The West German Union meeting was held in Friedensau, Germany, July 19-26. The services were held in a large pavilion pitched near the school and sanitarium. More than 1,200 of our people were present. This union has at present a total membership of 5,845. The net gain in souls during 1913 was 619. The report of tithes for the biennial period showed a gain over the previous period of 55,210 marks, or nearly $14,000. Besides the laborers of the union, Elders L. R. Conradi, H. F. Schuberth, G. W. Schubert, P. Steiner, G. Dail, and W. Koelling and J. Persson from East Africa, and the writer attended this meeting.
Many of our young people who have attended the Friedensau School were present, and a deep interest was shown in the foreign mission work. Elder Conradi's stereopticon talk on Africa was very much appreciated. When he asked how many of the young people present were willing to go to Africa in case they were called, more than 150 arose to their feet.
Last year was a good year for the Friedensau School, which is located in the East German Union, but serves this field also. The school had an attendance of about 150, and 103 of these young persons entered the work at the close of school.
The sanitarium in Friedensau is at present [at the time of the writer's visit] full of patients, and the outlook for the future is good. The manager of the publishing house in Hamburg reported a gain for last year of 103,000 marks, or $25,000. Aside from the profits reported, this publishing house also donated 8,000 marks, the gain on their health paper, Gute Gesundheit, to the sanitarium in Friedensau.
The German papers published at Hamburg are being especially prospered. The Herold der Wahrheit had an average circulation of over 100,000 last year, and showed a financial gain of over $9,000.
A new building has just been completed in Hamburg, and will be occupied by the International Tract Society, the union treasurers' offices, the health association, and the European Division packing department. This building, which has cost $110,000, will have a debt of only $62,000 when completed. The property at Grindelberg 15a, which is worth about $80,000, is free from all obligations.
The Hamburg Publishing House now has six large presses, which are all kept busy printing present truth in over twenty languages. Nearly 1,000 colporteurs are at work selling this literature. While the manager's report showed an encouraging increase in the sale of periodicals and smaller books, the sale of large books in Germany was less last year than the year before. Owing to special difficulties which canvassers have to meet in Germany, they have found they could do better selling books for cash than working on the subscription book plan. This doubtless accounts for the decrease of the sale of large books. But definite plans were made at the German meetings to get out prospectuses for large books, and to make earnest efforts to introduce the subscription book methods. We believe that this will mean an increase in the large book business in Germany in the future.
About 150 colporteurs were present at this conference, and two meetings each day were held in the interests of the colporteur work. Special attention was given to the methods of work which have proved successful in other parts of the world. There was a general sentiment in favor of adopting the regular subscription book plan. All believe that it will result in larger sales in Germany. Special meetings were also held with the nine field agents, who attended this meeting.
The following recommendation was enthusiastically discussed by Elder Conradi and others, and was unanimously adopted:—
“The circulation of our literature being an important factor in the work of the third angel's message, we recommend our workers and church officers to do all in their power to assist the leaders of the colporteur work in selecting promising men and women who will make the colporteur work their life work, and we further recommend that in the future such students in our school who have had good success in colporteur work and possess ability for that work, enter this work after leaving school, with a view of remaining in it.”
In the past, from among the students who attended the school, none have entered the colporteur work, but have been encouraged to take up other lines of work.
Owing to the growth of the work and the size of the territory in the Middle German Conference, it was decided at this meeting to divide this territory (after Magdeburg had been added to it from the East German Union), and thus form a new field — the Thuringian Conference.
In the last meeting that I attended, Sabbath afternoon, the entire congregation expressed the unanimous desire that I take their hearty greetings to the brethren and sisters in America.
COLPORTEURS ATTENDING THE WEST GERMAN UNION MEETING
Our Work in Burma
By R. B. Thurber
R. B. THURBER
The Karens
The Karens may be numbered among the few wild tribes in the world that are actually holding out their hands for Christ. In the olden times, being weaker than some of Burma’s invaders, they were driven to the hills and inaccessible places. Their contact with nature has given them simple faith; the persecutions they had to endure made them lovers of peace and quiet; and like Moses in his exile, they came closer to God. At last their traditions prepared them for the advent of Christianity, which thousands embraced as if it were a forward movement in national progress, which it was.
For years our Burma workers have realized that the Karen harvest is great and fully ripe for this truth. Frequent and persistent calls have been made for a messenger, and two years ago the answer came in the person of Elder G. A. Hamilton and wife, of California. Since their arrival they have been waiting and working for an opening, meanwhile seeking to get a start in the language.
