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Review and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 14.

REACH THE GOAL
Earlier text: A Tour among the Tamil Sabbath-Keepers of South India

Chile

ESPEJO.—We are most thankful to an all-wise Father that Mrs. Steele has been restored to health. Although she is always somewhat delicate, we hope, with the help of the Lord, to continue the work until he sees fit to call us elsewhere. We have had some severe trials here, but these have only bound our hearts more closely to the work. As we see the ignorance and superstition of the people (slaves they virtually are to the priests), our hearts are drawn out to them, and we long to teach them the pure Word of God.
The work moves slowly in these countries, because the darkness is so great. Yet it grows, for it is God's work. We are glad to be accounted worthy to have a part in it.
We find many inconveniences here, being so far from a post-office, but in time no doubt all these obstacles will be overcome. This is only a small place, with many Catholics. We find it very difficult to get any one to do anything for us. But we hope, with the help of the Lord, to see the people softened little by little, and become interested in the truth.
To show how the Lord has been preparing the way for us, we may say that during the time the houses were being repaired, two families accepted the truth. One of the men has been of great service to us.
Mass is held here every Sunday. Recently two young girls on their way to mass, came to the corner of our place, and were afraid to pass. Finally one said, “Let us run,” and they ran until they were far past the house. Some one has made several crosses on the side of the house, and also some sort of five-pointed sign, which it is thought will cause the devil to leave.
This Sabbath we did not go to Santiago, but held Sabbath-school in our house. During the session, two boys came in. We have heard that they have gone to many parts of the town, saying that what we teach is the truth. We have heard some threats of burning the house, but this does not frighten us.
If only the believers in the United States could know by experience the needs of the foreign fields, and the conditions that prevail, how cheerfully and liberally would they give of the means with which the Lord has blessed them! We need the prayers of our brethren in the home land for the success of the work here, that we may act wisely in order to win souls to the truth.
Wm. Steele.

Asia Minor

CILICIA.—In my former report I wrote of the experience of our minister, Brother A. Buzugherian—how he was arrested and sent back to Adana (Cilicia) from Iconium, and tried and sentenced to one week's imprisonment by the court of justice. Later I received word from him that he had appealed his case to the higher court, and there the sentence had been changed into one dollar fine and the cost of the court. He himself did not appear in the court at the appointed time; some one else had signed the official invitation paper without his knowing it, and he was wholly unaware of the appointed day. His case has been one of much thought in the higher court. The president has been filled with prejudice through the lower court, and has tried much to pass a heavy sentence against our brother; but one of the members has stood for us, and has succeeded in convincing the president that this is only a religious question, and not a political one; so only one dollar fine has been determined, his guilt being disobedience to the government's command not to preach. Brother Buzugherian writes as follows:—
“This week I called on Mr. —, one of the members of the higher court, and he told me several things—how he stood in my place and protected my right, etc. I was much astonished, and firmly believed and know that He who helped us in Ourfa, in that crisis, is the same God and Helper here too, and everywhere. I did not know this man formerly, but another friend of mine has told him about my case. The president of the higher court, he said, was a man of justice; but those who were grieved at my bold answers in the lower court, stirred him against me, but this man has convinced him for me.”
Indeed, God is a present help to us. We must put our confidence only in him. When he sees that we are in danger of trusting in man, he quickly removes him away from us. The overseer of the courts of justice of two provinces—Cilicia and Haleb—became an intimate friend to us after he delivered us from the jail in Ourfa, and helped us very much in these provinces. Through him Brother Enock Ayvazian, our worker, could be established in Haleb. Through him I was able to visit Adana, and go as far as Erzinjan and return. When I returned from my journey, I found him removed from these provinces to Pontos. Well, he is removed, but our God is not removed. Through several experiences we learned that God is almighty, our Saviour, our Helper, our all in all. This friend's removal at first made my heart sorry, but God comforted me through his eternal promises.
A few days ago I received word from Brother Ayvazian that his father had died of pneumonia, in Haleb. He accepted the message about fourteen years ago, and stood faithful amid the storms of persecution. This was an unexpected visitation to Brother Ayvazian, our worker, but he bravely met it, and was comforted.
Our work in the province of Iconium also is in progress. Brother G. Simionyan, our worker now in Nevshehr, writes that the Armenian and Protestant nations have been stirred to anger on account of several new converts, and have caused him to be imprisoned. God has saved him this time also. Pray for this field. It is an interesting scene in this last message.
Z. G. BAHARIAN.

