p. 24 | Review and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 10. (3/10/1904)

Agricultural Education

By H. A. Washburn

All Our Schools to Be Agricultural

It is an inspiring thought that in our educational work, as we pray, plan, and work, we are being used of God in the development of his ideal in education, the excellence of which is to attract the attention of the world to the last great effort to save the perishing. That we are being led in new ways, none question; but that God is leading, we have full assurance. The development of the educational reform is doubtless, in some respects, at that stage where our health reform work was at one time, when in its humble character it attracted little attention other than ridicule. The living principles upon which we are working, however, will in their fruitage be seen in their excellence as truly as has been the case in our sanitarian work.

A Model School

As an end toward which we are to work, there has been placed before us a model school. “The system of education instituted at the beginning of the world, was to be a model for man throughout all after-time.” —“Education,” page 20. The work of the third angel’s message is to bring a people into harmony with God’s original purposes, and this directs our attention to the original system of education. While we have not always been accustomed to think of our first parents as being students in a school, we are told that, as an illustration of the principles of the divine system of education, “a model school was established in Eden.” “The garden of Eden was the school-room, nature was the lesson book, the Creator himself was the instructor, and the parents of the human family were the students.”

While there is much in these statements for profitable study, our attention must be directed to simply one phase of this school work. In the Bible record concerning this school we read: “The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.” The duty assigned to our first parents in this garden was “to dress it and to keep it.” Gen. 2: 8, 9, 15. This school, which was to be “a model for man throughout all after-time,” is clearly seen to be an industrial school, and the industry selected by the all-wise Creator was agriculture.

“It was his purpose that, as the human family increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one he had given. Thus in course of time the whole earth might be occupied with homes and schools” of this character.

The ideal school, then, is an agricultural school. This should be the character of every school among us. Is it too much to say that this is what all our existing schools, though established otherwise, must become? Certain it is that we must never again establish another school without making it industrial, with agriculture as the first and chief employment. We may here appropriately quote instruction found on page 178, of “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI: “Some do not appreciate the value of agricultural work. These should not plan for our schools; for they will hold everything from advancing in right lines.” No one is qualified to act on the board of management or the faculty of any of our schools who does not feel the importance of this matter.

It may be supposed by some that the entrance of sin has necessitated a change in the original plan of education, and that the foregoing conclusions may not be correct. Regarding this we read that “under changed conditions, true education is still conformed to the Creator’s plan, the plan of the Eden school.” This was recognized after the fall by those who were loyal to God. “The people who were under his direction still pursued the plan of life that he had appointed in the beginning. Those who departed from God built for themselves cities, and congregating in them, gloried in the splendor, the luxury, and the vice that make the cities of to-day the world’s pride and its curse. But the men who held fast God’s principles of life dwelt among the fields and hills. They were tillers of the soil, and keepers of flocks and herds; and in this free, independent life, with its opportunities for labor and study and meditation, they learned of God, and taught their children of his works and ways.” These words impress upon us, as we seek to return to God’s original way of living, that our teaching must be such as to draw people from the cities, impart to them a love for nature and agricultural pursuits, and teach them how to obtain the necessities of life by the cultivation of the soil. The wonderful possibilities of such school work are evident when we are told that “thus might be set on foot influences that would go far in turning the tide of migration which now sets so strongly toward the great cities. Thus also our schools could aid effectively in the disposition of the unemployed masses.” Surely the serious conditions of the times demand that there be no longer delay in walking promptly in the direction marked out by the Lord for our schools. No longer can we establish schools in towns or near city influences. We do well also to take heed to the oft-repeated instruction that “extensive lands” be provided for our schools.

While agricultural education is an imperative demand of the times, we should also remember that this is a part of the preparation for our future life. The idea of our teaching our children “farming” as a preparation for the kingdom of God was at one time novel, to say the least, but our study of original conditions to which we are to return enables us to appreciate the statement that our students are in this way to be prepared “for a place on the Lord’s farm in the earth made new.”