Two years before Brother Hamilton arrived, Miss Mary Gibbs, a nurse, came from America to work for these people. While doing some nursing in Rangoon, she studied Karen, and had remarkable success in acquiring the tongue. She12passed her examinations with honor, and is well able to converse with the people.
Naturally, our people at home are asking, “If the Karens are so anxious to hear the truth, and workers are on the ground to give it to them, why do they not receive it?” In answer we would say that a few have received it, and rejoice in it; but great difficulties have loomed up before us in the Karen work. First, as a rule these people are not congregated in towns nor on the railways, but are far off in the hills and most remote places. They are so scattered that it is hard to find any center where many can be reached. As we can have only one station, it must be well located, and to find such a location requires much travel and observation.
It is surprising how many hindrances have been put in the way of our starting work for this people. The enemy knows that once the wedge has entered, a great work will be done; and we feel assured that the beginning is the most difficult part of the task. At this writing, we have the option on some land, and the near future will see the sickle wielded on the grain. Meanwhile we are training Karen boys in the school, and the leaven is working in the lives of two Karen brethren who have been baptized and are teaching their neighbors. When Elder Hamilton and his wife and Miss Gibbs found they could not enter their chosen work at once, they became very active in teaching the people near at hand in Rangoon, and a number of English-speaking persons have joined the church as a result of their labors.
The Medical Work
I have previously mentioned the medical work done by Dr. Oberholtzer-Tornblaad. Her work extended to many places in the country. Also Miss Gibbs’s nursing has given her entrance to many homes, and has opened the way for Bible readings.
For some time there has been a call for treatment rooms in Rangoon. Those in Calcutta have been eminently successful, and doubtless the opportunities are just as great in the metropolis of Burma. The Lord has recently blessed this phase of the work by sending Brother and Sister F. A. Wyman, both nurses, from the Pacific Coast, through the Foreign Mission Seminary. We have secured for the treatment rooms the vacated offices of a well-known American dentist, on one of the most frequented corners in the city. Suitable signs attract the eyes of thousands every day. The rooms are being fitted up with many of the best appliances for treating the sick; and now at the opening there is every prospect that a good work will be done. There is a general feeling that Brother and Sister Wyman are eminently fitted for this work, besides being a great help in connection with the church.
Some Results
There are two organized churches in Burma, with over one hundred members. Within the last two years forty persons have been baptized and added to the churches. A close estimate of the tithe paid in during the past year is $3,120. The yearly sales of books and periodicals are valued at $1,550.
This field has been a recruiting ground for English workers for other fields, as well as for our own. Of those who have accepted the truth here, two efficient treasurers and tract society secretaries have served the mission; one is a capable missionary in charge of a station among the Burmese; two are making a success of treatment room work; one became a good Bible worker; and two went to America for further training.
In view of God’s promises and help, and what has been done in the past, the future of the message in Burma looks bright. There is an unusually strong spirit of unity among the workers, and great confidence in the final triumph of the greatest cause known to man.
Kalyan, India
By M. D. Wood
M. D. WOOD
I AM sure the brethren in the homeland will all be glad to learn of the organization of the first Marathi Seventh-day Adventist Church in western India, and for that matter, the first in the world. When we were sent to Kalyan, about a year and a half ago, the intense longing of our hearts was to gather a company of Marathi-speaking people and teach them the truth for these times. It has been no small disappointment to me personally to be compelled to spend the last eight months of my time looking after the erection of buildings, so that I could preach and teach but very little. Still our one aim has not been changed in the least. We want to see the church gathered out and prepared for the Lord. God has been good to us, and in spite of obstacles, has greatly encouraged our hearts and blessed our efforts.
On Sabbath morning, July 18, our heaviest monsoon rains were pouring down at Kalyan in torrents. But at the family altar we pleaded that if it was the Lord's will, he would dispel the clouds above us just long enough for a little band of believers to go to the river to baptize our first convert from heathenism. His name is Sada Shiv, practically meaning a devotee or servant of Shiv, the Hindu god of war. Our prayer was answered. The sun shone as it had not for several days before, and we had the pleasure of baptizing our new brother in the faith. We had talked with him about the unchristian significance of his name, and asked if he preferred to change it. “O, yes; call me Daniel, please,” was his quick reply. So in baptism we gave him that good, familiar name. God grant he may be a Daniel not only in name, but in deed and truth as well.
