Having been here but three months, it is impossible to fully portray this field and its needs, yet some of its features are visible on the surface, and many indeed of its needs stand out so plainly to all at a glance, that it is only necessary to be here to see them.
My travels over the island so far, covering about two hundred and fifty miles, have given me an opportunity to visit some of its most important cities, some of its richest agricultural districts, and converse with some of the best minds among the Porto Rican people.
This is a rich and fertile spot. Nearly everything necessary for man’s existence can be produced in large quantities. All the fruits and vegetables of the tropics grow here, and a great many of the vegetables commonly raised in the United States,—besides some of the fruits which grow there.
A great advantage is realized here in being able to raise two crops a year of most all the island produces. Sugar, coffee, and tobacco are the articles from which the people realize their greatest returns. As soon as a good railroad can be built connecting the interior with the coast, a paying fruit trade can be established with the island, especially in bananas, oranges, pineapples, and plantain.
The most important thing which concerns us as a people, is getting the truth before all nations. There are over nine hundred thousand souls here, and every one of them should have the gospel. How can we best supply this need. There are less than a dozen Protestant ministers in the field, about the same number of teachers in the denominational schools, and one medical missionary; this is the extent of the gospel forces in Porto Rico. Of the seventy towns here, only about twenty have been entered by Protestant workers; so it is evident that there is still plenty of room for workers.
Since the change from Spanish to American rule, by reason of the ravages of the war, and the revenge of the poorer classes just at the time of the declaration of peace, also the destruction of crops and property by a terrific hurricane passing through the country, a great deal of suffering and poverty exists; but much is being done by the United States to relieve these conditions; and in order to lift the poor out of ignorance, good public schools are being established in every locality, so that in a short time every Porto Rican child will have the advantage of an education. Before this reaches our readers, about eight hundred schools will be open for a nine months’ term.
Many are sick among the rich and poor because of their ignorance of the laws of health. The idea prevails that it is dangerous to drink water without rum in it. Tobacco is universally used, and considered a great blessing. The Porto Rican says, “Take my food and my drink away, but leave me my tobacco.”
There is not a first-class hospital nor a sanitarium of any description on the island. Nothing is needed so badly in all the field as a sanitarium where the people from all the West Indies may receive healthful treatment. Many are forced, because of the lack of such a place, to go to the States in order to be treated for simple diseases.
The location of Porto Rico, its close proximity to America, its good climate, water, and the productiveness of its soil, all argue in behalf of the establishment of some branch of the medical work here.
Another opportunity would be in the line of an agricultural school, as such schools are needed very much, and could probably soon be made self-supporting. The government has seen this, and is planning for several schools of this nature just as soon as teachers can be secured.
There is no place so advantageous as Porto Rico for the education and training of workers for the great South American field and other Spanish-speaking countries. The natural resources of the country, the nature of the government, and the language of the people render it very convenient for a center in this part of the field.
The way is open for the medical missionary, the teacher, and the canvasser, and colporteur.
Brethren, do not think this is a small place and needs but little help. You that are able, offer your means, and if you feel that God wants you here, offer yourselves. Let us not wait until others occupy all the openings before we do something, but let us act now.
A. M. FISCHER.
JAMAICA'S NEED OF CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS.
By GEO. E. ENOCH
“The Church is asleep, and does not realize the magnitude of this matter of educating the children and youth. . . . The Church should take in the situation, and by their influence and means seek to bring about this desired end.”
A few words in regard to the needs of this branch of our work in Jamaica may be of some assistance in helping us to realize the “magnitude of this matter,” and so far as Jamaica is concerned, open the way for us to carry out intelligently the latter part of the quotation.12
The island of Jamaica is about the size of the State of Connecticut. It has a population of 735,000, of whom only about 20,000 are white, the great majority being descendants of the slaves who were freed in 1838.
The Third Angel's Message has found many willing hearers all over the island. More than one thousand meet from Sabbath to Sabbath to worship the Lord, and the work is just begun. Already scores of Seventh-day Adventists' children are turning their faces toward those who have sent them this precious message, saying, “What are you going to do with us?” This question must be answered.
