p. 736 | Review and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 31. (7/31/1913)

Western Oregon Camp-Meeting

By H. W. Cottrell

THIS conference and camp-meeting was held, according to appointment, June 19-29, 1913. Although it rained almost continuously, the meetings were well attended both by our own people and by the citizens. The camp was easy of access, being located on the electric car line, in a residence section of the city.

There were two hundred and twenty-five tents erected, including seven large ones. Services were held daily in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages.

Ministers from outside our conference, who were present all or a part of the time, were Elders W. A. Spicer, Luther Warren, H. Shultz, C. W. Flaiz, F. H. Westphal, A. O. Tait, L. Johnson, M. S. Reppe, E. C. Kellogg, L. V. Finster, C. L. Butterfield, Meade MacGuire, and W. F. Martin, all of whom rendered their best services for the Master.

The following important resolutions were passed with much enthusiasm, thus manifesting the good will of the people to carry them into effect:—

“Resolved, That we heartily indorse the recommendation of the General Conference to the effect that the fund known as the Fifteen-cent-a-week Fund be increased to twenty cents a week per member , the first fifteen cents being devoted to mission work, the remainder to meeting obligations on our institutions; and that we pledge our earnest endeavor to the raising of this fund.

“Whereas, Under God’s providence our leading periodicals have been brought into existence for the education of the people, and the perusal of these periodicals has proved an invaluable aid to many in the preparation to intelligently meet the eternal issues of this generation, and to properly appreciate our responsibility in answering the urgent demands made upon us from all parts of the world, therefore we—

“Recommend, That earnest, immediate and continued effort be put forth that the REVIEW AND HERALD, the Signs of the Times, and other of our leading periodicals be placed in the home of every believer in this conference.

“Whereas, Conference records have been for many years encumbered with many resolutions, a large number having been added yearly, some of which at least did not accomplish what was desired because they were not put into action, therefore—

“Resolved, That for the coming conference year we put forth earnest endeavors to hasten forward the work of God by our deeds rather than by our resolutions.”

There were about thirteen hundred persons encamped upon the ground. The large new pavilion, eighty by one hundred and twenty feet, erected at this meeting for the first time, was entirely too small to provide seating accommodations for the large number in attendance.

There were ninety-four persons baptized. The larger number of them were converted through divine grace at this meeting. A few of the number came to the meeting expecting to receive baptism. Four or five were rebaptized.

Book and tract sales during the meeting amounted to $1,294.68; Sabbath-school offerings, $690.31; cash and pledges to foreign missions, $3,450.04. Nineteen hundred dollars of this amount is conditioned upon the sale of property. Three hundred and eighty-eight dollars was received in evening offering for camp expenses. The total amount of cash and pledges received in the interest of the general union and local conference

s, exclusive of the tithe, was $5,377.

The writer was chosen to serve the conference another year, together with J. J. Nethery, vice-president; H. G. Thurston, secretary; and C. E. Wolcott, treasurer. The following-named persons complete the personnel of the executive: T. H. Starbuck, W. C. Emerson, J. H. Hanson, and D. J. Chitwood.

I never attended a meeting where the Lord gave greater evidence of the mighty working of his Spirit in the conversion of souls from the very first meeting of the series than at this gathering. The Spirit of the Lord wrought mightily upon the hearts of sinners and backsliders, bringing them to repentance, but the meetings were void of sentiment.

A vigorous campaign is planned for the forthcoming year. H. W. COTTRELL.

An Inspiring Service

By C. J. Tolp

A MOST interesting and inspiring service was held on the camp-ground at Rome, N. Y., June 24. On the platform were eighteen of the colporteurs shown in the accompanying illustration. As they came forward one after another and told of the many precious experiences which have come to them while selling books and distributing tracts, of the appreciation of the people and their readiness to buy our truth-filled literature, of how God touched the hearts of strangers to provide for the needs of his faithful canvassers, hearts were touched, and some were encouraged to surrender to God for service in this branch of the closing work.

