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Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 3.

The Call of the New Year
Earlier text: C. F. KNOTT

A Visit to Battle Creek, Mich.

By George B. Thompson

It was my privilege to spend the week of prayer and the few weeks following with the Battle Creek church. Nearly four years had passed since I was there before. I observed many changes. Commercially, the city seemed to be growing; business appeared brisk.
Many changes, of course, are seen in our work. Business houses cover the former site of the Review and Herald. The sanitarium and college, once a part of our work, now have no connection with it. The removal of our headquarters to Washington, together with other conditions which exist, has caused many to move to other fields of usefulness. The Tabernacle is no longer filled each Sabbath, as it once was; yet there is a congregation of seven hundred or more on the Sabbath, sufficient to comfortably fill the main auditorium. Among these are quite a number of the aged pioneers in the message, some of whom for half a century have been waiting for the coming of the Lord; and their faith in no wise wanes.
But we have nothing to regret that the headquarters of our work have been moved to the capital of the nation. This change was in the order of God. I know not what we would do if still here.
I confess to feelings of sadness as I met those who were once closely identified with the message, but who have wholly, or in part, lost their connection with it. Criticism and doubt concerning the closing work of God abound. Subtle influences have been at work to uproot faith in some hearts concerning the message. Some have lived in this atmosphere so long that their spiritual eyesight has become dimmed, and their feet have slipped. Some have wholly given up and gone to work on the Sabbath. Various shades of belief seem to spring up and flourish for a time. Some question this point of the truth, some that. A few have cast away the light upon the sanctuary, which clothes the types and shadows of Holy Writ with life, and reveals the priesthood of Christ in all its splendor; and are seeking to walk in the fog of a “fourth angel’s message.”
The seeds of disorganization have been zealously scattered, and the baneful fruit is found in some hearts. It is quite clear to the most casual observer now why this is not a proper place to send the young and inexperienced to receive a training as Seventh-day Adventist missionaries.
But these conditions which I have mentioned are largely outside the church, having become separated from the body. Notwithstanding all the conditions here, a faithful, loyal church still remains, with a resident membership of about five hundred. Many rumors go out from here, but it is well that our people should understand that the church here as a church is standing faithful. As in other churches, there are those who need the work of God deepened in the heart, but as far as I could see from my stay here, the church as a body are as loyal to the organized work of God as other churches.
I do not remember spending a week of prayer with a church where there seemed to be more of God’s blessing manifested than on this occasion spent with the Battle Creek church. While all was not accomplished that ought to have been, new courage and strength were brought to many. The offering given to missions amounted to about four hundred dollars. Nearly nine thousand dollars tithe was paid by the church during the past year.
An excellent church-school is maintained here, in charge of Prof. Clifford A. Russell and his band of faithful teachers. The enrolment is about one hundred twenty-five. Special services were held with the school during the week of prayer, and some of the pupils gave their hearts to God. This school occupies an important place in our school system, and should be remembered in the prayers of God’s people.
What further changes the future may have in store for the church and people of God here, none of us know. Never, as in the past, will this place be the headquarters of the work of God. The time may come when the large Tabernacle, so long the central place of worship of this people, and around which so many sacred and holy memories cling, will be a burden to the church here, and will have to be sold, and an edifice better adapted to the needs of the church erected. But this is a matter of no ordinary importance. No hasty action should be taken in disposing of this ancient and memorable landmark of the message. Such a move requires careful and prayerful counsel. And no step we feel sure should ever be taken to let this world-wide memorial of the message, where nearly all the oldest and ablest laborers in the message have proclaimed the truth, pass into unconsecrated hands until God’s faithful people who worship here are counseled with, and after prayerful consideration are convinced that it is the best thing to do.
The quarterly meeting occasion was blessed with much of God’s presence. A good degree of harmony prevailed in the business meeting, and a faithful corps of officers was chosen for the church, Sabbath-school, and young people’s society.
The biennial session of the Lake Union Conference, to be held here February 8-18, is welcomed by the church, and they will do what they can to make it a success. There has been no general meeting of any kind held here since the session of the General Conference in 1901. I feel sure this meeting will be a great blessing to the church here.
G. B. THOMPSON.

