KOLO, MAFETENG.—The work here is moving steadily onward. We are now able to get about the country more than previously. Indeed, the cart and horses have been out in the field carrying the message nearly the whole of the last three months. During one trip of nearly four weeks Brother Kalaka visited over twenty settled villages, and also a number of native teachers and preachers. He sold what he could of Sesuto “Steps,” “Coming of the Lord,” and the Sabbath pamphlet. This is his third week in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. From notes I have received from him, it appears that he has had good openings.
In the meanwhile the work is going on at the mission. One woman is ready to be baptized as soon as her health permits, and a young man and woman have offered themselves as candidates for baptism. These receive instruction week by week, so that they may become fitted, by the help of the Lord. The day school has reopened after a rather long vacation. We have not as many pupils as when we started, but those in attendance now appear to be in earnest, and are getting along nicely. Some young men who began with the alphabet are now able to read, and some of the children are also learning English. We have aimed at making the school work a missionary enterprise from the beginning, and I am glad to see fruit from the effort.
At the service last Sunday I was moved to make a strong appeal to the people to give themselves to the Lord, and felt cheered when three girls of about twelve, fourteen, and sixteen years of age respectively, arose and offered themselves. These, together with the other two, are all members of the day school. The youngest girl was among the little company who, nearly two years ago, were touched by the Spirit and wanted to become Christians, but the parents interfered because they were afraid they would not be able to sell them for wives.
The Lord is good to let us see every now and then some fruit of our labor even here. In my travels in the country I also do what I can for the white people. Nearly all seem to appreciate my visits. And I have taken subscriptions for the South African Sentinel from several English-reading natives. All whom I have seen appreciate the paper. I commend the work here to your continual prayers.
J. M. FREEMAN.
Hawaiian Islands
By C. P. Moon
HONOLULU.—We have been here about a year, and are enjoying the work very much, although the visible results are few. Five Chinese boys have left us for the States since we came, and another expects to go on the next boat. Five of these six have united with our church, and all of them go to the States to connect with our schools, and thus prepare themselves that they may help carry this last message to their own people in China. We have spent most of our time this summer in tent work. We spent a few days canvassing for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and sold our quota, and will try to do more if we have the time. Our school opened September 1, with about thirty students in attendance. There is a call for a school on one of the other islands, and some one from here may go to answer this call.
The island of Hawaii, which is about two hundred miles from here, has the largest active, as well as the largest extinct, volcano in the world. A five-foot tidal wave swept our shores, but did little damage. Our city has experienced one light earthquake shock—so light that few persons noticed it at all. Another island reported two slight earthquakes, but the “waters of our faith are not troubled.” We only see the fulfillment of prophecy in these things. Christ said, “When ye see all these things, know that it is near, even at the door.”
Our work is to give this message to a dying world. The harvest is great, and the laborers are few. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest that he will raise up more laborers, and give some a burden for the work in this field. Remember us who are already here, in your prayers, that our faith fail not, but that we may be as a city set on a hill which cannot be hid. C. P. MOON.
A. G. BODWELL
By A. G. Bodwell
Mexico
Mexico City.— Since returning from my trip through the southern part of the republic, I have been canvassing, selling papers, giving Bible readings, studying the language, and nursing. Although many papers have been sold here in Mexico City, still I find quite ready sale for them. One Sunday I sold eight hundred papers; the following Sunday I sold nine hundred and forty-one in three hours and forty-two minutes; and the last Sunday I sold one thousand in three hours and fifty-one minutes, making an average of over four papers a minute. Four hundred of this number were sold in sixty-nine minutes.
Sister Frost has also been here canvassing. The first month she cleared fifty dollars, Mexican; but she did not17devote all her time during the month to canvassing, as quite a good deal of time was spent in looking for a house to live in, and in getting settled. Truly the Lord has gone before us, and prepared the hearts of the people to buy our literature. I hope that in the near future we may have tracts and pamphlets to sell to these people. I feel that we must sow the printed page like the leaves of autumn. Now is the time to work this field, and what we fail to do now will have to be done under more trying circumstances. It is true that we have many difficulties to contend with here which our brethren do not have in the States; but if we remain humble, and submit all our ways to God, I am sure that he will teach us how to labor for these souls that are in darkness.
