AUSTRALIA is the Island Continent, and Australasia is a network of island fields. “The isles shall wait for His law,” applies to this field more, perhaps, than to any other. It is a field of exceptional interest to the missionary, a field of wonderful possibilities. A glance at the map will help one to realize this.
At this writing it is twenty-six years since Elders S. N. Haskell, J. O. Corliss, and M. C. Israel arrived in Australia to open up the work in the interests of the message. In a humble way the work was begun; and now, taking a retrospective view after more than a quarter of a century has passed, we are led to say, “What hath God wrought!”
In Australia and New Zealand, six conferences have been organized; namely, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria-Tasmania, South Australia, West Australia, and New Zealand. Active work is being carried on in each conference in the way of church work, tent efforts, Bible work, and the distribution of literature.
Institutions
To train workers for the many openings in both the home and the island fields, schools have been established, and already good results have been realized. The Avondale School for Christian Workers was established under the special leading of the Lord, and we have not, therefore, been disappointed in expecting much. Many of the students have done effectual service in various branches of the work, and their influence is now being widely felt. At the present, more students are in attendance than ever before,—almost two hundred.
The smaller training-school at Darling Range, West Australia, has completed a very successful year. The work is growing, and new buildings have been erected. The latest balance-sheet showed a credit on the year’s running of about $3,500. The New Zealand training-school at Pukekura has had an increased attendance, and we are hoping for good things in behalf of this school. It has an excellent farm in a beautiful location, with good buildings. New Zealand has a fine class of aspiring young people.
Sanitariums are located at Wahroonga, New South Wales; Adelaide, South Australia; and Christchurch, New Zealand; there is also the Sanitarium Home at Warburton, Victoria. The sanitarium at Wahroonga is the largest of these institutions, and has a training-school for nurses.
The cafés in Sydney and Melbourne have been exceptionally busy, and their influence is telling. Our cafés in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand, have also done well. The café in Adelaide has been able to meet expenses, and we are now opening a new café in Brisbane.
In 1874, at a meeting held at Battle Creek, Mrs. E. G. White said that many nations would yet receive the truth, and that she had seen presses being operated12in various lands, Australia being especially mentioned. To-day two publishing-houses in Australia, and one or two smaller printing-offices in the islands, are kept busy turning out publications in various languages.
The Islands of Australasia
Beacon-lights have been set up in a number of the numerous islands composing our field. As yet the work has only fairly begun. Millions of souls for whom Christ shed his blood are waiting for the message. Men and means are in demand.
The populous island of Java, with its dominant Mohammedan faith, is to hear the last message; and we are cheered to know that a few are coming out from this great delusion into the sunlight of the gospel. A Mohammedan teacher and his wife, young people, have taken a stand for Christ at our mission station at Soember Wekas, and others are interested.
CHIEF'S MOUNTAIN HOME IN FIJI
Pastor R. W. Munson reports a baptism of six converts at Soeka-boemi, Java. He writes hopefully of the work done at this place, and says, speaking of the results and the baptism: “It is a real work of the Spirit.”
Although they have received a seeming setback from the government in restricting them to the large cities and unhealthful centers, our workers are full of courage, and are moving steadily forward, saying, “God wills it. He is teaching us that ‘now is the time to work the cities.’” Instead of being thrown into a state of panic, they rather glory in the cross of Christ, and make the obstacles stepping-stones to progress.
A momentous task is set before us in the evangelization of the East Indian Archipelago. The inhabitants are largely ignorant; they are possessed with a fanatical faith, and there are languages and dialects to the number of about twenty-nine in the different groups.
Every difficulty and obstacle is a call to prayer. The time is so short in which to accomplish so much! To teach these millions of ignorant and fanatical people, who speak in so many varied tongues, certainly calls for just such an endowment of power as was bestowed at the time of Pentecost. This God has promised in the “latter rain.” How much we need it!
Sumatra and New Guinea
Our workers in far-off Sumatra are toiling away in a persistent but humble manner. Sometimes sickness hinders, but no word of murmuring has reached us,—only words of cheer and hope. Brother P. Judge and his wife and Miss Judge are busy visiting, giving Bible studies with both Dutch and Malays, nursing the sick, and teaching and preaching.
