It has been some time since I have reported the progress of the work in this conference. The year 1914 was a good year for us, and as we add up the totals we are made to rejoice for what the Lord saw fit to give us.
It was evident in planning our work that we should increase our tithe $2,000. This seemed like a goal that could not be reached, but the Lord came into the hearts of our people as they saw the great need, and the goal was more than reached. The tithe receipts for the past year were $12,420, which was a gain over the previous year of $2,420. There is a gain in mission offerings over the previous year of $952.
Our Missionary Volunteer department is making very material gains. A large number of the young people are endeavoring to reach the several goals set for them by the general department. The colporteur work made a gain of more than $2,000. The volume of business carried on by our tract society has increased 40 per cent. The home missionary department is being recognized as an important factor for the finishing of the work. Our church members are being aroused to more activity in behalf of their neighbors and friends, and their activity has caused more literature to be handled through our office than during any previous year.
Our workers are all of good courage, and the Lord is blessing their efforts to win the lost to Christ. About two hundred accepted the truth last year. Churches that were weak and struggling have been strengthened, and where discouragement prevailed, faith in the soon coming of the Lord possesses every heart.
The outlook for 1915 is encouraging. The writer began a series of meetings in Rock Hall, Md., and as the truths of the Bible were presented, the interest deepened. The fearful conditions as seen in the world today impressed the people that these were signs of the end. The church was filled each evening during the extreme cold weather. With earnest effort and much prayer, men and women came to the Lord and made a complete surrender. Last Sunday, January 24, I had the privilege of baptizing thirty persons. All these will unite with the Rock Hall church. This will bring the membership up to ninety-four, which will make the church rank third in the conference. It is needless for me to say that the church is in good working condition.
The end seems very near. We see as it were the breaking of the day. People everywhere are stirred over the European situation, and are led to ask, “What do these things mean?” Surely we who look for our Lord to come soon, ought to be able to help them to understand. Let us press on until the shout of victory can arise from Israel’s camp.
ROSCOE T. BAER.
West Virginia
By W. J. TANNER
AFTER fourteen years’ labor in other fields (eleven in the West Indies and three in Canada) the writer was called to return to the United States on May 1 of the past year, and settled in West Virginia. When Mrs. Tanner and I left our native land, we did not expect that we should ever return to it, and during all these years our minds did not change in this respect. However, Providence ruled otherwise. First, Mrs. Tanner’s health having failed through long residence in the tropics, we were forced to seek a cold climate; then, after three short years in the interesting province of Quebec, circumstances over which we had no control made it seem best to return to this country. We enjoyed our work in those other fields, where the Lord gave us many rich and profitable experiences; and it has required considerable effort on our part to reconcile ourselves to the thought that we are back laboring in the United States again.
However, we are beginning to like our new field, “The Mountain State,” and to feel at home here. The Lord has abundantly blessed the work in West Virginia the past year, in spite of several changes that have been made in the little corps of workers. The tithe has increased, for the second time the conference has more than made up its share of the annual fund, and thirty-seven accessions have been made to our numbers by baptism.
One of the most encouraging features of the work here is the circulation of our literature. Our book sales for 1914 amounted to over $15,000. When it is remembered that our membership is but 240, the significance of these figures will be better appreciated. Yet much more might be done in this and other directions; for the developing of the coal, oil, natural gas, and other industries is bringing thousands of persons into the State annually, thus enlarging our field of activity and increasing our responsibility.
All things taken into consideration, we can report that the outlook for 1915 is very encouraging, and with our little band of consecrated workers we hope to see the work here strengthened greatly.
W. J. TANNER.
Visit to India Mission Stations
The December number of Eastern Tidings, in reporting the visit of Elder and Sister Daniells to the India Mission stations, concludes: “This brief report of the visit of Brother and Sister Daniells to our mission stations gives little idea of the pleasure and good cheer which it brought to each place, nor of the welcome they received. It has been a great encouragement to our workers and lay members to have the chairman of the Mission Board personally inspect the work being done at each place where our missions have been planted, and come face to face with the laborers in their daily tasks.”
Evangelistic Success at Bakersfield
THIRTY-FIVE have signed the covenant and twenty have been baptized and added to the church as a result of a series of meetings held by Elders A. S. Booth and E. H. Adams at Bakersfield, Cal. The newspapers printed ninety-four articles on the message, averaging ten inches to the article. During the time of the meeting one hundred and twenty feet of single-column space appeared in the papers, calling attention to the message. The cost of the meeting, which amounted to $291.30, was covered by the offerings.
