p. 18 | Review and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 30. (6/15/1916)

Borneo

By R. L. Mershon

RECENTLY we took a trip over to Jesselton to visit with our believers, and see how our Chinese worker is progressing. Brother Montgomery visited Jesselton last August, and after a series of meetings baptized fourteen persons. About a month after he had returned to Sandakan, the government officials sent word to our Chinese evangelist that he should cease visiting this company, and also forbade him to sell or give away any of our literature, or to visit people in their homes. This was a hard blow, but Brother Montgomery submitted to it, after writing a letter to the governor stating our methods and manner of work.

In November, when we came to this field to relieve Brother and Sister Montgomery, we were met at Jesselton by Brother Montgomery. We went over the situation carefully, and decided to have a talk with the resident. Brother Montgomery, while waiting for our boat to arrive, had written a letter to the governor, asking permission to go to Mengattal, where our company is located. While we were considering the situation, a letter arrived from the governor, forbidding us to go. This made us decide to go at once to the resident. We went and laid our position before him. We told him we were not law-breakers, but law keepers. We asked why such a step was taken against us. He would not, or could not, give us any reason for it, except that the government desired to keep the missions separate as much as possible. We procured permission from him, however, for our Chinese worker to visit the people in their homes for a radius of two miles from Jesselton.

Last week I went to the resident and asked permission to go out and hold the week of prayer at Mengattal. He said, “No.” I then asked if I might visit the people and talk with them about schools. At first he said, “Yes, but do not offer a prayer, or have anything else like a meeting.” I told him that we offer prayer in all our work everywhere. He said, “All right, go ahead.” After this he telephoned to the governor, and the governor said not to let me go, unless I would take one of the European government officials with me. They promised, however, to send out and bring all the families in. The next day the people came. I had a good visit with them, and found them of good courage in the Lord.

I shall never forget what one old man said to me. With tears in his eyes he asked me why the missionaries never come back. He had been told that we would not come back any more. I told him why it was, and there came a look over his face which indicated that it will be hard to convince him when any one tells him again that we are going to leave them. There are several friends and neighbors near these people who wish us to come back and hold meetings. This man said, “Plenty of people want to know the truth.”

As a result of our visit, we organized the little company, appointed a leader, and set a time and place for meeting. They have been meeting nearly every Sabbath, but not in any regular way. We set before them the principles of tithing and healthful living. They promised to live up to all the light they had received.

One old man had twenty cents saved up for tithe. On inquiry, I learned that these people sometimes do not see so much as a dollar a month. I was as pleased to receive that twenty cents as I should have been to receive one hundred dollars from one who could give that much. It means a sacrifice to tithe their small amounts.

I asked for and received permission from the resident to sell and give away our literature. We felt that this was a victory, and Brother Kong, our Chinese worker, is rejoicing, as it means he can do more work. I found three or four ready for baptism.

R. L. MERSHON.

Work Among the Women of Japan

By Ella Verney-Webber

A few months ago, upon arriving in our new field of labor, I decided that something must be done to interest the women of our neighborhood in the truths of Christianity.

Realizing that missionary work should begin at home, and that Japan has become our home, I set out upon my endeavor. I well knew that the difficulties were many, and that it would be hard to reach these shrinking, retiring creatures with such new ideas as Christ and his love. The Japanese woman has been taught never to think for herself, but to follow unerringly every command of her husband, father, or older brother.

Every Japanese woman is most anxious to learn foreign ways of cooking, and I took advantage of this desire. One afternoon I went to different women and asked them to come and learn of Christ and his love, and told them that following the Bible study I would give a demonstration in foreign cooking. This seemed to interest them.

From that time we have had regular meetings; and while the attendance has not been large, we have been encouraged at seeing the same ones come regularly, and some of them manifest an intense interest in the study of the Bible.

The case of one of these women is especially interesting. When invited to attend, she gladly responded, and has missed scarcely a meeting in several months. She is the wife of the principal of a large boys' school. Just before our coming into the neighborhood, her youngest child died, and she questioned very closely concerning the state of the dead. We read to her from the Scriptures that the little one is resting in the grave, awaiting the call of the Life-giver. Upon this she broke into tears, and said she wanted to believe in such a God.

