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Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 43.

Abide With Me
Earlier text: Legality of the Ten Commandments

Barotseland Mission, South Africa

S. M. KONIGMACHER
This, the eleventh of May, is a lovely, cool morning. I think the cold weather has begun. It will be better for us, but we become so accustomed to the heat that we feel the least cold very keenly.
We have nothing but courage and progress to report from this part of the field. Yesterday the sixty-third student came in, and we were glad to see some of the local boys also coming back to school.
I examined a large class that had finished one book and were anxious to enter the next book higher. We require the boys to finish the vernacular before they are permitted to begin English, which these boys are to begin next week. It is really encouraging to see how contentedly they will work while getting the vernacular, for many of them come from far in order to get the English. But they have confidence in their teachers, and know that when they finish the required work they will be permitted to go into the English classes.
I am sure it would be encouraging to our brethren and sisters if they could step into the evening school and see how busily the boys are reading to prepare for the next day. One boy who is working for wages by the month comes to the night school. All the books in the vernacular are on Bible subjects, so while the boys are practically memorizing their books they are getting a good foundation of the truth.
In the regular school session they have the lessons explained to them, and we teach them new songs of praise, so that by the time the school term closes and they go back to their villages, they are able to do a little toward expelling the darkness. When a boy has finished a vernacular book it is given to him for his own, and he in turn will probably give it to a brother or sister, and help him or her to read at home.
I have given the medical work a great deal of attention, and this helps to encourage the boys. For a time there was much sickness, and the boys wanted to leave; but when they saw that no one died, but all got well, they took courage and all remained.
On my visit to Fufwa, I went into some of the near-by villages. In one I found a man who had been hurt three years ago and was in a dying condition. A native had asked him for some cattle and he refused. The native then played a practical joke on him and broke his leg. The poor man had no one to help him, and he did not, or could not, send for medicine. His wife left him, and he simply suffered on while his leg literally rotted away. I dressed it, putting on some boracic acid powder, and tying it up in a clean cloth, instead of in leaves as he had done, and then we had prayer. I asked the poor man if he did not want to enter the kingdom of heaven, and he said, "Eha." You can easily guess what that means.
The other day while working in the back yard we saw a lot of natives passing through the compound, and I asked the boys what they were carrying. At first we thought it was game tied on a pole, but afterwards learned it was a native man who had been bitten by a snake the night before, and whom they were taking to his village, probably to die. I sent a boy to tell them to bring him to me. They had a string tied about the ankle, and the foot was badly swollen. A native policeman lanced it for me, and sucked out a lot of the poison. I then rubbed medicine into the wound, and hope it will save his life.
The white workers are all well. We have kept exceptionally well, even though this has been one of the worst years for fever.
Last Sabbath I spoke to the boys on the subject of baptism, and after the service quite a number followed me and said they wanted to be baptized. So the gospel is finding a place in some of their hearts. The Lord is truly good and greatly to be praised.

