Earlier text: Our Father's AdmonitionMrs. White's Labors in Michigan and Indiana
By D. E. Robinson
The West Michigan camp-meeting was held on the fair-grounds at Three Rivers, July 22 to August 2. A goodly number of our people were present, although on account of its being harvest-time, there was a smaller attendance than usual. Besides union and local conference workers, several ministers from abroad were in attendance. Among these were Elders A. G. Daniells, G. B. Thompson, W. C. White, S. G. Haughey, and C. McReynolds. On the part of the citizens of Three Rivers there was an increasing interest from day to day. Mrs. White arrived the day before the meeting opened, and with the exception of one day, remained till the close. During the ten days, she spoke in the large tent four times. On Sabbath, July 24, she read from Exodus portions of the experience of Israel from their departure out of Egypt up to the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai. Regarding this she said:— “We are sometimes astonished at the course of the children of Israel. The Lord had wrought for them mightily in bringing them forth from Egypt and through the Red Sea, and it seems surprising that they should not afterward have an unshaken faith that God was leading them, and that he would provide for them. But are we not as faithless as they? are we not in danger of being fearful when we should be strong and of good courage? Many to-day are ready to pledge themselves as willing to be led by God; but when they come into a hard place, they do not stand the proving. They complain and murmur against the Lord. Would it not be better, when we are in trouble or perplexity, to come in simplicity to the same God who led Israel of old, and ask him to show us his great kindness?” In concluding her discourse, Mrs. White made an earnest appeal for all to declare themselves on the Lord's side, and to seek, during the time of the meeting, the blessing he has in store for them. “Do not,” she said, “trifle with the opportunities that you have in such gatherings as this. Be faithful in attending the meetings, and give heed to the messages borne. Make thorough work for eternity. Respond to the invitations that may be given. Let your hearts be melted under the influence of the Holy Spirit. ‘Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.’ Search your Bible, that you may know what God says. You need not ask any one else your duty; you are individually amenable to God. I entreat of you to make your peace with God, and to be obedient.” Nearly all present pledged themselves to seek the Lord, and Mrs. White prayed for a rich blessing to rest upon those assembled. The revival effort was continued in other meetings during the day by Elder Thompson and others, and many were impressed by the Holy Spirit to give themselves to the Lord. Sunday, many from the city attended the camp, and Mrs. White addressed a large congregation in the afternoon. She dwelt impressively upon the great sacrifice of Christ and his sufferings, reading the prophecy founded in the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, and bringing out many practical thoughts regarding Christian living. The forenoon of Tuesday was devoted to a consideration of the canvassing work and other lines of missionary effort. By request, Mrs. White spoke for about half an hour regarding our duty as a missionary people. She said, in part:— “As a people we have received great light. The truth of God is to be justified before the world. If we are content to remain in our homes, feeling no burden to communicate the truth to others, we ourselves need the converting power of God in our hearts. Our light comes from the highest source, and is given to us that we may pass it on to others. “It is time that we place ourselves in right relation to God. If you have an intelligent knowledge of the truth for this time, then it is your privilege and your duty to impart it to others. If you have not that knowledge, then you should seek for it. Learn how to present the truth in a clear and forceful manner. The light is to shine forth to the world in clear, distinct rays. If you are truly converted, you will not hide your light under a bushel, but let it shine forth to others. ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’” “In the Word of God there is a commission that we can not evade. There is a world to be warned, and the believers must carry the saving truth to all nations. There is a great work before us, and it can not be finished by only a few. There is something for every one to do. May God put upon us all a spirit to communicate truth, and may he impress every one to lift every possible ounce in an effort to get the message before the world. “How can we arouse our people and the people of the world to prepare to meet our God? We must seek the Lord with all the heart, that we may find him. Then hold on; we must not let go. We need a conversion that will remain with us; for we have a work that is to continue. Just as long as we are on this earth, and there are souls unwarned, we can not lay off this responsibility. “And if you are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, you can reach some of these unwarned souls. Many who are now perishing in their sins will yet be converted, and turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. Take hold of the work in earnest, anywhere and everywhere, and when you do this, you will have a sense of your need of power from on high. “He that is to come will come, and will not tarry. And thousands upon thousands are unwarned. The great cities are to be worked; this is kept before me night and day. Because of the magnitude