OFF the north coast of the republic of Honduras, in an arm of the Caribbean Sea, are two small islands, which, together with some keys, make up what are known as the Hog Islands. These are really a part of the Bay Islands, but they lie out of the course of any regular boat traffic, and are therefore quite isolated. For several years the Hog Islands have been leased to the two families now living on them. Counting the help employed, there are fourteen persons living on the islands. Six of these are adults, and eight young people. All are Sabbath keepers. It is very seldom that a minister visits the place, but the little company keeps up an interest in spiritual things. A weekly night meeting, a Sabbath school, and a young people's meeting are maintained, and donations for missions are regularly taken. The Reading Course as recommended by the General Conference is being followed. The Review, Instructor, Sabbath School Worker, and some other papers are received at irregular intervals, and these are read, studied, and discussed together. Thus all are kept informed and in touch with the general work in other parts of the world.
When the Instructor containing the Ingathering program was received, it was considered with interest. Certainly there was a crying need in all the mission fields. Could not even an isolated company join in this special effort in behalf of missions? Possibly there could not be a great deal done, on account of the limited surroundings and opportunities; however, it would be well to make an effort and see what might be accomplished. Accordingly the program as given in the Instructor was prepared and made in readiness to present at the first favorable opportunity.
During certain seasons of the year, when the fierce storms sweep down over the seas, and traffic along the coast becomes temporarily interrupted, some of the vessels which may be caught in the vicinity are glad to call at the Hog Islands for harbor and protection. This was taken into consideration and planned for as a possible time for the giving of the program. It was November 10 that the opportunity came. On that day the weather was very bad, and at night there were three small vessels lying at anchor in the harbor. An invitation was sent to the crews to come ashore and spend the evening, and an entertaining program would be given them. Six visitors came. One of their number was asked to act as chairman, and the entire program was given. Most of these men were rough sailors, who took no particular interest in religious things, and it was the first time that some of them had ever listened to such a service; but they all seemed to enjoy it thoroughly.
It was announced that the object in raising money at the time was for the forwarding of gospel work in heathen lands, and to provide for the removal of idols. In this the visitors were also interested, and felt that it would be a privilege to help in such a cause. When the collection was taken and counted, it was found to amount to over five dollars. It was stated that one idol could be removed for five dollars, and that more than enough had been given to remove one. They were then asked if they would not like to give a further donation, so that two idols might be removed. This was the wish of all, and after the second collection had been taken, it was found that the total gift amounted to sixteen dollars. This is how it came about that the Hog Island company, with the assistance of its visitors, was able to remove three idols.
Gather Up All Thy Sins
By Newell Dwight Hillis, D. D.
GATHER up all thy sins — old wrongs, old hatreds, burning angers, memories of men's treachery; stuff them into a bag and heave them into the gulf of oblivion. Your life is not in the past, but in the future. "We are saved by hope."—Newell Dwight Hillis, D. D.
How Aigrettes Are Obtained
(This is not a pretty story, but it should be read and remembered by every woman.)
SHE was a remarkably pretty girl—a girl of breeding, obviously. Her frock was dainty and simple. The brown-tanned man at the next table in the big dining room looked at her. One of his three companions spoke of the girl.
"You've not seen many of the real American girls where you've been I presume?" he asked.
The eye of the brown-tanned man narrowed, and he shook his head.
"No. Would you call her a typical American girl?" he asked.
"Yes; one of the nicest type," one of the others answered.
"Then the American girl's education has been badly neglected," said the traveler. "I mean as regards the hat—or rather the feathers on it," he explained.
The others looked at him curiously.
"Don't you know those feathers?" he asked, as he leaned forward over the table. "Don't you know that behind that light, gossamer ornament on that girl's hat is a story that, for wanton cruelty, in all the term suggests, cannot be equaled in the world today?"
He read the skepticism in his friends' eyes.
"Let me tell you the story," he went on. "That girl doesn't know it either, for if she did—being a girl and a nice girl—she couldn't bear the sight of those feathers, much less wear them."
