THE camp meeting for the Kentucky Conference was held in the town of Nicholasville, in the heart of the bluegrass region. The attendance of our people was good from the beginning of the meeting. The camp was well located, and all needed provision for the comfort of the campers had been made.
Elders Meade MacGuire, S. E. Wight, and L. A. Hoopes and the writer were present during part of the meeting, and carried the burden of the public labor. Brother J. W. Davis and Prof. L. H.17Wood, of the union conference, labored for the upbuilding of the colporteur and the young people’s work.
The people responded freely to the appeals made for them to reach a higher standard of living and to more fully consecrate themselves to earnest service for those about them. Large numbers of tracts and small books were bought to use in missionary work at their homes. The Spirit was present, and many found the blessing of God in reconsecrating themselves to him. About twenty were baptized at the close of the meeting.
The president, Elder B. W. Brown, in his report showed a most commendable progress of the work during the year. A goodly number of colporteurs had been in the field. Since the first of January, 1915, six churches had been organized, and, together with the one previously organized at Nicholasville, the conference headquarters, were received into the conference. The increase in membership during that time had been more than one hundred and seventy-five. The increase in the tithe had been more than nine hundred dollars. They fully expect to reach their quota on the mission offerings.
Elder Brown had labored beyond his strength, and was suffering from a severe attack of malaria during the time of the meeting. It is hoped that a period of rest will fully restore him to health. He has the confidence of the people, and was reelected president. With the exception of some minor department changes, the officers of the conference remain the same for the coming year.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Brethren O. A. Dow and W. H. White, who have labored for some years in the conference, were ordained for the work of the gospel ministry.
C. M. SORENSON.
Work for the Colored in the City of Baltimore
By Gustavus P. Rodgers
ANOTHER summer has passed, yet the rich experiences of a successful, soul-winning campaign will never be forgotten. We see the Lord’s hand as he works for these people, and we rejoice as we see them come to a saving knowledge of the truth. July 4 we began a series of meetings on the same lot that we had used two summers before, and the first night found us facing an audience of six hundred. With help from Elder Seeney, who has charge of the work in Wilmington, Del., we were able to continue the services until the nineteenth of September, preaching every night in the week except Saturday. Much interest was shown in the Sabbath question, especially when at different times ministers of other churches assailed the truth that the seventh day is the Sabbath. But the Lord gave us ready answers in two debates, and the vast crowds present could see the weakness of the man-made Sunday rest when compared with the Sabbath of the Bible. How glad we are that every part of the third angel’s message will stand the hardest test and still shine brightly; for it is the Word of God itself.
As the result of the tent work thirty-four so far have united with the church, and Sunday night, October 3, thirty were baptized in the church baptistery. More will follow these in a few weeks. The summer’s effort cost $360.92, without including the ministers’ or the Bible workers’ wages. This was the largest tent effort ever held for the colored people in the Chesapeake Conference, though last year at this time more persons had united with the church as the result of the tent work. We found that the opposition was much greater this year, and that it was much harder to reach hearts. But we are confident that Baltimore was and still is stirred. Many are pressing their pastors for a reason from the Bible for Sunday keeping. Families that were divided in their understanding of the Word are now coming over on the Lord’s side, and we are sure that many others will soon accept the last message of mercy. Our collections amounted to $271.39 for the season. We thank the Lord for his blessings, and trust to see many more rejoice in the great truth for this time.
We have enlarged our church building with a new gallery, which seats one hundred, but still the church is too small. Four hundred crowded into it last Sunday night at the time of the baptism, and as many others were turned away. Our burden is to see our colored brethren and sisters well represented at the great home gathering. GUSTAVUS P. RODGERS.
