Review and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 3.
AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MENPage 1
Earlier text: THE MILLENNIUMPROTESTANT SAINT-WORSHIP.
By A. J. B.
ONE feels sorry, but not surprised, to see Roman Catholics engage in the worship of saints. Such worship is an essential part of their belief. But when we hear of professed Protestants who thus disobey the first two commandments of the decalogue, we do wonder. It is now certain that prayers to the saints are no longer confined to the Catholic Church; for Dr. George Adam Smith, in his “Life of Henry Drummond,” says that he knows of three persons who say that they pray habitually to the late Professor Drummond—a very popular English essayist, an evolutionist, and a so-called Christian. And it was recently said by Dr. Joseph Parker, of the City Temple, London, that he prayed to his departed wife every day. In speaking of the matter, he said: “I never come to this place [his church] without asking her to come with me. And she does come.” That Dr. Parker does not keep the matter to himself, is shown by the following advice given by him to one of his friends who was recently bereaved of his wife: “I encourage my friend to pray to his wife, and to pray to God to ask her to come to his help. She will be more to him than twelve legions of unknown angels.” Dr. Parker, it will be remembered, is the man who, in his pulpit, before a large London audience, cursed the sultan of Turkey, Sunday, April 23, 1899. The church of which he is the head, is the oldest Congregational church in London. Now, what is all this but idolatry, pure and simple? Idolatry is not merely falling down in worship before some image or representation of a deity; it is the act of interposing any object, or person, between the Creator and the created. God’s first command to his people was; and is forever: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” This prohibition was made because it was needed: because mankind is ever confronted with the temptation to have “other gods before” Jehovah, the Creator. In Israel’s time the people were tempted to interpose the gods of the Egyptians, of the Canaanites, and of other peoples, between themselves and the true God. In our day the temptation is apparently a little more refined, one step higher, namely, man-worship, instead of the worship of beasts or inanimate objects. That such idolatrous conduct is to be expected of all who forsake the exclusive worship of God, is clearly outlined by Paul when he speaks of certain ones who, in his day, “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more [‘rather,’ margin] than the Creator.” Rom. 1:25. We are inclined to believe that persons who worship their departed wives, or the late Henry Drummond, or even good angels,—in fact, any “creature” of God, however good,—must have turned “higher critics,” or that they must have eliminated from their minds altogether, or from their copies of the Bible, all passages referring to God’s commands, warnings, and exhortations to his chosen people, in regard to idolatry. Not only that, but they must have forgotten about Christ’s temptation and successful resistance on this very point of idolatry. It is said that Christ “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” He therefore was also tempted to worship a “creature” of God,—to place “before” Jehovah a certain one, Satan, who was once an angel of light, and one of the most beautiful, refined, and intelligent creatures of the Father. But when asked to fall down and worship this being, Jesus “said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” It was by the use of the Scriptures that Christ successfully opposed the most refined and subtle of all creature-worship: it is by the use of the Scriptures that we, the followers of Christ, are to oppose all idolatry in our day. Now the object of worship and of prayers is to elevate the soul above humanity, to divinity,—to the Father of all,—that his suppliant may, by beholding the divine and the righteous, be transformed in character into the image of Christ, and thus be fitted for translation at his second appearing. Salvation is the ultimate object of prayer. But by whom does salvation come to this world?—By Jesus Christ, and by him alone, for it is written: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. Why did not Peter here tell his hearers that it would also be a good thing for them to pray to the Father through Adam, Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, or other saints of God who had died the death of the righteous?—Simply because he knew better. He knew well enough that salvation means to be saved from sin, and from death, the wages of sin; and he knew that to be saved from death, life must be furnished to him that is “dead in trespasses and sins.” He knew also that there is but one “way” by which man may reach God; that is, through Christ, who said of himself: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6. Should not, therefore, all Christians believe these words of Christ, the founder of Christianity? Should they not also believe his positive directions to Christians of all ages, in regard to praying? On this subject he said: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name,” etc. All Christian prayers are to be directed to the Father. The most potent cause of this widespread man- and creature-worship in modern times is the belief in the immortality of the human soul, which belief leads persons to think that their departed friends have become “ministering spirits.” It also causes persons to believe in the transmigration of souls, purgatory, eternal torments, Mariolatry (worship of the Virgin Mary), and in the efficacy of prayers for the dead and to the saints (or rather, prayers to those who are thought by men to be saints). Hence, once a man believes his soul is immortal, he thereby places himself on an equality with God, so far as life is concerned, and places his beliefs above the declarations of God’s word, which declares God the Father, and him alone, to be “immortal.” 