This young man has been with us for some time, and is a faithful student of the Word. We have proved him in many ways, and he has always stood the test. He is master in charge of one of the best village schools. Several years ago he learned of Christ, but his father and friends opposed him so bitterly that he was hindered in taking the step for the right. Not long ago his father died, and he purposed to become a Christian. He studied the message with us, and earnestly desired to follow Christ in baptism. Quite a company of heathen listened in profound silence while we conducted a service at the water's edge. They had never seen the like in Kalyan.
The baptismal service over, we all went to the meeting place at Sunset Ghat. Our Sabbath afternoon service is usually conducted at five o'clock. To all, this was the best service we had held for some time. We felt that the Saviour was near, and all hearts seemed melted in holy tenderness. It was a blessed hour, not soon to be forgotten.
The three missionaries at Kalyan had formally organized a church a few weeks before. Miss Reid was appointed church clerk, Mrs. Wood treasurer, and I the pastor. The beginning had to be made. In this particular Sabbath afternoon service, the right hand of fellowship was extended to five Marathi-speaking brethren and sisters, making eight names on our church roll. Four of these we had led to the knowledge of Christ some time ago, and each one had received baptism at our hands.
A different spirit pervades all our work since the organization of this new church. We all feel that God's blessing is upon us, and that we are moving in the right direction. Several others are studying the Bible, and hope to unite with us when fully instructed in the message.
Last week a few of us had the privilege of attending a good meeting at Panvel station. Brother and Sister Kelsey are in charge. An excellent spirit prevailed. While there, Brother G. W. Pettit, of the English congregation in Bombay, baptized two persons whom Brother Kelsey had thoroughly prepared for the step. They very readily answered the questions put to them. This meeting, too, brought joy to our hearts. The Panvel company will probably unite with the Kalyan Marathi church for the present.
While all this territory is new, nothing having been done in these parts before, we feel that we must begin to look for definite results. We have a few young Marathi workers, all in medical and school work. We must provide our own preachers and evangelists, or we shall not have any. Real Seventh-day Adventists among this people must be the product of our efforts under the divine blessing.
We are earnestly praying that an advance may be made, and that from now on souls may be gathered into the remnant church to await our Lord's return. Brethren, please pray for the Kalyan church.
The Power of Persistent Effort
“THERE are few crooked things that a pull which is long enough and strong enough and earnest enough will not straighten out.”
Training Boys
By I. C. Colcord
I. C. COLCORD
How to Train a Boy Down
1. LET him have plenty of spending money.
2. Permit him to choose his own companions without restraint or direction.
3. Give him a latchkey, and allow him to return home late in the evening.
4. Make no inquiry as to where and with whom he spends his leisure moments.
5. Give him to understand that manners make a good substitute for morality.
6. Teach him to expect pay for every act of helpfulness to others.
7. Allow him to occupy a seat in the church with the boys, rather than a pew with his parents.
8. Permit him to regard the Sabbath school unsuitable for a boy on the verge of young manhood.
9. Let him spend the Sabbath hours between services on the streets.
10. Tease him about his “sweetheart.”
11. Scold or censure him before “company.”
12. Make him regard that fault as his peculiarity, something against which it is vain to strive.
13. Never talk to him confidentially.
14. Never give him what was promised.
15. Let him go to moving picture shows and see a “hold up,” a “train robbery,” and things rude and vulgar.
16. Be careful never to let him hear your voice in prayer for his salvation and spiritual growth.
How to Train a Boy Up
1. Make home the brightest and most attractive place on earth.
2. Make him responsible for the performance of a limited number of daily duties.
3. Never punish him in anger, nor without just cause.
4. Do not ridicule his conceits, but rather, talk frankly on the matters in which he has an interest and “bent of mind.”
5. Let him feel free to invite his friends to your home and table.
6. Encourage his confidence by giving ready sympathy and advice.
7. Do not discourage “collection manias” nor fondness for “pets.” They help to give information, and fix habits of investigation and perseverance.
8. Be careful to impress upon his mind that making of character is more important than making money.
9. Teach him to regard his sister as his “best girl.”
10. Teach him that “almost” is a dangerous word, and that he is never to be satisfied with “fairly good,” “pretty good,” “good enough.” It is said that Stradivarius, when asked why he took so much pains in the making of his violins, replied, “O, I make them for eternity!”
11. Lead him to realize that the best fruit this earth can hold up to its Maker is a Christian gentleman.
12. Live Christ before him all the time; then you will be able to talk Christ to him with power when the occasion offers.