In New Guinea, our workers are busy on the erection of a long-needed mission house. Brother F. L. Chaney has gone there to superintend this work. There has been some delay caused by the time required to get out native timber, and saw it with pit-saws. But notwithstanding all the delay and expense, our workers in that field need a comfortable home. We are glad for the liberality of our American brethren in their gifts to this worthy object.
The New Hebrides and Solomon Groups
Correspondence with traders, missionaries, and others in these groups has brought us some encouraging letters, and shown some interest. At a later date we hope to see good results from this effort, which is being carried on continuously.
Many islands in Melanesia (Black Islands) and Micronesia (Small Islands) are waiting for the truth. It would be difficult to name them all. The following leading groups are yet unentered: Loyalty Islands, New Hebrides, Santa Cruz, Solomon Islands, and Bismarck Archipelago, in Melanesia; and Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands, and Ellice Islands, in Micronesia. May the Lord raise up laborers for these fields.
Polynesia
In Polynesia also there are thousands of islands where the message has never entered. In only a few groups is the light shining.
We are glad to hear good reports from Fiji. The work there moves steadily forward. Brother A. G. Stewart reports some calling for baptism. Alipati, a native laborer, speaks of a number of new converts in the district where he is working. Pauliasi, our native minister, writes of a native Sabbath-keeper in the far eastern part of the group, who has been cast into prison for teaching the Sabbath of the Lord, and of his intention to visit the place.
Elder E. H. Gates is now traveling through the islands of Polynesia, and held a council meeting in Fiji during the month of May. His long experience in island matters was most helpful to the workers in Fiji.
There is a good attendance at the training-school at Buresala, and we are glad to hear that a good class of young men are preparing to enter the work. About forty are in attendance. Brother Cady has done much to place the work of the Buresala school on a self-supporting basis. At the printing-office in Fiji, “Early Writings” is being published in an abridged form. The little paper, the Karama, started in May, 1900, is still being printed.
One of the saddest conditions we face in Fiji is the steady invasion of that fair group with an army of Orientals, who are either heathen or Mohammedan.
Reenforcements have been sent to Samoa from Fiji. Brother A. Butler, formerly a student at Avondale, who has now been in Fiji a few years, and a native worker, are taking up work with Brother H. T. Howse, the director of our Samoan Mission.
Additional help has been sent to the Society group, and late letters tell us that the workers are of good courage. Although the language is still a barrier, they are able to do something by circulating our literature. They can do as one of our lady workers did in Java, who began selling the tracts when she knew only four words,—“Boeka bai, lima sen,” which meant, “Good book, five cents.” She had one answer to every objection, “Boeka bai, lima sen,” till finally she was called, by those who spoke Malay, “Miss Five Cents.” But she sold the tracts, and made many friends.
Wahroonga, Australia.
East China Mission Field
By A. C. Seldon
A. C. SELDON, M. D.
FROM day to day the street chapel in this place is filled with men and women. A class of inquirers is being taught daily.
During the summer of 1910 China's first national exposition was held, in the city of Nanking, bringing visitors from every province. Our colporteurs were sent there to open work and sell literature; and thousands who came to see the improved methods of manufacturing, of traveling, etc., bought the papers that our colporteurs were selling. These gave them opportunity to learn that the great improvement they are in need of is a turning away from idols to the worship of the true God, and to prepare for his soon coming to judge the world.
Nanking and Shanghai are both in the province of Kiang-su. The other two provinces of this field are Che-kiang and Anhwei. No work is being carried on in Che-kiang province. In the province of Anhwei, at a place called Ying-shan-Hsien, there is a large company of Sabbath-keepers. The raising up of this company of Christians came about through one man in the city, who received letters and literature from a friend in another province.
Shanghai.
The Danish-Norwegian School
By R. A. Underwood
ABOUT eighteen months have passed since the purchase of the Danish-Norwegian school property at Hutchinson was made, and one year of school work is now in the past. Eighty or more students were enrolled during the first school year. We understand that the prospect for the coming year is that there will be quite an increase of students over last year.
