The position occupied by this great continent makes it a field of more than ordinary importance. We have been told, through the spirit of prophecy, that it is to be a center whence the truth is to go not only to the great island continents immediately surrounding it, but also to India, China, and Japan. Its extreme isolation from the warlike nations of the world, and the peaceful character of its inhabitants, warrant the opinion that it will be one of the last of the nations to be drawn into the struggle for national supremacy or existence, which will finally terminate in the last great battle of this world's history.
AVONDALE SCHOOL CHAPEL
In order for this country to be prepared for the important part it is to act in the closing message, it has been necessary to establish facilities for the training of workers and for the production of books, papers, and tracts containing present truth. It has required a large outlay of means, much of which has been secured as loans, to establish these institutions
LADIES’ HOME, AVONDALE SCHOOL
Considerable sums have at various times been appropriated by the General Conference, and donations have been made by private individuals. The brethren in the field have also lifted, and are still lifting to the extent of their ability. Nevertheless there remains a large deficit, as well as a large sum to be raised each year to keep the work going in new fields. We do not ask our brethren in the States to pay all our debts and obligations, but we need, and hope to obtain,
at least $20,000. This amount would relieve us from present embarrassment, and place us where, with God's blessing and prosperous times, we could carry the work forward without further outside assistance.
The drought which has been experienced with greater or less severity throughout Australia for the past few years, and which is still unbroken, has so affected business of all descriptions that it is difficult for our brethren in many instances to make a living for their families; hence, they have little or nothing
to contribute toward the support of the cause. Notwithstanding these conditions, the brethren have had a mind to work, and the Lord has blessed their efforts in the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons,” which has brought great relief to the Avondale school. The Echo Publishing Company, although carrying a heavy debt, has, by God's blessing, been enabled to pay all expenses during the hard times, and leave a small surplus in the treasury.
It is our medical work, and especially the Sydney Sanitarium, that is in the greatest need of help. The institution is located at Wahroonga, a small suburb sixteen miles by rail from the center of the city, and consists of eighty acres of land and buildings of sufficient capacity to accommodate ninety patients and the necessary helpers. Thus far the enterprise has cost about $70,000, $30,000 of which has been raised by donations and applied on the purchase of the land and the construction of the buildings, leaving a debt of $40,000, upon which interest must be paid at an average rate of four and one-half per cent. The closest economy has been practiced, both in the construction of the buildings and in its furnishings, but building material and household furniture costs from one third to one half more in Australia than it does in the United States. It would be perfectly safe to say that what has cost us $70,000 in Australia could have been produced in the United States for $40,000. I am sure that no one would think this an extravagant outlay to represent properly so important a branch of our work in a field of such magnitude.
Judging from the efforts put forth in this direction thus far, it would be perfectly safe to conclude that with help from our brethren and friends in the States at this time to reduce this debt to the minimum, and to supply more much-needed appliances, the institution would be able in the future to meet all obligations, and to aid in the extension of this branch of our work in other portions of17Australia and the islands of the sea. In contributing at this time properly to equip the Sydney Sanitarium, and to relieve it from a large proportion of its debt, you are at the same time in no indirect way aiding the work in the islands of the sea; for all who go there as missionaries should first have some instruction at such an institution, that they may know how to care properly for themselves, and instruct the needy people for whom they will be called upon to labor.
Among the 50,000,000 people connected with the Australasian Union Conference there are many honest souls waiting for the light. The Word of God says, ‘The isles shall wait for his law.’ How much longer they are to wait, and how much longer our Lord's return is to be delayed,—for he can not come until these poor benighted souls have heard the joyful news of his return,—depend upon the activity put forth by God's people, and their generosity in giving of their means to create facilities and support workers in new and needy fields. If we believe the message of Revelation 10, that there shall be delay no longer; if we believe that this generation shall not pass until our Lord is revealed in the clouds of heaven, is it not high time we were settling the question of individual responsibility? Are we faithful stewards of the means God entrusts to us, responding generously to the calls he sends through his appointed channels, or are we passing these calls by with a mere pittance, using the larger share for self-indulgence and self-gratification? It is recorded of Cornelius, ‘Thy prayers and thine alms have come up for a memorial before God.’ Are we erecting monuments in heaven, as did Cornelius, by contributing of our means to advance the cause of God in needy fields, and accompanying our offerings with our prayers that God's blessing may rest upon the work and workers, or are we erecting our monuments upon earth by adding farm to farm and house to house, or piling up money in banks, or placing it where it will add interest to interest—all to be consumed with the world and in the world where we have placed it?
