Earlier text: A Covenant by SacrificeRelation to the Conference Tract Society
Duties of the Church Missionary Secretary—No. 1
The secretary of the tract and missionary department of the church holds an important office. More of the life and prosperity of the church depends upon the extent to which the missionary secretary performs the duties devolving upon him than many realize. Let us consider some of the responsibilities resting upon the one occupying this position, and how they can best be discharged. The work of the missionary secretary may be divided into two general divisions, and these subdivided something as follows:— 1. Relation to the conference tract society:—
a. Communications to the secretary.
b. Communications from the secretary.
2. Relation to the church:—
a. To encourage individual effort.
b. To promote interest in missionary meetings.
c. To keep the accounts.
d. To look after the finances. Relation to the Conference Tract Society
COMMUNICATIONS TO THE SECRETARY
The missionary secretary acts as the medium of communication between the church and the tract and missionary department of the conference. Often all the conference tract society secretary knows of the missionary operations of the church is what is learned from the missionary secretary. This is especially true of the more distant churches. It is important, therefore, that the missionary secretary keep in close touch with the tract society, acquainting its officers with every detail of his work. The missionary secretary who communicates most frequently with those at headquarters about the work in his church, stands in the best position to receive help in the way of instruction and encouragement from the office, as the information furnished in reference to the condition of the work in the church enables those in the office to give the instruction that will tend to build up and strengthen the work. We recommend that each missionary secretary make it a practise to write to the tract society secretary as often as once a month under ordinary circumstances, and oftener when occasion demands. In addition to this correspondence on missionary lines, it devolves upon the missionary secretary to conduct a business correspondence with the office, which should include all the orders for supplies, remittance of money, etc. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE SECRETARY
The missionary secretary is also a medium through whom the tract and missionary department of the conference communicates with the church, and is also frequently the channel through which the conference itself, the publishing house, and other organizations communicate important matters to the church-members. Plans are constantly being developed by our general workers for the benefit of our churches and for the advancement of the truth. As particulars concerning these are sent out from time to time, it is very important that they should lose none of their force in passing through the hands of the missionary secretary, but rather that they receive a new impetus in the hearty co-operation of the missionary secretary. One week there may be a special issue of the Signs or the Watchman to be circulated. At another time an interest may need to be aroused concerning the importance of widely circulating some new tract or pamphlet. Then there may come a request for the missionary secretary to see that every family of our people is supplied with the REVIEW or with the union conference paper. A few weeks later an urgent appeal for funds for some special enterprise may be made. As these various plans and suggestions are presented, let the missionary secretary give them all due consideration. Let him not become discouraged because there are so many different lines of work to be urged forward, but rather take courage in the thought that our work is so wonderfully arranged and adapted to the capabilities of every one that all can act a part. HOME MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT.
A Word of Council to the Churches
By Arthur G. Daniells
As the days go by we are confirmed in our belief that we have surely come to the last days of this world's history. The appalling disasters occurring on land and sea, the bitter strife between labor and capital, the colossal preparations for war, the steady restoration of the papal church to a dominating position among the nations, all show that the conditions which the Scriptures declare would exist in the last days have come. Everything seems ready for the finishing of the great controversy between the forces of good and evil. The call of the hour is for the people of God to arise and finish his work in the earth. The winds of strife and war and destruction are being held in check until God has placed his seal on every one who will now accept his call. When that is done, the end will come. O, what a solemn and terrible responsibility rests upon God's people today! “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church-membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 117. This statement shows that one thing that is now delaying the work of God is the failure of his people to do their part. In view of this, plans