LEAVING Iquique the last of August, after sailing south two days, I stopped at a small town called Chanaral. Once this was a flourishing place. Of late, as there is a raise in copper, the mines near by are operating again. About twenty years ago the Church of England built a large church, which has recently been purchased by the Presbyterians for their Spanish work. I was invited by their leader to hold meetings while there; and as a result, some manifested an interest to hear the message, and several began the observance of the Sabbath. At the mines in the interior I found an old man who has had the Bible for over thirty years. He obtained this Bible in a remarkable way. It seems that an English ship was about to be wrecked by a storm on the Chilean coast, and the captain of the bark made a vow to God that if his ship could be saved, he would bring a box of Spanish Bibles from England, and distribute them among these ignorant people. That prayer was heard, the vow was fulfilled; and one of the Bibles fell into the hands of this miner, who could read. We had a half-hour's talk, and word has since come that he lost his job because of his observance of the Sabbath, but would rather suffer than disobey God. The Spirit of God in a Chilean has the same effect as in an American.
From Chanaral I came south to Caldera, where I had been about four years ago. Had fair success in selling books among the few English-speaking people there. I also met one lady who is especially interested in the Sabbath truth. My next stop was at Copiapo, a thriving little railroad town in the interior of Caldera. After over two years in the dry saliter mines of Iquique, it was a treat to get in a green spot once more. The Presbyterians were rejoicing, as Copiapo had given them the privilege of erecting a neat church building. I called on the pastor, who asked me to pray in church, also called on me to speak to his congregation. This was a great surprise to me. In this place I had great opposition, but thank the Lord, the seed of truth found root in a few faithful souls.
My next stop was at Carezal, one of the oldest copper districts on the coast of Chile. At one of the mines the administrator opened a small room in which to hold meetings with his workmen. One, the baker of the mine, showed me much kindness, and after asking me several questions, said he thought that the Sabatistas (sabbatarians) only believed in the law, and that he had been warning his family to be prepared with truth from the Bible to meet our arguments. He took me to an adjoining mine, and on our homeward journey we had prayer together among the cactus plants that grow in the valley. He also asked me when an Adventist minister could visit the miners, and establish a church.
Protestantism is more flourishing in the northern part of Chile than in the south; but as the only communication is by steamer, it is more costly to work. During my three months' trip I have sold books, tracts, and the Spanish paper Señales to hundreds of people. Although I cannot say that it has been a paying business as far as money goes, souls have been enlightened, which to me is the most precious of all. How ripe the harvest of souls is, and how large the field for one somewhat worn colporteur! What is needed in the west coast field is more large books in the Spanish language, and more canvassers to sell them. These people need something up to date in every respect. If we had our books in the Spanish, they could be sold by the thousands here. May God bless His word, and may many souls be found in the kingdom of God from the efforts put forth in sowing the precious seeds of truth. T. H. DAVIS.
TENNESSEE
By M. Luther Butler
MURFREESBORO.—Since the first of last June my wife (née Olive Hagle) and I have been engaged in the canvassing work in Tennessee. We have enjoyed much of the blessing of the Lord in our work. We have had some unfavorable surroundings, but the promise has been verified that “the parched ground shall become a pool.”
As I have visited the homes, many have taken down dusty Bibles, and begged me to explain what some things mean. It has been my privilege to sell some Bibles to those who never had one in their homes; and when I meet some of these persons, from time to time, they tell me how proud they are of their Bibles, and that they are studying them. I am holding many Bible readings, but I find more openings than I can fill. As I meet the people, they entreat me to come and hold readings with them. The people here feel that they must almost bow to any one who can explain the Bible to them. Some of the poor people take their last cent to buy a book when we tell them of the important truths contained therein.
A family I visited a short time ago said to me: “We have tried for a long time to get money enough ahead to buy us a Bible, but it seems impossible.” I then told them that it was the devil who brought about these circumstances, and made them think they could not get a Bible or good books; for he well knew that they would then have the light. They then said: “We will get a Bible if it takes the food out of our mouths; for we do not want the devil to cheat us out of a blessing.” The people here have been sadly neglected, and they need some one to tell them the way. I find them greatly interested in the matter of healthful living, and have gained entrance into several of the wealthy homes by telling them some of the principles of healthful living. One wealthy farmer said to me when I went to his home: “I don’t want any books. There is no use of your coming here. I never bought a book of an agent.” I told him I had not asked him to buy, but only wanted to talk with him a few moments. The subject of healthful living,—living so as not to defile these bodies of ours, which are temples of the Holy Ghost,—soon became the topic of conversation. He then asked to see my book, and told me to bring him one. When I went to deliver it, he met me at the gate with the money in his hand. He was pleased to see me, and invited me to call again. I expect to sell him another book.