We have been told through the spirit of prophecy that ‘Australia is more like the United States than any other English-speaking country in the world. It is her sister.’ Can we not hope that the eldest sister, whom God has blessed so abundantly of late, will come to the aid of her needy younger sister across the broad Pacific, who is struggling to hold aloft the banner of truth under adverse circumstances? We believe that she will, and we are justified in this belief from a personal acquaintance with thousands of loyal brethren and sisters in all parts of the country, and from the generous response made to the appeal last year in behalf of the work in Christiania.
This Fourth of July Sabbath may be made a day of threefold blessing: first, to ourselves and families in the contemplation of the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and given us the great privilege of being citizens of the heavenly kingdom; second, in the joy that may, and does, come to each one from a sense of a loving duty performed, in a freewill offering to the cause for Christ's sake; and third, by contemplating not only the relief that in this way may come to the Lord's burdened servants in a far-away field, but the probability of meeting souls saved in the kingdom of God as the result of our sacrifice and effort, small though they may seem to us.
We believe that Australia's appeal for help at this time has the approval of the great Head of the church; for he knows all about the self-sacrificing efforts put forth by the brethren to maintain and advance the work under difficult circumstances, and he would have his favored land and people come to their assistance before they become discouraged and faint under the load. ‘For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: as it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.’
May the Lord of the harvest bless this day to the good of his people in the homeland, and bless the offering made, and make it the means in his hands of saving many precious souls in his soon-coming kingdom. Geo. A. Irwin.
Mt. Vernon Academy
By W. T. Bland
Closing of a Most Successful Year
AFTER an absence of seven years it was a pleasure to visit this institution, to join in the closing exercises, to renew old acquaintances, and to mingle once more with teachers and students. Although not many of those who constituted the school forces of the first years of its existence were there, yet the same genuine spirit of earnestness and loyalty remained.
The commencement exercises this year marked the closing of the tenth year's work. The annual sermon was delivered by Elder G. A. Irwin, now of Australia, but who was for several years president of the board of trustees, and always deeply interested in the progress of the school. It was felt by all a great privilege to have him present on the last Sabbath of the school year, though he started on his long voyage the following night.
The final exercises were held on the evening of May 18, in the large chapel, which was beautifully and appropriately decorated with flowers and plants. A large and appreciative audience was present, many having come from the city; others who were especially interested in the academy, and former students back for a short visit, were from various distances.
Nine earnest young men and women were awarded diplomas as an evidence of their faithfulness, together with their willingness and ability to remain at their work until it was accomplished. These young people had dedicated their lives to the Master's service, and already four of the young men have entered upon the work of the gospel ministry, others of the class, together with quite a number of young people from the school in general, have taken up different lines of religious work. It seems worthy of special mention that so large a percentage of the class should have prepared for the ministry, especially as this is a branch of the work,—and the most important one too,—that has been so sadly neglected in the past.
The School Year
The past school year has been the most successful in the history of the institution. Ohio has always been most loyal to her own school, ever willing to respond liberally with financial aid, and to send in their young people; but during the past year those from many other States applied for admission, until even early in the year no more could be admitted. The school was fortunate in having a strong faculty of experienced teachers, besides having comfortable buildings and an ideal location.
Courses of Study
Mt. Vernon Academy has from the beginning maintained strong, practical courses of study, but for the coming year there has been added a full year of advanced work on all courses, thus making the strength of the work practically equal to that of the colleges. The trustees and teachers feel that they are fully justified in thus offering strong work in the production of the more matured minds and substantial characters brought out as a result. However, for those who are not able, or who do not have the time for the higher branches of practical work, the academy still offers the usual preparatory courses.