North Carolina

By R. T. Nash

CLEVELAND, MOUNT VERNON, AND TEAGUES.—July 10 A. G. Holmes and wife and the writer opened meetings in a tent at Cleveland. We had a small attendance, but the Lord helped us, and the interest increased gradually until the tent effort merged into the camp-meeting. At this point three souls had begun to obey the Sabbath truth. At the opening of the camp-meeting Brother Holmes and wife left us on account of his failing health. Brother and Sister Burton Church became my permanent helpers after camp-meeting. Elder G. W. Wells helped in following up the interest at Cleveland, and made us occasional visits after we moved the tent to Mount Vernon and later to Teagues. These visits were appreciated by us, and his help was timely, as the campaign was long and the attendance good from the time we opened at Mount Vernon until we closed at Teagues the night of November 28.
We opened Sabbath-school in the tent before leaving Cleveland, and it was later transferred to a building. We visited the believers at Cleveland as often as we could while we were pushing the work at Mount Vernon, and later at Teagues. We likewise encouraged the new converts at Mount Vernon, and as we dropped out Monday nights in our tent effort after moving to Teagues, we employed them in holding meetings at the Mount Vernon schoolhouse. When the interest was at its height at Teagues, a Christian (Disciple) minister, a pastor of a near-by church, challenged me for a debate on “all the Seventh-day Adventist doctrine.” He was perhaps provoked to do this on account of some of his members becoming interested in the truth. I did not desire to debate, but reluctantly accepted the challenge. The Lord fought for us, and complete victory for the truth was gained. Four of the Disciple church-members have accepted the Sabbath truth.
There are now believers in the three places, the largest number being at Teagues. At this place, after taking down our tent, we had the free use of the schoolhouse, but opposition has arisen, and the schoolhouse is now closed against us. The prospect of this caused us to begin planning for a church building. It seemed advisable to build at Teagues, and later to organize a church there, to accommodate the brethren at all three places for the present. The farthest point from Teagues is Cleveland, eight miles distant, so on quarterly occasions all can attend the services. At these three places, there are thirty-three children and young people and twenty-three adults who are keeping the Sabbath. Nine of this number have already united with the church. Others are nearly ready to take this important step. Land has been donated for a church building, and over two hundred dollars has been subscribed in lumber, labor, and money. We are now hauling logs to the mill, and hauling the lumber to the building site.
The entire campaign has caused little expense, as the people have given their labor and furnished teams to move our tent both times, and many kindnesses have been shown us, for which we praise God and thank those who have often supplied our needs. Brethren, pray for the work in this part of God's vineyard.
R. T. NASH.

