We are just in the midst of the cherry blossom season. Almost every one who writes about Japan pictures it as though the cherry blossoms lasted all the year round, with the people dressed like butterflies, and as happy as the birds, spending their lives in the enjoyment of nature. It is true that the Japanese as a people do love nature, although some of their ideas of beauty differ quite largely from those of many English-speaking people. For example, a Japanese flower garden is filled with shrubs and trees that have been purposely stunted, dwarfed, and twisted out of all shape, until it would seem that life was a burden to the plants themselves. Then these plants are prized, and are called beautiful. Perhaps the trunk is half or two thirds decayed, but that only adds to its beauty and enhances its value.
A little earlier in the season, the various gardens and flower shows were crowded with dwarfed plum trees. The majority of them would not measure more than sixteen or eighteen inches in height, although they had attained the age of several years, and at that season were so full of blossoms that it would be difficult to find room to put on another one. The Japanese certainly have great skill in producing this style of plants. They always appear to me like the work of sin. Men’s minds have been perverted to such an extent that they love to see things so distorted that they cannot be recognized. This same tendency is seen in their efforts to represent God in carvings and paintings. They do not seek symmetry of form or beauty of expression, but the grotesque, the awful, the hideous. Such figures as are never seen in nature, and of which no mind12could ever have conceived till it had reached the depths of degradation and sin, are set up and worshiped.
But back to the cherry blossoms: they do not last the whole year through. No, by no means! If there is any difference, they fall more quickly than in America. But since there are a number of species of them, and all do not bloom at the same time, the season does last quite a long time after all. The double flowers are the most beautiful. They bloom last, and look just like little roses sticking on the branches. They are so dense that the tree looks like one large ball of blossoms.
A BRIDGE IN JAPAN
The absence of fragrance in the cherry blossoms of Japan is very noticeable to an American. In this they well represent the heathen religions of the country,—very showy, but entirely destitute of that sweetness that makes the gospel of Jesus so pleasant to the sin-sick heart. It is fear or desire for personal advantage that prompts devotion or reverence in the devotees of heathenism. Again, there are no nice, rich, luscious cherries to form on the branches, and take the place of the blossoms when they fall. Japanese cherries are about the size of peas, and are nearly all seed, the little meat there is being very sour and scarcely fit to eat. In this also they very fittingly represent the emptiness of idolatry.
But though we find the people so degraded in heathendom, still, the very fact that they love nature shows that there is left in them some faint traces of an appreciation for God’s handiwork. Every family, no matter how poor or how small their quarters, have some plants upon which they spend much time and labor. This has always given me hope that there is at least one channel through which God’s love may reach their minds, and open their hearts to the whole truth. We must look for the good in people’s natures. The evil may be seen without looking for it, but the good must be searched out, and then made a medium to lead the heart back to the God of all good and truth. We are thankful to God for the beautiful flowers which brighten this world, cursed as it is with sin. We are thankful also for the beauty and sweetness of the gospel of Jesus. We are glad for an opportunity to tell others of this truth.
Last night a stranger happened into my evening Bible class. Noticing that he was quite familiar with the Bible, I had a conversation with him. He said he was a Christian, a school-teacher, and lived some distance from here. I asked why he came here when there were many mission schools near his home. He said that a copy of our Japanese paper was sent him about three months ago. He liked it, and had since been anxious to learn our views. I told him that we believe in keeping the commandments, and turning to the chart which hung on the wall, we began reading. When it came to, “But the seventh day,” he halted. A new thought had struck him. The word of God was “quick,” and did its work. For another hour we read our Bibles together, then he went away, but his mind was full of new thoughts. I pray that the seed sown may bear fruit.
It is an important work to search out and teach these who are still in darkness, but looking for light. Where are the men and women who are willing to be used by God in these needy fields? There is need of both men and money. We need more literature to circulate among the people, but that requires money. “His Glorious Appearing” has been translated, and is now in the hands of the printer. May God help us all to arouse to a sense of our duties.
Unbelief in Christ as Self-Righteousness
“UNBELIEF in Christ is an affirmation of one’s own righteousness.”
The Latin Field
By Jean Vuilleumier
JEAN VUILLEUMIER
This field comprises Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Each one of these countries has some interesting features which prepare the way for the proclamation of the message.