As we plan and labor to reach all classes with our good books and papers, it becomes more and more evident that this is one of the chief mediums for the giving of the third angel's message. Surely it is missionary work of the highest order. In the New York Conference Brother E. E. Covey and his earnest, faithful helpers are being wonderfully blessed of God.

The home missionary work with our literature also received attention at this meeting, and fifteen prospectuses were ordered. By this means those who cannot give all their time to the literature work may have a part in it, helping to place our small books in the hands of the people. C. J. TOLP.

MATT. J. ALLEN

By Matt J. Allen

Ontario

BRANTFORD.— We began our meetings in this place July 10. The people seem to be deeply interested in the prophecies. We feel sure that the Lord has some souls in this town, as the interest is increasing each evening.

We have been laboring in the city of Hamilton for the past three years, and during that time sixty-eight have followed our Saviour in baptism and united with the church. A few are keeping the Sabbath who have not been baptized. Twenty-eight accepted the truth during the past year. Since we began work in Hamilton three years ago, the church-membership has increased from thirty to one hundred and one.

Mrs. Allen and I are of good courage. We enjoyed the General Conference very much. It was our first opportunity to attend such a meeting. The good things we heard will be a great help to us in our work, and will encourage us in our new field.

MATT. J. ALLEN

Plans for Organization and Membership of Junior Work

By Vesta J. Farnsworth

None will question that there is need for wise planning and for efficient organization among the children of this denomination. As we review the conditions of families, Sabbath-schools, and churches, the question ever arises, What can be done to save the children? While all can see the need, any plan presenting a remedy presents very perplexing problems.

We find that many children as they approach maturity become impatient of restraint, disobedient, rebellious. If allowed, some will absent themselves from Sabbath-school and religious services, or if they attend, their conduct is a disgrace to themselves, their parents, and the church. Unless a great change is wrought later, these children drift far from the truth and work of God. Their talents are devoted to the world. A terrible loss is sustained by the children and the church.

These conditions bring great responsibility to us all. While the larger part rests upon the parents, yet none of us are excused. Seeing the need, it is our duty to plan, to organize, to work, to pray to bring about a different order of things.

A youth in the teen age is like a fledgling with new-found wings. The grown child is liable not only to break with religion, but with moral standards. The tempter bids him eat, as of old. He tastes, eats, and is lost. The hopes of years bound up in him perish in a day. Liberty becomes license, license lawlessness, and lawlessness becomes anarchy.

It is high time that we were awake to the danger of our older children. Determined efforts must be made, a loving care exercised. Reforms follow strong conviction and feeling. We must strike while the iron is hot; for when cooled, blows rained upon it make no impression.

To many children religious services are irksome because they are not interesting. The child's mind is not the mind of a man. In a clothing store suits for old and young are not all made according to one measure. There are suits to meet the measurements of children and youth as well as of older persons. In our churches we have kindergartens for babies, societies for young people, but scarcely any provision for the intermediate class.

Jesus came down where we live, and so we must come into sympathy with those in the teen age if we would help them during this critical period. The Saviour must be presented to them as the Man of joys as well as of sorrows. Any child will do what he loves to do, what he is interested in, and our aim must ever be to help the children to love the good and true, and to love to do right. Religion must be made attractive, not repelling. The education must be conducive to a sturdy, heroic piety.

We often say to boys and girls, “Keep still,” but we may as well tell gravitation not to pull, or the sun not to shine. If we hold them for Christ, we must give them something to do. If not working for the Lord, they will serve the devil. They must be made to feel that their services are needed and wanted, and that their help will be appreciated.

But the organization of children into working bands is beset with difficulties. Men and women of warm, loving hearts and wise judgment should plan to organize and direct the active minds and bodies of our intermediate children. These younger members of the Lord’s family must not be frowned down, left unnoticed, and given nothing to do. Many bad girls and boys simply need to be interested, to be employed, and to have some channel provided through which to work out their tireless energy. They must be loved, prayed for, planned for, and thus be made one of the valuable assets of the church.

The suggestions made in this paper may not accord with the opinions of others, and they may have better plans than any yet devised; but what we want is the best methods, and to agree on some organization that will be simple yet effectual. On one point I think we can all unite; that is that something must quickly be done for the class of children we are considering.