How to Conduct a Mothers' Meeting

MRS. MARY H. MOORE
WHEN an interest has been aroused among the mothers, and an association formed, the question which naturally arises is how to conduct these meetings to make them profitable and interesting.
In some places it has been found advisable not to adopt a formal organization but to have the work carried on by one or two persons in leading positions, who choose speakers and arrange programs as they think best. Ordinarily, however, it is better to have a simple organization, the officers of which can act as a committee to arrange for the meetings.
If the meetings are held at the homes of the members, of course the hostess is responsible for all arrangements to receive those who attend. But it is often well for her to call to her assistance some other member.
When the meeting is held in the church or vestry, some one should see that the room is open and ready, and act as usher, providing seats, distributing books, and making things comfortable generally.
When the mothers bring small children, it is a very good thing to have a caretaker appointed, one who can take the little ones out, or to one side, and amuse them, so the mothers can give their undivided attention to the proceedings of the meetings. When it can be done safely, it is well for the mothers to leave small children at home; for the hour of relaxation from care is often a great benefit in itself.
But the children should be brought to the meeting rather than have the mother stay at home. There is, in every company, some one with a little kindergarten training or knack at interesting children, who can take care of them for an hour, and make the time so spent instructive, and happy too.
As to the general order of the meeting, no cut-and-dried rule can be given, since, to be useful, any suggestion must be adapted to the special circumstances. However, a sample program may be of use as a guide. This is an actual program, taken from the notebook of the president of a very successful mothers' association.
The meeting was opened with a selection from “Christ in Song,” followed by prayer. After the reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting, the members present responded to the roll call with a verse of Scripture. Unfinished business, such as reports of committees, was the next item. This was followed by new business. The topic for the day was then presented in original papers read by three mothers on the subject of “Money Allowances for Children.” A general discussion followed in which many took part. Actual experiences were related, and various opinions, agreeing or disagreeing, were expressed. Some special music followed, and the meeting was closed with prayer.
To vary such a program there could be a Bible reading or study from the Testimonies on a subject previously announced, to take the place of the roll call. In place of original papers, good selections can be read, followed by a discussion. Recitations and instrumental and vocal music offer a pleasing variety. For these, talent outside of the regular attendants can be called on if necessary. In almost every company there are young people who are willing to use their gifts to entertain others.
Sometimes it is well to make the meeting wholly devotional, and spend the time of the regular program in prayer and testimonies, speaking of personal experiences and difficulties.
An occasional lecture from one qualified to speak on health and temperance, home hygiene and sanitation, and similar topics, will be found very profitable, and will often awaken an interest that will result in improvement in the homes.
Sometimes where the need is felt, a course of cooking lessons can be arranged for; and lectures on buying food, preparing wholesome dishes, and well-balanced bills of fare always fill an important place in the work of a mothers' association.
In short, anything that will give instruction in mothercraft, the management of a household or the maintenance of a home, is proper, and may profitably form part of a mothers' meeting.
When the meetings can be held weekly, it is a good plan to take up some book on some of these subjects, and read it aloud and discuss it at the meetings. Christian Education has in each issue something good that might form the basis of an hour's study. “Ministry of Healing,” “Education,” and “Counsels to Parents and Teachers” are books well adapted to such study. Let prayer and the study of the Scriptures and spirit of prophecy be the underlying elements of the meetings, and any mothers' meeting will be successful.
Every member should be willing to take some part, and add her share for the benefit of the whole. Do not sit back and say, “I cannot,” or you will never know what you can do, and that same spirit will lead you into failure and despair in your home work. Say, “I'll try; I'll do the best I can, with help from above,” and your handful of meal will be multiplied by the grace of God, until not only your own household but your neighbor as well will be fed.
Chicago, Ill.

Hands He Can Use

My hands were filled with many things, Which I did precious hold As any treasure of a king, Silver, or gems, or gold. The Master came, and touched my hands (The scars were in his own); And at his feet my treasures sweet Fell shattered one by one. “I must have empty hands,” said he, “Wherewith to work my works through thee.”
My hands were stained with marks of toil, Defaced with dust of earth, And I my work did ofttimes soil, And render little worth. The Master came and touched my hands (And crimson were his own); And when, amazed, on mine I gazed, Lo, every stain was gone! “I must have cleansed hands,” said he, “Wherewith to work my works through thee.”
My hands were growing feverish, And cumbered with much care, Trembling with haste and eagerness, Nor folded oft in prayer. The Master came, and touched my hands, With healing in his own; And calm and still to do his will, They grew, the fever gone. “I must have quiet hands,” said he, “Wherewith to work my works through thee.”
My hands were strong in fancied strength, But not in power divine, And bold to take up tasks at length That were not his, but mine. The Master came and touched my hands, And mighty were his own; But mine, since then, have powerless been, Save his were laid thereon. “And it is only thus,” said he, “That I can work my works through thee.”
—Edith G. Cherry.