Many are the souls among the benighted women of Japan who have a like desire, and we are striving daily to hunt them out.

ELLA VERNEY-WEBBER.

A Visit to Our Ilocano (Philippine Islands) Mission

By L. V. Finster

On January 10 I left Manila to make a visit to our mission in the Ilocano field. It had been two years since I had visited this station. The journey was made on a motor cycle. First, I went to Bukawe and held quarterly meeting with the brethren there in the morning, and then proceeded to Malolos, where quarterly meeting was held in the afternoon. Sunday morning I started for a trip of three hundred and fifty miles, to Vigan. It was a beautiful day, and I enjoyed the ride through the fields of rice. On the second day I reached my destination at four o'clock, and was glad to find all our workers well and of good courage. Brother R. E. Hay and his family were in much better health than when they were at the Shanghai meeting. Brother Leon Roda had preceded me about six weeks, and on my arrival he and Elder Hay were conducting a series of meetings near Vigan. They were having a good hearing, and expecting that fifteen or twenty would take their stand for the truth.

Several young men who have accepted the truth under Brother Hay's labor are now in the canvassing field. The Lord is especially blessing them in this work. One day while I was in Vigan, Manuel took fourteen orders for the new Ilocano book. Several canvassers also are at work in the mountain province of Abra. I was glad to find that a very bright young man from the pagan Tinguian tribe has accepted the truth. All his people are pagans, and we pray that the Lord may use this young man in bringing the truth to his people.

While I was in Vigan, arrangements were made for a permanent dwelling place for Elder Hay. A little money had to be advanced to make a few repairs on the house, but we have a permanent contract on the place as long as we desire it, at a very reasonable rent. We feel very, very glad that Brother and

Sister Hay will now have a permanent home, and many more conveniences than they have had before. In my short stay in Vigan, I felt much encouraged at the prospect for the work there. We believe there are many honest souls who will be called from this part of the Lord's vineyard.

After spending a week with Brother Hay, I started on my homeward journey. When I reached Bawang, I decided to make a visit to Baguio, the summer mountain capital. It is nearly a mile above sea level. I started up the mountain and went about twenty miles before reaching Baguio. It was so cold that I felt very uncomfortable; in fact, in the evening I had to go inside and sit by the fire. I spent the day after my arrival in looking around, with the view of making Baguio a summer rest place. I think this will be a good place for our missionaries to go from the heat of the lowlands. The next day I rode from Baguio to Manila, and was glad to find all well on my return.

Our two tent meetings are having excellent hearings. The tents are crowded, and generally from two to three hundred stand on the outside. We look for a good harvest in due time. We are glad to report that during the year 1915, two hundred and thirty-five persons were baptized. Our book and literature sales amounted to $12,678.74. Brother Caldwell, with his family, has arrived from Australia, to assist in the colporteur work, and is having excellent success. Pray for the work in the Philippine Islands.

L. V. FINSTER.

Among the Churches in Korea

By C. L. Butterfield

At Soo Chang Re, in the central division, I found the company growing both in numbers and in the knowledge of the truth. Ten had previously been baptized at this place, and on Sabbath I had the privilege of baptizing three others and of organizing a church of fourteen members. Others will be baptized soon, and unite with this church.

During the past year this company, although few in number, and having little of this world's goods, has built a neat church building. The meeting-room is 16 by 24 feet, and there are two small rooms, one for the missionary's use when he comes, and the other for the keeper of the building.

But little labor has been done in this place. Believers have sprung up as a result of a faithful colporteur's work. An aged sister about three years ago sold a few papers here, and through reading them an interest was aroused. The interested ones bought more literature, and today there is an organized church, with a church building, and a company paying a good tithe, besides offerings.

I next visited a tent meeting in the southern division of the field. Pastor Ne, with two native helpers, was in charge. The tent was pitched on a small grassy hill, where it could be seen from many miles each way. The attendance was good most of the time, but it is now too cool to use the tent at night, so it was taken down the day I left.

