In every important religious movement in this world’s history, we find that children and youth have taken a prominent part. The Lord recognized the enthusiasm that is bound up in young hearts when he said: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.”
In the young Israelite who was made governor of Egypt; in the shepherd boy of Bethlehem; and in the Hebrew captives in Babylon, we have ample illustrations of what the Lord will do with young men wholly surrendered to him. Pharaoh said of Joseph: “Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art.” David became a man after the Lord’s own heart, and one result of the faithful witnessing of the Hebrew children was that the king made a decree that no one should speak “anything amiss” against their God.
Of Jesus Christ, the greatest missionary and reformer the world has ever known, it is said, “As he is, so are we in this world.” As a young person, having passed through the years of childhood and youth, the Saviour was able to meet other young persons; he received and blessed the little children; he gave kindly advice and warning to the rich young man, and was a most devoted friend and guest of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Upon the occasion of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the people were crowding the temple courts, and the sick and decrepit pressed the Saviour upon every side, among his beloved followers little children raised their glad voices in praise to the world’s Redeemer, in the words, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and their blessed ministry was recognized, as he said, “Yea; . . . out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.”
Timothy, the bosom companion and co-laborer of the great apostle to the Gentiles, accompanied him in his missionary journeys, going from city to city. “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”
It was the Waldensian youth who sowed the seed of the word of God through Europe, which kept Christianity alive during the Dark Ages.
In the times of the Reformation, we find that Melancthon was but twenty-four years of age when actively engaged in teaching and preaching. Ulrich Zwingle, the leader of the Reformation in Switzerland, was but ten years of age when sent to the school of St. Theodore, Bâle. “Young Zwingle made rapid progress. The learned disputes which were fashionable among the doctors of universities had even descended to the youth in schools. Ulrich took part in them. He exercised growing strength against the children of other schools, and was always victorious in the struggles which formed a kind of prelude to those by which the papacy was to be overthrown in Switzerland.”—D’Aubigné, “History of the Reformation,” book 8, chap. 2, par. 3.
At a little past eighteen, Zwingle took the degree of Master of Arts, and at twenty-two was in charge of a parish. Soon after, having taken part in a civil campaign in Italy, Zwingle perceived that “nowhere is there any imitation of Jesus Christ,” and seeing that a reformer was required, he had a presentiment of his mission. Not long after this, “when Zwingle turned toward the Holy Scriptures, Switzerland took her first step in the Reformation.” “In explaining the portions of the gospel and epistles selected for public worship, he always compared scripture with scripture. He spoke with animation and force, and followed with his hearers the same course which God was following with him. . . . As often as the study of the Bible suggested some useful instruction to himself, he communicated it to his hearers. . . . This forms a new and important epoch in the history of the development of the religious revolution of those countries.”—Id., chap. 4, pars. 9, 10.
It was before he was twenty that Charles Wesley manifested the Christian seriousness and faithfulness to the college obligations, that drew upon him and his few companions the epithet of “Methodist.” And John Wesley was ordained a deacon at the age of twenty-two.
In the history of the great Advent movement of 1844, children are also found spreading the truth of the Lord’s soon coming. Elder J. N. Loughborough, writing in the REVIEW of June 20, 1899, says:—459
“In countries where the laws forbade the preaching of anything contrary to the established religion, God had his way of working, which men could not stop, and which bore its own marks of divine origin. Sweden was such a country, and had such laws. There the beginning of the Advent movement was with little children from five to ten years of age. In the year 1896 it was the privilege of the writer to pass over those parts of central and southern Sweden where this preaching took place, and to converse with those connected with the movement, some of whom preached the doctrine when they were children.”
And we would remember, with gratitude, the calling of Sister E. G. White, at the age of fifteen, to the work of God in the great threefold message of Revelation 14. When we recall the fact that she was but a timid, retiring girl, untaught in the schools of the world, and that the extent of her work has been far-reaching in its influence,—even encircling the globe,—we are led to exclaim, “Who teacheth like Him”!