Mississippi Camp Meeting
By S. E. WIGHT
THIS meeting was held in Jackson. The tents were pitched in a grove near the church which was recently erected. The church building was used for meeting purposes. The location was central, and in a good residential district of the city. It attracted attention, and was well spoken of by the public generally. The people of the city have taken great interest in the building of the church. Their liberal donations were a manifest demonstration of their interest. This church is a credit to the architect and to the denomination. It will be a great help to the struggling company in that place, who have long endeavored to hold up the banner of truth while worshiping in private houses and rented apartments. The complete building, with the exception of the pews and carpet, cost $5,900. The cost of the lot was $1,500, making a total of $7,400. The church was very economically built. Architects outside of Jackson estimated it at a trifle more than $8,000, but owing to good judgment and favors from business men in the city, it was placed on the lot at this extremely low figure.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AT JACKSON, MISS.
Elder J. O. Corliss was the representative of the North American Division Conference in our meeting, and gave the dedicatory address Sunday, September 12. His long experience in the work made his labor with us very interesting as well as profitable, and the campers will ever carry with them good impressions received through the instructions given.
On account of the financial condition existing in the field, the attendance was not large. The meeting, however, was a success, and plans were laid which, if carried out, will bring prosperity to the conference. A little over $3,000 was raised for various enterprises. The prospect for the future development of the work in this conference was never better than at the present time. The workers are all of good courage, and when the meeting was over, they went to their homes with a renewed determination to press forward and build up the Lord's work. This conference has only two ordained ministers, besides the president, and only two Bible workers. It is in need of workers and financial help. The few who represent the cause of the third angel's message in this State have made a good financial record in the past, and they went to their homes with the determination to do even better in the future.
Thousands of dollars' worth of books have been sold during the last few years, and in some parts it can be said that our truth-filled literature has been scattered like the leaves of autumn; but there still remains a large territory yet unentered, which invites the attention of this people. The Macedonian cry is being heard throughout the whole Southern field. Prayers for help are being offered at family altars, and the laborers in the field are wondering who will answer the call. We are looking forward with hope and courage to a profitable year's work, and to the speedy finish of the gospel message in this field. S. E. WIGHT.
West Pennsylvania Conference
By W. F. Schwartz
On July 2 I went to Corry to spend a few days with the church there, and to hold the quarterly service. One meeting was held in Corry, and the other meetings in Brother Bemis's home, seven miles from Corry, where a good interest has been awakened. While there I baptized two persons, and five were added to the church. It had been planned to begin an effort at Albion, but failing to find a suitable location, the tent was pitched in Erie, on the west side, at Eighth and Cascade Streets, where a fine class of people attended.
In July there were fifteen days of rain, and in August twenty, and a large flood that caused great loss of property and the death of thirty-six persons. But we can praise God for his guiding hand and protecting care. We labored one night to save our tent, while at the same time our own home cellar was filling with water. The stream was so swollen that my wife and I could not reach our home that night, but had to remain on the west side until the next day. Water and gas were cut off from the city for a few days, so the people had to build cooking places in the yards.
The meetings at the tent were hindered two nights because of the flood, but the people came even on the rainy nights, and God has caused the truth to spring up in the hearts of many. Six persons have already decided to keep the Sabbath, and we have the names of thirty-four interested ones who need further instruction. We are praising God for his love and his mercy that are being manifested toward us.
W. F. SCHWARTZ.
The Great Protestant Convention Recently Held in Dayton
By E. K. SLADE
DOUBTLESS many of our people are not aware that a great national Protestant convention was recently held in Dayton, Ohio. This convention was attended by men of distinction from all parts of the United States. It was a confederation of the different organizations and bodies that are in opposition to Catholicism. There was some sprinkling of the socialist people, and such organs as the Rail Splitter and the Menace were prominently represented.
Dayton is a strongly Catholic city, and it seemed significant that such a convention should be held there. Six months before this meeting, arrangements were made for the delegates to have the use of a large popular hall in the city. Just before the convention, the officers were notified that the hall could not be used for that purpose. On coming to Dayton, they found great difficulty in finding any place of meeting, as the managers of the various halls informed them that they had been instructed not to admit them. Though this convention was of a national character and attended by men from all parts of the country, no more notice of it was given in the newspapers than would be given of the most ordinary event. In fact, I think that but one paper gave even a slight mention of it. At the same time, the Dayton papers gave prominent space on their front pages to Catholic meetings that were being held in the city. The large hall from which the convention was excluded was used during a portion of the time of this convention for a large Catholic meeting, and this was prominently announced in the press.
