p. 16 | Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 44. (11/2/1911)

Burma, India

At the last General Conference, Brother H. H. Votaw, in giving his report on Burma, told some interesting things which were not published in the General Conference Bulletin. He said:—

“Many questions have been asked me, and I will just state briefly some points in regard to Burma. Perhaps the first question is, ‘What kind of climate do you have?’ We generally reply by saying that we have two seasons, a hot season and a hotter one; and that is telling the truth. The hottest days that we have had during this conference are as cool as any we have ever seen in Burma. But you can appreciate it better if you will try it, and we are here to invite you over. The rainfall is very heavy. In Rangoon it amounts to about one hundred inches a year, at Moulmein two hundred, and at some places along the coast to almost three hundred. If you can imagine twenty-five feet of water falling in about five months, you will know something about it. You can understand it better when I tell you that during the night your boots will gather a coat of mold from the dampness.

“The principal product of the country is rice. Burma has a series of parallel mountain ranges not so high as the Himalayas. All the delta and the valleys are given over to the growing of rice. About the first or middle of December the ships come in from Europe and America to the harbors of Rangoon and Moulmein, and thousands of tons of rice are carried away.

“Teak timber, the best timber in the world, perhaps, is also largely exported. Teak is used principally for ship-building. Teak timber may lie in water for years and not rot. It is very valuable.

“In Burma the people speak a variety of tongues. Men are here from all over Europe, with all sorts of costumes. Meeting them and not being able to

speak to them and tell them that Jesus Christ is soon coming, always causes us to go home with heavy hearts. We have wished a thousand times since we have been there that we could just have the Seventh-day Adventist people come to Rangoon for one day. There is need of our studying the language. We were bidden, when we first went there, to foster the little English work that had been started, and we have never been able to perfect our knowledge of the language; but it is absolutely essential to learn the languages of these people. As we were returning home, I saw a Burmese gentleman standing by a wax statue in one of the museums in England. I said to him in his own language, ‘Man, are you all right?’ Quickly turning around at the sound of his native tongue, he said, ‘I am well, sir, very well.’ You remember one time when Paul addressed the man who had him in charge, the man said, ‘Canst thou speak Greek?’ And when Paul, standing on the stairs, addressed the multitude, we read that ‘when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence.’ It is not easy to acquire these languages. Some one should be there making a beginning and the sooner the better.”

Chesapeake Conference and Camp-Meeting

By B. G. WILKINSON

The annual session of the Chesapeake Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Dover, Del., September 14-24. The camp was pitched in a grove situated conveniently near the town of Dover, which insured for the camp-meeting a good attendance from those not of our belief. Dover is the capital of the State of Delaware, and contains about five thousand inhabitants. The city is situated in the midst of a prosperous farming community, and is a place in which but little preaching of the message had ever been done among the white people.

The pavilion was beautifully lighted and neatly decorated. The camp-meeting was not favored with good weather all the time, but whenever it was possible there was a large attendance from the outside. God greatly blessed in the presentation of the truth to the people who came, so that quite an interest was aroused, which is being followed by a tent effort. We understand that some have taken hold of the truth or are very near the point of doing so. Elder Carlyle B. Haynes, of Baltimore, had charge of the press work relating to the camp-meeting, and did very thorough work in getting out all the news concerning the camp-meeting and reports of the sermons preached. Good accounts of the same were published in all the leading papers of the county, also those of the city of Wilmington and near-by places. This had a splendid effect. Many people spoke of the statistics concerning our denomination, saying they never believed or knew that Seventh-day Adventists were carrying on so aggressive and fruitful a work in the world.

The Spirit of God was present throughout the camp-meeting. Many hearts were revived. Some rededicated themselves to God, and some who were in the valley of decision decided in favor of present truth. There was a liberal spirit on the part of the people, and donations were freely given, especially to the missionary educational fund of the union, and also to the foreign mission work.