Belgium
Belgium’s constitution, adopted in 1830, contains the most remarkable article that I know of on the Sunday-law question. It says (I quote from memory): “No law shall be passed stating which days shall be observed as rest days, or in what manner they shall be observed.” And yet, in flagrant violation of this article, the Sunday-law movement has succeeded in getting the government to issue all postage stamps with a perforated appendix asking the mail carriers “not to deliver on Sunday.” The sender of a letter or package can either leave this appendix or detach it. This is a curious scheme, and shows that the advocates of Sunday law are everywhere alive and wily.
France
France is just now in the midst of a severe conflict between a liberal government and the Catholic orders and their supporters. Many orders have been obliged, by the new law enacted last year, to close their convents, schools, factories, and other institutions. On the other hand, many priests have left “the church” within a few years, and are working hard to emancipate their fellow prisoners, as they call them.
Spain
The recent general strike at Barcelona is the first instance in modern times, says Le Temps, of Paris, of a complete cessation of work resulting from the organization in one locality of all lines of business and labor against capital. The anti-clerical movement started by the government of M. Waldeck-Rousseau, in France, has made a deep impression on a large class of Spaniards, and has resulted in many manifestations of hostility against the Catholic Church during the last year.
Spain is now, and has always been, under a clerical government. There has been one exception to this, however. That was in 1868, when the influence of Don Emilio Castelar was at its height. Religious liberty was then introduced into the constitution, but was soon after withdrawn. An interesting account is told of a New Testament which was sold in a village several years ago. The reading of this book led to the founding of a small church on Christian principles.
Portugal
Within the last year there have been many hostile manifestations against the Catholic Church, and especially against the Catholic orders, in Portugal. Resolutions of approval have been sent to the French government by public meetings.
Italy
Italy has some earnest and able advocates of the separation of church and13state. Garibaldi and Cavour—whose opposition to the papal church as a political machine made Italy what it has been since 1870—are regarded with as much enthusiasm and respect in Italy as Washington and Lincoln are in the United States. It is well known that the Italian government is permanently anathematized by the pope for making Rome its capital, hence a latent hostility between the pope and the king. The government is pledged to oppose the political doctrine of the Vatican, and would have to abdicate the moment it should submit to that doctrine.
The twentieth of February of this year, King Victor Emmanuel II, in opening the second session of the Italian Parliament, made a speech in which is found the following striking statement: “As to the relations between the state and the church, my government means to strictly maintain the separation of the civil and spiritual spheres; to honor the clergy, but to keep it within the limits of the sanctuary; to show religion and liberty of conscience the most unbounded respect, but to preserve absolutely intact the prerogatives of civil power and the rights of national sovereignty.”
Is it not both surprising and encouraging to hear religious liberty defended and proclaimed by the ruler of Italy, when it is being abandoned and ignored in the United States and other enlightened Protestant countries? And is it not time for the third angel’s message to follow up these rays of light with the glorious torch of the everlasting gospel?
Cuyler's Advice to Young Pastors on Preaching
“THERE are few, if any, living ministers of the gospel who have preached and written more real gospel than Dr. Theodore L. Cuyler. In a recent letter to young pastors he gives this good advice: ‘Never defend your Bible; preach it boldly in love, the whole of it. God’s Word is its own vindication.’”
Northwestern Union Conference
By L. A. Hoopes
The first session of the Northwestern Union Conference was held in Des Moines, Iowa, April 3–13, 1902. This report is continued from last week’s issue.
Organization
21. We recommend (1) That North Dakota be organized into a conference, and that the Dakota Conference Committee and the Northwestern Union Conference Committee constitute a joint committee to make proper division of the funds and laborers; and (2) we also recommend that Manitoba be organized into a conference.
A report from the Committee on Plans was submitted as follows:—
22. We recommend, That a Northern Union Conference be organized on the following conditions:—
(1) That the territory embrace Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Manitoba, Assiniboia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, also Montana if agreeable to that conference and the Pacific Union Conference.
(2) That the Northern Union Conference now sell two copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” per member for full payment of their share of the eighty-five-thousand-dollar debt of the Northwestern Union Conference, all sales of copies of German and Scandinavian editions being reckoned in the number.
(3) That the Relief of the Schools Committee be requested to supply the Northern Union Conference with “Christ’s Object Lessons” at cost price for the erection of school buildings.