A Sin Hater, a Soul Lover
“God is a sin hater, but a soul lover.”
Medical Missionary Department
W. A. RUBLE, M. D. . . . General Secretary
L. A. HANSEN . . . . Assistant Secretary
H. W. MILLER, M. D. . . . N. Am. Div. Secretary
The Work in the Field
By W. W. Eastman
At the close of the publishers' and home missionary convention held in Nashville, Tenn., and reported in the REVIEW of January 21 by Brother R. L. Pierce, I visited three colporteurs' institutes.
The first one was at Knoxville, Tenn., in the Cumberland Conference, where I was pleased to form the acquaintance of a most excellent class of workers, who, through the energetic efforts of the field agent and the president of the conference, had been gathered in for study and preparation for the work. The conference has taken a live interest in this branch of the work for a number of years, and is reaping good returns as a result, both in persons being brought into the truth and in a financial way.
Three years ago the conference tract society took over the book work which had been handled previously by the publishing house. At that time there were practically no tract society funds, no stock, and no office equipment, but through the prospering hand of the Lord the society has been able each month to meet its obligations to the publishing house, and now has a good stock paid for, a well-equipped office, and sufficient funds with which to carry on its work,21and best of all, a strong corps of colporteurs, who are placing thousands of dollars' worth of our literature in the homes of the people every year. More calls are coming in for the living preacher than can be filled; persons are accepting the truth; the tithes and offerings have greatly increased. The Cumberland Conference is awake to the importance of this work, and the work in that field is moving forward most encouragingly.
On my way to Ohio I stopped one day at Nicholasville, Ky., where I spoke in the forenoon, afternoon, and at night. I was especially pleased to form the acquaintance of more than thirty of as fine a class of men and women as I ever saw in any one institute. This was made possible by the energetic efforts of the conference president in cooperation with the field agent, in keeping the importance of this work before the churches and carefully selecting those who give promise of success.
During the past four years Kentucky has more than trebled her membership, and every church has a church building. Like the Cumberland Conference, this conference has been carrying forward a strong colporteur work, which has greatly strengthened the work of the ministry. Through this agency the most remote districts are reached, and wonderful results are being realized. Calls for the living preacher are coming from numerous places. The president of the conference and two ordained ministers are kept more than busy looking after these interests. Here, as at Knoxville, one very encouraging feature was that both local and union conference presidents were in attendance, taking an active part in the instruction of the workers who were to go into the field to give the gospel message in the form of the printed page. It was inspiring to see these presidents teaching a select class of sturdy men and women how to sell our large subscription books. When the men who stand at the head of our evangelistic work will take a personal interest in the selection and training of this class of workers, we may expect to see our colporteur work occupy the place designed by the Lord as an evangelizing agency; and why should it not be so? Who should be more interested in the proper management of this work than our union and local conference presidents?
At Columbus, Ohio, I very much enjoyed a week with the thirty or more colporteurs who were gathered in their annual institute. Here as at the other places, it was a source of encouragement to note the splendid class of workers giving their lives to evangelistic canvassing. One cannot but be impressed in meeting men in these institutes who have left high-salaried and responsible positions in the world to enter the work of God. In these conferences we met men who had for years filled positions as policemen, street car managers, engineers, life insurance agents, salesmen, well-to-do farmers, and telegraph operators. They had given up these positions for the truth, and are now devoting their lives to the sale of our literature. Surely the Lord's hand is in this work, and he is calling men from various walks of life to engage in it. While at Columbus I received an invitation from Professor Salisbury to visit Mount Vernon Academy.
In company with Elder Slade, president of the conference, I improved the opportunity, speaking on Sunday night in the church and to the students in chapel on Monday morning. This was my first visit to this institution, and the hearty reception and kind expressions of appreciation were very encouraging indeed. A large number of the students are enjoying the advantages of the school through the sale of our literature, and indicated their intention of spending the summer in the same good work.
While at Mount Vernon, I was glad to take advantage of the opportunity to call on the Ohio Tract Society and note its neat, conveniently located, and well-equipped office, and was pleased to learn that 1914 had been a prosperous year for its work. Its sales for the year amounted to $42,000, enabling the society to turn over to the conference about $1,200 after paying all its bills at the publishing house, and providing itself with a good stock of books, and cash enough in the bank to carry on its work.