1 Tim. 6:16. Thus, not only does the creature-worshiper make a god of his object of worship, but also of himself. Now, what this belief will work out in those who cherish it, is plainly shown in what it has already worked out for an entire church, which has cherished it for centuries. Though many honest-hearted Catholics have, while worshiping the saints, also tried to worship God, yet it is an established fact that even they have much more to say to and about the saints, such as Mary the mother of Christ, St. Peter, St. Patrick, St. Agatha, St. Joseph, etc., than they have to say to or about God. In fact, a good Catholic addresses all his prayers and supplications to the saints, not to God. And the fact that now some of the most prominent Protestants in the world dare to come right out and openly avow their belief in saint-worship, proves that true Protestantism, which takes the Bible, and the Bible alone, as its “rule of faith and practice” is fast becoming a thing of the past, a mere landmark of history. However, there will ever be some true Protestants; and these will believe God’s word; they will heed it when it says: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” They will also heed that word when, to preclude any belief in the efficacy of prayers to or for the dead, it says that “the dead know not anything. . . . Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.” Eccl. 9:5, 6. Now, in all good reasoning, could a man’s deceased wife, or the late Henry Drummond, or any other dead person come back to this earth to “help” their friends, without showing “their love,” or without having “a portion” in something “that is done under the sun”? The Bible plainly shows, in this very passage, that the dead do not come back to earth. But Dr. Parker, speaking of his departed wife, says: “I never come to this place without asking her to come with me. And she does come.” Which do you believe, Creator or creature? HOW SHALL WE SPEND THE LONG WINTER EVENINGS?
By W. S. Sadler
Pure and Undefiled Religion.
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27. In all our efforts to reach our neighbors and influence them for good, let us seek to carry out in our daily lives this pure and undefiled religion. According to James, pure and undefiled religion does not consist in singing psalms, giving Bible readings, or even in conducting formal prayer-meetings. He describes it as being that religion which visits the orphan and the widow in their affliction, seeking to help those in need. The true service of God consists in helping others, in seeking to strengthen the hands of the weak, in ministering to the necessities of the poor, instead of ever seeking to feed and strengthen ourselves. Pure and undefiled religion gives of its riches to others. Whether it be by cottage meetings, Bible readings, personal or public effort, that we seek to reach our neighbors, one thing is necessary—that we so relate ourselves to them that they will discern in our lives the exemplification of the principles and the truths we preach in our meetings. In sickness, poverty, and distress let us ever be found ministering to both the spiritual and the physical needs of our neighbors. A kind deed during sickness, a small effort at some other time, may prove an entering wedge by which the truth may find standing room. In the last great day this one question, whether we have or have not ministered unto Jesus in the person of his needy children, will determine our fitness to be admitted into, or our desert of being44 debarred from, the eternal joys of heaven. “Christ declared, ‘The poor always ye have with you.’ He has plainly stated that the decisions of the last day will turn upon the question of PRACTICAL BENEVOLENCE. To have ministered to the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the sick, are the credentials which will testify that we are Christ’s disciples. ‘Thou hast been faithful over a few things,’ he says, ‘I will make thee ruler over many things.’ How closely Christ has linked himself with suffering humanity! In reckoning with his heritage he places himself on the poor man’s side, and registers any neglect to the poor as done to the One to whom man belongs by creation and by redemption; and every act of self-denial, performed to help the suffering, he acknowledges as done to himself. ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’”—Review and Herald, No. 28, 1899. Christ, in his efforts to demonstrate to the world that God is love, came to this world and actually loved us, even to the death of the cross. Love is real; and if it exists in our hearts, it will be ever outgoing, seeking to benefit those with whom we come in contact. Again, it is in doing this very work of spiritual and physical ministry that we keep ourselves unspotted from the world. He who is kept busy ministering to the needs of his fellows has little time for idle thoughts and trifling conversation, or for finding fault with his brethren. It is the time which we fail to spend in the works of pure and undefiled religion that we spend in picking flaws in our fellows. “The truth which is not put into practice loses its power. Opportunities which we have failed to grasp will condemn us. The souls which we have left in darkness will reproach us. The future can hold in store but little real happiness for him who has been unfaithful to his stewardship or opportunities. In the final review it will appear that what we have done for man is in reality what we have done for God.” BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.