The Outlook for Next Year
In his final chapel talk to the students, Professor Loughhead announced that arrangements would be made for the admission of all applicants who were worthy of a place in the school, and that already the prospect seemed good for a very large attendance.
This is certainly a most delightful place in which to spend a few months, or even years, and one in which parents may feel sure their children will receive the best possible care, and that their advancement will be continually looked after. A neat, comprehensive calendar is issued, containing all general information, and can be had by addressing the principal, Prof. J. W. Loughhead, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. W. T. BLAND.
The Washington (D. C.) Meeting House
By S. H. Lane
It is indeed gratifying that so many have donated toward the purchasing of a church house in Washington. It can not be considered wise to ask, through the columns of the Review, our people to donate to pay for houses of worship or to aid in their erection in all our cities, as these houses should be built by the membership in the cities. If the membership in the town or city is not able financially to build, it should be a pleasure to the people in the State or province to aid, providing the membership and interest in the city will warrant the outlay
The District of Columbia, in which is situated the city of Washington, is national territory, and therefore all the people of the nation are interested in the affairs of the district and city.
At all periods of the year, and especially during the sessions of Congress, the city contains representatives from all the nations of the world, as well as from our own country. These representatives, as well as the people who live in Washington, should have the opportunity to attend worship in some house in which they can hear the message for this time proclaimed, that they may become interested in it, and also become instrumental in proclaiming it in their fields as they return to their own land.
Our brethren in Washington have purchased a suitable house of worship, and Elder Washburn has faithfully laid before18the readers of the Review the fact, that the house cost the sum of $12,900. To raise the means with which to pay for it the brethren and sisters in Washington and friends in the general field have donated liberally, and at the last report $10,000 had been paid on the debt, besides the interest. Surely all who have donated have done nobly.
Will those who have not donated do so immediately, so the remaining debt on the house can be fully liquidated? Send to the treasurer of the General Conference, Battle Creek, Mich., or to your State tract society. Let us do so, and finish the matter, and thus present a memorial house, situated in the capital city of one of the mightiest nations in the world, to the cause of God, which will result in spreading the truth to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
S. H. LANE.
Dedication of the Caterham Sanitarium
By David Paulson
I left New York, May 19, on the “Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse,” to attend the dedication of our new sanitarium in England, and also to attend the European general meetings. The sanitarium is located at Caterham, among the Surrey Hills, near London. It would be difficult to find anywhere more charming scenery than greets the eye in every direction. While the sanitarium is less than five minutes’ walk from the station, yet it is entirely on the outskirts of the town, and controls about twenty-eight acres of land. The building itself had already been used as a water-cure institution, and had been under thoroughly respectable management, so was most admirably adapted for our work. The bath rooms were liberally supplied with marble slabs, elegant bath tubs, and many of the necessary appliances for our work. Other apparatus has been provided for. Almost every room in the institution contained ample furniture, most of which was of a far better quality than we could have hoped to purchase. The building contains about sixty well-lighted and airy rooms.
Prior to the dedication, and before they were really ready to care for any one, patients were seeking admittance; and although it has been only ten days since the institution was formally opened, they already have nearly a dozen patients in the house, and applications enough have been received to fill every available room.
The weather of the day set for the dedication was all that could be desired, so seats were placed under the shade of the trees on the lawn, and there this institution was set apart for the service of suffering humanity. The magistrate of Caterham, Mr. D. Morgan Thomas, J. P., presided, and gave this work and movement a hearty welcome to the community. Among other things, he said:— “It is very remarkable how subtle links run all through our history. It is very remarkable how it often affects all the future. Who would ever have thought that there would be a connecting link between the Surrey Hills Hydropathic Institution and the great Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich.? The gentleman who first opened this institution was one of the most honorable men I ever had the privilege of knowing. His views upon the question of morality and general health were much akin to the views of those who now take charge of
it, and it was at great sacrifice to himself that he opened this institution. He passed away without seeing the success which we hope now awaits it. This institution will be allied with about sixty similar institutions in different parts of the world, their main object being to do good to humanity. They are no dividend-earning concerns, nor quack institutions—no place where you can go to the doctor and he will give you a pill which is a sure cure for everything—not a place where it is claimed that a few baths will transform an old man into a young man.