In order to get the force of this query, it is necessary to look at the conditions surrounding our children. The public school system of Jamaica is in one sense a union of Church and State. The government furnishes the money, and the schools are under the supervision of different denominations. Generally the church building is the only schoolroom. Although the schools are public schools, they are known as Church of England, Baptist, or Wesleyan schools, according to the denomination supervising them. The local minister oversees the schools.
With the public schools under such control, it is easy to see the position in which our children are placed. For instance, in one of our churches we have some earnest little Christians who are active missionaries. The leaven of their influence has accomplished something in the school. One day when the Wesleyan minister was visiting the school, he called all the Adventist children forward, gave them some instruction on the Sunday question, severely reprimanded them, and warned them that if they had anything further to say about Adventist doctrines, he would turn them out of the school. Their parents are tax-payers.
The losing of caste, the ridicule of their playmates, the pressure brought to bear by their teacher, the words and threats of the minister, would cause many an older heart to faint.
Each denomination teaches its own peculiar doctrines. Does not the fact that our children are being molded according to these wrong principles while their minds are plastic, appeal to you? Will this enable them to stand in the day just before us?
We do not desire to bring any particular complaint against the teachers. As in every other country, Jamaica has both good and indifferent instructors. But we do believe the educational system is wrong. For this the present teachers are not responsible. Many are lifting their voices against it.
In the first place, the teacher's salary depends almost entirely upon the number of marks which his school receives. In other words, there is a system of payment by results. These marks are determined by an examination made by a government inspector during a visit of one or two days. This practice fosters the pernicious cramming system and other educational evils.
From what I have been able to observe, the teachers proceed on two principles; namely, that hearing a recitation is teaching, and that telling a thing is teaching it. The simple fact that a child has a mind of his own seems to be forgotten. The children move from place to place, and whisper, and even talk aloud. As in the Oriental schools, each child studies aloud. The schools are usually overcrowded. This necessitates having a part of the “hearing of the recitations” done by older pupils. As the oldest pupils in school can be but fourteen, one may judge of the value of such instruction.
Another fact that should appeal to us is the prevailing immorality. According to the government register of births, sixty-five per cent of the births in the islands are illegitimate. We have not the space to give any of the causes of this condition, but it reveals to us in a startling manner the necessity of taking our children out of the overcrowded public schools, and putting them in schools of our own.
GEO. E. ENOCH.
BONACCA, BAY ISLANDS.
By Wm. Evans
TRANQUILLA.— We are about in the middle of our third year here. The first year we had two students; the second, five; and now there are twelve.
Brother Richard Wood assisted the boys with material, so they have now erected a building for themselves. The girls have one, and we have one for our family, in which the recitations are held. Good health and good cheer prevail. Things look bright ahead. One of our last year's boys is teaching at Ruatan this year. We expect him back to school soon.
We have finished our first four months' feast of pineapples, from May to September, from our own planting. The bananas we are not able to use in the family are fed to the cattle, as we have seven head. Our cocoanuts, mangoes, oranges, and many of our native fruits are not bearing yet, nor will they for a few years. About a hundred rubber tree seeds planted last year are doing finely. Some of them have reached a height of about eight feet. This year the thousand seeds planted failed to grow, having become too dry before planting. We do not ask any one to come to our school, but we do ask the Lord to send us such as will receive benefit; and we believe He has. WM. EVANS.
COLOMBIA.
By F. J. HUTCHINS
BOCAS DEL TORO.—The situation in this part of Colombia is now changed considerably. Last Friday night, September 13, the government soldiers made a landing on Old Bank side, by means of canoes and small boats. They divided their forces into three companies, and about noon on Sabbath attacked the rebels in their stronghold. We could hear the shooting, the volleys pouring in on both sides almost all the afternoon. At the same time that the soldiers made their attack on the rear, the marines, in their launches, came at them from the bay, so that the rebels were surrounded.
They retreated, and at midnight the government soldiers had the entire situation at their mercy. Their mercy was very unmerciful. They looted every house in Old Bank, whether of foreigner or native. They turned everything upside down, and took everything they could make use of. All the men had left the place but a few, and these were taken prisoners and their houses wrecked. The few women that were left were made to stand aside, while their homes were plundered.