(4) That a request be made in proper form, to the Pacific Union and the Manitoba Conferences, to unite the Montana Conference with the Northern Union Conference.
(5) That a Central Union Conference be formed, comprising Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, providing the plan be approved by the Southwestern Union Conference; also that, if the foregoing readjustment be approved, the delegates of the conferences comprising the proposed Northern Union Conference proceed at once to the organization of the Northern Union Conference, and that the Iowa and Nebraska Conferences send delegates to the Southwestern Union Conference for the purpose of uniting with the delegates of Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri in the organization of a Central Union Conference.
23. We recommend, That the organization of the Northern Union Conference go into effect on approval of the Southwestern Union Conference.
It was voted to accept the proposal of the General Conference Association for the transfer to the Central Union Conference of Union College, with liabilities amounting to eighty-five thousand dollars, provided the Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri Conferences will accept their proportion of the indebtedness.
24. We recommend, That the location of headquarters for the Union Conference be referred to the union conference committee to be decided after the decision has been made concerning the division of territory.
Missionary Work
25. We recommend, That the president, secretary, general agent, educational secretary, and missionary secretary of this union conference be a missionary committee for this conference.
26. We recommend, That the executive committee of the union and State conferences be urged to take the responsibility of so reconstructing the work in the State tract society offices that they may be able to carry out more perfectly the object for which they were organized, and—
27. We recommend, That these committees give earnest attention to the building up of our regular book work and tract and missionary work, and push the same with that energy which its importance demands, until all the people are engaged in the old-time missionary work. In pursuance of this plan,—
28. We recommend, (1) That State conferences arrange to relieve the tract society offices from all conference business outside the missionary department; (2) that our State tract society offices be supplied with sufficient help to do the routine work, thus enabling the missionary secretary to devote a large share of his time to progressive missionary work, both in the field and by correspondence.
Whereas, God has providentially opened the way to push our vanguard still farther into the heart of Africa, therefore,—
29. Resolved, That we encourage the Mission Board to send Brother Joseph Booth into Nyassaland, South Africa, with a company of workers, and that we bear our share of the necessary expenses in supporting that work.
Medical Missionary Work
Whereas, There is an urgent demand for medical missionaries in both home and foreign lands, therefore,—
30. We recommend, That our brethren in responsible positions encourage suitable persons to fit themselves for work as missionary physicians and nurses.
Whereas, Good Health is a successful agent in the promulgation of health-reform principles, therefore,—
31. We recommend, That all our members take an active interest in circulating it among the people, particularly the special numbers, and in securing subscriptions for it.
Recognizing our sanitariums as great educational factors in the molding of the public mind on the principles of healthful living, therefore,—
32. Resolved, That we earnestly pledge our co-operation to make them all that they should be as representatives of these principles.
33. We recommend, That the sanitarium boards and conference committees counsel together in establishing treatment rooms, health cafés, and schools of health, but we do not favor the establishment of independent enterprises without due counsel.
Whereas, Health reform and Christian temperance are integral parts of the third angel’s message given of God to be a blessing to us, and through us a blessing to the world; and—
Whereas, Many of our people are sick, and many die because of a lack of knowledge of these principles, this part of present truth not being properly represented, therefore,—
34. Resolved, That we indorse the efforts now being made through the Forward Movement to place these principles before our people, and that we urge every Seventh-day Adventist to study the lessons now being given in the REVIEW AND HERALD, and to apply them in the daily life.
35. We recommend, That the helpers in our sanitariums pay their tithe to the treasurer of the conference in which the institution is located, and in return that the conference furnish the sanitarium with suitable men to act as chaplains and Bible teachers.
“Christ’s Object Lessons”
Whereas, The Lord has given us a great and good plan in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” whereby all the people of the denomination may be enlisted in personal service, and—
Whereas, We have abundant evidence that God is fulfilling to us the promise of his fourfold blessing,—a blessing to each one who should enlist in the service, a blessing to the cause as a whole, a grand deliverance to all14our schools from debt, and a great, blessed service in behalf of the world,—therefore,—
36. Resolved, That we express our thankfulness to God for the revival of this good work, and for the success thus far attained, and that we proceed immediately to perfect our one organized effort, and press on with renewed energy.