Cuba

By Ida M. Carnahan

Early Friday morning, October 1, I left San Claudio for Marianao, to spend the Sabbath with Brother and Sister E. W. Snyder, and to consider the school work among our native brethren and sisters. This was the time for quarterly meeting. Shortly after breakfast our people began to gather at Brother Snyder’s home. By Sabbath-school time a goodly number were present, several having arrived from a distance, at quite a little expense to them for railroad fare.
I do not know when I have enjoyed a better quarterly meeting than I did that Sabbath. I wish our people in the home field could have seen the union and harmony that prevailed there. One of the most interesting things to me was the presenting of the tithes and offerings, which were no small amounts for poor people. Many of the envelopes showed in their contents that the tithe had been laid out by the real—what we call ten cents in Spanish money. One poor washerwoman brought $5, another $7.35, still another, $4.03, and a sewing girl $3.02. These are hard-working, poor people, yet they are faithful in laying aside their tenth. All took part in the testimony service, as well as in the ordinances.
After the meeting, we talked over the school work, and found several who were anxious to have us take some of their children with us. We have one boy with us at present. We regret keenly that we have no suitable house for these children.
On my return home, Mr. Carnahan failed to meet me at Cabañas with the cart, so I had to remain there during the night. While there, the secretary of the Spanish club presented a request from its members, asking me to open a school there for music and English, offering me the use of one of their rooms, piano and lights free. This I accepted, and began work November 1. There are twenty-five enrolled, twenty-three for English, and four for the piano. Among these is a Catholic priest. These students, which are mostly from seven to eighteen years of age, represent the best families in the town.
Our school in San Claudio also opened November 1. With the applications which have been made for entrance and our present number of students in this place, it looks as if we shall have sixteen or eighteen. Our Cuban boys are coming from two or more miles away.
I am teaching from 8 A. M. to 1 P. M. Then I ride horseback seven miles to Cabañas, to begin my music at 4 P. M., which lasts until 9:30, with an hour’s rest at six o’clock. At 1:30 my daughter, Ina, takes the Cuban students, helping them with their lessons for the next day.
We had no way to travel back and forth, so I called upon the mayor of Cabañas, and laid the situation before him, asking him to rent me a saddle-horse. Instead of renting it, he said, “I am going to lend you one.” Accordingly, he wrote me an order to give to the man who has charge of his stock, to let me have the most gentle horse he had, for an indefinite time.
We are glad for the interest manifested in our school, and thankful for the confidence of the natives. We have met with bitter trials and perplexities. If we had consulted our own feelings, we should have laid down the burden and responsibility, and taken up other work. But we have gone steadily forward, seeking for light and wisdom, that we may make no wrong moves. Our effort is only in its infancy. Our accommodations and conveniences are poor and few, but we are doing the best we can under the circumstances, looking forward to the time when we can have a building that will be a credit to the message.
MRS. IDA M. CARNAHAN.

Chile

By F. H. Westphal

Brother T. H. Davis is having good success in his canvassing. Much of what is to be done must be done through the literature that is being distributed and sold. Among others, a prominent politician of Santiago has enlisted in the canvassing cause, and is having success. The school is helping the canvassing department, and we shall try to educate our young people for service. Our educational work started under difficulties, but it did not start too soon.
The ministerial effort is being blessed, also. At San Felipe seven souls were baptized lately, in the vicinity of Iquique ten others, and two more in the vicinity of Galvarino. Two are expecting baptism at Temuco, and others at Pitrufquen. At Canete I organized a church of twenty-one members. On the whole, we are very much encouraged.
Brother Foster and wife are already in Santiago, in the office. They are much needed, for the help there had just left us. Brother Eduardo Thomann is also there.
We are weak in the school at present. A teacher is needed for the primary department, and we know not where to get one. Lately we have had a Sabbath-school convention at the school, and it was quite a success. The interest in this work was developed to a greater extent. We are glad for that.
We are not at all discouraged, but we need to continue to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth. The war cloud seems to have scattered again, for which we are thankful. We hope that the winds of strife may be held a little longer, until the work can be done.
F. H. Westphal.

