We do not see much written about China’s women. True, their condition socially, and in the home, is less deplorable than that of Indian women, who live behind the purdah; yet they are heathen, and are the ones who keep alive the altar fires of idolatry.
The aged Chinese are held in great veneration. Four and five generations14may be found living under one roof. The eldest woman usually rules the others, and generally gets her own way. A Chinese woman’s greatest ambition is to present her husband with a son, to keep the male line intact, and to sacrifice to deceased ancestors. It appears that women perform these rites by request only, and then usually join with the men. While daughters are not so welcome as sons, they are often greatly petted.
Women at Chang-sha enjoy considerable liberty. But foot binding and other customs confine them closely to their homes.
In the better families, women seldom go out except in a covered sedan-chair. They take their meals in rooms separate from the men. Their time is taken up largely with gossip brought in by servants. They also take special care with their toilet. The hair must be done in the prevailing fashion, which changes but little in this respect. It must be well-oiled, kept smooth, and pasted down close to the scalp, with a fancy coil at the back. Fancy pins and ornaments of gold, silver, and various colored stones are used to keep these twisted coils in place. The finger-nails may be permitted to grow very long, and are carefully manicured; they are often tinted pink, as are the palms of the hands. The face is powdered, and highly tinted with red, which does not add to their appearance.
In wealthy homes, children are reared by a wet nurse. Relieved of care and responsibility, these mothers readily resort to the water-pipe for smoking tobacco, or card playing and other kinds of gambling; and, alas! too often they fall victims to the terrible opium habit, which has slain myriads.
How these heathen sisters need those with the love of Christ in their hearts to visit them in their homes, teach them to do different kinds of needlework, knitting, and crocheting, and such other work as they can be inspired to do. They need reading-matter telling the simple story of Jesus, and some one to read with them, thus opening the way for Bible instruction in the home for those who do not go out. I have not done much visiting, not having a trained Bible woman as yet. It is also quite difficult to gain an entrance into these homes unless one has met some lady of the household through medical work or otherwise. However, we have a class of women who do go out.
To reach the women I have been following this plan: Monday and Thursday afternoons of each week, we give a special invitation to these women and children to come to meeting. The whole afternoon is devoted to receiving, and to studying with them in the Word of God. After some songs and prayer, we have our Bible lesson. This has been learned well by previous study with our own women. All who can read characters are asked to read in rotation with the rest. If they do not wish to read, they seem to delight to look on the book as others read. After reading, we have a talk about the lesson, thus bringing out as many points as we can concerning God’s love, the sinner’s need of Christ, his promises to all who repent and believe the gospel.
These women, never having been at a Christian meeting before, know nothing about order and quiet. When one point has been told them, it is necessary to rehearse it again and again. They often ask questions, and our Sabbath-keeping women are very ready to answer them. They also help out by telling of other lessons which have not been brought out.
Our evangelist’s wife, Mrs. Chang, thinks no lesson is complete until she tells and explains about the ten commandments, and shows their relation to sin.
HOMES OF CHANG-SHA, HUNAN, CHINA
After about an hour’s study in this simple way, Bibles are set aside, unless some desire to question further. Mrs. Chang talks to them, and the rest are invited to see my little three-room house, which is an object of great curiosity to them. Their first question is, invariably, “How do you get the floors so clean?” The foreign cook-stove is a wonder to them, not having seen one before. “How wise the foreigner is,” they say, “to make a stove so that no smoke or ashes will come out into the kitchen, and that will cook so many things at one time.” They are quite surprised to find that our bed is much like their own, having been made in China.
They think it strange that I make my own clothes. At Chang-sha it is common for nearly all classes to wear tailor-made garments; but they usually make their own tiny embroidered shoes and white muslin hose.
After they have finished looking at things, they are ready to learn the simple crocheting, knitting, etc., which have been prepared. By the help of those who have acquired some proficiency, they practise at this until it is time to return home to prepare the evening meal.
True, many come out of curiosity, but we are promised that if we “sow beside all waters,” “my word . . . that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it . . . shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” One very apparent effect of these meetings is seen in the breaking down of prejudice after a few visits.