We appreciate true Protestantism wherever it is manifested, and we cannot ignore the fact that a mighty protest is needed and should be heard throughout the land. But in this meeting, which was attended by Dr. P. T. Magan, of Nashville, Tenn., and during a part of the time by Elder J. J. Marietta and myself, we could see but little of the spirit of true Protestantism. In nearly all the speeches made, there was a marked manifestation of intolerance. They were of a most inflammatory and belligerent nature. Any reference to the Catholic Church or to any phase of its work was made in most unbecoming language for any one to use, and especially for Christian people in protest against that which they claim is a false religion. All the rancor and harshness that come of hatred born of religious frenzy were manifested by some of the speakers who were most loudly cheered.
One organization in opposition to Catholicism advocated military training and the arming of its forces in order to make a stand against the Knights of Columbus. One speaker advised his brethren to provide themselves with good guns in order to be able properly to meet their opponents. After he had spoken with great intensity and earnestness, advocating a belligerent attitude and the use of the boycott, he paused and said: “I do not want you, brethren, to think that I am for war. I am not for war, but for peace. I am a member of a prominent peace league.”
While we appreciate the fact that these men are permitted to see in this great system which they are opposing much that is undesirable and that awakens this attitude on their part, we certainly cannot approve their methods. It is not a battle of man with man. Our warfare is not with flesh and blood. The opposing forces with which we have to contend in this great system involve more than human wisdom and human strength. There are better and more effective methods than the boycott and the use of arms. Our protests against Catholicism will be wholly ineffective except through the power and wisdom that God is willing to give to those who stand loyally for right. It goes to show that in our work we must stand for the principles of Protestantism even though we are required to stand alone, and it strongly emphasizes the fact that we have a definite and specific work which cannot be well accomplished by uniting with such forces.
Providentially the way opened for Dr. Magan to give a splendid address, in which true principles were presented. A large number of copies of “The Vatican and the War” were sold.
This convention revealed the fact that there is before us a time of trouble, and that there is now pent up in the hearts of men that which will lead to an awful outbreak in the near future. The Lord's people should desire above all things to be standing upon those noble, everlasting principles of truth that will stand the storm. E. K. SLADE.
Three Weeks in the Washington Sanitarium
By J. W. HIRLINGER
AFTER undergoing a double operation, and spending three weeks in the Washington Sanitarium, I find myself strong enough to return to my home in Bridgeport, W. Va. I did not come to Washington with the intention of having an operation, but while here my old affliction, which had caused me much suffering, came on me; and after consulting Dr. Miller, I decided to have the cause of trouble removed.
Under the skilled hand of Dr. Miller, and the care of his faithful assistants, guided by the Spirit of the Great Physician, the operation has proved successful. After a little rest and time to recuperate, I am confident that I shall be able to accomplish much more work in the Master's vineyard, with greater ease.
I have found the Sanitarium atmosphere ideal. The entire Sanitarium family have been so very kind and attentive to me that I could hardly help recovering. Many other guests of the institution speak in the same terms. This is the third institution of its kind that I have been in, but I have not found the Spirit of Heaven more manifestly present in any of them than in this. It seems that I have been in a large, happy home, rather than in a public institution.
God has been preciously near me all during my operation and recovery. I was anointed by some of the leading brethren the next day after my operation. I fully appreciate the many prayers of God's people in my behalf. They have helped me much. I hope soon to be able to be out among the churches and people again. J. W. HIRLINGER.
The Home Missionary Report for the First Quarter of 1915
By Edith M. Graham
This report gives some very encouraging figures. It shows that 1,554 more members worked than did so during the previous quarter. There were also the following increases in the different lines of work: 7,341 more letters written, 3,819 more letters received, 14,775 more missionary visits, 8,601 more Bible readings, 8,545 more books sold, 9,027 more books lent and given, 16,036 more hours of Christian Help work, 3,435 more articles of clothing given, 6,321 more meals given, 1,540 more treatments, and 239 more conversions reported.