En Route to Brazil

By F. W. Spies

AFTER a pleasant, and we trust profitable, season of several months in the home land, we are now once more on our way to Brazil, a needy country as regards gospel workers, and one in which we have a special interest, having given to it thirteen years of our life in the service of this last gospel message.
It was indeed pleasant to meet once more, after sixteen years, those near and dear to us, and many with whom we were formerly associated in the work. There were many others also whom we have in pleasant remembrance, and whom we would gladly have visited, had time permitted; but the approaching general meetings, and other important interests in Brazil, made it necessary for us to return at this time, and so we hope all our old friends whom the shortness of time would not permit us to visit personally, will accept our good intentions and desire for the deed.
I was also pleased to have the opportunity of attending a number of our camp-meetings. These have been to me precious seasons, and I was glad to be able to tell many of our brethren something about our work in South America, and to be a help to them in other ways.
One of the meetings which I especially enjoyed, was the meeting held at Linton, Ind. Although the attendance at this meeting was not so large as was the attendance at some of the other meetings, I was glad to meet there a number of earnest and appreciative souls, and the three days it was my privilege to spend at this meeting, were certainly days that will be long remembered by me, as I think of the blessed nearness of the Lord's Spirit we then enjoyed.
But during our absence from Brazil, the Lord has still been working, as the good reports received from there from time to time give abundant evidence. We expect to-morrow to reach Barbados, and in about a week more we shall reach our first Brazilian port.
As we get better acquainted with the passengers who journey with us, and contemplate the condition of the whole world, we realize more than ever before that only the third angel's message can render the assistance so much needed at this time.
We ask the readers of the REVIEW to remember the work and workers in Brazil in their prayers, and we shall from time to time report the progress of the work in our field, as we have done in the past.
F. W. SPIES, AND FAMILY.
At Sea, S. S. “Corrientes.”

F. A. STAHL

By F. A. Stahl

Bolivia

BOLIVIA surely is a good field for labor, because it is a very needy one. It has been my privilege to make a country trip, and I have observed the same conditions everywhere—gross darkness, people living for they know not what. The evil effects of the use of tobacco and alcohol are seen in every place, accompanied by great uncleanness. Parades, feasting, drunkenness, and bull-fights are in great evidence.
The image-laden Catholic churches are crowded early every Sunday morning with people kneeling, without support, on the cold stone floors, listening to the mumbling of the shaven priests. I have seen people kneeling this way for almost an hour—in all the vast congregation not one peaceful face, but, instead, deep anxiety depicted. And this is not to be wondered at. Religion would be an anxiety to any one born and reared amid such surroundings. God has given us a message that, if accepted, will save them from all these errors and evils.
We believe there are many souls in Bolivia who will accept the truth and rejoice in it. The natives seem to be noble at heart, kind, and willing to help a stranger, and living up to all the light they have. Effort has been started by other denominations, with but very little success. Bibles are sold, but Bible truths are not taught. I have found, on talking with these men, that, without exception, they understand the truth regarding the Sabbath, but do not obey it. This has made me sad. But, on the other hand, we can rejoice that the truth is so well known. I find that the few Bolivians with whom I have talked, think that Sunday is the seventh-day Sabbath; and in Cochabamba, where Elder E. W. Thomann formerly lived for a time, there is quite an interest, and people are eager to learn more. These things are an encouragement.
We must encounter many difficulties. Traveling is by muleback and stagecoach, for the most part, one day in the lowlands, where it is extremely warm, and the next up on the highlands, in the bitter cold. The food is poor, and is prepared very unhealthfully. The missionary, in order to reach these people, must endure hardships of every kind. Here he can say as did Nehemiah: “None of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.” But these difficulties are an inspiration to us. The greater the difficulties, the more help we can claim from God. The greater the hardships, the more closely we cling to Christ, who knows all about them, having suffered all things for us.
This is naturally a country of rich resources, and the natives are for the most part quite well-to-do, but do not know how to use their means. The work will be self-supporting, we believe, in a few years; but at present, help is needed to put this mission on a good basis. It needs at once six hundred dollars, with which to purchase a colporteur outfit—four strong mules, pack-saddles, etc. Shipping books throughout Bolivia is very expensive, and is accompanied by great uncertainty and delay. Who will help purchase this outfit, and share the blessing of bringing the truth to the Bolivians? Send money to the General Conference treasurer, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. We also ask an interest in your prayers. Pray that God will enlighten the minds of these people.

