membership of forty-six.
We are confident there is a good opening here for treatment-rooms, and the church will stand loyally by with its moral support. We should have a consecrated worker among the large French population of the city. We have room for one or two self-supporting trained nurses, periodical sellers, and canvassers.
“Persons should be chosen to labor in the large cities, who are fully consecrated and understand the sacredness and importance of the work. Do not send those who are not qualified in these respects.”—Id., Vol. IX, page 119.
Are there not those who have a burden born of the Spirit for the work here? With such, we would like to open correspondence at once.
We are planning to do our duty with the special REVIEW.
Mrs. Saxby has been very slow in recovering from a heavy surgical operation she underwent at Boulder, Colo., on our way here. We are glad to be here, and are of good courage in the Lord.
W. H. SAXBY.
D. H. OBERHOLTZER
By D. H. Oberholtzer
Wisconsin
It has been a long time since I have written a report for the REVIEW. I notice that it contains many new names. This says to me that the message is advancing.
A number of years ago I had a nervous breakdown. This, with other combinations, made it necessary for me to retire from active labor. I did so, and moved with my family to northern Wisconsin, in order to get the benefit of the life-laden atmosphere of this region, and also the pure, soft water with which this country is blessed. With these two remedies, an abundance of outdoor exercise, and the blessing of God, a three-years' stay here has apparently restored me to perfect health. For this I praise the Lord continually. With my experience, I would advise any one in like condition to come here and rest awhile. Thus the Saviour instructed his disciples of old; and there are many now sleeping who, had they heeded this admonition, might still be of service to the Master; for the Lord has need of those who have grown gray in his vineyard to still do important service.
My heart was made to rejoice that as soon as I reported for duty, the Lord had work for me. I shall enter the field with strong faith and courage that I shall be able to help close up this message; and if I can not stand in the very front rank, I hope to be able to hold up the hands of others.
My address is Madison, Wis., care sanitarium. My field of labor is the southwest part of the State. I ask to be remembered in the prayers of the dear brethren and sisters, that I may be faithful to the end.
D. H. OBERHOLTZER
A New School
By J. I. Beardsley
We are opening here at Lacombe, Alberta, our new conference school. We began October 13, with an enrolment of thirty students. At present we have forty-five, and there are at least twelve more to come next month; so as far as our attendance is concerned, we are encouraged.
As our new building is not yet completed, our young ladies are housed in a temporary building and a tent. Their permanent home will be ready to move into in a few days.
A good spirit of earnest devotion to work prevails, and no words of discontent are heard, though we are yet in our temporary quarters, and snow is on the ground. The foundation for our permanent boys' home and recitation building is being laid this fall; we hope to have it ready for use next year.
God is wonderfully blessing us in every way, and in his leadership we feel secure. J. I. Beardsley.
Field Notes
ON Sunday, October 10, six were baptized in the First Philadelphia (Pa.) church.
THIRTY-FIVE persons have accepted the truth as a result of the tent effort held by Elder C. B. Haynes at Baltimore.
AT Little Birch, W. Va., five are reported as keeping the Sabbath, and several others are just on the border line.
As the results of the efforts put forth by Elder Beams and Brother J. C. Bradley at Loeffler, Mo., four persons have been brought into the truth.
WE are glad to hear from C. W. Weber, Chicago, Ill., that several have accepted the truth, one person being baptized, as a result of the effort put forth there this summer in behalf of the Germans in that city.
Hazel (Ky.) Academy
By Thomas D. Rowe
THE academy opened September 18, with an enrolment of thirty-eight. We have the best class of students we have ever had. We have better facilities for teaching and caring for the students than ever before. We do not intend to have more than thirty-six boarding students. When that number has been reached, we expect to start another small school in the conference.