Resolutions were passed covering the vital phases of the message. The tithes of the Chesapeake Conference this year have increased to the extent of a thousand dollars more than those of last year. The tent efforts held by the laborers were blessed of God, and souls were brought into the truth in different places through the preaching of the word. We look for a substantial gain in membership in this conference the coming year.

Besides the usual local and union conference help, the camp-meeting was attended part of the time by Elders A. G. Daniells and K. C. Russell; while Elder F. C. Gilbert, of South Lancaster, was present to give one of his stirring addresses. At the baptismal service held Sunday, September 24, sixteen souls were baptized by Elder R. T. Baer, president of the conference.

The officers elected for the ensuing year are: President, R. T. Baer; secretary and treasurer, Miss Emma S. Newcomer. Practically all the other officers remained the same, with the exception of field missionary agent. Brother F. E. Hankins has come into the conference to take charge of this work. We are greatly encouraged with the prospects for the future work in the Chesapeake Conference. We believe the blessing of God will rest upon it, and we may look for a substantial increase to God's kingdom in that field the coming year. B. G. WILKINSON.

The Opening of Our Schools

By H. R. S.

RECENTLY I had the privilege of spending a Sabbath at the Adelphian Academy, located at Holly, Mich. It was my first visit to that school, and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity of meeting the teachers and students, and the brethren and sisters living near the academy who came in to the Sabbath services. I found the school prospering, as may be seen by the following report given me by Prof. C. L. Taylor:—

Adelphian Academy

“On September 20, just three days after the close of our camp-meeting, school opened. Sixty-two were in attendance the first day.

“Our growing enrolment from year to year has created a demand for more equipment and greater efficiency in each department. This year the commercial department has been considerably enlarged and strengthened. Three good new typewriters have been purchased, and the prospect is that another must be added soon. The commercial room is being supplied with everything necessary for a thorough training in business lines. Seventeen have already entered this department.

“Our crops are better this year than ever before. Nine acres of beans, nine of corn, five of potatoes, and an abundance of garden vegetables, together with about five hundred quarts of canned fruit, contribute to make up our winter’s store and salable products.

“The primary department, or church-school, which includes the first six grades, is doing excellent work. Sixteen are there being trained for the Master’s service.

“A new faculty, chosen from widely separated parts of the country—Michigan, Quebec, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Wisconsin—has taken up the responsibilities this year. A spirit of application to duty, and of cooperation, prevails, and for this we are thankful. At this writing, three weeks after the opening, our enrolment has increased to seventy-nine.”

Lodi (Cal.) Normal Institute

Prof. I. C. Colcord reports: “At the close of the first week, the Lodi Normal has an attendance of 214, 108 in grades one to eight, and 106 in the academic department. It is gratifying to open with so goodly a number of bright, enthusiastic students. There is about an equal number of young men and young women taking academic work. Some strong, noble-looking young people are here with us this year. The average age is seventeen. A thrill of joy has gone throughout our constituency, and will extend to a wider circle as the good news spreads.

“A most excellent spirit has prevailed from the very start. Good fellowship exists. The teachers have taken up their work with commendable zeal, and are full of courage and cheer for their arduous duties. Some are almost overburdened with too many classes, the demands of the student body being so great. We shall be compelled to look for help,

without doubt, before the first month closes. Students are here from different States, to prepare for gospel labor. All our graduates of last year—twenty-three in number—are filling positions of trust and responsibility.

“While the normal idea is the main feature of our work, still we offer a few other strong courses of study, of which the students are availing themselves.

“We are living in a time when our young people should be mustering for service. The Lord of the harvest is calling for laborers.”

Williamsdale (Nova Scotia) Academy

Prof. J. L. Stansbury writes: “Our general meeting for the Maritime Conference was held at the academy from September 11 to 17, and three days afterward the school year began. The first day twenty-one presented themselves for enrolment. The next few days brought in several others, who, on account of temporary delays, were prevented from being present at the opening.

“The first month is not yet complete, but our enrolment (thirty-four) has passed that of last year, and there are still others who have notified us that they expect to attend. To my knowledge the prospects for a successful year in this academy have never been brighter. The faculty is stronger, and better prepared to do thorough, systematic work, than ever before. A spirit of harmony and cooperation exists among the members of the faculty, and, generally speaking, the students are studious.