Elementary Schools

It may be asked, Does this apply to our primary schools as well as to our institutions? The reply can only be, Yes, in principle. Some of the preceding statements must be modified; for it is evident that we can not at present dispense with all primary schools in the cities. We should, however, be working to the end that even these may be in the country. Important instruction is given on page 179 of Volume VI regarding agricultural instruction for the children. “A return to simpler methods will be appreciated by the children and youth. Work in the garden and field will be an agreeable change from the wearisome routine of abstract lessons, to which their young minds should never be confined.” “Study in agricultural lines should be the A, B, and C of the education given in our schools. This is the very first work that should be entered upon.”

“Nature was the lesson book” in the model school in Eden. “While the Bible should hold the first place in the education of children and youth, the book of nature is next in importance.” This is instruction which we can hardly be said to have yet carried out in our schools generally. That proper nature study is intimately associated with agricultural work is indicated under the heading, “Nature Study Made Practical,” in “Education,” page 111: “As parents and teachers try to teach these lessons, the work should be made practical. Let the children themselves prepare the soil and sow the seed.” On page 119 we read: “Thus while the children and youth gain a knowledge of facts from teachers and text-books, let them learn to draw lessons and discern truth for themselves. In their gardening, question them as to what they learn from the care of their plants.” Other instruction also indicates that we must plan for our primary schools in the same manner as for our institutions, and consequently many of the conclusions drawn in following articles may be applied to the school work for our children.

H. A. WASHBURN.

Some Helpful Books for Our Schools

ONE of the crying needs of our school work to-day is that of books. There is no material thing which will so greatly strengthen our schools as will good books—books which express the gospel in the revelation, in nature, and in God's dealings with men. There is no book upon the general subject of education to which the attention of our people should be more forcibly drawn than to “Education,” by Mrs. E. G. White, and none should be studied more closely. It contains the most important truths for this time upon educational matters. Every believer in this message should read this book. It can be ordered of all tract societies.

It may not be generally known that a new series of lessons upon New Testament history has been prepared by Prof. M. E. Kern, a teacher of Bible and history in Union College, College View, Neb. Many students consider the Bible an “easy” subject of study because they are not required to “put to the stretch” their mental and spiritual powers to master it. The Bible is without a rival as an educational power. But this can be true only when there is thorough and definite work done. It is with these thoughts in mind that the author has prepared this series of lessons. These lessons are the result of actual class work. They are highly indorsed by those who have examined and used them. They are published in three volumes, and can be purchased of the author. The price is 50 cents for Parts I and II and 25 cents for Part III. The price of the set is 65 cents. Postage, 4 cents per volume extra.

“How a Little Girl Saw Africa, Told by Herself,” is the title of a book written by Leona M. Bicknell, and now being published by Lee and Shepard, of Boston. In it she tells in her own childish way, with help from her mother, of the things which interested her most during her journey to, and while living in, the “Dark Continent,” where she went with her parents, who were missionaries. It is a most instructive and entertaining work, written in a simple, clear style, and can not fail to fascinate both old and young. At the same time the accuracy of an actual experience, and the vivid descriptions of many places, with which every child should be familiar, make it most instructive as well as entertaining. It will contain thirty-two full-page pictures taken from photographs, thus giving a true glimpse of African life. Advance orders should be sent to Mrs. P. F. Bicknell, Portland, Maine, and will be filled for 80 cents per copy. Reduction for church school supplies.

There is no subject upon which our children should be better informed than upon the prophecies. They are not beyond the comprehension of children. “The Story of Daniel the Prophet,” by Elder S. N. Haskell, is written in such a simple style that a child can read and understand it, and yet it can be read and studied by the adult students with the greatest profit. This book should find a place in all our schools. It can be ordered of all State tract societies. Price, one dollar.

Current Mention

— Trackless trains are being run in the streets of Paris. The first train of this kind consisted of a motor carriage similar to an automobile, and five cars.

— A large section of Oklahoma was swept by a prairie fire, March 2, Comanche and Kiowa Counties sustaining the chief damage. Many villages were destroyed, and three lives were lost. The property loss is estimated at about $500,000.