About fifteen have promised to obey the truth as the result of this meeting. Three have already been baptized, and others will be soon. No suitable place of worship being obtainable in this locality, they are now building a small church. As the new believers have no money with which to assist in erecting this building, the mission is paying for it. The whole expense is about $30.

I next went fifty miles farther south, where a native worker began work about four months ago. In this place ten have already taken their stand for the truth, and we hope they will prove faithful. These persons are all in fairly good circumstances, and no doubt will later be able to provide their own place of worship.

As we see the readiness with which the people respond to the truth, and the great numbers unwarned, we cannot but cry to the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers. There is county after county and village after village which never has heard the message of a soon-coming Saviour.* Let us labor while the day lasts, for soon the night cometh when no man can work.

C. L. BUTTERFIELD.

Nassau, Bahamas

An interesting letter has been received from G. G. Coffin. We quote an extract:—

“We have enjoyed the Lord’s blessing, and to him belongs the praise for any success that has attended the work of this school.

“At present forty-five are in attendance , with the promise of more soon. Five leave in March for other islands of the group, and two white boys whose father recently died are going to New York to live with relatives.

“We have nothing to complain of and everything to be thankful for. It seems a long time to look forward to workers ever going out from our school, for all are so young, are children of unbelievers, and take the Bible lessons in order to get the common branches; but we are to wait ‘for the precious fruit of the earth,’ and have ‘long patience for it.’”

Northern Illinois Conference

By W. A. Westworth

THE work in the Northern Illinois Conference is prospering, and there are indications that the blessing of God will follow in the efforts that are being made to advance his cause. In two portions of our conference recent developments indicate the special blessing of God. About a year ago Elder T. F. Hubbard opened up evangelical work in the city of Moline. This is the home of the Tri-City Sanitarium, but our work was almost entirely confined to this medical institution. Very little had ever been done to reach those that were not reached by the sanitarium. Elder Hubbard conducted a successful course of tent meetings last summer, at which time he was assisted by Brother J. D. Reavis. A good congregation came to hear the message, and as the result of the summer and early winter's work, more than a score of persons have been baptized and added to the church.

This spring a movement was launched to build a church. With the help of the sanitarium, the church members have been enabled to erect one of the prettiest small churches that we have been privileged to see. The furnishings are of the best, and the church-school room in the rear meets every requirement of the latest demands. The dedication of the Moline church took place May 14, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Elder L. H. Christian, president of the Lake Union Conference.

There is a strong and growing interest in Moline, and Elder Hubbard will conduct another tent effort there this summer. We believe that all who have seen the new building at Moline, and have noted the advancement of the work in this place, will unite in a testimony of praise to God for his goodness to his people.

In the city of Chicago, across the state from Moline, Elder W. D. Forde has been conducting a very successful effort for the colored people. June 5-7 an anniversary service was held. This marked five years' growth and development from the time their little church building was erected and dedicated. In the meantime the church membership has increased almost five hundred per cent, and is now more than the building can well accommodate. One of the noticeable features in the growth of the Dearborn Street church is the large amount of missionary work that is being done by its members under the efficient leadership of Brother Forde. Although the membership is only ninety-two, they are conducting every week forty-six regularly appointed cottage meetings or Bible readings. This means an average of one service a week for each two members in the church. God is blessing this home missionary work, and souls are constantly being brought to the light of his truth. From other parts of the conference the same cheering word comes to us, and on every hand we can see the leading of our heavenly Father in the fruitage that is being given to his servants. Pray for us that the work in this conference may prosper until the Lord sees fit to cut it short in righteousness.

W. A. WESTWORTH.

Honor the Lord with Thy Substance

“HONOR the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

Union College Jubilee

By C. L. Benson

MAY 3 will long be remembered by the many friends of Union College as one of the great days in the history of the school. Just twenty-six years after the laying of the foundation stone of this college, which was destined to play a large part in the extension of the third angel’s message, Old Union was freed from the bondage of debt that for years had curtailed her usefulness and at times even threatened her existence. The debt has been paid, the jubilee song sung, and, unhampered by the millstone of debt, Union College starts forth on what bids fair to be the era of her greatest usefulness.