Georgia as a Promising Field

FREQUENTLY we receive letters asking questions with reference to the canvassing work in Georgia. We are always glad to reply to these inquiries, and do not hesitate to say that Georgia is a promising field. We find the people ready to give us a hearing, and many are willing to purchase our literature when approached in the proper manner.
It will be recognized by those who desire to make the comparison, that the reports of our canvassers show very favorably with those of other fields, and further we wish to say that the God-fearing, faithful canvasser need not have any fears from a financial standpoint in this field.
We have found that the large books sell as readily as the smaller ones, and we have abundance of unentered territory. In this State, the largest one east of the Mississippi River, we have one hundred forty-six counties, and scores of them are virgin soil; here we shall find nearly three million people, many of whom are kind, hospitable, and waiting for light. “Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting to be gathered in.” God will not let the end come while there are honest souls looking up to heaven, stretching out their hands, praying for light. These seeking ones will find what they long for, and God sends us to search them out.
I know of no work just now that is of greater importance than that of scattering our publications like the leaves of autumn. There is no work that will yield larger returns financially, intellectually, mentally, and spiritually.
Inasmuch as the servant of the Lord has said that “the canvasser is engaged in an honorable business,” and that “the work is a good one, the object high and elevating; and there should be a corresponding dignity of deportment,” I am sure our field missionary agent, A. L. Manous, whose address is 602 Capitol Ave., Atlanta, Ga., will be pleased to correspond with any who look upon this work as an “honorable business,” and from a missionary standpoint desire to take hold of the work with us and fill some of the grand openings in this State. The writer’s address is 77 Beecher St., Atlanta, Ga.
GEO. W. WELLS, President.

Costa Rica

JIMINEZ.—The Spanish tracts have arrived, and I am starting out to distribute them. I am very thankful to the Lord for these. When the people receive them, they begin to read, just as little children in school. There are very few unable to read. Many run races to get the tracts. Not a few have been asking me for Bibles. Some of the people of Costa Rica have never seen the Old Testament. A few have seen the New Testament, but their priest told them it was not safe to read it. About twelve years ago some New Testaments were burned by a priest, under an orange-tree, at a village called Juan Viñas.
These people are in dense darkness, with all manner of vices and wickedness, but many are tired of priestcraft. The harvest is great here. I can speak, read, and write their language, but I am not perfect in it, and would like to get a little training; for I wish to devote my remaining years to the work. Pray that the Lord may use me for this work. J. F. E. ANDERSON.

India

BURMA.—During the dry season we must do the larger portion of our work for the year. This season the good hand of our God has been with us. We have set our hearts and hands to the task of doubling our numbers, at least, during the present year. We are praying and working with this end in mind.
Mrs. Votaw and I have just returned from a trip to Upper Burma. We saw many evidences that the field is ripe, and that God has put his hand to the finishing of the work. We spent a little over two weeks in Meiktila, and five adults have taken a decided stand on the Lord's side. Some of these had been reading the Oriental Watchman for some time, and of course they already had gained a partial knowledge of the message. We were compelled to return in order to prepare for Elder Shaw's visit, and consequently were unable to present all the points of truth. The Sabbath, the condition of man in death, the punishment of the wicked, the reward of the righteous, the second coming of Christ, the millennium, and some of the prophetic lines were presented, and all saw the points clearly and accepted them.
There are many children in the homes of the believers, and we were able to organize a Sabbath-school of about seventeen members. A number of other adults showed a real interest in the studies, and we feel sure that some will obey when we again visit Meiktila.
Of those who began the observance of the Sabbath two are attorneys, and it was recorded in the court journal that because they had become Seventh-day Adventists, they would no longer appear in any cases upon the Sabbath.
One woman had been a Catholic nun for seven years in her earlier life, and when we showed the prophecies concerning Rome, she could testify that we were telling the truth when we showed the fulfilment of the word.
While we were on the train on our way to Meiktila, Mrs. Votaw was taken suddenly ill. We were helpless, as we had no medicines, and no physician could be had. When we reached the station where we had to change cars, we felt very much like returning home. But after giving the matter thought, we felt that this would be wrong, so we knelt in the station and asked help of God. From that time there was an improvement. After we saw how eagerly the people received the truth, we were convinced that the enemy had endeavored to hinder us, as he was afraid that some would obey.
Brother and Sister Cook are getting a good hold upon the work in Rangoon, and we appreciate their help very much, as their being here leaves us free to answer some of the urgent calls that we have been receiving for a long time. There are several souls in Rangoon who seem much interested, and we feel sure that some will obey. In these lands, I find that the people are more accustomed to being bound by the opinions of their leaders, and are less independent in thought, than the people in America. Sometimes we feel almost discouraged in regard to those for whom we have labored long, but after a while they obey, and the joy of seeing a soul step out causes us to forget the long hours of labor and waiting.
Dr. Oberholtzer seems to be as busy as she can be. During a recent visit to Moulmein, I found her fairly overwhelmed with work. She must have some one stationed with her soon.
H. H. VOTAW.