In the morning the general came over, and declared the port open. So we went over to see the situation. The soldiers met us on the wharf, and we were welcome to go about the place, and see all. It was a pitiable sight—houses broken open, and desolation and destruction of household property everywhere. Twenty-four had been killed on one side, and eighteen on the other. They were thrown into the sea for a burial. The rebels seem to be scattered for the present, and many think that we will have better times now for a while.
Though it is sad to see men killed who are unprepared for the life to come, this was the sure outcome of the situation, and we are thankful the suspense is broken for the present. While we do not participate in the spirit of warfare on either side, we are glad to see things shaping again, seemingly, for the better, so that we may carry on the work of the Master, in laboring for the salvation of perishing souls.
It is hoped that in a few days we will be safe to go about as usual. We had our first evening meeting last night, but the people are so stirred up over war news, that we had a very small attendance. I suppose it will take several days for the excitement to wear off. May the Lord help us to improve the minutes, if we have granted to us another time in which we can work unmolested. Some of the leading men here think that the government will soon have the revolution put down, and things will be better. We do not know how to judge, so will have to wait and see. I hope that peace will be restored, and that things may brighten up a little for the sake of all.
We have been spared from all dangers and losses so far, and we still trust in the power of God for safety.
F. J. HUTCHINS.
TENNESSEE
By B. Hagle; Wife
MURFREESBORO.—The interest in this place is increasing. We are holding meetings from house to house. I believe the Lord has some honest souls here, and we will hunt and fish until we find them. My son-in-law is canvassing in and around Murfreesboro, and he finds the people troubled. They take down dusty Bibles, and want him to tell them what some things mean.
What we need the most in this place is a house of worship, and we must have it in order to give the right mold to our work. Every denomination has a church here; and people think if we have no church building, we don't amount to much. Now, dear brethren and sisters, you that have a house of worship, remember us and send us help, so we can build a church. A little money will be sufficient, as we have brethren who can do the work. If our brethren and sisters in each church would contribute a little at this time, we could soon have a house of worship. Send us help, and God will bless you.
This leaves us all of good courage, believing the Lord will hear our prayers at this time.
B. HAGLE AND WIFE.
THE NATIONAL PURITY CONVENTION.
By David Paulson
From October 8-10, the National Purity Convention was held in Chicago. There were delegates present from Europe and from different parts of this country, and able and earnest workers in purity and other reformatory lines spoke words that were both helpful and instructive.
A marked characteristic of the entire session was the high moral tone in which the work was carried on, and the evident desire that those workers felt in their hearts to help beat back the terrible tide of immorality which is now threatening to engulf both old and young. There are thousands of Christian people who imagine that their own children are growing up pure, sweet, and wholesome, when in reality they are rotten to the core. A case which recently came under my own observation serves to illustrate this: One of our sisters was making some comments upon the downfall of one of her neighbor boys, while her own daughter, whom she supposed to be a model girl, was not only habitually drinking liquor, but was smoking cigarettes and occasionally using morphine, and at that very time was in the greatest possible danger of still further degrading herself; yet this mother, who was looking forward to the time when her whole family would be translated to meet the Lord in the air, knew more about neighborhood gossip than she did in regard to her own daughter’s terrible condition.
Every one who has come in close contact with young people knows very well that this case is not at all an exceptional one. We need not comfort ourselves with the thought that our children have inherited any stronger traits of character than the children of our neighbors. If our children are to present to the world a higher grade of morality and spiritual power than that which is manifested by the young people around us, somebody must take pains to instruct them in a definite and positive manner in right principles, the acceptance of which keeps them free from the soul- and body-destroying habits that are at present working such havoc upon the race.
Those who are leading out in these reformatory movements may not always work in the wisest manner, but in view of the present alarming condition, it is far more commendable to raise danger signals than to sit with folded hands, and regard the present appalling condition with an air of indifference.
One of the most impressive talks that was given at this convention was by Mrs. E. M. Whitmore, who has been marvelously used by Providence in the work of rescuing the fallen. Her topic was “Light from the Depths.” She related wonderful answers to prayer and encouraging results that the triumph of faith had wrought. These were certainly a telling evidence of the fact that God blesses faithful efforts, no matter by whom they are put forth.