Such a goal was not attained without earnest effort on the part of all connected with the enterprise. The president, teachers, and students of the college, the officers of the Central and Northern Union Conferences,—all did their utmost to raise the debt of $70,000. As in the days of Moses and of Nehemiah, the people had a mind to work and to give. The brethren and sisters of these union conferences, together with the business men of College View and Lincoln, responded liberally with their means, and today the college stands forth, as all of God’s institutions should stand, free from debt, a monument to consecration and liberality.

An appropriate program was arranged for this day of jubilee. Among those speaking on this occasion were Prof. H. A. Morrison, Elders R. A. Underwood, J. W. Christian, D. U. Hale, A. R. Ogden, A. T. Robinson, M. B. Van Kirk, W. W. Ruble, J. S. Rouse, and Brethren J. H. McEachern and H. O. Olson. Rev. Frank Mills represented the vicinity of College View, and Mr. F. A. Sanderson spoke for the business men of Lincoln. The student body was represented by Miss Garrett and Mr. Mandalian, while the College Glee Club sang several selections, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Some of the good thoughts expressed by the speakers were:—

“I can say for Nebraska that we are proud of Union College. We are glad to have her among us. The thing about Union College that is always a joy to me is, this is a place where our young people may fit themselves for usefulness.”

“We from the Northern Union Conference were glad to have a part in freeing Union College from debt. For her

to remain free means that every conference laborer, every student in the institution, and our brethren and sisters in every State, must prove their loyalty by rapidly increasing the attendance from the different States.”

“It has always been a great satisfaction to me to have been graduated from Union College, because, a few days after my graduation, I was told by the dean of one of the leading universities that they would do more to secure graduates from Union College than from any other college, because of the high moral atmosphere of the school.”

“I believe that every young man and woman who has had the privilege of sitting here and receiving the spiritual life, has felt his being thrill as he has looked forward to this time when the school of his choice would be free from debt. I have been thinking of some of the accomplishments of Union College, for which we can be grateful this morning. The presidents of Loma Linda College, Walla Walla College, Union College, the Clinton German Seminary for next year, the Broadview Swedish Seminary, Emmanuel Missionary College, and of South Lancaster Academy for next year, are Union College graduates or students. Nor is this all. Her alumni fill the following responsible places in the third angel’s message: one is a General Conference worker, two are North American Division secretaries, one is secretary of the European Division Conference, seven are superintendents and directors of foreign mission fields, one is a union conference president, three are union conference secretaries, twenty-one are college teachers, eleven are principals of academies, forty-three are teaching in academies, twenty-three are evangelists, and many are serving as editors, doctors, nurses, Bible workers, church-school teachers, and office workers. In twenty-six years Old Union has trained and sent out one hundred and eighty of her graduates and students as foreign missionaries, and more than twelve hundred are connected with the proclamation of the message in the home field. May this be but an earnest of her work in years to come.”

Rev. Frank Mills said, in part: “The commercial club and the business men of this village have not been deaf to the needs and to the call of this great institution. We appreciate this institution, and feel that no community is worth as much as a community in which a Christian college is located. We all love Union College. We love to see her thrive. We love to see her grow.”

Mr. Sanderson, of the Rudge and Guenzel firm, said: “I happen to be interested in the hardware business. At the time Union College was established, I was getting five dollars a week for driving an old white horse. It was my privilege to haul the nails that went into this building, and so I feel that I belong to this institution. What does Lincoln think of College View? Lincoln thinks that College View is a live, wide-awake little city; and why? Because you have built up a magnificent college; you have splendid stores, and a nice new library building. I am glad to be here tonight. I am glad to look into your faces. It is an inspiration to see this good body of students, these people who are interested in this college. It is interesting to know that you have freed yourselves from debt, and that you intend to stay out of debt, that you intend to go ahead and push this college until it will stand as the leading light in your denomination for the spreading of God’s cause and his light in the world.”