of the work, because of the large outlay of means that they think necessary, many are hesitating about taking up the work that must be done in these large centers. Do they expect that men of means will come to them and offer them help, asking them to come and give them the message? We must make a beginning with what we have. Let groups of laborers appoint meetings in some portion of a city. An interest will be created that will increase. Those who receive the message will be willing to impart of their means to provide for an enlargement of the work. “We are to labor in simplicity, but earnestly. Shall we now take hold to do the work that God would have us do, or shall it be that persons will come up to us when the troubles have burst upon the world, and say, ‘Why did not you warn us of these calamities that were coming, if you knew them?’” “O, this precious message that God has given us! Many are longing for it,8 and it must be given as soon as possible. Begin to proclaim it wherever you may be. As soon as you begin to act, God will open the way before you.” On the way from Buffalo to Three Rivers, Mrs. White stopped over one day in Battle Creek. While there, she met many of her old friends and associates in the work. The brethren urgently requested that she speak to them, and she promised, if possible, to return from the camp-meeting for that purpose. Accordingly an appointment was given out for a discourse by her in the Tabernacle, Thursday afternoon, July 29. The church was well filled, there being present many from the sanitarium and from the city, in addition to the regular membership. Mrs. White opened the service with prayer, after which she gave a simple, but earnest discourse, based upon the fifteenth chapter of John. In the evening Elders Daniells and White stopped over in Battle Creek on their way from Washington to the Three Rivers camp-meeting. They accompanied Mrs. White and her party on their return from Battle Creek to Three Rivers Friday morning. Visit to the Indiana Sanitarium
Monday morning, August 2, Mrs. White, Miss McEnterfer, and Elder White left Three Rivers for a brief visit to the Wabash Valley Sanitarium at La Fayette, Ind. At the depot they were met by Dr. W. W. Worster, the medical superintendent, and Brother H. C. Saunders, the business manager, who took them quickly in an automobile three miles up the river to the new sanitarium. Here they found a well-equipped institution that does credit to our people in Indiana who have established it. At the time of this visit there were thirty-two patients being cared for, and applications from others for entrance as soon as room could be found for them. Regarding this sanitarium and its influence, Mrs. White wrote:— “We were intensely interested in this sanitarium and its surroundings, for the Lord has presented before me in vision just such a scene. I could hardly believe that I had not seen the place before with my natural eyes. “I am instructed to say that it is in the order of God that this property has been secured. It is to become an important center for missionary work in the surrounding cities. Our sanitariums are designed of God to be institutions through which he can work. “In securing and equipping the La Fayette Sanitarium, our brethren have acted according to their best judgment. They have not moved rashly. Some have tried to discourage this enterprise, but I am instructed to say, Help those that are struggling with difficulties. If they look to him for counsel, the Lord will bless and strengthen the physician and the helpers in the sanitarium. “Let not our brethren feel it their duty to restrict the investment of means where it is needed. It is in the Lord's order that the sanitarium has been secured. More land should have been purchased, and if possible, this should be done now. The grounds around a sanitarium should not be restricted. Provision should be made for the raising of fruit and vegetables, and it should not be made possible for buildings of an objectionable character to be erected near our institutions. “The plan of having our sanitariums out of the cities is born of the Lord. This should be borne in mind, and sufficient land should be secured to raise fruit and vegetables. It will be a boon to the sick and to the helpers to be given outdoor work on the land. Many of our own workers have broken down in health through excessive mental taxation without the balance of physical exercise. “There is an important work to be done in the vicinity of La Fayette. Our people generally do not realize how Satan is at work to secure souls through his specious deceptions. . . . “Because of distracting influences, the work in Indiana has in the past been greatly hindered. The reproach of God rests upon a people who have a knowledge of the truth, and yet hold their peace. May the Lord forgive those who have known of open fields that have been left without a knowledge of the Scriptures. Let no one excuse himself from helping, nor complain because the Lord now calls for efforts and means to atone for the long neglect of work that should have been done years ago. In every place where the sheep have been scattered, let earnest effort now be put forth for the salvation of souls.” Come Forth
By M. E. Yergin
“Of God, of God,” the earth proclaims
At dawning of the day;
And like a throbbing sea, the air
Is filled with minstrelsy. From creatures small, from creatures
great,
The high Jehovah’s name
Is heard in all the languages
That creature life can claim. The voice is silent; all is still
On mountainside and plain,
Where day’s broad fringe of glory
spreads
O’er groups of homes of men. Come forth, ye silent sons of men!