Conducted by Mrs. I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington D. C

Assisted by Miss Lora E. Clement
Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,—their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.

Home Making

MRS. D. W. REAVIS
According to Webster, the word home means “the house in which one lives; residence; place or country in which one dwells.” In other words, the house in which one dwells is called his “home.” This is true in part; but simply dwelling in any house, however grand the building and its furnishings, cannot make it fulfill the requirements of an ideal home. No one will admit that any building alone could possibly meet the design of our Creator in establishing the true Christian home.
We all have heard the expression, “He has a beautiful home, but there is no happiness in it,” and have contrasted it in our minds with the phrase concerning “love in a cottage,” which strongly implies that wealth alone will not make a desirable home. The millionaire, with his spacious mansion and retinue of trained servants, may appear to be in a position greatly to be desired, and in some cases he undoubtedly is. But any and every home may have just as much enjoyment and about as many servants to conduct its affairs, if its makers really desire them.
First, let every home secure a first-class economical cook, then a chambermaid possessing tact, a laundress of good judgment, a governess with a big bump of patience, a dressmaker with a cheery disposition, a gardener inclined to system and order, and a janitor willing to bear all the blame if the fire goes out. Does this appear to be an extravagant suggestion? It all depends on the kind of servants introduced into the home. If you call the servants needed in every home by their right names, it will cost only the salary of two to keep a well-regulated home. Your servants should be Bear and Forbear, Patience, Prudence, Observation, Tact, System, Judgment, and Cheerfulness. With the influence of such helpers, the housewife is far more independent than the one burdened with persons, instead of these good characteristics vested in husband and wife, which are bound to bring the desired results in the making of a home.
Have we not, in a way, despised the things which nearly all of us can do, and which, after all, are the important things? God would not create a world, and people it with beings, only a few of whom could do the “important” things. The daily work of the world is always the important thing. The worker is the important person. We have outgrown the old-time idea that no woman should ever work outside the home, as well as the notion that the kitchen is narrowing, and that all women should be “liberated” from its “drudgery.” We have learned a great deal about drudgery—learned that much we have called by that name is only such when we do it in a drudging way. Housework is being elevated to its proper place in the world. Domestic science is prominent among the branches in our college courses for women. Our newer and far better conception of education today teaches us that there is something noble for each and every woman to do, something practical and elevating, something eclipsing and far better than indefinite dreams.
There is much that might be said on the art of practical housekeeping. The more study we give to this subject, the less irksome housekeeping will appear. It has been truly said that the reason so many women become nervous wrecks is that they lack a proper adjustment to their work for each day. The desire to attain an immaculate condition in the home every day consumes all the hours of the allotted time for work, and there is no reserve for improving the intellectual powers, for much-needed recreation, and for rest. This authority on home making suggests the plan of performing first the most essential things to be done, and leaving minor duties for a more convenient time.
The mother is the vital part, the heart, of the home. To her is given a most noble and uplifting responsibility, yet many mothers labor with mistaken ideas of their supposed love and affection for their children. They carry all the responsibilities of the home, in order that the “little dears” may be shielded from burdens, because “they will have enough to endure when older grown, in homes of their own.” Such children are to be pitied more than the orphan left to the care of a practical adopted mother. We certainly would have no sympathy with, nor affection for, the son who says, “What is home without a mother?” yet remains in the hammock reading, while his mother near by is chopping wood.
From the writings of Charles Wagner, in “The Simple Life,” I quote a few lines setting forth his ideas of the home:—
“One need not journey far to discover the ravages made in modern society by the spirit of worldliness; and if we have so little foundation, so little equilibrium, so little calm good sense, one of the chief reasons lies in the undermining of the home:—
“The squalor and misery of the home is not enough to explain the current which carries each man away from his own. Why does the peasant desert, for the inn, the house that his father and his grandfather found so comfortable? It has remained the same. There is the same fire in the same chimney. Whence comes it that it lights only an incomplete circle, when in olden times young and old sat shoulder to shoulder? Something has changed in the minds of men. Yielding to dangerous impulses, they have broken with simplicity. We must learn again to live the home life, to value our domestic traditions. To do this, there is need of neither numbers nor a rich establishment. To create a home, you must have the spirit of home. . . .
“Poor moderns! always moving or remodeling. Let us light again the flame put out on our hearths; make sanctuaries for ourselves; warm nests where the children may grow into men; where love may find privacy, old age repose, prayer an altar, and the fatherland a cult.”
Yes, many, many men have in these days changed from the days of their grandfathers in the matter of home loving, and in too many instances the cause of the change can be traced to the new, dissatisfied, extravagant home maker.
Only four letters are needed to spell the short word H-O-M-E, but its true meaning is as broad as the earth. Its letters stand for four great principles which underlie its strong foundation: H-appiness, O-ccupation, M-ethod, E-levation. Elevation is the result of Method; Method is developed in Occupation; Occupation produces Happiness. Therefore, in home making, elevation is to be the aim in all the details of home life. Method operated upon and within the income of the head of the house, will give to the home maker an occupation that will not only prevent discontent, poor health, and insanity, but will broaden her sympathies, develop her mind and heart, and impart the happiness the Creator designed for every home.
Takoma Park, D. C.

