The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to March 3 is $39,200.51.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
Name
Amount
Louis H. Schick
$15 00
Alfred Shryock
3 00
Douglas (Mich.)
2 50
church
2 50
Mary & Fred Clarke
2 00
Lizzie Lakin
1 00
Minnie Schultz
10 00
Jennie Reid
1 00
F. M. Christian
2 00
Mary S. Ivey
4 25
Geo. A. Summer
50
Mary J. Olmstead
1 00
H. C. Cady
5 00
R. M. Kilgore
25 00
P. D. Moyers
95
Carolina Tract Society
9 00
Anna L. King
7 00
Addie Richardson
1 00
Conrad Walters
5 00
A. Hawley
2 00
Harry E. Moon
3 00
Prattville (Mich.)
3 00
church school
3 00
C. R. Polen
10 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Shidler
9 00
A friend (Vt.)
75
Mrs. M. E. Cason
2 50
Naomi Searses
5 00
Mrs. E. J. Harvey
30 00
Ruth Harvey
2 50
Mr. & Mrs. Grant Burt
5 00
J. J. Nabers
1 00
Olive LaFave
5 00
Jane LaFave
5 00
A friend
5 00
Wm. R. H. Avery
5 00
Mrs. Fannie Fenton
1 00
Jane Rittenhouse
1 00
Margaret Weakley
10 00
Eliza M. Ferciot
5 00
Thos. Griffin
5 00
Fritz Guy
7 50
Lelah Kirk
1 00
James Arnot
10 00
Mrs. Annie Pieper
5 00
G. E. Davis
25 00
Donations (Ohio)
1 50
Friends (Shaffer, Kan.)
5 72
Wellsville (N. Y.)
1 00
church
1 00
Mrs. Francis Ross
5 00
Buck's Bridge (N. Y.)
1 00
church
1 00
Olean (N. Y.)
1 75
church
1 00
Jeddo (N. Y.) church
1 00
Friends (N. Y.)
11 34
S. B. Whitney
2 00
Mrs. Courtland Green
1 00
Hattie Ghee
50
Fred Snide
1 25
Wellsville (N. Y.)
1 50
church
1 50
Friends (N. Y.)
23 85
Buffalo (N. Y.)
50
church
50
H. L. Gilbert
50
Julia Story
25
G. F. Evans
10 00
Betsey Reed
1 00
J. D. Fleck
2 00
L. Tillie Earle
5 00
Pearl Stevens
5 00
Laura Johnson
5 00
Chas. Schroeder
5 00
C. E. Renfro
10 00
T. S. Parmelee
1 00
Mary Kundret
1 00
Almeda Haughey
10 00
J. E. Vosburgh
10 00
James Buchanan
3 00
Mrs. M. J. Cross
75
Mrs. Della Suffield
50
Geo. W. Allen
50
C. K. Pelmilder
2 00
S. B. Horton
2 00
Fritz Guy
7 00
Margaret Neal
1 00
H. W. Pierce
5 00
Hattie Shively
5 00
S. R. Hogue
2 00
C. L. Leavenworth
2 00
203
Name
Amount
Eunice Hartsock
5 00
Mr. & Mrs. G. W. Masters
3 00
Mary G. Cottrell
1 00
R. A. Roe
50
Mrs. D. L. Rosser
5 00
Clara Hildreth
2 00
Mrs. George Noble
1 00
Mrs. Sarah Thompson
5 00
H. M. Hayes
5 00
Mrs. S. M. Baker
1 00
Mrs. Kate G. Boone
10 00
Lesser Antilles (S.A.) Mission
10 00
Mrs. B. Kinsey
1 00
Elsie A. Brown
1 00
Mrs. E. Skeels Krouse
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beaird
10 00
Wm. P. Pearce
2 50
A friend
1 00
Sannie Gallion
5 15
Ettie V. Braugh
1 00
S. H. Lane
20 00
Eugene Leland
50 00
Mrs. M. L. Flood
5 00
Lena Bruebacker
1 00
Mrs. R. G. Anderson
5 00
Mrs. M. L. Kirkedall
50
J. N. Loughborough
50 00
W. N. George
1 00
F. D. Starr
5 00
Mr. & Mrs. H. U. Wendell
1 00
Anna Heben
4 06
G. W. & M. P. Ames
5 00
Tennessee River Con.