“Half a century ago a philanthropic organizer—Elder White—and others connected with him, conceived the idea that the human body is a sacred thing, that closely connected with it is our moral and spiritual organization, and that, in order to do the best and most effectual work for God and humanity, we must keep this temple of ours in a proper condition.
“Another idea connected with this work is the instruction in reference to the laws of life. There is a prevailing idea among good people that ‘there is a happy, happy land, far, far away.’ As I understand, these people are very glad to think of that, as we all are, but they want to make a happy, happy land very, very near, and they want to prevent people from disobeying the laws of life and morality, the transgression of which causes a great portion of the prevailing human suffering. Therefore, my friends, I count it a grand honor to welcome such people, such an institution, into our neighborhood, and to assure them that we not only give them a hearty welcome, but that we wish them to promulgate these views, and hope that they will be thoroughly successful in England.”
In the dedicatory remarks, which I had the privilege of making, I sought to present to the audience facts regarding the wide-spread and rapidly increasing disease and degeneracy of the race, and the necessity for just such a soul- and body-saving movement as our institution and work represent.
Brief, but earnest and stirring remarks were then made by Dr. Waggoner, Professor Salisbury, and the secretary of one of the London vegetarian societies.
There were present several editors and representatives of the press, who not only wrote up for their papers an almost complete report of the occasion, but did it in a most friendly manner. We quote the following from an editorial in one of these papers:—
“Let those who have favored the notion that the Surrey Hills Hydropathic Institution at Caterham is being exploited by cranks disabuse their minds. The report of the proceedings on Thursday afternoon, which appears in another column, is conclusive proof of the establishment there of a new treatment, but only new as regards this country. The address was greatly enjoyed by the large company present, and the heartiest success must be wished those whose aims are so high. The Americans present, and a more sociable company of ladies and gentlemen is rarely met, are enthusiastic in this movement, and some of that enthusiasm was caught by the Britishers, who, if conservative, can appreciate the efforts of those who aim at the betterment of others, and above all, the prevention of much that is evil. Prevention is better than cure.”
After the service, simple refreshments were served to all present. Everybody seemed to catch the spirit of the occasion. The chairman, before leaving, told Dr. Olsen that this was the most enjoyable afternoon that he had spent since he had been in Caterham. We all felt that the Spirit of the Lord was present, and that this institution had the smile of Heaven upon it.
Dr. Olsen, who is the medical superintendent, was for several years one of the leading teachers in our medical school. He afterward took advanced studies in England, and received the English degree. His wife is a graduate of the medical department of the University of Indiana. They take hold of this work with courage. There is already gathering around them a corps of earnest workers, and we predict for this institution a glorious success.
At the British Union Conference, held at Portsmouth, the Good Health Association was organized for the purpose of promoting and taking the general supervision of the medical work in the British field.
The constituency of this association is made up of Conference officers, heads of leading institutions, and an equal number of representatives elected annually by the medical missionary institutions, and various departments connected therewith. This constituency elects a Board of fifteen to look after the work between the annual meetings. The organization of this work met with the unanimous approval of all present, and the brethren in the English field are taking hold enthusiastically to develop the medical missionary work. Already, the Lord in his providence has in a most remarkable manner opened the way for another institution in Leicester.
About a year ago a food reform society in this city invited Dr. Olsen to give a lecture on health. This lecture awakened much interest, and last January a Good Health school was conducted by Dr. and Mrs. Olsen. It was attended by the leading citizens of the place, among whom was a wealthy gentleman who owns the Midlands County Sanitorium, which has been in operation several years. It is quite a substantial building, four stories with the basement, containing about twenty rooms, even more elegantly furnished than the Caterham Sanitarium. The gentleman who owns this became so interested in our principles and work that he was led to offer the free use of this institution to Dr. Olsen, for the purpose of opening up a branch of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, the only conditions being that the nurses all be Battle Creek Sanitarium trained nurses, and that the methods employed in the treatment of the sick shall be the same as those used in that institution. And he also agreed, if everything was satisfactory, to make further extension of time on the same conditions at the expiration of five years. The providential indications were so conclusive that our brethren did not hesitate to accept his offer. Dr. Olsen attended the medical missionary conference recently held in Battle Creek, and while there, he presented the matter before the Mission Board, who voted to pay the traveling expenses of two nurses to this institution, and also to assist in defraying the small expense that would be needed properly to adapt it for this purpose. The English Good Health Association have already appointed a local Board, and it is hoped that in a few weeks this institution will be opened to the public.19
A sanitarium effort is already in operation in Belfast (Ireland), with Dr. Bell in charge.