Good Tidings!

J. DU TOIT
ALL the world is astir with good tidings, Like to nature a-tiptoe with spring; 'Tis discerned in the wind's gentle sighing, In the melodies flower bells ring. 'Tis proclaimed by the roar of the ocean, In its ebbing and flowing refrain. List! “He is coming, is coming, is coming, Christ Jesus is coming again!”
It is heard in the call of the trumpet, Mustering armies to follow its train; In the heart-breaking groan of the nations, As they wail out their anguish and pain. “He is coming!” so thunders the cannon, Booming loudly o'er mountain and plain; “He is coming!” the earth whispers sadly, As she bends 'neath her burden of slain.
“He is coming!” shout watchmen of Zion, Peal it forth with a stormy refrain, Till the world is ablaze with the glory Of his coming—his coming again— Till from beyond Ethiop's rivers South Africa her offerings will bring, Fair jewels, her sons and her daughters, To welcome the oncoming King!
Mutzenberg, Cape Peninsula, South Africa.

The Greater Boston Tent Effort

THE Greater Boston tent meetings have been signally blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit on different occasions. The meetings opened Sunday evening, June 27, in the Massachusetts Conference camp meeting pavilion, and the attendance has been good when the weather was such that the people could attend the meetings. Bad weather, I understand, has been quite universal, and therefore every tent company has experienced the same difficulties.
These meetings are unique in one particular. It is understood by many of our people that for a long time the spirit of prophecy has instructed us to combine more closely the evangelical and medical lines of work. Very definite instruction has been given the managers of the New England Sanitarium to join with the Massachusetts Conference in working the city of Boston from the sanitarium. In harmony, with plain counsel given by the Spirit of the Lord, the managers of the sanitarium released the members of their junior class of nurses for a period of four months, to help as much as they were able, while obtaining a training in combining the evangelical and medical lines of work. It will be understood, of course, that these inexperienced and untrained nurses in this new line of work could not do so efficient work as experienced Bible workers. Their experience, however, this season will admirably fit them for more effective work another season.
The Massachusetts Conference has furnished these workers with room and board for the services they are rendering. Their work has been chiefly that of visiting the homes of the people, distributing literature, and caring for the sick and suffering. They are being instructed by Mrs. Ella Merrell, an experienced Bible worker, who also acts as the matron of the workers' home.
It may be of interest to the readers to know how the Lord has prepared the hearts of the people to receive the truth for these times. The members of one family who have taken their stand for the truth were impressed with the Sabbath of the fourth commandment years ago in England. It was like this: The wife's father told his daughter that he believed the seventh day of the week was the Bible Sabbath. This expression, although made by her father many years ago, has lingered with her, and when she heard the Sabbath question presented she was in a state of mind favorable to its reception. Her husband had been a sailor, and he was impressed with the Sabbath truth by one of his fellow sailors who desired to get relief from his duties as a sailor on the Sabbath. This produced a profound impression on his mind, and he also was ready to take his stand for the Sabbath as he heard it explained.