23 50
D. L. Gillis
1 00
Soren Sorenson
10 00
Mrs. E. Menzel
5 00
U. Carlos Fattelbert
1 90
James Eastwood
2 50
H. R. Kitto
7 00
John Clouston
50
William Hudson
25
Name
Amount
Margaret Olsen
65
Mrs. Jno. Robertson
1 50
F. Hartson
10 00
Mrs. Minnie Erickson
50
Minnie Beederman
1 25
Emma E. Lewis
1 00
Mrs. A. Blanchard
75
Wisconsin Tract Society
18 60
A friend
1 00
Margaret Beck
4 00
David Pickering
2 00
W. S. Adams
2 00
Etta Dudley
1 00
William Jamney
100 00
Mr. & Mrs. E. Albee
4 00
D. D. Punches
20 00
Boling Williams
25
Sever Jacobsen
19
A friend
76
Mrs. J. S. Thompson
10 00
John A. Luack
1 45
A friend
5 00
Mrs. Margaret Frost
50
Louisa Rand
15 00
Cora Glover
1 00
Winifred Parker
1 00
M. W. Lewis
10 00
Samuel D. Babcock
5 00
A. Hunter
1 00
Geo. R. Manby
1 00
Minn. Tract Society
6 00
Ambrey Jas. Wright
1 00
J. G. Swiner
5 00
Mrs. Jno. Martin
50 00
Mrs. H. H. Morgan
1 00
Mrs. A. M. Pillsbury
50
Mrs. C. M. Davis
2 00
England
2 05
A friend
1 00
Mrs. S. A. Cardell
1 50
J. F. Banninger
10 00
Harriet L. Kirkendall
50
Mrs. M. K. Oxley
1 00
Indiana friends
31 00
Labor on; Rest Cometh
FINISH thy work, the time is short;
The sun is in the west,
The night is coming down; till then,
Think not of rest.
Rest? Finish all thy work, then rest;
Till then, rest never:
The rest prepared for thee by God
Is rest forever.
Finish thy work, then wipe thy brow,
Ungird thee from thy toil;
Take breath, and from each weary limb
Shake off the soil.
Finish thy work, then sit thee down
On some celestial hill;
And of heaven's everlasting bliss
Take thou thy fill.
Finish thy work, then go in peace,
Life's battle fought and won.
Hear from the throne the Master's voice,
“ Well done! Well done! ”
Finish thy work, then take thy harp,
Give praise to God above;
Sing a new song of mighty joy
And endless love!
— Sabbath Recorder.
The Pacific Union Conference
By Alonzo T. Jones
The Pacific Union Conference was held at Portland, Ore., February 28 to March 9. The conference was appointed to meet February 27, but owing to storms and floods there was a delay of one day in opening.
There were full delegations from all the Conferences, institutions, and mission fields on the Pacific Coast, and Elder A. G. Daniells, Elder W. C. White, and E. R. Palmer, of the General Conference Committee, were present. There was also a good attendance of the brethren of Portland and its vicinity. It was one of the best meetings, conference or any other, that I ever attended; and the best conference that I ever attended.
The organization of the Pacific Union Conference was completed. A board was elected by the Conference, to have charge of the medical missionary work, and also a board to have charge of the educational work, in the territory of the Pacific Union Conference. There are now thirteen medical missionary institutions, three vegetarian restaurants, three health-food factories, and four health-food stores in the territory of the Pacific Union Conference; and all these departments are rapidly growing. Under the care of the Pacific Union Medical Missionary Board, all this work will be unified and made stronger. There are two colleges, one intermediate school, and nearly fifty church schools, with an attendance of about thirteen hundred in all, in the territory of the Pacific Union Conference. And under the care of the Pacific Union Educational Board all this work will be unified, strengthened, and made to grow, in the way of Christian education. The Sabbath-school and the young people's work were also put under the charge of the Educational Board, since it is all, in truth, only work of Christian education.