His friends, who knew him as a man who had bored deep into the heart of things in all corners of the world, listened eagerly.
"Those feathers," he began, "are what are called 'aigrettes.' That means that they were torn from the living, quivering body of a white heron—torn from her at the season when she had but one idea: how she could make herself most attractive to the male heron. The aigrette is the heron's symbol of the nuptial season; it is the plumage of her love instinct. Like that very girl over there, the white heron dons her prettiest clothes for the courting. That brilliant plumage continues to grow while the eggs are laid and hatched, and reaches its greatest beauty—its commercial value, if you please—at about the time the little ones begin to peck through the shells. It's then the man with the gun appears.
"Now the parental instinct—you men know this—is as strong in birds as it is in human beings. As a result the approach of a man with a gun doesn't operate to drive the mother heron from the nest and her young, as it would at other times, but, on the contrary, finds her there, just to help the baby herons.
"Ask any game warden. He'll tell you tales that will make your own blood boil—even you men—of finding hundreds of young birds starved to death in the nests; of wounded female herons, ravished and mangled, struggling to get back to the nests to die there with their little ones; of other birds hung up by their necks with the delicate love plumage ripped, skin and all, from the still quivering bodies."
"Hold on," said one of his hearers. "A feather dealer told me once that most of the aigrettes and paradise plumes are just picked up—"
He got no further. A cold, hard smile sent the lips of the world traveler.
"Yes; we travelers know that tale. You talk to Meyer—A. H. Meyer, who lives, or did recently, down on Staten Island," was the reply. "Meyer used to collect bird plumes for the market himself; did for nine or ten years. Wait a minute. Let me read you what he says."
From an old, worn leather wallet the traveler took a letter, and, spreading it out, read:—
"It is the custom to shoot the mother birds while the young are in the nests. A few of the feathers of the American egret—or large white heron—can be picked up in the morning about the breeding places, but these 'dead feathers' are only worth $3 an ounce, while the 'live feathers' are worth $15 an ounce. My work led me into every part of Venezuela and Colombia where these birds are found, and I have never discovered or heard tell of any breeding places that were guarded simply for the purpose of gathering the feathers from the ground. The story is absolutely without foundation, and has simply been put forth for commercial reasons. The natives of the country, who do virtually all of the hunting for feathers, are most cruel and brutal. I have frequently seen them pull the plumes from the wounded birds, leaving the crippled creatures to die of starvation, unable to respond to the starving cries of their young. I have known them to tie and prop up wounded birds on the marsh where they would attract the attention of other birds flying by. These unfortunate living decoys are kept in that position until they die of their wounds or from the attacks of insects. I have seen the terrible red ants of that country actually eating out the eyes of the mangled yet still living birds."
"Meyer himself wrote that," he said quietly.
"Now a step further. There's not only bird murder behind those delicate ornaments," he added, "but human murder, too."
"How do you mean?" one of his friends asked.
"Well, there's the case of Guy Bradley," was the reply. "He was a game warden down on the Cape Sable district of southern Florida—and a good one. He was protecting the heron rockeries down there; it interfered with the bird-butchering business of the natives, so one day they ambushed Bradley as he rowed along in his skiff, and shot him. His body drifted about in the open boat for five days. That was in 1905. The Audubon Society is taking care of his widow now, and glad to do it. Then there was C. G. McLeod, another warden around Charlotte Harbor, Florida. He was doing his work of bird protection too well for the miserable hunters, so one November day, in 1908, a bird hunter split his head open with an ax. It's a pretty story—isn't it?—the story behind the aigrette a woman wears on her hat."
"But she doesn't know," some one suggested.
"That's just it," said the traveler, "for if she did there's not a woman in America who would14deliberately permit herself to be made an accessory after the fact to murder."
"Do you mind if I write this all out?" asked the younger of the men across the table. "I'd like to see if I can get it published."
"Write it. I only hope you will get it printed," was the answer.