“Personally, I feel much encouraged at the outlook. But I realize that to have true success, we must have the continual presence of the Holy Spirit. That is the power that strengthens and molds the mind, and enlarges the capabilities of the student. I know that God is working for the young people, and I ascribe all the praise to him for the hopeful prospect that we have before us.”

Claremont Union College, South Africa

An interesting letter has just come from Prof. C. P. Crager, principal of our school in South Africa. The work is onward there, and the brethren and sisters have confidence in that which is being done. “We have,” says Professor Crager, “the largest enrolment, in the home, at least, that we have had for many years, if not the largest we have ever had. Our home family numbers over sixty, and our total enrolment is one hundred. We are this year sending six young persons into service—all graduates of this school—besides a young man who is not a graduate, but who has taken special training for two years, and is now to enter the work in our mission in Basutoland. Three of the graduates will go to our missions, and three will teach, we retaining only one of them for our faculty. It is very encouraging to our brethren here to see their children, on finishing their training, find a place in the cause in Africa.”

Lornedale (Ontario) Academy

This cheering report comes from Prof. W. J. Blake, the principal of the Lornedale Academy:—

“Our school opens with twice as many in attendance as there were last year, and several others are coming. There are thirty-eight in the home. These fill the building to its fullest capacity, and still others desire to come.” This is the last year the school will be held at Lorne Park, as our brethren have sold that property, and have purchased a farm at Oshawa, Ontario. They are planning to put up a new building in the spring, more convenient and with greater capacity than the one which they now occupy.” H. R. S.

Field Notes

IN the early part of October five persons were baptized near Palo, Iowa.

ELDER A. V. RHOADS reports the baptism of three persons at Stanley, N. D.

THREE believers followed their Lord in baptism at Modesty Cove, Nova Scotia, September 30.

OCTOBER 1, Elder W. A. Young visited Carbon, Ind., and baptized three persons who had recently accepted the faith.

ELDER A. W. KUEHL conducted a baptismal service at the Enfield (Minn.) church, October 1, at which time four persons went forward in this sacred ordinance.

SABBATH, October 7, a large number of people assembled to witness the baptism of seven persons at the Oak Street church, Chicago, Ill. At Caterville, on a recent Sabbath eleven persons were baptized.

RECENTLY Elder H. Meyer, pastor of the Philadelphia German church, baptized six adults as the result of his tent effort in that city. At least seven others are expected to be baptized in the near future.

ELDERS W. F. H. SCHROEDER and M. Mackintosh report sixteen baptized on September 17, as the result of the effort at Cole Camp, Mo. At Springfield, as the result of Elder J. Z. Walker's labors, eleven persons were baptized.

Christian Education

By H. R. Salisbury

Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference

H. R. SALISBURY . . . . Secretary

Religious Liberty Department Statement

By K. C. R.

Outline of Work Accomplished During Past Two Years—Present and Future Plans

The following summary was prepared for the General Conference Committee Council:—

SIXTY-FIRST CONGRESS.—Seven measures introduced relating to Sunday laws and amendment to the Constitution. Only one measure (S. 404), the Johnston District Sunday bill, passed the Senate, Jan. 27, 1910, but failed of consideration in the House.

SIXTY-SECOND CONGRESS.—Two measures affecting principles of civil and religious liberty; namely, a District Sunday bill (S. 237), by Senator Johnston, of Alabama, now on Senate calendar, under Rule IX; a Sunday-closing of post-offices (H. R. 4933), by Representative Mann, of Illinois, now in the Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads.

Hearings have been conducted on the District Sunday bills in both congresses. Our churches and workers throughout the country assisted the department immeasurably by petitions, memorials, letters, and telegrams, which under God has stayed the hand of unfavorable legislation. Besides Congressional work campaigns have been conducted before the legislatures of North Carolina, West Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.