A. G. BODWELL
Friendly Islands
By Edwin S. Butz
NUKUALOFA, TONGA.—We were detained in Samoa nearly a month, waiting for the steamer for Tonga. The work there is very similar to the work in this place. The most important thing to be done is to get the Bible truth before the people; but in this the laborers there are handicapped as well as we, because of a meager knowledge of the language, and the difficulty of putting our literature into the native tongue.
On reaching Tonga we found the few brethren who had not removed from this place, of good courage. The secret of this is that they have felt that they were responsible for letting the light shine which has been given to them. They have faithfully kept up the Sabbath school and the little prayer meeting, and have done what they could to hold forth the word of truth.
We have two interested families with whom we are laboring. They seem to be earnest Christians, and we hope they will take their stand for present truth. Quite a number of the natives are convinced of the truth, but they say that the way is too hard. We hope that you will remember our work in prayer. Our courage is good in the Lord, who will open up the way before us.
EDWIN S. BUTZ.
South Africa
By G. W. Reaser
JOHANNESBURG.—It has been my privilege to spend the past seven weeks laboring for the advancement of the “everlasting gospel” in Johannesburg. During this time we have held meetings each Sabbath; and having secured a public hall, we have held Sunday night meetings for the past five weeks. I have several standing invitations to hold evening meetings during the week in the suburbs of the city. In one of these places I meet each Tuesday evening with two families, and a class of young men who desire to fit themselves for work in the Master’s vineyard. None of these young men are acquainted with the whole truth for the last generation, but they manifest great interest in the study of the Word. Each member of the class is encouraged to ask questions on any point of religion, or on any passage of Scripture. It has never been my privilege to have a more interesting class.
We have two Sabbath schools in this widely scattered city, and are planning for a third.
September 21 we organized a church of twenty adult members, seven of whom are men, and thirteen women. In this number thirteen families are represented. The church has a full complement of officers, who were elected and ordained on the occasion of the organization of the church. The ordinances of the Lord’s house were also celebrated. The Lord’s presence was manifestly with us, and all hearts were melted to tenderness. It was pronounced by all a blessed occasion. Union and brotherly love prevail. I consider this a good, strong, and very promising church; it contains material which we expect to see utilized in the advancement of the message in South Africa. We expect several more to join this company in the near future. This is our first church in Johannesburg, and in the Transvaal. We trust that, with the blessing of the Lord, many more such organizations may be effected in this fruitful field at an early date. The Lord be glorified for all that has been accomplished.
G. W. REASER.
Kassel, Germany
By John Wolfgangarten
IN October, 1901, we began our work in the city of Kassel, which has about one hundred and ten thousand inhabitants. Meetings were held in one of the best halls in the center of the city, and were well attended. On a Sunday evening a former priest of the Catholic Church of Paris delivered a speech on the “away-from-Rome” movement in France. His statistical returns were that in the last four years about five hundred priests resigned their pretended faith, and exchanged their garments for those of a cab driver, doctor, compositor, or teacher, etc. At the close of the meeting I explained to him the reason why I had left the Catholic Church. The consequence of this lecture was a stir among the citizens, and many discussions took place.
I advertised a meeting with the same title. Several hundred people gathered at the meeting house. Some Catholics also attended, and reported to the police office. Luke 11: 54; 20: 20. After several weeks I was called to the police station, where I had to explain the details of our faith. Some time later I was called before the judge, who stated that I was accused of speaking insultingly of the Catholic Church. The judge himself was a Catholic. He said: “How dare you, as layman, speak publicly of such things? You are not a learned man!” I answered with Acts 4: 13. The Lord Jesus gave grace to speak of his precious truth without fear. Luke 21: 13, 15. I began with Daniel 2, and attempted to convince him of the harmony of history and the Bible, then took Daniel 7. Up to this point he admitted that my position was correct. But that the little horn represented Rome he would not admit, because the details (Dan. 7: 25) were too bad to be applied to such a grand institution. Every word I spoke was put on paper. The public prosecutor (a Protestant) did not see any offense in my explanation of Daniel 7 and Revelation 12 and 13, etc.; to be Rome, and wrote to me that the prosecution had been stopped.
I am thankful to our Heavenly Father for the wonderful experiences I have had. He knew that this truth must come before a class of people who never would attend our meetings, and “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and . . . the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.” He will fulfill his promises in Isa. 55: 8-11.