The teachers’ summer school held in Portland, Oregon, last year devised plans for the promotion of this work. A committee was appointed which gave careful study to plans for making the missionary meetings profitable to the children in the church-schools, and its recommendations were adopted.

Report blanks were prepared, and the

plan set in operation in quite a number of church-schools. Not long since I wrote to over two hundred teachers inquiring how the plan had worked in their schools, and, as far as heard from, all were pleased and pronounced it a success.

Some conferences have adopted similar methods, and the Missionary Volunteer secretary in some cases, and in others the Sabbath-school secretary, have organized the children into working bands, and all report good results. But it is felt that the time has come when all should unite in forming plans for a strong and efficient organization for the sake of the children, and to utilize the work they can do.

Name

A name should be chosen, and I suggest that of Junior Missionary Volunteers.

Plan of Organization

We are not in favor of an intricate organization; it should be as simple as possible. The simplest machines are often most effectual.

Basis of Membership

It would seem that church-membership should not be required in order to be members of this organization. In church-schools it would be best to let all the pupils be members. The teacher would have charge, and the problems relating to organization, leadership, membership, etc., would be greatly lessened. Where there is no school, I should suggest that the children who are willing to work be allowed to be members, and no doubt their efforts for others would bring blessing to themselves.

Leaders

It would not be at all practical to hold meeting and allow children to have an organization of this kind without proper supervision. The difficulty in junior organizations is not to get the children to come to meetings, but to provide a proper leader. Where there is no church-school, it would seem that the propriety of forming a junior society would depend on, (a) Whether a proper leader can be secured; (b) whether arrangements can be made for profitable meetings; and, (c) also upon the character of the children that would band together, and whether such association would help them spiritually. The leader of children should be consecrated to that work, and in love with those for whom he labors. His example counts for much, and he must be what he would have the children become. He must not only be willing to work in one meeting and do nothing in the next, but he must make continued, steady effort till the work is done.

Meetings

Under no circumstances should children be allowed to go to a meeting of their own Sabbath afternoon, and we might say at any other time, unaccompanied by parents or some responsible person. If it can be arranged, their meetings may be held in the same building while the parents are in another meeting. If this point is not carefully guarded, much evil will result. More harm can be done on the way to and from a meeting than the good accomplished while it is held. The meetings for children should be full of life and interest to them.

Lessons and Programs

It would seem that careful plans should be made for these meetings by the General Educational Department and the Missionary Volunteer Department, since it concerns the church-schools, as well as the children of the denomination in general. If programs and outlines for meetings could appear in Christian Education, and the Youth’s Instructor and Our Little Friend cooperate in furnishing information useful in such meetings, it would seem that all these agencies might be helpful to both leaders and children. This plan would need study, and I should do more than simply suggest that where they can be of assistance, they should cooperate with the Missionary Volunteer Department.

Possibly it might be arranged to furnish programs and leaflets to leaders, similar to those used in missionary meetings for the church. No doubt the item of expense would need consideration if this were done.

Who Shall Have Charge of the Work

The conference leadership and supervision of this organization would seem naturally to fall to the Missionary Volunteer secretary. When a general plan has been arranged, the smaller details might be left to each conference. Some have found membership cards, badges, pins, and similar devices useful, while others object to them. It would seem that such items might be left to the secretaries who have the work in charge, as some might call for different ways of working than would be found best to use in others.

Reporting

Some have objected to the organization of a junior society, on the ground that it would detract from the Missionary Volunteer Society already organized, and which, in some places, is not too strong in membership and working, and that it would make their reports smaller. But if the report of the junior society is made a part of the older society, it would seem to add to its volume instead of decreasing it. Care should be taken not to have the reports duplicated.

Isolated Children

One of the chief benefits arising from an organization of Junior Volunteers would come to isolated children who have no church or Sabbath-school privileges. All children love to receive letters, and if the Missionary Volunteer secretary could write to these and interest them in work at home, it would no doubt result in great blessing to them. They would feel that some one cared for them, and that they were a part of the great plan for giving this message to the world. While such correspondence would entail labor and expense, yet we feel sure it would be a good investment.