— Serious rioting is reported from the interior provinces of Russia, of such a character as to give rise to reports of an impending revolution. “Starving rustics,” it is said, “maddened by the excessive use of vodka, or Russian rye whisky, are plundering estates and burning outlying homesteads, murdering landowners in all directions.”

— Three soldiers were killed and two more made fatally ill at New London, Conn., by drinking wood alcohol, which they obtained at the military barber shop. They were told that the alcohol was a deadly poison, but would not believe it. It is reported that since the abolition of the army canteen, the men have been drinking almost anything they could get that contained alcohol in any form.

— By the collapse of the steel framework of a hotel which was being erected in New York City, March 2, fifteen workmen were killed and many others injured. Adjoining buildings were damaged, a woman who was dining in one of them being killed. Ten stories of the framework had been erected. The accident was due to gross negligence on the part of the builders.

— A serious epidemic of typhoid fever exists in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. During the month of February there have been 465 cases and forty-five deaths, according to official returns. A similar epidemic threatens the city of Philadelphia, where there are now an average of thirty new cases per day.

— Attorney-General Knox has advised President Roosevelt that no legal barrier remains to the completion of the deal with Panama regarding the construction of the canal, the principal items in which will be the payment of $10,000,000 to the Panama republic, and $40,000,000 to the French company from whose hands the canal project is taken by the United States.

— The cause of woman suffrage is put at some disadvantage by facts which are coming to light in Colorado, where women are permitted to vote, revealing what are called “outrageous election frauds” in recent elections in that State. “The most unfortunate feature of it,” remarks the Pittsburg Christian Advocate, “is that the women, who vote there, did not exert the expected refining influence, but some of them were as deeply concerned in the crookedness as any of the men.”

— Discussion of a bill brought before the Massachusetts Legislature to restrict vivisection in that State, called out some sensational testimony on the subject, March 2, it being alleged that vivisection is practised in Boston not only on brutes, but upon children as well. Mr. Herbert Ward read from an article published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal in 1896, describing about forty “experiments” made on living children, consisting of puncturing the spinal cord; the experiment being followed by death in a number of cases.

— Turkey has refused permission to the Russian Black Sea fleet to pass the Dardanelles, presumably having been pressed to this refusal by some of the European powers. The Russian fleet at Port Arthur appears to be either locked in the harbor or too seriously crippled to be of use against the enemy, and that at Vladivostok is blockaded by a Japanese fleet. Thus Japan seems to have full control of the sea bordering the scene of military operations. Both Port Arthur and Vladivostok are in a state of siege. A Shanghai dispatch states that “confidence is growing that the war will shortly involve China. Troops and money are being steadily drafted northward.”

— M. Hanotaux, ex-minister of foreign affairs of the French republic, in an article contributed to a French journal on the far Eastern policy of the United States, characterizes that policy as being one of the most noteworthy features of the present time. The president of the United States, he says, “is precipitating in all directions such territorial occupations as he deems indispensable, evidently by virtue of a prearranged plan.” In the present foreign policy of the United States the ex-minister sees “the creation of settlements and stations for provisioning the approaches to the great highway of the New World, as England has done for the great highway of the Old World. It is all being done openly, and it justifies the conclusion that the policy of intervention as regards the future destinies of the Pacific Ocean is in favor at the White House.”

Pacific Union Conference

By W. T. Knox; J. J. Ireland

THE regular biennial meeting of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at Healdsburg, Cal., at 9 A. M., March 18, and to continue until March 27, 1904, for the purpose of electing the officers and the executive committee of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who will serve during the next biennial period, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Each local conference and mission field in the union is entitled to one delegate in the sessions of the conference, without regard to numbers, and an additional delegate for every three hundred church-members.

W. T. KNOX, President, J. J. IRELAND, Secretary.

Hollandsville Church, Notice!

THE absent members of the Hollandsville (Del.) Seventh-day Adventist church are requested to report before the next quarterly meeting, at which time the names of those not so reporting will be dropped from the church records. Address the church clerk, Mrs. J. House, Greensboro, Md.