Not so many workers were in attendance at the Ohio institute as last year, but they were a carefully selected class who had made a success in life, and most of them had already had one or more years' experience in the field. If one can judge from the spirit of earnestness and consecration of those who were in attendance, 1915 will mark another prosperous year for our colporteur work in Ohio.
I have never seen more encouraging omens of the success and prosperity of this department of our work than were shown in the attendance and in the spirit of those who were present at these institutes. I firmly believe the present year will mark a new era in the progress of our work. W. W. EASTMAN.
Publishing Department
N. Z. TOWN — General Secretary
W. W. EASTMAN — N. Am. Div. Secretary
Will They Adhere to the Principle?
By C. P. Bollman
IN deciding a recent case, the Supreme Court of the United States announced a vital and far-reaching principle. The State of Kansas has a statute forbidding employers to require applicants for positions with them, to sign an agreement not to hold or to acquire membership in any labor union during the term of said contemplated employment.
In a case arising under this statute, the supreme court of Kansas upheld the act. An appeal was taken to the Supreme Court of the United States. This tribunal reversed the State court, declaring the statute unconstitutional on the ground that it was an unwarranted invasion of the natural rights of the individual.
“The court holds a statute cannot declare things criminal which are in truth essentially normal, constituting nothing more than an innocent exercise of personal liberty. The court holds that under the Fourteenth Amendment a State may not strike down personal liberty or property rights or restrict their normal exercise, except so far as may be incidentally necessary for the accomplishment of some paramount object in promoting the public welfare. The mere restriction of liberty or of property right cannot be practiced by a legislature under the guise of promoting the public welfare and claimed as the legitimate exercise of police power.” — Washington Herald, Jan. 26, 1915.
This principle if adhered to would prove the death knell of every Sunday law in every State of the Union, and would forever settle the question of such a law for the District of Columbia, now so urgently demanded not only by the ministers of Washington but by Sunday law advocates throughout the length and breadth of the land.
Nobody objects to making Sunday a dies non, and this is all that needs to be done for the protection of the individual. But those who demand Sunday laws want not a holiday but a holy day. They want not only that he who wishes to observe the day may be left free to do so, so far as government is concerned, but that every man shall be compelled to render a degree of homage to that day whether he will or not. They are determined that he who will not worship upon that day shall at least be compelled to rest; and this notwithstanding the seemingly ample Constitutional safeguards of religious liberty.
In several States, the constitutions of which provide in more or less explicit terms that “no preference shall be given by law to any religious establishment or mode of worship,” Sunday laws have been sustained as a part of the “police power” of the State. But under this most recent decision touching this very principle, the innocent exercise of personal rights cannot be infringed upon mere pretense of promoting the public welfare.
“Police power” is not something that is superior to constitutions, but is merely “the power of the State through all its agencies, both general and local, to preserve order, regulate intercourse between citizens, and to insure to each the lawful enjoyment of his rights.” It is therefore no justification whatever of any statute or of any action taken under any statute in contravention of the rights of even a single citizen, to say that the statute was enacted or the action was had in exercise of the police power. Under a government of delegated powers, the police power can never of right rise superior to the fundamental law which at once creates and restricts that power.
Nobody can successfully maintain, and few even attempt to maintain, that Sunday laws are not designed primarily for the protection and exaltation of the day, and only secondarily for the protection of the individual in his right to rest upon that day if he so elects. That this is true is shown by the fact that in most of the States having Sunday laws, such statutes, while permitting the operation of railroads, street cars, etc. (in which employments men often feel compelled to work when they would not otherwise do so, for fear of losing their positions), forbid and punish private, individual labor, labor which is wholly voluntary and which neither interferes with the rest of others nor even remotely requires that others work also.22
How accurately the principle laid down by the Supreme Court of the United States applies in the Kansas case, the present writer does not undertake to say; but it is certainly correct as a principle, and fits perfectly much of the Sunday legislation now upon the statute books of the several States, and also that which is demanded of Congress for the District of Columbia. It will be of interest to watch this matter and to see if our national court of last resort will adhere consistently to the wholesome principle which it has enunciated.
C. P. BOLLMAN.
Religious Liberty Department
By C. S. Longacre
C. S. LONGACRE - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
Sowing and Reaping
By F. W. Paap
“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6. This command is clear and plain, but how many there are who say, “Well, if I could only see some fruit for my labor.” But that is not the question. We are to sow the seed, and it is God who will in his own good time and way give the increase. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Ps. 126:5. The blessed ministry is to be done in faith, yes, with an increased faith. We are not to become weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. See Gal. 6:9.