Possibly it would be well for the conference secretaries to get a list of the names and addresses of all the children in the intermediate division, especially where there is no church-school, and enter into correspondence with them. This might be the first step in the organization of a society; and in places where it would not be advisable to organize, still the children would be enlisted in effort, and would be enrolled in a conference society similar to the conference Home Department of the Sabbath-school.

I am sure the time has fully come for the most serious consideration of the problems connected with the children. While it is true that the proper place for effort to be made and reforms carried out, is in the homes of our boys and girls, yet we must do all in our power to undo the work done in faulty homes and by wrong parental training.

MRS. VESTA J. FARNSWORTH.

The Saskatchewan Conference and Camp-Meeting

By Ole Andres Olsen

This meeting was held at Bulyea, June 30 to July 6, 1913. This is a new field, the conference having been organized one year ago; hence this was its first annual meeting. The camp was composed of fifty-four tents including the meeting-tents, and three hundred and twenty-three of our people were in attendance at the meeting. As the tent capacity was altogether too limited, many found rooms in the village till all available rooms were taken, and at last some had to apply to the jail and found shelter there. The large attendance was a happy surprise to all, and gave evidence of the rapid growth of the work.

Meetings were conducted every day in the English, German, Servian, and Roumanian languages. This is the first time the writer has attended services in the Servian and Roumanian tongues in connection with our camp-meetings. It gives evidence of the advance of the message among the foreigners in this country.

The laborers in attendance aside from those of the conference and the union, were Elders G. F. Haffner, Valentine Leer, B. J. Cady, and the writer; these united with the laborers of the conference and the union, and the blessing of the Lord attended the services in all the various departments.

The business of the conference was very harmonious and cordial, and the various reports showed a substantial growth and gain in all branches of the work. Three new churches were added to the conference, and two or three companies are ready to be organized at the first opportunity. The outlook for the work in this field is promising indeed.

Elder A. C. Gilbert was reelected president for the coming year, and but little change was made in the other conference officers. A resolution was passed by the conference looking toward the establishment of a conference school, the conference committee to report on location, plans, and funds at next year's conference. In this connection it was strongly emphasized that no debt should be created, but that the funds necessary be raised in advance for purchase of site and building operations.

This young conference has stood among the foremost in supplying missionary funds, last year contributing more than twenty cents per capita. During the meeting $2,887.30 in cash and pledges was raised for missions and the home work. The growing work in the conference calls for larger equipment in the way of tents and other necessities. The camp-meeting Sabbath-school numbered two hundred and fifty, and the contribution was $97.35.

An interesting feature of this meeting was the ordination of Brother Milan Ostics, a Servian, to the gospel ministry. I believe Brother Ostics is the first one of the Servian nationality to be ordained by our people; thus another advanced step in the message can be recorded.

The province of Saskatchewan presents a very promising field for labor both among the English and among the many foreign nationalities now settling in that new country. The colporteurs presented some marvelous experiences, and the average sales per hour were the highest on record. This favorable condition should be improved to the fullest extent possible, for now is the time to gather a large harvest of souls for the Lord.

While the conference is still in its infancy, and the attendance not so large as in some of our older conferences, still it was a most satisfactory meeting. The last Sabbath was a good day. Many sought the Lord for an advanced experience, a goodly number taking their stand for the first time, and the whole congregation renewed their consecration to more whole-hearted service. Twenty persons followed their Lord in baptism.

May the next year show still larger growth both in advanced Christian experience and in the number of believers added to the ranks of the church.

O. A. OLSEN.

Missionary Volunteer Department

By M. E. Kern; Matilda Erickson

M. E. KERN General Secretary MATILDA ERICKSON N. Am. Div. Secretary

Relation of Health Reform to the Advent Message

By J. O. CORLISS

To arrive at just conclusions regarding this important point, a survey of advent message requirements must, of necessity, be first in order. Proceeding therefore along this line, one learns first of all, and that by transcendent authority, that those who meet the Lord in peace at his second advent must be “like him.” 1 John 3:2.

