Earlier text: A Blessing in the HomeWestern Washington.
By W. F. Martin
NOVEMBER 27-29 I attended the general meeting at Vancouver, Wash. Elder E. L. Stewart was taken sick at the first of the meeting, but recovered sufficiently to take an active part the last day of the meeting. Elder Decker and Dr. Holden came from the Portland Sanitarium, and rendered valuable help. Several of the brethren and sisters from neighboring churches attended this meeting. On Friday, after a missionary study, a large number of those present took copies of the special Signs, and sold them in the city. The Lord blessed in this work, and most of those who went out met with excellent success. This brought a spirit of good cheer into the meeting. All went home feeling that it had been profitable to meet together. After the close of this meeting, I spent three days at Sara, where we have a small company of believers. The Lord blessed in the few meetings held. Elder A. J. Stover, one of the pioneers in the message, lives at Sara, and is a great help to the company there. Sabbath, December 5, I spent at Tacoma, speaking in the church to a good-sized audience. I have met Dr. T. J. Allen, whom I had not seen for ten years. Dr. Allen's parents and my parents accepted the truth together in Arkansas, during the first tent-meeting ever held in that State. We all passed through the persecutions there from 1885-89. The doctor is now conducting treatment rooms in Tacoma. I spent two days at Ilwaco, below Astoria. There is a church building here, but most of our people have moved away. The first three days of the week of prayer I spent at Vancouver. Two meetings each day were held. All seemed to enter into the spirit of the meeting, and the Lord added his blessing. From Vancouver I went to Goldendale. A few families of our people live at this place, and are engaged in running a sawmill. A successful church school is in progress. We also held two meetings each day, and I am sure they were the means of helping us to draw nearer the Lord. I am now at Kelso, assisting the brethren to erect a church building. We have a good building, twenty-four by thirty-six feet, nearing completion. Kelso is a good town of over eight hundred inhabitants, and there seems to be considerable work going on. I think there is a good opening for a first-class carpenter. My courage and hope are good. SINCE my last report in the REVIEW I have labored at Manassas, Tackett Mills, Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and Mt. Williams, and at each place there are precious souls rejoicing in the truth for these last days. At Manassas the few who accepted the truth in the tent-meetings last fall are still firm in the faith, though so scattered that it is difficult to get them together very regularly. At Tackett Mills I held the first series of meetings ever conducted in that part of the State by our people, only a sermon or two having been preached there before by our ministers. Dr. W. N. Tate and family have for years been endeavoring to hold up the light at this place, having accepted the truth in Ohio some years ago, under the labors of Elders Underwood and Mason, and others. The Methodists kindly granted us the use of their comfortable house of worship. We had excellent meetings, and quite a number manifested a desire to lead a better life; but the weather was such that we could not fully develop the work at that time. The people there earnestly plead for the work to be followed up at a time when the weather may be more favorable. I made a short stop with the friends in and near Fredericksburg, holding two week-of-prayer services with them. I had not visited Culpeper for more than two years, but I found a few there still rejoicing in the light brought to them by the tent-meetings in 1901. I am now holding meetings at Mt. Williams, and notwithstanding the cold weather and the snow and ice, the attendance17 has been excellent, and the people seem to be interested. I do earnestly hope and pray that the Lord may bring many others into the light of this blessed truth. I find all the house-to-house work I can do among the people, and hold services at the church every night. At all these places I have tried to keep before the people the importance of all points of present truth, and have taken some orders for our periodicals, sold and given away many papers, tracts, books, special Signs, etc. In some places I am sorry to find among some of our people an inclination to give up important principles of health reform, and return to their old habits of eating and drinking. May the Lord help his dear people to arise and take the final onward march to complete victory and triumph in this fast-closing message of truth. MEEKER AND GLENWOOD SPRINGS.