Here, then, is what was written; and it is published in the earnest hope that the girl whose plumage called it forth may read it—and all other women who "do not know"—to the end that the aigrette and the paradise plume may be banished from the hats of women. For, after all, whether this bird butchery and this manslaughter are to continue is absolutely in the hands of the women of America.
They can stop it by a very simple rule: NEVER BUY AN AIGRETTE OR A PARADISE PLUME.—Ladies' Home Journal.
Serving and Waiting
By Molly W. Anderson
MOLLY W. ANDERSON
Is it hard, child, to wait by the side of
the road,
You who yearn to be out in the throng
On the highway of life, where the busy
ones are,
The fearless, the brave, and the
strong?
Is it hard to rejoice, when the others at-
tain,
And the laurels on them are bestowed,
While, too feeble to run, and aweary
with pain,
You must wait by the side of the road?
Do you fancy the battle of life could
be fought,
And its victories won by the throng,—
That its splendid achievements could
ever be wrought
If it were not for you and your song?
Is it hard, then, to wait by the side of
the road
While the busy ones press toward the
goal?
To bid them good cheer, and to lighten
each load
By that sympathy sweet to the soul?
Is it hard, then, this being a blessing to
man,
And pointing his pathway above;
When you know you're a part of God's
infinite plan,
A link in the chain of his love?
Be glad in your heart for your humble
abode,
And your mission of peace in the
strife.
Be glad, then, to wait by the side of
the road,
As a spring, on the highway of life.
Behavior in the House of God
By Dora E. Henton
DORA E. HENTON
It was a bright, peaceful Sabbath morning. In a valley beautiful for situation was a church. Over the door in letters of gold were the words, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
As the bell pealed forth the invitation, a large company of people assembled for worship. When the hour came, the choir sang an inspiring hymn. The minister had spent much time in prayer, and had given much earnest thought to the sermon, and God had given him a message for the people. As he arose to deliver it, what a change came over the congregation! Whispering could be heard in different parts of the house, rustling of papers, shuffling of feet, clearing of throats, children and even grown people going out and in, doors creaking, and marked inattention to the speaker. The attention of those who would gladly have listened to the message was distracted; the minister looked distressed; and it was a scene from which angels veiled their faces.
Why do God's commandment keepers have so little reverence for his sanctuary? We do not witness such scenes as this even among those who lightly regard his Word. We expect soon to be associated with the Saviour and the holy angels. Unless we regard his worship with more reverence here, we will feel out of place in heaven.
To the church mentioned above, the instruction given by the servant of the Lord, was presented: "I am often pained as I enter the house where God is worshiped, to see the untidy dress of both men and women. They have no true idea of the order, the neatness, and the refined deportment that God requires of all who come into his presence to worship him. In the minds of many there are no more sacred thoughts connected with the house of God than with the most common place. Such do not realize that they are to meet with God and the holy angels. To the humble, believing soul, the house of God on earth is the gate of heaven. From the sacredness which was attached to the earthly sanctuary, Christians may learn how they should regard the place where the Lord meets with his people.
"The moral taste of the worshipers in God's holy sanctuary must be elevated, refined, sanctified. This matter has been sadly neglected. Its importance has been sadly overlooked, and as a result, disorder and irreverence have become prevalent, and God has been dishonored.
"When the leaders in the church, ministers and people, fathers and mothers, have not had elevated views of this matter, what can be expected of the inexperienced children? They are too often found in groups, away from their parents, who should have charge of them. Notwithstanding they are in the presence of God, and his eye is looking upon them, they are light and trifling, they whisper and laugh, are careless, irreverent, and inattentive. Sometimes young men and women have so little reverence for the house and worship of God that they keep up a continual communication with each other during the service. Could these see the angels of God looking upon them, and marking their doings, they would be filled with shame, with abhorrence of themselves. When the worshipers enter the place of meeting they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats. Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship either before or after the service. When the word is spoken, you should remember, brethren, that you are listening to the voice of God through his delegated servant.
"Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the senses, so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard. God wants attentive hearers. It was while men slept that the enemy sowed tares. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worshipers. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. It is too true that reverence in the house of God has become almost extinct. Sacred things and places are not discerned. The holy and exalted are not appreciated. What impressions do these things give to unbelievers, and to the youth, who are keen to discern and draw their own conclusions?
"Brethren, will you not devote a little thought to this subject, and notice how you conduct yourselves in the house of God, and what efforts you are making by precept and example to cultivate reverence in your children?"
As this message was given the people, the Spirit of God was present, and impressed hearts with the importance of it. In the week following, much earnest thought was given to it. Parents gathered their children about them and had heart-to-heart talks over it. Confessions were heard, and vows were made. Could you have visited that church later, you would have been led to exclaim, "What hath God wrought!"
The wants of the little ones were attended to in the intermission between Sabbath school and church. Children who had formed the habit of running out and in had sought the Lord earnestly for strength of character to overcome the habit. Older ones refrained, because they knew example was greater than precept. The young people who formerly whispered listened attentively and were made stronger by the message.
The choir set a good example by the reverent manner in which they took their seats. Some no longer hesitated to invite their outside friends to the services. They came, and their hearts were touched by the beauty of the truth and the power of the word, and they were converted. The minister was encouraged; the choir sang with new inspiration; and God and the angels rejoiced.
The Boy and the Farm
The prospects of collars and cuffs draw many a young man from a competent and profitable life on the farm to an unhappy and unsuccessful existence in the city. The superficial glitter of the town is still the magnet for scores of boys, and of young women, too, who would be far more useful as members of society if they would stay on the farm. Year after year the old preach against the trend to the city, and year after year the young folks close their ears, preferring to learn by experience.
Says Judd P. Mason, president of the Illinois State Dairymen's Association:—
"There is no reason why a young man with normal physical powers, common sense, and a willingness to do hard work, cannot settle down on a farm, make it pay, and eventually be the owner of it. It is far easier to do so now than it was thirty or forty years ago—and this applies to this part of Illinois as well as any other place where farming can be carried on.
"A generation or two ago farming was far more difficult than it is at present. Our fathers walked many miles each day to perform their work, and the tools they had to labor with were almost primitive in comparison to the farming implements of today.
"But now the farmer has every advantage that science and the machine shop can supply. Information on every phase of farming is sent him by the government, colleges, and various institutions. He walks little in doing his work, and where he formerly could hoe only one row of corn at a time he now hoes two, and, thanks to machinery, with far less exertion.
"The boy on the farm in overalls and jumper has a better chance of success than the city boy in office or factory. But, in addition to a liking for hard work and the acquiring of scientific knowledge, he must not forget the financial side. He must remember that his farm buildings and land are his fixed capital, and that his stock and tools are his working capital."—Boulder Herald.
New Zealand Camp Meeting
By C. H. Prettyman
It was indeed a privilege to attend the meeting which has just closed. It was held on the show grounds at Palmerston North, a thriving inland town about eighty miles from Wellington.
If one word can express the sentiment prevailing during the whole meeting, that word is earnestness. God's people had come, like the cripple who lay at the gate Beautiful of the temple and sought alms from Peter and John, "expecting to receive something;" and there was, we believe, no one who went away disappointed. In the devotional meetings in the early mornings, frequently the time was gone before all who wished to take part in praise and prayer could get opportunity.
Both Sabbath morning services were conducted by Pastor Fulton, who appealed to his hearers to seek for a deeper spiritual experience. On the first Sabbath, almost the whole congregation arose in response to a call to renewed consecration to God's service. Opportunity was then given for any who wanted to seek God in a special manner and for some definite purpose, to come forward, and a large number responded. Among this company were some who were giving their hearts to God for the first time, many of them children; also some who had backslidden from the Christian pathway, and others who were seeking a deeper consecration. Judging by the testimonies, all received help. Some were convicted by the Spirit of God of their failure to live up to the light of health reform, especially concerning the use of tea, and conformity to the world in dress. May God give these dear souls victory.