The purchase price of the property, $22,250, has all been paid by donations. The American brethren in the union conference raised eight thousand dollars of this amount, and the remaining part was raised by the Danish-Norwegian brethren in the union and in other sections of the country.
It has been necessary to expend a large amount of money in addition to the price paid for the property. Considerable expense has been necessary in repairing the building. A good barn, with a silo, has been built for the stock; a dozen cows, four horses, and a fine team of mules have been purchased; and a cottage for the farmer to live in has been built. Sixty or more acres of land have been cleared, and from sixty to eighty acres have been drained. About twenty thousand tile, ranging from four- to eight-inch, have been put in; this will greatly increase the value and productiveness of the farm, and was absolutely essential to the success of the enterprise. A large county ditch has been run within a short distance of the place, and the citizens of the county taxed us about five hundred dollars toward its construction. As is usual in the early period of the establishment of a school, a good many items of expense have accrued which it has been necessary to meet.
Last year the building was fully occupied with students and teachers. In order to accommodate the increase of students expected the coming year, it will be necessary to finish the attic of the main building, and this will require the outlay of several thousand dollars. It is quite evident to the minds of those in close touch with the growth of the school that this work will have to be done to accommodate those who will come to the school next year.
It is thought best to dedicate this property September 24, three days after the opening of the school; and it is greatly desired that the pledges that have been made by our brethren for the school shall be paid before that time if possible. If there are others who can assist in placing this school at its dedication free from debt, with all necessary equipment and facilities for successful work, their help will be much appreciated. The seminary needs a laboratory and a library,—facilities which it has not yet been able to secure. We have not run in debt in starting this school; but there will be bills to meet in paying for tile and some other improvements which will require several thousand dollars, and this we should be glad to have in at the day of the dedication. A fully itemized report of receipts and expenditures will be given at the time of the dedication of the school.
We invite the careful scrutiny and counsel of our brethren assembled at the time of the meeting, and I am sure the managers of the school will be very grateful for advice or counsel. God has greatly blessed this undertaking. The citizens of Hutchinson have been friendly, and the press of that city has always spoken most kindly in favor of the seminary and its work. The Commercial Club of the town has turned over to us $2,800 in cash, and there is five hundred dollars still due from the club. The citizens have promised to put in a sewer, which will cost the town about five thousand dollars. Personally, we are very grateful to the citizens of Hutchinson for their cooperation. God has greatly blessed in the efforts to establish this school free from debt.
A marked change in the farm has been brought about in the short period of eighteen months. Sixty acres or more has been cleared of timber, and twenty-five acres of this is at the present time covered with a fine crop of corn. While traveling recently over a dozen or more States, it was truly refreshing to see the splendid crop of corn and the green pastures in the locality of Hutchinson. Only those who have undertaken to clear a farm of its timber, and bring it under cultivation, can appreciate the amount of work required to transform a wilderness of brush and timber into fertile fields of grain. Brother George Axelsen, the farm manager, together with others, has labored faithfully in bringing this about. While it will take several years to bring the farm into the highest state of cultivation, yet we are truly thankful for the progress that has been made. We pray that God will make this institution a glory to his name.
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
Negro Education
By A. J. Haysmer
“THE first school for colored people was opened under the protection of the guns of Fortress Monroe in 1861, for the avowed purpose of educating the contrabands of war.
“In 1862 several more schools were opened with a similar object, and in 1864 the government issued an order through the military department creating a board of education to look after the rudimentary instruction of the freedmen.
“Following the war much money appropriated for Negro education was expended with few practical results. However, in 1866 the government recommended that free colored schools be established everywhere.
“The South having lost so much property was unable to support such a school system, and at the same time educate its own children. Even to-day in some of these States, the public schools reach only a small per cent of the white children.
“But the need of the hour is a system of education that will reach all the colored children. As the Negro must be a profitable producer, it is doubly important that this system of education should be strong along industrial and mechanical lines. It will be a long time before the Southern States, unaided, can bring this about.