It was the liberal donations of our brethren all over the field that made it possible for our friends here in England to take advantage of the providence which presented itself in reference to this institution in the vicinity of London; and believing that they would all be interested to know something in detail with reference to the present medical missionary situation, I have been led to write thus.
I hope to visit our other medical missionary institutions before returning to America. I appreciate as I never have before what an army of consecrated men and women will be required not only to present the gospel of health to the large cities of America, but to still larger cities in the old world. May the Spirit of the Lord arouse our young people to the necessity of giving themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to the cause of God and of humanity. This is no time to let the bewitching influence of the devil soothe us to sleep.
DAVID PAULSON.
Convention of the Educational Department of the General Conference
By L. A. Hoopes; Frederick Griggs
LAST week's REVIEW contained a report of the convention until Monday night, June 15. Throughout the entire week the weather has been perfect, and nature has certainly done everything possible to make the convention a pleasant occasion.
Tuesday was a marked day in our work. The early morning meeting was led by Elder Daniells. He read from recent communications received from Sister White, regarding our work. These communications emphasized the thought that when the keynote of our message is struck by all in all departments of the work, and when the near coming of the Lord is proclaimed with faith and power, marked results in people turning to the truth will certainly be seen, and there will be a decided advance in the work of this message. Elder Daniells made earnest remarks concerning the importance of our believing and heeding this instruction. At eight o'clock the same subject was continued, and many spoke of their belief in the instruction which had been given.
At ten o'clock the regular program was laid aside, and Professor Prescott took up a consideration of the application of this keynote of our message, which is the near coming of the Lord, showing how this thought is the one thought that runs throughout the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, and how it should be emphasized in all our teaching. A very profitable general discussion followed his talk.
This same subject was again considered at the afternoon meeting, the regular program again being laid aside. Some earnest remarks were made by Professor Cady and others. A season of prayer was held during the meeting, in which light was sought for a further understanding of these things.
Following the season of prayer, a spirit of confession came into the meeting, and there was a wonderful movement on the part of all present to draw together and to see eye to eye. It was not that we should renounce our individuality, but that we should concede to our brother the same right to work out these problems of education in his own field as the Lord may direct him, and feel a deep sympathy with him, even though he does not work upon exactly the same plans and with the same methods that we do.
At eight o'clock in the evening Prof. B. E. Nicola addressed the convention upon the subject of our school work in the South. He gave a clear exposition of the conditions surrounding the educational work in the South, not only for the colored people, for whom he is working, but for the white people as well. He spoke of the difficulties which they had to meet in Huntsville in maintaining a training-school for colored people, the constituency for such a school from our people being small, as we have only four or five hundred colored Sabbath-keepers in the whole South.
The question of the support of this school and its work was presented. The needs for financial help for the introduction of industries was also spoken of. At the close of his remarks, a collection was taken, in which over one hundred dollars was received.
At six o'clock Wednesday morning, the members of the convention, led by Brother H. W. Carr, of New York, again met, and engaged in a season of earnest prayer for God's blessing to rest upon them during the day.
At eight o'clock the report of the Committee on History was submitted. The committee suggested that a teachers' manual on the teaching of elementary history from the Bible be prepared for our church schools; that a text-book in United States history, beginning with the rise of Protestantism, and written on the basis of true principles and prophecy, be also prepared; that a general history, comprising a year's course, modeled on the general divisions of subject and treatment after Elder Jones's three books on history, be prepared, and that Elder Jones be asked to furnish for publication in pamphlet form an essay on the Philosophy of History. These recommendations were adopted.