JOHN WOLFGARTEN.
Upper Columbia
By W. F. Martin
The Lord has given me many blessings during the past summer. It was my privilege to visit the city of Pendleton, Ore., to arrange for our annual camp meeting. The Lord opened the way for me to lay the matter before the board of trade, and they made us an offer of a fine grove and one hundred and fifty dollars in money to have the meeting brought there. Many other favors were granted to us by the city. Stormy weather during almost the entire meeting hindered the people from attending, yet a number came, and seemed to be interested.
Soon after the camp meeting closed, I went to Pomeroy, Wash., where there was a call for labor. After spending a few days there, we organized a church of fifteen members. Two persons were baptized in the baptistery of the Christian church, which was kindly granted us for that purpose. Brother Moses Hunt was chosen elder of the church; and a tract society was organized, with a full corps of officers.
At the Pendleton camp meeting our conference was divided into districts for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The Milton district was assigned to me. I have received many blessings in this work.
From July 31 to August 10 I attended the Coos County, Ore., camp meeting. The Lord came very near to his people, and it was the general testimony that this was the best meeting ever held in Coos County. As God’s people grow in grace from year to year, our camp meetings should grow in interest, and a richer blessing should be experienced each year. The outside interest was good; at almost every service the tent was filled, and at the evening services many could not find seats.
From this meeting I returned to my work in Upper Columbia. At present I am in Long Creek, Ore. There is a small company here who have had no meetings for nearly three years. I find them faithful. During this time most of them have taken one or more of our good papers. This has been a great help to them. They all seem willing to do what they can to dispose of their share of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The Lord is giving them success in this work. My courage is good. I am thankful for a place in the work of God.
W. F. MARTIN.
South Dakota
By N. W. Allee
It is now a year and five months since I came to the Dakota Conference. Almost every condition here is different from those of the Southern field where I labored for four years prior to coming here. This part of the country has been quite prosperous, and many people have moved here from the older States.
Since I came here, seven camp meetings have been held, all of which were profitable occasions. One institute for general instruction in the home-missionary and Sabbath-school work, two institutes for church-school teachers, a school of twelve weeks for the benefit of canvassers and those in training for church-school teaching, and two general meetings for local sections, have also been held.
Seven tent efforts have been made, but immediate results have not been as encouraging as was hoped. The canvassing work has had its varied experiences, as in other localities. The present summer and fall the canvassers have used the larger books, and in most cases the results have been good, especially with the health books.
The work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” has been quite encouraging. We are engaging in the third campaign, hoping that more than the full quota can be disposed of before the holiday trade closes.
North Dakota has been organized into a separate conference, and begins work under favorable circumstances.
There is a strong sentiment in favor of the establishment of an intermediate school; land has been secured, and a plain, substantial building will soon be ready for occupancy. It is expected that the school will open November 4. The intermediate school is designed to meet the needs of the young people who pass from the work of the church school, but who are not of sufficient age nor far enough advanced to enter upon college work. The students will be furnished several hours’ work each day, in agriculture and the useful trades. Body, mind, and heart are to be trained for service in the great mission field.
The officers of the conference desire to encourage an equal interest in all departments of the message. Consecrated and well-trained workers is the great need of the hour.
A sanitarium physician and a trained nurse are expected soon to connect with the work of this conference, and it is confidently believed that the instruction will be of great benefit to all who receive it.
I am glad to believe that the spirit toF-18give of their means and to furnish laborers for the needy distant fields is deepening in the hearts of the brethren of our conference. I am persuaded that the spirit of the advent message is being revived in the hearts of the brethren, and the evidence of the Saviour’s soon coming is inspiring hope and courage as in former years.
On account of failing health of their companions, two of our most experienced ministers, Elders J. H. Rogers and F. D. Starr, are compelled to go to milder climates. Our only experienced Bible worker, Sister Ella Nesmith, must also do the same. Others will fill these places. My own health is pretty good since coming from the South. Best of all, the grand truths of this great message never seemed more precious than at this time. Surely the conflict soon must end in a most glorious victory to the faithful servants who endure unto the end.