“‘Some time ago,’ says Booker T. Washington, ‘one of our young men invited me to make a visit in a back country of Alabama, where he had been teaching school. I went out there, and one day he had a farmers’ institute. An old farmer was asked to go up on the platform. He had a handful of cotton stalks. He picked up one stalk and began his address: “I never had no chance to study no science, but I has been trying to make some science for myself. This stalk o’ cotton growed only one boll to the stalk.” He picked up another stalk of cotton, and told how he had fertilized his land until he got three bolls to the stalk. Then he picked up another, and another, until he showed one with six; and, “las’ year,” he concluded, “I got to the p’int where on one stalk growed fourteen bolls.” After he had taken his seat, somebody said, “Uncle, what is your name?” “In the ole days when I didn’t hab no larnin’ an’ lived in an ole log cabin, they used ter call me Ole Jim Hill. Now I owns houses, I is edicatin’ my chilluns, I has no mortgage on my buildin’s, and I has some money in the bank. Now they calls me Mister James Hill,” was his reply.’”
“The Negro naturally looks to the land for support. He was brought to America to till the soil. His home was on the plantation. It is only within the last decade that he has left the farm, in large numbers, to seek an existence in the city. The people of the United States can not afford to allow this. The Negro problem, always a perplexing one, becomes ten times as difficult when he leaves the land.
“Schools for the Negro should be on the land. Teachers of Negroes should be lovers of the farm. Text-books for Negro schools should deal with farm problems. Every legitimate means should be employed to make him a landowner, capable of supporting himself from his acres, capable of building for himself a suitable and comfortable cottage, of keeping it clean and hygienic, and of serving on his table well prepared foods that come from his garden, and of caring in a rational way for his sick.”
In connection with the foregoing, I wish to give a few extracts from “Testimonies for the Church,” Volume IX, on this subject:—
“Promising young men and young women should be educated to become teachers. They should have the very best advantages. Schoolhouses and meeting-houses should be built in different places, and teachers employed.”
“The children and youth in these schools are to be taught something more than merely how to read. Industrial lines of work are to be carried forward. The students are to be provided with facilities for learning trades that will enable them to support themselves.”
“We should be deeply interested in14the establishment of schools for the colored people. And we must not overlook the importance of placing the present truth before the teachers and students in the large colleges for colored people that have been established by men of the world.”
“Schools and sanitariums for colored people should be established, and in these the colored youth should be taught and trained for service by the very best teachers that can be employed.”
The October collection is for the work among this people. We feel very anxious that, as the work is increasing so rapidly among them, our offerings shall increase proportionately.
A. J. HAYSMER,Sec. North American Foreign Dept.
East Kansas Camp-Meeting
By J. W. Christian
The annual conference and camp-meeting of the East Kansas Conference was held in a beautiful park in the suburbs of Fort Scott, August 10-21. The camp-meeting was preceded by a workers’ meeting, lasting ten days, which proved a great blessing to the workers, and gave a healthy tone to the beginning of the camp-meeting.
Owing to the drought in this part of the State in early summer, it was feared the attendance would be small. All were happily surprised, however, to find nearly four hundred believers encamped on the grounds. The outside interest was fairly good, and the attendance quite regular at the evening services.
From the first the meeting was characterized by the deep movings of the Spirit of God, and a determination on the part of nearly all to secure definite victories was very apparent. On the first Sabbath of the meeting, after a discourse on practical godliness, by Elder R. A. Underwood, a large share of the congregation came forward to rededicate their lives to the service of God in finishing the work committed to this people.
A large number of young people were on the ground, and it seemed for a while exceedingly difficult to reach many who acknowledged that they were lost, but who were held by the fetters of worldliness to such an extent that it seemed impossible to break loose. Prayer bands were organized, much personal work was done, and we were all made glad on Thursday morning to see the heavy cloud that had been hovering over the young people’s tent begin to lift. From that time on the Lord moved mightily among his people. Some severe battles were fought, and glorious victories won. Only two or three young people left the grounds without yielding themselves to God. Near the close of the last Sabbath of the meeting all repaired to the edge of a beautiful lake in the park, where twenty-eight believers were baptized. The next day another baptismal service was held. In all, thirty-four were baptized during the meeting.