—January 8-14 was spent with the church at Meeker. On the Sabbath we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house, which was a precious meeting to those present. Sunday morning we held the quarterly and annual business meeting, at which time a full corps of officers was elected, and instructed in their several duties. Meetings were held each night during my stay, and were well attended by appreciative audiences. In addition to the evening services, several day meetings were held, besides Bible studies in the homes of the people. The good Spirit of God was present with us, and as a result five consecrated themselves to God; and six identified themselves with God’s people. Truly, it was good to be there; for the dear Lord was there. To him be all the praise. On my return to Glenwood Springs, we held the first ordinance meeting in our new church building, using new utensils bought especially for use in the celebration of these solemn ordinances. The Lord came very near, and blessed us abundantly. Those present thought it the most solemn ceremony of the kind they had ever witnessed. Although the church building is not quite ready for dedication, yet all felt to praise God for the marvelous manner in which he has worked for us, in giving the new commodious building, the necessary equipment for these ordinances, and best of all, precious souls to worship him therein. We are led to say, “This is the Lord’s doing; and it is marvelous in our eyes.” _British Columbia_
By O. E. Davis
PORT SIMPSON.—Again the Lord has broken the enemy's ranks, and the ensign of Jehovah is now set up in this place. Little more than one year ago I arrived here, not knowing how long I should remain, or the possibilities for carrying forward the work; but as the Lord opened the way, I have followed, simply yielding myself to him to do his will. From a human standpoint, the outlook was very discouraging, there being nineteen persons who were in some way connected with the mission work when I came. There has been much strife and opposition from the missionary element, as well as from some of the natives themselves. But the Lord has fought the battle, pressing it even unto the gates, and has established the banner of truth in the enemy's stronghold. Friday, Dec. 11, 1903. Elder J. L. Wilson, president of the conference, administered baptism, and organized the first Indian Seventh-day Adventist church in British Columbia. The following Sabbath the ordinance of humility and the Lord's supper were celebrated, this being the first time in the Christian experience of Port Simpson that these services were conducted according to the Scriptures. Several times I have been warned and threatened by the opposing element, who, when finding their words unheeded, have appealed to the agent of Indian affairs, but receiving no satisfaction, have recently laid the matter before the government authorities, hoping to have me removed from the place; but we continue to move forward with the work God has given us to do, waiting the result. The way in which the people listen to the truth, and help in the meetings, is very commendable indeed. Their hearts are warm with the love of God, and they are anxious to help their people to see the truth. Not being able to get a building in which to hold meetings, I have finally resorted to open-air meetings, which are largely attended, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. On one occasion I counted more than one hundred and fifty natives, seemingly anxious to hear the message. But those who are acquainted with this climate can well imagine the inconvenience in holding open-air meetings during the rainy season in this country. With the people huddled together in groups under umbrellas, or in the shelter of some building near by, and the speaker drenched with rain and snow, and chilled with the piercing wind, the situation is anything but comfortable, yet the evidence of good being done is too great for us to discontinue our efforts. We need a building to hold meetings in, and soon we must have a teacher, and open a school for our children, some of whom are in the Methodist home schools, and can not keep the Sabbath. We must get them out, but we must first have a building for school and meeting purposes. I do not wish to make this a general call for help, but are there not some who would like to lay up a little treasure in heaven by sending us a contribution, as God has prospered them, that the Indian may have a place in which to worship God? Remember this is a very small conference, and in its infancy, the entire membership not so large as many churches in the States, but our territory is large. May the Lord move some hearts to help us. We need more workers and more means. Who will come over and help us? If you can not come, will you send your money? If you have not any means, will you kindly send us tracts, and the Signs, Life Boat, and Little Friend? Please ask God how much he would have you give to help build the first Indian church and school building in British Columbia. Camp-Meeting at Royal Park, Victoria, N. S. W.