Missionary Acre
Whereas, Through the missionary acre plan funds are to be raised with which to purchase the property of the Battle Creek College for the use of the American Medical Missionary College for the education and training of physicians and nurses to labor in our sanitariums, and to go to all parts of the world to establish the medical work; therefore,—
37. Resolved, That we fully indorse the plan, and promise to put forth earnest efforts to encourage our brethren and sisters to plant missionary gardens and acres, and give to the work as they deem advisable.
38. Recommended, That we request Dr. Kellogg to issue “The Living Temple” in the German and Scandinavian languages simultaneously with the English.
Obituary
Whereas, God has, in his inscrutable providence, permitted the removal from the field, by death, of our beloved brother and fellow-laborer, Elder O. S. Ferren, of Nebraska,—
39. Resolved, That we extend to his bereaved companion and children our heartfelt sympathy, and pray that they may be comforted by the consolation that the separation is only for a little while, and that the reunion will be for eternity.
Vote of Thanks
40. Recommended, That a vote of thanks be extended to the brethren of the Des Moines church and to the Iowa Conference for their kindness and hospitality to the delegates during their stay at the conference.
Distribution of Labor
The Committee on Distribution of Labor submitted the following recommendations as a partial report:—
1. That Peter Lindahl, of Iowa, go to Nebraska, and run their Scandinavian colporteur wagon.
2. That Elder A. J. Stone, of Minnesota, go to Iowa to engage in the Swedish work during the summer.
3. That Edwin H. Wilbur be recommended to the Mission Board for service in China.
4. That Elder B. E. Fullmer and his wife be recommended to the Mission Board for service in India.
5. That Elder C. J. Buhalts and his wife be recommended to the Mission Board for service in Africa.
6. That Elder J. J. Graf labor in the Nebraska Conference.
7. That N. M. Jorgenson and his wife labor in South Dakota.
8. That John G. Walker labor in North Dakota.
Credentials and Licenses
It was recommended that the following-named persons be given credentials: President of the Northwestern Union Conference, Andrew Nelson, C. J. Buhalts, W. M. Adams, H. J. Dirksen, J. W. Boynton; that ministerial license be given to W. E. Wentland; that missionary license be given to Neil McGill, Alice H. Robinson, Belle Purdon, Mrs. Jessie Adams, Ella Sowler, Carl Mang, Franz Fromback.
Officers
The following-named persons were elected: President, to be supplied; Secretary, G. M. Brown; Treasurer, J. Sutherland; Auditor, M. W. Newton.
Executive Committee: President of the Northwestern Union Conference, presidents of the Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska Conferences; president of Union College; chief of medical staff of College View Sanitarium.
Delegates to European General Conference: C. W. Flaiz and N. P. Nelson.
The Committee on Nominations, through its secretary, presented the following additional report:—
For a board of incorporators for the Northwestern Union Conference: Joseph Sutherland, L. F. Starr, N. P. Nelson, N. W. Allee, E. T. Russell.
For a board of management of Union College: The president of the Northwestern Union Conference, the presidents of the State conferences composing the Union College district, the president of Union College, the business manager of Union College, one of the Bible teachers of Union College, and the superintendent of the Nebraska Sanitarium.
It was voted that the vice-president, canvassing agent, missionary secretary, and the educational secretary be appointed by the executive committee, as provided in the constitution.
L. A. Hoopes.
Just Why
By Cuyler
JUST WHY the loving Master confines some of his choicest and best in rooms of suffering, and cripples others of them in body or in purse, we cannot always tell. One thing is very clear; that is, that he does not mean to cripple their usefulness. To speak for Christ or to work for Christ is often easy and pleasant; but to bear for Christ, either pain or poverty or confinement with courageous patience, is more eloquent than many a pulpit discourse. No portion of Paul’s wonderful career was productive of more solid results than the years of his imprisonment at Rome. He styled himself an “ambassador in chains,” and he preached the kingdom of God to those about him until there were many converts in “Cæsar’s household.” He wrote seven of his thirteen undisputed epistles while he was the prison chaplain under the eyes of Nero’s jailers. One of these was the letter to Philippi, which is the epistle of gratitude for divine mercies and of exultant joy under sharp affliction. If the cages of birds are sometimes covered up in order to make them sing, the old hero was caged to furnish to the world one of its melodious epics of sublime faith in Jesus. Satan afterwards clapped John Bunyan into prison; and lo! out of the windows of the Bedford jail floated the allegory of the “Pilgrim’s Progress.” —Cuyler.