I am training our own women as fast as possible so that they may be able to give Bible readings and visit the women in their homes, thus opening the Word of life to thirsty and hungry souls. They take great interest in their daily study with me.
What do you plan to do for these very interesting women during the coming year? You can have as definite a part in this work as those who are on the field in co-operating with God in prayer.
Chang-sha, Hunan.
BRIDGE IN HUNAN, CHINA
The German-Swiss Conference
By L. R. Conradi
L. R. CONRADI
At Uster, about twelve miles from Zurich — the old home of Zwingle — the German-Swiss Conference had its session from July 14 to 18. When Elder O. A. Olsen and myself arrived on the fourteenth, we found above the town a village composed of about thirty neat dwelling-tents, the preaching tent (which would seat about five hundred persons), and the dining-tent.
At the first business meeting all the churches were well represented, and on the Sabbath there were three hundred of our people on the grounds,—the best attendance we ever had. The German-Swiss Conference had a prosperous year. From July, 1908, to July, 1909, they had nearly one hundred additions to the church, bringing up their membership to five hundred eighteen.
Before the meeting, they had a short institute for the canvassers, who have had quite good success in securing subscriptions for our periodicals and in selling our smaller publications.
The evening services were well attended by the people from the town and the surrounding country, and on Sunday the camp was crowded. The business of the conference went forward very harmoniously. Elder J. G. Oblander was re-elected president of the conference.
While strong churches are developing in Zurich and in Basel, we are glad that of late there has been also quite a growth in Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
As suitable tents for the climate of15Switzerland are quite expensive, and the brethren had to pay about fifteen hundred dollars for the new tent they had purchased, and as only two hundred dollars had thus far been collected toward the payment of the bill, we extended an urgent call at this meeting for funds to apply on the payment of their tent, and in a short time five hundred dollars in cash and pledges was given toward the enterprise. Also, when we set before the people the needs of our missions on the Sabbath, their Sabbath-school offerings amounted to over fifty dollars; and on Sunday they gave twenty-two dollars more toward the work in “the regions beyond.” Several persons also promised larger amounts for the mission field.
Although at first the work in German-Switzerland moved rather slowly, and they had quite a good deal of difficulty to secure brethren who would be pillars in the church, yet of late a change has come in this respect. Quite a number of young people have also taken their stand. At the time of this meeting an educated lady, a state teacher, who had been formerly impressed with the truth, decided fully to cast her lot with us.
There is much work yet to be done, especially in the Catholic cantons, as well as in the other parts of German-Switzerland. The prospects are bright for the future of the work, and we are sure that among the two millions of this conference there will yet be many witnesses raised up for the precious truths of this message.
Hamburg.
Fiji
By C. H. Parker
C. H. PARKER
We had a good time at our native council, and the Lord came very near. There were about two hundred present, fifty-seven of whom were delegates. Perfect harmony existed throughout all the meetings and deliberations. The spiritual tone was of the best. Our people manifested much greater intelligence in the meeting than has been shown before. In speaking to the recommendations, they spoke right to the point.
One recommendation was on tithing. We spent an hour considering this question, and it was a most profitable hour. There was the greatest interest taken in it. Many had had the idea, though they never had expressed it openly, that tithe should not be paid until all debts had been settled. We had copious showers of the latter rain.
A resolution was introduced to build a ten-fathom Boys' Home with iron roof, and that all of our people in Fiji should be invited to help. After the service in the evening, those who were present were asked how much they felt like giving. There was no urging or compelling. The Spirit alone worked. What was our surprise, when the amount and pledges were added up there was about thirty pounds. This was one of our best meetings.
All of the services were heart-searching, and sin became very hateful. There was a great deal of confessing and putting away of the works of the devil. Our social meetings were feasts. The last one lasted from six in the morning till nearly nine. There were two to four on their feet all the time. There was not a moment lost. We had to close the meeting before all had spoken, so we asked all those who had not had the opportunity to speak, to stand. All that remained were on their feet in a few moments.