This brings us to the present generation. And now the question very naturally arises, What part shall the youth of to-day exercise in the closing work of the Third Angel’s Message,—the greatest movement the world will ever know? Surely the Lord has a mission for them in this, as in every other, phase of the world’s history; for he has given abundant instruction in this matter. Hear him:—
“Young men and young women, you are accountable to God for the light that he has given you. This light, and these warnings, if not heeded, will rise up in the Judgment against you. Your dangers have been plainly stated; you have been cautioned and guarded on every side, hedged in with warnings. In the house of God you have listened to the most solemn, heart-searching truths presented by the servant of God in demonstration of the Spirit. What weight do these solemn appeals have upon your hearts? What influence do they have upon your characters? You will be held responsible for every one of these appeals and warnings. They will rise up in the Judgment to condemn those who pursue a life of vanity, levity, pride.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. III, page 363.
“The youth generally seem to be Satan’s captives, and he and his angels are leading them to certain destruction.”—Id., Vol. I, page 397.
“Young men and young women, I saw that God has a work for you to do; take up your cross and follow Christ, or you are unworthy of him. While you remain in listless indifference, how can you tell what is the will of God concerning you? and how do you expect to be saved unless, as faithful servants, you do your Lord’s will? Those who possess eternal life will all have done well. . . . How can you tell how many souls you might save from ruin, if, instead of studying your own pleasure, you were seeking what work you could do in the vineyard of your Master? . . . Begin to pray for souls, come near to Christ, close to his bleeding side. Let a meek and quiet spirit adorn your lives, and let your earnest, broken, humble petitions ascend to him for wisdom that you may have success in saving not only your own soul, but the souls of others. . . . Young men and young women, God calls upon you to work for him.”—Id., page 513.
Many more exhortations to the youth from the Spirit of the Lord might be noticed, but these must suffice. However, let those who have access to the “Testimonies for the Church” study the entire chapter in Vol. III, pages 362–367. And will not every older person who reads the REVIEW, place this article in the hands of some young person within his reach,—perhaps some poor boy or girl who does not have the Testimonies?
Next week we shall speak of the work among the young people of Battle Creek.
CARRIE HATHAWAY.
“TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE.”
By Joseph H. Haugher
“Now, as never before, we need to understand the true science of education. If we fail to understand this, we shall never have a place in the kingdom of God.”
In harmony with this statement, there has recently been held in Battle Creek College a teachers’ conference for the consideration of the true science of education. Perhaps a more enthusiastic company of seekers after truth on this subject has never met in the history of education among Seventh-day Adventists. The enrollment has reached one hundred and ten, the larger number of whom have been engaged in our school work.
From the opening day, the interest has been high and unabating. The instruction is being given not only by such teachers as Professor Sutherland, Dr. Kellogg, and Elder Jones, but by each member of the convention who has had practical experience in school work. Indeed, each and every subject is presented not only from the theoretical, but from the practical, standpoint.
The fundamental thought of the institute is that true education is an education of faith, in faith; and can therefore in no way be mingled with the education of the world, which is an education of doubt, in doubt.
Among the topics being considered are the following:—
Why should Seventh-day Adventists have an educational system? What should it be?
What is Christian education? Wherein does it differ from the popular school system?
Is the educational work the basis for all Christian growth, and does the prosperity of the church depend upon its attitude toward Christian education?
Each of the popular churches had in turn an opportunity to do the educational work of the world; failure to do so resulted in spiritual death,—a brief history.
Is the Seventh-day Adventist Church in danger of repeating the mistake made by the popular churches in the educational work?
Educational institutions belonging to the system of Christian education; character and scope of work belonging to each; age as a basis of division.
Is it possible and practicable for each church and company to maintain a school?
Proper financial support of the church school.
Duties of the church-school board.
Relation of home life to the school, and of the teacher to the home life.
Discipline in the church school; how parents and church-members may co-operate with the teacher.
The Bible as a text-book and as the basis of all educational work.
How far the health principles should be taught in the church school.
The proper place for arithmetic to occupy in Christian schools.
Music as a factor in education.
Books for Christian schools.
Change of methods necessary in church schools.
The preparatory school; location, maintenance, size, industries connected with, etc.
Kindergarten work: (1) Bible as the basis; (2) its place in the home.
Manual training in church and preparatory schools.
Advantages of the country schools over those in the city.
How to organize a church school.
Does a public-school teacher require a training in the methods of Christian education to insure success in church-school work?
The advantage of having a nurse connected with the educational work of the church.
The Southern field as an educational problem. Our duty to that field.
Duties of the Conference and ministry toward the educational work.
The Training School Advocate and the work of an educational journal.
Qualifications of a church-school teacher.
The school as a stimulus to missionary work in the church.
Experiences in teaching various subjects.
