DEHRA DUN.—Shortly after coming to Dehra, the annual conference of the Hindustani Reformed Presbyterian Mission was held in the Hindustani church adjoining our little bungalow. Quite a number of workers were present from distant places, and during the intermissions of the conference my husband was kept busy studying with different ones of the delegates on points of present truth, as they would come to visit us.
Among those who were in attendance was a Hindustani minister who was the guest of the pastor of the church where the conference was held. Seeing us going back and forth, he inquired of the pastor who we were, and was informed that we were teachers of a new doctrine; that we observed the seventh-day Sabbath, and did not use meat or tea. This aroused his interest, and he sought an early opportunity of becoming acquainted with us.
At his first visit my husband had a little Bible study with him on the soon coming of the Lord. This seemed to take hold of his heart as I have seldom seen it affect any one, and in our season of prayer after the study, as he pleaded with God for entire cleansing and a preparation to meet Jesus when he comes, the Holy Spirit seemed to fill the room. From that time, instead of attending the conference sessions, he would come to us to study the truth and seek the Lord. The last Sabbath of the conference he kept his first Sabbath with us, and returned to his home rejoicing in the precious light he had found.
For some time before meeting this man, we had been making our noon-time seasons of prayer a time of specially seeking the Lord that he would send us some one to train for the Hindustani work, and we felt that this man was sent in direct answer to prayer. He is now with us, studying the truth more fully, preparatory to going out and proclaiming the message among the Hindustani people.
About the time of the conversion of this brother to the truth, we began to17receive letters from several in Agra, one of the oldest native cities in India, who had learned something of the message through the efforts of Amar Nath, the young man who accepted the message last summer in Almora. One of these is a man who holds a responsible position in the Baptist Mission of that place, and who speaks English, Hindi, Urdu, Persian, and Arabic. His wife is a doctor. Another inquirer is a teacher in the government school of Agra. These, with several others who were interested, were very desirous of learning more of the truth for this generation, and so a few weeks ago my husband made them a visit, and had a blessed time studying with them. There are now four families keeping the Sabbath in that stronghold of heathenism. From a letter just received from one of them I quote: “We meet together now on the seventh-day Sabbath for prayer and the reading of God’s Word. Last Lord’s day we assembled at the house of Brother Gabriel, and had a joyful time, indeed.” One of these brethren, of his own accord, has translated several of our strongest Sabbath tracts into the Hindustani. The translation is excellent, and so we shall soon have a good supply of Sabbath literature in this language spoken by more than eighty million people.
In this experience that has come to our Hindustani work during the past few weeks, we feel that we have been having some droppings of the latter rain, and we are assured that abundant showers are soon to follow.
GEORGIA A. BURGESS
South Africa
By I. J. Hankins
MAY 28 I left Cape Town for Komgha, a little town near the Transkei, and about nine hundred miles by rail from the Cape. Here Brethren Tarr and Sates had conducted a series of tent-meetings, and eight adults had accepted the message. While further instruction was being given to this little company, the husband of a Catholic woman who had begun to keep the Sabbath, came to visit her. He attended all our studies, and decided to unite with his wife in obeying God. He had previously made no profession of religion.
It was during my stay in Komgha that a ten thousand edition of the Sentinel on the subject of religious liberty was circulated. It was sent to ministers, legislators, judges, city councilors, magistrates, lawyers, and other prominent men in all parts of South Africa. The subject was opportune; for in different places the question was in agitation. In Kimberley the city council had authorized the police to enforce an old “Lord's day act,” and thus put a stop to Sunday desecration and labor. Religious and secular papers are advocating a better observance of Sunday, and ministers are preaching the same needed reform.
After assisting Brother Tarr in Komgha for three weeks, I went to Rokeby Park, a country place near Grahamstown, where I conducted meetings and organized a church seventeen years ago. Little labor had been put forth in this place for a long time, yet nearly all were steadfast in the faith. For the benefit of the young people especially, I reviewed the evidences of our faith in a few weeks' series of studies. The young people have an organized society, and while studying for self-improvement, they are also circulating our literature. While I was there, they planned for a reading and study of “Great Controversy.” For eleven years one of our young sisters has been conducting a farm school in a room of her father's house, receiving partial support from the government. This school has been composed mostly of Seventh-day Adventist children, and though subject to government inspectors and examinations, it has been as near a church-school as the teacher could make it, and it has been a great benefit to our people. Before our series of meetings closed, seven of the dear young people consecrated their lives to the Lord's service, and were baptized in the Blaauw Krantz River.