By E. M. Graham
THIS camp-meeting was held in a portion of the Royal Park, a well-kept public reserve extending from Brunswick to Flemington Bridge. The part occupied by the camp was at the Flemington Bridge end, near the railway line, and with cable trams from the city running every few minutes past the park gates. The camp opened on Thursday, November 12, with seventy family tents, occupied by three hundred and twenty-four persons, large pavilion, children's tent, book tent, and kitchen tent, from which the usual simple courses were served. The preparations were well organized, so when the time came for the opening meeting, everything was in excellent order, and all visitors were comfortably settled. The weather was good throughout, with the exception of a little rain the first Saturday night. The public attendance was very large the two Sundays, and every night during the week the meeting tent was filled, and large numbers stood outside. The chief speakers were Brethren Farnsworth, Hennig, and Hare. Meetings were held for our own people at 6 and 11 A. M., and at 3 P. M., in addition to the conference meetings at 9 A. M. Brethren G. A. Irwin, Gates, Woods, and C. W. Irwin, and others, conducted these, and much valuable instruction was given. Toward the latter part of the meeting, Dr. D. H. Kress arrived on the ground, and gave several health lectures. One encouraging feature of the camp was the excellent attendance of our own people, and the interest taken by them in the meetings. Many parents were there with their children, for whom meetings were held daily, and some had the joy of seeing their sons and daughters take their stand on the Lord's side. These, at least, feel repaid for going to camp-meeting. It is difficult to judge of the real interest as yet, but from seven hundred to one thousand persons have listened to the stirring truths of the gospel night after night, and on Sundays about three thousand have been present. We hope from these to gather out a strong church which will remain here as a witness to the third angel's message. As soon as the camp closes, the tent will be removed to some near-by place, and the work of gathering in will begin. INDIANAPOLIS.— Now that all the deliveries are made for the holidays, I thought I would write a few lines about the canvassing work in this city during the past year, and especially for the December delivery, which included 5 family Bibles, 18 hand Bibles, 1 “Home Hand-Book,” 1 lib., 35 “Desire of Ages,” 20 “Patriarchs and Prophets,” 21 “Great Controversy,” 25 “Daniel and the Revelation,” 19 “Bible Readings,” 9 “Best Stories,” 4 “Christ Our Saviour,” 2 “Cats and Dogs,” 6 “Making Home Happy,” 2 “Christ’s Object Lessons,” 23 “Inspired History of Nations,” 8 “Gospel Primer,” 3 “Christ in Song,” 9 “Ladies’ Guide,” 3 Signs, and 1 Good Health. Orders amounted to five hundred and eighty dollars for Christmas, and out of these, all were delivered except 1 family Bible, 1 “Daniel and the Revelation,” 1 “Bible Dictionary,” 5 “Science in Kitchen,” 1 “Steps to Christ,” and 1 “Gospel Reader.” One copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons” was sent to Washington on the Pacific coast, 4 “Primers” were sent to Porto Rico by the Englewood Christian church for missionary work, 1 “Ladies’ Guide” was sent to Columbus, Ohio, 1 “Bible Readings” to Reading, Pa., 1 “Desire of Ages” to a Mr. Arthur, the play writer of Pelham Manor, N. Y. Thus our publications go to every point of the compass. In speaking of this, my desire is not to make a showing of the total work done, but to show how many new homes have been entered in the past year. The following represents 6,187 exhibitions, and shows the work done in one year: “Desire of Ages,” 37; “Ladies’ Guide,” 26; “Home Hand-Book,” 5; “Bible Readings,” 75; “Patriarchs and Prophets,” 44; “Daniel and the Revelation,” 54; “Great Controversy,” 28; “Heralds of the Morning,” 1; “Christ’s Object Lessons,” 60; Bibles, 65; miscellaneous, 75. Many hundred pages of tracts were given away, many papers were sold or given away, one hundred of the special Signs were sold, fourteen Sunday night sermons were preached, meetings were also held for nine months in the Covenant Congregational church, lectures and Bible studies upon some point of present truth being given until the Sabbath question was reached. That subject was thoroughly discussed, and one hundred dollars’ worth of our books was sold among members of that congregation. Bible readings were given four or five evenings each week, besides those which I gave from door to door. Had there been from ten to twenty persons at work in this city, which has a church of one hundred and fifty or two hundred members, the results might have been ten or twenty times greater. Offerings to the amount of sixteen dollars have been turned over to the conference secretary, and seventeen persons have begun18 the observance of the Sabbath during the last year. These results have been secured by untiring perseverance day and night, in health and sickness, in rain and shine, in cold and heat, with many a long, lonesome trip to encourage and instruct some individual, but the Lord has added his blessing, and it is for him and for souls that I work. To carry on the work successfully in large cities one must be prompt, and must sell on easy payments. I have been in the field for almost three years, and have often seen times when I did not know where food for my