The department has been active in the lecture field, its officers having spoken on religious liberty and temperance topics in various cities, in addition to the general meetings held in different sections.

Too much can not be said on the subject of the distribution of literature in campaigns of enlightenment and in opposition to proposed legislation. A number of leaflets, pamphlets, and tracts have been and are being prepared and used by the department in Congressional and other campaign work, as follows:—

FOUR PAMPHLETS.—“Do You Wish Congress to Prescribe Your Religion?” eight pages; “Songs of Freedom,” revised, eight pages; “Shall the Legislature Prescribe Our Religion?” four pages; “A Protest by Seventh-day Adventists Against S. 237, Before a Subcommittee of the Senate,” eight pages.

ONE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAFLET, No. 16.—“Why Sunday Laws Are Wrong,” eight pages.

TWO RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LEAFLETS FOR CANADIAN CAMPAIGN.—“Do You Wish Parliament to Prescribe Your Religion?” sixteen pages; “What Eminent Men Have Said,” twelve pages.

FOUR LEAFLETS.—“Patrick Henry’s Great Speech,” four pages; “A New Line of Work” (newspaper), two pages; “Protest Against Johnston Sunday Bill,” two pages; “Senator Heyburn on Sunday Legislation,” four pages.

New petition blank for campaign use.

Besides the above, we have in publishers’ hands and in course of preparation: “Why the Mann Post-Office Closing Bill Should Not Pass;” “Memorial to Congress” (next session); “Baptist Views on Religious Liberty;” “Relation of Sunday Laws to Constitution;” “Majorities and Minorities in Religion;” “Operation of Sunday Laws;” “Evils of Religious Legislation;” “Opinions Favoring Seventh-day Adventists;” “Sunday Laws and Working People.”

We also prepared a special newspaper insert, which was used to good effect. Thousands of copies of the famous Congressional Sunday Mail Reports were sent to mayors, councilmen, and other public men.

“LIBERTY.”—This organ of the department continues to be a valuable factor in the work of enlightenment on the principles for which we stand. Many instances may be cited showing that public men read Liberty, and have been more or less influenced thereby. Members of Congress, mayors of cities throughout the country, and other public officials have been furnished with copies of Liberty from time to time. In addition to this, State conferences have been supplying this magazine to legislators, State officials, college presidents, professors, teachers, and others. The circulation is 40,000.

In this connection, the recent action of the Pacific Union Conference is worthy of note. The brethren of that field voted to send Liberty to lawyers, editors, and county superintendents throughout that field. This involves the additional circulation of thousands of copies, and will doubtless result in much good. What a splendid campaign of enlightenment for the nation would follow if all our union conferences would do likewise!

“AMERICAN STATE PAPERS.”—This work, fully revised and up-to-date, is now ready. It is a splendid volume on the work of our forefathers in connection with the foundation principles of this government. The department plans to place this book in the hands of congressmen, and will use this opportunity to confer with them on the subject involved. This will require much time and pains, besides the expenditure of funds, but we believe that results will justify the same. We have encouraged our State conferences to take up this line of work with their legislatures and officials.

PRESS BUREAU WORK.—The department has been endeavoring for some time to encourage and develop a line of publicity work through the columns of the newspapers throughout the country. Encouraging results have been thus far attained through the instrumentality of local church elders and special correspondents. We are furnishing at stated intervals specially prepared articles on some phase of present truth, and for the most part these articles have been courteously received and published. An article

was recently prepared on the subject of the Eastern question, taking for its basis the present imbroglio between Italy and Turkey, and submitted to the associated press. We have been informed that this agency furnished the article to about fifteen hundred of the leading papers. Many letters bearing upon the Eastern question have been sent to this office as a result of its publication.

We can not estimate accurately the number of papers which have published our articles, nor the extent of the reading population to whom opportunity has been given to read these articles. In some instances opponents of our views have written to editors, taking issue with us. This has opened the way for replies, of which we have taken advantage.

We are glad to note the success attending the work of our religious liberty secretaries and other workers in this line. Among those whose efforts have been especially blessed are Elders H. A. Weaver, of East Michigan, C. B. Haynes, of Maryland, and J. F. Olmstead, of Ohio.