A wife of a native Wesleyan minister took her stand, and a few more from the outside. Our meeting adjourned, and we went to the water, where I baptized twelve dear souls. The minister's wife was one of them.
It was the expression of one and all, that this was the best meeting that we have yet had in Fiji. Well, it was all because the Lord did the work. The week before the meeting, we, as workers, spent in seeking the Lord together. We studied the Bible and the Testimonies, and laid our hearts bare before the Lord. Each morning after the social service, we, as an executive board, went off by ourselves, and pleaded with God for his special guidance and help in the exercises of the day. The Lord did not disappoint us, but granted his help far beyond our expectations. The work went very easy, and the clouds which I so much dreaded, broke with blessings over our heads. We praise God for his wonderful help, and what has been accomplished.
The past year has shown some fruit. There have been sixty-four added to our numbers. In this time, six have died, and four have apostatized, thus the actual increase had been fifty-four. A large amount of reading-matter has been placed in the hands of the public, and quite a number of books have been disposed of. Forty-one have been baptized. We were able to add one additional laborer to our staff of workers, and hope before the close of the year to appoint another to the work. All of our people and workers are of the best courage, and there was no discouraging word or report borne.
We have quite a little matter waiting our August council, which will take some good, solid consideration. The church building question for Suva will be considered, also the publication of literature. We are anxious to get the message into every part of these fields as fast as we can.
The press engine has been installed and runs nicely. Its first trial in printing will be next week. It will be some time yet before the engine for the “Cina” [their boat for work among the islands] will be here. Sister Williams will be going into her house next week. There are ten girls who will live with her. Others will soon be coming. If it were not for a native law, which makes it very difficult for a girl to leave her town, we would have quite a number more girls at the present. Several more students have entered the school, and others are planning to attend.
Buresala, Levuka, Ovalau.
Some Interesting Facts Concerning the Bible
It is said that the learned Prince of Granada, heir to the Spanish throne, was imprisoned by order of the crown and kept in solitary confinement in the old prison in the Palace of Skulls, Madrid, for fear he would aspire to the throne. After thirty-three years in this living tomb, death came to his release, and the following researches taken from the Bible, and marked with an old nail on the rough walls of his cell, tell how the ‘brain sought employment through the weary years:—
“In the Bible the word ‘Lord’ is found 1,853 times; the word ‘Jehovah’ 6,855 times; and the word ‘reverend’ but once, and that in the ninth verse of the one hundred eleventh psalm. The eighth verse of the one hundred seventeenth psalm is the middle verse of the Bible. The ninth verse of the seventh chapter of Esther is the longest verse; thirty-fifth verse, eleventh chapter of St. John, is the shortest verse. In the one hundred seventh psalm four verses are alike—the eighth, fifteenth, twenty-first, and the thirty-first. Each verse of the one hundred thirty-sixth psalm ends alike. No names or words with more than six syllables are found in the Bible. The thirty-seventh chapter of Isaiah and the nineteenth chapter of 2 Kings are alike. The word ‘girl’ occurs but once in the Bible, and that in the third verse and third chapter of Joel. There are found in both books of the Bible, 3,586,483 letters, 773,693 words, 31,373 verses, 1,189 chapters, and 66 books. The twenty-sixth chapter of Acts is the finest chapter to read. Psalm twenty-three is the most beautiful chapter in the Bible. The four most inspiring promises are John 14:2; John 6:37; Matt. 11:28; Ps. 37:4. The first verse of the sixtieth chapter of Isaiah is the one for the new convert. All who flatter themselves with vain boasting of their perfection should learn the sixth chapter of Matthew. All humanity should learn the sixth chapter of Luke, from the twentieth verse to its ending.”—New York Indicator.
The True Definition of Conversion
Thomas Goodwin, who writes to such purpose on this as on every other, spiritual subject, says, in one place, that this is the best definition of conversion that he had ever met with: “Conversion is the total change of a man’s chief end.” Before his conversion every man’s chief end is himself; always and in everything his chief end is himself. But after every true conversion, God, sooner or later comes to his own. God, sooner or later, comes to his throne and his scepter in that man’s heart. And the truly converted man—the ideally converted man, shall I say?—lives no longer to himself, but to his God and Saviour. He has been redeemed with a price, and he knows it and acknowledges it. “There is a new lodestone,” says that great preacher, “let into every renewed heart, till every renewed man sails henceforth according to another compass.”—Whyle.