It was recommended that the North Pacific Conference be divided into two, on the natural line of the Columbia River; and that British Columbia, Utah, and Arizona be organized into Conferences. This will all doubtless be perfected at the annual meetings soon to be held in these respective fields.
Elder W. T. Knox was re-elected President of the Pacific Union Conference; J. J. Ireland, Secretary; H. H. Hall, Missionary Secretary; S. C. Osborne, General Agent; and the Executive Committee is composed of the presidents of the Conferences that make up the Pacific Union Conference.
ALONZO T. JONES.
The Trouble with Meroz
By Wm. Covert
MORE than three thousand years ago Deborah, a prophetess in Israel, sang of deliverance from the power of a mighty foe. Negligence and backsliding on the part of God's professed people had given the heathen a chance to repossess much of the land, and become strongly fortified in different places. Through this enemy, Baalism had re-established itself in many parts of Palestine, and by it the Lord's people were brought into great distress. So far had the matter gone, that those who wished to worship the true God were in many cases driven from their homes, and lived in constant danger of violence from the foe. At a time when this sad condition was at its worst, the Lord, through Deborah, called upon His people to arise and drive the enemy from their borders.
Barak, of Kedesh, in the land allotted to Naphtali, was requested to lead the armed warriors of Zebulon and Naphtali against the mighty host of Sisera, captain of Jabin's army, Jabin being the heathen king of Canaan. Zebulon and Naphtali at that time could arm only ten thousand men for the war. Deborah in her song states that forty thousand had neither sword nor spear. These had, doubtless, through intrigue of the enemy, been prevented from procuring weapons for the fray. So the brave ten thousand went forth to meet the foe without the aid of their brethren.
There were many anxious hearts in Israel on the day of that sharp conflict. The chief officers among the people became so intensely concerned that many of them went with Deborah on foot to the scene of action, that, if possible, they might render helpful service for their country when the decisive hour should come. As the conflict was raging in the northwestern part of the land allotted to the Hebrews, there were strong cries to the Lord going heavenward from the dwellings of Reuben in the southeastern division of the tribal territory.
Barak with his little band ascended Mt. Tabor from the north, and Sisera led his armed host of idolaters up the Kishon valley until he came to the foothills a few miles south and west from the base of Tabor. The situation of the two armies was now such as to give Barak a great advantage in handling his forces, as the surface of the country in that vicinity was such that the nine hundred chariots of iron were an incumbrance rather than a means of strength.
The conflict began on territory belonging to Issachar, but the charioteers of Sisera's host retreated down the Kishon valley, and “Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles; and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left.”
But while the chariots were driven down the river in trying to escape from Barak, Sisera fled on foot over or around Mt. Tabor to seek protection from Heber, a supposed friend, who lived on the opposite side of the mountain. It was there that the captain of this heathen host was smitten with a marlin pin by the hand of Jael, the wife of Heber, and perished in her tent.
But all this conflict did not arouse to action the inhabitants of Meroz. This community of easy-going people was situated a short distance east of the place where the first onset of battle began. So near were they to the scene of strife, that possibly they could hear the battle cry and the loud bugle call. Issachar, the chief of their tribe, gave a helping hand, and received honorable mention by Deborah and Barak in chanting the victor's song. But Issachar could not prevail upon the inhabitants of Meroz to enter their country's service even for a day.
The faithless people of Meroz doubtless thought Sisera's mighty army, so well armed with sword and spear, and nine hundred chariots of iron, would early slay the foe led by Barak, and then the superior wisdom of Meroz in staying at home in easy content would be loudly praised by all the tribes around. But their conclusions were illy drawn; for when the Lord by His prophet spoke, Gad, Asher, and Dan were rebuked for want of interest, but Meroz was bitterly cursed by the angel because the inhabitants had refused to help the cause of the Lord against a mighty foe.
This opportunity proved to be a final test to the inhabitants of Meroz. Their refusal to help in time of such great need brought upon them discouragement and everlasting disgrace. History gives no reference to the church at Meroz after that occasion. Modern geography does not mark the spot where that people dwelt. The angel's bitter curse was final, not because of what Meroz did, but because of what that people did not do.