After the experience of the first Sabbath, it did not seem likely that a similar meeting could be held on the following Sabbath. But others had come in during the week, and when, at the close of an earnest address, opportunity was given for those who wished especially to seek God's help to arise, several did so. As the appeal continued, many others arose and came forward, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit could be felt as he was working for the people. Conviction was brought anew to many hearts, and there were some who surrendered to God for the first time. I could not but feel as I witnessed these scenes and heard the earnest words, that the latter rain, so long looked for, was falling on God's people. I have been in many such gatherings, but I do not remember one where so much of the power of God was experienced as at this time.
Much of the success of the meetings was due to the earnest prayers offered by several bands which were organized for the purpose, and which met in the early mornings before the 6:30 meetings.
There was a very meager attendance from the outside until the closing service on Sunday evening, January 25, when Pastor Anderson spoke on the "History of the Sabbath," to a large and attentive audience. The message was given in plain terms, and the Spirit of God brought conviction of the truth to some hearts. We have good reason to believe that some in Palmerston North will throw in their lot with God's people as a result of this and preceding meetings. One young man employed in the post office took his stand on the Lord's side in the Sabbath service, and some who had come from other places to learn more of the truth took the same definite step during the meetings. Six in all have publicly expressed their belief in present truth.
One striking feature of the gathering was the number of new Sabbath keepers present. "This is my first camp meeting," was heard from many lips. God has blessed the conference workers during the past year, and ninety-one persons have been baptized by them between the close of last camp meeting and the opening of this one, for which we thank God and take courage.
C. H. PRETTYMAN.
Mississippi
By C. S. Wiest
DURING the month of March we dedicated two church buildings and organized one colored church. On March 11 the Hatley church was formally dedicated by Elder S. E. Wight, the president of the union, and the writer. This building was erected several years ago, but the brethren delayed its dedication until it was fully paid for. It is situated in a farming district, and every year the brethren have planted a certain amount of land to cotton for the church. The crop last fall was sufficient to cancel the debt resting upon the church. When it was all paid for, the brethren were anxious to dedicate the building to the Lord. Accordingly, on Thursday night, in the presence of an interested audience, the house was dedicated, Elder S. E. Wight taking charge.
In the basement of this building there are three well-arranged rooms, in which a church school has been held for the last few years. We are hoping to have a good school there again this year.
From Hatley we went to Meridian, where we enjoyed an excellent meeting with the white church Sabbath morning. In the afternoon we met with the colored company. Elder A. C. Chatman has been laboring here for the last two years, except during the tent season last summer, and has raised up a company that made it possible to organize a church of thirteen members.
Leaving Meridian, we arrived in Quitman Sunday morning. Here we were joined by Elder R. E. Burke, our new minister, who is located at Meridian, and who looks after the interests at Quitman also. Last October the writer pitched a tent at Quitman, and found the people very responsive to the message. A goodly number were won to the truth, and after the tent was taken down the believers met in the schoolhouse. It being thought best to build a house to the Lord, the believers set themselves to work, and during the winter season the house was completed. The building is neatly put up, and is a credit to the work.
On Sunday night, March 15, Elder Wight preached the dedicatory sermon. Elder R. E. Burke and the writer assisted in the service. We hope soon to organize a good-sized church here. The meetings that were held this day indicate the existence of a splendid interest, and that there are others who may yet take their stand for the truth of today.
C. S. WIEST.
Improve the Missionary Opportunity
By William Covert
THROUGH a train of providential circumstances I have been recently led into the business of securing funds to help give the third angel's message to the Indians in the northwest part of South America. A friend desiring to do something for these people requested that arrangements be made with the Mission Board for this purpose, so that more help could be given in the form of special contributions. This friend and a number of others gave very liberally. As a result we have forwarded this year to the Mission Board for this purpose $781.25, and have pledges for $350 more to be paid before the end of 1914. We hope to increase our fund materially in the months to come.