Sojourning in the South
By Josephine Gotzian
On the last day of June, 1908, I reached Nashville, Tenn. This was my first visit to the Southern States, and naturally I was anxious to see our various institutions and other places of interest in a field so frequently referred to by the spirit of prophecy.
In the year that I spent in the South I learned to love the people and the place. I visited our institutions in Chattanooga and Atlanta, and the Florida Sanitarium at Orlando, where Dr. Lydia E. Parmele is doing a good work. I also visited Elder G. I. Butler and Brother W. H. Hall, who are both pioneers in our work.
From Florida I went to Washington, D. C., to attend the General Conference; and as I arrived there before the meeting opened, I had an opportunity to visit the different institutions there.
I am carrying away with me very favorable impressions of the South. Its people are genial and warm hearted,—the very best people I ever met to listen while the truth is presented to them. They will take time to talk and to listen when the Westerner will not. The climate, which I had heard spoken of in such uncomplimentary terms, agreed perfectly with me. I slept outdoors most of the time, winter and summer, and found it delightful. I can not understand why so few of our people heed the Lord's call for workers in the South.
It is my special burden to see the health work developed. There should be many small sanitariums scattered throughout the South; and treatment rooms, conducted, not on an elaborate basis, but in a modest, economical way, can do an untold amount of good.
Restaurant work ought to be started in all the large cities. If begun in a small way, possibly two or three in the larger places, the workers might easily be self-supporting, and have an excellent opportunity to visit the people and scatter literature. It is not expensive equipment that is needed so much as the neat dining place, with health foods palatably prepared. Such, it seems to me, might be wonderfully blessed of God.
While in the South, I made my headquarters at the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute. I was in their Rural Sanitarium, a very simple institution, located on the school farm in a delightfully quiet spot. It is an innovation in the sanitarium work in these respects: the buildings are very simple, the nurses are members of the school family, and the institution is not on heavy expense when not filled with patients.
People of Nashville are learning of the advantages of this quiet retreat, and at present the sanitarium is practically filled with guests from some of the first families in the city.
Sister E. C. Gray, of California, has been arranging her affairs so as to connect with the institute as business manager. Sister Eva Piper, of Iowa, is matron of the sanitarium. From the opening of the school, Elder S. N. Haskell has planned eventually to make that his home, and he writes that he hopes soon to have a cottage on the school farm.
It was a great pleasure to me to mingle with the students. They are an earnest, devoted class of young people who have consecrated their lives to the work in the South. The institute gives them a training in self-support that prepares them to start rural industrial schools without any promise of a salary.
I visited several of the highland schools conducted by the students. I saw, also, the work of Hillcrest, the school conducted by Brethren O. R. Staines and F. Bralliar for training colored workers to do self-supporting work for their race. It does me good to see these people endeavoring to carry out the instruction of the Lord through the Testimonies.
The Testimonies say these schools will be the means of bringing many people into the truth. Two new churches have been organized, and two or three more companies are nearly ready for organization.
I have great confidence in the work of these schools as long as they follow the instruction of the Testimonies. I hope some day the way will open for me to return to the South to help carry out the instruction in what the Lord calls one of the most needy fields in the world.
JOSEPHINE GOTZIAN.
Bolivia
By F. A. Stahl
LA PAZ.—We have arrived safely at La Paz. Although at first we were all quite sick on account of the high altitude, we are at this time enjoying good health. For this and countless other blessings, we thank our Heavenly Father.
When we arrived in Peru, we noticed preparations for war, and found there were very strained relations between Peru and Bolivia, so we hastened to La Paz as rapidly as possible, not stopping in Arequipa a few days to become accustomed to the altitude, as we had at first planned. We visited with Brother Hinckley for a few hours. This faithful brother is alone in this part of Peru, living the truth. He has charge of the observatory in Arequipa.