As we study the song of Deborah and Barak, we think much about the work now given the Lord's people to do, and wonder if those churches which now refuse to help will be regarded by the angel as were the inhabitants of Meroz. How many will stay at home because they love not the work? In this campaign for the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” will some remain idle because of their dread to work? Is not negligence now as wrong as it was then?
How many members at this time will be as courageous as Barak's ten thousand soldiers were? Who are like the forty thousand in Israel found without sword or spear? Cannot every division of God's people in this call be as faithful as were the tribes of Zebulon and Naphtali in the days of Barak and Deborah? Wm. Covert.
In the Lake Union Conference
The following brief reports will indicate how the campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is progressing among the churches of the Lake Union Conference:—
Henrietta, Wis.—The work that brought the Son of God to this earth is the greatest one in which we can engage.
Lena, Ill.—The Lord of hosts is leading, and the work cannot fail.
Battle Creek, Mich.—I have sold eighty copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and received a blessing thereby.
Du Quoin, Ill.—We are in a hurry to sell our quota, so that we may help others to sell theirs.
Wausau, Wis.—The church at Wausau has filled its quota, and is working on it a second time. Every member will stand by it until the whole State can sing the song of jubilee.
Elkhart, Ind.—We feel that we must put in fifty books here besides selling our quota.
Streator, Ill.—Many of our people will not be able to sell their proportion, and we must do a great deal more than our share. We will try to sell twelve apiece, or maybe sixteen.
Chicago, Ill.—Now is the time for us to put ourselves on record whether we will go through with the people of God, or take our stand with the world.
Hillsdale, Wis.—We visited nine business men, and took seven good orders. One eleven-year-old girl has sold five books. A brother here devotes one day each week to canvassing. Good idea! “Go thou, and do likewise.”
Galesburg, Ill.—I believe that the Lord has special times for the accomplishment of His plans, and I am striving to be among the number who are up and doing at this special time in this special work. I have been able to go out two afternoons each week, and have sold twelve books. One sister in the church who thought she could not canvass, has sold nine books.
La Harpe, Ill.—When this message first came, each member was to take six, so I took that number. Last Christmas I gave away eight, I think it makes such a lovely present for one’s friends, and it is so filled with the precious truth! And then I heard of this last call. So I have, by the Lord’s help, sold fifteen copies. To Him be all the praise and glory, for I do not remember of ever selling a book before. What at first seemed a cross, as He helped me to lift it, became a great pleasure and joy.
Ligonier, Ind.—By the grace of God we expect to fill out the quota for our church members. We cannot afford to lose the blessing and be dropped out.
Jackson, Mich.—We are anxious to sell double our quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” In studying the lesson of the talents, we see that the man who received five talents gained other five. So if the Lord has asked us to sell four copies of this book, how much more blessed if we sell eight!
Michigan.—One laborer almost rebelled; but his brethren prayed for him, and he also sought God for light. In God’s strength he went out and took twenty-six orders the first day. The result was that his company took hold of this work, and are moving right along.
Harpster, Ill.—There were forty books sent. I promised to pay for twenty, though I did not expect to sell them all by April 1. But I told the Lord that the plan was His, and I would take the books and go to my neighbors, trusting in Him to accomplish the work. With very little effort on my part, the books were soon disposed of.
Beaver Dam, Wis.—I saw in the Review that every one should sell six books, so I went to work and sold thirty-one before Christmas. Then I received a letter saying that we should sell four. I have sold twelve more.
Moline, Ill.—One faltering sister, rich in the grace of God, surprised herself and us by selling five books the first half day.
Flint, Mich.—I have sold seven books, and delivered them. I have six more to deliver; shall send for ten more to-day. But I expect to sell even more.
Madison, Wis.—One sister sold thirty-eight books; another, thirty-two. The Lord has surely gone before.
Hagerstown, Ind.—My wife and I have taken orders for ninety books in less than four weeks. When our books are all delivered, we expect to order more.
Connersville, Ind.—My wife and I sold seventy-seven books. We intend to push the sale of this book all we can, and not stop the first of April.