Plans to strengthen and systematize the church-school work.
Interesting statistics on the educational work.
A spiritual education will develop the one hundred and forty-four thousand.
Near the opening of the convention it was decided to publish, in pamphlet form, the addresses, talks, papers, and discussions, giving the gist of all that comes before the Conference. More than thirteen hundred copies were spoken for by the teachers present, even before it was decided to publish it, which is the most practical way of voting. This pamphlet will contain 275 or 300 pages, about the size of those of “Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists.” The price will be 40 cents. The talks by Dr. Kellogg on the simple principles of health, and simple remedies, will alone be worth more than the price of the pamphlet.
Every progressive Seventh-day Adventist school, teacher, and every Seventh-day Adventist who is interested in the subject of Christian education, will wish this pamphlet; for the Spirit of God has been present to lead into much important truth pertaining to this important branch of his work.
JOSEPH H. HAUGHER.
IRELAND
By John Norton Loughborough
From April 27 to May 3 I was with the church in Liverpool, England, and had the pleasure of speaking several times to that company in their place of worship. A number of persons have accepted the truth since the general meeting of last fall. This has already resulted from the labors of Brethren Andross, Altman, Harris, and their helpers. There seems to be a fair prospect of further increase by the tent effort to be made this summer.
From May 4–23, in company with Brother Hutchinson, I met with the organized churches of Belfast and Banbridge, Ireland. We also visited the scattered ones in Portadown, Tanderagee, Cady, Cloner, Baleyborough, and Bangor. With a very few exceptions we saw all the Seventh-day Adventists in northern Ireland. There are about one hundred. These all hold their membership with one or the other of the two organized churches. Those situated where they can not meet with their church have local family Sabbath-schools.
In Banbridge, on Sunday afternoon, May 13, with a short notice, we had an audience of one hundred and fifty, in Orange Hall, who attentively listened to a talk on the signs of the times. In Belfast, on Sunday, May 20, in the Ulster Hall, thirteen hundred assembled to listen to the same subject. This hall was next to the largest in the city. Although the rent and advertising cost several pounds, the expense was more than met by contributions, and by a collection of twenty-three dollars taken at the meeting.
Brother Hutchinson has his twenty-by-forty-foot tabernacle erected in a good part of the city, and there is a growing interest in the meetings. In Belfast, during the month of May six or more persons decided to obey the truth, and still others are in the valley of decision.
Steadily and surely the cause of truth is gaining ground in Ireland. Those who have accepted the truth are anxious to see the work advance. As is natural in every field, they would like to see the work on the island have its due proportion of labor. There are many precious souls to be hunted out in that field. Pray for the success of the work there.
At the time of my visit to the island, it was clothed with its emerald green fields and darker green “thorn” hedge fences. These hedges, skirted with the brilliant yellow “whins” blossoms, and their banks covered with the cream-colored primroses, blue violets, and purple meadow rockets, were a gorgeous sight. No wonder the Irishman of America speaks of the beauty of the home land. Many fled from the country, not because of its lack of beauty, but to escape the oppression of landlords. I was glad to learn, however, that Britain has now provided for the mitigation of some of those oppressions.
In our journey to Cady we had an hour in Armagh. We visited the St. Patrick Cathedral, erected in 445 A. D. This was the home diocese of the famous St. Patrick, whom the Irish Catholic claims as ‘our principal patron, who banished the reptiles from Ireland.’ As to his ‘banishing’ snakes and toads, that is probably fabulous; but I was told by many citizens that a snake will not live in Ireland. Several times snakes have been brought there; and when placed upon the ground, they will crawl along a little way, then curl up and die. It is supposed that there is something in the soil that460is surer death to the snake than the power of the dead St. Patrick.
One thing is certain; that is, that St. Patrick of the fifth century did not entertain all the many tenets of the Catholic Church of later centuries. Many writers claim that he was not in his time a Roman Catholic. Be that as it may, the St. Patrick Cathedral on the hill in Armagh is now a Protestant place of worship. The Catholics have in late years erected another cathedral on another hill in Armagh, still to hold a Catholic diocese of St. Patrick.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Bishop McFaul Criticizes Administration's Treatment of Catholics
In an address to the Knights of Columbus, reported in the Catholic Mirror of June 16, Bishop McFaul, of Trenton, New Jersey, June 5, said:—
The treatment we have received from the present national administration is simply outrageous. Should not the commissions to our new possessions have had several Catholic members? They alone could intelligently weigh and appreciate the religious condition of those countries, and suggest measures suitable for the adjustment of new civil conditions, so as to enlist the strong assistance of the religious element in the interest of peace, order, and good government. . . .