are now being made for a great-forward movement. In all our churches we are organizing for definite, continuous work, and the members are responding well. The time for the election of church officers is drawing near. The office of church missionary secretary is a very important one, and the success of the church work will, in a large degree, depend upon the selection made for this office. The person chosen should be an active missionary worker, one truly consecrated to the Lord, having some business ability, and tact in dealing with people. We would urge all church nominating committees to give special attention to the selection of capable persons to act as church missionary secretaries during the coming year. By doing this they will help in the finishing of the work, for with efficient church missionary secretaries we may look for a large increase in the number of members engaging in active missionary work. Then we shall see the fulfilment of the following statement: “If every church-member were a living missionary, the gospel would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues.”—Id., page 32. A. G. DANIELLS. Southern Missionary Society
By S. E. Wight; E. H. Rees
THE fifth biennial meeting of the constituency of the Southern Missionary Society, a body incorporated under the laws of the State of Tennessee, will be held in the Seventh-day Adventist church on Fatherland Street, Jan. 13, 1914, at 9 A. M., for the election of officers, and for the transaction of such other1182 business as should legally come before this meeting. The members of the executive committee of the Southern Union Conference are the board of this society, and under the statutes of the State of Tennessee each member is entitled to one vote, either by person or by proxy. S. E. WIGHT, President;
E. H. REES, Treasurer. British Columbia Conference Association
By John G. Walker; Chas. O. Smith
The annual session of the British Columbia Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in the Manson church at Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, in conjunction with the annual conference announced for Dec. 25-29, 1913. The first meeting of the association will be held Friday, Dec. 26, 1913, at 11 A. M. Officers and a board of trustees for the ensuing year will be elected, and such other business transacted as may properly come before the delegates. John G. Walker, President;
Chas. O. Smith, Secretary. The Washington Foreign Mission Seminary Constituency Meeting
By William T. Knox; Milton E. Kern
NOTICE is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary Corporation will be held in the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary chapel, at Takoma Park, Md., at 9:30 A. M., Dec. 8, 1913, to receive the annual reports, to elect trustees for the ensuing year, and to transact such other business as may come before the meeting. The members of this corporation consist of the executive committee of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (unincorporated) and the president of each local conference in the United States. W. T. KNOX, President;
M. E. KERN, Secretary. Annual Meeting of the Southern Publishing Association
By S. E. Wight; L. A. Smith
NOTICE is hereby given that the sixth annual meeting of the constituency of the Southern Publishing Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at 7 P. M., Saturday, Jan. 3, 1914, at the Nashville Memorial Church, Fifth and Fatherland Streets, Nashville, Tenn., for the purpose of electing a board of directors for the ensuing year, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. The Week of Prayer in West Pennsylvania
By R. A. Underwood
It is desirable that during the week of prayer our various churches and smaller companies receive as much assistance in the way of ministerial help as possible. The small number of ministers in the conference makes it impossible for all the churches to have even some help, but we will divide the laborers according to the greatest need, and would suggest that the following ministers assist as they may deem best the churches named:— Elder E. J. Van Horn, First Church of Pittsburgh and Allegheny. Elder A. N. Durrant, the colored brethren of Pittsburgh and McDonald. Elder J. P. Gaede, the German church of Allegheny and the church at Washington. Elder J. W. Watt, Johnstown and Indiana. Elder C. F. Ulrich, Altoona, Huntingdon, and Six Mile Run. Elder W. F. Schwartz, Erie, Albion, Meadville, and North East. Elder G. L. West, Adah and Connellsville. Elder B. F. Kneeland, Coudersport, Port Allegany, and such other places as he may deem advisable to visit in that part of the State. Sister Eva Jenks, the company at Ridgway. Elder J. N. Williams, Corydon. The writer will visit Erie on Wednesday and Union City on Thursday and Friday, before the week of prayer begins, spending the first Sabbath of the week of prayer at Corry, and then visiting North Warren, closing the week with the Bradford church. In this arrangement Clearfield and possibly some other places have been left out. However, Elder Kneeland is spending some time at the Clearfield church, and we hope they will be able to carry on the work even though