N. W. ALLEE.
THOMAS H. GANSETT
By Thomas H. Gansett
Texas
BEAUMONT.—My wife and I moved here July 6, 1902. We thought that we were the only Sabbath keepers in this busy city, but we were told that a few had been here several years ago, and had sown some good seed.
I am a carpenter, and although following my trade, we began work in a quiet way, by selling Signs, living the truth, and talking with the people. This house-to-house canvass by both my wife and myself has been blessed of God; for several have become interested. One of these, with other members of her large family, has joined our Sabbath school, besides attending Bible readings. We also found four or five brethren and sisters of mature years and experience who also had moved here, and had begun to work among the people. We were all glad to find one another, and to unite our influence for further good in the cause which we all love.
A Sabbath school has been organized, which is well attended, and at least two sisters have spent some time in canvassing. One sister is a nurse; and as she ministers to the body, she also lets the Lord use her to present the Saviour of the body and the soul, and some precious experiences have resulted. One woman who was sick with fever learned present truth from this sister, and accepted it with praise to the Lord, and asked to be baptized.
Our courage is good, our trust is in the Lord, and to him we give all the praise.
THOMAS H. GANSETT
Greater New York Conference
By H. W. Cottrell
The first annual session of the Greater New York Conference was held at the church, 159 East 112th Street, New York City, October 7-12. Quite a full representation was present from each church in the conference, and the delegates were in regular attendance throughout the session. The ministers who were present, either all or a portion of the time, were Elders Haskell, Franke, Miles, Warren, Jayne, Reinke, Meleen (Scandinavian), Edwards, Keslake, Bell, and Stevens, and the writer. The publishing interest was represented in a special way by Brother S. N. Curtiss. Best of all, the Lord was with us in a remarkable manner, which was appreciated by all present. The conference appointed its usual committees through the chair, so no time was lost in bringing business before the session. The various departments of local conference work were carefully considered, and planned for as well as we could with our present corps of laborers and the means we have. There is a tract society debt of eighteen hundred dollars, of many years’ standing, which came to this conference from the former Atlantic Conference, of which this conference is a part. We could not provide for this debt at once, but felt that we must do so at the earliest moment possible, and thus free ourselves from this bond, and then give ourselves and our money to aggressive work, both in the city and in the regions beyond our home land.
The work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” was considered, and we found that our quota was not nearly all sold; but in that meeting we sold eight hundred and sixty-four books to those who were present. If all who were not in attendance would take, on an average, as many, it would clear the conference quota, and then, as faithful assistants one of another by words of good cheer and in every other way possible, each could press out among his neighbors, and make a final disposal of his books, after which all would be prepared for whatever service the Master might call them.
There was a query in the minds of some of the delegates as to just what would be the best way to officer the conference, which delayed aggressive work for some time during the first part of the session; but after the crucial point was passed, I never witnessed greater unanimity, both of opinion and of expression, at any conference I ever attended.
The REVIEW, Signs, Sentinel, Good Health, and local papers received their share of attention. Elder Franke was requested to take local supervision, under the conference committee, of the Manhattan division of the city. Elder Warren is to have similar charge of the Brooklyn section of the conference, while Elder Edwards will direct the work in the Bronx section. Elder Reinke will have local direction of the German work. Elder Haskell will have charge of the mission work, and Elder Meleen of the Scandinavian work.
Of course we have in this great city many perplexities to encounter; but having learned to rejoice when we meet them, we press happily onward in the discharge of duty.
Elder Franke will soon resume meetings in Carnegie Lyceum.
The outlook is more favorable now than ever before for a mighty work to be done in the nation’s metropolitan city. The Spirit of the Lord must work in some remarkable way if the attention of three and one-half million people is arrested to hear the soul-testing message.
All returned to their fields of labor full of hope and courage.
H. W. COTTRELL.
The Medical Missionary Outlook in Kansas
By David Paulson
On account of the excessive rainfall, the Kansas camp meeting was not so largely attended as usual. Mrs. Paulson gave the sisters instruction on health and medical missionary work and how to make the most of their opportunities for neighborhood gospel work. Our Kansas brethren are unusually alive to the importance of medical missionary work and of representing true reform in their lives. One of the evening sessions was an earnest consecration meeting for a deeper religious experience in the home, and for the beginning of a broader work for God in each neighborhood. The latter part of the meeting was almost entirely broken up by the constant rainfall.