wife and two little children was coming from, but our necessities have been supplied. I thank the Lord for these experiences. Never fear, my dear brother or sister, however faint of heart you may be. The birds seldom gather a meal in one place; they have to hunt for it. Man never gained the top of a mountain without a long, tiresome effort. Never Try or Can’t remains at the bottom, while Try is seen at the top. But think, dear one, if some precious soul is led into the truth through your effort, how glad you will be that you tried; and I do pray the Master that in 1904 many more may be added to our ranks. As a final word of caution let me say, if you go out and don’t see books by the ten dollars’ worth a day, or even a week, don’t conclude that you can not succeed. God is only trying you, and it may be that you will soon get your reward. The Lord has promised to be with you, and so just believe Rom. 8: 28. H. S. BROWNING,
Colporteur for Indianapolis. South Central Africa
By William H. Anderson
BULUWAYO.— We are carrying on our work as usual. Services are held each week at the church. The attendance is good. The average attendance in the Sabbath-school is about eighty. The enrolment is fifty. We enter on the books only those who attend regularly. The native school is studying the Psalms. The workers use the Lesson Quarterly. The school is in charge of Sister Sturdevant. She has a native assistant. All the teachers in the native school are natives. Teachers' meetings are held with them each week. The preaching has been practical. These sermons have been addressed to the church in particular. We are preparing the church to see the necessity of cutting off those who have departed from the faith. Our Friday evening social meeting is full of life and interest. At the close of each service an invitation is given to those who are in trouble, and who are not satisfied with their experience, to remain, and some time is given to personal work. In addition to this, much of the same kind of work is carried on during the week. Meetings are conducted by the native teachers in four kraals on Sabbath afternoon. The younger boys and girls are given a lesson at the same time at home. There are fifteen who desire baptism. Most of these come from the schools that have been taught in the kraals. We feel that they need more instruction, and I am planning to help them. Some who live here with us will be baptized soon. We opened our special term of school the first of December, 1903. All the teachers from the kraals came in. There are about twenty in attendance. The advanced class in Bible (native) is finishing the third year's work. The period covered is from the crossing of the Jordan to the kingdom of Solomon. “Patriarchs and Prophets” is used as a help in this study. Each lesson is made practical, and the reason is always sought for the various experiences of Israel. The second class is studying the life of Paul. The same plan of making the lesson a part of the daily life and experience is followed. “Sketches from the Life of Paul” is used as a help in this class. The third class is studying the life of Christ. “Desire of Ages” is the reference book in this class. As each act of the Master is seen to fit into the divine plan for him, we seek to fit our lives into the place he, who has given to every man his work, has for us. Instruction is also given in the English language, arithmetic, and geography. Outside the class room the boys are employed on the farm, and the girls in the home. Twenty boys under Brother Sturdevant's direction have carried on the farm work. Twenty acres are planted to peanuts; thirty-five acres to mealies, and ten to sweet potatoes. The boys are taught to plow, drive team, cultivate, and do general farm work. In this way we hope to accomplish much in character-building, and at the same time provide a support for the school. Three of the boys herd the cattle, goats, and mules. The girls prepare the food, care for the home, and take two lessons in sewing each week. Several garments have been made besides the mending of their own clothes. The Lord has blessed in a wonderful manner in the finances. We have been able to pay all of our native help, the workers, with some cash on hand. All this has come from the sale of grain in the shop. I hope soon to be able to answer some of the calls for schools. I am planning to open three new schools the first of the year. All these have been put off the last two or three years because we did not have the teachers to send to them. I feel that they should wait no longer. There is considerable fever among the boys at present. This is due to the recent heavy rains. Western Pennsylvania Conference
By C. S. Longacre