13. Provide proper recreation, and go with him where he can see and hear that which is interesting and instructive.
14. Teach him that obedience is the highest form of worship.
15. Be much in prayer for his salvation and spiritual growth.
Relation of Parents and Children
By F. M. BURG
F. M. BURG
1. WHERE did the “home” idea, with its ties of love and affection, have its origin? Gen. 2: 18.
2. How does God intend that husband and wife shall be related to each other? Gen. 2: 18; Eph. 5: 28, 33.
3. How does Solomon describe a woman who fills her place in the home? Prov. 31: 10-29.
4. What does such maternal devotion command from her husband and her children? Verse 28.
5. What is one of the most precious gifts from God to a husband and wife? Ps. 127: 3.
6. What is the proper attitude of children toward their parents? What respect should they show toward old age? Col. 3: 20; Prov. 23: 22; Lev. 19: 32.
7. Should parents require obedience from their children? Gen. 18: 19.
11. What is said of disobedience among children in the last days? 2 Tim. 3: 2.
“Children need watchful care and guidance as never before; for Satan is striving to gain the control of their minds and hearts, and to drive out the Spirit of God. The fearful state of the youth of this age constitutes one of the strongest signs that we are living in the last days.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, page 199.
12. In what spirit and with what consideration should parents deal with their children?
“Children have sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased and easily made unhappy. By gentle discipline in loving words and acts, mothers may bind their children to their hearts. To manifest severity, and to be exacting with children, is a great mistake. Uniform firmness and unimpassioned control are necessary to the discipline of every family. Say what you mean calmly, move with consideration, and carry out what you say without deviation.
“It will pay to manifest affection in your association with your children. Do not repel them by lack of sympathy in their childish sports, joys, and griefs. Never let a frown gather upon your brow, nor a harsh word escape your lips. God writes all these words in his book of records. Harsh words sour the temper and wound the hearts of children, and in some cases these wounds are difficult to heal. Children are sensitive to the least injustice, and some become discouraged under it, and will neither heed the loud, angry voice of command, nor care for threatenings of punishment. Rebellion is too frequently established in the hearts of children through the wrong discipline of the parents, when if a proper course had been taken, the children would have formed good and harmonious characters.”—Id., Vol. III, page 532.
Heart Longings
By Worthie Harris Holden
WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
I WANT the faith of a little child,
With a humble spirit, meek and mild;
And I know ’tis the voice of the Shepherd true
Which in blessed compassion for me and you
Is calling us forth from our doubt and sin,
And binding our confidence fast to him.
I want the love of my Saviour kind
To shine on all of the lost I find;
And e’en the desire to abound in grace
Comes itself from a vision of his dear face
That, in tender devotion to you and me,
Beholds us in mercy through Calvary.
I want in the upper room to bide,
To press through confession to his dear side,
To hear in the music of his sweet voice
A daily commission, so to rejoice
That service for him is an earnest given
Of bliss that awaits in the joy of heaven.
Portland, Oregon.
Home Life Department
By Mrs. C. C. Lewis
Conducted by Mrs. C. C. Lewis, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,— their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.
Our Great Home Missionary Campaign
By F. W. Paap
For the past six months almost invariably October 1 and our great home missionary campaign have been coupled together in our plans for an awakening. At last we have reached the date and the event. What will our individual record be in connection with this advance move, this plan for a great awakening? Now is the time to settle this question. Be sure that you are enlisted. Study every inch of your territory. Become familiar with the ammunition for the warfare — every tract, paper, or book that you lend, sell, or give away. We suggest that you procure a small notebook, and keep a daily record of all work done, as well as of interesting items in connection with your missionary activities. Keep the names and addresses of interested persons, and jot down items of special interest concerning them; for instance, of what church they are members; if they have any of our larger books, which ones; whether they have ever attended any of our meetings; what points they seem most interested in.
In visiting the people in their homes, we suggest that it is best to guard against telling all we know the first time. We are admonished to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Let us not wear out our welcome, nor allow ourselves to be led into a discussion, in an offhand way, of every point of our faith. It is well to keep to one subject, and be careful not to get into an argument. We should never say anything short or cutting about other churches or ministers. There is nothing gained by telling evil things. “Whatsoever things are lovely, . . . think on these things.” It is not our mission to go forth and condemn the world. No, let us go forth to save men. Let us give the literature an opportunity; it will tell the truth in a kindly, dignified way. We must work wisely, patiently, considerately, winning our way by the tender ministry of love.
If we wish to give any particular emphasis to what the Lord has said, let us exemplify his teaching in thought and word and act. Let us not be unkind or critical, but in full consecration of heart and life show what great things God has done for us.