By the help of the Lord, I obtained the orders of six colored men who work for a rich man. When I went to deliver the books, the rich old man met me at the gate with a club in his hand, forbidding me to deliver the books. He said he did not want his niggers to have books, and any one who bought a book, he would discharge. The colored men knew the day I was coming, and they met me, one by one, down the road, and when they paid me for their books, they said, “We must hide this book, for it is a forbidden book; but we must have it, for we want to know some of God’s word.”
A great many of the colored people are still in bondage, but they must have the truth. I am glad of the privilege of working for Christ. The privilege of working for souls will soon be ours no more. Then shall we not arise and work with our might, that it may be said to us in that day: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”?
M. LUTHER BUTLER.
WASHINGTON
By John Norton Loughborough
COLLEGE PLACE.—I spent four weeks of the month of December in the college at College Place, Wash. On the school days the opening hour was given me to talk to the students upon the work of the Spirit of God, the gifts of the Spirit, and the development in the world of the great second advent movement. The interest of the students seemed to deepen from day to day. Besides these lessons, I gave some Sabbath-day discourses, and talks in other meetings.
The last week of my stay there was the Week of Prayer. Elder Breed conducted the readings for the first three days, and the professors and teachers conducted the readings and special services the rest of the week. My morning lessons continued through the week, and the special meetings on the school days were in the evenings. Revival work began with the first readings. Inquiry meetings were held for a half hour or more before each evening meeting, and unconverted students—young men and women—began to give their hearts to the Lord. The last Sabbath reading was in the forenoon of December 28. At the close of this service twenty-three of the students were baptized in the baptistery near the college building. In the evening after the Sabbath it was evident that the work was spreading through the community, for the college chapel was filled to the very doors.28It was decided to continue the evening meetings at 6 P. M., through another week. Another baptism of students was appointed at the quarterly meeting to be held January 4. In the afternoon social meeting of December 28 there were about one hundred and fifty testimonies borne in one hour. I counted as many as thirty students on their feet at once, waiting their turn to speak a word of praise to God for what He had done for them. The Lord came very near to us in that service. I expect soon to go to Healdsburg, to give some talks in that college. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
TRINIDAD
By W. G. Kneeland
EL MAMO.—At this place, November 23, Brother Geo. F. Enoch, who had just arrived from Jamaica, and myself had the pleasure of dedicating the second house of worship erected by us in Trinidad.
El Mamo is a small country village about five miles from Arima, and twenty-one miles from Port of Spain. Although the brethren there are poor in this world's goods, by using the native materials and donating their labor, they were able to erect a neat chapel with but little outside help, free from debt.
The work was begun here about a year ago by two of our native brethren who carried books and papers with them to distribute among the people as they went about their regular business. Their faithful labors, aided by a few days' help from Elder Crowther, enabled them to become intelligent on the fundamental principles of the Third Angel's Message. Six received baptism, and a church of fifteen members was organized. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, and the rich blessing of the Lord was with us as we communed together. The success of the work at this place is an illustration of what could be accomplished in many towns and villages in Trinidad and Tobago, if we were only prepared to follow up the opening providences of the Lord.
We need more persons who are qualified to explain the truth in a simple way to the people, and by both precept and example show them how they can obey the commandments of God and still support their families. We need a fund from which to loan our brethren small amounts to assist in building. When we enter a new district, almost the first question is, “Have you any church building?” If we have not, we are at once classed with the traveling missionaries who have often brought disgrace on the cause of Christ. Nearly all the halls rent at prices beyond our reach, and much prejudice exists against holding meetings in private houses. Before our work can be permanently established, buildings must be erected in all parts of the islands. We have lost much already by our delay in securing land in the important cities. Rents are very high. Since the mission was opened in Port of Spain, nearly enough has been expended in rentals to build us a suitable place. At Port of Spain we should begin to work for Venezuela by opening the work among the traders and wealthy people who come here in large numbers when there is a revolution in their own country. At Tunapuna there are many intelligent East Indians, some of whom have already joined with us. We trust that the building we are trying to erect there will result in opening the work among the eighty thousand in this island.