The semiannual business session of the Western Pennsylvania Conference convened in Pittsburg at the call of President E. J. Dryer. The executive committee had some very important matters to decide, and therefore solicited the counsel of our brethren throughout the conference. All our ministers, Bible workers, and quite a number of our canvassers and leading brethren were present. The meetings began on Tuesday, January 12, and adjourned on Monday, January 18. The business sessions were interesting, profitable, and determinative of progressive undertakings. Every phase of the message received careful consideration, and definite steps were taken to put the medical, educational, canvassing, and evangelical work upon a better footing. The conference decided to equip and open treatment rooms in or near Pittsburg, as soon as sufficient capital has been secured. The institution and workers will receive their support from the conference. The conference committee will have the general direction of the welfare of the institution, but a local board elected by the conference committee will manage the details of the institution. It was the sense of the conference to put every feature of the message, together with all the workers connected with it, upon the same basis. The city of Pittsburg presents very favorable conditions for the promulgation of the medical and health principles, and we look forward to the building up of an extensive work in the near future in this place. We will make strong efforts to solicit as many donations and use as little borrowed capital as possible. We will proceed on a small and safe basis, and enlarge according to the needs. Another important step was taken in the work of reorganization, by dividing the conference into five districts. Elder I. N. Williams was given charge of District No. 1; Elder C. F. McVagh of No. 2; Elder E. J. Dryer, president of the conference, of No. 3; Elder C. S. Longacre of No. 4; and Elder W. F. Schwartz of No. 5. These leaders will look after the interests in each district, keep in close touch with the churches, and give more attention to their welfare than they have received in the past. It was also decided to transfer the headquarters of this conference from Williamsport to Corydon. The change is to be effected not later than next June. Elder I. N. Williams was elected to act as treasurer, as soon as the transfer is effected. It was recommended that the Western Pennsylvania Conference Association be incorporated as soon as possible in order to establish new enterprises, and hold property and legacies. A conference association constitution was drawn up, pending ratification. The constituency consists of ten members, comprising the present conference committee, and a representative of each of the five districts. The stately steppings of an unseen Guest were distinctly recognized by all in all the meetings. The Lord came especially near to his people in the Sabbath services. The Allegheny church united with the Pittsburg church in all-day services, and the large hall on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Stevenson Street, was well filled. Elder E. J. Dryer gave a stirring discourse in the forenoon on the distinctive features of the third angel's message, and the dangers of being side-tracked. Elder I. N. Williams spoke in the afternoon, after which an earnest appeal was made to the young people. Twenty-six young people came forward, some to consecrate themselves anew to the work of the Lord, some to be reclaimed from a backslidden condition, and others made the start for the first time in the Christian life. It was cheering and reviving to the soul to behold the promising and touching scene, and all felt that it was an earnest and precursor of the outpouring of the latter rain. The Pittsburg church contemplates the erection of a church building in the near future. This new conference, with its new plans, has a bright prospective future. It has added to its list of workers five new laborers since last June, and is planning to add a few more.19 The brethren departed with glad hearts, fresh courage, bright hopes, and new zeal to press the battle to the gates. The Revival in Battle Creek
[From private letters received from Battle Creek which have given some account of the recent revival in the church at that place, we make the following extracts for the benefit of the readers of the Review.—Ed.] “This work began last fall when we inaugurated a ten days’ church institute. Various lines of church work were taken into consideration, and a good interest was secured. We felt at the time that the institute was of great value to the members of the church. Immediately following this institute there was inaugurated in each district of the church a health school, in which the principles of health were thoroughly taught to the people, and they were encouraged to go out among their neighbors and put into practise the principles learned. This greatly encouraged the people to engage in personal missionary work. Then came the week of prayer, and we are free to say that there never has been a more successful week of prayer held in this church. This was not the result of the labors of special leaders, for we had only our own workers in the church; but we believe that the institute and the schools of health had prepared the church to receive this added blessing, and besides, we feel that the members of the church are beginning to realize their situation, and are turning unto the Lord.” “Immediately after the week of prayer the Young People’s convention was held. During this season there was a special manifestation of the blessing of the Lord upon the entire church, and especially among the young people. The meetings were of so much interest, and so largely attended, that the church board felt that it would not be right to allow the meetings to stop, so they invited Brother Luther Warren to remain with us, as he had been in attendance during the Young People’s convention. The interest in the meetings has continued during the last three weeks. So you see we have had a continuous series of meetings for the last three months; and it is the intention