We must not expect to see tomorrow the full fruition of our services rendered today. The man who plants his fields knows that it will take some time before the full development of the grain, and the harvest time. We are told that the harvest is the end of the world. Let us ever bear this in mind, and labor while it is day. There will be many and great surprises in that day, the day of final reward. Full credit will be given to every worker. Many of the little things of life, the simple ministries, will then be seen to have been the most effective. We must sow with a liberal, unstinted hand; for if we sow sparingly, we shall also reap sparingly. See 2 Cor. 9:6.
When the last great harvest is gathered in, the sheaves that we are enabled to bring to the Master will be the recompense of our unselfish ministry. A full account is kept by the heavenly watchers. Not even a cup of cold water, given in loving sympathy, will lose its reward.
“There are many to whom life is a painful struggle; they feel their deficiencies, and are miserable and unbelieving; they think they have nothing for which to be grateful. Kind words, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would be to many a struggling and lonely one as the cup of cold water to a thirsty soul. A word of sympathy, an act of kindness, would lift burdens that rest heavily upon weary shoulders. And every word or deed of unselfish kindness is an expression of the love of Christ for lost humanity.”—“Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,” page 40.
The following words should encourage every believer in this great reformatory movement, this great awakening, that is already taking place: “Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth, there will be, among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon his children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and his Word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it, by introducing a counterfeit.”—“The Great Controversy,” page 464.
Now is the time, with courage, with a living faith, with glorious anticipations, to give the definite message, the third angel’s message, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. We must put on the whole armor that we may be able to stand. See Eph. 6:10-18. “Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9.
“Help somebody today, somebody along life’s way;
Let sorrows be ended, the friendless befriended,
O, help somebody today!”
F. W. Paap.
Missionary Conventions
By V. O. Punches; Bessie E. Acton
REALIZING the great need of a revival of the missionary spirit among our churches, the home missionary and Missionary Volunteer departments of the Ohio Conference united in holding a series of missionary conventions among the larger churches of the conference. The plan of the leaders was to stir our people to greater activity and to teach them how to do this kind of work. Ten conventions for this purpose were held from September 1 to the close of the year. We feel sure that all are interested in the results, so wish to give a report of the meetings and our plan of conducting them.
The conventions were opened on Friday evening with a stirring talk on the progress of the message. On Sabbath, the giving of the third angel’s message to all the world in this generation, and how all may do personal work in its completion, was considered. During the Sunday morning service the subject of “How to Win Our Young People From the World” was carefully discussed. This was a subject that was of special interest in all the churches. In the afternoon we organized for service. At every church either a home missionary or a Missionary Volunteer society was organized, and where the membership was sufficiently large, both societies were formed. The closing meeting was a practical demonstration of methods of doing missionary work. Many who attended said this taught them more than all the talks they had ever heard.
One special feature of the conventions was the splendid display of books on hand. The tract society bought a trunk, and filled it with a sample of each of our leading books, a good line of Bibles, and a generous supply of tracts with which to begin immediate work. As a result of this display, $630 worth of books, Bibles, and tracts was sold. This made the meetings pay financially.
The most encouraging item of all, however, was the way our people took hold of the missionary plans, and began preparing for more efficient service. Many decided to follow Paul’s injunction to Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15. In order to do this a large number in every church have taken up the Standard of Attainment studies.
Many of the young people also determined that they would read and study only the best books. Fifty-seven of the Reading Course sets were sold. Some decided to spend their spare time in selling our smaller books. Twenty-seven bought the home workers’ prospectus, and as a result a large number of our smaller books were placed in the homes of their neighbors and friends. Others, as a result of these meetings, are devoting their entire time to the service of God, and are now selling our larger books.
These meetings were not only a benefit to our own people, but many outside the church who attended, expressed their interest in this work. At one place a woman who had never been in an Adventist church before, bought four of our large books. Many others also bought books. In several places there were those who became so interested in the truth that they called for more meetings, and openings were made for Bible readings. One church raised sixty dollars for a church library.
These results are gratifying, and we know that they are the answer to earnest prayer.
V. O. PUNCHES, Home Missionary Secretary;
BESSIE E. ACTON, Missionary Volunteer Secretary.