a minister is not with them. We suggest that all the isolated families and believers observe the week of prayer at their homes. They will realize great blessings as a result of seeking the Lord. The REVIEW containing the readings will be sent to all the lonely Sabbath-keepers. The annual offering should be a liberal one, according to the blessing of God upon each soul. See Deut. 16:17. The churches and isolated members should send their offerings to the conference treasurer, H. K. Hackman, 7155 Mount Vernon St., Pittsburgh, Pa. This should be done with the tithe and all other mission offerings as soon as possible after the week of prayer, so that all the mission offerings can be passed on to the General Conference before the year 1913 closes. Why not make the week of prayer not only a week of prayer, but one of labor for souls? We suggest that as far as possible each person spend two or more hours each day of the week of prayer laboring with the people, distributing the Ingathering number of the REVIEW, and gathering funds for missions. In this way we can add materially to the offering we are able to make at this time. The words of Lord Nelson on the eve of a great battle were, “England expects every man to do his duty.” May we meet the demand of the hour in loving service for Christ. Annual Meeting of the Southern Union Conference
By S. E. Wight; E. H. Rees
THE first meeting of the sixth biennial session of the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in the Seventh-day Adventist church on Fatherland Street, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 6, 1914, at 10 A. M. Each conference is entitled to one delegate for its organization and to one additional delegate for each fifty of its organized church-membership. S. E. WIGHT, President;
E. H. REES, Secretary. Southern Union Conference Association
By S. E. Wight; E. H. Rees
NOTICE is hereby given that the fourth biennial session of the constituency of the Southern Union Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at the Seventh-day Adventist church on Fatherland Street, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 13, 1914, at 10 A. M., for the purpose of electing a board of directors for the ensuing biennial term, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Clinton German Seminary
By E. T. Russell; E. C. Witzke
THE constituency of the board of directors of the Clinton German Seminary is called to hold its next annual meeting at the seminary in Clinton, Mo., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1914, at 9 A. M. This meeting is called for the election of officers for the next term, for the appointment of a faculty for the next school year, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before this meeting. E. T. RUSSELL, President;
E. C. WITZKE, Secretary. Nova Scotia Legal Association
By Charles Covey
THE first annual meeting of the executive board of the province of Nova Scotia, in connection with the Seventh-day Adventist Church of the Maritime Provinces, will be held at the residence of Alvin Hubley, Seabright, Nova Scotia, at 1 P. M., Monday, Dec. 8, 1913. CHARLES COVEY,
Secretary. Southeastern Union Conference Association of Seventh-Day Adventists
By O. Montgomery; W. H. Williams
A MEETING of the Southeastern Union Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Graysville, Tenn., at 10 A. M., Dec. 29, 1913. This meeting is called for the election of officers and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the association. O. MONTGOMERY, President;
W. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary. Atlanta Sanitarium Association of Seventh-Day Adventists
By O. Montgomery; W. H. Williams
NOTICE is hereby given of a meeting of the Atlanta Sanitarium Association of Seventh-day Adventists to be held at Graysville, Tenn., Dec. 30, 1913, at 10 A. M. This meeting is called for the election of officers and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the association. O. MONTGOMERY, President;
W. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary. Descendants of the Apostles
ROME'S claim is false. In Brother H. H. Hall's series of articles on the "History of the Waldenses," now appearing in the Signs of the Times weekly, he shows by historical facts that as the apostasy crept into the early church, these God-fearing men of the valley were the dissenters from this apostasy, and preserved the true apostolic religion through the hundreds of years of darkness that followed. Is not that worth studying? This series of articles ought to be in every Seventh-day Adventist home, and also in the homes of hundreds of our neighbors and friends. “Lys Over Landet”
By Editor