This section has become noted in recent years for its production of pineapples. The yield has overstocked the local markets, and negotiations are now proceeding with London for the exportation of this excellent fruit. This comparatively new enterprise, together with ostrich farming, has helped to tide our brethren over the droughts, locust plague, and stock diseases which have been so prevalent in late years. At the July quarterly meeting, the Rokeby church paid nearly three hundred dollars in tithes and offerings. The Lord is blessing those who are faithful to him.
July 24 I came to the diamond fields. Here in Beaconsfield, seventeen years ago, Elder Boyd and I conducted our first general meeting in South Africa, and dedicated our first church building. Several of the charter members have given up the truth, and others are scattered in different parts of this land. A few accessions have been made from time to time, yet with constant removals and a few deaths, the present membership is small. Kimberley has not been as fruitful in souls for the Master's kingdom as in diamonds for wealth seekers. The Kimberley Baths have, by their Sabbath-closed doors, kept this feature of truth before the public for the last nine years. Under the careful management of Brother and Sister Willson, this work has grown in influence and efficiency, and, notwithstanding the war and the serious depression following, the institution has greatly improved its property, added necessary land, and steadily reduced its debts.
At first the resident physicians were averse to sending their patients to the Baths for treatment, but gradually as they saw obstinate conditions yield to the simple measures employed, they gained confidence, and now all the leading doctors in the city send patients for treatment; and some of them have sent members of their own families, and have been so well satisfied with the results that they have paid extra for the service. While in most cases the doctors prescribe treatment, some of them place their patients fully in Brother Willson's hands to use his own judgment in treatments. This shows confidence.
The good hand of Providence has directed the work, and has kept the workers from mistakes that might have been serious in their results. Brother Willson has treated many cases in the city hospital, and our methods are in favor with physicians and matron there. About sixty-six hundred treatments have been given during the past eight years, one third of these to ladies. Health foods have a fairly good sale, and health literature is being read with interest by our patrons. Our denominational literature is kept in a reading-rack in the entrance hall, and is read more or less. The work and influence of the Baths have resulted in the recovery of persons who were beyond help from the ordinary drug medication; in the disuse by many of tea, coffee, meat, tobacco, and spirituous liquors; in a better knowledge of the laws of health; and also in the sowing of some good gospel seed, which will doubtless yield its fruit some day.
Hard times, retrenchment, and bankruptcy have followed the recent war in this land, till men's hearts are failing for fear of what may yet come to intensify the situation. Strikes in the gold mines, dismissal of men from the diamond mines, and a rumor that the government is about to dismiss nearly three thousand railway employees,—these are the things that bring distress upon men, and lead them to acts of violence. These are among the evidences of the speedy approach of the “time of trouble,” and the consummation of the Lord's work. May the glad day hasten!
I. J. HANKINS.
A New Conference in the South
By William Ambrose Spicer
THE camp-meeting for South Carolina was held at Spartanburg, the center of the cotton industry in the State, and an educational center also. Here it was that Elder R. T. Nash and others were arrested last year for Sunday work.
The meetings were well attended by the public. Nowhere are more interested audiences found than in the Southern field. It is this fact that keeps one longing to see more laborers, more evangelists with experience in tent and public effort coming into these States, where growing and thriving cities are to be found on every side unentered.
About eighty believers were in attendance. They voted to organize their mission field as a conference. Elder Butler presided in the meetings, and the conference was organized and took up its work in a thoroughly businesslike way. It was interesting to note how the organization of the conference stimulated all the members, leading them to pledge themselves to greater earnestness and faithfulness. Elder R. T. Nash was elected president, and Mrs. Eva Champlin secretary and treasurer.
This field has shown vigorous growth since it was set apart by itself as a mission field. Last year its tithe was $1,646, an increase of $552 over the previous year. The book sales by their twelve canvassers were $6,235, nearly double the previous year's record. The canvassers present were full of zeal and courage in their work, and they plead earnestly for others to come and join them. Out of forty counties only about four have been entered, and that with one book mainly.
The membership of the new conference is one hundred, in four churches. Fifty-four others are keeping the Sabbath, and a new church is soon to be formed. The gain in Sabbath-keepers has been thirty-seven per cent the last year, the highest percentage of gain among all the fields in the South.