F. A. STAHL

Our Week of Prayer

By Daniel Nettleton

Our week of prayer at the Northwestern Sanitarium, Port Townsend, Wash., was a great blessing in many ways. We drank at the “river of his pleasure.” He visited us, and left “a just blessing behind him.” Joel 2:14.
Our hearts burned within us as we read the good papers prepared by our brethren for the week of prayer. The good news of Jesus’ soon coming, and the work to be done by his church before his coming, never looked so clear and beautiful as at this time. By faith we caught glimpses of his coming glory. Like Peter, who was with his Lord in the holy mount and saw his glory, we can say, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ;” we have also a sure word of prophecy which shines as a light in a dark place. Like Peter, we have been led up to the holy mount of prayer.
Some of our young people remarked: “The present truth never looked so plain as now. Jesus soon is coming; O, there shall be delay no longer.” O, what a privilege to be with this people and have a part in the work of God at this time! Truly God has spoken good concerning Israel. Let us invite others to join us in this good work, and say to them, “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good. . . . And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.”
Besides our regular morning worship, we held two meetings each day during the week. All class work and other work, as far as possible, was laid aside. At 3 P. M. a meeting was held especially for the helpers. At this meeting time for prayer and testimonies, confession of sins, and seeking of God was given. In this work all cheerfully took a part; quoting the good promises of God was also a feature of these meetings. In the evening a general meeting was held in the parlor, at which time the articles published in the REVIEW were read. Short Bible studies and exhortations were also given, and appropriate songs were sung as a part of these exercises. The patients, as well as the workers and brethren, were deeply interested in these meetings. By these studies, we all were enabled to get a more comprehensive view of our place and work in prophecy, as a people. Sabbath, the eighteenth, was especially a good day. After the reading and comments, we sang “Send the Light,” and the collection was taken, which, considering the size and condition of the company, was a liberal one.
And now as we go on with renewed strength and courage, to the finishing of the work, we shall look back both with gratitude and joy to our week of prayer in 1909. DANIEL NETTLETON.

Mount Ellis Academy, Bozeman, Mont.

By W. A. Gosmer

OUR school opened for another year's work at 9 A. M., Wednesday, September 29. As the old school building had been transformed into a young men's dormitory, and as the new building was not yet completed, school was conducted for a few days in a large tent. We are now comfortably located in the new building, the dimensions of which are thirty by forty-four feet. The chapel and principal's office are on the second floor, with a double inside stairway leading thereto. The ground floor is occupied with library, primary, music, and recitation rooms, etc.
A good spirit pervades our work. We dismissed school for two days during the recent Harvest Ingathering campaign, and about one hundred dollars was raised. God is blessing us in many ways this year. Besides the new building and many other improvements during the past season, we have recently purchased ten acres of land as an addition to our school farm. We are of good courage in the work, and we hope to see many who are here at this time engage in the closing work of the last message.
W. A. GOSMER.

Institute at Sao Bernardo, Brazil

By John Lipke

At the session of the Brazilian part of the South American Union Conference committee it was decided to hold an institute for workers, to last about four months. This was done in view of the necessity of laborers and their need of a thorough preparation.
After the necessary changes of laborers to get the needed teaching force, the institute opened the first of June with a fair attendance. We had only men students from five of the twenty states of Brazil, some being Brazilians, some Germans. The instruction has to be given, therefore, in the Portuguese and German languages on the following subjects: Present truth, general truth, physiology, rhetoric, reading, methods of labor, organization of the church, study of difficult Bible texts, canvassing.
In the beginning, Brother Wm. Stein and the writer gave the instruction. Two months later, Brother Schwantes, a nurse, gave instruction in massage, what to do in case of an emergency, etc. During the last month we were glad to have Brother Tonjes with us, who gave very valuable instruction on the canvassing work. September 24 we closed our institute, and on the twenty-sixth eleven of our students went out with courage and faith, to sell our books which contain the precious truth for this time. We hope the Lord will give them good success in their work.
John Lipke.