The time has fully come when there should be a general move among our people toward the extension of our work in neglected foreign fields, where the heathen abide. Our time to do this work will not be continued long. Probation will soon close, and then millions of dollars which should have been used in evangelistic work will be thrown to the moles and the bats. As stated by the prophet, "In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they have made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth." Isa. 2: 20, 21. Vast sums of hoarded wealth will then witness against the rich who have withheld it from the Lord's cause, while our patient missionaries have worked hard, and in some instances suffered privation because of insufficient support. See James 5: 1.
The picture set forth in these scriptures may not have special reference to our people, but unless we come up to the help of the Lord in the matter of tithes and offerings, we shall be found among those cast out of the city of God when the burning day overtakes the wicked. How glad we should be for an opportunity to invest effort and money in the Lord's work at this time. Thousands in heathen lands are turning to the Saviour now, and thousands more will yet be saved, but we must give of our strength16and of our means in order that the work may be accomplished. In this way we can transfer our talents of property and influence to the land of everlasting day, and enjoy it there. For this purpose God gives his people wealth. His Word says: "Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers." Deut. 8: 18.
WILLIAM COVERT.
New Zealand
By W. H. Pascoe
As we are now called from Auckland to labor in another part of the dominion, a report of some of the work done by the Lord during our one year and eleven months' stay here might prove interesting.
The Epsom church was in a bad condition numerically and spiritually; so much so, that it was thought advisable to remove the building to Mt. Roskill, disband the church, and reorganize. Land in a splendid locality was secured, the building was removed, painted, and thoroughly renovated, making it a credit to the cause, and the church itself was reorganized, with nearly forty members, who are live, earnest, and zealous. There is also a well-organized, energetic Missionary Volunteer Society, doing faithful work for the Master.
For some months after the camp meeting last year, little result was seen, but during the past six months the interest then awakened has increased, and is now beginning to bring forth fruit. As we think of what the Lord has done for that church, we praise him and receive fresh courage and strength.
At Ponsonby the results have been greater, the membership having almost doubled, and the attendance has much more than doubled, we believe. Owing to the large increase, it was found necessary to make an addition to the building of a fine large room, at a cost of £126. This was completed free of debt.
We had special services on the last Sabbath of our stay in Ponsonby. Pastors Cole and Westerman were with us. In the morning our conference president, Pastor Cole, conducted the services, giving us a most impressive address, preparatory to the baptismal service in the afternoon, when eighteen adults followed their Lord in baptism. The church was well filled, several strangers being present, one of whom decided to obey the Lord in keeping all his commandments, making the second to do so that week. Divine impressions were made at this solemn service when these eighteen persons were buried in the watery grave, and rose again to walk in newness of life. Eight of these connect with the Ponsonby church, and ten with the Edendale church.
Our experiences with the Auckland members have been pleasant. Never has greater kindness been shown us, or a more decided willingness manifested to assist in every good work. A spirit of love, union, and harmony prevails. We believe that in the books above, the success of the past eighteen months will be largely credited to the efforts of our faithful canvassers and members.
W. H. PASCOE.
South Africa
By Mrs. P. E. Frost
IN March, 1910, I sailed for South Africa as a self-supporting worker, bearing my own expenses to the field. After spending some months with my daughter in Basutoland, I felt a longing to get back into the field, so in May of the next year I began work in East London, a city beautifully situated on the Indian Ocean.
At first I dreaded to start in a new and strange field, for I did not know how I should be received; but I soon found that there were good, true-hearted men and women here as well as at home, and just as hungry for the Bread of life. I have worked the greater part of the time since, having taken a few short holidays.
While I cannot boast of great things being accomplished, what has been done is all due to our dear Heavenly Father, who has taken this weak instrument of clay and used it to his own glory in spreading his wonderful message of love and salvation.
It is due to my dear friends in America and England, who assisted me in every way they could, that I write these lines to let them know I am still pressing on, and doing what I can to "sound the alarm."
