Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 3.
Jesus, Lead OnPage 1
Earlier text: Turning a New LeafNorthwest Rhodesia, South Africa
By C. Robinson
Having just returned from the Mwomboshi district, where we have opened three new out-stations, I will give an account of our experiences. We supplied each out-school with one teacher, one large boy and two small boys to help him; also with nine oxen and farm implements. With this help we hope that these schools will be able to support themselves after the first season. The oxen, boys, my carriers, and mule went by road, while I followed (with three boys) some days later by train. To reach our destination we had to cross the Kafukwe River, which is a fine stream about one hundred fifty yards wide. The railway bridge is almost five hundred yards long. Crocodiles are very numerous in this river, and the oxen had to be taken across by native boatmen. A pole is placed across two boats, which are thus tied together, and an ox is tied to the pole, and with another boat following behind, they take him safely over. The mule, however, refused to enter the water, so I had the boys take him over the bridge. We opened the first out-station about thirty miles above the bridge, three miles to the east of Lusakas. Here there is a railway station and a post-office, with quite a colony of Dutch farmers. There is much good farming land, occupied and unoccupied, around here, and I put the boys on six hundred acres of good land near a strong spring of pure water. The mule and the oxen arrived in good condition. During my stay of ten days we got well started on the buildings. The natives seem to appreciate our work for them; and before I left, there were already four pupils (boarders) in the17 school. I told these boys that the teachers would not have much time for school work until the buildings were finished, as the rainy season was close at hand; but they wished to stay, and will be a help in the work. Before I left this place, three of my four carriers fell sick, one with fever, one with stomach trouble, and the third with pleurisy; so I made a sleigh, and with four oxen to draw it, took my things to the next out-station, Chikuju, about eighteen miles southwest of Lusakas. This is a broad, well-watered valley, with fine soil and plenty of small timber. The rich soil is attracting many settlers, both white and black; and since I was there last year, I can see a considerable increase in the population. We were fortunate in getting two hundred acres along the banks of a good stream, and the boys should have no trouble in supporting their school here after their second season. Here we found some difficulty in buying enough food, as the traders have bought over one thousand bags of grain in this district, and the natives did not wish to sell any more; but we finally secured what we needed. We had our camp in the midst of a clump of beerbab trees, which are quite a feature of the country, and look very grotesque, having immense trunks and limbs, and short, stunted-looking branches. Cream of tartar is obtained from the seed pods of this tree. The natives here are, in many respects, a hard class of people to deal with; but we found some, and no doubt there are many more, who desire to learn of Jesus. Most of the people here recognize a Supreme Being, whom they call Leza; but when we ask them of Jesus, they say, “We do not know him. Who is Jesus?” In our Sabbath services many expressed a desire to come to school, and we hope that by energetic work on the part of the teachers, with the Lord’s blessing, a good school will be raised up here, and many souls be gathered into the ranks of God’s people. The Voice of Freedom
By Lillian S. Connerly
The voice of liberty no more is heard;
The Roman law no longer holds its sway;
The mighty power of Rome — that kingdom iron —
Is now forevermore to pass away. The pall of medieval midnight hangs above;
The land is cursed by feudalism’s reign;
Man, God’s most noble handiwork, has come
To be a serf beneath the system’s bane. The shrines, once reverenced, are forsaken now,
Monastic rites no longer satisfy;
The plowman’s happy songs are changed to sighs,
Nor love, nor war, nor satire makes reply. The British yeomanry live on through weary years,
Their hearts still hoping, e’en in dull despair;
Their ears forever listening for the note
Of freedom, which inspires their only prayer. Past are the reigns of Clovis, Charlemagne,
And William the Conqueror; but still
The people sit unsolaced and uncheered,
Their prayers unanswered, hopes all unfulfilled. God answers prayer, though long be the delay;
No baron, serf, nor yeoman cries in vain.
As truly as God lives, will freedom come,
And liberty begin her glorious reign. King John, compelled by power he does not know,
Through fear of death a worthy deed performs.
The noble Magna Charta, God inspired,
Brings liberty and freedom from the storms. In Runnymede the barons find their law;
All men find equal hearing at the bar:
“Justice may not be sold, refused, delayed;”
The planter’s plow no man may seize or mar. The seed is sown, and in the Western world
The flower of liberty soon blooms in beauty rare:
’Tis “Time’s most noble offspring” that is born,
That all mankind may equal freedom share. O, God forbid that in this noble land,
Where freedom has so many years held sway,
Foul tyranny should e’er a foothold gain,
To curse and blacken with its dread decay. O men! look well to how you make our laws!