It is scarcely possible to speak calmly of the injustice done our Indian schools.
In view of this and the favor that has actually been shown to the Catholic Church by the present administration, it is perfectly plain that, as ever, Rome can never be satisfied with anything less than all of everything.
THE NEW ENGLAND CAMP-MEETING.
By Allen Moon
ACCORDING to appointment, this meeting was held at Arlington, near Boston. The place was easy of access by steam and electric cars from the city, and the location was a desirable one in every respect. It was in open ground, surrounded with green hills, and fanned by the pure breezes from the country, and yet conveniently near the city for all who were disposed to attend.
The meeting had been in progress one day when the writer arrived on the grounds. The work of preparing the camp had been finished, and everything was beautifully and tastily arranged, so there was no interruption of religious services, and those in attendance had ten days in which quietly to worship God.
From the beginning, it was apparent that an excellent spirit prevailed in the meeting. The preaching was, for the most part, of a practical character. The evening discourses usually partook more of the doctrinal form, if such a distinction may be drawn, owing to the larger attendance from the city at those services. The meeting held over two Sabbaths, and on the first it was indeed refreshing to witness the interest in the Sabbath-school and in the services that followed; and although no special thought was bestowed upon a revival effort by those conducting the meetings, yet the Spirit of the Lord was present to convince hearts. In the afternoon a short discourse was given. This was followed by a social meeting, in which more than one hundred and fifty persons took part in a short time. From this time forward the social meetings were a special feature of the camp-meeting. Many a burdened soul was set free, and before the close of the meeting followed the Lord in baptism.
One feature of the New England camp-meeting is worthy of notice,—the spirit of unity and harmony that prevailed among the people, and was so conspicuous in all the testimonies. To this, more than to anything else, was due the spiritual success of the meeting.
The preaching was largely by the ministers of the Conference. Elder Thompson, of the New York Conference, came at the beginning of the second week, and remained until the close. His help was appreciated by all.
No Conference or tract society business was transacted at this meeting, the meeting for the election of officers, etc., being held at another time of the year. All the time of this meeting was devoted to spiritual work and to the consideration of such questions as foreign mission work, religious liberty work, and Christian help work. The medical work came in for its share of time and consideration, as well as the work of canvassing for our literature, the duty of paying tithe and of making offerings to the Lord, etc., Elder Cottrell, the president of the Conference, taking the lead or lending his influence, in the presentation of all these subjects.
The last Sabbath of the meeting was indeed a good day. The Lord came especially near while the Word was being presented, and almost the entire afternoon following a short discourse, was spent in social service and in seeking the Lord by those who had not before known him, or, who, having known him, had wandered away from him. The congregation was not divided for social meeting as is sometimes done, but the people spontaneously arose, and by the Spirit of the Lord expressed in a few words what spoke volumes. Men may seek in vain to direct social meetings; but when the Lord, who said, “God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few,” directs a social meeting, he always does so in harmony with his own instruction; and in this case the result was glorious; for only praise to him who giveth the victory was heard.
At the early morning meeting, Sunday, June 24, the people were given an opportunity to contribute to the support of foreign missions, and other enterprises connected with the Lord’s work, and the result was a liberal response. The remainder of the day was devoted to preaching services calculated to interest and benefit the people who came from the city and suburbs. An excellent impression was left upon the minds of many, and some were deeply interested. A tent will remain upon the grounds, and meetings will be held each evening as long as the interest continues. The meetings will be conducted by Elder O. O. Farnsworth and others. On the whole, the meeting was a most excellent one. May the Lord grant that many camp-meetings such as that of New England may be held this season.
ALLEN MOON.
IOWA CAMP-MEETING.
By L. A. Hoopes
THE annual Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Ames, Iowa, May 31 to June 10. The gathering was small for Iowa. After the meeting had been appointed, and the tents pitched, a number of smallpox cases developed in the city. The camp was under quarantine during one day of the workers’ meeting. The churches and public buildings were under quarantine for about a week, and the board of health earnestly requested that our meetings be not advertised in the city. During the whole of the workers’ meeting there were very few of the citizens present; but the quarantine seemed to arouse their interest to come to our meetings as soon as the quarantine was raised.