By M. Bessie De Graw
The week of prayer was another eventful period in the lives of many of the students in Battle Creek College. The week began with meetings of the most quiet character, but everywhere was felt a longing for a nearness with the Saviour. For some time, the subject of Christ’s kingdom in the heart had been studied; and as students realized the fact that before we need look for Christ in the clouds of heaven, he must be enthroned within us, the hope of glory, there was a longing to open the heart to the inflowing of the Spirit. As a people, we are in danger, so we are told, of repeating the history of the Jews. That people failed to recognize the first coming of Christ, and looked ever for the setting up of his temporal kingdom, and, not seeing that, they missed all. To-day we may preach the second coming in glory, and fail to learn of his advent as “Immanuel, . . . God with us.” Never had there been manifest such an intense desire to be in harmony with God; to have our lives in tune with the Infinite. And the realization that this experience would bring the latter rain, or power to work, led many to take a different view of their physical and mental conditions. The message of health reform is intended to teach us so to care for our bodies that the highest physical development may be obtained, and to make nerve and fiber responsive to the influence of the Holy Spirit; for it is possible to be so gross physically that spiritual things fail to appeal to us. Christian education deals with our mental nature, and fits us to grasp living truth by faith. This puts us mentally in touch with the Spirit of God, and enables the eye to see and the ear to hear those things which entirely escape the faithless man. These two great avenues to the soul had been touched; and many responded. With hearts full of glorious truth, a large number volunteered to go out in small companies to tell the things that they had seen and heard. Thursday and Friday of that closing week of the year saw students leaving in twos and threes, going out without purse or script, believing that they were sent forth as were the seventy, ‘into every city and place, whither he himself would come.’ Augusta, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Charlotte, Marshall, and other towns within easy reach of Battle Creek were visited. In some places the work done was canvassing; some students visited from house to house, and others met with the church. In every case a blessing was realized. Tuesday morning, when school work was resumed, it really seemed as if the return “with joy,” had been repeated; for there was a ring to the words spoken that went to the heart of every listener. The jail at Marshall has often been visited by companies from Battle Creek, and the young men said that as they stood within those iron bars facing criminals, it seemed as if their songs must have been swelled by angel voices, so loud and clear was the singing. The hearts of prisoners melted as they heard from youthful lips the story of redemption. It is utterly impossible to convey the spirit of rejoicing which filled the hearts of those who were out. One young man had for several weeks been having, as he expressed it, “a hand-to-hand conflict with the devil.” Since his return his words have had a different ring. A colored brother who feared the cold, for it was almost zero weather, and he had always lived in the South, walked twenty-five miles with two companions. His testimony was that they did not suffer from the cold, and their hearts were so filled with joy that they sang and prayed while journeying. Many who could not, because of duties, leave the city, visited the poor in Battle Creek. It was the prevailing sentiment that it was the best week of the year, and that more lasting lessons had been learned in a few days’ actual work with the Master, where it seemed that they must stand with him, and him alone, than in any other way. TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES.