Canvassers’ Summary for February, 1908

AGENTS HOURS ORDERS VALUE
Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England 16 1,216 271 $893.80
Southern New England 2 131 23 66.90
Maine 4 126 47 95.10
Vermont 5 66 33 116.35
Western New York 15 560 195 347.27
Greater New York 8 221 134 389.40
New York 5 450 171 285.85
Totals 55 2,770 874 2,194.67
Columbia Union Conference
Ohio 8 491 206 492.80
West Virginia 10 354 94 220.20
Virginia 4 235 49 189.45
Chesapeake 7 97 87 134.95
West Pennsylvania 4 75 46 117.80
New Jersey 1 76 29 78.00
Totals 34 1,328 601 1,233.20
Lake Union Conference
Southern Illinois 6 276 85 228.40
Northern Illinois 1 18 10 25.50
North Michigan 6 231 52 268.65
Indiana 7 236 64 143.90
Totals 20 761 211 666.45
Southern Union Conference
Alabama 1 25 6 36.50
Louisiana 6 432 255 387.05
Tennessee 8 223 49 192.85
Totals 15 680 310 616.40
Southeastern Union Conference
Cumberland 6 208 376 198.60
North Carolina 4 294 184 224.10
South Carolina 10 1,281 837 867.50
Georgia 5 976 461 1,017.25
Florida 1 17 .... 3.10
Totals 26 2,776 1,858 2,310.55
Central Union Conference
Nebraska 4 152 43 182.10
Wyoming 2 55 20 55.00
Colorado 10 502 223 361.00
Missouri 6 452 152 445.65
Totals 22 1,161 438 1,043.75
Southwestern Union Conference
Oklahoma 8 565 134 404.25
Northern Union Conference
Iowa 9 314 82 200.00
South Dakota 2 70 30 55.50
Totals 11 384 112 255.50
North Pacific Union Conference
Upper Columbia 1 11 6 20.00
Southern Idaho 2 35 42 149.25
Western Oregon 1 23 3 10.00
Western Washington 2 132 48 108.05
Totals 6 201 99 287.30
Pacific Union Conference
California .. .... .... 763.12
Australasian Union Conference .. 3,555 1,397 5,429.00
South African Union Conference 3 358 120 283.75
Canadian Union Conference 4 373 224 476.50
British Union Conference 58 6,791 2,792 3,326.00
German Union Conference .. .... .... 8,401.04
Mexican Mission .. .... .... 157.10
Latin Union Conference 15 1,814 3,359 301.42
Scandinavian Union Conference 64 4,778 2,976 2,316.40
General Summary
Atlantic Union 55 2,770 874 2,194.67
Columbia Union 34 1,328 601 1,233.20
Lake Union 20 761 211 666.45
Southern Union 15 680 310 616.40
Southeastern Union 26 2,776 1,858 2,310.55
Central Union 22 1,161 438 1,043.75
Southwestern Union 8 565 134 404.25
Northern Union 11 384 112 255.50
North Pacific Union 6 201 99 287.30
Pacific Union .. .... .... 763.12
Australasian Union .. 3,555 1,397 5,429.00
South African Union 3 358 120 283.75
Canadian Union 4 373 224 476.50
British Union (two months) 58 6,791 2,792 3,326.00
German Union .. .... .... 8,401.04
Mexican Union .. .... .... 157.10
Latin Union 15 1,814 3,359 301.42
Scandinavian Union 64 4,778 2,976 2,316.40
Grand Totals 341 28,295 15,505 $30,466.40