Summary of the Canvassing Work Reported for January

Atlantic Union Conference

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Maine	1	16	$42.50
New York	2	15	7.25
Vermont	1	25	56.05
Eastern Pennsylvania	4	123	121.12
*Western Pennsylvania¹	6	157	592.20
Central New England	1	7	26.00
West Virginia	2	51	156.85

Southern Union

	AGENTS	VALUE
Georgia	1	135.25
Tennessee River	6	328.00
Alabama	3	119.50
Florida	3	203.85
Cumberland	2	274.10
Carolinas	4	97.38
Louisiana	2	254.10
Mississippi	1	140.25

Lake Union

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Indiana	5		89.65
Southern Illinois	6	103	245.15
Northern Michigan	1	5	5.50
Wisconsin	5	98	94.60
Superior	3	66	218.00

Central Union

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Iowa	3	1	1.50
Kansas	5	159	156.60
Missouri	9	190	135.00
Nebraska	10	86	490.70

Northern Union

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Minnesota	8	49	106.25

European General

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Great Britain	70	798	1,178.80
Germany		612	2,894.40
Finland	8	143	110.55

Australasian Union

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Australia	55	1,215	5,003.26
New Zealand	15	371	1,201.86

South America

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
Brazil	4		176.10

Summary

	AGENTS	ORDERS	VALUE
A. U. C.	17	394	1,001.97
S. U. C.	22		1,552.58
L. U. C.	20	272	652.90
C. U. C.	27	436	783.80
N. U. C.	8	49	106.25
E. G. C.	78	1,553	4,183.75
Australasian U. C.	70	1,586	6,205.12
South America	4		176.10
Grand totals	246	4,290	$14,622.47

Business Notices

BRIEF business notices will be published in this department subject to the discretion of the publishers. A charge of one insertion of six lines, or less, and of twenty cents for every line over six, will be made, though in the case of the poor who wish employment, the charge may be remitted. Persons unknown to the managers of the publishing house must furnish good references.

WANTED.—Young man and wife who desire to enter treatment-room work. Right party may secure part interest. Academy and church-school privileges. Address W. L. Secor, 130 S. Main St., Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

FOR SALE.—Bath fixtures, household goods, established trade of six years, small health food store; location good, 50,000 inhabitants. Splendid chance for two or three nurses or doctor. Good opening for restaurant and bakery. Will sell cheap. Address, at once, G. W. Mann, 136 W. Washington St., Ft. Wayne, Ind.

FOR SALE.—House and lot in Battle Creek, Mich.; nine rooms, closets, and bath. Finished in oak, convenient to sanitarium and church school, twenty fruit and shade trees, fine poultry house and park. Address J. Augustus Starr, 35 Congress St., Battle Creek, Mich.

Death of Elder G. B. Wheeler

Obituaries

Seamans.—Died at her home at Willis, Mich., Feb. 17, 1904, of heart-disease, Mrs. Sarah Theresa Seamans, aged 67 years. She experienced religion in 1852, and accepted the faith of Seventh-day Adventists about fifteen years ago. Since then she had been a faithful, devout member of the church at Willis, Mich. Her joy was in spending her life for her neighbors and the needy. She leaves one brother, four sisters, and five children to mourn their loss. The funeral was conducted by the writer. Andrew J. Harris.

Chapman.—Died at College View, Neb., Feb. 18, 1904, Warren Dean Chapman, aged 46 years, 2 months, and 8 days. Brother Chapman accepted present truth in the early history of the Nebraska Conference, under the labors of Elders A. J. Cudney and Geo. B. Starr. He occupied several positions of trust in the conference, and in 1890 joined a company of canvassers for England. Soon after returning to America, he contracted the dread disease, tuberculosis, which, with heart trouble, resulted in his death. Funeral services were conducted by the writer. L. A. Hoopes.

Eager.—Died near Plainfield, Wis., Jan. 28, 1904, Sister Flora Eager, nee Farrar, aged 39 years, 11 months, and 3 days. She was taken ill with measles and pneumonia, which resulted in her death. She gave her heart to God in early youth, and was baptized and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was a devout Christian and faithful member of the church until death called her away. She leaves a husband, father, mother, and two brothers to mourn their loss, but not without hope. The funeral services were conducted by the writer; text, Rev. 14:13. R. P. Neilsen.