I have sold 275 copies of "Practical Guide," 342 of "Heralds of the Morn-ing," 100 or more of "Coming King," Dutch and English, besides many of "Christ Our Saviour," "Paradise Home," "Friend in the Kitchen," "New Testament Primers," "The House We Live In," and "Prophetic Lights." I have taken about 400 subscriptions for the South African Sentinel, and a goodly number for De Wachter and Good Health, besides selling out of hand several hundreds of Life and Health, Good Health, Sentinel, and Signs of the Times.
Brother G. H. Clark, our general missionary agent, in summing up the work of the agents, found that I had delivered in three and a half years about $2,238 worth of books. One half of this gave me $1,119 for forty-two months, or a little more than $25 a month. Everything here costs about twice what it does in the homeland, so the paper selling and subscriptions helped to keep my accounts on the right side of the ledger. Thus I can praise God, who has promised to supply all our needs, that I have been able to pay my way and keep straight with the world.
Often I have thought of my many friends, and would have been glad to write to them; but it takes time, and money too. I have loved my work, and love it still. My heart is full of gratitude to my loving Heavenly Father that he still enables me at my age (fifty-seven) to help in distributing the printed page here in Africa. I am now in towns I have never worked before, and I wish the prayers of God's people, that I may do faithful service, and that precious souls may be won through my instrumentality. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
MRS. P. E. FROST.
Chesapeake Conference
By Gustavus P. Rodgers
THE work among the colored people in the city of Baltimore is progressing, and the members of the church are working with a determined purpose and great faith to win souls. All branches of the church have been greatly encouraged to renewed service since the convention in January.
The Young People's Missionary Volunteer Society rendered a beautiful and impressive temperance program Sunday night, March 29; and, judging by the interest that the audience manifested, it seems that there will be some courageous enough to lay aside their former manner of life and take their stand for the right. The program consisted of speeches, a stereopticon address, recitations, duets, solos, chorus, a quartet, and the reading of excellent papers. The evening service as a whole was one of enjoyment as well as profit. We hope to double our membership this year, and we solicit the prayers of the readers of the REVIEW that this may be accomplished.
We are exceedingly anxious that self-supporting workers connect with our tent effort this summer. We are planning to make this year's work the best in the history of the colored work; and in view of the fact that there is not one regular canvasser in this conference of 275,000 colored people, this field should yield a harvest to good, earnest workers. Free rooms will be furnished all who will take up the magazine or book work this summer and assist at night in the tent work. Food is fairly cheap in this city in the summer, as the very best markets are located here; and with the wide field in and around the city, hustling workers should be able to make a good living as well as to place the truth-filled pages in many homes. All who would like to take up this work should write to Elder R. T. Baer, 1611 Ellamont St., Baltimore, Md.
Gustavus P. Rodgers.
Field Notes
ElDER J. J. IRWIN reports the baptism of four persons at Menominee, Mich.
Believers Organized at Akely
A FEW weeks ago a small company of believers was organized at Akely, Minn.
Nine Roumanians Baptized at Cleveland
At Cleveland, Ohio, nine Roumanians were baptized and united with us several weeks ago.
Louisville Church Gains Six Members
The Louisville, Ky., church has received six new members within the last few weeks.
Carroll Church Building Dedicated
The new church building at Carroll, Iowa, was dedicated to the worship of God, March 15. Elders A. R. Ogden and Charles Thompson were present to assist in the services.
New Believers in Middletown and Utica
Elder R. J. Bryant reports that thirty-five persons have recently accepted this truth at Middletown, N. Y. Ten new believers were added to the church at Utica a short time ago.
Church Growth in Virginia
As the result of a series of meetings just closed in Portsmouth, Va., sixteen persons have decided to keep the commandments of God. In December a church of seventeen members was organized at this place by Elder W. J. Stone; also a church of twenty-three members at Thelma. The company at Richmond has recently taken five new believers into membership.