The conference proceedings were marked with a spirit of unity, and many expressed the opinion that this was the best meeting, so far as harmony was concerned, that Kansas has had for years. While all did not see things just alike, there was a spirit of kindness and tenderness manifested in all the discussions. Elder L. W. Terry was reelected president of the conference, and a strong committee of devoted men associated with him in leading out in the work. Special attention was given to the financial condition of the conference, and stirring resolutions were passed to the effect that it press forward in doing its share for the support of this work.
Brethren D. E. Huffman and W. H. Clark were ordained to the gospel ministry, and granted ministerial credentials. This will strengthen the depleted working force of the East Kansas Conference, and will inspire our brethren with courage in behalf of aggressive field work.
Among the laborers who attended all or a part of the meeting, outside of the regular conference laborers, were Elders I. H. Evans, E. T. Russell, R. A. Underwood, Frederick Griggs, R. A. Ogden, M. E. Kern, Meade MacGuire, C. G. Bellah, and the writer. These men all labored faithfully for the success of the meeting, and the Lord witnessed to their efforts.
I am sure the Lord has bright days before the East Kansas Conference, and we should all pray that the spirit of love and unity and confidence may be cherished, that the Lord’s work be not hindered. J. W. CHRISTIAN.
West Texas Camp-Meeting
By G. B. Thompson
THE annual camp-meeting of the West Texas Conference was held at Ovalo, August 10-20. This conference was organized two years ago, with about two hundred members. At the present time the membership has increased to about three hundred forty. On account of the drought, however, which has continued for three years, resulting in an almost total failure of crops, nearly forty families of our people have moved to other places. Notwithstanding these discouraging circumstances the attendance at the meeting was very good, over two hundred fifty being present during the meeting.
The reports rendered showed progress. A number have embraced the truth during the year, and the tithe showed an increase of about twelve hundred dollars over that for the previous year, which was a very encouraging gain. The tract society showed a present worth of about eleven hundred dollars. The book work has been very successful, and though the circumstances have apparently been unfavorable, over five thousand dollars' worth of books has been sold during the year.
There was quite a large number of young people on the ground. Elder E. E. Farnsworth and others labored untiringly for these, and many responded to the gentle pleading of the Holy Spirit, and gave their hearts to God. The Lord greatly blessed in the revival services held. The Holy Spirit was especially manifested the last Sabbath. Backsliders were reclaimed, and a goodly number found the Saviour for the first time. Twenty were baptized the last Sabbath of the meeting.
The business of the conference was marked with much of the blessing of the Lord. The plan to raise a sum equal to fifteen cents a week per member the coming year was adopted, and a per cent of the tithe was gladly given to missions. The Sustentation Fund was explained, and all were thankful for such an excellent plan for the support of sick and aged workers. Five per cent of the tithe was voted to this fund.
Elder T. W. Field was unanimously re-elected president of the conference. The other officers were about the same as for the past year.
Elder G. F. Watson, the union conference president, W. W. Eastman, E. E. Farnsworth, T. M. French, and the writer attended the meeting, and shared with the local workers in the burdens and blessings of the meeting.
We were glad to attend this meeting. Though in the midst of a prolonged drought, the work has moved forward; and with the continued blessing of the Lord this young conference will soon be self-supporting.
G. B. THOMPSON.
The Arkansas Camp-Meeting (Colored)
By J. W. Dancer
THE camp-meeting for the colored believers of this State was held in Pine Bluff, August 10-20. Although the date was changed, the meeting being held two weeks earlier than was at first planned, there was quite a full attendance of the believers.
Elder C. S. Lightner, of Crescent, Okla., was the only colored minister from outside the State in attendance. We appreciated having him with us. He preached several times, and his instruction was well received by all present.
Elder J. W. Norwood and Brother15J. A. Tucker were with us a portion of each day during nearly the whole of the camp-meeting. They used, alternately, the 10 A. M. and 3 P. M. preaching periods, studying principles with us, making free use of the Bible and the Testimonies. Elder Norwood dealt with tithing, the spirit of prophecy, unity, church discipline, etc. Brother Tucker, being the State missionary secretary, considered different phases of the canvassing work. He drew some good lessons from the early Reformers, especially Martin Luther and the Waldenses.