The press bureau work should be greatly extended. Plans should be developed for publishing articles through newspaper syndicates, the expense of which might be met by special donations to a fund dedicated to that purpose. We should secure space in the great metropolitan papers of the country.

We have found by experience that it is not difficult to secure space in newspapers for reports of meetings and synopses of sermons in connection therewith. Such reports are gladly accepted as items of news. It is different, however, with regard to articles designed for enlightenment. To gain the editor’s favorable consideration more than ordinary care must be used in preparing such articles.

In order to carry on the different lines of work which are now increasing, our department should be strengthened by the addition of competent help.

CAMPAIGN PLANS.—The department is planning for a vigorous campaign before the next session of Congress, which convenes December 4, against the Johnston District bill, and the post-office Sunday-closing bill. Our churches and workers throughout the field will again be appealed to for assistance in the way of memorials, petitions, letters, and telegrams.

INDEX AND DIRECTORY.—The department has under way plans for securing an index and directory, which is designed to assist in locating articles, items of news, etc. This will be of material benefit to us in preparing articles and giving information involving data, statistics, etc.

CORRESPONDENCE AND PREPARATION OF ARTICLES.—It should be borne in mind that the work of the department is many-fold, involving as it does correspondence, the preparation of articles, initiating and pushing forward plans. In these endeavors we are in touch with not only our own people in urging them to action, but our efforts concern public men and others not of our faith.

K. C. R.

Christian Liberty

Reports, notes, and comments pertaining to the current history of the rights of conscience

Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau

K. C. RUSSELL - - - - - Secretary

S. B. HORTON - - - - - Assistant Secretary

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. H.

Closing Camp-Meetings

THE presentation of the work with “Ministry of Healing” in connection with camp-meetings, closed for the season with the last of the Southern meetings, held in Florida. With the exception of the Georgia meeting, all those of the Southern and Southeastern unions were visited, besides a few others.

At the Mississippi meeting there was a favorable interest shown on the part of officers, workers, and people. The sanitarium work has good support in this conference, and the call for help in the relief campaign met with suitable response. Some of the members present had already sold their quota of books, but agreed to take more. They gave encouraging reports of their experience in the work of selling the books. The missionary field agent, H. G. Miller, expressed an anxiety to see all his canvassers doing their share.

The Tennessee River meeting devoted ample time to the consideration of sanitarium interests. A hearty welcome was given to the “Ministry of Healing” work. Dr. R. M. Clarke, superintendent of the Nashville Sanitarium, assisted in presenting the question. The special meeting for this was held during a heavy rain, but in spite of the noise and inconvenience, the people gave good attention. Giving of orders for books continued as long as the storm permitted. At a later meeting the local and union workers again presented the matter, and another substantial list of orders was secured. This spoke well for the attitude of this conference toward the institution located within its territory. The Nashville Sanitarium and its needs should appeal to all the brethren and sisters of the Southern Union Conference.

Arkansas is one of the conferences of the union that is devoting its entire proceeds of the campaign to interests outside its own borders. The good missionary spirit shown at this meeting toward other interests was also manifested when the relief campaign was presented. The conference president, Elder J. W. Norwood, and the other conference workers, as well as most of the people, entered heartily into the campaign. Though not a strong conference in membership or means, there was shown a commendable readiness to engage in every good work, and a reasonable share was done for this project.

With meetings at churches and institutions in the interval, the Florida camp-meeting was next visited. The institutional work of this conference is largely sanitarium work, so this branch received considerable attention at the camp-meeting. The Orlando Sanitarium rendered a favorable financial report, showing for the second time a substantial gain in its yearly statement, though the institution is only three years old. The superintendent, Dr. J. E. Caldwell, presented a report of the medical and spiritual work of the institution, showing its influence in placing the truth before many of the tourists who visit Florida every winter. Urgent needs of improved conditions and better facilities were presented, and received favorable consideration. The “Ministry of Healing” work was well received. Considerable has already been done, but a material lift was given the effort in the supply of books taken.