At the close of the meeting, we visited Topeka, to assist in the enlargement of the medical missionary work in that place. I had the opportunity of speaking to an intelligent audience of appreciative men at the Young Men's Christian Association on Sunday afternoon, and to the regular monthly meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, at the First M. E. Church, on the following day, and arrangements were made for a meeting with the commercial club in the near future in the interests of the medical missionary work.
Last winter Brother Kirk opened up treatment rooms in the basement of one of the city hotels, and in these humble quarters he and his wife have treated some of the leading people of the city, and a good impression has been made. It is now planned to open up a hygienic restaurant and well-equipped treatment rooms in suitable quarters. Brother McReynolds and the other members of the conference committee are earnestly endeavoring to promote these missionary enterprises. A hygienic café can be made a great missionary opportunity if the workers in it are consecrated missionaries. We know of no enterprise that can be made so productive of genuine results if the management and all connected therewith are soul savers as well as active business people. The same is true of properly conducted treatment rooms.
The Lord wonderfully opened the way for this work in Wichita some months ago, and we do not doubt that equally marked providences will be seen as this work is undertaken in Topeka. Although the time has not come to have a treatment room and health restaurant in each community, yet it is time for every Seventh-day Adventist's home to be an exponent of the principles that create these institutions. DAVID PAULSON.
Proceedings of the New England Conference
By A. E. Place; H. B. Tucker
The thirty-second annual session of the New England Conference was held at South Lancaster, Mass., Oct. 1–5, 1902. Nine meetings in all were held. Of the thirty-eight churches in the conference, twenty-four were represented by fifty-three delegates. The minutes of the last meeting of the previous session were called for, read, and approved.
A few remarks were made by the president concerning the importance of our consecration to the work of God.
The church at Keene, N. H., consisting of twenty members, was received into the conference by vote.
The following recommendations and resolutions were presented by the committee, and adopted:—
Whereas, The Lord has blessed the work in this conference during the past year in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons;” and,—
Whereas, The Testimonies have said concerning this book that the field is never exhausted, and this book should be sold for the help of our schools for years to come; therefore,—
1. (a) We would give thanks to the Lord for the success that has attended this work, and for the willing spirit he has given the people to engage in this effort; and,—
(b) We recommend, That those of our brethren and sisters who have promised to dispose of a certain number of copies to make up the quota apportioned to us as a conference, and have not yet paid for the same, double their diligence in accomplishing this work; and further,—
(c) We recommend, That continued, earnest, steady, persevering efforts be put forth to place this precious book in the homes of the people.
Whereas, We as a conference are behind in the matter of raising our proportion of the fund for paying for the material used in making “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and for the expenses of the general workers on this book and fund; therefore,—
2. Resolved, That we as a conference contribute our portion of this fund for said book, and that the amount of our apportionment be raised as soon as possible.
3. We recommend, That a series of general meetings be held among the churches of this conference, during the early part of this fall and winter, under the supervision of the conference committee, said meetings to last three or four days each, according to the judgment of those in charge. These meetings should embrace the various features of our work, and the spiritual uplifting of our people.
Whereas, We have been told through the spirit of prophecy that great good can19and should be accomplished by our camp meetings; therefore,—
4. Resolved, That we hold a camp meeting for this conference in the early part of the summer of 1903, the definite time and place for said meeting to be decided by the conference committee.
5. We recommend, That our people take up the envelope, or free circulating library, plan of supplying their neighbors with our smaller publications.
Whereas, At a council of the General Conference Committee, held at Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 20, 1901, it was recommended that a uniform system of church accounting be employed by church treasurers; and,—
Whereas, The form of the financial church-record book, designed and recommended by said committee, is hereby approved; therefore,—
6. Resolved, That we employ the form of accounting entitled Financial Church Record, for future use in the churches of this conference.
Whereas, The spirit of prophecy has spoken definitely concerning the work of the REVIEW, The Signs of the Times, and The Sentinel, for which the providence of God has brought them into being, therefore,—
7. We recommend, That our people be encouraged to take these papers for their own special benefit, as well as to do missionary work with them among their friends and neighbors; and we would further recommend that special efforts be made to have the Atlantic Union Gleaner placed in the homes of our people.