Come forth! Why are ye still?
Your beating heart, your food, your
breath,
Are by Jehovah’s will. As David, nightly on his couch,
Sank in the common death,
He trusted God would bring him forth
At morning’s early breath. And, lo! the light of early morn
Came from the distant throne;
A bird sang near the royal form;
A zephyr, gently blown,
Passed o’er his brow, and mortal man
Came forth again to live: All creatures to their sovereign Lord
Unstinted praises give. Come forth, ye silent sons of men!
Come forth! Why are ye still? All nature gives as man should give;
Jehovah waits thee, still. The Kingdom Principle
By T. E. Bowen
One of the hardest lessons for us to learn is the one Jesus taught us when he stepped down from his exalted place beside the throne of his Father to become one with us in our fallen estate. There could be no selfishness in this free choice on Christ's part; for he already had all that his heart could desire in the way of honor, wealth, and glory. But the word had been whispered in heaven that even God the Father and Christ the Son were actuated by self-interests in their administration of the affairs of the universe. And when Jesus voluntarily offered himself as a sacrifice for the lost world, and the Father gave him up, and the Son actually of his own free will left his exalted place upon the throne, all heaven must have looked on in wonder and astonishment. That mystery hidden from before the foundation of the world, now began to unfold and be worked out in a way heretofore not understood. An actual demonstration was to be made of the blessed principle underlying love—that heaven-born principle of self-forgetfulness in its service for the good and happiness of others. Satan contests this point. He seems never to tire in repeating that there is no such thing as unselfishness, no motive born of disinterested love. But Jesus forever settles the question in his life of self-denial, self-forgetfulness, and toil would be for a race so ungrateful as to repay his love by cruelly putting him to death. One thing is sure, and that is that on the cross our Lord effectually put an end to this falsehood, as far as heaven is concerned. The last lingering tie of sympathy that might have remained in any angel heart surely must have been severed when Satan poured out his contempt and hate upon the innocent, suffering Son of God, as his divine-human form quivered in the agonies of death in that awful hour of darkness on Calvary's hill. And one good, long look on the scene ought so to set our hearts against the wicked principle of self-serving, self-exaltation, self-seeking for glory and honor and place, as to banish it, by the help of God, from the soul forever. But somehow the battle rages in our hearts still. The tempter lures us into some pleasing snare often before we are aware of it. One beautiful illustration of how strife for glory found no place in the life of Jesus, is shown in an occasion early in his ministry, at a time when John's work was at its height, when large multitudes thronged to hear him at Jordan and be baptized. The record says: “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, . . . he left Judea, and departed again into Galilee.” He wanted no strife to arise, caused by comparison of his work with that of John; so he quietly removed to another place,—a lesson all workers in spiritual labor might study with great profit to-day. Even the disciples comprehended but faintly the self-sacrificing life of their Master. In seeking to correct their self-seeking for place and position and honor, we are told: “Very tenderly, yet with solemn emphasis, Jesus tried to correct the evil. He showed what is the principle that bears sway in the kingdom of heaven, and in what true greatness consists, as estimated by the standard of the courts above. Those who were actuated by pride and love of distinction, were thinking of themselves, and the rewards they were to have, rather than how they were to render back to God the gifts they had received. They would have no place in the kingdom of heaven. . . . When men exalt themselves, feeling that they are a necessity for the success of God's great plan, the Lord causes them to be set aside. It is made evident that the Lord is not dependent upon them. The work does not stop because of their removal from it, but goes forward with greater power.”—“Desire of Ages,” page 436. The principle of self-exaltation belongs to Satan. He is the father of it. It is evil, and evil only. It will work ruin to every one who builds upon it. Unselfish love is of God. He originated it. He lives it. In it is all true greatness. To build upon this principle is life, because this is love, and love is of God. And he that hath the Son of God, hath life. Jesus has made it possible for us as truly to live unselfishly9 in our lives as he lived, and still lives, in his life. The enemy says it is impossible. God says it is possible. Unselfishness must appear in every life that goes in through the gates into the city. And this principle of unselfish love can not be evolved by human effort. It must come into our lives as the result of faith on our part, as a gift from God to be wrought out in us. Once received, it sets our feet upon the narrow path that leads heavenward. New impulses spring into action. Our lives touch and unite with those of the angels in the blessed ministry of unselfish service. God's name is exalted, and he receives back all that his heart of love demands—the simple, earnest, and confiding love of his children on earth. And such lives will be extended throughout eternity. “The sincere, contrite soul is precious in the sight of God. He places his own signet upon men, not by their rank, not by their wealth, not by their intellectual greatness, but by their oneness with Christ. The Lord of glory is satisfied with those who are meek and lowly in heart.”