The paper and tract work, however, shows a general decrease, which is difficult to understand. There were the following decreases: 5,316 fewer subscriptions, 127,239 fewer papers sold, 89,478 fewer papers lent and given, 501 fewer tracts sold, and 757,336 fewer tracts lent and given, these last being nearly double for the previous quarter. As the circulation of literature is one of the most effective methods of giving the message, it is important that the lines of work connected with it should be kept up.
The work in the North American Division shows some interesting averages. Taking the work of the union conferences on a per capita basis, the Southeastern Union Conference has the highest record in the number reporting, the letters written and received, the hours of Christian Help work, the number of treatments given, and the signatures to the temperance pledge, six records out of nineteen. Next comes the Southern Union Conference, with the highest records for Bible readings, articles of clothing given, meals provided, and offerings, four records. The Atlantic Union Conference has the record for the largest number of missionary visits, papers sold, and tracts sold. The Northern Union Conference has the record for papers given away and mailed, and tracts lent and given away. The Columbia Union Conference has the record for books sold, though the Central Union Conference follows within a very small fraction, so it also deserves an honorable mention. The Central Union Conference has the largest number of subscriptions. The Eastern Canadian Union has the most books given away, and the Southwestern Union reports the most conversions. All of these are proportionate to membership.
These figures are interesting, for they show some perhaps unexpected results. The Southern field is frequently spoken of as being in a more backward condition than the rest of the country, yet the three Southern union conferences hold eleven records out of twenty for the home missionary work for the first quarter of 1915.
We have two new fields to welcome this quarter, the India Union Mission and the little Guatemala Mission. For some reason, the Japanese report has failed to reach us, but they are still working.19Only four of the conferences in the North American Division failed to report, Maritime, Quebec, Arizona, and Utah.
Let us remember, as we look upon this array of figures, that they are not merely figures, but symbols to represent human instrumentalities willingly offered to God, for him to use in saving souls. In the 914 conversions, we see some visible fruits, for which we praise God. The full results will be made known in eternity.
EDITH M. GRAHAM.
Fruits of a Copy of “The Great Controversy”
By I. H. McEACHERN
WHILE riding on a train recently from Sheridan, Wyo., to Lincoln, Nebr., I met a woman who had been won to Christ solely through the reading of “The Great Controversy.” The experience was one of interest to me, and I pass it on for the encouragement of others.
Apparently she is a woman of culture and possesses a good education. She and her mother have been keeping the Sabbath for a number of years. The light first came to them in a providential way. Her brother had in his home a copy of “The Great Controversy,” which either he or his wife had bought of a colporteur, but it had lain unread in their library. Finally, upon the death of his wife, he broke up housekeeping, and in disposing of the household effects he told his mother to help herself to any books she desired. In sorting over the collection, the one entitled “The Great Controversy” attracted her attention. Being a Christian Scientist, she did not believe in a personal devil, and a large book of nearly eight hundred pages telling of the conflict between Christ and Satan naturally aroused her curiosity.
The book was taken home and carefully studied. Conviction soon took hold upon the hearts of both mother and daughter. They began to observe the Sabbath, and the consent of the daughter’s husband was also gained. Rejoicing in the new-found light, they kept the book circulating on its heaven-appointed mission. Finally it was worn out from being lent to their friends and neighbors; and these women finding the address of the publishing house on the fly-leaf, wrote to Mountain View for another copy, at the same time inquiring for other books by the same author. The publishers forwarded their letter to the Wyoming Tract Society. Brother Asa Smith, the secretary, sent one of his helpers to call on the family. They had been keeping the Sabbath for six years, and it is not hard to conceive something of their joy upon meeting one of like precious faith for the first time. They began attending Sabbath school and church. Today Sister Davis and her family are among the most active workers in the Crawford church. As she told me of the sweet spirit and brotherly love among the members of that church, her eyes filled with tears of joy that God had brought her in touch with his remnant people.