This being true, the essential nature of that likeness should be the one great study of all believers in the near advent of the Lord. What is this demanded resemblance? Does it refer to the physical or to the mental, or to both of these natural divisions of the individual man? Inasmuch as the divine exhortation is to entire preservation of body, soul, and spirit unto the coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:23), it is safe to conclude that somehow, or in some way, the entire man is to be reckoned with in the wondrous plan to stamp the image of Christ upon humanity.

But what can man, who has fallen in sin and so lost the image of his Creator, do toward his elevation to so great height? Can the present tenement of human clay be restored to pristine condition by a certain prescribed diet and regularly administered ablutions, and thus restore the image of Christ’s body? If so, then why not the whole man, as well, be fitted for heaven by human regulations, and thus follow in the footsteps of those nations to whom the name of Christ is but an incredible myth?

The fleshly body so completely marred by sin, must give place to another one fashioned according to the fiat of the Infinite. Speaking of this contemplated change, the apostle designates it a “mystery,” that is, something “known only to the initiated.” He says that at the sounding of the last trump, “we shall all be changed, in a moment,” both those then raised from the dead, and those yet living, to meet their Lord. 1 Cor. 15:51-53. This change is absolutely necessary, because abased and humiliated human bodies cannot be associated with heaven’s splendor, and so must be “fashioned like unto his [Christ’s] glorious body.” Phil. 3:21.

But though nothing which is now mortal can enter the heavenly resting-place, there must certainly be cooperation between that which is mortal and that which is divine, to procure a fitness to dwell with the Master of eternal salvation. One may at this point half impatiently ask, If one’s veritable body is not to be taken to heaven, why spend any thought upon preserving it from disease in view of the Lord’s coming?

Such a question indicates an evident lack of proper study on the subject. It is clearly taught in Holy Writ that God’s last message to men, by which they must prepare to meet their final account, requires the keeping of God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus. To do all this, more than ordinary effort is called for. Human works are certainly not sufficient, because only by the mind can the law of God be served. Rom. 7:25.

But the mind reaches its best endeavor solely through unobstructed tissue; that is to say, when a diseased body sends merely vitiated blood to the brain with which to operate its delicate mechanism, thought becomes indistinct and incapable of grasping the highest conception, which is actually necessary to comprehend the depths of God’s requirements. More than this, a brain thus fed has not the power to check inherent vices, which so often control the individual of gross habits.

A very common illustration will make the last statement plain. One under the influence of intoxicating drink says and does things he would never think of saying or doing when sober. But in this condition, he lacks power to refrain from extreme actions, because his brain is clouded by an undue influence; in other words, the paralyzing poison of the drink has entered the blood which operates the inhibitory nerve-centers, and has changed the human into a demon. This is an extreme case, to be sure; but it serves to show that the pollution of the blood, to whatever degree, affects the mind adversely in proportion to its influence upon the vital current. Elbert Hubbard has very aptly said that “he who puts an enemy in his mouth to steal away his brains will eventually have no brains, for the enemy will do the grand larceny act, and the end is as sure as the laws of mathematics.”

Power to be right always, is the greatest need of the present generation. But mere brute force is not power in the truest sense. Knowledge, however, is genuine ability, even to authority over the greatest obstacles. As has been emphasized by the Lord of glory, knowledge of God and of his Christ is eternal life. John 17:3. This is a most forceful statement. It means that if one knows God, his thoughts must run parallel with the mind of Jehovah, and be in sympathy with the love of Christ for fallen humanity. He must let the mind of Christ be his constant mentor. Stated otherwise, his head must be connected, by every thread of suggestion, with the Head of the universe, and thus be able to think thoughts of the heavenly. Isa. 55:7-9.

So knowledge of the heavenly becomes eternal life, because one is associated with that life which is the power to create and uphold every constituent of the vast universe. But as before hinted, to know a person completely requires daily and hourly familiar intercourse, such as will open to view the inner attributes of the one fraternized with. But this cannot take place unless the life-blood which supplies brain energy flows through an unobstructed channel of healthy tissue.