The president of the college concluded the program with these appropriate words: “Union College is now free. May she ever be free. May every Seventh-day Adventist in the Union College district—student, church member, and conference worker—ever be so loyal to Old Union and her principles that she may fully realize that she has a living endowment. May she be able to receive year by year many more young men and women than she has received in the past, to train for service. May many more go out in the great mission fields prepared to give the third angel’s message, and thus assist in preparing the way for the King of peace.” C. L. Benson.

The Bible Year

Assignment for June 18 to 24

June 18: 2 Chronicles 18 to 21. June 19: 2 Chronicles 22 to 25. June 20: 2 Chronicles 26 to 29. June 21: 2 Chronicles 30 to 33. June 22: 2 Chronicles 34 to 36. June 23: Jonah. June 24: Joel.

A Point to Remember

The contemporary history of the times of the kings of Israel and Judah, and the records preserved from still earlier times that have a bearing on the destiny of the chosen people, are of absorbing interest. Their value to us lies in the fact that they widen our horizon, and present a setting for the events recorded in the Bible. It is well, however, while giving due attention to such historical helps as we may have access to, not to miss the precious spiritual lessons to be gleaned from the daily reading.

The history of the men whose deeds are recorded in the Old Testament was not written, like the boasting proclamations of the heathen kings, to exalt man, or even that this generation might know of the successes and failures of men in those days. The books of the Bible, and the events around which those books are written, are directly “connected with God’s historical revelation, which culminated in Christ.” Take Christ out of the Bible, and its meaning, its message, is gone. “It is from Christ, the central light, that illuminating rays are shed through the whole of Scripture; he is the central sun, who holds together all its various parts.”

Says Spurgeon: “Whate’er your science is, come and bend over this Book; your science is here. Come and drink of this fount of knowledge and wisdom, and ye shall find yourselves wise unto salvation. Wise and foolish, babes and men, gray-headed sires, youths, and maidens, I speak to you, I plead with you, I beg of you, respect your Bibles, and search them out; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Christ.”

Jonah

The story of Jonah is one of the most familiar of the Old Testament narratives. The prophet was a native of Gath-hepher, a village in the eastern frontier of Zebulun, a little more than an hour’s journey north of Nazareth. He was sent with a message from the Lord to sinful Jeroboam II. 2 Kings 14:25.

According to the marginal dates, the book of Jonah is the oldest of the prophetic writings; and the experience therein recorded occurred nearly three hundred years before Daniel, in Babylon, showed his loyalty to God by praying openly, as was his habit, three times a day. It is thought that the warning to Nineveh was given during the latter part of Elisha’s life.

While the book of Jonah does not say that the great fish which the Lord prepared to receive the prophet was a whale, it is so named in one New Testament reference to the incident. It has been objected that a whale could not swallow a man’s body. On this point Sidney Collett, in “All About the Bible,” cites the evidence of an eyewitness who declared that on one occasion in his experience “a shark fifteen feet in length was found in the stomach of a sperm whale.” The same authority added that “when dying, the sperm whale always ejects the contents of its stomach,” and sometimes the ejected food is thrown out in masses much larger than a man’s body.

“The most astonishing thing in the life of Jonah,” says another, “seems to be his displeasure at the sparing of the city of Nineveh from destruction. This comes nearer being an incredible thing than his living three days in the whale’s belly.”

It was by this miraculous preservation of his life that Jonah “became one of the most remarkable types of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus to be found anywhere in the Old Testament Scriptures.” The accuracy of the historical record received abundant confirmation from the lips of Jesus himself when he said, “As Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

Joel

Because he does not mention Assyria by name among the foes of Judah, Joel is supposed to have lived not later than the time of King Uzziah (in the closing years of whose reign Isaiah also prophesied), and to have begun his work about the year 800 B. C. Although of the tribe of Reuben, and therefore of the northern kingdom, Joel was a prophet of Judah. His prophecy begins with a warning of the judgments of God presently to overtake the land, and an exhortation to repentance, with fasting and prayer, that these calamities may be averted. This leads to the warning given in the second chapter to Zion, the church, in the last days, urging her priests and ministers to similar zeal and earnestness in view of the destruction to overwhelm the world. Many signs preceding the day of the Lord are mentioned, one of the most striking of which, in view of present conditions, is the vivid picture drawn of warring nations.