Willoughby.—Died at Cambridge, Idaho, Sept. 6, 1903, James Earl Willoughby, oldest son of Elder J. M. and E. A. Willoughby, aged 19 years, 10 months, and 10 days. His death, which was sudden and unexpected, was a heavy blow to his parents, sister, and two brothers left to mourn their loss, but we look forward in the hope of being a united family in the kingdom. He was greatly beloved by all who knew him. He was converted and baptized at the age of twelve years. At the funeral, words of comfort were spoken by Brother Arthur Moon, from Isa. 43. With sorrowful hearts we laid him away, awaiting the coming of the Lord, who will restore all things. J. M. and E. A. Willoughby.

Woodruff.—Died at her home in Topeka, Kan., Feb. 8, 1904, of la grippe, Eliza Ann Woodruff, aged 86 years, 6 months, and 8 days. Sister Woodruff was converted at an early age, and united with the M. E. Church. At the age of fifty she became connected with the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, of which she remained a faithful, devout member until her death. Two sons and two daughters are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. At the last gathering around that loved form, we comforted one another with the blessed assurance that if we are only as faithful as she had been, we shall enjoy a glorious reunion at the soon coming of Jesus. Words of encouragement were spoken by the writer, from Job 14:14. N. B. Emerson.

Chantler.—Fell peacefully asleep in Jesus, at Knoxville, Tenn., Feb. 20, 1904, Charles Chantler, aged 84 years. Brother Chantler was born in England, of Quaker parents. At an early age he united with the Baptists. About thirty years ago he united with the Seventh-day Adventists, serving as deacon of the church at Traverse City, Mich. Five years ago he removed to Knoxville, where his consecrated life and earnest devotion to the cause of his Master won the respect and love of all who knew him. Nine days before he died, he fell and broke the hip bone, which rendered him helpless, and subjected him to excruciating and almost continuous pain. But he bore all with patience and heroism, and every waking moment, when not racked with severe pain, was spent in praise to God. He leaves behind a companion, six children, and quite a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral was well attended by the neighbors, who kindly ministered to him during his last sickness, and who had learned to love him for his gentleness and Christlikeness of character. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. W. C. Wales.

Death of Elder G. B. Wheeler

Elder G. B. Wheeler, secretary of the New England Religious Liberty Association, was born in Warwick, Mass., in 1840, and died Feb. 7, 1904, at his home in South Lancaster, Mass. He was converted when about twenty-seven years of age, soon after returning from the war. His parents being Baptists, he joined that denomination. After his mother’s death, he disposed of his business, which was quite a prosperous one, and entered the Baptist theological seminary at Newton, Mass. He was with the Baptist ministry for about fifteen years; but during the last few years of his association with them he investigated present truth, his sisters in Vermont having accepted the message. After a thorough investigation and a candid and careful consideration of the truth, he decided to cast in his lot with the Adventists. It was at a great sacrifice he did this, but he was assured that it was the truth of God for these times. He was an earnest, faithful, devoted worker. He loved the truth with all his heart, and labored with his whole soul in the religious liberty work, for which he was eminently fitted. His last illness was short, about four days. He was first taken with la grippe; an abscess formed in his ear, finally breaking within, which was followed with meningitis. Soon after the abscess broke, he lost his mind, and for twenty-four hours before his death he was unconscious. His decease is a great loss to us as a conference, and to the religious liberty work in New England. Funeral services were conducted at the South Lancaster church, in charge of Elder A. E. Place, assisted by the ministering brethren of the conference. We laid him to rest in the same cemetery where sleep many other dear saints of God, who will appear when the Life-giver shall come. May the Lord hasten the day. A widow, two sisters, and three daughters are left to mourn the loss, but they sorrow not as others who have no hope. F. G. C.

East Michigan

By E. K. SLADE

A young people's convention is to be held at Hillsdale, Mich., March 10-13. The first meeting will be at 7 P. M., Thursday. The Hillsdale church has kindly offered to entertain those attending this convention, which will greatly lessen the expense of those coming from other churches. We earnestly request the young people from the following churches to attend this meeting: Jefferson, Prattville, Clayton, Hanover, Napoleon, Spring Arbor, Jackson, Rives, Bunker Hill, and Leslie. We hope that there may be a full attendance from that part of the State.