“God desires every believer to be a soul winner; and he will bless all who look to him in confidence for wisdom and guidance.” We must witness to the possession of genuine piety. Many feel timid. There is no justification for this. We have a wonderful message. It is freighted with divine power. It should be regarded as a great privilege, by every believer, to have a part in giving this message to the world. We have nothing to fear. Angels of God that excel in strength will accompany us as we visit our friends and neighbors, and they will help us to make right impressions. We want to see every believer put on the armor and go forth to the warfare.
Be sure to learn the definite boundaries of your assigned territory. Get acquainted with the people as far as possible; you will be surprised to learn how much they appreciate your weekly visits. Some may be rude and unkind, but that is to be expected. Don’t let these things prevent or turn you aside from your legitimate, Heaven-appointed work. The world needs the Light of life. We must tell them of it, and reveal it in all our efforts for their salvation.
NEW ORLEANS CHURCH BUILDING
Everywhere throughout this great field our people will be busy. Don’t let there be an idler. Let us have a good, strong, consecrated effort in behalf of the lost. Our papers, tracts, and books are to go everywhere. A special power is to attend the proclamation of the message. Thousands will be won to the truth.
Just get a picture of this great campaign in full swing. Seventy thousand believers scattered throughout all parts, — in the cities, on the farms, away back in the hills, everywhere in fact, — and all actively engaged in helping and blessing others! The results only God can know.
We hope every believer will order the Signs weekly. We really must have it; for it is a mighty weapon. It is a great soul-winning agency. Two copies a week is the goal. In clubs they cost 2½ cents each. Then as we advance in the campaign, we surely must have at least one set of the Berean library. We have eleven truth-filled volumes at $1.85. This is almost too good to be true. Already thousands of these are in the hands of those who are ready for the warfare. Have you a set? If not, send in your order today. You will not regret it.
We wish we could tell you the many interesting experiences that we have had with our tracts. Now is the time to use these mighty little agencies. They carry light and joy. The people need them, and they will appreciate them.
We urge every believer to pray for special help, and for God’s blessing to attend our united efforts. We hope to see thousands won to the truth. Pray for those in whose hands you place the literature. Plead with God that through the mighty power of his Holy Spirit
many may find the light and be saved. Let us put our literature into every hand that will receive it. God would have us be diligent in our efforts. He wants us to add daily to our Christian experiences. “If we are not active in the service of Christ, we are ranking with those who are in positive hostility against him; for we are in the position of stumbling-blocks.” F. W. Paap.
Work for the Colored in New Orleans
By R. W. PARMELE
ABOUT seventeen years ago Elder S. B. Horton held a series of tent meetings for white people in the city of New Orleans. A good many colored people sat outside of the tent and listened to the word preached, with the result that a number of them took their stand for the truth. Several years later they were organized into a church, and since that time their number has gradually increased.
Until the fifth of September of this year, this church met in a rented room, for which they had to pay high rent; and as the membership increased, the quarters became very much cramped. The past few years Elder T. B. Buckner and several Bible workers have been employed in this city, and during the last year special efforts were put forth to provide a permanent home for this growing church. The result is shown in the accompanying illustration. It was my privilege to speak in this building on Sunday night, September 6, to a congregation of over two hundred. The church now has about one hundred members, and the prospects for continual growth are indeed bright.
The church building is modern throughout, is finished in stucco, with a slate roof, and is a real credit to the cause of God. The lower story provides a comfortable schoolroom, in which a school will soon begin. We believe that this building will materially help in doing a great work for the colored people in this city. The cost of the lot and building, in round numbers, was $3,000, of which we still owe $1,000. This provides nothing for seats, and at present canvas benches are used, such as we use in our tents during the tent season. We feel very thankful for the help that has been given in the erection of this building, and for the generous loan of the $1,000.
To meet the debt on the church, and provide suitable pews and school desks, and to support the church school, will place a heavy burden on the church, and any help that may be given will be greatly appreciated. We believe that from this center the Lord will do a great work for the thousands of colored people in this city. In the days before the war, New Orleans was the center of the slave market. The block in the old St. Louis Hotel upon which they were auctioned off to the highest bidder, still stands. Why should there not now stand in this city this memorial for God, free from debt, and this place be made a great center for the spread of the last message of mercy to the remnant of those old slaves and their descendants?
R. W. PARMELE.
Seven Baptized at Elk Point
SEVEN persons recently followed their Lord in baptism at Elk Point, S. Dak.