This closes the principal part of this year's field work. On the whole, the outlook is fairly good, if the interest thus far shown may be taken as an indication of future effort and cooperation on the part of all. But there has not been enough accomplished as yet to permit a relaxation of interest, if we expect the results aimed at in the launching of this relief movement. Nearly two years are now gone, and there is an appreciable lack in the work done so far. We have not sold the number of books that the amount of time already gone calls for. The interest and activity on the part of those who have done their share, and in some instances, even more, are to be appreciated. But that which is wanting in results calls on those who have not yet done their part. The fullest cooperation will be required to make this movement a satisfactory success.

L. A. H.

Prayer and Supplication With Thanksgiving

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Methods Followed by Some

By L. A. H.

VARIOUS plans are followed in the different conferences for keeping up the interest in the campaign. Like other enterprises, be they ever so good, this movement needs attention in order to keep it going. With so many interests demanding attention, it is easy for any one of them to lag unless it is properly kept before the people.

E. L. Spencer, missionary secretary of the North Dakota Conference, sends out communications under a letter-head devoted especially to the $300,000 Fund and the “Ministry of Healing” campaign. Below the letter-head are the subheadings; “First a Willing Heart” and “We Can and We Will.” A few forceful statements are given on the left side of the sheet. The value for correspondence purposes is not hurt, and it makes a good medium for keeping two important missionary enterprises before those who receive the letters.

B. W. Spire, secretary of the Florida Tract Society, issues a neat typewritten circular letter, setting forth the campaign work. This is accompanied by a page devoted to a description of “Ministry of Healing,” which can be left with prospective purchasers. This matter is sent to all the conference members.

H. A. Shreve, now missionary field secretary of Florida, has been spending some time on the east coast of the State, selling “Ministry of Healing” in the towns accessible by boat. He has his own boat, arranged for living purposes. He has sold a goodly number of books, and reports having had some interesting experiences.

The West Kansas Conference passed a resolution at its last camp-meeting to set apart the month of December for the sale of its quota of books up to date. L. A. H.

Think on These Things

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, and whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

An Interesting Summer’s Work

By E. R. P.

After an absence from our general office of over five months, while attending the general meetings and conferences in the European field, it is a great pleasure to be at home again and to come into closer touch with the details of the publishing work.

During the summer we had the pleasure of attending thirteen conferences and general meetings, and of visiting nearly all our institutions in the European field.

We especially enjoyed meeting the general agents and colporteurs. In Norway we met twenty-nine colporteurs who are selling our large books; in Sweden, thirty-five; in Finland, twenty-one; and in Denmark, thirty-nine.

For quite a number of years the subscription-book work has been developing upon a good, strong basis in the Scandinavian field. Both leaders and people are of good courage, and the work is steadily growing.

At Friedensau, just previous to the meeting of the biennial council of the General Conference, we held a bookmen’s convention with fifteen general agents and field agents of the East and West German union conferences. This was a most enjoyable occasion. Although we could not speak with one of these general agents, except through an interpreter, yet our hearts were in the same work, and somehow there was a chord of union and a fellowship in experiences that enabled us to understand each other’s thoughts and hearts. Good interpreters were provided, so that our meetings were successfully conducted.

Our brethren in the German union conferences have been conducting their publishing with great earnestness and devotion. The sale of our larger books is receiving attention, and doubtless there is a great future before the publishing work in the German field. We shall look for steady, strong development as the leaders in the work launch out upon the heavier and more substantial features of the colporteur work.

We also met the general agent and fourteen colporteurs at the camp-meeting in German-Switzerland. In the French-Latin field there are very few colporteurs. However, some advance steps are being taken. Brother Brown, from Mexico, has recently been appointed general agent in Spain, and Brother Erzberger, son of Elder Erzberger, of Switzerland, has been appointed field agent for the French-Swiss Conference. With these two devoted men as leaders, one in French-Switzerland and the other in Spain, we are hoping that the development may be so encouraging that it will lead to further advance steps being taken in behalf of France, Italy, and Portugal.