E. K. SLADE.

Arizona Conference

By A. J. Howard

The Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will hold its third annual session at Phoenix, April 15-21, 1904. This is a very important meeting for our young conference, as we shall not have a camp-meeting this year.

I hope all our churches will be well represented. The Phoenix church will arrange to care for all who come from the churches of the conference to attend this meeting.

In connection with this meeting the Arizona Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association will hold its annual election, and attend to any other business coming before them at that time.

We expect valuable help from the Pacific Union Conference in these meetings. Bible instruction will be given each day.

A. J. HOWARD, Conference President.

East Michigan Conference

By J. D. Gowell; E. K. Slade

THE annual State meeting of the East Michigan Conference will be held at Ithaca, Mich., March 17-21. The Ithaca church has kindly extended an invitation to the conference to hold this meeting in their city. All the conference laborers are requested to attend. Let all come praying that the Lord will meet with us, and greatly bless the presentation of truth at this time. Special meetings for the public will be held each evening, when the vital points of faith will be presented, including the Eastern question, which occupies so large a place in the public mind at this time. Elder J. G. Lamson has been asked to present this subject. It is expected that Elder Wm. Covert, the vice-president of the Lake Union Conference, will attend this meeting. We hope for a large attendance and a profitable meeting.

J. D. GOWELL, President, E. K. SLADE, Secretary.

Address

THE permanent address of Elder H. J. Dirksen is 895 N. E. Sixth St., Portland, Ore.

Stereopticons in Missionary Work

The Southern Missionary Society, Nashville, Tenn., continues to receive inquiries about, and orders for, their $25 stereopticon outfits. As the tent season draws near, ministers and workers are beginning to realize the value to them of such an outfit in their field work, and many are planning to have one.

Among the latest to begin the use of a stereopticon are Brother M. J. Fritz, Patchogue, L. I., and Elder J. E. Tenney, Graysville, Tenn.

The former writes: “I gave a lecture with it in a parlor last night. Everything worked all right.”

Elder Tenney says: “I think the stereopticon will be all right. I have tried it the second time, with no difficulty.” He also sends twenty photos to have slides made from them.

Prof. B. E. Nicola, Oakwood Industrial School, Huntsville, Ala., has also ordered an outfit, and has it in use in his work.

Letters of inquiry are coming from all States, from Maine to California, and ministers all over the country are becoming interested in stereopticons as a means of attracting attention to the truth. These outfits have been on trial for more than a year, and not a single case of failure has been reported. They are easily operated, and are safe and inexpensive.

An Appeal for the Orphans and the Aged

By G. C. Tenney

What Shall Be Done for Our “Homes”?

The James White Home for Aged, and the Haskell Home for Orphans and Dependent Children, have been a blessing to hundreds of those whom the Lord has committed to our care. They have provided shelter and home privileges to many who had nowhere else to go. They have so far been sustained by the donations of the friends of the friendless, who have each year contributed just what was necessary for the sustenance of the Homes and their inmates. It has been regarded as something providential that each year, by close economy, the committee has been able to carry on these institutions without incurring indebtedness. Last spring the misfortune of fire deprived the Haskell Home of its lighting and heating and laundry plant. Through the summer it did without these, but they had to be replaced in the fall, and the cost was three thousand dollars more than the insurance money. It was necessary to take this money out of the maintenance fund.

It was hoped that in view of the misfortune, the last semiannual offering would be sufficiently increased to make up for this loss. Instead of this, the offering was cut in two, and about half the usual amount was sent in. A long, severe winter has followed, and bills have been contracted which are unpaid and unprovided for. The children and aged people and their teachers and guardians are in need. The winter is not yet gone, and it will be some time before food can be gathered from the ground. The treasury is empty, and those who have the work in hand are distressed to know what to do. They have asked me to write this appeal, which I do in the name of Him who is the Father of the fatherless. Contributions of food or of cash are urgently needed.