Another interesting experience is that of four sisters who reside in one of the suburbs of Boston. They are all married and have homes of their own. They live so far from the tent that it is difficult for them to attend the meetings, so our workers have been visiting them each Wednesday. Their eagerness to hear and receive the truth reminds one of the household of Cornelius, for they are “gladly” receiving the word of God, and they have already taken their stand to obey all of the commandments.
The wife of a prominent physician said that before we came she had been praying for light on the book of Revelation. She now realizes that the message we have brought to her is in response to her longing desire for light.
Another case is that of a woman who attended our meetings a few weeks ago for the first time. We found her to be a devout lover of the Bible and a great searcher for the jewels of truth. Although she has only attended two services and had some private studies, yet as a result she has begun to keep the Sabbath.
A colored minister and his wife have embraced the Sabbath truth. He has met with our colored church in Boston the past two Sabbaths.
A lady who has been a patient at the New England Sanitarium and who first heard the truth there, has taken a noble stand to obey God in every particular.
As we find these dear souls waiting as it were for the message, we can see a signal fulfillment of the words of the spirit of prophecy which has said that many people in the large cities are “waiting” for some one to bring them the truth.
From twenty to twenty-five precious souls have already decided to obey God in all particulars, although at this writing we have not presented the seal of God and the mark of the beast. Our Sabbath services are largely attended, and the Spirit of God is present in power.
The Drs. Kress have assisted a portion of the time during this effort, and their services have been greatly appreciated.
Elder A. V. Cotton has had charge of the business part of the effort, and has assisted in singing and conducting the stereopticon. - K. C. RUSSELL.

MARTHA E. WARNER

Front Porch Visits—No. 2

MARTHA E. WARNER

“What has Harold been doing now?” I asked Mrs. Bowen, as she sank wearily into one of my porch chairs.
“Scratching the children,” she answered, “and digging his nails into them. If you ever had any experience in that line, do tell me.”
“Yes,” I answered, “I have. Melvin was a nervous child, and had not been taught self-control when he came into our family. If anything did not suit, some one would get scratched. When he scratched so hard the blood came, I felt that drastic measures must be taken.
“Calling all the children except Melvin to me, I told them what I had decided to do, provided they would agree to help by not noticing Melvin, and never referring to it afterwards. Then, sending them out to play, I called Melvin and had a serious talk with him. I told him he reminded me of a cat, and a wild one at that, because a tame kitty never scratched unless in self-defense. Therefore for the rest of the day I should treat him as a cat, and being wild, I should tie him to the leg of the set tubs, until he was ready to be a manly boy again.
“So I tied him up, and gave him some spools to play with. When noon came, ‘pussy’ had his dinner on a plate on the floor. Sometime in the afternoon I noticed that the defiant look had left his face. As I passed him, I stroked his head, saying, ‘I really think the naughty old cat is going away, and I shall have my own boy back again.’ Then I left him alone. A little later I heard a faint ‘Mamma.’ When I went into the kitchen, the tears were streaming down his face. I put my arms around him and let him cry. When he could speak, he said, ‘Mamma, your boy has come back to stay. I will try so hard to control myself, but, mamma, pray for me.’”
For a moment all was quiet. Then Mrs. Bowen said, “My children never talk like that. I never pray with them. I—well—I must go home. I want to be by myself and think it all over.”
Clintonville, Conn.