“How to Elevate the Home Life” was discussed by Dr. Mary Wood-Allen, whose publications have been a great help to our people everywhere, who have taken pains to read and study them. Her little booklets furnish charming and instructive lessons as to how to teach in a pure and sweet way from the open book of nature the very truths that every child must be taught by its parents, or else learn sooner or later from lips polluted with vileness.
Jenkin Lloyd Jones gave an address upon the subject of “Moralizing versus Demoralizing Amusements,” and the principles which he enunciated upon this subject will not speedily be effaced from the memory of those who had the privilege of listening to it. He deplored the large number of various organizations that are multiplying machinery and wheels within wheels, and declared that each one of them is a standing condemnation to the Church for not having done its full duty.
The Battle Creek Sanitarium furnished a purity banquet to all the delegates. This was an appropriate object lesson of what constitutes a pure diet, and was the first practical example of what may be accomplished with the natural products of the earth, that many of these workers had ever had the opportunity of seeing. Many of them had never before recognized so clearly the intimate relation that exists between vile food and a vile life. The man who persists in partaking day by day of Sodom, will, after a while, live Sodom, particularly if he has been properly informed in reference to this question. Dr. Kellogg’s paper the following day, entitled “The Influence of Diet upon Character,” was sent home by the Spirit of God to the audience with peculiar force, and the day of God alone will reveal the full harvest from the sowing of those heaven-born truths which the Lord helped the doctor to put into that paper.
One of our lady physicians gave an address on the subject of “The Medical Side of the Purity Question,” which especially emphasized the great and important field which presents itself before consecrated women physicians. She brought out clearly the responsibility which rests on the Church to help encourage those who are taking the first steps toward a higher and better life, and showed how easy it is to discourage and drive such back again to a life of despair.
A remark that one Christian worker dropped had a lesson in it for us all. She said that when she saw no souls saved as the result of her efforts, she went to God alone to see “what was the matter with her own heart,” and when she had seen where her shortcomings were, and God had helped her to put them away, then she would get souls for her hire. Is this not a wiser course to pursue than to blame circumstances for getting in our way?
We have had special light, and while it may not be our duty to bind ourselves in bundles with these various organizations, which are trying to do what they can to help society, yet, on the other hand, it is not right for us to stand aloof from them. While we should not step down from our elevated platform of reform which the Lord has given us, yet we should on every possible occasion extend to them a helping hand, and bid them Godspeed. If we maintain an indifferent attitude in reference to these reforms, God cannot bless us. We must upon our bended knees learn from God how we can come close to those who show that they love truth and reform. It is not our duty to bid them to come to us. It is our duty to go to them. We should not condemn their imperfect methods, nor create disturbances by presenting arguments, but take hold with them of such correct principles as they are interested in, and thus show them that God has given us a clearer and more beautiful light on these and other subjects, and those who love truth will be charmed by it, and be turned to it. If we had been alive to ALL our opportunities, we could to-day be leaders in every reformatory movement that humanity needs; and unless we speedily arouse and become alive to the present situation, God will raise up other workers who will immediately cry out. Shall we sit still, and compel God to raise up others to do our missionary work for us? If we are to lead the world in these reformatory lines, it will require earnest and persevering study. The literature and truths upon these subjects will have to be thoroughly studied. God will not miraculously fit us to be leaders of men if we ignore the means He has already provided.
DAVID PAULSON.
Texas
Rolyat.—The brethren here have built a neat little church-school building, and the school, consisting of nine pupils, with Miss Ada M. Philips, of Oklahoma City, for teacher, has been progressing nicely for some time. All are more than pleased with the school, and hope that this humble beginning may result in great good.
Eastern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, northeastern Texas, and the southern part of the Indian Territory lie contiguous to this school, and there is work enough for one hundred missionaries for a year or so. All cannot go to foreign fields, but some could come here with their children, and help build up this school; and while giving their children the advantages of such an education as the Lord would have them receive, they could support themselves by farming, canvassing, or in other ways. This is a good farming and fruit country, a land of sunshine and mild winters. Good unimproved land may be bought here near the school at from three dollars to five dollars an acre; one quarter down, and the remainder in three equal yearly payments. Notes bear ten per cent. Improved land may be bought at from six dollars to twelve dollars an acre. If further information is desired, address C. P. Bodwell, Rolyat, Tex.