Home Missionary Department
E. M. GRAHAM - - - - General Secretary
F. W. PAAP - - - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
BOOKS FOR MATURE MINDS
Ministry of the Spirit
A New Book
By G. B. Thompson
A NEW book designed to strengthen the spiritual life of the Christian. This is not a treatise on doctrinal points, but a book on practical Christianity; not an argument, but a study of the fundamentals of Christian living,—a book that will assist you to attain your highest ideals, and encourage still higher standards. It deals with the subject of the Holy Spirit in the individual life and in the church, the Spirit in the Old Testament and in the New.
It emphasizes the need of the Holy Spirit, and the conditions favorable to its reception; considers its fruits and gifts as well as the result of Spirit filling.
223 pages. Cloth, 75 cents.
Early Writings
By Mrs. E. G. White
A COMPILATION and reprint of the first published testimonies of Mrs. White. An entirely new edition, from new plates, uniform in size with “Testimonies for the Church.”
316 pages. Cloth, 75 cents; limp leather, $1.25.
The Conflict Between Capital and Labor
By E. T. Russell
RECENT clashes between capital and labor have emphasized the importance of this subject. This book is not an argument on either side of the question, but a history of the struggle, containing important facts and data and much general information on one of the most perplexing problems of the day.
208 pages. Attractive board binding, 75 cents.
American State Papers
A COMPREHENSIVE collection of facts on religious legislation. Valuable for study, research, and reference. Nothing else like it has ever been printed. The large amount of data, unavailable from other sources, makes the book indispensable to statesmen who are opposed to religious legislation, to ministers who see the danger of a united church and state, and to all who wish information on one of the most important subjects of the day.
800 pages. Cloth, $1.25.
BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG
Best Stories From the Best Book
THE first portion of this book consists of easy lessons in script and print for young children, and is illustrated by three-color work and pen sketches. The second section is designed for older children, and includes the discussion of important events in Bible history written in a way to hold the attention of the youth, and a study of many vital topics of present truth, presented in an attractive manner.
200 pages. Board, 60 cents; cloth, 75 cents.
Gospel Primer No. 2
THIS book, one of the latest of the Juvenile Series, is designed for pupils of the second and third grades. The first fifteen pages are devoted to an acrostic, two stanzas occupying a page and illustrated by color engravings. It contains full-page illustrations and a full-page copy of the ten commandments, with an illustrated border. The remaining portion of the book contains Bible stories.
96 pages. Cloth binding, 50 cents.
Easy Steps in the Bible Story
ONE of the most fascinating books of Bible stories ever printed. It is so carefully written as always to instruct and entertain the child. It should be placed in every home where there are children, before they have formed a liking for books less suited to their needs. It is profusely illustrated with three-color work and original illustrations, and contains a complete index. The pronunciation of all difficult words is indicated.
A BOOK of birds and nature stories. From the first chapter, “A Neighborhood Quarrel,” to the last one, “Invitations to Birds,” the book is filled with stories that fascinate the young and encourage the habit of observation.
256 pages. Cloth, $1.00.
Order from your tract society
REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
TAKOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C.
Missionary Progress Around the World
SIXTY-ONE dollars was the Ingathering Harvest at Shanghai, China, as the result of a few days’ work with the Missions REVIEW.
ONE hundred years ago last October 27, the first convert from heathenism in China was baptized by Morrison. Wonderful changes in the vast Chinese nation have been brought about during this century.
As the result of tent meetings in Japan, one strong church is reported raised up, while other new believers will unite with churches already established. Twenty-five had been baptized, with others to go forward before the close of the year.
THE South Caribbean Conference reports the baptism of twenty-three believers recently, with meetings in progress in several places, where fruit is expected. Everywhere there seems to be an awakening to hear the word of God, and the third angel’s message alone furnishes the answer to the many questions raised in the minds of the people at this time over conditions now existing in this world.
IN a letter from Brother Daniells, written the day of the opening of the workers’ institute in Calcutta, December 18, we learn that he had visited all the missions in India proper except Garhwal. At the close of the council, in company with Professor Salisbury, he was to visit Burma, then they were to go on together to Singapore, where he expected to meet Brother Porter, also Brother Fulton from Australia, to counsel regarding the publishing work in the East. After visiting Malaysia, the Philippines, and some missions in China, he was to attend the Asiatic Division Conference to be held in Shanghai, May 1–16. Brother and Sister Daniells were both well and enjoying their work.
W. H. LEWIS writes from the Gold Coast, West Africa, that his wife and children, who have been in the Canary Islands, have now joined him. They are located two hundred miles from the sea-coast and twenty-five miles from the post office and railroad, “among a strange people with a strange language shrouded in heathenism.” They desire our prayers that they may soon acquire the language, and that the light of truth may soon pierce the darkness.