A Valued Laborer at Rest

THE death of Brother A. J. S. Bourdeau removes from our ranks one of our most efficient, talented, and consecrated workers. The details of the sad accident which caused his death were given in our issue of July 29, and need not be repeated here. We feel it due our readers, however, that further mention be made of Brother Bourdeau and his work, in view of the prominent positions he held in this denomination and the friends he made through his advocacy of the principles of truth, righteousness, and liberty, that meant so much to him.
Brother Bourdeau was born in Burke, Vt., April 29, 1875. He spent seven years in France and Switzerland, acquiring there a mastery of the French language. In 1896 he was graduated from Battle Creek College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and received the degree of Master of Arts from the same college in 1904 for research work in history. From 1896 to 1902 Brother Bourdeau occupied the double position of assistant editor and circulation manager of the REVIEW AND HERALD. In the latter year he was called to the position of secretary and manager of the California Bible House, at Oakland, Cal., occupying this position from 1902 to 1909. In California he was also closely identified with the religious liberty work, holding for some time the position of religious liberty secretary of the California Conference.
In the year 1909 Brother Bourdeau was called to Washington, D. C., to connect with the work here. The work of missionary secretary of the General Conference and of manager of the magazine department of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, occupied his time from 1909 to 1915, which was, without doubt, the most active and strenuous period of his life. During this time he was endeavoring in every way possible to increase the circulation of our magazines, and while engaged in this work was thrown into close personal touch with men of prominence and ability, such as Lieut.-Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Rear-Admiral G. W. Baird, Rev. R. H. McKim, and others. Through these associations the truth in some form has come before many in high places.
In May of the present year Brother Bourdeau was called to the chair of English and Literature in South Lancaster Academy, and was making preparations for removal to that place when the stroke came that ended his labors.
Brother Bourdeau was not one who measured his duty by a specified number of hours’ work a day. He worked far beyond what was required, and was never so happy as when forwarding the circulation of our message-filled literature. He was an enthusiastic and interesting speaker, and has addressed many audiences not of our faith in advocacy of the principles of liberty of worship, freedom of the press, and kindred topics.
In 1898 Brother Bourdeau was married to Miss Alice A. Maynard, of Vermont. Three children were born to them, the eldest of whom, Marguerite, was seriously injured by the same bolt of lightning that caused her father’s death.
AUGUSTIN J. S. BOURDEAU
AUGUSTIN J. S. BOURDEAU
Brother Bourdeau’s father, Elder D. T. Bourdeau, was one of the earliest pioneers in this work, and brought many souls to an acceptance of the truth. He was a true and ardent supporter of the cause to the time of his death, and what was true of the father is true also of the son. Brother Bourdeau was a loyal and brave soldier of the cross of Christ, adventurous and aggressive in the cause he loved, a sincere Christian, a patient sufferer under trial, a kind and loving husband and father. His faith and trust in God and in the ultimate triumph of his cause remained unshaken to the moment of his sudden and unexpected death on July 19, 1915. It may be said truly of him that they who knew him most intimately were most sensible of his purity of purpose, and thought most highly of him. We who knew him best realize the great loss the cause has sustained in his death. We feel sure of this, however, that with him all is well.
C. M. Snow.

Testimonials on Press Work

CONFERENCE presidents throughout the North American field are cooperating with the Press Bureau in a most encouraging way toward giving the message through the secular press, and encouraging their workers to use this agency in connection with their public meetings. Quite a number of highly interesting testimonials have recently been received from conference presidents and other laborers telling how they feel toward the newspaper work. It is truly gratifying to receive these expressions, as they indicate that the Lord has wonderfully blessed in this particular feature of the Advent movement. Some of these expressions follow.
C. F. McVagh, president of the West Michigan Conference: “We have five tents in the field in the West Michigan Conference, and so far as I can learn they are all making an effort to get good reports in the papers and are succeeding in a measure. I believe we are getting some results from the newspaper work.”
A. C. Gilbert, president of the Saskatchewan Conference: “We have been doing something along this line, and have had fair success. I believe it is a very essential line of gospel work, and should receive greater attention by our workers and lay brethren and sisters who are qualified for this kind of service for the Lord.”
T. G. Bunch, president of the Southern Oregon Conference: “I am interested in this work and anxious to get the message before the public by this means, and will do all I can to cooperate with the Press Bureau.”
N. P. Neilsen, president of the Central California Conference: “While we have succeeded in getting many and favorable articles into the different papers in our conference, I feel sure that there is still much for us to learn, and that we may do much more than we have yet done in this respect.”
J. Adams Stevens, president of the Northwestern California Conference: “You will be glad to know that we are endeavoring to make the most of the opportunities offered to us to present the message through the public press. As a rule our workers are quite successful in getting articles into print.”
R. W. Parmele, president of the Louisiana Conference: “We are awake to the advantages of newspaper publicity, and do not fail to use the columns of the press whenever possible.”
G. W. Wells, president of the Minnesota Conference: “I will be glad to encourage the tent companies in any way possible, to utilize the public press. This is being done to some degree in our conference, and we will cooperate with the Press Bureau in this important matter.”
P. A. Hanson, president of the Wisconsin Conference: “I know that great good can be done by the press.”
F. W. Stray, president of the Southern New England Conference: “This is the day of our opportunity, and we shall continue to write for the papers. We started our tent effort in New Haven on July 18, and had a number of articles printed in several dailies, taking advertising contracts with three papers; and in the one local Sunday paper, we had our article as a feature which was advertised on the first page of Friday’s and Saturday’s editions, free to us, with a full quotation of Luke 21:25, 26.”
This particular article spoken of by Elder Stray was more than half a page in length, and had the following headline stretching across the width of the paper: “European War Omen of End of the World, Say Seventh-Day Adventists in Tent Here.” These are the kind of articles that attract more than ordinary attention, and our workers should visit their home editors with the purpose of having display accounts published in the Sunday editions on the most striking phases of the glorious advent message. These display reports are becoming more frequent among our workers, but much more could be done if personal visits were made to the newspaper offices, and our doctrines brought to the attention of the editors.
A worker in Virginia is meeting with success after having had reports refused several times by the editor of the papers in his home city. He says concerning the refusal: ‘I concluded to persevere. I prayed, and so the Lord opened the way for me to come into close touch with a leading Baptist minister, who is the editor of the papers here, and he has already published several of my articles. First the minister reads my articles, then he passes them to his son and daughter to print. I am glad that God can send the truth to this minister’s heart. Jesus will use fishers of men, and show us how to catch men.’
A brother in West Virginia says he has succeeded in getting several articles on the truth published, and also stated that his neighbors reminded him of having seen them in print. Then he says: ‘They [the neighbors] seemed to think the arguments expressed are all right, and seemed anxious for more light.’
In a letter received the latter part of July from Elder A. S. Booth, who has been laboring in Ogden, Utah, he said that the newspapers in that Mormon stronghold have been doing quite well toward advancing the message. Up to that time more than fifty articles had been published, averaging over nine inches each in length. Elder Booth said that the editor of one of the Mormon papers told him frankly that no more of his reports would be published. ‘I made the best of the matter, and after having a good talk with him about the work, he consented to let me continue to send in contributions. In a few days he was doing better than the non-Mormon paper.’
E. R. Allen, secretary of the Home Missionary Department of the Kansas Conference, says: ‘The little that has been done has demonstrated that there are great possibilities in the newspaper work in giving the message. Many thousands have read a portion of the sermons who did not attend the meetings. These reports are helping the meetings.’
One of our lay brethren in Chicago writes: ‘I have been writing articles on present truth for our local paper for nearly one year. This paper has a circulation of 7,500, with many interested readers on this particular subject. About two months ago I received from the president of our conference a series of articles for the papers, which has simplified matters very much. It has helped out wonderfully. You would be surprised to see the interest manifested. The editor and his wife and their father and mother are so much interested that they are seriously contemplating keeping the true Sabbath.’
W. L. BURGAN.
Continue reading: Progress of the Publishing Work in the South