Current Mention

— The lower house of the New Jersey Legislature, on March 17, defeated by a vote of 15 to 44 a local-option bill.
— Troops have been ordered from Fort Seward, at Haines, Alaska, to preserve order on Douglas Island, where 800 miners have gone on strike.
— Some disquieting news, the nature of which has not been made public, caused the dispatch of two more war-vessels to Hayti, on March 25.
— Nearly 300 of the passengers and crew of the “Matsu Maru” were lost when that steamer was sunk by another Japanese steamer, March 23, in a fog off the coast of Japan.
— The czar of Russia has confirmed the death sentence passed upon General Stoessel for prematurely surrendering Port Arthur to the Japanese. He also confirmed the recommendation of the court that the sentence be commuted to ten years’ imprisonment in a fortress.
— The emperor of China has given his sanction to a three-years’ experimental decrease in the importation of opium, with the purpose of determining the effect it will have upon the domestic cultivation and the use of opium. Great Britain has agreed to the regulation, which, if it proves successful, will be continued. The emperor has further ordered the regulation of the opium evil, and appeals to the nation at large to abandon its use entirely.
— Five days after publishing the plans for the movements of the battle-ship fleet after leaving San Francisco, the United States government received an invitation from the Japanese government that the fleet visit that country. The invitation was immediately accepted, as was also the invitation of China, which came a few days later. The fleet will also visit Australia, returning to the Atlantic via Suez. It is understood that all other invitations, should any be extended, will be declined, that the fleet may be back in the coast waters of this country by Feb. 22, 1909.
— On March 19 the senate of the Maryland Legislature passed a bill, without amendment as it came from the House, which will prevent Christian Scientists practising for fees in the State.
— Trouble was narrowly averted in Chicago the night of March 16, when, at the beginning of an address on anarchy, the police arrested Emma Goldman. There were 200 anarchists in the hall.
— Many letters threatening death by the “black hand” have lately been reported to the police of Philadelphia. Ten such letters to prominent citizens were reported in one day. The mayor, all the heads of the city government, and two priests have received such letters, and some of the officials are constantly attended by detectives.
— Soon after the release of the Japanese steamship “Tatsu Maru” by the Chinese, large meetings were held in Canton, in which resolutions were passed that the anniversary of the day of the release be observed as a day of mourning, and that a boycott be proclaimed on Japanese goods. Japan has asked China to prevent the boycott, and to put an end to the anti-Japanese agitation.
— In response to an appeal from the mayor of Paterson, N. J., that the socialistic publication, La Question Sociale, be excluded from the mails, President Roosevelt not only recommended that this be done, but has requested the Department of Justice to make every effort to prosecute criminally those responsible for its publication. On March 26, after a hearing granted the editor and business manager, Postmaster General Meyer ordered that the second-class mailing privileges of the publication be annulled, taking the position that “freedom of the press” does not mean freedom of the mails.
— At a special election held March 21, Worcester County, Md., voted for prohibition to become operative April 1. There was a large vote for prohibition cast by the colored voters. Worcester County was the last of the nine counties east of the Chesapeake to vote for prohibition. There are two other counties of the State also that prohibit the sale of intoxicants. On the same day the Maryland Senate passed the bill previously passed by the House, which gradually increases the cost of licenses for the city of Baltimore from the present price of $250 to $1,000 on and after May 1, 1910. While this is not all that might be hoped for, it will probably reduce the number of saloons in the city by 500.
— Because of the failure of the State authorities to search out the perpetrators of the outrages committed by the “night riders,” prominent citizens of Lexington and central Kentucky are circulating a petition asking President Roosevelt to interfere in that State. The petitioners know that the President can not interfere, unless so requested by the governor, but they hope by this means to get the two executives together in quelling the disorder.
— The emergency currency bill introduced into the Senate January 9 by Senator Aldrich, passed that body March 27, and at the present time the outlook seems favorable for it to pass the House. The main provision of this bill allows the national banks of the country to issue in times of stringency currency notes not to exceed in total $500,000,000, by depositing in the treasury of the United States as collateral United States bonds, state bonds, and bonds of certain counties and municipalities. These notes are to be subject to a progressive tax to insure their withdrawal when the emergency has passed.
— The report of the American consul, James A. Smith, in reference to the conditions imposed on the natives of the Kongo, depicts so many abuses that Secretary Root has made strong representations to King Leopold. The report of the consular agents sent to investigate have not been made public, but enough is known to warrant the statement that millions of these natives of Africa are kept in practical slavery, as the goods given in return for service are no adequate compensation. Taxes are also levied upon both men and women. Although the maximum time which may be required in service for the state is by law forty hours a month, by actual test under favorable conditions it was found that the average time spent in collecting the three kilograms of rubber required by the state was nineteen and one-half days.
— On March 21 there was introduced in the Senate a liquor bill for the District of Columbia, framed by the Antisaloon League, which contains a local-option provision, and some regulations. If the majority of the residents and property owners in any one or more squares petition the excise board for the removal of the saloons from its district, the Board will be compelled to revoke the licenses, which can not be renewed for three years. Applicants for wholesale or club licenses must each year obtain the consent of the majority of the residents and property owners of the three nearest squares, as well as the one in which the shop is located. The wholesale license allows the sale of not less than a gallon, instead of not less than a pint as at present. Saloons will be allowed to be open only from 7 A. M. to 7 P. M., and will not be allowed to use screens in the doors. The sale of liquor in buckets or similar receptacles is prohibited. The bill also provides for stricter regulations for the sale of liquor by druggists. While the provisions of this bill are satisfactory to some temperance workers, the W. C. T. U. and others are entirely opposed to any such compromise.