The entire camp was divided into prayer bands, with a leader for each, and some time during the day each band assembled for prayer and Bible study. There was no definite hour fixed, but each band was left free to meet according to its convenience. Good effects were manifest from the work of these bands, and perfect harmony existed throughout the camp.
It rained considerably during the meeting, causing some discomfort in the tents; nevertheless we did not miss a single service because of it. The night services were well attended by those not of our faith when it was not raining hard at the time for service. The preaching at night was practical, and dealt with points of our faith calculated to arouse the people from their carnal security. Brethren R. L. Bradford and D. R. Richardson will remain in Pine Bluff for a while to follow up the interest.
Though all of us are in moderate circumstances, yet we were willing to assist the cause to the extent of our ability. About seventy dollars was pledged. The last day of the meeting (Sunday) the writer baptized seven persons, all but two of whom had made their decision to take this step during the meeting. At the close of the service Sunday night, as we sang the good old hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” and shook hands in farewell, we could not but think of the time soon to come when parting will be no more.
J. W. DANCER.
Work Among the Colored People in Michigan
By J. W. Owens
DETROIT.— It has been some time since we reported, and we believe that a few facts concerning the progress of the work here will be of interest. We began our work in Detroit in July, 1910, with a little tract called “The Family Bible Teacher.” This worked well in many cases; but while some read the tract with interest, others would lay it aside, and eventually forget it altogether. We soon found that another method was needed. We tried several; and at last we circulated an assortment of tracts, containing such subjects as “The Nature of Man;” “The Destruction of the Wicked,” “Who Changed the Sabbath?” “The Origin, Work, and Character of Satan,” etc. On each tract was written our name and address. This method worked well, and soon calls began to come in for Bible readings.
These tracts reached the leading colored ministers of the city, and several promised to meet me, to set me right; but when the time came, something occurred which caused them to postpone the engagement. This opened many more doors for us to give Bible readings than we were able to fill. Dec. 31, 1910, we organized a church of seventeen members. Since that time we have met difficulties of a serious nature, but God has been, and is, with us. The night is gone, and day breaks at last.
We are of strong courage in the Lord and in the power of his might. Surely the harvest is fully ripe in Detroit, but how few are the laborers! The field is too extensive, and the demands are too numerous, to be met by one man. Still, we keep hoping that God will move upon the heart of some one to join us in the fight. We need your prayers that a monument to the truth may be established here, from whose portals the truth of God may go to a neglected race.
J. W. OWENS.
Maryland
By S. W. Van Trump
GLEN ECHO.— Just over the line separating the District of Columbia from the State of Maryland is the little town of Glen Echo. The major portion of the town is occupied by the grounds of an amusement park. The State of Maryland permits such places to operate on Sunday, though a law still remains on her statute-books which could be enforced to close them. The general attitude toward this law is to ignore it as a relic of the colonial period in which its provisions were framed.
However, there has recently sprung up a dispute over the subject of the town's water-supply. On a certain Sunday the mayor of the place decided to shut off the mains. This precipitated trouble, in which the employees of the park used physical violence upon the mayor's person. Subsequently the Sunday-law breakers were haled before the court at the county-seat. Should Montgomery County enforce a law the other counties do not enforce? The State's attorney decided that it should, and the sheriff enforced it the following Sunday. But the Sunday thereafter the park opened as usual, introducing religious features, and suppressing other things under the ban of the law.
While we were not in sympathy with the amusement-park people, and are not antagonizing her opponents, yet the influence of the Sunday-law enforcement upon the State led us to place in each home in Glen Echo a copy of Liberty and the tract “Why Sunday Laws Are Wrong.” Other towns near by will be visited; for the Sunday-closing movement seems to be spreading in this section. S. W. VAN TRUMP.
Sunday Laws at Cherokee, S. C.
By T. H. Jevs.
When Brother J. M. Swofford and son returned from the Woodruff camp-meeting, they found a summons to trial for Sunday labor awaiting them. The work for which they were indicted was sowing a bucketful of cow-peas early on the morning of July 16. The work was done a full quarter of a mile from any public road or any house except their own. The trial was set for Tuesday, August 8. The president of the South Carolina Conference, Elder W. H. Branson, was present at the trial, and was granted some time in which to address the jury. He made a strong plea for religious liberty. Brother E. H. Evers conducted the case, and made the final speech to the jury. The writer was present, and addressed the court and jury in behalf of the American principles of freedom.