Beside her in the car was her aunt, whom she was accompanying home to Broken Bow, Nebr. The aunt is under conviction and about ready to accept the truth, through the missionary endeavors and godly life of this good woman. Thus the fruits of “The Great Controversy,” sold by some unknown colporteur years ago, continue to multiply.
Brother, sister, such instances should inspire you to decide today to relinquish worldly employment and become a self-supporting missionary, in the sale of our precious books, for the salvation of souls. “Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.”
“O what joy it will be when His face I behold,
Living gems at his feet to lay down;
It would sweeten my bliss in the city of gold,
Should there be any stars in my crown.” I. H. McEACHERN.
Searching for Diamonds
By M. E. Kern
A FEW years ago a young man, Mr. A. R. Dennis, came to the Foreign Mission Seminary to prepare for the work. He seemed to have a burden for the foreign field, but was willing to work anywhere. He did colporteur work during vacation, and was finally sent to South America. For some time he worked in Uruguay as colporteur and secretary-treasurer of the conference, and was recently sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There he is working hard, endeavoring to turn the tide in favor of our literature in that great city, and to make a special effort, in these times of financial stress, to reach the higher classes. One incident he relates brings to mind the fact that here and there all over this world are people looking for the light. He writes:—
“Several weeks ago one Friday afternoon I had two hours to work before going home for the Sabbath; so I started down an unpromising side street to finish it quickly. The homes and sometimes the business houses in this country are like people, who cannot be accurately judged from the outside; for, if there is anything worth while, it is placed on the inside; and so it was in this case. Going quickly through a small door, I found myself in a large iron foundry; and calling immediately for the patron, or boss, I told him I was taking orders for ‘The Coming King.’ He asked me what kind of book it was, and I told him it was a religious book, explaining the Bible and its prophecies. After another sentence, he stopped me, asking when he could get it. When I told him that I would deliver it the following Monday, he turned to his foreman and asked him to order one also.
“Early Monday morning I called, but before I could say anything he said, ‘As soon as you told me the name of that book, I knew it was about Jesus and told of his coming. I have a dictionary of the Bible that I got from North America, and I have been studying it in connection with the Bible, but I need more light. I am especially interested in the books of Revelation and Daniel, for nearly all the prophecies are fulfilled, Jesus is coming again, and I want to be ready. I study the Bible daily, and teach it to my children. Many men make fun of me, saying the Bible is a fable, but I believe it is the word of God.’”
“I was greatly surprised, for never before in any city of these countries have I found a native studying the prophecies and knowing that they were nearly all fulfilled. You can imagine I lost no time in telling him I had the book he wanted, explaining the books of Daniel and Revelation verse by verse, called ‘Los Videntes y lo Porvenir,’ or ‘Daniel and the Revelation.’ He and his foreman have ordered it, and want to study it together. The man has also promised to take Bible studies at night.”
Men will work many years digging, hoping to find a diamond, but here is a work much more important. God has honest souls in factories, shops, stores, mansions, and hovels all over the world that are worth more than diamonds. Who will help search them out?
M. E. KERN.
A Good Conscience
“A GOOD conscience, void of offense, is an excellent preparation for an approach into the divine presence.”
Home Missionary Department
E. M. Graham - - - - General Secretary
F. W. Paap - - - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
Report of Home Missionary Work of the General Conference for Quarter Ending March 31, 1915
CONFERENCES
Membership | No. Reporting | Letters Written | Letters Received | Missionary Visits | Bible Readings or Cottage Meetings | Subscriptions Taken for Periodicals | Papers Sold | Papers Mailed, Lent, or Given Away | Books Sold | Books Lent or Given Away | Tracts Sold | Tracts Lent or Given Away | Hours of Christian Help Work | Articles of Clothing Given Away | No. of Meals Provided | Treatments Given | Signers to Temperance Pledge | Offerings to Home Missionary Work | No. of Converts