Evidences of Progress

By Milton E. Kern

INFORMATION that comes to us from all parts of the field indicates that there is a new interest among our young people to work for the Lord. The following is a comparative report of the first quarter of 1915 and of 1916, from our Kentucky Missionary Volunteer secretary:—

1915 1916 Letters written ............ 9 188 Letters received ........... 2 65 Missionary visits .......... 40 220 Bible readings ............. 30 89 Subscriptions taken for periodicals ............ .. 21 Papers sold ................. 95 890 Papers mailed, lent, or given away ............ 99 1,205 Books sold ................. 43 27 Books lent or given away .. 15 71 Tracts sold ............... 10 268 Tracts lent or given away .. 10 826 Hours of Christian help work ................ 60 453 Articles of clothing given away ............. 3 92

The conference Missionary Volunteer secretary, Miss Lena A. Brown, also reports that 438 individuals in that conference have enrolled to read the Bible through during 1916. In a conference with a reported constituency of 601 this is surely a splendid record.

M. E. KERN.

Educational Department

By FREDERICK GRIGGS; W. E. HOWELL

FREDERICK GRIGGS General Secretary W. E. HOWELL Assistant Secretary

Missionary Volunteer Department

M. E. KERN — Secretary MATILDA ERICKSON — Assistant Secretary MRS. I. H. EVANS — Office Secretary MAUDE MACGUIRE — Field Secretaries C. L. BENSON J. F. SIMON

Emmanuel Missionary College

By O. T. Graf

The commencement exercises, May 20-22, closed a year well marked by the blessing of God upon our school. During this year our library passed the 6,000 mark, the laboratories reached a valuation of more than $3,500. A Harvest Ingathering goal of $500 was set for us, and we raised more than $550. A school paper known as the Student Movement was started, and reached a subscription list of between eight and nine hundred. A well-illustrated commencement number was issued, all expenses were paid, and a neat surplus was left in the treasury for next year.

Another Goal

But by far the most important goal that was reached this year was the $5,000 goal which the college board set for the students and teachers, with the understanding that if this amount was raised the board would raise the rest. Such a spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm as gripped the school I have seldom seen. Many days before it was due, the goal was reached, and has been overshot by nearly $1,000. Then the board met and wiped out every dollar of the college debt. This will save about $2,000 of interest money each year, which can be used to strengthen the school and build up its equipment, for we were meeting all running expenses before.

Missionary Work

Aside from the usual lines of missionary activity, such as personal work, sending out papers, writing missionary letters, Harvest Ingathering and temperance campaigns, we have had a most encouraging experience in missionary work of a very practical kind.

Last year our ministerial and Bible workers' hands combined in an effort a few miles from the college. Meetings were held in a schoolhouse, Sunday school being held in the afternoon and preaching service in the evening. From the first, the interest at this place was good, and as a result of this effort eight have been baptized and joined the church.

This year we strengthened our stakes and extended our borders; meetings were held at six different places. About three hundred attended these meetings, and some of the most influential members of these communities are deeply interested in the truth. Prof. R. B. Thurber, who has recently returned from Burma, has connected with the college as leader in this and other lines of missionary work.

After the close of school about sixty-five students go into the field to canvass for our books during the summer vacation.

Spring Week of Prayer

During the special week of prayer, held the second week in April, the Spirit of the Lord came very near. Confessions were made both in public and in private, wrongs were made right, many who had professed Christianity for years, and some who had become discouraged, began to serve the Lord in a new way.

Closing Days

The closing days of the school year were marked by a spirit of wholesome earnestness and simplicity. Elder MacGuire was with us and conducted some most helpful meetings with students and teachers. Professor Griggs preached the baccalaureate sermon, taking as his text Esther 4:14: “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Elder M. H. St. John, of Chicago, delivered the commencement address on “The Opening and Closing of Doors.”

The class day program was especially impressive. It was marked by a spirit of earnestness and simplicity. The class prophecy and history, and other things of a more or less frivolous nature usually included in class day exercises, were omitted, and every number breathed the spirit of the message which the graduates are going forth to proclaim.