Whereas, Our presses are running on commercial work, and,—
Whereas, Millions in our conference have not yet been supplied with the truth in printed form, therefore,—
8. Resolved, That we as officers, ministers, and people should awake to our duty as sensible business men, and as Christians, in doing our part to utilize to the full the facilities ordained of God to give the message to the world in this last generation.
9. We recommend, That the plan suggested by the president in his address, namely, that a systematic plan of giving be followed, and that slips be distributed monthly by our church elders and by the leaders of companies for the purpose of raising means for our local work, be adopted in this conference.
10. Resolved, That Sabbath-school conventions be held throughout the conference, the work to begin at an early date; and that when general meetings are held, at least one day be devoted to the Sabbath-school work.
11. We recommend, That our churches be instructed to pay their tithes to the church treasurer once a month, and that the church treasurer be instructed to forward the same as frequently to the treasurer of the conference.
12. We recommend, That we recognize the dignity and importance of the work of our canvassing missionary evangelists who have demonstrated their efficiency and devotion to the work, by issuing to them suitable credentials.
Whereas, The endowed bed at the New England Sanitarium has accomplished, under God, great good for many of our brethren and sisters,—
Whereas, The bed can still be had by this conference for the small sum of two hundred and fifty dollars for the year,—
13. We recommend, That we continue to support such a bed in this institution.
14. We recommend, That the conference committee be requested to give their special thought and consideration for the devising of some plan or plans whereby our faithful and devoted canvassers may be kept continuously in the field.
Whereas, The Lord has for years been giving definite instruction concerning the church’s obligations to instruct our children in our own schools, and,—
Whereas, We have been told that our children should be taught the principles of “Christian education,” therefore,—
15. Resolved, That our churches be encouraged to have church schools for our children when it can be done with the counsel and co-operation of the conference committee.
16. We recommend, That a committee of three be appointed by the chair to make a selection or classification of tracts to be used in our envelope plan.
17. We recommend, That all our churches make special effort to place our books and papers in the public libraries, Y. M. C. A. rooms, and libraries of Sunday schools.
18. We recommend, That we support a minister in a foreign field,— this minister to go from this conference, or if selected from another conference, then one of our ministers is to supply the vacancy.
As a result of a unanimous vote, the following officers were elected: President, A. E. Place; Secretary and Treasurer, H. B. Tucker; Secretary of Missionary Department, E. E. Miles; Secretary of Sabbath-school Department, Mrs. Viola Gustin; General Canvassing Agent, H. C. Wilcox; Conference Committee, A. E. Place, M. D. Mattson, K. C. Russell, D. B. Parmelee, H. H. Stacy; Auditor, Geo. W. Palmer; Delegates to General Conference, A. E. Place, K. C. Russell.
Credentials were granted to A. E. Place, M. D. Mattson, A. H. Clark, Geo. B. Wheeler, F. C. Gilbert, K. C. Russell, E. E. Miles. Ministerial licenses were given to D. B. Parmelee, Frederick Griggs, H. N. Sisco. Missionary licenses were given to C. E. Palmer, Mrs. M. A. Scribner, Mrs. Ella M. Wilber, A. James Clark, Herbert C. Hartwell.
A. E. PLACE, Pres., H. B. TUCKER, Sec.
Reports from German and Matabele Missions
Elder L. R. Conradi writes that the work in the German Union Conference is prospering. The last quarter shows a gain of about two hundred and fifty Sabbath keepers.
Another young man who accepted the truth in the Anglo-Chinese Academy in Honolulu, has gone to Walla Walla, to prepare for work in his native country.
Elder G. W. Reaser writes that the father of two of the girls who were baptized while he was at the Matabele Mission has given his consent for them to come and live at the mission, and they have brought a sister with them. Two more young men have come to attend school, and another young girl has joined the school, coming with her father's full consent. There are now sixty-four pupils enrolled. Two of the number, boys, are assisting in the home school, and are spending a portion of each school day in teaching a native school seven miles away, where they have an average attendance of twenty-eight pupils.