Elder Butler took up every day a study of the fundamentals of the message and the experiences of the advent people. Elder E. W. Parmele, while representing the publishing and missionary interests of this union, carried, as usual, a leading18burden in the evening services. Elder W. J. Blake, of the Huntsville school, was also present, and Professor Van Kirk, of Graysville. Hearts were converted, and we look to see additions to the church in Spartanburg as the interest is followed up. Brethren Nash and Crothers are to continue the meetings.
At the same time a tent-meeting for colored people was conducted in another part of the city by Brother D. E. Blake, a West Indian brother, who received his training at the South Lancaster Academy.
This new conference represents an aggressive agency in the field.
W. A. SPICER.
Solusi Mission, Matabeleland
By M. C. Sturdevant; M. J. Sturdevant
KNOWING of the faithfulness of the REVIEW readers in supporting the work in the foreign fields, and of their interest in the old Matabeleland Mission station, I will give a brief report of its work, and of our endeavor to push out into places unentered.
God has greatly blessed the work here the past year. Most of the members of the church are still faithful to their vows. Progress has also been made in the school. Its work has been mostly in the hands of Brother G. A. Ellingworth and our native teachers, I teaching only a few classes each day when I could be at home. I have been called away much of the time by matters outside. The work of the farm and the care of temporal things have been upon my wife and myself.
Mrs. Sturdevant, being the only white woman on the place, has had heavy burdens in the domestic department. All the care of the homes and of the children has been upon her. Yet God has greatly blessed us all in health. Mrs. Sturdevant has not had the fever during the five and one-half years of our stay here. I have had the fever only twice, and that the first season. We mention this only that God may have the glory. We feel that we would indeed be ungrateful did we not tell of his keeping power over us.
I would urge you, my fellow workers, not to be afraid to move out into unentered fields when God puts the burden upon you. The call is a pledge in itself. God will care for you. Not one moment have we longed for home since coming here, knowing so surely that it was God who called us here.
And now we feel that we can no longer stay here at Solusi, for we greatly desire to push on into places not yet entered. Last May, Elder W. S. Hyatt came to help in the work here so that I could go and find a new opening. I felt that God was calling me to this work, and May 27 started with three of our boys for a trip six hundred miles farther to the north, two hundred miles beyond Brother W. H. Anderson and within thirty-five miles of the end of the railroad that is to be built to Cairo. The work of building is stopped at the present, but it is expected to go on again at almost any time.
We had the privilege of stopping with Brother Anderson a few days, and seeing the work the Lord is doing through his servants there. God has truly blessed them, and a good beginning has been made. We also stopped at Kalomo, and got permission from the government officials to go on and choose a place, asking them for a grant of land, and receiving every encouragement to that end. We also had to get permission from the magistrate and native commissioner of Mwombashi, the place toward which we were traveling.
Receiving this permission, we proceeded to search the country for a place, and to visit the natives, inquiring of them if they wanted a teacher to come and live among them and teach them the way of God. I do not know how one could find a more hungry people than we found. And when told it would be many months if not a full year before we could come, they cried out, “Why wait, so long? Why leave us so long in the dark?” The hardest thing I ever did was to leave this people and return to Solusi.
And now I ask you, my brethren, How long are these people to wait? We need a man and his wife to take charge of the station here, and that very soon. We also need and ask for means to go on with. In a country like this one can not start a new mission without some outlay. We are expecting our brethren in the home field to come to our help, and we believe you will respond. Let us finish the work quickly, and go home. Jesus has promised to come when we have carried the gospel to all the world. We have been slow enough. Let us now scatter out into the new places. I will go; who will come? Who will give that others may come?
While hunting for our mission site, many were the young men who followed us, urging us to hasten and start the school, that they might learn quickly. Two young men, knowing which way we had gone, followed our footmarks twenty miles in the country, hoping we would take them at once and teach them. As we were on our way back to the town, they returned with us, and stayed with us that night. The next day we were to take the train home again. One of these young men would not leave, but said he was going with me. I told him he could not. He said: “I have one pound; lend me money sufficient to go with you, and I will work for you till I can pay you back.” I saw he was a good boy, willing to take hold, as he had helped us carry our equipment after overtaking us, without receiving any remuneration, so I brought him home. He is with us to-day, and I am expecting him to be a help to me when I shall return. Pray for us in this our new undertaking.