—Id., page 437. “To this man will I look,” saith the Lord, “even him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” This is the kingdom principle. Time as an Offering
By Max Hill
“FROM the days of your fathers ye have turned aside from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” “Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God?” “Wherein have we robbed thee?” “In tithes and offerings.” We quote the passage in Malachi to show that, of the means entrusted to us, God desires and demands more than the bare tenth; but he calls for “tithes and offerings.” The history of the past has demonstrated that the giving of offerings has resulted in great blessing to the givers, both spiritual and financial. By giving, God’s people have tested the promises he has made, that he will open the storehouse of heaven and shower down blessings in abundance. But God demands more than a portion of our means. He demands a certain portion of our time; “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” And is this all? Does he expect only this one portion of time to be devoted to him and his service? This much belongs to him; it is not a gift from us. Shall there be no “offering” of time as well as of means? There was anciently. The application of this argument is evident when we speak of the yearly gatherings of the people of God at camp-meetings, conferences, and conventions. But there is another “offering” of time which is sadly neglected, to the detriment of the individuals as well. This is the weekly prayer-meeting. We meet on the Sabbath, and we think our duty performed; but that is only our duty according to the letter of the law. The spirit of the law demands an offering. If the prayer-meeting is dull, do we sense the responsibility resting upon us to make it bright and helpful? If a few faithful sisters are the only ones who love their Master enough to make him an offering of their own time, they are the only ones who may hope for the spiritual blessings he has promised. And it may be that they are the only ones of whom it is said: “They shall be mine, saith Jehovah of hosts, even mine own possession, in the day that I make; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Their records are in heaven, for “they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah harkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name.” Then will they see and receive the reward for their faithfulness in rendering unto God his own Sabbath and tithe “and offerings.” The Stay-Away Evil
By E. K. Slade
MANY fail to have a proper estimate of the importance attached to faithful attendance at our church services. Notwithstanding the injunction of the Scriptures, “Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together,” the tendency seems to be in the way of greater slackness and unfaithfulness in that respect, even though there are many evidences that the day is very near at hand. In the mind of God there are special reasons why his people should meet together in worship as the end draws near. There can be no other interpretation of the scripture which says, “Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together; . . . and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” than that it refers to the importance of the Lord’s people practising faithfulness in the matter of attending church services as they draw near to the end. It is a mistaken idea that church services are merely for the people of God to meet and worship him. It is true that that is an important part of the service. A special blessing is in store for those who assemble in the name of God, and enter into the worship in the true spirit and with the proper understanding of God’s purposes. We would not underestimate the importance of this feature of the church services. Some have said, “We can pray and study our Bibles at home, and avoid the extra labor and exertion to prepare for church and go to the place of worship.” Those who have this view of the matter do not understand, neither do they exercise a proper faith in the counsel of the great Head of the church. There are not very many good reasons for remaining away from church services. Nearly all of the reasons that are given for doing so are strong arguments in favor of the assembling of God’s people. I have heard persons say with considerable feeling, “As long as things are thus and so, I will remain at home, and I am sure the Lord will bless me