of the Board not to cease their efforts now, but to go forward in the opening providences of the Lord, and do whatever can be done for the advancement of the work.” “As the results of his [Brother Warren’s] efforts here, one hundred and forty-seven persons have been baptized. Very few of these are under fifteen years of age, yet most of them are young people, but of course there is some sprinkling of gray hairs. I believe there have been about three hundred public conversions. I think that this estimate includes those who had backslidden, those who had never made a start, and those who were entirely out of the truth. Night before last [January 23] I understand that there was a public call for those who would give their lives, their time, their means, and all they had for the advancement of the third angel’s message, and two hundred pledged everything they have on earth for the furtherance of this cause.” “A training-school for workers, I am informed, is being opened up, and arrangements are being perfected whereby lessons will be given to qualify these workers to do something for the Master.” “I was at the meeting last night, and they had a very good service. Quite a good many came forward, and hundreds bore testimony. I counted at one time about sixty on their feet, waiting to bear testimony.” “Over forty have given themselves to the canvassing work. Canvassing classes are being conducted daily and nightly, and I think that twenty have pledged themselves for life, while about twenty others have pledged themselves to take it up at once as a stepping-stone to something in the future, either medical work or the ministry. Brother Campbell, of the West Michigan Conference, and Brother Blosser are here, putting in their entire time in giving these canvassers instruction.” “It is proposed to organize several Bible classes, one to be conducted by Brother Jones, in which will be enlisted the young men who think of making the ministry their calling. Another class will be organized for those who wish to enter the Bible work; and a special class will be formed and conducted by Dr. Morse for those who wish to take a little extra drill in the medical missionary work. The entire class of the whole number interested in this effort, consisting of about one hundred and fifty persons, will be organized into a missionary band.” “The brethren here in this church expect that we can send out a large number of workers in the near future. This has been the aim from the first, and we are thankful to know that a large number of the Battle Creek church have expressed a desire to move out into fields of usefulness. The Spirit of the Lord has come in graciously, and is working upon the hearts of nearly every member of the church. We have not seen a more decided, earnest effort on the part of the members of the Battle Creek church to find their true situation, and turn unto the Lord, than at the present time.” The Week of Prayer in the French Field
By B. G. Wilkinson
AFTER passing the first Sabbath of the week of prayer with the Paris church, I left to visit the company at Banges, in the eastern part of France. The Spirit of the Lord greatly blessed our meeting. On Christmas night, by lantern light, I baptized three earnest souls, who desired to be enrolled among the number of the disciples. Among these was a young man who for four years has been clerk and student in a law office; but having studied the message for a few months, he had decided to obey. The Protestant pastor of the community had cited him as an example of good moral character. The Sabbath following, we broke bread together, the Spirit of God witnessing his good pleasure by removing all past differences, and firmly uniting the little company in the bonds of brotherly love. I ordained Brother Guichon as elder of the little flock. This brother is a blacksmith, who, for several years, has manifested a Christian spirit in his daily walk. The tithes of the quarter were faithfully paid, and a Christmas donation offered to the work. Three more young people testified of their desire to walk more faithfully in the future, and will soon receive baptism. From eastern France I passed over into French-Switzerland, holding the annual assemblies with the churches of Brenne, Mouden, Geneva, and Lausanne. The little church of Geneva now numbers nearly fifty members. They have rented a small hall in the center of the city, where services are open to the public two or three times a week. There are good prospects before the church of Geneva. At Lausanne there is a good interest in the truth. On Friday night there were a few strangers in the meeting. Though the message was addressed to the church, yet the strangers were so deeply interested that they invited others to attend, and on Sunday night the hall was crowded with strangers. Every available seat was taken, and even planks were added to give more seating capacity. At the close of this meeting I was made acquainted with two of the listeners, who expressed their intention soon to receive baptism and join the church. It is to be regretted that we do not have a minister available for Lausanne. From Lausanne I went to Yverdon, the city of Pestalozzi. Here I met with the committee of the French-Swiss Conference. We had a pleasant and profitable meeting. Measures were adopted which I think will help the work this coming year. Addition was made to the working force of the conference, a young brother