We are trying to close up the work here so it will be left in a healthy condition. Last year the children here helped me plant a little garden outside of our regular mission garden in anticipation of this new undertaking. It brought us twenty pounds ($100). This will help us to buy some cattle. So while we are calling for help, we are also trying to help ourselves. We are teaching the children that they have a part to act also. They are all going to help all they can. While our whole soul is in this work, we are not unmindful of other fields and their needs, and of the home field and its earnest strivings. Our hearts are with you, and we believe your prayers are with us.
M. C. STURDEVANT,
M. J. STURDEVANT.
India's Great Need
By Bertha A. Kurtz
ANY one being in India, if but for a short time, will appreciate the importance of carrying out the injunction given by our Saviour in Matt. 9:38: “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” When we realize that there are millions here in India who have heard nothing of the third angel’s message, and who must hear it before our Lord can return, and then when we take into consideration the few who are here to bring this last message to this vast multitude, we feel like exclaiming, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers” into this needy field.
I feel safe in saying that the earnest prayer of every worker here in India is that the Lord will lay the burden of the needs of this country on the hearts of many of our young people in the home land to such an extent that they will cheerfully consecrate their lives to the spread of this message among the people of India.
God has told us that there would be some of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people who would accept this message and have a place in his soon-coming19kingdom. I feel sure that there are many who are honest in heart among the people of India, and that a rich harvest awaits any one who, relying on God for help, will enter this field and search for the jewels scattered among this great sea of people.
I have been in this country only a little more than a year, but during this time I have learned truly to love these people, although up to the present time I have not been able to work much among them, except through the distribution of tracts, as I am unable to speak their language; but as I am devoting my time now to its study, I am looking forward in happy anticipation to the time when I shall be able to tell them in their own tongue the blessed news of Christ’s soon coming, when all who keep his commandments shall be gathered home, and shall have right to the tree of life.
BERTHA A. KURTZ.
Work in Saginaw
By W. Ostrander
Michigan
SAGINAW.—It has been a long time since I have written anything for the REVIEW, and I presume I would not be writing now, were it not for a rumor to the effect that I had become disaffected; but I am glad to say I have never entertained a doubt in regard to the truthfulness of the message in its entirety, and my confidence in its final triumph is unshaken.
During the past eight months I have been carrying reading-matter containing the precious truth into over six hundred homes in this city, besides holding public meetings in the church Sabbaths and Sunday evenings. We have cottage meetings weekly. The best of it all is, many have become interested in the truth, and some have started to obey. May God baptize us all for service to the finishing of the work in this generation. W. OSTRANDER.
I. SANBORN
By I. Sanborn
Ontario
I THOUGHT a brief report of labor might be interesting to my brethren and sisters who have known me in the past. I am now in my eighty-fifth year, and have just returned from a two-weeks’ meeting with the Essex church in Ontario, Canada. During this time I was privileged to speak to the people fourteen times, and made twenty visits, studying the Bible and praying with the people; and Sunday, the last day of the meeting, I spoke at 10 A. M. and at 2 P. M., then rode eight miles to Lake Erie, and baptized three precious souls, one a brother eighty years old. I praise God that he gives me the power to do the work he gives me to do. I remember that the Lord has said, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. . . . They shall still bring forth fruit in old age. . . . To show that the Lord is upright: he is my rock.” Ps. 92: 12-15.
I. SANBORN
The Kansas Camp-Meeting
By K. C. Russell
THIS meeting was held in Riverside Park, Wichita, Kan., August 15-25. The location of the camp was an ideal one. The attendance of our people was the largest for years, aggregating upward of fourteen hundred. On the first Sabbath and Sunday and the last Sabbath and Sunday, the weather was ideal, but during the greater part of the remaining time, it was rainy and damp. When the weather permitted, there was an excellent attendance of the citizens of Wichita, especially on the first and last Sunday nights of the meeting. Owing to the fact that the weather was largely inclement, the preaching was directed especially to the interests of our own people.
During the first part of the meeting, Elder Daniells devoted much of the time to discussing the important subjects, Organization and the Spirit of Prophecy. These studies were greatly appreciated by our people.
It was found that a clear understanding of the principles of organization enabled the delegates more easily to adjust the business of the conference. Elder Charles Thompson, of Red Cloud, Neb., was unanimously elected president of the Kansas Conference, and Elder A. R. Ogden was chosen vice-president. We believe that the members of the conference will give these brethren their hearty support in every way.