By J. O. Johnston
MAY 20, 1898, my family and I arrived in Port of Spain. After looking the field over, I became convinced that we needed a good farmer who could settle in the island, purchase a piece of land, and teach our people how to till the soil; and also furnish a place where our young people could attend school and pay their way in work on the land. Accordingly I made a call through the REVIEW for farmers. Many answered the call by letter, but Brother Sullivan Wareham, of Cora, Mont., answered in person, arriving here in January, 1899. □ Brother Wareham purchased forty-five acres of crown land, about four miles from Princes Town, for the purpose of establishing an industrial school for the island. It was his intention to stay in Trinidad until the farm and school should be in full running order; but he did not even see the place after purchasing it, as he was taken sick, and after a few weeks’ illness was obliged to leave the island, and go to the sanitarium for treatment. Before leaving, Brother Wareham gave the farm to the Foreign Mission Board, also several hundred dollars’ worth of farm machinery, and about three hundred dollars in money. This amount has been expended in improvements on the farm. A horse, water-tank, and lumber had to be purchased; over twenty-five dollars was expended for freight and cartage alone, besides clearing the land, as it was all timbered. About fourteen acres has been cleared. Most of this was planted with rice, but a water famine came on this year, which almost destroyed the crop. September 7 I left the farm to help in a tent effort at Port of Spain. Brother Willis Hackett was left to look after the farm until some proper person can be found to take up the work and carry it on. A practical farmer, in good health, with sufficient money to erect the necessary buildings, and buy a team, is needed now. And until this need is supplied our industrial farm must languish. May the Lord put his Spirit upon the one who ought to come and do this work. Mrs. Johnston, not being strong, and somewhat broken in health before we came here, was unable to endure the climate. She stayed until it was evident that a change must be made at once if her life was to be spared. After she had spent many weeks in bed, we decided to return to the States; and January 7 we took ship for New York. I would have remained behind for a time to look after the work, but had to accompany her, as she could not care for herself and the children. I at once settled my family among kind friends who could care for my wife, and took the next boat that sailed for Trinidad, bidding my loved ones good by, February 8. It will soon be a year since I have seen them, but I know all these things work together for good — our good, as well as for the good of others. We are soldiers, and must endure hardness; but, brethren, you who are privileged to stay at home ought to remember the necessities of the ones in sickly foreign fields. Soldiers have to be fed, clothed, and have shelter provided for them: but this is not all; often those who are taken captive from the enemy’s ranks must also be fed and clothed for a time, or left to perish. Often we are compelled to divide with them. Many who ask help are refused, but many others can not be denied. We are now in the midst of a tent effort in Port of Spain. Several have already taken their stand for the truth. The attendance has been from two to six hundred each night for eight weeks. The isles are waiting for His law. I HAVE received many letters of inquiry from brethren and sisters from Maine to California, but no one has as yet made a move to come to help in the work here. It may be that some are deterred from coming because of the storm that passed through these islands some time ago, exaggerated reports of which have been circulated throughout the land; but though it is only a short time since this happened, the effects would not now be noticed by a casual observer, and everything is moving as if there never had been such a thing as a storm. The blow was not, perhaps, any harder than I have seen many times in Wisconsin or Michigan. So I hope that no one will be kept back by what he has heard. Of course we should all rejoice to have one of our ministers come here; but we have wished that we could see a number of our brethren settle in different parts of these islands, in order to have a place for the minister to do his work. It is not here as in the States,—schoolhouses can not be had; churches are closed against us; and as far as the halls are concerned, I think I can safely say that the Salvation Army has rented every hall in the country. Unless a minister could bring with him a portable tabernacle, there would be no place that I know of outside of Hamilton where meetings could be held. So far as a tent is concerned, tents are very apt to mildew, owing to the peculiar climate; and then, as it is damp in the evening, and people are afraid of the dampness, I do not know that they would go into a tent in the evening. But of course the Lord will open the way if a minister should come.45 We are of good courage; and our hearts have been cheered by seeing a young man, who has been filling a position in the government dockyard, accept the truth fully. He has now kept three Sabbaths, and is as firm as a rock. The officers in charge tried to get him to consider the matter before he took such a step, but he told them that he had been considering the matter for the last two years, and had fully made up his mind to keep the Lord’s day. The first Sabbath that he kept, the Sabbath blessing rested upon us all; for he was with us in our meeting, and we all sang God’s praises for the victory gained. The great cable, faith, reaches to these islands, and we find that it is fastened to the great anchor of the soul; and as it reaches within the veil, it holds fast, and there is joy and peace in holding on to it. In the late storm, ships dragged their anchors, and were dashed to pieces; but our anchor reaches within the veil, and can not drag; thus we are safe throughout all the storms and tempests of the soul. Thank God, who gives us strength to hold on to the great cable, faith. Victory is here, too,—not ours, but Christ’s, for he won it in the wilderness: and to lay hold of the great cable brings victory; for “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” And we say, with David: “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine: thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.” 1 Chron. 29:11. M. ENOCH. SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY.
By Frederick Griggs
THE week of prayer has been a most excellent occasion at South Lancaster Academy. Shortly before this time, during the general meetings of the District Conference held in South Lancaster, we had a spiritual feast, which prepared us for the blessings of the week of prayer. While our week of prayer has not brought us any excitement, it has brought to the school a deep experience in the things of God. There have been some remarkable conversions among the students; and on the part of all there seems to be a settling into the service and work of God in a substantial manner. These are the experiences which the young people of our schools should be having. One great lesson that many young Christians have to learn is that of standing firmly in the work of God, serving the Lord from principle, not from feeling; and this has seemed to be the attitude of our school during the week of prayer. With this have come confessions and a claiming of victory in Jesus Christ. I do not wish to intimate that we as a faculty feel that everything has been done for our students which can be done; but while we are conscious that we have a great work left us yet to do, we are greatly rejoiced that the Lord has given us so many earnest students to help us in doing this work. From the very opening of the school, there has been a steady growth in Christian experience on the part of our students. We are letting the Lord give us just what he sees best from day to day. It is this continuous growth that causes us rejoicing. The Lord is with us. FREDERICK GRIGGS. BRITISH COLUMBIA.