Reports of the smallpox were circulated all over the State, in the newspapers. Telegrams were received from various sections of the Conference, asking if it was safe to come to the camp-meeting. We therefore concluded that many were thereby kept away.
Notwithstanding the smallpox, the meetings of the workers were blessed of the Lord. Every indication showed that the Lord was ready to bless his people. His leadings were very manifest.
An encouraging feature of the business of the Conference was that plans were laid to utilize every available talent, in the Lord’s vineyard. Enthusiastic meetings were held with the canvassers and those who are contemplating engaging in that work.
Plans were devised to work especially with the churches, to see if many more can not be enlisted in missionary effort, by way of canvassing, distributing our literature, and by house-to-house visitation.
The church-school work received some attention; and steps were taken to hold an institute for those who contemplate teaching in church schools.
A resolution was passed requesting Union College to give more attention to the training of workers for the various branches of the Lord’s work.
The sanitarium enterprise was considered at length. Resolutions were passed empowering the management to do a large amount of charity work.
Prof. P. T. Magan was present to lay before the Iowa brethren the plan suggested by Sister E. G. White, whereby the debts on our educational institutions may be lifted. The Special Testimony bearing upon this subject was read, and the brethren took hold of the enterprise with a hearty good-will. Although the meeting was small, there were more than a thousand books sold, and several hundred dollars was received in pledges.
Some time was given to the Sabbath-school, foreign mission, and religious liberty work. The Conference indorsed the plan of the Foreign Mission Board, recommending that each person lay aside ten cents or more each week, to be used by the Foreign Mission Board to establish and maintain missions in the regions beyond.
The laborers present from outside the Conference were as follows: J. H. Morrison, P. T. Magan, L. Johnson, and the writer, of the General Conference; Professors Bland, Wilkinson, and Boettcher, of Union College; and Brother Thorp, the editor of the Danish paper.
The president’s report showed that there were over two hundred accessions to the faith the last year.
During the meetings the weather was fine, and the physical condition of the campers seemed good.
Revival work was carried on from the first. On the last Sabbath twenty-six persons followed their Lord in baptism.
The Conference Committee was increased to seven, so that responsibilities could be placed on some of the young men, and thereby develop them by an experience in every phase of Conference work.
At the close of the Sabbath afternoon service, Brother N. C. Bergersen was ordained to the gospel ministry, Elder Morrison giving the charge.
Iowa has a large number of stirring young people, who we hope at no very distant day will be occupying responsible positions in the work of the Lord.
L. A. HOOPES.
GENERAL CAMP-MEETINGS IN DISTRICT 6.
By George A. Irwin
The first of these meetings was held in the North Pacific Conference, at Portland, Ore., May 17-27. Elder and Mrs. Haskell and my wife and I arrived the day before the meeting began, and were taken by Elder H. W. Decker to the Portland Sanitarium, where we met several former friends and acquaintances, through whose kindness and attention we enjoyed a day and a night of much-needed rest and quiet.
The forenoon of the 17th we took up our abode upon the camp-ground, which was in the suburbs of the city, on a street-car line running out to St. Johns. The grounds had formerly been platted in blocks, with graded streets, for an addition to the city, which made it very convenient for the camp and campers. The number of our people encamped on the grounds exceeded that of any former meeting. There was a good attendance at the opening meeting, and a good spirit seemed to prevail. Elder W. T. Knox, the director of the District, arrived the second day of the meeting, and at once entered into active labor.
The preaching and instruction of the day-meetings were quite largely conducted by Elders Haskell and Knox, and the writer. Mrs. Irwin and Mrs. Haskell held several meetings with the sisters, in the interests of the Woman's Work. The evening services were principally carried by the ministry of the Conference. The outside attendance and interest were not large, but perhaps as much as could be expected, in view of the fact that camp-meetings have been held in the city several times prior to this season. Elder H. Shultz was in attendance, in the interests of the German work, and Elder Lewis Johnson, in the interests of the Scandinavian. Brother C. H. Jones, of the Pacific Press, was in attendance a few days in the interests of the canvassing work and the Signs of the Times.