COLOMBIA
By S. Parker Smith
St. ANDREWS ISLAND.—The school continues about the same. Many make the excuse that they are afraid we will teach the children that “Saturday is Sunday.” We have many things to contend with, yet are of good courage. “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory.” The last quarter the average attendance of the Sabbath-school has been about thirty-three. Mr. Smith has been preaching on conversion and repentance, and we have gathered our little band in our own rooms, and read to them from “Power for Witnessing.” It seemed to touch them deeply, and a spirit of confession has come in. We believe several will be baptized when Elder Hutchins comes. We hope then to organize a church.
MRS. S. PARKER SMITH.
Leading Events of Week Nov. 24 - 30.
By A. J. B.
— Ohio River pilots strike for an increase of fifty per cent in wages.
— An American syndicate is negotiating for the famous Clyde shipyards.
— The Democrats are moving their headquarters from Chicago to Washington, D. C.
— In an address at Havana, General Gomez indorses Palma as presidential candidate.
— A $50,000,000 zinc smelter trust is being formed, to include mines in southwestern Missouri.
— Japan decides not to ask for a loan of money, preferring to economize and get along without it.
— Indians at Watonga, O. T., got drunk the 24th ult., and drove out the entire white population.
— The United States battle-ship “Kearsarge” leaves New York, to join the North Atlantic squadron.
— The striking miners re-establish their camp near Nortonville, Ky., and defy State troops to dislodge them.
— Thursday, November 28, was celebrated as Thanksgiving day throughout the United States, her colonies, and by Americans abroad.
— Reports of the 26th ult. state that Captain Lawson’s company of the Nineteenth Infantry, U. S. A., “has captured an insurgent fort on Bohol Island.”
— The United States government purchases for $15,000 the site of the San Juan battlefield, Santiago, Cuba, for a reservation. Later on it will be converted into a beautiful park.
— The mine operators of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, met at the Auditorium, Chicago, the 26th ult., and agreed to increase the price of soft coal 25 cents a ton.
— As the result of a boiler explosion in the Penberthy Injector Company’s plant, Detroit, Mich., the 26th ult., twenty-six persons were killed, twenty-six injured, and fifteen missing. The three-story structure was demolished.
— On the 29th ult. the Liberals surrendered the city of Colon to Captain Perry of the United States battle-ship “Iowa,” who held the place until the arrival of General Alban, with a Colombian force. The Americans then returned to Panama.
— A Boer “rescue meeting” is appointed for Sunday, the 8th inst., in the Auditorium, Chicago, “to protest against the British reconcentrado camps.” Bourke Cochran, of New York, will speak upon the subject, “What President Roosevelt Can Do.”
— A Paris dispatch of the 29th ult. states that Maître Labori and Colonel Picquart are no more the friends of Dreyfus, the former being now “on the high road to become a popular hero with the anti-Dreyfusards.” It will be remembered that Labori was the chief lawyer for Dreyfus, and was shot by the anti-Dreyfusards during the famous trial at Rennes.
— The Greek Cabinet resigns “as a result of the demonstrations against the proposed translation of the Gospels into modern Greek,” rioters having stoned the residences of the Ministers. In her visits among the wounded Greek soldiers during the Greco-Turkish war, Queen Olga found that they could not read the Bible in the classical Greek. She therefore ordered it translated into modern Greek.
— A Philadelphia, Pa., dispatch of the 25th ult. states that Mrs. Mary Clarke De Vore, a returned missionary from Utah, “startled the Presbyterian ministers’ weekly meeting in Witherspoon Hall to-day.” She said: “I come to you as a woman with a price set on my head by agents of the Mormon Church; whose footsteps are dogged by them even in your city, and who dares not go out after dark, even in Philadelphia, for fear of being attacked by these men.” For fifteen years Mrs. De Vore has been associated with the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, going to Hiram, Utah, in August, 1900. According to her statements she has been assaulted, shot at, and persecuted in numerous other ways by the Mormons.
— The German Reichstag reassembled at Berlin the 26th ult.
— A severe gale swept the Long Island and New Jersey coasts the 24th ult., causing much damage.
— The President Roosevelt signs the order placing the rural free delivery system under civil service regulations.