“That Tired Feeling”

A CERTAIN patent medicine has been advertised all over this country as a most valuable remedy for the tired feeling supposed to be incident to spring. As a consequence of this and similar advertisements, and much corresponding talk, the idea has seemed to prevail that spring is the time when nature in its work of caring for our bodies seems to lag. Whether this be actually true or not, as the warm days of spring come on, the children appear to become listless and drowsy in their work, and the teacher, too, perhaps. What is the remedy? Nothing better can be suggested than outdoor school work, together with plenty of simple calisthenics in the room. On the other hand, it may be well to question as to whether there is not a mental attitude in this matter of which we may disabuse ourselves. The awakening of life in inanimate nature, which comes with the spring, ought to awaken in the pupils an invigoration which will help much in the closing of the year’s work. This idea that the summer is a poor time for study does not meet with acceptance on the part of all our teachers; for arrangements are being made in some schools to conduct the work during the warm portion of the year, and to have the long vacation in cold weather. This whole problem is one for study.

School Gardens

THE year has rolled around, and the time “to make garden” is again here. This brings to our teachers everywhere a new line of thought in the work of the year. This new work should come as a source of delight to each teacher; for, if rightly conducted, it gives excellent opportunities for nature study, and in a practical way—and enjoyable, too.
The plans for school gardens should be well matured. It is good that they be talked over with the pupils until there is that enthusiasm created which lasts. The vast majority of our schools are confronted with the problem of the summer vacation when considering the question of the school garden, and indeed the whole agricultural problem. But in nearly all instances if the motive for having the garden is correct, it is possible to make arrangements for the care of the garden during the summer vacation, and for gathering the fruit in the fall.
No better motive can be suggested for the children in this work than the missionary one. It is possible for the pupils in our church and intermediate schools to obtain a very substantial sum of money as the result of their efforts in gardening. A definite field to which these funds are to go may be chosen, and it may be studied from time to time throughout the summer with the children. The co-operation of the parents in this good work should be heartily enlisted. This subject will certainly form a most excellent one for an enthusiastic parents’ meeting.
P. G.