The Amen Corner Passing
By Editor
THE amen corner has ceased to exist for the most part in the great churches of Christendom. Formalism has in a large measure supplanted spirituality. Much of the preaching is not of a character to awaken deep spiritual emotions, and on the part of many there is an indifference to the utterances of the minister so long as sinful pleasures and practices are not too strongly rebuked. We regret that even in the Seventh-day Adventist Church we do not see that hearty response to the preaching of the word which at one time characterized our congregations. This we believe is not due to indifference, nor yet wholly to the spirit of formality which has invaded our ranks, although with us, the same as with the great churches of the world, there is danger that formalism will dampen spiritual ardor.
Many of our brethren and sisters have come to feel in a measure that it is out of place to respond directly to the preaching of the word, and that outward assent would be regarded by others as too demonstrative and sensational. We do not agree with this view of the matter. There is danger of our quenching the promptings of the Spirit of God when we fail to give assent to the utterances of divine truth. Let us avoid in our services the spectacular and the sensational. Let us, on the other hand, be careful not to permit ourselves to be robbed of the spirit of liberty and rejoicing in the Lord by any false standard of propriety and decorum. We believe that in our churches the amen corners should not only be revived, but that there should be a general response throughout the congregation to the word of the Lord, and to the movings of the Holy Spirit.
A Real Feast
By O. A. Olsen
[The following little article, expressing his appreciation of the REVIEW AND HERALD, was mailed from Chicago the day Elder O. A. Olsen was taken ill. This is probably the last he ever wrote for publication.—ED.]
YES, I have enjoyed a real feast, a spiritual feast, reading the last number (No. 4, 1915) of the good old REVIEW. From beginning to end, it was a real feast to my soul.
The general articles are right to the point, dealing with important questions and developments that call for careful study by all interested in the momentous events now taking place in our world.
Then follow those encouraging reports of the progress of the work from the world-wide field. Elder A. G. Daniells tells of his visit to New Zealand in 1886, and his recent visit after twenty-eight years. The work there is moving onward to victory.
Then follow the encouraging reports from the missions in South and West Africa, from India and South America, and also from the homeland, all so cheering. The Tsungwesi Mission reports twenty persons baptized, gathered from the heathen. Like encouraging reports are given from other fields.
The Home department is filled with most excellent, instructive matter, and so also is the Educational department.
The blessings of the weekly visits of the good old REVIEW AND HERALD cannot be expressed in words. I cannot understand how any Seventh-day Adventist reading the English language can do without it. Those who for any reason are deprived of its weekly visits are suffering a great loss. It was in 1858 that the REVIEW first entered my father's home, and it continued to be his delight the rest of his life; and when our home was established in 1868, it was one of the first guests that we entertained. It has followed us as we have moved from place to place, and when, for any reason, it does not arrive on the expected day, it is greatly missed. There is no other paper that can take its place. All ought to have it. O. A. OLSEN.
Our Literature at Work
By E. R. PALMER
At the farewell meeting of the publishers’ convention, recently held in Takoma Park, one of the field agents who had visited Washington City during the day, passed to the writer a note which reads as follows: “When we entered the House of Representatives at the Capitol today, one of the doorkeepers was reading a copy of ‘Coming King.’ Soon after, I called at a barber shop, and the barber was reading a copy of the Protestant Magazine Extra.”
As we see our literature going from this office at the rate of about two tons a day, we often look at the wagonloads of mail sacks, and ask the question, Where do all these tracts and papers and books go? The answer must be, They are going to the people who love the third angel’s message, and are being placed in the hands of those who are anxious to know the truth of God for the times in which we live.
All over the world people are reading our literature, and especially so just now; for the time has come when they will take down the books from their shelves, brush off the dust, and read the truths which, in the providence of God through his servants, have been placed in their hands.
The copy of “Coming King” referred to in the note is described as being extremely worn and almost out of its cover, indicating that it had been passed round for a long time by some one who appreciates its contents.
E. R. PALMER.
Baptisms and Victory Over Drink
BROTHER R. S. GREAVES reports from Waterloo, West Africa, that four were baptized at the close of the week of prayer. He says: “One aged man rejoiced in the victory over drink and tobacco. He stayed in all day Christmas lest his former companions should entice him away. He said it was the first Christmas in over forty years that he had not taken liquor.” Thus another testimony is added to the power of the truth over heathenism.