Early and Late Experiences
By Washington Morse
ISLAND F, MUSKOKA LAKE, ONTARIO,
Oct. 15, 1902.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Do we realize that one week more brings us to the fifty-eighth anniversary of the ending of the prophetic periods, Oct. 22, 1844? To me this day is a memorable day, and I wish to express sincere thanks to God that I am still alive to bear my testimony to the power and glory which accompanied the judgment-hour message fifty-eight years ago to-day. I was among those proclaiming that there should be time no longer. Rev. 10: 7. And that was true at that date; Oct. 22, 1844, prophetic time did end; we thought it was probationary time. In that we were mistaken. Now we have light showing us that for fifty-eight years we have been passing through the time when the cases of the righteous dead have been and are being examined in the courts of heaven.
For the last two months I have been laboring upon Island F, Muskoka, Ontario, with much of God's blessing, and I am happy to see some fruit. One lady who is a millionaire has supplied herself with reading on present truth, and has subscribed for some of our periodicals. She is a dear child of God. To-day she leaves for her home in Pittsburg, Pa. To me this is a remarkable case, and I feel to thank God that he has given me the blessed privilege of presenting some of these glorious truths. Last evening was our last meeting with this lady and her daughter and husband. We talked until ten o'clock, and none seemed to desire me to stop. The boat has just gone taking these dear Christian souls, and we parted with such love and hearty greetings as I hardly ever witness. She expressed many thanks that they had been led to see such light upon the Bible. With a heart full of love, I close.
Your brother,
WASHINGTON MORSE.
November Study of the Field
1. WHAT can you say of the foods of Brazil? To what class of workers do the agricultural advantages of this country present openings?
2. Give the location and area of the Philippines. How many islands in this group? Name the most important ones.
3. Tell something of the ancient religion of the people of these islands. Describe the different tribes.
4. How was the conquest of the Philippines by Spain actually accomplished? What can you say of the religious condition of the people at the present time?
5. Locate Rangoon, Burma. What is its population? What can you say of its early history?
6. Give some of the characteristics of the Burmese. Describe their religious worship. What progress has the third angel's message made in this field?
7. Locate Newfoundland. Give its area and population. Describe some of the physical features of the country.
8. What can you say of the people? Of their schools, their government, and their religion? What class of workers is especially needed?
9. What has been the result of the medical work among the natives of India? Of the colporteur work in Japan? Give a brief outline of the progress of the message in the European General Conference.
10. How many new Sabbath keepers have been reported during the month? How many churches have been organized? From how many fields have reports been published?
High Places and Divine Resources
THERE are “high places” where God is working, where his providences rule, and where we may be daily victors if we will labor there together with God.
There are lower plains where droughts and hard times hold sway, and our all will be ruled by these troubles if we walk upon these low places.
These promises which the Lord made to Joshua are very precious. They are not a myth. They are a highway for God’s people. My dear fellow workers who are laboring to build up our Tract and Missionary department, let us get hold of these divine principles, these mighty resources which we have in God, that we may go forward, “conquering and to conquer.”
Theory at Work
By H. B. Tilden
IN the last issue of the SUPPLEMENT, there appeared this question: Is it advisable to hold large State institutes annually, or several small ones locally? The answer favored the latter part of the question.
In the saying that “practice makes perfect,” is wrapped the truth as uttered by the Spirit of God in Prov. 4: 7: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Wisdom is knowledge, and the ability to use it. A man may have an abundance of knowledge, and yet show no wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge at work.
The manager of any business who expects to make a success of his undertaking must roll up his sleeves, and get out with his employees. Likewise, our leaders who expect to make their Master’s business a success must as quickly as possible give their co-laborers a theoretical training, and then go out with them, and show them how to put their theory to work.
The assistance of the experienced is needed by the inexperienced. Jesus emphasized this fact in the following language: “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15: 5. Jesus is the Shepherd-in-chief. The State agent is the under-shepherd, and his position should not be lightly regarded by himself, nor by those over whom he presides. When does a shepherd spend the most time with his flock? — When in the field. Then is the time his presence is especially needed. The State agent who cannot spend a large portion of his time in the field with the individual canvassers need not expect to see his work crowned with success.
Our plan should be that a greater portion of our institute work be carried on in the field. In studying the life of our Saviour, we find that his plan was to give short courses of instruction, followed by practical work in the field, in which he personally engaged with the disciples. Certainly his exemplary course should lead us to consider the institute work more seriously.
The Lord has given to each of us a talent, and to increase this talent left with us, we must work for him. Practical education is “higher education.” Theoretical training receives its finishing touch by work.