The Forward Movement in Paris
By Arnold Roth; Oscar Roth
It is with great interest and joy that we are perusing the studies on Physiology and Practical Hydrotherapy. Once a week our little company meet together to partake of the feast of health principles. Although we are but few, we want to be in line with those who are preparing to meet their Lord. We know that this means not only to become perfect in soul and mind, but that our body also must be made perfect by the power of the great Physician, through these life-giving principles.
It does not pay to “stand off to criticise and condemn,” nor even to wait to see what will become of the Forward Movement. Our instructions are: “Do medical missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the people. The way will be prepared for more decided proclamation of the truth. You will find that relieving their physical suffering gives you opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.”
The time has come for every one of us to step forward with faith and assurance, in order to be able to meet the enemy and overcome him. If we as a people had labored more in harmony with the light given us, we would have seen greater results from our efforts, especially in Catholic countries, where people are slow to grasp higher thoughts of truth.
The indifference of the French people to their spiritual well-being is alarming, even among the few thousand Protestants. Worldly interests prevail in everything. Still, it is the will of God that this nation hear the good tidings, and know of their danger. How can the message be given them? He who has not lived among them, who has not seen the incredulity, the indifference, the lightness, the immorality, displayed everywhere and in everything, cannot comprehend the difficulties to be met in overcoming the obstacles by which the prince of darkness has surrounded this great nation.
But the arm of God is not too short, and we have the firm assurance that he has prepared a way through which France can be reached. We believe that the Forward Movement will find nowhere a more fitting application than right here. We feel that it is especially for us and France that solemn exhortations and warnings are repeated in our dear REVIEW.
We thank God for the privilege we have of hearing and comprehending these truths, and our desire is to put them into practice. These exhortations have come as an answer to our prayers, and have lighted the way in which we were endeavoring to walk. They have shown us the will of God, and consequently we are going ahead with great courage, being assured that he will make us succeed in the undertaking we have begun in our weakness.
The Lord has helped and blessed us beyond our hopes, so much so that we believe the day is not far distant when we shall be able to establish a medical mission, together with a health-food factory. We have the assurance that these will prove the entering wedge, the plow that will prepare the soil, the right arm of the message, and will open the doors of hearts.
It is a great privilege to be employed in the work of saving souls. It is good to be in the Lord’s service, and trials but tend to strengthen our faith. Dear brethren and co-laborers, our hearts are with you in this work, which is particularly blessed of God to the good of all. Remember France in your prayers.
ARNOLD ROTH,
OSCAR ROTH.
5, rue Broca, Paris V.
HARRY CHAMPNESS
By Harry Champness
England
LONDON.—The revival which has been going on in northeastern London for four weeks has spread to our other companies in different parts of the metropolis. A week ago last Sabbath we had some remarkable meetings at Balham, South London. Confessions of sin were made. Those who had wronged others arose, and with tears in their eyes promised to make restitution as far as they were able. The Spirit of the Lord came into the meeting, and hearts were melted to tenderness.
At East Dulwich is a small company of Sabbath keepers to whom God came very near. Sins of the past were brought to light, confessed, and put away. One sister broke down in the meeting, declaring that she must make a confession to her husband, and asking for prayers that God would give her grace to do so. Then one after another confessed, and we fell on our knees, and besought God to give them complete victory over every besetting sin.
After a very powerful prayer season, in a small room in Croydon, a brother arose, and walked across the room to his wife, and asked her forgiveness. This example was followed by others, and hearts were united in the bonds of love.
The Spirit of the living God is visiting his people, and uniting their hearts in such love as they have never known before. The love of God is being shed abroad in the hearts of his children, so that the reality of their Christian experience is emphatic. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.”