We attended five conferences in the British field, and had the pleasure of meeting Brother Samuel Joyce, the general agent, and a large number of colporteurs. The good work is being pushed in Great Britain, in the face of many discouragements and difficulties. A very large percentage of our people in those conferences are taking some part in the circulation of literature.

The publishing work has been upon a good, strong basis in Great Britain for quite a number of years. More literature is being sold in that union, in proportion to the membership, than in any other union conference in our organization. And yet the population of Great Britain is so great, in proportion to the membership, that the task of giving the truth to the people seems overwhelming. But all are of good courage, and the work is moving onward.

Seven and one-half cords of Missions Signs at Pacific Press wrapped and ready for mailing. On October 13, all these had been sent out in filling orders. It is evident that other editions will be necessary above the 500,000 copies originally ordered.

To the writer, the summer’s work has been most interesting and inspiring. As we look upon the great population in the European field, and the rapidly growing work of the third angel’s message, the conviction grows upon us that we are only in the beginning of the work which the printing-press is destined to do as a factor in this movement of carrying the light of precious truth to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

The reports which have reached us from month to month from the United States, and from other parts of the world, have also been a great encouragement. This is proving a good, successful year in the work of the Publishing Department, and from our hearts we thank God for his blessing.

E. R. P.

Work of a Stolen Bible

By N. Z. T.

IN December, 1909, the writer attended the first general Seventh-day Adventist meeting ever held in Paraguay, South America. From the day our large tent was pitched, a company of Paraguayan soldiers stationed in the town gave us trouble, cutting the tent curtains with their long knives, stoning us, molesting the young ladies, etc. What they did to one young man and what came of it is told by Brother Julio Ernst, the director of the Alta Parana Mission, in the last number of the South American Union paper. After quoting Isa. 55:10, 11, Brother Ernst says:—

“This scripture has been fulfilled in a special manner in this place. The readers of the Revista will remember that about two years ago, in a general meeting held in Encarnacion, Paraguay, the enemy displayed his wrath through the soldiers. After persecuting one brother, they took his Bible from him and carried it to the barracks. After a time, one of the soldiers became interested in this Bible, and notwithstanding the ridicule of the others, he continued reading it. Finally he took it to his home, and his companion became so interested that she began to attend the Sabbath-school, and now both this man and his wife have accepted the truth.”

N. Z. T.

A Good Word From the Southwest

By N. Z. T.

ACCOMPANYING his report for September, Elder W. W. Eastman, general agent of the Southwestern Union, sends the following good word:—

“Here we are again with our report, which is a little more than double what it was last September. Our deliveries for the same time have amounted to over $11,200. Our fall deliveries have been excellent. We never had such an experience before. Most of our agents are having no trouble in delivering their books. The people seem as anxious to get them as the canvassers are to deliver them. I have just been helping two canvassers here in Memphis. They are delivering one hundred per cent of their orders, and selling some copies besides.

“This morning I happened to meet an old friend in the post-office, who insisted that I take dinner with him. He is now a business man in this city. After dinner, he inquired about our work. As we were on our way down-town, he said: ‘Well, I want those books. What is the price?’ I told him, and he said: ‘Bring me a copy of each this afternoon to the store.’ I shall take him a copy of ‘Daniel and the Revelation,’ ‘Bible Readings,’ and ‘Ministry of Healing.’ A banker called to one of our canvassers from his automobile yesterday while passing on the street, saying, ‘Bring me

one of your books to-morrow to the bank.’ ‘Daniel and the Revelation’ was delivered to him this morning. Truly we are in the day of God’s power.”

N. Z. T.

The Missionary and Publishing Work

By E. R. Palmer; N. Z. Town

Notes, plans, reports, statistics, and other information regarding missionary endeavor and the circulation of gospel literature.

Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference

E. R. PALMER - - - - Secretary

N. Z. TOWN - - - Assistant Secretary

Continue reading: Canvassers’ Summary for September, 1911