At Puno we had to stop two days, waiting for the lake steamer. We spent the time in a most profitable way, by visiting our brethren there. These are native Peruvians, having accepted the truth through reading our Spanish paper, Señales. They kept Elder E. Thomann very busy answering questions concerning the progress of the work in other parts of the world, and also about the General Conference. I spoke once to them, Elder Thomann interpreting. This was a new experience, and it made me wish more than ever for a thorough knowledge of the language of this people.
After we crossed Lake Titicaca, and arrived at Guaqui, where is the custom-house, we were told that all our goods would have to be opened and inspected before they could be brought to La Paz. This would mean much delay, as our baggage consisted of fourteen pieces, iron-bound, nailed, and renailed. We made this a subject of prayer, and God gave us favor with these agents, and they passed our goods on without inspecting them. This saved us much expense and delay. Surely the Lord had gone before us.
Elder Thomann and I are now on our way to Cochabamba, in the interests of the mission, as there are some believers with whom I should keep in touch. From there Elder Thomann returns to his home. He has been a great help to us. F. A. STAHL.
Kansas Camp-Meeting
By Chas. Thompson
THIS meeting was held, according to appointment, at Council Grove, August 19-29. The universal testimony was, “This is the best meeting Kansas ever had.” The attendance was large, and the weather conditions ideal, there being only one rain during the meeting. The weather was very warm, but the camp was pitched in a forest of natural timber along the banks of the Neosho River, furnishing abundant shade and excellent facilities for baptism. About two hundred family tents were pitched and occupied. Besides the large pavilion, where meetings were held in English, smaller ones were erected, where daily meetings were held in the German and Swedish languages, and for the youth and children. The results of these meetings were encouraging. About fifty souls were baptized before leaving the ground, and others will be baptized at their home churches.
Those who attended from abroad and assisted in the meetings were Mrs. E. G. White, Elders W. C. White, W. A. Spicer, H. R. Salisbury, H. H. Votaw, Dr. W. A. Ruble, of the General Conference; Elder E. T. Russell and Prof. C. C. Lewis, of the Central Union Conference; Elder R. A. Underwood, of the Northern Union Conference; and Brethren H. H. Hall and C. G. Bellah. There were also present Elder F. W. Spies, of South America; Elder Miller, of Texas; Professor Grauer, of Union College, to aid in the German work; and Elder S. Mortensen to aid in the Swedish. These, in addition to our conference laborers, provided an abundance of help.
The business meetings of the conference were very harmonious, and as spiritual as any of the others. No backward steps were taken. Every move was toward the finishing of the work. The reports showed the conference to be in a healthy condition. Two new churches were added. The tithe showed an increase of one thousand dollars over the previous year, and the Sabbath-school offerings an increase of fifteen hundred dollars. Twelve new schools were added. The offerings for the two Sabbaths we were on the ground broke the record for Kansas. The donation was two hundred fifty dollars. The last Sabbath it was one hundred seventy-two dollars.
The brethren and sisters manifested a willingness to share with the General Conference in hastening the message to its final completion, by voting four thousand dollars of our surplus tithe to the General Conference Committee to be used for the foreign work, and recommended the State conference committee to work to the end of passing17regularly to the General Conference Committee one fourth of the tithe. There were also raised in cash and pledges, about ten thousand dollars for missions, four hundred fifty dollars for the work for the blind, fifteen hundred dollars for the Oswego Academy, and two hundred seventy-five dollars for the endowed bed; quite liberal responses were also made to minor appeals. We were glad to see a growing spirit of response to the Saviour’s instruction, “Sell that ye have, and give alms.”
The corps of officers chosen to bear responsibility the coming year is almost identical with that of last year, the difference being that Elder B. W. Brown was chosen secretary of the young people’s department, thus leaving Prof. H. M. Hiatt free to devote his whole time to the educational work.
It was a great privilege, and a rich blessing as well, to have the presence and labors of Sister White. She spoke three times to the English and once to the Germans. Her appeals were stirring, and the Lord gave her strength to speak so that all could hear distinctly.
The mayor and other city officials did everything in their power to show that the city of Council Grove appreciated our coming, and gave us a hearty invitation to return next year.