It was upon this postulate that Daniel and his three fellows acted when refusing food offered them from the king’s table. They were in a strange country, and among an alien people. They were yet to meet exigencies when and where they must not only refuse to acknowledge false gods, but must verily stand in support of the one only true God. To do this properly, it was highly necessary that their minds be kept clear, so that the results of the three years they spent in school would fit them for what was to follow. As counselors to the king, their wisdom was far greater than was possessed by any other minister of that high court, and one of them, at least, was permitted to enter so far into the secrets of the Most High as to receive instruction in visions of divine foresight.

The arbitrary kingdom of old Babylon, where the experience of these Hebrew worthies took place, has been employed as the type of ruling conditions just prior to the second advent of Christ. As Babylon of old was infested with those given up to voluptuous pleasures, so modern Babylon of prophetic forecast is said to be tenanted by “every unclean and hateful bird.” So ignoble, indeed, does this captive home of God’s last-day people become that an imperative call is issued from Heaven for them to abandon all former associates, that they be not partakers of prevailing wanton luxuries. Rev. 18:1-8.

But while the divine seer reveals the abandoned condition of this depraved class, he does not fail to point out another order of folk who are developing the patience of holy beings. These are presented in contrast with those who are following the nerve-racking customs of the time, as those who persevere in their calling, because of well-balanced minds with which to withstand the religio-social demands of an evil-minded generation.

To such a people the commandments of God mean far more than to those who indulge in baneful luxuries, simply because their dietary and general habits of life are in conformity with the laws of hygiene. Without these precautionary measures looking toward clearness of vision, this people would likely view Heaven’s requirements in no more distinct light than do others who are more indulgent.

It may be suggested that the line of thought here followed ignores the direct operation of God’s Spirit. But when one stops for a moment’s consideration, he must acknowledge that in the gift of the Holy Spirit, God is no respecter of persons, yet it is just as true that many are not benefited by it as are others; and why not? Is it not true that the self-indulgent are the ones who fail to receive the advantage of Heaven’s gift? Why is this?—Simply because the pure Spirit of Jehovah cannot consistently sanction such self-pampering by working in conjunction with it. When one is willing and anxious to yield those things that are in opposition to the Spirit’s course, he may then well expect the uplifting power of God in his behalf.

Admitting the correctness of these principles in their effect upon individuals, it follows that those who proclaim the advent message from a denominational standpoint, must be counted derelict in duty when not teaching them to the world as a denominational doctrine. Not only should these principles be made prominent in evangelistic efforts, but their importance demands their elevation socially, through well-organized endeavor, in public lectures, and by institutional training. Let this be done thoroughly in every part of the world, and the Lord’s purpose in behalf of the last generation of men cannot fail to be met at an early day. J. O. CORLISS.

Medical Missionary Department

W. A. RUBLE, M. D.	-	-	General Secretary
L. A. HANSEN	-	-	Assistant Secretary
H. W. MILLER, M. D.	-	-	N. Am. Div. Secretary

Solos, Duets, and Quartets at Camp-Meetings and Other Large Gatherings

SINGING is one of the most sacred forms of worship. Our fallen foe at one time doubtless was the best singer in the universe, for we are told he led the heavenly choir. Now his master mind is bent on counterfeiting and undoing the plans and purposes of God in every particular possible, and we may look for him to attempt to divert the service of song from its high and holy possibilities in every way he can.

A quartet or solo properly rendered is perhaps one of the most uplifting influences at a camp-meeting that can be possibly offered in service to God. But it is not altogether the music of the trained voice, the perfect tone, that is used by the Holy Spirit as a means of touching hearts. The sentiment of the song, the real spiritual uplift, is found in the words. The former is important, but without the distinct pronunciation of the words the whole effort is a failure, for it takes the place of what might have been congregational singing where all the people could join in the sentiments of the words, even though the music itself might have been somewhat imperfect.

What is more exasperating than to sit in the congregation and follow along with the beautiful song, words and all, and then have the singer go away up somewhere on a tone, in sort of an effort of his life, and there the words be lost sight of altogether by both singer and congregation? As one who has listened, these “spells” in the song has spoiled largely the effort.