(Light Over the Land, the Danish-Norwegian quarterly) A SPECIAL feature of the fourth quarter's issue of this interesting journal is a description of, and a very fully illustrated article on, the Panama Canal (page 117), the greatest engineering problem of the times. The design on the front page of the cover is devoted to this topic, and portrays vividly the meeting of the two oceans at the isthmus, where man's ingenuity has broken down the bars. It is a very striking design, indeed. The different departments are, as usual, filled with good articles on different topics pertaining to man's physical and moral well-being. Among them may be mentioned an instructive article on “Heredity” (page 110), and a warning against the white slave traffic (page 112). The magazine is well illustrated, and has a very attractive appearance. It should be distributed extensively. We ask for your co-operation in this good work. Prices: Single copy, 10 cents; 5-49 copies, 5 cents each; 50 or more copies, 4 cents each. Annual subscription, 35 cents. Published by the International Publishing Association, College View, Nebr. Order of your tract society. “BEYOND THE SHADOW,” a booklet of poems (96 pages) by Miss Pearl Waggoner, suitable for holiday use, can be procured in dark-brown paper binding for 45 cents; green cloth, 75 cents; undressed leather, $1.25. Address the author, Hinsdale, Ill. FOR SALE.—Owing to its buyer’s misfortune, which prevented him from going to California this winter, my “Bide-a-Wee” home, near the Pacific Union College, St. Helena, Cal., is again on the market. For quick sale will take $2,000. Write for description and terms. C. C. Lewis, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. SIMMONS.—Joshua M. Simmons was born Feb. 12, 1857. He was married on Jan. 1, 1885, to Miss Mary E. Garrard. Brother Simmons united with the church at Connie, Wash., at the time of its organization by Elder S. W. Nellis. He fell asleep in the hope of eternal life Oct. 20, 1913. He was a good man, well thought of by his friends and neighbors. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Rev. 3:5. These special reduced rates are good only from December 1, 1913, to February 2, 1914. After that the regular prices will be charged, which are 15 to 25 per cent higher. TO APPLY FROM
DECEMBER 1, 1913,
TO MIDNIGHT
FEBRUARY 2, 1914 Now while the low rates are on is the time to place your order for the papers you will want during the coming year. Club prices exclude all premiums. Present subscribers may renew at club rates any paper or papers they are now taking, and which are listed in any club, for one full year from the date of expiration of their present subscriptions, by adding the other papers listed in the club with the paper renewed. ALL CLUBS MUST INCLUDE THE REVIEW, AND BE SENT TO ONE ADDRESS After each paper the regular price is given. The totals of the regular prices give the cost of the papers when taken separately at the regular rates. The special club prices appear in large figures to the right. Papers of the same price may be substituted one for the other in any club excepting “The Review Family Group.” Review ........................ $2.00
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By T. E. Bowen
We have word from Australia that Elder F. A. Allum, on furlough in that field from China, has found help for the China field among the young people of Australasia, Brethren A. Mountain and H. Stacey with their wives, all of the Australasian training-centers. It was expected that Brother and Sister Mountain would go to China in December, accompanying Elder and Mrs. Allum, and that the other workers would follow early in next year. The Australasian Union is taking up a special collection the last Sabbath of this year in order to provide transportation expenses for the new workers. Thus Australasia is still sending its workers and its means into the fields beyond its own territory, hard pressed as the union is to supply its own wide-spread island territory. Up to Tuesday night, November 25, the Maritime Conference was first, and the Utah Conference second, to reach the average on Harvest Ingathering. Monday, four thousand orders were received for the Missions REVIEW. This is nearly as many as were ordered during the corresponding week one year ago. This shows that the work is still on. The president of the Mississippi Conference writes that that conference has almost reached its goal. Four members of one church in Tennessee have undertaken to raise $115 each. Western New York is issuing a bulletin from the conference office, giving, by churches, the amounts gathered. Jamestown and Buffalo, the two largest churches in the conference, stood almost together,—$90.15 and $89.39, respectively. November 20 the Western New York Conference had $350.79 reported as harvested. Out in Kansas, where the drought has made hard times, one brother writes: “We surely feel that the Ingathering work is not only a duty, but a definite blessing and pleasure, to those who really get into the spirit of it. Please send us fifty more of the REVIEW, for we are going to try again.” Bands are at work in Washington, D. C., composed of the various workers connected with the general offices; and while the offices have not closed down for a day, these bands have their territory assigned them, and work the territory evenings and such days as they can arrange to get off. The Seminary has spent two days, specially appointed, with good success. C. L. Taggart, president of the Northern California Conference, writes: “We have great hopes that we shall reach our goal. It may take us the remainder of the year, but we expect to keep at it.” Why not spend some of the days during the week of prayer among the people in behalf of missions? Surely the purpose of this special season would blend nicely with the Ingathering work among the people. T. E. BOWEN. Atlantic Union Conference Session