By W. W. Steward
Ymir and Rossland.—Following our good camp-meeting at Milton, Ore., and in harmony with the wish of the Upper Columbia Conference, my family and I came north to engage in pioneer labor in this part of the British possessions. Receiving a call from Ymir, British Columbia, I began a series of meetings at that place, where, by the grace of God, two persons accepted the truth of the third angel’s message. From Ymir I went to Rossland, which is a mining town of considerable importance. It is growing rapidly, and in its short life of only about five years has already a population of from eight to nine thousand. I earnestly long to see the work established here upon a good strong basis. At this place I was joined in labor by Brother W. C. Young and his family. We pitched a thirty by fifty foot tent, and began the presentation of the truth. Through the blessing of God, a church of nineteen members was organized here, and many persons are interested. The acceptance of the true Sabbath means more to the brethren here than in most places; this city being a mining center, and all the mines being owned and operated by large syndicates, whose purpose is not to cease work night or day. Any cessation of work on the part of their employees, especially for religious reasons, receives no toleration whatever, and results in almost certain loss of employment. Several of our brethren who were miners have had to leave this place to seek employment elsewhere. One, as he was about to take the train, exclaimed, “I leave this town with less money than I had when I came into it, but I am a richer man.” Others of the brethren have secured employment at different kinds of labor. So we are able to say, with the psalmist, “Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” One illustration as to the extent to which religious bigotry can be carried, and its injustice, exposing, as it really does, the Christian (?) spirit of the age: One of the brethren who was in the employ of the city, being engaged in some public improvements, upon making his decision to obey God, informed his foreman of the fact, telling him that henceforth he could not work Saturdays. The foreman replied: “Well, that’s all right as far as I am concerned.” Yet in a few weeks this brother was told to seek other employment, as he was losing too much time, and that the city council wished to push the work as rapidly as possible, and had instructed the foreman to that end. The city council is largely composed of Presbyterians, and they object to anything that is not according to “the kirk,” and have placed all the obstructions that they possibly can to hinder the distribution of our literature. The same week that our brother was discharged, one man had laid off from his work, in a drunken debauch, for four days; but when sober, was allowed to return to his work. Yet the plea for the discharge of an industrious, sober man was that time was being lost in pushing the work. The contributions at our meetings were liberal. We have received, up to the present time, $96.50. The tithe is also coming in; and the Sabbath-school offerings average almost ten cents a member each Sabbath. We are of good courage, and feel that the dear Lord is still blessing our labors in this field. We have received one thousand copies of the Harvest number of the Signs of the Times, for sale here. We wish to thank the many friends who have liberally helped in supplying us literature. God’s people have held up our hands by their prayers. Brethren, please continue to do so. OCTOBER 13-15 I was with the Waldo church in quarterly meeting. The meeting was held in the city of Gainesville, as the brethren and sisters were anxious to have some meetings held at that place. The attendance, aside from our own people, was not as large as expected. Notwithstanding, the Lord blessed. We enjoyed much of his good Spirit, and believe that some impressions were made for good. After our camp-meeting at Lakeland, which was held November 3-12, I held meetings with the companies at Fort Ogden, Punta Gorda, and Nocatee. At all these places the Lord came near by his Holy Spirit, and wonderfully blessed in the meetings. At Fort Ogden we held our services in the large Baptist church, and the attendance continued to increase until the house was crowded. Many shouts of praise went up to God for the blessings received. From Fort Ogden I went to Punta Gorda, where the attendance of those not of our faith was as good as at Fort Ogden. The Spirit of God was present in all our meetings, and hearts were made tender by its hallowed influence. From Punta Gorda I went to Nocatee. There the people gathered from all parts of the country until our place of worship was packed, and many had to content themselves with remaining on the outside. Sunday morning, November 26, we repaired to the water, a distance of one mile, where two persons, in the presence of a large concourse of people, were buried with their Lord in baptism, and came forth to live the new life of faith. Seven were added to the church, which caused rejoicing. December 3, 4, I was at Glen, St. Mary, and Macclenny, and held meetings with the friends at these places. I found the interest still good, and some dear souls loving and obeying the truth. The friends at Macclenny are talking strongly of building a church. I was sorry that I could not stay longer, and work to promote the interest that has already been awakened in and around these places. May God bless the seed that has been sown in that part of his vineyard. I felt loath to leave Florida, and I am deeply impressed by the Spirit of God that he has yet a work for me to do in that field. I greatly appreciate the letters I have received, and am still receiving, from the many friends throughout the State, expressing their regrets at my leaving the Conference, also their interest in my welfare; and the best of it all is that they promise to pray for my success in the blessed work wherever I may go. I am of good courage in the Lord. M. G. HUFFMAN. SOUTH DAKOTA.