— Great enthusiasm for President Roosevelt was shown at a dinner to Sir Thomas Lipton, given in London, the 25th ult.
— An unknown person paid $8,669 into the United States treasury the 25th ult., stating that he owed the government that amount.
— Father Crowley, of Chicago, apologizes to Cardinal Martinelli, and will be reinstated as priest, after doing penance at a monastery.
— Wu Ting Fang, the Chinese ambassador at Washington, scores the American newspapers for their stand on the Chinese exclusion law.
— The Berrien Springs Oil and Gas Co. struck oil on George Dean’s farm, two miles east of Berrien Springs, Mich., the afternoon of the 30th ult.
— Colonel A. D. Anderson, originator of the World’s Fair idea at Chicago, committed suicide by drowning himself in the Potomac River at Washington, the 25th ult.
— A Washington dispatch of the 30th ult. states that David B. Henderson, of Iowa, was on that day elected Speaker of the House of Representatives by the Republican caucus.
— Mr. Patterson, an Englishman, secretary of Sixto Lopez, the well-known Filipino, was deported from Manila the 26th ult. by the authority of the United States, “for refusing to take the colonial oath of allegiance.”
— Lockjaw resulting from vaccination, causes three more deaths in Camden, N. J., making “ten in all from the same cause in that city during the past three weeks.” It really begins to look as if it would be safer not to be vaccinated.
— Battle Creek, Mich., now boasts of having within its limits, or near by, eighteen health food factories. This boom in the manufacture of health foods is due primarily to the original effort of the Sanitarium managers to furnish proper foods to their patients and helpers. “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
— A San Francisco midnight dispatch of the 30th ult. says: “At least fifty lives were lost here late to-night by a collision of the ferry steamers ‘San Rafael’ and ‘Sausalito,’ in a dense fog. The ‘San Rafael’ was sunk, but the ‘Sausalito’ is now being towed up the bay. Tugs have gone to the scene of the collision, which is off Alcatraz Island.”
— On the 29th ult. the German Reichstag defeated a proposal to prohibit the transatlantic steamers from beginning voyages on Sunday. The Secretary of the Interior argued that “in the face of the great efforts now being made by foreign countries to secure the world’s carrying trade, Germany must not go to this extreme for the sake of Sunday rest.”
— The newspapers state that the majority of the Republican members of Congress oppose any tariff concessions to the Cubans, hoping thereby to compel the annexation of Cuba to this republic. A Washington dispatch of the 29th ult. states that “one of the oldest and wisest members of Congress” states that the pledge to grant Cuba her independence was a mistake, and that “Cuba ought to be annexed to the United States. It controls the Gulf of Mexico, and it is the key to the Nicaragua Canal. If the Cubans want trade advantages, if they want to secure the United States as a permanent market, . . . there is just one way to do it, and that is by coming into the United States.”
— The night of the 27th ult. emigrant train No. 13, west-bound, on the Wabash Railway, and passenger train No. 4, east-bound, collided, near Seneca, Mich., seventy miles south of Detroit. Both trains were going at full speed. It is estimated that eighty persons were killed or burned to death in the wreck. One of the engineers evidently made a mistake in reading his orders to sidetrack at Seneca. The railway officials do not admit the loss of life so great as that reported. Passengers on the two rear coaches escaped all injury. The lawlessness and carelessness prevalent in these last days makes any voyage a truly dangerous undertaking.
— A Washington dispatch of the 30th ult. states that Germany may be compelled to force an indemnity from Venezuela, but that the Monroe Doctrine will be strictly enforced by the United States. In the words of the dispatch, “the policy of this government, in case of a war between Germany and Venezuela, is clearly defined. It will be demanded that there be no unnecessary occupation of Venezuelan territory, and least of all will there be permitted any pledges of territory to redeem the German debt. In other words, Germany may knock at the doors of Venezuela for its pay, and, failing to get it, may enter, but the United States would put Germany out if she stayed beyond a reasonable limit for the settlement of the debt.” Since this country claims the right to force an indemnity from Turkey, Bulgaria, or any other European Power, should it be deemed necessary (see dispatch quoted in News and Notes, REVIEW of November 12, page 741), it cannot well hinder Germany or any other nation from collecting bills on this side of the water.