There is a family of one hundred children with their teachers, and nearly forty aged people with their guardians, to be cared for. What shall be done with these dear ones? Let the love of Christ constrain your answer in this matter. The managers do not ask to be set free from care and anxiety, but they do ask that the hand of sympathy and co-operation shall still be extended to them in caring for our own institutions. It will make their hearts glad to receive your responses.

The regular time for the semiannual offerings for these Homes is the first Sabbath in April. It is earnestly hoped that at that time our people will consider the poor, and make a generous offering. It will be difficult to wait for that time to come before receiving some relief, so any who may have ready help at hand will please send it in at once. Donations may be sent to the Haskell Home, Battle Creek, Mich.

G. C. TENNEY.

A Healing in Inland China

DR. H. W. MILLER writes from Inland China, December 24:—

Yesterday the Lord manifested his power before us in a mighty way. Sister Pilquist had become so low with tuberculosis that there seemed to be no hope of her recovery. We told her so, and then all united in a season of prayer, that we might know the Lord’s will concerning her. Sabbath morning we anointed her, and prayed in faith, and God healed her. The fever left her. She had been able to speak only in a whisper, but after the prayer she sang two hymns. Her night sweats left her, and she slept nine hours last night. We praise the Lord for his power.

Under date of January 26, a month later, Dr. Selmon wrote: “Sister Pilquist is improving every day. There is no mistaking the Lord’s healing work in her case.”

Fires Shake Insurance Confidence

The recent great fires in this country have greatly disturbed insurance men, says the Washington Times. All calculations have been upset. The Rochester fire, following so quickly the Baltimore fire, has “shaken confidence.” “Many insurance men,” says the Times, “will be nervous, dreading a great fire in the business center of some other city. The destruction of the Granite Building, in Rochester, is a great shock, because that building was regarded by insurance men as entirely fireproof. Rates in that building were extremely low. This fire may cause the companies to raise the rates for many buildings in this city which are of modern fireproof construction.”

The events of the last days, when the judgments of God are in the land, will continually upset human calculations, and set at naught the safeguards men may throw around life and property. God designs to teach men at this time that in turning unto him is the only safety.

Begin Work for the Lord Now

DON’T spend too much time studying over the question of the best way for you to begin work for the Lord. The essential thing is to begin it in some way, and begin now. When you have done that, the question of the best way will be easily solved.

Dr. Hetherington Sails for Central America

· On February 28 Dr. A. J. Hetherington and his wife sailed from New Orleans for Central America. He went out to the Bay Islands last spring, and returned this winter for his marriage. A needy field lies before these workers, and they ask us to remember them and the work in prayer.

Giving to Advance the Gospel

The many calls that are being made at this time for funds to advance the work of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, would not be heard if there were but little life in the movement to which this denomination stands committed. The more there is being done, the faster this movement is going, the more opportunities will there be to give for its advancement. And the more we give to God — the more faithfulness we show as stewards of his goods — the more will he commit to our trust. For we give only what he gives first to us.

Selling the Signs for Missions

THE following letter from Brother Jasper Wayne, of Iowa, shows how one can often interest even strangers in our foreign mission work. This may be one of the ways by which we shall swell our gifts to missions during 1904:—

I have had a peculiar experience in selling the special number of the Signs, which will doubtless interest you. The thought occurred to me to make this a missionary enterprise, therefore when offering the paper, I make the statement, asking for a donation of twenty-five cents. I find it is a grand success, as one hundred and fifty copies have netted twenty dollars for the Foreign Missionary fund. I can take in from one to two dollars a day to put into this fund, while pursuing my ordinary business. It also adds special interest in the paper, as people always value a thing by what it costs them.

God has greatly blessed me in the effort, and my heart burns with an indescribable desire for the salvation of souls. My experience with the people brings to mind Judges 13:19: “The angel did wonderously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.” This is certainly a grand opportunity for all our people to gain an experience that will be of untold value to themselves as well as help fill the depleted treasury of our Foreign Missionary Society. I am so glad the kind Heavenly Father has put something in my hand that will help swell the loud cry.

Continue reading: German East Africa Fund