On the part of the people there was a longing desire for a greater nearness to God, to fit them for the testing scenes that await his people in the closing days of this work, and on the last Sabbath of the meeting there was a most remarkable response to the invitation to seek the Lord for the forgiveness of sin, and for power to live the truth in these perilous times.
The aggregate number of baptisms during the meeting was eighty-two, and a goodly number of these were those who had never before given their hearts to God.
We believe that this meeting will mark an important epoch in the history of the Kansas Conference. The membership of this conference is over three thousand. Last year the tithes aggregated thirty-one thousand dollars, and the treasurer's report showed that there was a surplus of over eight thousand dollars. The conference unanimously voted that four thousand of this surplus should be appropriated to the foreign missionary work. Nearly all the delegates regretted that the conference was not able to make the appropriation larger. We feel certain that with a spirit on the part of the constituency of a great conference like Kansas to help in sending the message to the darkened corners of the earth, God will add to their numbers, and also bless in their finances, so that as the years go by, their offerings may increase more and more until the work is finished.
There was quite an amount raised in cash and pledges to liquidate the indebtedness resting upon the Wichita Sanitarium. Not only were collections taken for this, but also for part of the amount due on the $150,000 fund, and also a donation for the work among the blind people of the United States, as well as for the work in Spanish Honduras.
The work of the Kansas committee was executed with dispatch and with a great degree of harmony.
Brother A. S. Bringel was ordained to the gospel ministry, Sabbath morning, August 24. God's Spirit witnessed to the ordination service.
It will be interesting to the reader to know that the $4,000 surplus given to the foreign missionary work was divided as follows: $1,000 to be divided equally between Brazil and Western South America; $1,000 to India; $1,000 to China; $1,000 to be divided equally between Japan and Korea.
The laborers in attendance at this meeting, in addition to the regular conference workers, were Elders A. G. Daniells, R. C. Porter, E. T. Russell, Prof. C. C. Lewis, Elders B. G. Wilkinson, H. F. Graf of Brazil, G. F. Haffner, and Brother C. L. Benson, and the writer.
Prof. H. M. Hiatt was elected superintendent of the church-school and young people's work. The prospects are that there will be more than a score of church-schools in Kansas the coming year.
The young people's work at the Kansas camp-meeting was also an important feature. About three hundred young people were in attendance at this camp-meeting.
The people returned to their homes with new courage and great rejoicing because of the blessings received during the meeting. Our prayer is that the blessing of Heaven may attend the work and workers of this conference during the year to come.
K. C. RUSSELL.
The Sale of Our Large Books in Georgia
By Arthur L. Manous
One of our canvassers who has been working for “Daniel and the Revelation” and the “Seer of Patmos,” has demonstrated that in Georgia the large books deliver as well as the smaller ones, or even better.
This canvasser had one hundred and seven orders for “Daniel and the Revelation” and fifty-six for “Seer of Patmos” in one delivery. Of “Daniel and the Revelation” he delivered ninety-seven, or about ninety per cent. Of the “Seer of Patmos” he delivered forty-three, or about seventy-six per cent.
This shows that the large books “will make their way,” as the Lord has told us through his servant.
“The larger books should be sold everywhere. [Note the expression, “everywhere.”] These books contain present truth for this time,—truth that is to be proclaimed in all parts of the world. [Again note the expression, “all parts of the world.”]” Our canvassers are to circulate the books that give definite instruction regarding the testing messages that are to prepare a people to stand on the platform of eternal truth, holding aloft the banner on which is inscribed, “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,”—Special Testimony, Dec. 6, 1902.
Again we read: “The important books containing the truth regarding Satan’s apostasy in heaven, should be given wide circulation just now; for through them the truth will reach many minds. “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” and “Great Controversy” are needed now as never20before. They should be widely circulated because the truths they emphasize will open many blind eyes.
“Many of our people have been blind to the importance of the very books that were most needed. Had tact and skill been shown in the sale of these books, the Sunday law would not be where it is to-day.”—Review and Herald, June 1, 1905.
“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” 2 Chron. 20: 20, last part.
There are over one hundred counties in this great Empire State of the South practically or wholly unworked for the above-named books. “O, where are the reapers?” Who wants a part in circulating the printed page in this State?
If there are those who are interested in the canvassing work in Georgia, they would do well to correspond with Elder Geo. W. Wells, Alpharetta, Ga., or with the writer. ARTHUR L. MANOUS.