The Educational Missionary Movement

The Most Highly Educated People in the World

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS should not be satisfied with a cheap or superficial or one-sided education. They should seek by the aid of the Great Teacher to attain to the very highest cultivation, the very highest development of the powers of hand and mind and soul.
An industrial training is most valuable and practical. To become an intelligent farmer or a skilled mechanic, is a most worthy attainment. It would be a serious mistake for us to look upon this training as unnecessary or of little value, but there ought also to be developed every power of the mind.
The highest skill and knowledge attainable in the study of science should certainly be sought. How marvelous are many of the scientific inventions of these last days! In the facilities for travel, for transmitting knowledge, we see God's mighty purpose is being worked out that the message may be quickly sent to all the world; and yet everywhere, working in the development of these marvelous inventions, are mathematical, scientific principles, which our schools should teach, and which our young men should be trained to understand. Mechanical ingenuity should certainly be encouraged. There is one art in which Seventh-day Adventists should excel. We should certainly have among us printers, bookmakers, and skilful artists, who can do the very best work possible to be done.
What people can better use the lessons that history teaches than Seventh-day Adventists? Our young people should have the highest possible literary training. Not all that the world counts high literature is valuable. With the empty fictitious works, clothed with a false and fascinating beauty, even with some of those which are counted classics, an intimate acquaintance is only dangerous. Our people should know the highest principles of true literary skill. They should be trained to be keen, correct, simple, yet powerful writers.
As students of languages Seventh-day Adventists should excel. How absolutely necessary to the people who are carrying the message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that there should be a training in all the principal languages of the world. There are certainly also to be among us (the more the better) those who can use correctly some of the ancient languages, especially the languages in which the Bible is written, Hebrew and Greek.
Higher than any other department of education is that of the heart and soul. The mightiest power in the universe, that of love,—the tenderest, truest, God-implanted instincts of the heart,—should be developed, not artificially, but on the right foundation of true and eternal motives. How to reach individuals, how to win, and not to overthrow and destroy, should be dwelt upon and taught as far as it is possible to teach that which must be in a measure first divinely planted in the heart before it can be developed to the highest state of perfection.
Yet even those who are blundering, coarse, unsympathetic, and who naturally give offense to those whom they approach, can be helped greatly by the teaching of him who is a channel of the Holy Spirit. No individual, therefore, among Seventh-day Adventists can be a true educator who is not himself taught constantly by the Holy Spirit.
Of that teacher our Lord said: “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
It is true that experience itself is a great teacher, and yet much of a preparatory nature can be done in our schools and colleges.
An army of skilled, trained workers, developed under earnest, consecrated teachers, aflame with the power of the message is to go forth from our schools to the speedy conquest of the world, whose wise, keen, developed intellects, and Spirit-taught and directed minds, shall fit them to be to all men a “savor of life unto life” or of “death unto death.” Every soul in this world whom God can reach and save will thus be won to him and his truth. Others, rejecting the clear light, will bring upon themselves eternal loss.
J. S. WASHBURN.

The Influence of a Godly Life

We must not for a moment forget that our daily lives may be made a record of divine things which others will read, and by which they may be inspired. What we are oftentimes speaks so loudly that our associates can not hear what we say. But when we are what we say, and what we wish others to think we are, then it is that our words become like the hammer and anvil in shaping the lives of those with whom we mingle. There is no limit for good to the pure life of a godly teacher.

Every True Teacher Is a Student

EVERY true teacher is a student. No love of ease, nor dread of hard work, nor false desire for wealth or honor, nor fear for the consequences of straightforward action, will hinder the true teacher from the prosecution of those studies and principles which are most essential to his work. A student is one who thinks; one who seeks not to follow the accustomed path, unless he sees it to be the shortest distance between two points. Thinkers are, after all, rare in this world. It is so easy for us to “tread the same paths that our fathers have trod.” The great law of habit prevails, not only to our advantage, but oftentimes to our hindrance in progress. The true teacher is an inventor. He continually seeks for those new appliances and economic means which will enable him to do work most effectively.