Take heed that justice breathes in every line;
Religious legislation turn aside,
Upholding freedom and man’s rights divine. Religious Legislation in Bermuda
By M. Enoch
UNDAUNTED by last year's failure, the Moral Reformers again brought their "Lord's Day act" before Parliament this fall. The measure was defeated the fifth of last October. The Bermuda Colonist contains the following: "In the House of Assembly, on Wednesday, Dr. T. H. Outerbridge moved the second reading of the Lord's Day act. After some discussion, the bill was rejected." Then are enumerated the names of the ten members in favor of the second reading, and the eleven who voted against the measure. While the measure was defeated by a majority of only one, it must be understood that this motion was not whether the act should become law, but simply whether it should be read a second time. It was the same one year ago. There is no doubt that the majority of those favoring a second reading of the act would have opposed its becoming a law. It is quite evident that one year ago the mover in charge of that measure tried to rush it through with a small house; and that this year he tried to push it when some who are much opposed were away from the islands. Perhaps the following editorial from the Bermuda Royal Gazette of Oct. 18, 1910, will show the feelings of most Bermudians: "The Rev. D. K. Grant, in a mildly satirical letter which we publish this morning, calls us severely to account for certain remarks made concerning the defunct Lord's Day act. More immediate demands upon our time, forbid our undertaking the disagreeable task of a post-mortem upon a measure whose utter ineptitude was so apparent that it never even reached the committee stage in the House of Assembly." The foregoing shows that Bermuda is still not only "the land of the lily and the rose," but also the land of religious freedom; and that the Moral Reformers have again failed in their efforts to force the people of the Bermudas to observe a purely human institution, which, though wholly religious, has never been sanctioned by the Lord of the Sabbath. The apostle, in defining the "mystery of iniquity" (2 Thess. 2: 1-7), shows plainly that this mystery is the spirit of self-exaltation. This spirit originated with Lucifer, when he said, "I will be like the Most High." Isa. 14: 12-14. It was this same spirit that was manifested by the early Christians when they adopted, several hundred years after Christ, the "venerable day of the sun" as a rival to the Sabbath of Jehovah. Not only was it adopted by them, but this Sunday sabbath was enforced on the people by imperial decrees and councils. When men did that, they exalted this human Sunday institution above God's holy Sabbath. When they did that without18 divine authority, they set themselves above God. So likewise when the Bermudian Moral Reformers attempt to do the same thing, do they not also partake of the same spirit? Like Saul of Tarsus, their motives may seem right to them, but Saul's experience and confession prove that honest motives may be wrong. Like causes produce like effects. ONE was recently baptized at Salida, Colo. AT Miles City, Mont., four have accepted the truth. A MAN and his wife have begun the observance of the Sabbath at Scottsboro, Tenn. SEVEN persons are keeping the Sabbath at Shields, British Columbia, some of whom have been baptized. Two new members were added by baptism to the Jersey City, N. J., German church on Sabbath, December 10. ELDER F. M. FAIRCHILD reports five new Sabbath-keepers at Indian Spring, Md. Others are on the point of decision. A FAMILY of four adults, two of whom are teachers, are rejoicing in the truth and awaiting baptism at Jackson, Miss. Two were baptized last month at New Hope, Tex. At Fort Worth there are six who have cast their lot with God's remnant people. Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; C. M. Snow
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary
C. M. SNOW — Corresponding Secretary Spain and the Vatican
By S. B. Horton
A VICTORY was scored by Premier Canalejas, of Spain, in the Chamber of Deputies, December 23, after a stormy all-night session in behalf of his “Padlock” bill. The bill originally prohibited the creation of further religious establishments in Spain, to become operative upon the passage of the measure. A compromise was effected by limiting the time of the law’s operation to two years. The Associated Press report of December 24 has this to say in regard to the matter:— “The objection to the measure by the Holy See was based on the contention that whereas negotiations were under way for the revision of the concordat of 1851, Spain could not in good faith adopt any legislation adversely affecting the congregations until these negotiations had been concluded. It was claimed that, in the meantime, the status quo should be maintained. “Canalejas insisted upon a ‘program of religious liberty,’ and maintained that the matter covered by the ‘Padlock’ bill was not properly a subject of diplomatic exchanges between Madrid and Rome. In this attitude he has the support of King Alfonso. Much bitterness was engendered; and Canalejas, himself an avowed Catholic, bore the brunt of the clerical opposition. “The final fight was waged until the deputies were pretty well exhausted physically. Amendment after amendment was voted down. At seven o’clock this morning Canalejas intervened in a strong speech, disclaiming any hostility upon the part of the government toward the religious orders. He insisted, nevertheless, upon the necessity of passing the bill, in order that the government might resume negotiations with Rome. “Señor Salaberry, the integralist, responding, declared that the opposition would fight to the bitter end; but Vasquez Mella y Candido, leader of the Carlists, finally surrendered, saying that he did so out of pity for the poor stenographers, after, however, registering a final protest on behalf of the Pope, who, he said, would be greatly grieved.” The vote was 108 to 20, and it means that Spain has taken a long step toward religious liberty in a practical way. Of course, Rome will contend that this success will bring about an irreligious era, because of the discontinuance of the ecclesiastical control of the state. But an irreligious era is not a necessary outcome. Canalejas’s program evidently calls for a non-religious form of government in place of a religious. In this connection a letter to the editor of the New York Sun, published December 23, from R. A. M., correspondent of El Progreso, may be in place. We quote in part:— “Deplorable as it is undoubtedly, every forward movement in Spanish politics is bound to assume an anticlerical aspect, because in Spain the church has become identified with absolutism. Therefore as the popular mind is being enlightened, it beholds in the church an obstacle to its betterment. People no longer want to go to the convents for the ‘poor’s soup,’ but want to possess the means of having it home-made. They are by leaps and bounds losing their belief in an eternal punishment, since they now hear that religion is a moral teaching, calculated to perpetuate a system which they deem an injustice. If the church, after having been Spain’s chief educator throughout history, finds herself now despised and defeated, let her shoulder the blame.” It is written, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This principle is as true of the church as of individuals, and it will be interesting to know what the outcome will be between Spain and the Vatican. Religious Liberty Notes
By K. C. R.