Field Notes

FIVE have united with the Oplin (Tex.) church, three of these persons having recently been baptized.
BROTHER F. E. LYNDON writes from Aitutaki, Cook Islands, of the conversion of one of the intelligent natives to this truth.
SIX persons have recently made a start in the truth at Elk City, Kan., and two have been baptized by Brother M. H. Gregory.
A CHURCH of thirteen members has just been organized at Kenosha, Wis. Eight of these persons are new converts to the truth.
AT the camp-meeting held at Winter Park, Fla., for our colored brethren, eight persons were buried with their Lord in baptism.
BROTHER H. E. GIDDINGS reports twelve new converts in Tolar, N. M., and also states that a good interest prevails at that place.
THE church at Fort Worth, Tex., reports thirty-two additions to its membership during the last three months, some by letter, and some by baptism.
ON Sabbath, December 25, Elder L. W. Terry baptized ten young people at Keene, Tex., immediately preceding the services of the quarterly meeting.

Christian Education

By Frederick Griggs

Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
FREDERICK GRIGGS     -    -    -    -    Secretary

Diamante (South America) School

By WALTON C. JOHN

The Diamante school closed Nov. 8, 1909, with a comparatively full attendance. During this year the enrolment has reached its highest, being one hundred twenty-four, or forty-four more than last year. The teaching work has been distributed among seven teachers, and two pupils who have assisted.
The grading system of the national government, which we have adopted here, gives excellent results, causing our students to come earlier and remain later in the year. Last year the last school month closed with a daily average of fifty-six, while this year the last daily average was one hundred six approximately.
The school missionary society has made a very good record. The whole school—those not of our faith, of which there are a goodly number, as well as our own students—have heartily joined in folding, addressing, and stamping five hundred copies of Verdad Presente every month. Besides the campaign of July 9, when the teachers and twenty-two students in a few hours sold seven hundred papers and took sixty subscriptions, considerable correspondence has been carried on with those who have received the papers. Very favorable replies have been read before the society, causing all to feel grateful to God for his blessing upon the work. These five hundred papers have been limited to the Andine provinces of Argentina, where scarcely a missionary has set his foot, and are therefore preparing the way for our canvassers and preachers.
Under the able direction of Brother Maximo Trummer, and the ministers and doctors close at hand, the school closed a very successful institute. Fourteen students have gone out with Brother Trummer and Elder N. Z. Town to canvass during the summer.
During this year the school has had the privilege of celebrating its tenth anniversary. Elder Town, in a reception offered him and Professor Fulton, stated some very interesting facts concerning the growth of the school, and related some experiences that only God's pioneer workers can tell.
The new year will bring two more teachers to carry on the work, and we hope and pray that the Diamante school will press forward, and do well its part in preparing the way of the Lord.
WALTON C. JOHN.