By L. Johnson
SWAN LAKE.—After our good meeting at Sioux City, I went to Swan Lake, where, Sunday, November 12, the new church building was dedicated. Elder Millman, the president of the Conference, and Brother H. L. Henriksen, who has lately arrived from Denmark, were also present. The congregation numbered about two hundred and fifty, about all that could be seated. All paid marked attention to the word spoken, both in the English and in the Danish language. The church was organized by Elder J. T. Hansen, Sept. 11, 1875. It then had seven members. The first meeting-house was built in the spring of 1878, and was twenty by thirty feet. When it was decided to build this church, the writer was there for the first time. In 1884 twenty feet was added to the length of it, and now the new church is built upon the same place where the old one stood. It is46 twenty-four by forty-two feet, with a gallery and a classroom fourteen by twenty feet. At present the church has eighty-two members. We had good meetings, and from the first the interest increased. I only wished we could have remained longer; and that was the wish of all. May the Lord not only keep these dear brethren, but may he increase their number, and may all be wholly sanctified. L. JOHNSON. NEW BRUNSWICK.
By H. J. Farman
GREENFIELD AND MARYSVILLE.—Since my last report a commodious house of worship has been erected in Greenfield. The dedicatory services were held July 8, and were attended by much of the blessing of God, as was also the building of the house. October 13–25 I spent with the scattered Sabbath-keepers in Carlton and Victoria Counties, at Greenfield organizing a church of twelve members. This was also a precious season attended by the Holy Spirit. If all are faithful and true to God, he will add to their numbers such as shall be saved. I secured one new and two renewal subscriptions for the REVIEW; two renewals for the Signs of the Times; and four subscriptions for the Missionary Magazine. August 4 tent-meetings were begun at Marysville, with a fair attendance from the first. Nearly every one who came saw the truth, and admitted it. For a while it seemed as if many would obey God. Some at once began to keep the Sabbath, but were like those in the parable who “endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.” Matt. 13: 19–22, R. V. A few who were not so ready to move at first are now proving to be seed sown in “good ground.” From the first the Holy Spirit was present. Some sought the Lord for the first time, others sought for more of the Holy Spirit; but when the cross appeared, some shrank from duty, and consequently made no headway. A small Sabbath-school has been organized, and six yearly subscriptions for the Signs and one short-term subscription for the REVIEW have been secured. Over fifty dollars’ worth of reading-matter, mostly Signs, tracts, and small books, has been sold. We yet hope for more fruit here. Brother Tracy holds meetings in Gibson, near here, while I visit some other places. Pray for us and for the work in this field. H. J. FARMAN. St. Johnsbury.—At our last camp-meeting it was decided that Elder Leland and I should hold meetings in St. Johnsbury, for a while at least. Elder Leland was called home on account of the severe sickness of his wife. So I have been alone in the preaching. We have rented the G. A. R. hall, the second best in the city, where we have our Sabbath services, and public meetings Sunday nights. We have never had a large congregation, but those who come seem really interested in the study of the Word. As a result of the meetings and the Bible readings, three persons have begun to obey the Lord as far as the message has been given them. The work has met bitter opposition from a First-day Adventist minister, who has circulated reports concerning Mrs. White and her work that were not even gentlemanly, to say nothing of Christlikeness. I most earnestly solicit the prayers of our people for the work here. GRANT ADKINS. FRANKFORT.