We left a tent in the city, with Elder A. S. Bringle, Brother Minner, and Sister Hiatt to follow up and develop the interest. We expect to see fruit as a result of the united efforts. Brother J. L. McGee, assisted by H. H. Hall, conducted a canvassers’ institute on the ground at the close of the camp-meeting. Five tent companies were organized and sent into the field for a fall campaign.
Altogether we feel to thank God for the progress of the work in Kansas, and we desire to give all credit to him.
CHAS. THOMPSON, President.
Tennessee River Camp-Meeting
By C. F. McVagh
THE twenty-second annual session of the Tennessee River Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting, in a beautiful grove, in the outskirts of Dickson, a town about forty miles west of Nashville. Elder R. M. Kilgore had been conducting a tent-meeting for several weeks, with a good interest, so the outside attendance was greater than the seating capacity of the tent. Several accepted present truth, and Brother and Sister H. C. Balsbaugh remained with Elder Kilgore to develop the work. The prospect is bright for a good strong church at Dickson.
The conference has had the most prosperous year in its history. During the year one hundred members have been added, and the tithe was one thousand dollars in excess of the previous year. Two new churches, the result of hill schools started by Madison students, were received into the conference by vote.
Elder W. R. Burrow was unanimously elected president for another year, and Thos. Pavey secretary and treasurer. The following-named persons are members of the conference committee: W. R. Burrow, R. M. Kilgore, J. S. Washburn, T. D. Rowe, C. F. Parmele, H. E. Simkin, and A. Jones.
The spiritual interest was good, and the people responded liberally to the calls for means to carry forward the work. Nearly five hundred dollars was pledged for a tent and emergency fund, and one hundred fifty dollars for improvements at the Hazel Industrial Academy. The people agreed cheerfully to sell one thousand copies of “Ministry of Healing” for the benefit of the Nashville Sanitarium. The Southern Publishing Association was represented by a neat book stand, which did a good business. The food factory, the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute, the Graysville Training School, and the different lines of departmental work all came in for a share of attention.
Taken altogether, the Dickson camp-meeting was a blessed season of refreshing, and an omen of hope and progress.
C. F. McVAGH.
The Neglected Continent
By Thos. H. Davis
SOUTH AMERICA is quite well known among missionary societies as the Neglected Continent. Commercially, the continent has not been neglected, as all leading European countries carry on a large commercial business with it. Even the United States is making great efforts to establish closer business relations with this country.
The upper class and the young men from colleges are seeing the fallacy of the Roman doctrine, and are throwing off its yoke; but instead of accepting the Protestant religion, they are becoming infidels, being without any religion at all.
Many have a very vague idea of Protestantism. Now, as these people are without a religion, what is our duty? Is it not to offer them something worth while?
The other day, while reading about the burning of the church called the Comania, in Santiago, Chile, in the year 1863, I was quite strongly impressed by an incident in connection with the disaster. There were about two thousand people assembled at the early morning mass, mostly women and children. Suddenly the manto of the saint caught fire from a candle, and this great mass of humanity made a rush for the door, blocking it almost entirely. A few escaped naked, and they were mad with fright. Some of the great crowd on the outside, seeing these few who were fortunate enough to escape, without clothing, offered them their outer garments, so that their nakedness would not be seen.
Is not this a lesson for us? and should not we, on seeing the people of the large cities of South America without a religion, offer them the third angel's message, which is the only cloak of righteousness to cover their shame when Jesus comes?
As our books are being translated into Spanish, South America bids fair to be one of the most profitable fields in the world for the sale of our subscription books. As the people are not accustomed to buying books by subscription, it is a novelty to them, and works well. The Lord surely has this field prepared for the canvasser to enter and distribute our works like the leaves of autumn.
We need about four self-supporting canvassers from the States, to work the west coast. All the large cities have many who understand English, as for years English colleges have been established here. While these canvassers are learning the language, they can be working with our English books. Such canvassers would be a back-bone to our work here. Foreigners have easier access to the upper class of people than natives.