At Forest Gate, East London, where we are holding public services each Sunday in a large hall, we have seen some remarkable scenes. We determined to15set apart one Sunday as a day of prayer and humiliation before God. The same spirit that has been manifested in the church pervaded our public meetings. We spent the day in seeking God, and he was indeed very near us. Brethren O. A. Olson and E. J. Waggoner were with us part of the day. Strangers arose, and publicly confessed their sins. Some claimed the promise for the healing of the body. The evening meeting was one never to be forgotten in my experience. The solemn hush in that crowded hall, the earnest pleadings of God’s Spirit, the moistened eyes and quivering lips, the determination on the part of so many to put away all sin and be a holy people for his indwelling Presence,—ah! in such moments as these one rises by living faith to catch a glimpse of the power of the Holy Spirit that is awaiting the demand and reception of God’s people. The lower we get, the greater is the power. We are determined to press the battle to the gates. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Herein lies our encouragement. “There is no limit to the usefulness of one who by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.”—“Desire of Ages.”
HARRY CHAMPNESS
MRS. H. F. KETRING
By Mrs. H. F. Ketring
Chile
VALPARAISO.—While becoming familiar with the language, I have taken “Ladies’ Guide,” and some smaller books for the children, and gone out among the English-speaking people, to canvass.
The place where I have been working is called “English Hill,” although there are French, Spanish, and a great many Germans there, which makes it quite difficult to find the English. This hill is so steep, and the English families are so scattered, that it is often more difficult to find them than to canvass them. It has been especially hard for me, on account of understanding so little Spanish as I do at present.
The houses are built with a high wall around them, and I must first ring at the outer gate, where I am met by a Spanish servant. I say, “Está la Señora?” which means, “Is the lady of the house in?” If she is in, and is prepared to receive callers, the servant will say, “Sí, Señora; pase para adentro,” which means, “Yes, Madam (or lady; pass in.” She will then take my card, and present it to the lady, and I am met in a very polite manner.
As a class, the English here have no religious experience, and care little for anything but making money, as that is their mission here. But the Lord has given success among them. For every hour out I have taken orders for, and delivered, about two dollars’ worth of books. After placing “Ladies’ Guide” in their homes, I have been enabled to take some subscriptions for Good Health. This may seem like an indirect way of reaching the people, but in a recent REVIEW I read the following, from Sister White’s pen: “The circulation of the health journals will be a powerful agency in preparing the people to accept those special truths that are to fit them for the soon coming of the Son of man.” The promise is, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” I have enjoyed going forth, sowing the seed, claiming this promise.
MRS. H. F. KETRING
M. G. HUFFMAN
By M. G. Huffman
Illinois
I HAVE labored in Decatur, Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Litchfield, and Lewistown, in the interest of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” All our brethren and sisters, with but few exceptions, heartily engaged in the work, and the Lord blessed the efforts put forth.
I gained an experience in canvassing for that book which I am sure will help me in my ministerial work, and that experience has placed me in a position where I can better appreciate the canvassing work. I am convinced that we ministers could influence many more of our brethren and sisters to enter the canvassing field were we prepared to show them how to sell books.
In the cities and towns assigned me, I preached in the evening, and canvassed during the day. The Lord wonderfully blessed in the presentation of his truth, and all enjoyed much of his Spirit. I learned more fully to appreciate the Scripture which says, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” I am receiving many testimonials from those in whose hands I had the privilege of putting the book. These persons express themselves as being thankful for the good instruction they find in the book. I praise God for his goodness to me, and for the privilege of working in his vineyard.
M. G. HUFFMAN
Florida Mission Work at Orlando
By C. P. Whitford
Florida
ORLANDO.—A series of meetings was held at Orlando, Fla., beginning Nov. 8, 1901. December 8 I was left to follow up the interest. My work closed April 30, 1902. I conducted eighty-nine Bible readings, with an attendance of from fifteen to twenty-five. The interest increased till the close. I made 114 visits, gave away 132 periodicals and 4,862 pages of tracts, obtained one subscription for the REVIEW, secured a club of sixteen copies of the Signs of the Times, sold eight Bibles, six copies of “Helps to Bible Study,” and two copies of “Looking unto Jesus.”
As a result of the work done, nine persons are now keeping the Sabbath, and twelve others are interested. Two have said they believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath. I confidently expect that they will have the courage of their convictions, and walk in the light which God in his love and mercy has so graciously caused to shine upon their pathway.
For the measure of health and strength which the Lord has given me with which to labor, I feel indeed thankful. I also16rejoice, and praise God for the harvest of souls which has crowned the efforts put forth. C. P. WHITFORD.