there more than he will if I attend church under these conditions.” There are some in our conferences who are habitually remaining away from church services because they are harboring wrong feelings in their hearts toward individuals, or possibly toward the most of the church. I would like to point out briefly some of the principles involved in this question. It is a matter of great importance in our work. Through the fall, man has come to inherit a nature directly opposite to the divine nature. Every heart has become selfish, and every nature is perverse. Each one naturally seeks his own way and serves himself as supreme. This is not stating the situation in too strong language when we refer to the unrestrained, selfish nature of humanity. For persons of such a nature to dwell together with any degree of peace or safety special laws and regulations are required. This is true in all the world, and because of this governments of men are required. It is God’s purpose through the gospel to bring just such persons into a condition where they may safely and peaceably dwell together, as all will do who truly belong to the household of God and hope to dwell in the house of God forever. It means much indeed to bring forty, fifty, or one hundred persons together into the close relationship that church-membership necessitates. For such a close relationship to be entered into safely by selfish beings, a set of laws and regulations would be required, with severe penalties attached. The gospel provides for this close and intimate association. A transformation is to be wrought that will make it possible for God’s children to dwell together in unity in spite of the disposition in each one to seek his own way. This can be accomplished only through the Lord’s people entering into this close relationship. The Lord has given specific directions regarding the adjusting of difficulties wherever trouble arises. He does not tell his people to separate and scatter in order to get along peaceably, but the word is always to press together. A great work is being accomplished for a people when they are brought to such a condition that they can work together with God and enjoy their seasons of worship and their work in this close relationship with a spirit of love and oneness prevailing. To accomplish this thing is the object of church relationship, which is one of the means ordained of God to help prepare his people for the state from which humanity has fallen. One who purposely withdraws himself from meeting with the local church is definitely defeating the purposes of God, and placing himself on the ground of the enemy. Relation of the Home to the Sabbath-School
By L. Flora Plummer
The real success of the Sabbath-school work rests in large measure upon the parents, even though they may be neither officers nor teachers in the school. Where is the superintendent of a school or the teacher of a class of children who has not felt at times that much of the effort in behalf of the youth and children was ineffective because of the failure of the home to co-operate with the Sabbath-school? It is not designed that the work of the Sabbath-school should take the place of the religious instruction children should receive in their homes. The most powerful influence for good that can possibly be thrown around the youth is the safeguard of home religious training. Yet it seems that many parents leave this work to be done entirely by others. We would not depreciate the value of the kind and loving efforts of friends and teachers in behalf of the youth and children, but we can not understand the feelings that lead Christian parents to commit unto others the entire fitting up for an eternal life of their most precious jewels. It is a sad condition that makes the statement true in some cases that the teacher has more influence for good with a child than the parents. We have seen the powerful effect of the unselfish labors of Christian teachers in mission Sunday-schools. Under the influence of such work many children have been converted, and have grown up to be useful men and women, from homes that were dens of vice and iniquity. It is easier, in many instances, to lead a child of openly wicked parents to accept the gospel than to make any lasting impression upon the mind of one whose home is professedly Christian, but whose parents by their daily lives deny their profession. The child invariably and constantly interprets the meaning of Christianity by the lives of those who profess it. The following quotations from “Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work” establishes perfectly the proper relationship between the school and the home:— “The parents have a serious responsibility resting upon them to co-operate with the teachers in the Sabbath-school.” “Parents and children should work in harmony with superintendent and teachers, thus giving evidence that they appreciate the labor put forth for them. Parents should take special interest in the religious education of their children, that they may have a more thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.” “While it is essential that wise, patient efforts