Drs. J. H. Kellogg and David Paulson, having come to Portland in the interests of the Portland Sanitarium, were also present, and spoke once or twice. During their stay, the work in this institution was reorganized, and steps were taken toward its permanent incorporation. Dr. W. R. Simmons is in charge of the institution. The patronage is461good, and the prospects for the future are encouraging. Brother and Sister Tyszkiewicz, who have been connected with this work from its very beginning, and who, along with Sister Gotzian, have contributed largely to its financial support, left the last Sabbath of the meeting for a trip to Cape Nome, taking with them a large supply of health foods. They were accompanied with the prayers and best wishes of their friends, that God might bless in this missionary effort.
A number of enterprises were presented during the time of the meeting, which called for funds. These met with a fairly liberal response. Several hundred dollars was raised by the Conference to pay for tents that they had purchased. I failed to get the exact amount of the different contributions, but in the whole they amounted to several hundred dollars. The presentation of the plan for the liquidation of our school debts through the sale of Sister White's book on the parables of Jesus, resulted in the sale of over five hundred books, besides creating a general interest to assist in its further sale when the book is ready for delivery.
The reports from the various branches of the Conference showed a healthy increase. Eight new churches were admitted into the Conference, with an aggregate membership of one hundred thirty-eight. Besides this, several companies were reported as being ready for organization. Two churches were disbanded. The officers of the Conference were unanimously re-elected. A report of the treasurer showed quite a surplus in the treasury, after having settled with all their laborers, at a liberal allowance.
The meeting was not characterized by any excitement, or any special movings of the Spirit at any one time. The instruction was of that nature which would build the brethren up in the most holy faith, and fortify them against the delusions and snares of the enemy. Quite a number renewed their covenant vows to the Lord, and some for the first time accepted Christ as their Saviour.
Elder Knox and I were compelled to leave the meeting before the close, in order that we might be present at the opening of the Upper Columbia Conference; but Elder Haskell remained till the close of the meeting, and was assisted in the services by Elder J. H. Durland, who arrived a little after the middle of the meeting. Brother H. J. Schnapper was ordained to the gospel ministry, and will labor among the Germans. It was reported that the meetings closed with a good Spirit, and that all returned to their homes full of courage, and with a determination to be more faithful in the discharge of their duties and more earnest in the promulgation of the truth in the future. GEO. A. IRWIN.
D. T. BOURDEAU
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
FROM THE FRENCH CANADIAN TENT.
June 4 and 5, accompanied by Mrs. Bourdeau and Brother Oswald Bourbeau, my tent worker, I came to Namur, Labelle Co., Quebec. Here, June 6, aided by others, I pitched a tent, which I had purchased at reasonable figures of W. H. Griffin, manager of the Montreal Tent, Awning, and Tarpaulin Company, whom I most heartily recommend as one who will deal honorably with any wishing to secure tents to be used in the Dominion of Canada.
After pitching and arranging our tent I thought of resting a few days, in view of heavy work we had done to prepare us a lodging and to furnish an inviting place for meetings. But even the first Sunday, and before we had invited the people to hear us, there came to our tent several persons of French and English nationalities, and asked us to speak to them. I responded; and since then I have spoken two Sundays in both French and English, visited much, held cottage meetings, and by request given Bible readings on the reasons why we observe God’s holy day.
Notwithstanding efforts made to keep the people from attending our meetings, we have some deeply interested hearers. A few are powerfully wrought upon by the truth and Spirit of God, and already feel as if they ought to keep the holy Sabbath. Last Sabbath morning a France French woman, upon arising, said to her husband, “You ought not to go to work to-day. It seems to me that it is the day on which we should rest.” He replied, “Take the lead,” and attended our Sabbath-school with his children. We had given a Bible reading on the Sabbath question the night before, at the beginning of the Sabbath.
We are now starting a small French and English school to accommodate children who are several miles from a public school. Brother Oswald Bourbeau will teach every forenoon for five days each week, except when he has to be absent to do other missionary work, in which case his school will be taught by Mrs. Bourdeau or by Sister Peatment, an experienced English teacher who has recently moved here from Montreal, with her husband and four children.
Mrs. Bourdeau and myself find the work taxing for persons of our age. The contrast between the heat of the day and the cool, damp, and sometimes frosty, air of night at this latitude, and the care of the tent, in rain and storm, are somewhat taxing, to say nothing of the mosquito and black-fly pest; but the peace and blessing of God more than counterbalance all the inconveniences we have to meet. Upon the whole, we can say that our camp life, at the respective ages of nearly fifty-nine and sixty-five, is beneficial to us physically and spiritually, and we rejoice in Him who adds to our strength.