Once in two years is the appointed time for the union conference sessions. The first of these biennial union meetings is that of the Atlantic Union Conference, now in session in South Lancaster, Mass., a ministerial institute being held in connection with the conference. Elders A. G. Daniells, I. H. Evans, G. B. Thompson, N. Z. Town, and W. W. Eastman are in attendance from Washington. A NOTE from Elder E. K. Slade, president of the Ohio Conference, states that two hundred and fifty persons were added to the Ohio churches by baptism during the past year. The work is making good progress in that large conference. Spanish Sabbath-School Lessons for Children
WORD has just been received from Mexico that in harmony with the action of the Spanish delegates at the General Conference, the Sabbath-school lessons which are being used in the English are being printed in Spanish. Orders for these lessons should be sent to the Mexican office, 1420, Avenida 20, Tacubaya, D. F., Mexico. Reinkes Move to St. Petersburg
We note from European reports that Elder O. E. and Mrs. Reinke have moved to St. Petersburg, Russia, Elder Reinke having been called from Switzerland to take the presidency of the Russian Union Conference. Elder Sheafe Leaves Washington
LAST week Elder L. C. Sheafe and family left Washington, D. C., for his new field of labor in connection with the Southern California Conference. The prayers and best wishes of their many friends in the East go with them. Richard Dietrich Called to Brazil
We find that we have omitted to note on this page the departure in May last of Elder Richard Dietrich and family, of Germany. Brother Dietrich was released by the European Division in response to a call from the General Conference for a German laborer in Brazil. Progress in the Malaysian Mission
FROM Singapore Elder F. A. Detamore, superintendent of the Malaysian Mission, reports that 2,500 copies of their first Malay paper have just come from the press. He sends good words also regarding the interest in Borneo, where a new foothold has been gained for the message. Dr. Ingersoll to Lead Florida Sanitarium
WE were pleased to learn that Dr. R. S. Ingersoll, of Richmond, Va., has accepted the position of medical superintendent of the Florida Sanitarium. His wife, Dr. Olive P. Ingersoll, will remain in Richmond for several months to close up their work there, later joining her husband in the Southland. Success in San Jose and Los Angeles
By Editor
WE rejoice in the excellent success attending the effort recently made in San Jose, Cal., as reported by Elder J. W. McCord in this number. A similar report of the work done in Los Angeles has just reached us from Elder A. S. Booth, and will appear in the next number of the REVIEW. We rejoice that the Lord honors the word spoken by his consecrated ministers. Robinsons Sail for South Africa
AFTER a year and a half at the Foreign Mission Seminary, Brother R. P. and Mrs. Robinson, of southern California and the San Fernando Academy, are sailing this week for South Africa. The report of the South African Union Committee, just at hand, indicates that these new workers will be asked to join Elder W. H. Anderson in the Barotseland Mission field beyond the Zambesi. We rejoice to see these strong young people heading for the far interior of the Dark Continent. Armitages Return to South Africa
HAVING spent the time since the last General Conference attending meetings in the Central West and the Northwest, and visiting friends, Elder F. B. and Mrs. Armitage, with their daughter, are sailing this week on the return voyage to South Africa. The encouraging words which these workers brought from the mission field have been much appreciated by our brethren at the general meetings, and we know that many prayers will follow them as they enter again upon service for Africa. Teachers Called to Claremont Union College
A few days ago the General Conference received a cable from South Africa, asking for teachers to assist Prof. C. P. Crager and his staff in the Claremont Union College, near Cape Town. The committee has invited Brother J. L. and Mrs. Robison, of the Foreign Mission Seminary, to respond to this call. Brother Robison, while taking special work at the Seminary, has been teaching also in the English department, rendering able service. These workers have had good experience as teachers in southern California. They sail this week for England and South Africa. Death of Camillo Jose Pereira
WE have word from Elder J. Lipke, of Brazil, that the East Brazil Mission has lost one of its best laborers in Brother Camillo Jose Pereira, who died in Bahia October 15. Brother Pereira had done splendid service as a Christian colporteur, and we sorrow with Brazil in the loss of this devoted worker. Elder Lipke adds: “The work here is onward. There are many openings, but we have not sufficient laborers to enter. May the Lord of the harvest send more laborers.”