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.—When the letter came stating the plan for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” I felt like saying, with the son in the parable, “I will not.” But I did go, and the first day I took orders for twenty-six books. Since then I have added eighteen orders, making forty-four in all. Blessed are they that do His commandments.
Lovington, Ill.—One sister of seventy-five years of age visited four or five near neighbors while the water was heating for her day’s washing. She sold two books. Another sister, a cripple, sold two to those who visited her, and hopes to finish her quota.
Milwaukee, Wis.—One brother has sold thirty books. Another family of the same name, consisting of four members and two little girls, have sold fifty copies. Another brother, who works all day as a carpenter, has sold twenty-one copies in his spare time. A German sister has sold ten, and forty others have sold their quota, or more.
Milwaukee, Wis.—The books will be sold, even if I have to sell them myself. We cannot lose this battle at any cost. This is at the entering in of the promised land, and it would spoil our courage for the battles to come. Some were smitten last year on the first attack, as the Israelites were of old, but this time it is victory.
The Lord bless His people with heaven-born courage to go forward in faith. This work is spotting the men who have taken time to get down on their knees to drink in sight of the enemy. It is the “lappers” that the Lord wants now. Remember Gideon’s experience.
In the Eastern Union Conference
By P. T. Magan
A GOOD revival of the spirit to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons” is on in the Eastern Union Conference. The example of the Lake Union Conference is proving a blessing, and appearances now bid fair to see every one of our school debts wiped out before the close of the year.
Elder A. E. Place, president of the New England Conference, reports that all his laborers are in the field at this work, “with some signs of fever for the closing battle.” He further states that some of these brethren have already sold from one to two hundred copies, and are ordering as many more. Some of the New England churches have already204sold their quota, and one of them has sold three times its quota, and is still selling books. This last is a splendid, Christian record.
Professor Griggs, the principal of the South Lancaster Academy, is planning to call all his students together, and organize them for the work. They intend to follow the example of the students of Emmanuel Missionary College, and keep at work until their full quota is disposed of.
Elder E. E. Miles made a pledge to sell one hundred copies, and states that he is “having the pleasure of seeing them melt away.”
The work is being thoroughly organized and systematized. The territory is being divided, and leading ministers are by precept and example teaching the people the blessing of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” P. T. MAGAN.
Extracts from Correspondence
FROM Elder W. A. Alway:—
“Sabbath I spoke on Christian education, connecting it with the present movement in the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons.’ We had an enthusiastic meeting, and there seemed to be a general rally by the church. We have no easy task on our hands, but we expect to stay by it till it is done. I hope we shall be able to get it off our hands by the first of June. One or two ministers have promised to write me a recommendation for the book. The wife of the Attorney-General of Utah gave me her order for the book yesterday. I took five orders for the book yesterday besides doing my other work.”
From Elder A. J. Breed:—
“I am glad to say to you to-day that Montana has taken about as good a stand as can be taken. The workers are alive to the movement. They have divided their territory, and each man has become responsible for the sale of books as well as for their pay. The work is going forward, and the laborers will stick to their work until it is done. They ordered their entire amount of books to-day.”
“In Spokane, where there are about fifty thousand inhabitants, they do not want to wait until the camp-meeting. When coming through there the other day, I suggested that they might enter upon it, and if possible, sell their number, and come to the camp-meeting with words of encouragement to help others. We have already placed a man in Boise City, Idaho, and instructed him to get ready for the work as early as possible; and inasmuch as both these cities have books on hand, they might begin at once.
“I am perfectly satisfied that as soon as our people see that we are in earnest to clear the debt from our schools and from the entire denomination, and will plan hereafter to keep free, they will stand by us till the last. But all through this field, it is as you say, ‘What assurance have we that you will not go into debt again?’ So far as I am concerned, I have pledged myself and given my word that as far as my influence goes, it never shall be done.”
From Elder W. B. White:—
“Now in reference to ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ I found that the Spirit of the Lord had gone before us, and as the brethren and sisters met here, their hearts seemed to be prepared to take hold of the work. Among our workers perfect harmony prevails, and not a discouraging note has been heard yet. The Conference passed a resolution recommending immediate action, and advising that the conference workers take hold of the work, and that no other plans be laid until this work is carried to complete success. A resolution was also passed recommending our brethren throughout the State to take hold with the conference workers, and labor with them till the work is accomplished. We have carefully divided the State into districts, placing a conference worker at the head of each division. To-day we have ordered our quota of books, about two thousand one hundred. Our brethren are full of courage for the work.”