who had attended the Geneva and Paris schools being invited to assist Brother Tieche, the president of the conference, in his work in Geneva. The report of work from Belgium is also encouraging. Brother Curdy writes of a number of interested ones whom he thinks will soon be ready for baptism. Our Brethren Bond in Spain are much encouraged in seeing a new person accept the truth. The work in Spain needs our prayers. Brother Nussbaum sends word from the south of France that the week of prayer caused quite a revival among the churches and companies of that section. The little company at Brignon has recently been encouraged, several persons having decided to begin the observance of the Sabbath. We have no reason to feel discouraged over the outlook of the work in the French-Latin field. Quite the contrary. The committee of this field will meet at Valence, France, the first of the coming month. At this meeting we expect that important decisions will be made to advance the work in this field. We thank God for his guidance in the past, and by faith we expect it in the future. B. G. WILKINSON,
8 rue Belloni, Paris, France. Lake Union Notes
By J. B. Blosser
THE tokens of a revival of the canvassing work in many places are appearing. In the West Michigan Conference a field secretary has recently been chosen, and in Battle Creek the revival that began during the week of prayer, and has been increasing ever since, is now showing results, a number entering the canvassing work. Some are old canvassers who have been aroused to their first love. In all the conferences of this district there is a growing conviction that this20 branch of the Lord's work should receive more attention. The people are willing to buy our books. One canvasser who has been working in the same city for four or five years, recently reported a delivery of two hundred and forty-seven books, valued at $598.20, during December. As he recanvasses the territory, he finds many who will buy a whole set of books. As a sample, one man bought twenty-five dollars' worth. A thirst for our books is created by giving them a sup the first time. J. B. BLOSSER. The International Publishing Association
By E. T. Russell
THE corporation known as the International Publishing Association was formed at Grand Island, Neb., Sept. 6-9, 1903. I will state briefly the steps that led to the formation of this association. 1. The General Conference held at Oakland, Cal., March, 1903, provided for the formation of a committee of fifteen to have charge of the foreign publishing work in America. Six of these committeemen were to be appointed by the General Conference Committee, and nine by the Central Union Conference Committee. In due time the committeemen were appointed as recommended, with two additional members. 2. Through a call made by W. C. White, chairman of the Publishing Committee of the General Conference, and the president of the Central Union Conference, the committee met at Grand Island, Neb., September 6-9, and formed the International Publishing Association. The action of this committee in the creation of the association, and in laying plans for placing the foreign work on a firm basis, was indorsed by the General Conference Council held at Washington, D. C., in October, 1903. At this council the needs of the work were considered, and actions were passed recommending that a general donation of six thousand dollars for this work be called for the first Sabbath in February, that should this collection amount to more than the sum called for, the surplus be donated to the work in Washington, and that each of the foreign papers solicit donations from its own people. The object of this association is to print, purchase, and sell religious, health, and educational literature throughout the United States in the German, Danish-Norwegian, Swedish, and other foreign languages. Thus it will be to these different nationalities represented in the denomination what the Review and Herald Publishing Company and the Pacific Press Publishing Company are to the English-speaking people. The association has purchased and fitted up a building at College View, Neb., as economically as possible, in which to do their work. In this they have set an example that is commendable. In fact, no means has been expended unnecessarily for outward show, yet they have a good, neat, commodious plant in which to do their work. They need six thousand dollars on or before April 1 in order to meet certain obligations, and be prepared to do efficient work. For years our foreign brethren have contributed liberally to conference and institutional work. Our sanitariums and publishing houses represent the sweat, toil, and sacrifice of these brethren as well as of the English brethren. In times of necessity they have shared our denominational burdens, and when appeals have been made for means with which to assist any worthy enterprise, they have responded liberally. The money that has been used thus far in the work of the foreign publishing association has been donated by our foreign brethren. They have taken hold of the work nobly, and we feel assured that they will continue to lift with heart and hand until the work is done. Shall we not assist them by a liberal contribution Sabbath, February 6? I am sure this will be pleasing to the Lord. May the Lord stir the hearts of our brethren to abound in the grace of giving at this time for the benefit of this needy enterprise.