A. J. B.
Missouri Conference and Tract Society.
By J. M. Rees
THE twenty-first annual meeting of the Missouri Conference and Tract Society will be held at Utica, Dec. 26–31, 1901. J. M. REES, Pres.
As the Missouri Conference is to be held during the holidays, December 26–31, the Week of Prayer for this Conference is set one week earlier, December 14–21. J. M. REES.
A Personal Letter.
By E. A. Sutherland
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: If such a thing were practicable, I should like to write a personal letter to each reader of the REVIEW, telling of the urgent requests which are made by young people who desire an education, but who lack the necessary means. Case after case could be mentioned. There is talent and ability, but the school is unable to carry a greater burden than is now laid upon it, and we are obliged to turn a deaf ear to these requests for entrance.
It seems to me that the situation becomes more trying each year. Once it was hard for students, even after taking a course in one of our colleges, to find positions in the cause; but the situation is now different. There are constant demands for teachers, canvassers, and business men. The Foreign Mission Board is pleading for laborers. The Lord has spoken, telling us that ministers should not remain with the churches, but should go out into new fields. This means that younger talent, men of less experience, must work at home, and in this way gain a preparation for future labor in foreign fields.
The church schools—that movement from above for the salvation of our children—should have strong teachers. I wish with all my soul that we could see five hundred new workers prepared to teach next fall. It would cause a sudden awakening all along the line if this could be done. For its accomplishment we must now plan.
There are in our churches men who have means, and who desire that means to be used where it will accomplish the most good. The persons who need assistance are unknown to those who have this means. Is there no way to bring these people together, or at any rate direct the attention of the one to the other?
One church in Indiana has selected a young man of ability, and the members pledge monthly payments on his school expenses. Another church in Ontario arranged to raise fifty dollars toward giving a young minister a year's training in the college. A brother in Michigan has a sum of money deposited at the college, which he increases by occasional donations. This money is loaned to students, and returned after they become wage-earners.
I know of men who have children who should be in school, but the children do not care to take a Christian training. Would it not be pleasing to the Lord if such parents would invest means in helping other young persons to obtain an education?
I have mentioned a variety of circumstances; perhaps you are acquainted with others. For the sake of the young people, for the love of the cause, I am going to ask men who have means which they would willingly expend in helping worthy young people, to correspond with me, and I will promise to do my part in seeing that this is loaned to worthy persons.
With a prayer that the Spirit of God may move upon hearts to respond, I am,
Most sincerely yours,
E. A. SUTHERLAND.
Spend Your Winter in the Sunny South.
THREE MONTHS’ BOARD AND ROOM FREE.
During the long cold winters in the North, there are many of our canvassers who are able to do but comparatively little work, while none can put in full time. This fact, together with the great need of workers in the South, prompts us to make a special call at this time for canvassers of experience to spend the winter in this field.
Those already at work are meeting with remarkable success, and there is plenty of room for more. In this connection, it might be interesting to state that one of our young lady canvassers secured sixty orders for “Best Stories” last week. This was her second week at canvassing. Another worker sold sixty-three copies of “Bible Readings,” amounting to $150, in one week. Others are doing equally well.
The Southern people are kind and hospitable, and seem hungry for the truth. Aside from canvassing, there is abundant opportunity for other missionary work.
We have nine States here that have scarcely been entered,—Tennessee, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. There are grand openings for consecrated workers of experience.
Because of the urgent need of such workers to carry the printed page of truth throughout this vast field, we will pay the board and room for three months, of canvassers of ability and experience who will come and engage in this work. However, before coming, it will be necessary for you to write us, and make arrangements. Please mention some reliable references when writing.
The South has been designated as “a world of its own,” and we must have workers of ability who are consecrated to the Lord’s cause, and who have had experience in canvassing. If you do not belong to this class, please do not apply.
On the other hand, if you are capable, and thoroughly consecrated to the work of God, there is no limit to the amount of good that you may accomplish. The fields “are white already to harvest,” but the laborers are few. If you feel that the Lord has a work for you to do in this long-neglected portion of His vineyard, we shall be glad to hear from you. Address Southern Publishing Association, 1925 Jefferson St., Nashville, Tenn.