“I believe that this mighty cloud of debt is now going to be lifted. We are not having the books sent to our State office, but directly to the leaders of divisions. They go out from this meeting to engage in the work. We wish to finish this work in time to engage in the tent effort later in the season.”
Your Farm and Garden
By J. C. Rogers
HERE in front of my door is a maple tree, and even now in midwinter (February 15) the buds are swelling to open with the first days of spring. The tree has been resting since October. It is now gathering its stored-up strength from last summer’s harvest, getting ready to take advantage of every opportunity when the warming rays come down again in a flood of light from the great Dispenser of every good gift. Then, as if in haste to return to its Husbandman His intrusted wealth, it pours it out in a stream of sweetness for the use of man, and spreads it before its Giver in a mantle of green. Its every activity says, “Freely I have received, freely and gladly I give.” And its fidelity is rewarded by an increase of wealth and usefulness.
The stored-up wealth of your ground has been put there by the same bountiful Giver. By careful studies it has been ascertained that the first foot on every acre of your farm contains, on an average, about two tons each of lime, soda, and phosphoric acid; of potash nearly four tons, and of nitrogen more than five tons. These are the five chief foods needed for the growth of your harvests. Your abundant crops of wheat and corn remove tons of this nitrogen every year, and the strength of your soil is not exhausted. Because of wrong treatment, it sometimes refuses to give up its richness. But it has been proved that the average soil has a reserve supply of these food elements. Of the first four there is still sufficient for from five hundred to four thousand years; of the latter enough for over a hundred years, with a most beautiful arrangement for its constant renewal. So it can be truly said of the soil, regarding nitrogen, which is most in demand by the plants you grow upon it, that its youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
There are two ways by which the nitrogen is restored to the soil. A small amount is carried down from the air by the rain, but far the larger part is borne down through the agency of plants themselves. Plants belonging to the great family of legumes have the power of extracting nitrogen from the air and storing it in little nodules, or warts, on their roots. From these roots it is distributed in the soil, where it remains, ready to aid the growth of the next crop. Among the legumes possessing this wonderful power of gathering nitrogen, the most common are clover, peas, and beans. Also the vetch and some wild plants belong to the same family. This is why clover is so good for worn-out land.
What great discoveries among the forces of nature are almost daily astonishing the world! These discoveries show how little is yet known by man of the workings of God. The ground which you call “my farm,” was made by the Lord. It is His laboratory, His workshop, where all the time His activities are being exerted for your benefit. The Maker and Owner of that piece of ground permits you to have a temporary home upon it, but it is sacred to Him because of His life and power which animate it. This working life of God in your soil is manifested partly through the forces of sunlight, water, air, and electricity. The large part played by electricity in the growth of the seed you plant is not yet understood. Silently these forces of divine energy are working for you whether you give the Lord credit for it or not.
Can you afford to ignore your ever-active Benefactor? Is it possible that your returns to Him shall be less full than those of the tree? Surely the gladness of a feeling heart given you by the same wisdom of God will flow back in joyful streams.
“Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits;” “the first fruits of thy labors, which thou hast sown in the field;” “all the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat;” “the first fruit also of thy corn, . . . and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give.” Ex. 22: 23; 23: 16; Num. 18: 12; Deut. 18: 4.
The idea of the missionary acre may be the means of greatly extending the work of soul saving. If you devote an acre or more of your farm to the Lord, in harmony with His word just quoted, it will be the best ground you have. If after your harvest is ripened, you then select the Lord’s part, it will be the best of the field, the best of the orchard, the best of the flocks and herds. The Lord’s acre will get the best attention and care. If any must be neglected in cultivation, or any suffer in harvest, it will not be His. With what anxious care we select the best gift for one whom we love, and whose heart we desire to win! How can we be less anxious for the Heart which yearns after our affections and pours out all gifts in one gift, Jesus!205The best of the best is not good enough for such love; but it is received in the gracious way that fills the giver’s heart with joy.