At the request of the attorney for the prosecuting witness, the magistrate ruled that no reference to the Bible should be made. Thus we were not permitted to bring in Bible truths except in an indirect way.
In commenting on the ruling the writer remarked that it is a unique situation when a religious question is under discussion, and the supreme rule for religious conduct is excluded. It was plainly to be seen that the sentiment was against us, though it was not universally so. Many words of sympathy were spoken by onlookers, but the instructions and rulings of the trial justice were such that the jury could not do otherwise than render a verdict of guilty.
The occasion was improved to circulate religious liberty literature. The neighborhood is much stirred; and, though the jury gave an adverse decision, we feel that by God's help apparent defeat will result in advancement to his cause. Instead of being cast down, every member of the Cherokee church is full of hope and courage.
A fine of one dollar was imposed. This Brother Swofford did not pay, preferring to wait and take counsel concerning the advisability of appealing the case.
As I watched the progress of the trial, noting the willingness of the thoughtless throng to be amused by the chaffy, flippant thrusts of the prosecuting attorney, I could not but reflect how little we can expect from the people of earth unless the Spirit of God restrains them.
The spirit that moved the mob against Stephen, and inspired the awful cry, “Crucify him, crucify him,” against the Son of God, is still in evidence in the earth. Only the holding of the winds, the restraining power of God, holds in check the satanic passions of a maddened multitude. Truly the night is far spent, the day is at hand. What is done must be done quickly.
Meeting at the Seventh-day Adventist church was appointed for the night following. Many of the citizens and neighbors attended, and the writer spoke to them from the words of John 19:7: “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.”
The brethren of South Carolina intend to follow up the interest aroused in this place by distributing our literature; for, though the offense was not committed with the view of gaining attention or notoriety, yet we feel that now, while the eyes of the public are turned in our direction, it is proper that every lawful means shall be used to set forth the principles of religious liberty. Articles were written for the local papers setting forth modestly but plainly the truth in the case, discussing not the man but the principles. Personally, I felt it a privilege to return to the South Carolina Conference, and lend what little aid I could in the case.
T. H. JEVS.
The Battle in Maine
By Stephen N. Haskell
THE battle is on in the old Pine Tree State. Every one who senses the importance of the issue is arousing and working for the temperance cause. Most of our lay members in Maine are doing all in their power to help in this crisis. Some of our Maine farmers left their grain out in the field, and spent several days distributing the Temperance Instructor, while others have entirely set aside their own personal interests for the few weeks of this campaign, and are devoting all their time to this work. They feel that the work is important, and appreciate the sacrifice our brethren in other conferences are making in supplying the literature, and they feel happy in making a sacrifice to distribute it. They have bought all the literature they could, and like the Corinthians of old, they give “their own selves to the Lord” to be used in this work.
Ten thousand papers have been placed in the city of Portland. We have carefully districted the city, and called at every home, placing the Temperance Instructor in the hands of the people, trying to reach every voter. Lewiston, Bangor, Augusta, Biddeford, and other cities are being worked in the same way. We are placing the papers directly in the homes, and personally calling attention to the present issue. We are endeavoring to use every paper to the best advantage.
The leading Prohibition workers are now calling for our literature to distribute through the country. We have seen no temperance literature used by them that will compare in value with the Temperance Instructor. If we had two more weeks to work, we believe that, with the momentum which this work has now received, we could place one hundred fifty thousand copies of the Temperance Instructor in the hands of the people of Maine; as it is, we hope to distribute fifty or sixty thousand. We feel sure the Lord will reward our brethren who are sending us the papers to use in this crisis, and trust that they will continue to send them until the battle is over.
The liquor element all over the country is sparing no money to defeat prohibition in Maine. It is flooding the country with literature, and buying up every newspaper that can be purchased. Several of the rural weekly newspapers,16which have always stood for temperance, have taken their stand for the high license party, and acknowledge that they are working for money. Pray for the work in Maine. S. N. HASKELL.