Worth Your Attention

THE following from Brother N. M. Jorgensen, with reference to events occurring at Grand Forks, N. D., is well worth reading:—
“A twenty-five-year-old Sunday law, which has always been a dead letter, has lately been revived by the preachers and good church people of Grand Forks, who thought they were called to help the Lord to ‘defend the Sabbath.’ Delegates visited the mayor several times, so he finally ordered the chief of police to take the names of all violators and give them to the city attorney for prosecution. The attorney was absent from the city at the time, but on his return one hundred fifty names were handed to him. The ‘good’ (?) work went on until I heard that two hundred seventy names had been handed in.
“Our president called my attention to it, and I visited the attorney and had a study with him on both Sabbath-keeping and Sunday enforcement. He, being a liberty-loving man, saw the truth, and said, emphatically, ‘I am not going to put the whole city in jail.’ He was then directed to draw up a law that could be enforced on all alike. In so doing he first introduced a proposition to repeal the old law. This stirred the devout church people and the preachers, who joined in sending petitions to the city council asking it not to repeal the law. I was promised a hearing, but certain ones had heard that ‘an Advent was going to show from the Bible what was right,’ and I was barred out.
“The next day I prepared a paper, visited the council clerk, asked for a hearing at the next meeting, and my request was granted. I then visited one of the councilmen and gave him the paper to read. He had not read two minutes before he reached out his hand, saying, ‘I am glad to find a man who sees this as I see it.’
“December 6 was set for the next hearing, and just before the meeting I again visited the clerk, who promised to notify me when the proper time came. When the time came, the clerk leaned over to the mayor and whispered something. The mayor then said: ‘I understand that here is a certain Rev. Jorgensen who would like to address the council. Mr. Jorgensen, you are allowed to speak.’ I then stepped out on the floor with the remark: ‘I am profoundly grateful for this privilege of addressing your honorable council. The thoughts I have in mind I have written down so as not to repeat anything.’ I then read the article I had prepared. At first it was rather oppressive and heavy to read, but I sent a prayer up to Him whose cause I was defending. I had read only a few sentences when the sentiment turned completely, and it became easy to read. I read very slowly—at times pausing slightly—emphasizing the different thoughts, and it seemed to have an effect on the entire council, for at the conclusion they were fairly wild with enthusiasm, clapping their hands and stamping the floor. And after the meeting they nearly all tried to be first to shake hands with me, expressing their appreciation, saying: ‘Your article just met my mind,’ or, ‘You amply defended the truth,’ or, ‘This man belongs to my church,’ ‘Mine, too.’ The mayor said he hoped I would get the paper printed, and so did others, as they wanted to read it to their families, so I had one thousand copies printed and circulated in the business part of the city.
“This was also translated and put into a Norwegian paper which has a circulation of fourteen thousand copies. We are indeed thankful for such an opportunity to present this part of the message.”

The Southwestern Union

By E. R. P.

BROTHER W. W. EASTMAN, general agent of the Southwestern Union Conference, gives us the following partial report from the work of student canvassers from Keene Academy, who worked for scholarships last summer:—
“Up to the present writing we have only ten complete reports from our student canvassers who spent the past summer canvassing for our good books. However, these ten have made a splendid average, as shown by the following figures: they have averaged 37 hours a week; their sales have averaged 78 cents an hour, or a profit of 39 cents to each canvasser, or $14.43 a week. The best record of the summer’s work was 15 weeks, 43 hours a week; sales, $1.44 an hour, or a profit of 72 cents, or $31.10 a week. The foregoing figures are the actual books delivered, . . . and the hours are those reported both in taking the orders and in delivering. . . . The canvasser who goes out as a self-supporting missionary, trusting the Lord for the pay, will not be disappointed if he will do his part.”
E. R. P.

South Africa

By E. R. P.

Our readers will readily call to mind that soon after the General Conference, Brother G. H. Clark, field missionary agent of the Chesapeake Conference, was sent to South Africa to act as general agent of the South African Union Conference. From letters recently received, we are rejoiced to learn that there is a “sound of a going” in that interesting field. Writing November 27, Brother Clark says:—
“I can truly say that if ever work pressed upon me, it has during my stay here. At first when at Cape Town, I had a class at Union College at 6 A. M., and at church at 3 P. M. As a result, three went to the east coast to canvass, and have been at work steadily and quite successfully ever since. At Maritzburg, in the Natal-Transvaal Conference, I remained one week, and spoke on the canvassing work each night, then came here and worked one week before camp-meeting. The Lord came very near during the meeting, and when we came to the institute, we had about twenty in attendance.
“We had a most profitable time, and now fifteen are in the field at work, having good success, as a rule. Of course, several are here in the city mission home and can not put in full time, as they have classes and other duties that take their time; but in two weeks they have sold papers and secured orders for books to the amount of over four hundred fifty dollars. Our last two weeks’ report amounts to over fifteen hundred dollars in this conference alone. One sister took two hundred thirty-five dollars’ worth of orders in two weeks. She used to take fifty or sixty dollars’ worth a month.
“Well, this is not all. We have three others who have been in business, one of whom has just been offered one hundred fifty dollars a month if he would remain. I expect to get him started this coming Wednesday. These will add greatly to our force of workers.
“Then again, the Union College has just closed its work for the year, and several from there are entering the field, and I believe will do well.
“Beginning January 12 is the camp-meeting of the Cape Colony Conference, which is to be followed by the canvassers’ institute, when we expect to have a good addition to our force of seven canvassers in that conference.
“All the workers have loyally sustained me and my work, and have greatly assisted in making it a success, for which I am truly thankful.”
Elder R. C. Porter, president of the South African Union Conference, writing December 8, says:—
“The canvassing work is pulling up the heavy grade in double-quick time. Brother Clark is doing an excellent work. He understands the business well, and he is decidedly a field man. That is what we needed here. We are well pleased with the outlook.” E. R. P.