Now why should quartets or soloists consider they are prepared to come before a congregation when they may be able to keep together or touch all the tones properly, but yet are unable on a high note or anywhere else through the song to give distinctly the words—so all the people can understand?

I have thought perhaps I did not know, that surely there must be some understanding among professional singers that entitled them thus to impose upon their audiences, but here seems to be a word from musical headquarters upon this very point, taken from one of the recognized leading musical journals of the world—the Etude, in the department for singers. Here is what an eminent teacher, Mr. Karleton Hackett, has to say upon this point:—

“Why do so many singers enunciate so indistinctly that it is often impossible to tell what language they are using? Usually, because they are not thinking of what the words mean, but have their minds fixed on making what they feel to be a good tone. Of course, if they do not make a good tone, nobody will care to listen to them; but unless they use their skill to give expression to the meaning of the poetry and music, they will find that few are interested in what they do.

Young singers get so bound up in consideration of the technical side of their work that they forget that technique is but a means to an end; the expression of beauty is the true purpose of singing. The distinct enunciation of the words is one of the ways in which this beauty is given to the hearers, and unless it is there, the singing will be uninteresting. Put your mind on making the words mean something, then they will begin to come out clearly. If they don’t, you will be conscious of the fact, and learn to make them expressive.”

This is good sense. How often after a splendid solo or quartet you may hear, down in the congregation, “Wasn’t that fine? One could hear every word.” And so it was. It was satisfying. A real blessing had come to the hearer because he could hear both the music and the words. But not so when only a sketch here and there has been caught after straining every nerve to get all the words, where the singer has succeeded admirably perhaps in the musical technique. Such an effort is much like sitting at a bountifully spread table, yet getting only now and then a taste of the food, going away at the end unsatisfied. Do let us have the words, and then put in all the training and culture you please on the tones, but never count the effort a success if the language has been as an unknown tongue to the congregation. Keep on training, please, until you can give us the words distinctly.

A VOICE FROM THE CONGREGATION.

Transfer of Membership

By John Francis Olmsted

SINCE our people move frequently from place to place, it often happens that an individual finds himself attending church in one locality and holding his membership in another, sometimes, hundreds of miles away. While it is true that an Adventist in good and regular standing can worship and affiliate with Christians anywhere, yet is it not preferable for one to have his membership in the church where he worships?

As a denomination we believe in system and order. We are striving to advance harmoniously on right principles and build up the interests of the church. Its cohorts are battling against the forces of evil, and God's people have the assurance that soon the dawn of eternal day will bring heavenly joy and peace; but in the meantime we must press together, giving our best efforts to advance the work of reconciliation. There is a tendency, however, for an individual who leaves his home church and mingles with the membership of another to divide his means and interest. But it is always preferable to pay tithe and offerings to the church treasurer where the individual holds his membership, and write a letter to the church clerk every quarter. If this is not done, the church sooner or later loses trace of the non-resident member, and consequently knows nothing of his standing. He may, after a number of years, request that his membership be transferred to another church; but since his home church has heard nothing from him, how can it say that he is in good and regular standing when the proposition is based on a hypothesis?

To avoid such uncertainty the proper course would be for the one who expects to locate elsewhere, to have his membership transferred as soon as consistent after he changes churches. Make the request to the church clerk, who will arrange for the transfer. The individual will feel more at home in the new church after the transfer has been made; and looking at the situation from every viewpoint, the plan certainly commends itself to all.

Persons who travel from State to State in periodical or other work should carry a card or letter of introduction from the publishing house or home church; this will protect our churches from a mixed multitude that always follow in the wake of every good work, and it will also give the worker better standing. Our people are sometimes imposed upon by Adventists, so called, who work independently of the organized work. They appear very zealous and good, yet when their cases are investigated, they are frequently found to be connected with some selfish and independent enterprise. Great care should be exercised in recommending persons for public work, but those who are worthy certainly deserve this consideration. The closer we walk and the harder we work to be in harmony with all who bear the stamp of consecration, the better it will be for all concerned.

JOHN FRANCIS OLMSTED.

Continue reading: News and Miscellany