“Would you win a Saviour’s blessing?
Freely, freely give;
Would you see His work progressing?
Freely, freely give;
Let your souls with love expand,
Open wide a liberal hand;
Would you follow God’s command?
Freely, freely give.
Give to spread the grand old story,
Freely, freely give.
Give to speed the light of glory,
Freely, freely give.”
Don’t neglect to plan something for God this season. And do it now. He planned for you before the world began, and has been doing it every day since.
J. C. ROGERS.
In Illinois
By G. A. Wheeler
CHICAGO, ILL.
Dear Brother Magan: I believe that Illinois’ plan is working a little in advance of any other Conference in the district. As you know, we are not waiting to receive orders from our churches, but are sending shipments of books to the churches, and telling them their duty. Only one church has refused to engage in the work, and individuals in that church are doing the work of the entire body. Some of our churches have already ordered the second box of books. Some of the smaller churches to which we did not send a box of books direct, but sent books to a neighboring church, expecting to supply the smaller churches from these books, have written us that they want a box of their own. They have gone to work before the books arrived, have taken orders, and are ready for delivery. We feel greatly encouraged in this work, and are confident of success.
Our Chicago churches are going nobly to the front. The new church at Harvey has ordered more than one hundred books, and I think nearly all of them are sold. The South Side church has had between seven and eight hundred copies. They are organizing the young people in that church, and expect to do a good work with them. Brother James, our State agent, is having them in charge, and expects to drill them in the field.
Elder Bliss writes us this morning for the second box of books to be sent to the little church at Lovington. He first thought that if they disposed of the first box, they would be doing remarkably well.
Yours in the good work,
G. A. WHEELER.
Canvass for Christ’s Object Lessons
BROTHER ALLEN MOON, president of the Illinois Conference, writes the following, under date of March 16:—
“The canvass for ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ is still going forward. There is not a discordant note from the field. From every part of the State come encouraging reports, although the work is not being accomplished as rapidly as we had hoped it would be. We find that the brethren who have not had experience in the canvassing work, must necessarily have time for their work; but many are succeeding beyond their expectations.”
“Christ’s Object Lessons” in Texas
Recently a vigorous effort has been put forth in the Texas Conference to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons.” An order has been placed for two thousand copies, and the people are going to work to sell them as fast as possible.
This effort, with the one which is being carried on in Oklahoma, bids fair to wipe out the Keene Academy debt in the near future.
The Sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in Vermont
By J. W. Watt
SINCE this work began, about two thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” have been sent into Vermont. Individuals have taken from five to one hundred copies to sell. I think about twelve hundred copies have been sold and paid for. As a Conference, we should sell at least three thousand copies of this book, as we have a membership of five hundred or more. We are thankful that a good beginning has been made, but the three thousand copies should all have been sold ere this. The Lord has spoken very plainly upon this subject, and has said that holy angels would accompany those who engage in this work with humility of heart.
At a recent meeting of the Vermont Conference Committee it was decided to make a strong pull. April 16 and 17 are appointed as special days for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in Vermont. If every one of the five hundred Seventh-day Adventists in Vermont will sell four copies of this book, April 16 and 17, the remainder of the three thousand copies will be sold. We sincerely hope that every one will heed this call, and join us in this special effort to do what the Lord says should be done. If we go out into the field trusting in God, success will be ours. These books can be sold. The writer has taken, in all, one hundred and ten copies to sell. About forty of these have been disposed of, and the rest will be placed in the homes of the people later.
This excellent book should be in every home in the land; every chapter in it is worth many times the price of the book. Why should we feel at all timid about asking our fellow men to buy a book that we know will do them great good if they will read and study it? Its precious lessons on God’s love and care are sufficient to move the hardest heart. The sale of this book is far different from what the world terms canvassing work. This is taking the gospel, pure and simple, into the homes of the people. But what need we say more? Brethren and sisters of Vermont, let us arise and go forward with this work in the strength of Israel’s God, and we shall receive a rich blessing and a deeper experience in true Christian life. Remember April 16 and 17, as special days set apart for this work. J. W. WATT.