Southern California

By A. J. S. B.

BROTHER L. T. CURTIS, secretary of the Southern California Tract Society, writes encouragingly of the prospects for our ten-cent magazines in that conference. He says, “One thing worthy of note is that, with a local religious liberty campaign in progress and thousands of the Missions REVIEW being distributed, our conference has sold more ten-cent magazines than ever before during a single month—four hundred eleven dollars’ worth.” A. J. S. B.

A Good Report From Ohio

By E. R. P.

ONE of the best reports, from all points of view, which has recently come to my attention, was received from Ohio for one week's work, ending November 5. Brother E. R. Numbers has trained his canvassers entirely by working with them from house to house. Notice the average time, and the substantial, even results:—
Agents Days Hours Orders Value
A. L. Bassler 5 40 19 $63.35
F. E. Hankins 5 31 14 48.75
C. B. Van Gorder 5 37 11 47.70
H. F. Kirk 6 40 15 46.25
R. J. Minesinger 5 45 7 20.25
Ray Corder 5 38 8 29.25
Wm. M. Deuschle 5 40 6 17.75
Enos M. Horst 4 .. .. ..
Wm. Shobe 5 42 17 46.50
C. E. Reichenbaugh 4 31 25 29.85
L. H. Waters 5 42 24 27.50
Guy Corder 5 37 37 43.00
As we look over this report, we can but wish from our hearts that all our field agents would train their men as thoroughly, and hold them in the field during the autumn and winter months with equal success.                                                                                                                                                     E. R. P.

Christian Liberty

By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary
W. A. COLCORD — Corresponding Secretary

The Missionary and Publishing Work

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 A. J. S. BOURDEAU — — — — Missionary Secretary

England

By E. R. P.

In a letter dated December 31, Brother W. C. Sisley, manager of the International Tract Society, writes:— “We rejoice in the general prosperity that has attended the circulation of our literature. We, too, from all appearances, have had a prosperous year. We are about to close our books, and shall soon see what the result is financially. Our holiday papers have sold better than usual. We have printed and sold seventy-five thousand copies of Good Health, and forty-two thousand of Present Truth.” E. R. P.

Faith That Works

One of the most striking illustrations we have ever seen of good results from faith in God, coupled with hard work, is afforded by the success of our canvassers in Texas during the fall months, notwithstanding the drought, the worst experienced in Texas for twenty years. The following paragraph from a letter written by Brother W. W. Eastman, November 28, may be interesting to our readers:—
“We have been having our spring this fall. A more beautiful autumn I have never seen. Things are growing yet, and the wheat is in fine condition for winter grazing, which will relieve the feed panic somewhat. The high-priced cotton has helped us out considerably, and we have made a good delivery. Texas deliveries will exceed last year's quite substantially, I think. The best part of it is that we now have in Texas the largest number of canvassers that have ever worked for a Christmas delivery. There is a growing sentiment toward canvassing all the year. The work looks very encouraging from every standpoint.” E. R. P.
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