At ten o'clock Brethren H. A. Washburn, H. W. Carr, and N. W. Kauble presented the subject of industrial work. Many most excellent thoughts were given, among which it was suggested that our intermediate schools should not be constructed on too large a plan, and that they should be industrial, the chief industry being agriculture. At a later meeting of the convention the Committee on Industrial Work presented the following resolution, which was adopted: “In view of the increasing need of teachers qualified to teach both literary and industrial classes, we recommend to our young people interested in the work of teaching that they seek a good preparation in industrial training.”
At three o'clock Brethren E. A. Sutherland, H. W. Cottrell, E. T. Russell, C. W. Flaiz, and William Covert discussed before the convention the subject of the Support of Church Schools. There was a general discussion of this same subject at the six o'clock meeting, Thursday morning. A committee was appointed on this subject, whose report was embodied in a later report of the Committee on Organization. The general suggestions made in their report with reference to the support of our church schools were that they were to be supported by tuition from parents, gifts from church-members, gifts from the conference, and the second tithe. No one general line to the exclusion of others was fully adopted. It was felt that the responsibility rested, first, upon parents; second, upon the church; and third, on the conference; that in the establishing of a school its support should be arranged for according to local conditions and means.
At the Wednesday evening meeting, Brother W. A. Spicer spoke on Education for Missions, and Elder A. G. Daniels upon the Supplying of Workers for the Field, speaking particularly with reference to the need of teachers for our foreign schools.
On Thursday morning at eight o'clock the Committee on Organization rendered its report. It provided for a thorough system for the management of our school work from the General Conference through union and State conferences to the church and home. The work of the General Conference and of the union and State conferences is advisory, except in the matter of union and State conference schools, where they naturally would have executive authority. This leaves upon the church the responsibility of conducting its schools under the advice and counsel of the conference management. The report provided for an Educational Department of the General Conference, which was to be related in its work to all union fields and general organizations alike, for educational secretaries for the union and State conferences. It also outlined regular means for the study, development, and support of our educational work throughout the world. This report was adopted.
Thursday evening Dr. W. B. Holden gave a very practical and helpful lecture upon Education for Medical Missionary Work. He emphasized the thought that the education should be practical, and that students should be sent forth with an ability to adapt themselves to whatever conditions they may meet.
Friday was largely taken up in the consideration of reports from committees. Mention has already been made of some of these reports which were adopted at this time. The Committee on Courses of Study20submitted its report. This report embraced also a portion of the report of the Committee on Text-books. A course of instruction for our schools from the beginners' grade to the tenth was outlined and adopted by the convention. It was not intended that this report should be absolute or binding upon our schools, but merely suggestive. The Committee on Text-books also rendered its report, one prominent feature of which was the encouragement of the preparation of suitable text-books for all grades of our school work.
In the evening an address upon Discipline was given by Frederick Griggs.
Sabbath, W. W. Prescott preached the closing sermon of the convention. The subject was the Reward of Service. At 6 P. M. the members of the convention met for a farewell meeting. This meeting was led by Elder Daniells. All united in expressing the feeling that the meeting had been a source of great help and encouragement, and that we could reasonably look for advancement in our educational work throughout the world as its result.
A report of the convention is being prepared, and will be published shortly in pamphlet form. Announcement will be made in the REVIEW of the price, and where it can be obtained when it is ready for distribution.
L. A. Hoopes, Chairman.
FREDERICK GRIGGS, Sec. of Educational Department.
T. GODFREY
By T. GODFREY
Kansas
The third angel’s message is moving onward in the Kansas Conference, in spite of the combined opposition of Satan and his agents. While “fire, hail, snow, vapors, stormy winds,” floods, earthquakes, railroad wrecks, shipwrecks, and pestilence have been raging, and death and destruction have visited the uttermost parts of the earth, yet in the face of all these things the message is onward. God is blessing his faithful servants, crowning them with success, giving them precious souls for their hire. Then can we not say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name”?
The Lord has blessed me in my labors in the last six months most wonderfully. I have just organized a small company at Turkville, Ellis County, as the result of last winter’s labors. At Palco, Kan., six accepted the truth; five of them were baptized, and united with the Palco church. Four were baptized at Wakeeney, but have not yet united with any company. The Lord is working. And now we go forth to new fields to give the message to those who have never heard it. May God still bless our labor.