should be made by the teacher, the work must not be left altogether to the Sabbath-school and church worker, but it must find its foundation and support in the work of the home. Parents have a sacred responsibility and charge committed to them, and they are called upon to keep their charge, to bear their responsibility in the fear of God, watching for the souls of their children as they who must give an account.” “The responsibility which God has given to men and women as parents, many have shifted from themselves to the Sabbath-school worker and to the church influence. But each instrumentality has its work, and parents who neglect their part will be weighed in the balances and found wanting.” “God would have those who profess to be his followers thoroughly furnished with proof of the doctrines of his Word. When and where can this be better obtained than in youth at the Sabbath-school? Parents should in no case treat this matter indifferently.” We appeal to parents everywhere to heed carefully this instruction. Doing so will certainly cause you to be actively interested in all plans for the good of the school. Your co-operation is needed and desired by all the intelligent officers and teachers in every school. Your support, financially and morally, your sympathies, your prayers, and your prompt and regular attendance should be given continually in behalf of the school, for it has to do with your dearest interests. You can find no substitute to act your part. “KEITH, don’t forget to fill the wood-box,” Mrs. Lawson reminded her son the morning after his return from a visit to his aunts and Uncle Jack. “What’ll you pay me?” Keith was searching for his gloves, and he asked the question without looking up. In a moment he turned and met his mother’s astonished gaze. “Aunt Kate, Aunt Harriet, and Uncle Jack always paid me in some way when I worked for them,” he explained hastily, “and I think you folks could, too.” “Well!” Keith knew by the tone that his mother was displeased. “All right,” she added in a moment, but with a hurt look. “I’ll give you five cents if you will fill it heaping full.” When the wood-box was filled, Keith’s grandmother called: “Where is the boy who hunts my glasses? I’m glad he is home again.” “I’ll find them if you will pay me, grandmother,” was the answer. “Let me see, I haven’t any change. How would a bag of candy do?” Keith decided it would do, and he hunted the glasses. That night he was paid for getting his father’s slippers. He wouldn’t take his little sister to bed until he was promised a new knife. So things went on day after day. His parents had thought, at first, that it was only a notion that would soon be forgotten, but it was not. One day Mr. and Mrs. Lawson and Grandmother Lawson had a talk, but Keith didn’t hear the talk. That very same day he hurried home from school, and rushed into the house. “Mother, where are you?” he called. “Won’t you sew my football? It’s ripped.” “What will you pay me?” his mother asked. “Why! why!” Keith was so surprised that this was all he could say for a minute. “I could give you the big red apple that Carl Horton brought me,” he finished. “I will fix it for that,” was the reply. When Keith went out again, the ball was mended, but the red apple was on the table by his mother’s side. “Won’t you help me with my example, father?” he asked after supper that same evening. “I will for ten cents,” Mr. Lawson replied. Keith shut his lips tight to keep from saying anything. Father had always been so willing to help. The help was given this time, but the elephant bank was ten cents lighter when the work was finished. For five days Keith paid each member of the family who did anything for him; he was paid, too, for anything he did for others. The fifth evening he said to Baby Lillian: “Won’t you hand me my pencil off the table, Lillian?”11 “What ’oo pay?” she lisped. That was too much for Keith, and when his father looked at him, a big tear was rolling down his cheek. “What’s the matter?” he inquired. “I haven’t hardly a thing left,” he sobbed. “I’ve given away my knife, my big marble, my top, my paints, and lots of my money to have things done for me. I don’t like this way. Let’s just do things because we like each other.” “All right,” father, mother, and grandmother agreed, “we don’t like this way either.” “I have found out how mean I’ve been, though,” and Keith smiled through his tears. “I’ll fill that wood-box up high in the morning, mother. I’ll do what I’m asked to do, after this, and I won’t ask to be paid for doing it, either.” Daily Prayer
By J. D. Moore
To-day I have so much to do
The moments seem too few,
Not one can I afford to spare;
So I must spend much time in prayer,
If I get through. To-day I have so much to feel
Of wounds I can not heal
In others, but which I may share;
So I must spend much time in prayer,
For others’ weal. To-day I have so much to tell
Of hope to those who fell
On yesterday into despair;
But I must spend much time in prayer
To do it well. To-day I have so much to show
Of love to those who go
To-morrow into many a snare;
And if I spend much time in prayer,
I will do so. To-day I have so much to do!