Are there not many of our brethren who already have comfortable churches who will esteem it a pleasure to invest in church buildings for the West Indies? May we each have wisdom to know and do the right. W. G. KNEELAND.
Among the Churches in Nebraska.
By GEO. H. SMITH.
The last two months of 1901 I have visited all the English-speaking churches in District 3. Although I have always preferred laboring in new fields, I have enjoyed the blessing of God more lately than ever. At Gothenburg, eight were baptized and united with the church. Three united with the church at Curtis. This church has had eighty-six members, but most of them have moved away. At McCook, three were baptized. There are now eighteen at this place ready for organization. At the quarterly meeting at Holdrege, five united with the body. At Sett, Beaver City, Alma, and Ragan, the people showed their love of the truth by attending every meeting during the severe cold weather. At Kearney, Hastings, and Red Cloud, the Lord came very near. Several young people at Kearney expressed a desire to start for the kingdom. Two or three also at Red Cloud decided to keep God's law. The interest being good, I promised to hold a short series of meetings there soon.
The Readings for the Week of Prayer were much appreciated, and I believe most of the people gave liberally, considering the three years' poor crops. In every ordinance and business meeting, love and harmony were manifested. There was but one discouraging feature in these churches. That was a moving spirit. A moving spirit is all right when it moves to missionary labor, but it is bad when it moves one to some new scheme to help self, thus leaving the little home church crippled for lack of efficient service.
GEO. H. SMITH.
Leading Events, Jan. 5–11.
By A. J. B.
— A lawyers’ trust is incorporated in New Jersey.
— The trial of C. F. W. Neely for postal fraud is now on at Havana, Cuba.
— The Mexican Central and the International railways will be consolidated.
— Helen Gould plans to build a sanitarium for children, at Idaho Springs, Colo.
— Some Americans offer $15,000,000 for copper mines in Rhodesia, South Africa.
— London has 878 cases of smallpox, thirty-four having been discovered the 10th inst.
— King Edward, of England, is in good health, and “anxious to have everybody know it.”
— The Hawaiians do not take kindly to the idea of establishing a leper colony in their islands.
— The war in South Africa still continues. No decided victories are reported for either party.
— The price of May wheat advances to 84¾ cents, or one cent above the high price for December.
— A bill is introduced in Congress which proposes to create the office of Fifth Assistant Postmaster General.
— At the request of Mr. Shaw, Mr. Gage will act as secretary of the United States Treasury until February 1.
— Herr Krupp, the German manufacturer of cannons, armor plate, etc., pays a tax on an income of $5,000,000 a year.
— General Funston arrived at San Francisco the 9th inst., from the Philippines. He is the man who captured Aguinaldo.
— Eleven Princeton (N. J.) University students are quarantined on account of smallpox. All the students are to be vaccinated.
— Louisiana sugar-cane growers held a meeting at New Orleans the 9th inst. “to protest against tariff concessions in favor of Cuba.”
— A Filipino powder factory, workshops, and war munitions at Ormoc, Leyte Island, are captured by a detachment of the Eleventh Infantry, U. S. A.
— Admiral Schley visited some friends in Savannah, Ga., the 10th inst., and was most enthusiastically received by the officials and people of that city.
— In a speech at Johannesburg, South Africa, Lord Milner, the British High Commissioner, declares that the Boer war “must be fought to a finish.”
— The name of the French vessel that sank the “Walla Walla” is the “Max,” which was also badly damaged by the collision. The number of victims may reach forty-seven.
— Cuban merchants appeal to Secretary Root “to have Congress enact a law giving the island tariff concessions,” declaring that otherwise the industries of the island will be ruined.
— The Lexington, Ky., chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy ask the local theater manager to bar “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” play, because it is “offensive to former slave owners.”
— The relations between American, Russian, and British authorities at New-Chwang, China, are strained because of a clash between American and Russian sailors there the 7th inst.
— In a Reichstag debate on the German budget Chancellor von Bülow scores Joseph Chamberlain’s recent criticism of German troops in the Franco-Prussian War. This closes an incident which might have proved serious.
— The United States House of Representatives passed the Nicaragua Canal bill the 9th inst. by a vote of 308 to 2. There will be ample time to discuss the Panama Canal route before the Senate passes the Nicaragua Canal bill.
— A Peking, China, dispatch, dated the 7th inst., states that “the imperial court is once more in the forbidden city, having made one of the most imposing entries known in this generation.” Foreign spectators were allowed extraordinary privileges.29
— The British now have 41,000 Boer prisoners.
— During 1901 there were 142,514 cars of all kinds built in the United States.
— The receipts of the New York City post-office during 1901 were over $11,000,000.
— Arizona capitalists will erect a large sanitarium for consumptives at Sunbath, Colo.
— The United States will send 200 more teachers and other employees to Manila the 15th inst.
— The shops of Buda-Pesth were recently raided by an army of 2,000 of the unemployed, 130 shops being looted.
— Argentina suspends diplomatic relations with Chile, and orders her army and navy to be placed upon a war footing.
— About 54,000,000 tons of hard coal and nearly 220,000,000 tons of soft coal were mined in the United States last year.
— William J. Bryan and Mayor Johnson addressed a pro-Boer meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, the 5th inst., which was attended by 4,000 persons.
— The citizens of Denver, Colo., organize a Safety Committee, “as a protection against criminals, with which the city has been infested for the past year.”
— The Pacific Coast members of Congress will present a bill “to prevent Chinamen, other than officers or those already here, from coming to this country.”
— The Public Instruction Department of Mexico City recently “suppressed the study of Latin in the great preparatory school, and replaced it with English.”
— Professor Loeb, of the University of Chicago, claims to have discovered, as the result of ten years’ experiments, that “electricity, and not heat, is the life energy.”
— The “Alfonso,” a British steamer, and the “Vilelva,” a Spanish vessel, collided off the coast of Portugal the 8th inst. The boats sank, and nineteen men were drowned.
— Fifteen were killed and sixteen injured (two fatally) in a collision between two passenger trains in the Park Avenue tunnel of the New York Central road at New York.
— The residence of the Venezuelan Minister of Finance was wrecked by a bomb the 7th inst. No one was injured. General Juan Pietri, who has been working against President Castro, has been arrested.
— It is reported that “dissatisfaction among the working classes in Spain is spreading, and a general strike of all trades has been ordered. Martial law has been proclaimed in several places, and riots are frequent.”
— British dispatches show that, according to corrected lists, the British casualties at Zefontein the 25th ult. were 61 killed, 54 wounded, and 245 captured, or practically the annihilation of the four British companies engaged.
— The London Saturday Review in a recent editorial, “advises Great Britain to form a working alliance with Germany,” in order to check “the continued and apparently inevitable advance of the United States into South America.”
— King Edward will use the $1,000,000 placed at his disposal by Sir Ernest Cassel, in the construction of a home for consumptives. Sir Cassel is a naturalized Englishman, born in France, and “one of England’s wealthiest Jewish financiers.”
— Stephen Paine, the colored fireman of Chicago who “conceived the idea of the ‘sliding pole,’ which is a part of the equipment of the fire stations in nearly every city,” has been retired on a pension of $47.50 a month. He is seventy years old.
— Princess Louise, daughter of King Leopold of Belgium, is “pronounced hopelessly insane. She was divorced from her husband, Prince Philip of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and has been practically a prisoner in a retreat near Dresden for two years.”
— General Botha has sent a note to all Boer commandos “requesting them to keep on fighting, for the British Parliament is to be asked for another war vote, which will induce the British nation to demand that the war in South Africa be stopped.” He orders the Boers to “retard the work of extending the British blockhouses at any cost.”
— Industrial depression prevails in Holland, thousands being out of work. According to an exchange, the Salvation Army “is providing food for an average of a thousand persons in each of the four leading cities of the country—Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.” The Salvation Army is certainly to be commended for the vast amount of good it does throughout the world.
— The Standard Oil people are seeking a franchise for a gas plant in Paris.
— Prince Ferdinand, of Bulgaria, asks M. Daneff, of the outgoing Cabinet, to form a new one.
— The William McKinley National Memorial Arch Association petitions Congress for $25,000.
— The City Council of Cleveland, Ohio, passes an ordinance calling for three-cent street railway fares.
— Seventeen miners were entombed alive by the caving in of a mine at Negaunee, Mich., the 7th inst.
— Congress may adopt some plan to relieve the President from “the importunities of office-seekers.”
— The desirability of having a permanent Census Bureau is being strongly advocated in Washington.
— Prof. Nicholas M. Butler is elected president of Columbia University, New York, to succeed Seth Low.
— Canadian forces going to South Africa adopt American medical and hospital equipments for troops in the field.
— Turkey pays $7,500 to the mother of Lenz, the American bicyclist who was murdered in Armenia several years ago.
— Jean de Bloch, “father of the Peace Conference,” and one of the Czar’s advisers, died in Russia the 7th inst.
— Chicago’s mayor and chief of police are opposing the secret society recently formed by the policemen of that city.
— A New York syndicate organizes the Trust Company of the Republic, to loan money to farmers, taking their crops as security.
— According to a census bulletin issued the 7th inst., the population of the United States and its colonies in 1900 was 84,233,069.
— Chile threatens to sever diplomatic relations with Mexico “if the Pan-American Congress tries to adopt compulsory arbitration.”
— Admiral Schley appeals to the President from the decision of the majority of the Court of Inquiry. The President will consider the matter.
— The St. Mary’s River Lumber Company secures 100,000 acres of crown lands at Clyde River, Nova Scotia. It now owns 265,000 acres in all.
— In an address at Wooster, Ohio, the 6th inst., William J. Bryan advocated “a continuation of the fight against imperialism and the money power.”
— The Washington authorities have received “copies of a proclamation from the Filipinos, signed by nine American deserters, asking comrades to come over and join them.” The war still continues.
— A German Mormon Conference assembled in Berlin the 5th inst. “under the leadership of Hugh J. Cannon, son of the late George Q. Cannon.” The Mormons claim to have 2,000 followers in Germany.
— The District of Columbia started the new year with a new code of laws. Divorce will hereafter be granted for infidelity only. Desertion, drunkenness, and cruelty will not be considered sufficient ground for separation.
— An exchange states that “the total loss in the British army in South Africa, from the beginning of the war to December, including deaths from disease, etc., aggregates 24,290.” Most of the 64,330 men sent home as invalids, have recovered, and gone back to the front.
— The German cruiser “Gazelle,” bound for China, is ordered to South America. “The strength of the German naval force in Venezuelan waters will now be five ships with 107 guns and 1,740 men.” Germany, however, has the moral support of the United States in all her movements in that district.
— In a recent sermon in the City Temple, of London, Dr. Joseph Parker “devoted considerable time to New Year greetings to President Roosevelt, as follows: ‘Great Britain and Ireland salute their young sister America, and rejoice that this message needs no translation: “Hail to the King-President, made king on the confidence and love of a united nation, a king whose crown glitters with diamonds of personal love, loyalty, and devotion.” God save the President of the United States.’”
— A Vienna dispatch of the 9th inst. states that the Allgemeine Zeitung’s Sofia correspondent “asserts, despite denials, that it is a fact that Miss Stone was liberated ten days ago, and that the full ransom demanded for her release was paid; that she embarked at Salonica for Genoa, en route to America. The Porte has requested that the matter be kept secret so that the payment of the ransom may not encourage the kidnapping of foreigners.” But other dispatches, dated the 10th inst., state that negotiations for her release are still in progress.
— Mr. Wm. E. Curtis, correspondent of the Chicago Record-Herald, has spent several months in Europe. Writing from Rome, he outlines the policy of the papacy with reference to the Philippines. Conciliation is “the keynote of the policy described—conciliation of American officials; conciliation of the islanders whose hatred of the friars has brought them to the verge of revolt against the Church.” The mission of Archbishop Chapelle is “conceded to have been a failure.” Archbishop Sbaretti, of Havana, is to take his place, “with an American priest, Father Broderick, of Hartford, Conn., as coadjutor. They are to try again to achieve what Chapelle failed to effect—to win the confidence of the American authorities, and to hold the people to their ecclesiastical allegiance. The lands held by the friars are to be surrendered, except such as are actually in use for church and charitable objects, with the expectation that they will be fairly paid for.” Now is the time for Protestants to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in those far-off possessions. A. J. B.
MICHIGAN
By W. M. Crothers
As our people are all interested in the movements of the laborers in different parts of the world, I will make mention of my return to America. Eight years ago I was sent by the Foreign Mission Board to New Zealand, where I labored in different branches of the work for four years. My health then broke down, and I returned for a few months to this country, and then sailed with the “Pitcairn” on her last voyage, finally making my way back to Australia, where I have been connected with the medical and publishing work for the past two years. My health again failing, by the advice of Dr. Kress and others, I sailed from Sydney, December 2, in company with Brother V. Heyneman, of South Australia, by the steamship “Aorangi,” arriving at Vancouver, British Columbia, December 26, and at Grand Rapids, Mich., December 31. We had a pleasant voyage throughout, and thus far I am as well as I could expect. I will remain here a short time with my mother, and then spend some time at the Sanitarium in Battle Creek.
W. M. CROTHERS.
IS IT TOO EARLY TO MENTION THE MISSIONARY ACRE FUND?
By David Paulson
THE coming year will be the banner missionary year. We have every reason to believe that it will witness such a revival of the missionary spirit as most of those who are now connected with our work have never had the privilege of seeing. If some of us do not have just such an experience, it will certainly be because we deliberately ignore the opportunities of the hour.
Every family should begin immediately to cultivate the missionary spirit by taking up most enthusiastically the missionary-acre idea, and beginning to make definite plans to set aside a portion of their farm to forward the educational movement among us as a people.
There are some parents who are so blinded to the interests of their children that they do not think it worth while to do anything in their families to keep the missionary spirit alive. May God pity such parents, not only now, but when, a little later on, they are to stand at the bar of God to give an account for the stewardship which was intrusted to them here in this life.
The missionary-acre plan is certainly a divine idea. It has come to stay. Every Seventh-day Adventist family should, the coming season, consecrate a portion of their soil, or a certain number of days’ labor, or some other definite thing, to the Lord’s cause. Let this be added to the New Year’s resolutions, and God’s Spirit will assist in the carrying out of the same.
In these uncertain times it is well for us all to remember that the following text is just as fully inspired as the promise of the forgiveness of sins: “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground.” “I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith. . . . The floor shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.” DAVID PAULSON.
WEST VIRGINIA.
By J. W. Lair
Since the first of May I have labored in fourteen different places. A part of the time Elder S. M. Cobb was associated with me. During this time seventeen accepted the truth, sixteen others have united with us in these efforts, eleven being organized into a church, with three others already in the truth, the remaining five having united with various churches already organized. At this place, Elk Garden, W. Va., a house of worship was purchased.
Number of days' labor, 245; sermons preached, 190; other meetings held, 85; Bible readings held, 32; families visited, 220; books sold to the amount of $137; papers given away and sold, 125; pages of tracts sold and given away, 6,080; donations received in tent work, $53.74; pledges and donations received for Conference debt, $129.25; expenses, including traveling, freight, rent and lumber for tent work, $100.15.
The Lord has been very near in these meetings, and has given souls as a reward for the efforts put forth. Many points of interest might be mentioned in connection with my work, but space will not permit.
The Lord has given excellent health to both my family and myself. For all His rich blessings I can only say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”
J. W. LAIR.
“A GLORIOUS MEETING.”—
FROM MISSION BOARD CORRESPONDENCE.
The Week of Prayer has been a time of refreshing. The brethren and sisters enter the new year with a new inspiration to consecration and service. The hope of the soon coming of Jesus has quickened many hearts, and the missionary interest increases. Earnest work on the right hand and on the left, and in the regions beyond, is the motto for the coming year.
An isolated young sister writes from Indian Territory, inclosing three dollars as an offering to missions. She says:—
“When I hear the calls for help, I feel that I would like to have the money to help. I have not; but in a few years I can give myself. I am so anxious for that time to come.”
An Illinois laborer says that in addition to the Readings, the company where he was spent profitable seasons in studying the Testimonies, Vol. VI. “In the last meeting,” he says, “the question on page 30 was especially dwelt upon, and all felt that we ought not to keep our ministers at home, but do all we can to sustain the laborers in more needy and destitute fields.”
A lone sister in Iowa writes:—
“Inclosed find six dollars, the offering of the widow and the fatherless. We felt we must send an offering for missions, in which we are deeply interested. We are the only Seventh-day Adventist family for miles around, and often long to meet a dear brother or sister of our precious faith.”
“A GLORIOUS MEETING.”—
The elder of the Shelby (Mich.) church writes:—
“We had a glorious meeting in our church during the Week of Prayer. I had no copy of the Readings; but when I left home for the first meeting, I thought that some of the other brethren would surely have one. But in this I was disappointed. I trembled as I thought of the situation, for I was afraid we could not hold profitable daily meetings without the Readings. But when we brought up the matter, a man, not a member of the church either, said we had the word of God, and proposed that we come together to seek God just the same as if we had the Readings. So, trusting in the promises that God would be with us, we started the meetings. In our first meeting on Sunday we found the promise verified. Hearts were touched, and sins were confessed and put away, thus opening the way for the Holy Spirit to come into our midst. Monday we came together, and found that the Lord had remembered us again. One brother, calling at the post-office, had received a copy of the Readings. After a season of prayer two members gave a study from the Scriptures each day, and then we had the reading and a social meeting. These were the best meetings we have ever had in our church. On Sabbath two dear souls came forward and gave themselves to the Lord, and two others on the background reconsecrated themselves.”
One isolated Michigan sister sends twenty dollars to help “hasten the Lord’s coming,” and a brother in Greenville sends four hundred dollars for the annual offering.
An Illinois sister writes in behalf of a church which numbers only about a dozen or so:—
“We have been much impressed concerning the needs in countries outside of the United States, and with the thought that some of the smaller churches, by uniting, could sustain a missionary in some other land. How much will it cost to support a missionary in India for a year? The children are most interested in that field, and especially in the zenana work, but any other field would be the same to us, providing there is some one ready to go. Of course we cannot make promises, as members here are mostly poor; and we would need to present the matter to the nearest church.”
MEXICO
By A. G. Bodwell
SINCE the publication of the article, “Opportunities for Missionaries in Mexico,” I have received so many letters from persons desiring to come here that it will be impossible to write a personal letter to all. However, Professor Caviness and myself will try to answer these questions through the REVIEW.
In regard to the climate, I will say that it varies. In some portions of the republic it is quite warm, and in others it is cooler. In another article we will describe the climate more fully.
Some have asked about the price of land; and if there is any government land to be had here. Here is a quotation from the Mexican Herald of December 28, in answer to this same query: “In response to a query: There are no homestead laws in Mexico, as the term is used in the United States. There are government lands for sale in many of the states of the republic, but they are either unsurveyed, and therefore not on the market, or, as a rule, are unfit for occupancy. All the government lands of known value have been taken. Good lands, however, for any purpose can be had at reasonable figures all over the republic.”
I have investigated the price of land, and find that it can be bought for from one dollar an acre up to several hundred. Of course the price depends on the location and quality of the land. In some places lots of one hundred acres or more can be bought by paying one quarter down, and the remainder in three payments one year apart, with interest at six per cent. In other places one might have to buy a larger tract, and perhaps would have to pay one half down. Nearer the towns and cities, and in the villages, smaller tracts, from a small lot up to several acres, may be purchased. But this is much more expensive than in the country. The land is usually very productive; and in most parts of the republic there is an abundance of running water coming from large springs. Good water can also be obtained by digging wells. If one has a small piece of land here, his living will cost very little, as he can raise nearly everything he needs to eat. In many places the land is watered by irrigation; in other places rain is depended upon.
In Mexico City living is very high, especially when persons have to pay rent, and buy everything they eat. But if one has a lot or two in the suburbs, with a house on it of his own, his living will be much cheaper. A family thus situated can save their rent, and raise a good portion of their living.
Where several families intend to come to Mexico, I think that it would be a good plan for them to select one of their company to come ahead, and select a place that will suit them. The way to buy land here is to find a desirable piece, then see the owner, and learn what it can be bought for.
I would not advise any one to come to Mexico who expects to depend on manual labor for a living, as laborers' wages are very small. Neither would I advise any to come unless they are prepared to endure hardships; for while it is a beautiful place in which to live, and has a great many advantages, it also has its drawbacks. But for those who really have a burden for souls, and want to do missionary work, I do not know of a better country anywhere. A. G. BODWELL.