375 Woodward Ave., Atlanta, Ga.
California
By H. Shultz
SAN FRANCISCO.—In company with Elder Hibbard and others I have been holding meetings in a tent in this city since April 14. From the beginning the attendance has been fairly good. Near the close of the meeting, all in the tent declared by rising to their feet that they had heard the truth of God, there being about ninety persons in the tent. Then we asked how many would obey the truth which they had heard, and all but three arose to their feet. For the last few evenings we have held meetings in the church, and expect to continue doing so until we get the tent pitched in a new place, about a mile from where it now is. We have had baptism three times during our meetings, and others are waiting for baptism. H. SHULTZ.
Bermuda
By James A. Morrow
HAMILTON.—We do not succeed in getting very many to attend our public meetings, but there are persons scattered pretty well throughout the island with whom we are holding Bible readings.
A Portuguese from Cape Verde Island, who lives near St. George, began to keep the Sabbath last month. A soldier who holds the rank of staff-sergeant has decided to observe the seventh day. His wife has been keeping the Sabbath since the first of the year. When this man made his decision, he asked the commanding officer for the privilege of remaining, with relief from Sabbath service. This was denied him. He then requested his discharge. He has received word that his relief will be here early next month, so he expects his discharge. Before forwarding his request, his colonel told him that he had better consider the matter well, for he was their second bookkeeper, and in two months he would be entitled to a promotion, which would mean thirty shillings a month more while in the service, and ten pence a day advance in his pension, in case he left the service. His answer was, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” He did not delay even one day. He signed the paper the same day, and returned it. His colonel and others tell him he must be crazy. He finds comfort in Isa. 59: 15: “He that departeth from evil is accounted mad.” JAMES A. MORROW.
The Measure of Success of Missionary Nurses
By W. F. Lange
The work of a nurse covers a large field. The idea is not so much the relief we give to the sufferer as it is the spirit in which this relief is given. For this reason it seems to me the performance of our duties should be marked by unselfishness. Again, the question might be asked, Is not the relief afforded the sufferer a religious act in itself? Personally, I do not think it is. All over the world are thousands of physicians and nurses who are doing grand and noble work in lessening the sickness and suffering of mankind; but are they living religious lives? We find also that a vast amount of money is given every year for benevolent purposes by those who do not believe in the gospel of our Lord; but will this benevolence save them? What, then, is the vital connection between these kind acts to suffering humanity and the religious life? The apostle Paul says, in his letter to the Corinthians, “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Here, then, is that secret principle, charity, which makes the ministrations of a nurse a part of his religion. This genuine unselfish love for our frailer and weaker brother, should be the very foundation upon which the Christian nurse builds the structure of his success.
But just what is meant by the word “charity,” or “love”? Let us consider further to ascertain the true meaning of the language of the apostle, for it is a term of many definitions. He gives us, in the following verses, some conception of the genuine charity of which he is speaking: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, Charity envieth not; . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity; but rejoiceth in the truth.” Notice the last clause, “rejoiceth in the truth.” These are some of the attributes of that great love of the Father that caused him to give his only Son for the salvation of mankind. It is a love that will not be satisfied with the simple giving of comforts in this life, such as food and clothing and freedom from physical suffering; but it is a love that reaches into eternity. Giving a cup of cold water, then, to the traveler, weary and heavy laden, is a kind and loving act in itself; but when given in his name, it shows a love far greater.
The nurse who by long and patient labor and watchful vigil, brings his sufferer safely through the dangers of his affliction renders a noble and lofty service to his fellow man; but if at the same time he goes in Jesus’ name and aids the patient to free himself from the influences of sin that would eventually carry him to destruction, the Christian nurse then accomplishes that which is as much greater than the ordinary as the eternal life is greater than this life. Then, what21is the measure of our success as missionary nurses? Is it the large number of patients we can command by our skill, and the popular institutions with which we are connected? Is it the financial success of the nurse’s profession which commands large pay in many parts of the world?—No, indeed; it is the number that we bring to see and accept the light of present truth. Those who fail to conform their life practise to right principles can not be truly called missionary nurses. They need to be thoroughly converted. Those who are so misled as to engage in this work at our schools for selfish profit, will not meet success along the line at which we aim; but saddest of all, they will exert a wrong influence over others.