—The church at this place, having seen the importance of following the instruction of the Lord in educating their children, have erected a schoolroom, large enough to seat forty-two children. It is attached to the rear of the church, making a convenient room for holding the kindergarten classes and children's meetings on the Sabbath. In September my wife and I were sent here to take charge of this school. September 25 the school opened, twelve children being present. By the end of the first month eighteen were in attendance. Shortly after this two moved out of the neighborhood, leaving us only sixteen pupils. There is some interest among outside people: we trust our numbers will be increased by spring. The Spirit of the Lord is working for the children. In our school we use the Bible as the basis of all study, and “Steps to Christ,” “Healthful Living,” “Great Controversy,” “Gospel Primer,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and such other books as are necessary, for reference books. The plan of teaching is new to the children. All enjoy it, and are taking hold of the work in earnest. They have been selling the Signs of the Times, and are now piecing a quilt and making little dresses to send to the orphans' home. In this way they are cultivating a missionary spirit. We are of good courage in the Lord. Pray that we may be faithful in our work. Detroit Mission School Opens with Fourteen Pupils
By Pearl M. Ludington
DETROIT.—The church in Detroit has long felt a burden for the children and youth; and September 11 a mission school was started with an enrollment of fourteen. The number has gradually increased until at present twenty-one pupils are enrolled. A building in the rear of the Trumbull Avenue Mission was fitted up for a schoolroom. Thus far this building has proved sufficient for the number attending; but as others are desiring to enter the school, it is hoped that soon a more suitable place can be found. The Lord has said that schools should be established where there are churches, and we know that he will bless if we go forward in faith. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” PEARL M. LUDINGTON. “I am the resurrection and the life.”—Jesus. LEWIS.—Died at Talala, I. T., Dec. 11, 1899, of typhoid fever. Asa T. Lewis, aged 54 years. Brother Lewis accepted the message at Elk City, Kan., eleven years ago, and has been a devoted believer ever since, serving as elder of the church for some time. A wife and eight children remain. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from John 11: 25. C. SORENSON. COTTRELL.—Died at Ridgeway, N. Y., Catharine M. Cottrell, widow of Elder R. F. Cottrell, aged 81 years, 1 month, 11 days. Sister Cottrell was born in Alden, Erie Co., and in 1850 accepted the third angel’s message under the preaching of Elders Hewitt and Joseph Bates. She was always a faithful worker in the Lord’s vineyard, and now, resting beside her loved companion, together they await the sound of the trump that shall call the righteous forth. Remarks at the funeral were made by Elder Mc Farland (Episcopal). W. C. EATON. SHENAMAN.—Killed, Dec. 1, 1899, by a Union Pacific passenger train near Talmo, Kan., Sister Martha E. Shenaman, of Beaver City, Neb. Sister Shenaman was visiting relatives in Cloud and Republic counties, Kansas, and, while crossing the railroad track, was caught by the engine and instantly killed. She accepted present truth in 1874, and has ever since lived a consistent Christian. She leaves seven children, five sons and two daughters, the youngest being twelve years old. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. F. GODFREY. CULBERTSON.—Died at Cave Spring, Ga., of dropsy, Dr. Culbertson, aged 67 years. He joined the Baptist Church in 1852. About thirteen years ago he accepted the Sabbath truth, which came to him in a paper wrapped around a bottle sent by a friend. After that he received literature on the Sabbath question from some person in Battle Creek. When the truth found him, he was a slave to morphine, tobacco, whiskey, and coffee; but he conquered through Christ, and fell asleep in Jesus, with a hope of having a part in the first resurrection. Comforting words were spoken at the funeral by Elder Pullen (Baptist). Text, 2 Tim. 4: 6-8. M. W. LEWIS. RECEIPTS FOR PRESENT TRUTH FUND.
Formerly reported................................................ $26 50 RECEIPTS FOR FRENCH TRACT FUND.
Formerly reported................................................ $188 95 WANTED, at once, the name and address of every Seventh-day Adventist in your church who does not take the REVIEW. Address the editors. Immediately after the District meeting, which is to be held in Kansas City, Mo., February 15-25, an institute will be conducted for the benefit of canvassers. The District agent will be in attendance, and will give valuable instructions both in practical canvassing and in the study of our books. Bible studies will be given through the entire time. As yet it has not been decided just how long the institute will be continued; this will depend largely upon the opening up of spring, and the needs of those in attendance. The prospects for the canvassing work in this State for the coming year are good.