As the doors are open for our workers, we should enter at once, for we learn from the Testimonies that what we should have done, but did not do, in times of peace, we shall have to do in times of trouble.
THOS. H. DAVIS.
Rock City Sanitarium, Nashville, Tenn.
By D. E. Blake
WE are very glad to report progress in all branches of work connected with this institution.
At present our sanitarium is enjoying a very encouraging patronage. We have a few patients from the best class of colored people of the city; these came to us very sick; the Lord blessed the treatments given, so that their improvement becomes the subject of much comment and satisfaction among their many friends who come to see them daily.18Some of these friends had never heard of the establishment of the sanitarium, others had no idea that any relief could be obtained without the administration of drugs, still others had no confidence in our methods of treatment, but these wrong impressions were changed by the results witnessed.
We have started a class in nurse-training, and so far three earnest young people have entered; others will join later. It was thought advisable to start the class early, and give those who join at the start special advantages, so that they can render valuable assistance when needed, as competent help is very scarce. These early students are making splendid progress.
In order to better advertise our institution, six hundred special copies of Life and Health were prepared, containing a picture of the institution, and considerable educational matter concerning our methods of treatment and the benefits which may be derived from them. These journals were to be sold in the city by our nurses. Notwithstanding the busy time we have had and are having, we have been able to dispose of quite a number of these papers. Two of our student nurses went out one evening after the Sabbath, and sold eight dollars' worth in the space of about two hours' time. We shall improve every moment of our spare time in this important branch of the work.
Several needy cases have received free care and treatment. For this they express the greatest appreciation. On account of our limited resources we are able to do but little of what should be done in charity work.
The attention of many is now turned toward this institution; some who never before heard of us as a people have become acquainted with us, and are beginning to inquire about our faith. We are glad for this, and desire so to relate ourselves to the Lord that a wholesome influence can go out to these inquiring ones.
In less than a month from this, nearly all the colleges in the city will be opened, and another splendid opportunity will be given for the circulation of thousands of copies of our denominational papers among the teachers and students of these educational institutions.
Will not some of our young people's societies and churches pay for a club of such papers as the Signs, Watchman, Life and Health, Protestant Magazine, and Liberty for missionary work among the colleges in this important city?
Excellent opportunities are before us for such a work. We are certain that these messengers of truth will be received and read with intense interest. Let us improve these opportunities before they are lost. The writer will be glad to correspond with any who may be willing to assist in this important work.
D. E. BLAKE.
The School Work in Europe
By L. R. Conradt
The union school building at Skodsborg is nearing completion. It is to be dedicated next month. Of the twenty thousand dollars which it is to cost, about half is now raised. We dedicated the new school building at Friedensau July 29, during our recent camp-meeting. This building also will cost about twenty thousand dollars; about one fourth had been raised before the meeting, and another fourth during the meeting; so this new building is half paid for. We have it none too soon, for more students desire admission than ever before.
The British Union Conference is expecting to begin its new building soon. The Latin Union Conference will make arrangements to turn their lower building into a school building when the addition to the sanitarium will have been completed next year. Then we expect to find a site for the Russian school, and something must also be done for the Levant.
We are obtaining fine results from our African schools. Brother Kotz, the chief teacher in German East Africa, is with us on his furlough. His small grammar of the Chasu language found so much favor with his former professor in the Oriental Seminary that the professor mentioned the matter to a high government official. This official had visited our school at Kihurio, and was impressed not only with what he saw of the pupils there, but also with the fine trees and gardens around the mission. This favorable impression led him to be more inclined toward the publication of this small grammar, and it was printed at government expense, at an outlay of several hundred dollars. Thus you see we are getting right into real mission work.
The British Bible Society is also favorably inclined toward helping us to publish the four Gospels in that language. We are trying to secure all the help we possibly can for our work, and I am glad that all our people have a heart for these missions.
What we need is not simply to talk so much about God's Holy Spirit, but to be so thoroughly imbued with it that there will be a real willingness and disposition on the part of young and old to do some solid, hard, consecrated service. I fear there is where there is a lack in our schools, and one reason why they do not turn out more young people into the field.