The nurse’s work, which is in the association of the sick and dying, ought to lead him ever to bear in mind the responsibility resting upon him, that he is his brother’s keeper, since the patient in his charge may never have another opportunity to know Christ the Redeemer of mankind, who gave up his life on Calvary to save this sin-cursed world. This essential thought of “Am I my brother’s keeper?” when put into the practise of our daily lives, will bring to us the largest possible success we may attain as missionary nurses.
W. F. LANGE.
The Spartanburg (S. C.) Church
Brother R. T. Nash has sent the following appeal concerning the Spartanburg church:—
“We have to date (Aug. 27, 1907) paid $400 on this building, and $400 more is still to be paid. We have $79.11 on hand, and have paid out $92 on repair work. There is some more work that needs to be done at once, but we must not go faster than funds will permit.
“The city is now deeply stirred, as the result of the camp-meeting just held. Our large tent is still up, and is crowded with people every night. Our church building is not yet in a condition to accommodate the people when this after-meeting closes. We need $100 just now for this repair work. I would be glad if all our people who have helped us could see how deeply interested the people are in this city. We are truly thankful for the way in which you have helped us, and still we look to you for aid. Funds for this purpose should be sent to Mrs. R. T. Nash, Campobello, S. C., or to Miss Elizabeth McHugh, Spartanburg, S. C.”
New York
By T. B. Westbrook
ROCHESTER.—Elder J. W. Raymond and the writer opened tent-meetings in this city July 7. The interest was not very good, and the attendance was light. After two weeks we decided to move to another place, and were successful in finding a very desirable location.
The first meeting on the new site was held August 2, with a fair attendance. The interest was good throughout the meetings, and following the first sermon on the Sabbath six souls took their stand to obey.
August 26 we took our tent down, that we might attend the camp-meeting, which opened August 29. As a result of this short effort of three weeks and two days, fifteen are keeping the Sabbath, and several others are interested.
We are of good courage, and rejoice in the Lord for the manifestation of his Spirit here. Let us all pray for the latter rain, and also that the Lord will speedily finish his work in the earth.
T. B. WESTBROOK.
Field Notes
THE meetings at Dinuba, Cal., being conducted by Brethren H. C. Basney and B. L. Howe, have already borne fruit in the baptism of nine persons. They also hope for more.
ON Sabbath, August 17, Brother B. F. Sturman baptized four persons at Flint, Mich. This makes nine who have united with the church there since he began work with the “Family Bible Teacher.”
BROTHER H. LESLEY SHOUP reports that six have begun to walk in the light they have received at the tent which has been pitched in Bridgeport, Conn. Brother J. C. Stevens will continue the work in that city during the winter.
AT the Lafayette (Ind.) camp-meeting, five persons who had never before heard the doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists took their stand with this people. The interest created by the camp-meeting is being developed by Bible workers.
THAT great good can be accomplished by the missionary efforts of our church-members, unaided by ministerial labor, is being demonstrated in Louisville, Ky., where thirteen persons have lately united with our church as the result of faithful work done by twenty-five lay members.—Indiana Reporter.
FOR nearly two months meetings have been held in Chamberlain, S. D., by Brethren C. M. Clark and R. E. Harter, and the interest has been well sustained. The Spirit of God has brought conviction to many hearts. Thirty-two persons have accepted the message, and are keeping the Sabbath, five of these being from the visitors at the new sanitarium recently opened there. A church will soon be organized.
IN a recent number of the Northern Union Reaper Brother John G. Walker writes of his visit to a new company of German Sabbath-keepers about eight miles from the Bowden church. They have a Sabbath-school of thirty, and will soon be ready for church organization. He says: “This company is the direct result of the labors of the elder and members of the Bowden church, and tells what may be done when efforts are put forth in the grace and power of Christ. This is the work that every church should be doing. I wish also to state that the church above-mentioned has never been, in my memory, in so good a spiritual condition as at the present time.”
A FEW months ago Brother J. W. Shields moved from North Dakota to Viola, Idaho, where he found one family of Sabbath-keepers in the village, and a sister far up the mountain. The president of the conference, on learning of the conditions, arranged for Elder L. H. Ells to hold some meetings, which he did in a schoolhouse near the isolated sister’s home. Her husband and daughter have been led to join in obedience to God’s commands, and have been baptized. Two others have also begun to keep the Sabbath, and Brother Ells is now, by invitation, continuing his meetings in the Christian church in the village of Viola, where he has a good interest.
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference