THIS meeting was held at Grand Rapids, September 1-11, in a beautiful grove of oak and pine trees just in the edge of the city. On the whole the weather was favorable, and the attendance of our people was good. The laborers present in addition to those in the State and of the union conference were Elders E. W. Farnsworth, W. H. Thurston, G. F. Haffner, L. H. Christian, Brother L. A. Hansen, and the writer. The preaching was of a practical and stirring nature, and was well received. There was a fair attendance from the city and the surrounding community.
Wisconsin is one of the old conferences, and has long and nobly stood by the work, and shared the burdens of the cause. It was a great pleasure again to meet a goodly number of the early believers in this State, and find them faithful, and rejoicing in the expectation of soon seeing the realization of their hopes. Two new churches were added to the conference, and this was a source of encouragement to all.
The call for recruits for mission fields met with a hearty response. Some of the most promising young people in the State offered themselves for mission work, and the conference encouraged them in taking this step. Wisconsin already has a number of workers in China and elsewhere.
The business proceedings of the conference were harmonious. Elder C. McReynolds, who has borne the burdens of the conference presidency for five years, found his health much impaired, and Elder W. H. Thurston, recently from Kansas, was elected to the position. May God greatly bless him in taking up these responsibilities. Few other changes were made.
The various interests of the cause were presented, and received a hearty response. Brother L. A. Hansen enjoyed great freedom in presenting the “Ministry of Healing” relief campaign.
The last Sabbath of the meeting was a time of special blessing to the entire camp. In the three divisions,—English, German, and Scandinavian,—the presence of the Lord was very manifest, and many responded to the call to turn to him, and to renew their consecration to his service. During the conference twenty-three persons followed their Lord in baptism. As a whole, the conference was a refreshing season. Earnest meetings were held by the workers, where important questions pertaining to our work and to our individual relation to God and the cause, as well as to the manner of presenting the message, were studied with good effect.
Thus closed another camp-meeting. May the special blessing of the Lord be with the work in Wisconsin during the year to come. O. A. OLSEN.
Northern New England Camp-Meeting
By W. B. WHITE
THIS meeting was held in Burlington, Vt., August 25 to September 4. The camp of about fifty tents was pitched on a rise of land overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain, and was one of the prettiest camp-grounds I have ever seen.
About two hundred fifty of our people from Vermont and New Hampshire were in attendance, and we are sure all were greatly strengthened by attending this meeting. The preaching was of a practical nature, designed to show the need of a preparation of heart to stand in the judgment. Deep conviction settled upon the people, and there was a genuine turning to God by old and young. A number from the city attended our meetings, and seemed interested. Elder A. J. Clark, with other helpers, had held a tent-meeting during the summer in Burlington, and a few had taken their stand for the truth. This camp-meeting was a great help to these believers, and established them more firmly in the faith.
The conference adopted resolutions approving the action of uniting Vermont and New Hampshire in one conference last fall; and accepted gladly their share of the $300,000 Fund, which is $2,601.60, and already have this amount more than half subscribed. They also definitely launched the campaign for “Ministry of Healing,” and took a number of books from the camp-ground to sell for the relief of the medical missionary work in the Atlantic Union. Our people also purchased a number of sets of Sister White's works to circulate among their neighbors.
A resolution was adopted favoring the holding of the next annual meeting in New Hampshire, and another separating the annual conference from the camp-meeting, holding the former in the winter and the latter in the summer. Elder W. H. Holden was re-elected president of the conference, with about the same conference committee as a year ago. Elder Geo. I. Butler was present, and his labors were much appreciated. His sermons on the spirit of prophecy and its relation to our work were helpful, and were enjoyed by all.
We can see the work in Northern New England rising in many ways, and the future looks bright.
There is a spirit to push forward with energy and earnestness, and we are sure God's blessing will attend every effort to advance his work in this field.
W. B. WHITE.
Nebraska Camp-Meeting Flooded
NEBRASKA CAMP-MEETING FLOODED
THE illustration presents a scene at the camp-meeting recently held at York, Neb. A terrific storm came up on Sunday night, and many of the family tents down on the flat near the creek were flooded about midnight, as shown herewith. Notwithstanding the inconvenience and loss occasioned by the quickly rising water, “an excellent spirit pervaded the entire encampment,”—a spirit of good cheer in spiritual blessings bestowed. This well illustrates how our peace in God need not be disturbed by untoward outward circumstances.
West Michigan Camp-Meeting
By K. C. RUSSELL
THIS meeting was held in Battle Creek, Mich., August 21-28, in a field about four squares northwest of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. The old Michigan pavilion, with a seating capacity of about three thousand, was filled each evening, and on Sabbaths and Sundays. The congregations were composed of the resident members of the Battle Creek church, and a general attendance of our people throughout the West Michigan Conference, besides other citizens of Battle Creek. Excellent order prevailed at all the services, notwithstanding the large attendance, and respectful attention14was given to the addresses and sermons.
The speaking was done principally by Elder A. G. Daniells, Prof. J. G. Lamson, and the writer. Our purpose was to present the truths of the third angel's message in clear, distinct lines, and in the light of the simple and increasing evidences which unmistakably emphasize the certainty of the fulfilment of prophecy. The addresses given by Elder Daniells regarding the advancement of the gospel in other lands evidently made a deep impression, especially upon those who have not been so closely in touch of late with the marvelous growth of this work in recent years. It was very easy to see that Jesus, the great Head of the church, is causing seemingly adverse influences to aid in speeding on to ultimate victory this glorious work; for we have entered nearly twice as many countries outside of the United States, in our missionary enterprises, as has any other mission board. This is a most convincing answer to the objection raised against Seventh-day Adventists,—that our work is simply proselyting, or obtaining members from other religious denominations. The fact that a denomination having no larger constituency than has Seventh-day Adventists, can prosecute such vast missionary enterprises, is evidence that the work is wrought by the power of God. It was also shown that the facilities at our disposal in the way of literature, training-schools, colleges, sanitariums, and publishing houses, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will be effective agencies in cutting short this great work in righteousness. Let no one think that because a few have become disaffected, and are separating from this work, its progress will in any way be retarded. When the great nations of the earth desire to obtain a signal victory over other nations, they increase their armies; but not so with the Lord, for when he desires to obtain a signal victory, he oftentimes thins out his forces.
The call of God to enter the cities was shown to be an indication that the work is speedily to close.
The first Sunday afternoon of the meeting was devoted to the holding of a lively and interesting temperance rally, at which the president of the Michigan Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and a leading attorney spoke, besides Elder Daniells and Professor Lamson.
Sabbath forenoon, August 27, there was present the largest congregation that assembled at any time during the meeting. A revival service was held, and the Lord greatly blessed those present. Hundreds responded to a definite call to put away sin, and make a full surrender to the Lord, and consecrate their lives to his service.
The business of the conference was conducted with despatch, and a spirit of harmony and Christian courtesy was seen in all its work. Elder S. E. Wight was re-elected president.
We believe this meeting will prove a spiritual uplift to all our people who were in attendance, and that brighter days are in store for the work in the West Michigan Conference. Before this time, Elder E. W. Farnsworth has doubtless assumed his duties as pastor of the Battle Creek church. We trust that the Lord will greatly bless him in this important charge. K. C. RUSSELL.
Western Pennsylvania
By W. F. SWARTZ
HOLLIDAYSBURG.— On July 14 Elder J. E. Veach and the writer began a series of tent-meetings near Altoona. The meetings closed September 22, and we are glad to report that prejudice has been broken in some hearts, and an interest created favorable to our work and to our church in this city. Many homes are ready for Bible work, and six adults are keeping the Sabbath, three of whom attended quarterly meeting last Sabbath. One family is paying tithe; others are planning to cast their lot with this people. We thank God for the measure of success that has attended our labors.
W. F. SWARTZ.
The Cumberland Camp-Meeting
By Chas. Thompson
THIS meeting was held in Chattanooga, Tenn., August 25 to September 4. The camp was beautifully located in an oak grove, and the weather was ideal. Fifty or more tents were pitched, and about two hundred of our brethren and sisters were encamped on the grounds during the meeting.
The annual session of the Cumberland Conference was held at this time. The reports of the president and the treasurer were gratifying, and they showed that real advancement had been made, notwithstanding adverse circumstances. At the beginning of the conference year, Elder J. F. Pogue, who was carrying the responsibilities of the presidency, became ill, and left the work, seeking to regain his health in a northern climate. This failing to bring the desired relief, he resigned, and Elder P. G. Stanley was invited to accept the position, which he did about the first of January. After this, Brother E. L. Sanford, another minister of the conference, was compelled to discontinue his work, in order to care for his sick companion. We are glad to report that, notwithstanding the work has been thus crippled, one new church was admitted to the conference, one house of worship was dedicated, and sixty-seven new members were added during the year.
The tithe receipts for the present year show an encouraging growth, having increased $2,811.44 over those for the preceding year. The per-capita tithe last year was $10.65; this year it was $15. While the total Sabbath-school donations showed a gain of only $61.18 over those for the preceding year, the amount given to missions was larger, exceeding last year's contribution by $177.60. This increase is the result of the Sabbath-schools giving all their donations to missions.
The business of the conference passed off very harmoniously. Elder Stanley was elected president, and Anna Kimlin secretary and treasurer. The other officers remain practically the same as last year. The laboring force of the conference was strengthened by securing the services of Elder J. B. Locken, of the Southern Illinois Conference.
Contributions for the home and the foreign work were made as follows: Foreign missions, $515, to which we add the Sabbath-school donations for the two Sabbaths of the meeting, raising the amount to $583.89. Previously to the meeting, $3,010 had been pledged by the churches to the $300,000 Fund — $562 in excess of the conference quota. Notwithstanding this, $65 more was pledged at the meeting.
Six hundred fifty-one dollars was also given on the tent-and-camp-meeting fund, which amount was raised to $700 by the receipts of the camp-meeting over the expense. This money will enable the conference to secure some new field and family tents, an equipment greatly needed.
There were present, in addition to the regular conference laborers, Elders W. A. Hennig and R. T. Dowsett, Brethren A. F. Harrison and V. O. Cole, Dr. M. M. Martinson, Prof. M. B. Van Kirk, and the writer. Elder Smith Sharp, one of our oldest ministers in point of service, was with us throughout the meeting, and his talks on organization and early experiences were helpful to all. Dr. O. C. Godsmark had charge of furnishing reports of the meetings for the daily papers. His experience in this work, with the liberality of the press, gave our cause much favorable mention.
The evening meetings, at which the special truths for this time were made prominent, were well attended by the people of the city.
The meetings for the children and the young people were in charge of Sisters W. W. Williams and Mettie Lenker. The spiritual interest in all the services was good; especially was this true on the two Sabbaths of the meeting. All united in declaring that this was the best camp-meeting ever held in the Cumberland Conference.
An enjoyable feature of the camp was the arrangement of the dining-tent, which was conducted on the same plan as the large “cafeteria” at the General Conference. The food was abundant and well prepared, and the tent was thoroughly screened, affording good protection against flies. The sanitary arrangements were also carefully looked after, and no cases of illness have followed the meeting. We believe this is an important point to consider in connection with our camp-meetings.
There is much to encourage the brethren and sisters of the Cumberland Conference; and we confidently expect to see the work move forward in every department. CHAS. THOMPSON.
Kansas
By R. R. Reinhold
KANSAS CITY.—I would like to announce through the REVIEW that on Sabbath, September 10, a Swedish church of thirteen members was organized at this place. Five or six others are ready to join the organization. Elder S. Mortenson came down from College View, Neb., and his visit was blessed of the Lord to us. This was a precious day for us here; for we have labored long and prayed earnestly for the Swedish work in Kansas City. One brother has been waiting and praying thirty years for a Swedish church here.
R. R. REINHOLD.
California
ABOUT the middle of June the writer pitched a tent in Orange, Cal., and began a course of meetings. From the first the attendance was good, being from two hundred to three hundred each night. Before coming here, we were told that the people were so prejudiced that nothing could be done; but what a different experience the Lord had for us! When the Sabbath question was taken up, the people came more than ever, and continued to come for almost twelve weeks. Many have taken their stand for the truth, and joined the church. A number of others are keeping the Sabbath, who will, we feel sure, come in later. In July, with the help of Elder E. E. Andross, a church of twenty-eight members was organized. Since then fourteen others have been added to this number, making the present church-membership forty-two. The Sabbath-school membership is upward of seventy-five. Of these a number will soon be ready for baptism and entrance into the church. Thus God has wrought for souls. To him be all the praise.
Field Notes
ELDER C. J. BUHALTS reports five persons recently added to the church at Rock Lake, N. D. These accepted the truth during the summer’s tent effort.
ABOUT ten companies of tent workers have been holding meetings in different parts of California this summer, and a large number of converts have been baptized.
As a result of tent-meetings held by A. R. Bell at Carlisle, Pa., six persons have decided to follow in the footsteps of their Lord, and keep all the commandments.
ELDER G. A. LAGRONE reports from West Texas that five have been baptized at Indian Mountain. The interest at Sipe Springs is good, and two have taken their stand for the truth.
THE tent company at Kalispell, Mont., reports a good interest at that place. Fourteen are now keeping the Sabbath as a result of the summer’s work. It is hoped that a strong church may be organized there. After a four weeks’ tent-meeting, the workers at Miles City, Mont., have organized a Sabbath-school of eight adults, and six more have signified their intention of obeying the truth.
The Situation Now
By K. C. R.
It will be remembered that last July, when Congress closed, the three religious measures pending failed to be reported from the committee, where they are quietly resting. The Johnston Sunday bill is in the hands of the District Committee of the House of Representatives, and besides this, there are two joint resolutions proposing an amendment to the Constitution, providing that the preamble of the Constitution shall begin with the words, “In the name of God.” One is known as the House Joint Resolution No. 17 and the other is Senate Joint Resolution No. 86. Let no one conclude that because these bills failed to pass before Congress took its recess, they are defeated, as some seem to think. In referring to the Johnston Sunday bill, one of the leading speakers at the National Reform Convention recently held at Winona Lake, Ind., had the idea that the bill was defeated; for he said there was power enough in the lobby maintained by Seventh-day Adventists and others “last year in Congress, to defeat the District of Columbia Sunday bill.”
When Congress convenes again, Monday, December 5, there will be a possibility of one or more of these measures becoming a law, and this possibility will continue to exist until the close of the Sixty-first, or present, Congress, March 4, 1911. Should these bills fail in passing before Congress closes, it will then become necessary for the promoters of these religious measures to pass over the same road again in an effort to secure this kind of legislation.
The friends of Sunday legislation will not be discouraged in their efforts, should these measures fail to pass. The defeat of these bills would only arouse them to more vigorous and determined efforts in seeking to obtain their cherished desires.
We may speculate as to the reasons why Congress has not yet yielded to the enactment of a Sunday law; but after assigning the failure to yield to this, that, or the other cause, it must be confessed that the one great reason back of all others, is that the Lord is holding in check the final enactment of a Sunday law, in order that this precious message may be given to those who are now in darkness. So, instead of relaxing our energies in warning the people against the evils of religious legislation, because these or any other bills of the same character may fail to become law before Congress closes, next March, we should regard it as another golden opportunity given us by the Lord to warn the people concerning these things.
Let us all, therefore, seek most earnestly to improve the time in warning the people regarding the evils of religious legislation, as we have never done before.
No doubt, as many read these lines,16they will involuntarily ask, “What can I do that will be effective in sounding the warning?” Our reply is, It has been repeatedly demonstrated that our literature is one of the best means by which people may be warned. The magazine Liberty is a powerful factor in the work of teaching the people these great principles.
For $1.50 you can have ten yearly subscriptions to this excellent magazine, and can have these magazines sent to as many separate addresses. Are there not ten or more persons among your acquaintances to whom you would like to have this journal sent during the coming year? County and city officials, principals of various educational institutions, and the teachers in various schools of the country, ministers of the gospel, lawyers, and other leading citizens in your community and elsewhere, are some of those to whom the journal should be sent. All who do not find it convenient to supply the addresses to whom the journal is to be sent, may forward the amount they would like to invest in this work to the religious liberty secretary of their conference, or, where there is no such official, to their State tract society secretary, and he will have the journal mailed to persons whom he thinks it may influence the most. Address either of these officials at your conference headquarters.
In view of the fact that what we do must be done quickly, will you not at once forward your order for ten or more subscriptions for this journal?
K. C. R.
Indiana Camp-Meeting
By A. G. Daniells
THIS meeting was held on the grounds of the Winona Technical Institute, in the city of Indianapolis, Aug. 25 to Sept. 4, 1910. From the standpoint of attractiveness to the public, comfort to the campers, and accessibility to those desiring to attend the meetings, this camp-ground was all that could be desired. We were indebted to the courtesy of Ex-Mayor Bookwalter for this excellent location. Mr. Bookwalter gave us an address of welcome, and visited the camp many times during the meeting. From the reports of the camp-meetings in different States it appears that our people have been granted the use of the best grounds and parks in many cities during the past summer. We appreciate these favors, and we should always take great pains to leave the grounds in the best possible condition.
I was told that this was one of the largest camp-meetings in the history of the Indiana Conference. The brethren and sisters came from all parts of the State, the majority coming at the beginning, and remaining until the close. The weather was all that could be desired. We were greatly pleased and encouraged to have so many of the citizens attend the evening services. It was a great privilege to present to such large and interested audiences the special truths we prize so highly.
The thirty-seventh session of the Indiana conference was held in connection with this meeting. The reports presented by the various departments showed that success was attending the efforts made to extend the work of the message. It was encouraging to find that the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, which, two or three years ago, seemed to come to be a heavy burden, is having an excellent patronage, and is doing exceedingly well financially. If its present prosperity continues, it will be only a short time before it will be entirely free from indebtedness, and in the meantime many people are being blessed by its ministry.
I felt that this camp-meeting was a spiritual, uplifting, encouraging occasion. There was a spirit in the camp that responded quickly and heartily to the spiritual. The last Sabbath was a good day. In the forenoon service a large number sought the Lord most earnestly for the forgiveness of all sin, and for power to keep from sinning. At the five-o'clock service in the evening the Lord granted his blessing in a large measure.
The one thing that cast a shadow over this good meeting was the sad refrain that arose from the sorrowing hearts of so many parents because their children had wandered from the truth. And this is not true of the young people of Indiana only. The camp-meetings I have attended this year have made it very plain to me that greater efforts must be made by our ministers, church officers, and parents to hold our children. This surely must be done, and I appeal to all to begin at once. The loss of these young people is infinite. It surely can be prevented by whole-hearted effort on our part. There are many things we who are located in the homeland can not do for the cause, but we can hold our young people, and to this we should put forth the most earnest, prayerful, consecrated effort of which we are capable.
Elder Morris Lukens was re-elected president of the conference, and with the hearty co-operation of his immediate associates and all the people he takes up the work of another year with courage and hope.
A. G. DANIELLS.
E. L. CARDEY
By E. L. Cardey
One blessed experience we have had here that is different than any we have had elsewhere,—in nearly every case husband and wife accepted the truth together. Nine have gained the victory over the use of tobacco, some having used it for thirty-five years. Two almost hopeless drunkards and infidels have taken the Lord into their lives, and are trusting in him for victory.
One brother, whose wife began to keep the Sabbath several weeks ago, has been under conviction for some time. He came to the place where he thought God had left him. Satan so worked upon him that he was almost ready to take his own life. I called the church together one night after the meeting for special prayer for him and some others. The next morning, while he was trying to find some comfort from the Bible, the Spirit of God rolled back the dark clouds, and sweet peace came into his heart. It was not till evening that I saw him, as he was coming to the tent—and what a different countenance he had!
At present I am engaged in a tent effort in Santa Ana, three miles from Orange. I have a company of workers with me, and a tent that will seat five hundred persons. The attendance has been good this first week, there being from two hundred fifty to four hundred fifty each night. We are in the closing time of this message, and the people are ready for light. O, that we were in the place that we should be! then would God now—even now—do a work in soul-saving such as we have never dreamed of.
E. L. CARDEY
Christian Liberty
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary
C. M. SNOW — Corresponding Secretary
Moral and Religious Education in the Public Schools
By F. FREDERICK BLISS
As a people we are deeply interested in the attitude of republican governments toward the teaching of morals and religion in the public schools. With this in mind, it occurred to us to give a little attention to the reports of the United States Bureau of Education, instituted in 1867. In our search we found no hint of this subject in the reports of the bureau till 1870, when Hebrew education received brief mention. We were surprised to find that three years later the commissioner of education gave, in his report, space to “Educational Work of Sunday-schools and Missions.” That was in 1873, and nothing more of that nature, nor in any moral or religious line, received mention till 1875, when Sunday-schools and missions came in for further attention; and again in 1878.
A decade then passed with not the slightest reference to morals, missions, Sunday-schools, or religion; but in 1888 we found “Religious Instruction in the Public Schools” filling thirty-five pages of the commissioner’s annual report. Now, we thought, we shall find more and more of this; but six years passed before anything more appeared in the reports. Then, in 1894, forty-four pages were devoted to Catholic parochial schools. The next year, 1895, “The Letters of Rabbi Akibah, or the Jewish Primer, As It Was Used in the Public Schools Two Thousand Years Ago,” occupied eighteen pages of the report.
In 1896 seventy-five pages were devoted to Sunday-schools, and the next year thirty-five to the Bible in public schools and State universities. In 1903 Catholic parochial schools were again noticed, this time occupying twenty-one pages. The last report, that of 1909, has so many notices of matters of this nature that we leave it for fuller treatment in the future. For instance, three pages of this report are devoted simply to a list of works on moral and religious education; and throughout the first volume of the report the passages which refer to this vital matter are of such a nature as to suggest the desirability of carrying the investigation to a further point. F. FREDERICK BLISS.
Indiana
By MRS. R. W. McMAHAN
Our camp-meeting was a most remarkable one in some respects. I think it will mark a new era in our work in Indiana, especially in the young people's work. Elder A. G. Daniels spent a week with us, and took some of the best of our flock, who volunteered for foreign fields. I could not but rejoice, though it is hard to see them go. Some of our most competent young people will be in the Foreign Mission Seminary the coming year, to train for the fields beyond. Twenty-five young people were baptized, most of them making a start for the first time.
MRS. R. W. McMAHAN.
Ohio
By O. M. JOHN
I am glad to be able to hand in a good report regarding our young people at the recent camp-meeting. An excellent spirit seemed to prevail. This was manifested by an increasing attendance at both the early morning and the afternoon17meeting, and by earnestness at the devotional meetings. A large number seemed much interested in the educational work, and several are planning to attend Mount Vernon College the coming year. O. M. JOHN.
Missionary Volunteer Work at Our Camp-Meetings
By C. N. SANDERS
West Michigan
ALL will be interested in the following paragraphs from letters in which Missionary Volunteer secretaries speak of the young people's work at their camp-meetings:—
We had several prayer bands formed, and excellent work was done. Five were brought to Christ as a result, and no doubt many others received deep and lasting impressions. Our attendance was between one hundred and one hundred twenty-five at each meeting.
C. N. SANDERS.
MRS. BIRDIE CONWAY
By Mrs. Birdie Conway
British Columbia
The Lord blessed our work during the camp-meeting, and some earnest young people gave their hearts to the Lord, and will enter the school this year.
MRS. BIRDIE CONWAY
Wisconsin
By B. L. POST.
In some respects our camp-meeting this year was the best I ever attended. The earnestness and zeal of the young people were marked. Several prayer bands were organized among them, and eighteen young people were baptized. One morning in the devotional meeting more than one hundred young people took part in prayer. It was the most remarkable season of prayer I ever attended. From fifteen to twenty volunteered for foreign missions.
B. L. POST.
Southern California
Brother D. D. Fitch writes that the Southern California meeting was very good. One day seventy-five young people went out with invitations to the meetings. Eighty young people enrolled in the Reading Course, and about the same number signified their intention of becoming members of the Standard of Attainment.
Kansas
By B. W. Brown
We are having good meetings at this place. The Spirit of the Lord has been manifest, and some have sought the Lord for forgiveness of sin. We have not had any great demonstration, yet several have taken their stand for Christ. During the past year seventy-seven young people have been converted.
B. W. BROWN.
North Missouri
By V. Nutter
We had a good camp-meeting. Many opportunities for service were presented to the youth. In the young people's tent we had these mottoes “I Am the Way: ‘Follow Me;” “Look and Live;” “Jesus Saves;” and “Saved to Serve.”
V. NUTTER.
Georgia
By Mrs. Helen D. Dowsett.
Three promising young men were baptized. It was chiefly through the influence of the young people's meetings that they were led to take this step.
MRS. HELEN D. DOWSETT.
Louisiana
By Mrs. C. A. Saxby
A resolution was passed at our camp-meeting requiring all our young laborers to take the Standard of Attainment examination in Bible doctrines and denominational history.
Mrs. C. A. Saxby.
New Jersey
By Mrs. Anna E. Rambo
Our young people and children enjoyed their meetings, and in many ways we could see that good was accomplished. Quite a number of children and young people gave themselves to God, and went forward in baptism. Several expressed a desire to attend one of our schools.
MRS. ANNA E. RAMBO.
Young People's Work
Conducted by the Young People's Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference
M. E. KERN - - - - Secretary
MATILDA ERICKSON - Corresponding Secretary
Standard of Attainment
By M. E.
THE regular semiannual examination in Standard of Attainment, which is usually held in September, will be postponed until November. This is done in order that those who are making a special study of the society lessons in Bible doctrines, for the purpose of preparing for this examination, shall not be asked to take it till the series is completed.
The last year has offered our young people special help in their efforts to become members of the Standard of Attainment. Aside from Bible doctrines in the Missionary Volunteer society lessons, one of the books in the senior reading course was “The Great Second Advent Movement.”
The membership in Standard of Attainment is growing constantly; but since our young people have had this special opportunity during the last year, we trust that an exceptionally large number will take the examination this fall.
M. E.
Notes of Progress
By L. A. Hansen
While no report has been given recently in this column, we can say that the relief campaign work is onward. There are many items of interest and encouragement to be noted. The camp-meeting season just closing has seen material advancement in this movement, details of which will be given later.
By the direction of the General Conference Committee I visited a number of camp-meetings in the Southwestern, Central, and Lake union conferences, besides visiting churches and institutions between points, as opportunity afforded. As viewed from these visits, the outlook for the campaign is good, giving reason to believe that God's blessing is upon this work, and that it has a successful future. Our leaders are giving it their support, and it appeals to our brethren and sisters in general.
While there have been many other interests to demand attention at the camp-meetings, those in charge of them have manifested a willingness to devote time and attention to the proposition of selling “Ministry of Healing,” and they have taken it up as something that is now before us, and must be done. In some places the leaders have set a good pace by ordering a number of books themselves.18
A characteristic sentiment is that in the relief campaign we have an opportunity to do missionary work of the highest order. Laying aside the financial considerations of the work, it is worthy of our fullest support. Add to this, however, the fact that the successful completion of this enterprise will mean an income of nearly half a million dollars to our institutions, and we have a proposition that deserves our careful consideration and co-operation.
L. A. HANSEN.
Sanitarium Relief Campaign
Admonition
“THE book, ‘Ministry of Healing,’ may do the same work for our sanitariums and health institutions that ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ has done for our schools. This book contains the wisdom of the Great Physician. To me it has been a precious privilege to donate my work on these books for the cause of God. In the future there should be well-planned and persevering efforts made to increase their sale.”
“Let us do all we can . . . to inaugurate plans for an active campaign with ‘Ministry of Healing.’”
“Our brethren and sisters . . . should never weary of this plan for raising money to meet the debts that have been accumulated.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 71, 86, 83.
British Union
By W. H. Wakeham
At the recent general meeting at Watford [England] the following resolution was presented for the consideration of the conference:—
“Whereas, Experience has demonstrated that the organization of our young people into local societies under the general supervision of the church has been a blessing both to the church and to the young people; therefore,—
“Resolved, That we approve of the work that has been done, and that we urge our local conference officers to encourage such an organization wherever there is a sufficient number to warrant it.”
It was believed that the most effective method of discussing such a resolution was to let the leaders of the young people’s societies speak for themselves. So by prearrangement, a large part of the time of the meeting was spent in listening to the reports of the work and methods of our young people’s organizations. Twelve societies were represented, and furnished verbal or written reports of the work done during the past year. Some of these reports showed that our young people had been doing careful planning and earnest work, and with very gratifying results. Various were the means invented to raise money for foreign missions; and home missionary work had not been overlooked. One society reported conversions to the message as the direct result of young people’s efforts; another, a goodly sum raised for the Scottish mission field. One society had made a special study of our denominational history, and had received a rich blessing therefrom. Others had done considerable in the matter of circulating our literature. One society had done something in the way of getting signers to the temperance pledge. All reported blessings accruing to themselves and to others as a result of the organized work done. I think there was no question in the minds of those present at this meeting that the Missionary Volunteer societies have fully justified their existence; and the resolution was unanimously adopted.
However, but a beginning has been made. Much more must be done in the future than has yet been accomplished. One or two societies that were some time ago doing good work have, for various reasons, been abandoned. Some others are scarcely alive. These dead societies must again live; the disheartened must be encouraged. A responsibility rests upon conference workers and the local church officers. Great possibilities are bound up in our young people. The Lord needs their service. Let them be helped in every way possible to develop their latent powers for service.