Friedensau Missionary and Industrial School, Friedensau, Germany

At the July meeting in Magdeburg (1898), it was voted to establish a school for the education of young men and women who had dedicated their lives to the Lord, to serve either as evangelical or medical missionary workers in the third angel’s message. The institution, in harmony with the Testimonies, was to be located in the country, and to offer an education in practical manual training.
“Klappermuehle,” as it was called, was found located in the heart of Germany. This was a piece of land containing about ninety American acres, passing through whose meadows and forests is the Ihle, a stream furnishing the water-power for the grist-mill located on the estate.
From the first, the health food factory, as well as the sanitarium opened in 1900, has been a help to the school, by furnishing opportunity to the students to engage in practical labor.
The Friedensau school opened in November, 1898, with one teacher and seven pupils. During that year Dr. A. J. Hoenes began to teach in the nurses’ department, while the writer conducted the missionary course. The small schoolroom had only twenty-four seats; it also served as our meeting hall and office. Part of the sleeping apartments were in the garret. This was our school outfit—a modest beginning, with, however, an important educational influence.
In 1900 followed two provisional dwellings,—used afterward as workshops,—and after July there was a two-room schoolhouse, which would accommodate about forty, and the attendance varied from thirty to forty, against twenty-two, the largest number in attendance the first year.
Permanent conditions began to be established by the erection of the south wing of our present school building, in 1902. First of all, there was a larger room that would accommodate fifty pupils. On the second floor were living rooms for the lady students, while on the third floor the gentlemen lived. More teachers were now necessary to give the thorough instruction demanded. Until 1904 students with an excellent education, and two lady teachers for the English and Russian languages, were employed.
In 1904 came the completion of the school building, furnishing us four class rooms, forty-nine living-rooms and workrooms, and a neat chapel, with a total value of from one hundred thirty to one hundred forty thousand marks. Every extension of our room was accompanied by a corresponding increase in our enrolment, so we can say that to-day our last place has been taken, as we have one hundred fifty students in the school.
However, the school still seems small in comparison with the greatness of the German Union Conference, for which it is intended to train workers. During the history of the school we have sent about two hundred evangelical workers and one hundred nurses into the field. During the examinations of this school year, held last July, fifteen Bible workers, ten lady nurses, and five brethren who take up labor in other departments of the work, completed their courses. One of these brethren was drafted into the military service.
The classes which finished their work in December, turned out nine nurses and sixteen Bible workers; that makes, in all, fifty-four workers who finished the two-year course in 1907. (The course included two years of instruction up to July—for those who have remained until now, it makes two and a half years.) The following studies have been taught: Bible and history in all courses; natural sciences, arithmetic, canvassing, Bible work, rhetoric, church order, and foreign languages. All these studies, have been obligatory, while those in the nurses’ department receive special scientific instruction in addition to the above.
There are now twelve teachers. Two of these are occupied almost wholly in teaching the Bible; one has the German language; one has the natural sciences; two give their attention to foreign languages; three are engaged in the Russian department, which was opened in the autumn of 1906. The sanitarium physician and his two head nurses assist in the medical missionary department.
A further extension of the school is planned for the future, which will mean a broader foundation for the elementary sciences, as well as a raising of the standard of the school. A continual advancement seems to us to be the only normal condition in the development of the school that serves the growing work of the third angel’s message.
OTTO LUEPKE.

“Ye Shall Know”

ONE of the most assuring statements in the Scriptures is the expression, “Ye shall know the truth.” No matter how highly educated he may be considered, he who knows not the truth is groping in the darkness of error, which is never satisfying, never final nor conclusive.
While attending a meeting of a ministerial association composed of clergymen of different denominations, the writer was privileged to listen to a paper on “Reflex Action and Theism,” a review of a book by a prominent college professor. It was certainly a wonderful display of technical phraseology, and afforded a striking reminder of the statement in Jude, “Their mouth speaketh great swelling words.” The paper was followed by a discussion by the other ministers. Very little reference was made to the Bible, but frequently such expressions would be made as, “I am inclined to think that perhaps Professor — was — etc.;” and after the assembly broke up, no one was any nearer the truth than at the beginning.
This vague, indefinite kind of belief is an illustration of the modern higher education. Men who are to pose as leaders in religious thought, and exponents of truth, are taught this science of uncertainty. Speaking of candidates for the ministry, David James Burrell, D. D., LL. D., of New York, says their examination is “usually a diaphanous farce. A theologue who is prepared to say that he is more than half inclined to believe that two and two make four, or that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, is morally certain to get in.” Sad to say, many of these men who go out professing to be teachers of the Bible do not believe it, and the result is that nearly all Christendom believes almost everything directly contrary to what the Bible teaches.
With education as with nearly everything else in this world, there are two kinds, the false and the genuine. The genuine leads to a satisfactory, practical knowledge of the truth. The false, like a will-o’-the-wisp, leads its followers to be “ever learning,” but “never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” True education will never be contrary to the Bible, which is God’s revelation of the truth.
The wise men of this world, however, are not content with God’s revelation; and cutting themselves adrift, they sail like a ship without chart or compass through the fogs of mythology, mysticism, and science, much of which is “falsely so called.” Men with naturally powerful minds delve deeply into these things, and develop brilliant scientific theories, but far removed from the truth. These men, if basing their research on a right premise, would be a mighty power for God, but violating the principles of truth at the very start, their conclusions are unsatisfactory and bewildering; their very brilliancy is like the flash of a comet, and having never found their proper orbit, they are like “wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”
Thank God, there are men who still have faith in the Bible. Thank God for a people who are holding to the ancient landmarks, and who are endeavoring to educate men to know the truth. It is time for God’s everlasting gospel to be proclaimed with power that honest hearts now wandering in the mazes of confused ideas may know the truth as it is in Jesus.
All who will embrace the opportunities that God offers may gain an education that will prepare them to give the reasonable, definite gospel of hope and certainty, as did the apostles, and as did Jesus, who “taught . . . as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Who will embrace these opportunities?
H. C. HARTWELL.
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