Note Burning

One of the most interesting features of the closing exercises was the burning of more than $46,000 worth of notes that have recently been paid. Hundreds had gathered for a farewell picnic; after the dinner, speeches were made by the president of the college board, Elder MacGuire, and representatives of the alumni and senior classes. Then the notes were brought forward and burned. The first one to be burned was a $5,000 note. It was used as a torch to light the rest. As one note after another turned to ashes, the interest and enthusiasm grew, and as the last note—also one for $5,000—was reduced to smoke and ashes, one round of applause after another but weakly expressed the joy and thankfulness of every heart.

The ashes were carefully preserved and placed in a glass jar. They will be kept as a memorial of the Lord's goodness in delivering us from the bondage of debt. O. T. GRAF.

Clinton German Seminary

By J. S. Rouse

THE sixth year of the Clinton German Seminary is now in the past. It has certainly been a successful year. From the first, the Lord’s Spirit was manifested. Our enrolment was one hundred and forty-one students, not including the primary department. As a whole, our students were of the mature class, and hence understood the value of time and the importance of preparing themselves for the great work the Lord has for them to do. The general deportment of the students was excellent. The Friday evening social meetings were

always well attended, and were a source of great blessing to the school.

Our two weeks of prayer, one at the usual time in December and the other at the beginning of April, were certainly seasons of refreshing, not only to the students but also to the faculty. Especially was this true of the week in the spring.

The students studied hard, and the grades given at the end of the first semester were the best ever made. The grades at the end of the second semester were still better. This shows a progress on the part of the students in preparing their lessons, as they passed their final examinations extraordinarily well.

May 20-22 were the closing days. Elder R. C. Porter, president of the Asiatic Division Conference, delivered the baccalaureate address, which was very practical, and was greatly appreciated by the senior class. The class numbered twenty, nineteen graduating from the academic course, and one from the college. One member of the class left a few months ago to take up school work in Guatemala, Central America. Some of this class will go into the work permanently, while the larger part will come back to take up college work. The one graduate from the college course has been called to the South Dakota academy to take charge of the German department. We are sure the Lord will go with him and bless him richly.

Our class day program was given Sunday evening, May 21. A large number of people from the town were present, and a splendid program was rendered by the students in both English and German. What they said was appreciated by the large congregation. Many stirring, earnest thoughts were voiced as to the progress of our work.

The commencement exercises were on Monday morning, May 22. Professor Gallion delivered the address. His theme was in full harmony with the spirit of the message. He said that education will never cause a young man to become weak in the faith and leave the truth, but that a good education, rightly given and rightly developed, will strengthen faith in the living God, and in the truth that we as a people hold. It was a most impressive talk.

The class motto was, “Arise and Surmount the Rugged Peaks.” This was very suggestive of the ambition of the class. They are determined to go forward and surmount all the rugged peaks that their future education and experience may present to them,—surmount them all and come off victorious in every attempt put forth to increase their knowledge and to advance the message for this time.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that this has been a most successful year. We have had our ups and downs. Here and there heavy clouds came up, but the rising sun soon dispelled them, and we are looking forward to the next year with fond hopes of seeing an enrolment of two hundred. Professor Simon is working for the young people, and we expect to see a greater interest taken in the German work by our German-speaking brethren throughout the field. Now is the time to put forth every energy possible to build up our educational work, that we may have efficient workers for the finishing of the Lord’s work in the earth.

The future of the German Seminary is a promising one. This school has a large field from which to draw. The German people have large families, and the Lord has blessed them with means sufficient to send their children to school if they will. The German Seminary is to train workers for a large field. Twenty million Germans are in this country, and one hundred and ten million elsewhere, and this is the only school of its kind in the world. May the Lord bless and strengthen it and develop it until it is second to none in efficiency.

Prof. J. H. Schilling, who has been president of the seminary for the past two years, has been called to evangelistic work in one of our large Eastern cities, and Prof. Frank Isaac has been selected to fill his place. From Professor Isaac’s success in Keene Academy, we believe he will make a success of the work in the Clinton German Seminary.

J. S. ROUSE.

Continue reading: News and Miscellany