The moments are so few!
The day’s work seems to end nowhere!
But if I spend much time in prayer,
I shall get through. The Somabula Mission
By W. C. Walston
We are glad to report that the message is prospering here, and that we are of good courage. Fifteen new students have been enrolled lately, and our school is full. The students are doing nicely. We have been building new huts for all the boys in a new place, farther away from the mission house, and we have them finished just in time for the new arrivals. The old plan was to have all the buildings in close proximity, but the present plan greatly lessens the liability to loss by fire. It was also very noisy to have so many living close to the mission house. We shall enjoy the new arrangement much better. It was our intention to build two new brick mission cottages this season, but as we shall not have the time, we shall fix up the old house for this year.12 We are expecting to have a baptismal service soon. There are a number of candidates. It gives us pleasure to see souls gathered in, and getting ready for the Lord’s coming. I realize more and more that this is the great object for which we should strive. Our crops are all harvested, and we shall have about one hundred more bags of mealies than last year. We are finding a ready market for our produce, at a mine only six miles from the mission. Our out-schools are doing well. Mrs. Walston and I visited one a few weeks since, about fifty miles from here. We went with the big covered wagon and the oxen, taking our camping outfit along, and were away eight days. We had a very profitable time. The school is nearly as large as our mission school. On the Sabbath there were seventy-five out to meeting, and our lantern lectures Sabbath and Sunday nights were well attended. I took along my instruments, and did the usual amount of extracting teeth, all along the road. The natives would come out, and we would stop the wagon, and the roadside became a dental office. There does not seem to be so much sickness in this section as in some localities, but sometimes I have treatments to give at the mission, as well as when I am traveling. There were several calls for other out-schools near the place we visited, and the people want a white teacher. There were seven who wished to be baptized. On the whole, we were much encouraged with the results of the out-school. As we see the needs of this field, and the limited number of missionaries to carry the message, our minds go to the home land, and we think of the many Sabbath-keepers who might come to this country and help us,—men who have means, so that they could come on their own resources and start the work on a small scale. It would soon be self-supporting. I sometimes wish I could spend a year in the States, and go among our people, and tell them of the needs of this field, and see if some could not be aroused to come into these far-off places and render service for God. I feel sure that if we had sufficient land here in this mission which we could cultivate, we should soon be entirely self-supporting. We have only about one hundred acres. There being so much forest, we have to cultivate in small plots. We are nearly self-supporting now. The work will soon be finished. I feel that God is soon to do much for the natives in Africa. They are rapidly coming into our schools of late, as you will see by the reports from other missions, and I hope we shall see these students returning to their own people, taking the message to them. This part of Rhodesia is a great mining district, and the natives come here to work in the mines, and after a little while hear of our school, and come to us, desiring to learn. Some of them live long distances away, perhaps hundreds of miles, and no doubt in this way the message will be carried to distant parts.