J. F. HUNERGARDT
By J. F. Hunergardt
Hungary
ARAD.—The work here in Hungary and the Balkan States is onward. In March we had our first general meetings—one in Rumania and one in Hungary. These meetings were much appreciated by all who attended them. And while they united the hearts of the believers, they also brought them in closer touch with the needs of our field. Our people here are all thankful for the aid they have received from our brethren in other places. The work is now progressing among the Hungarians, Rumanians, Balkans, and Germans. On the first day of April our first canvasser entered Bucharest, Rumania. Before the close of April we expect to have baptism at three different places among the Hungarians and Rumanians. We praise the Lord, from whom all blessings come.
J. F. HUNERGARDT
St. Kitts
By A. J. Haysmer
BASSETERRE.—I came here to assist Brother S. A. Wellman in a series of meetings at Sandy Point. These meetings began a few weeks ago, and we are laying plans to have our literature distributed all through these islands. And as all the people love to read, I believe that great good will be accomplished.
There are seven islands in this group, and thus far only two—St. Kitts and Nevis—have had any work done in them. We are hoping to organize a church while I am here this time.
I have had a pleasant trip visiting the islands of Barbados, Trinidad, St. Vincent, and St. Lucia. I took deck passage all the way. The Lord favored the whole journey with good weather and smooth seas. A deck passage is very disagreeable in stormy weather, as the awning is so bad, leaking like a sieve. The people seem to appreciate having some one come to visit them, and especially since we have only one worker on each island, and help actually seems to give new life to the people and to the work as well.
In Trinidad the Lord blessed in a special manner. We had a profitable time together. The work is progressing there. In St. Vincent Elder Van Deusen was hard at work in a series of meetings. We spent six days in St. Lucia. Here we should have a worker at once. The company had not been visited for some time, and seemed discouraged; but as a result of the visit they took hold with new courage again. The last night I was there, I held a temperance meeting, and there was a good attendance. We are endeavoring to hold monthly temperance meetings with our churches. At one meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad, seventy signed the pledge.
A. J. HAYSMER.
Aged Couple Interested in Bible Study
By John Ap. G. Williams
California
ALAMEDA.—Last Sabbath afternoon, by invitation of one of our sisters in the faith, I visited with her an aged couple who she believed would be interested in Bible study.
The old gentleman was born at Elmira, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1828. He remembers standing with his father at the window, witnessing the falling of the stars; he attended the “second advent” meetings conducted by William Miller in the spring of 1843 every night, and was so interested that his father feared it would interfere with his studies. The inhabitants of the city (then about twelve hundred) were intensely excited, watching for the Morning Star. Scripture references vividly recalled the past to his memory, and he visited me at my home on Sunday. He arrived at half-past two, and our talk continued till six o’clock, much to our mutual joy. He said, “I believe it all, but have never had the courage to unite with the church.”
God is good. I feel sure that the crisis is at hand. JOHN AP. G. WILLIAMS.
General Notes
A NEW church was organized May 4 at Kulp, Pa., with a membership of fifteen, four of whom were baptized the previous day, by Elder S. S. Shrock.
A NEW church building erected at Monticello, Ill., was dedicated April 20, Brother F. M. Roberts conducting the service. The building is free from debt.
UNDER the labors of Elder G. W. Anglebarger, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, four individuals have accepted the message, and have united with the church at that place.
AT Dover, Tenn., eight adults have recently accepted the truth, mainly as the result of reading the Signs of the Times and other literature giving the third angel’s message. A Sabbath school has been organized by Brother W. C. Wales, who reports also three or four families in Stewart County, Tenn., keeping the Sabbath as a result of his labors.
BROTHER GEO. W. LEWIS, who has been laboring in Alexandria and Arlington, Va., reports that his efforts have been attended with much of the divine blessing, and several new members have been added to the company of those who are obeying the truth. Four persons were baptized at the last quarterly meeting, and two others are awaiting this ordinance.
ELDER E. J. VAN HORN sends the following report from Ohio, under date of May 12: “I held a meeting at St. Marys, Ohio, the result being that seven were baptized and united with the church, three others being reclaimed who had been much discouraged. This put new life into the church. From here I went, after two or three weeks’ rest, to Bowling Green, Ohio, where eight were baptized, and nine were added to the church. This gave much encouragement to this company.”