THE Idaho Conference is planning a vigorous religious liberty campaign for this winter. ELDER S. B. HORTON, religious liberty secretary of the Atlantic Union Conference, reports excellent success in obtaining subscriptions for the magazine Liberty. ANOTHER new religious liberty leaflet (No. 16), entitled, “Why Sunday Laws Are Wrong,” is ready for distribution. It bristles with facts concerning the evils of Sunday legislation. BROTHER T. D. GIBSON has been chosen religious liberty secretary of the Minnesota Conference. We are glad to number Brother Gibson among the secretaries of this department. THE Lord’s Day Alliance, in Ontario, Canada, is meeting with strong opposition to its proposal to have the government meet the expense of all prosecutions for the violation of the Sunday laws. LET those who have charge of the religious liberty work in the cities and large towns send the general Religious Liberty Department a list of the city officials, as we wish to send them timely religious liberty reading-matter. BEGIN the new year by sending Liberty or Protestant Magazine for one year to some friend or neighbor. When you pay for ten or more subscriptions to these journals, they can be secured for fifteen cents the yearly subscription, sent to separate addresses. What would make a better present? THE Courier Citizen (Lowell, Mass.) of Dec. 20, 1910, contained a lengthy report of a meeting where eighteen churches of the city were represented by their pastors and others to effect a local federation of churches. E. T. Root is reported as saying: “An age of individualism gave to the churches as their one task the saving of souls. That age, in turn, is passing.” Instead of following the gospel method of saving men by individual efforts, many now seek to convert men in a wholesale way; hence the demand for a federation of the churches. THE general Religious Liberty Department is supplying a large number of mayors and councilmen throughout the country with copies of the pamphlet entitled, “The Famous Sunday Mail Reports.” An appropriate letter accompanies each pamphlet. CONGRESS resumed its work on January 5, after the holiday recess. From now until the fourth of March will be a time of suspense for the opponents of the Johnston Sunday bill. Now is the time to send in your petitions and letters of protest against the bill to the representatives from your State. REMEMBER the annual religious liberty offering, to be taken Sabbath, Feb. 4, 1911. Begin to-day to plan to do your part toward making this the largest offering ever taken for this purpose. A great battle is before us for the rights of conscience, and we shall need your help financially as well as in other ways. THE January, 1911, Homiletic Review says: “It may turn out to be providential that Japan has become master of Korea, instead of Russia, which undoubtedly, but for the war with Japan, would have taken her under despotic sway. Little liberty of conscience might then have been permitted; for the czar might have had little actual influence at such long reach over the Orthodox missionaries.” THE Lord’s Day Alliance in Ontario is bringing increased pressure to bear upon those who indulge in the most innocent recreation on Sunday. The latest is to prohibit skating and the toboggan-slide on Sunday. The mayor of Toronto expresses disgust at the extreme length to which the Lord’s Day Alliance has gone in these things. This illustrates what religious zealots will do in any place when they succeed in getting the government committed to their policies. THE North Carolina Conference has succeeded in getting one of the newspapers in that State to print an extra sheet, with both sides filled with religious liberty matter, which is to be enclosed in each paper. Why can not the same thing be done with hundreds of other newspapers in this country? Matter for the purpose could be taken from Liberty and our religious liberty tracts. Of course it might cost something to do this, but the results for good could not be measured. Who will try? China’s Move Toward Representative Government
CHINA has taken the second step toward representative government. The first was taken some twelve months ago, when the provincial assemblies were formed. Now the second body, called the Imperial Assembly, and containing the nucleus of a future parliament, has been organized. Its duty will be to prepare for larger popular liberties in the future. For the present, these two assemblies are drawn from the ranks of the aristocracy and the official classes; but it is foreshadowed that, in a few years, the people of China will be experiencing the fact of an elective parliament. The remodeling of the empire upon Western lines must affect the politics of the whole wide world. In a very special manner, this is a golden opportunity for the advancement of the kingdom of God in these vast dominions.—Missionary Review. A Revival of Home Missionary Work
By A. J. S. B.
What Some of Our Field Workers Say
Western Washington Conference, Elder S. W. Nellis, president:— “I am satisfied that the home field must be strengthened in every branch of the work. In order that it may be a real recruiting station, we must have men who will drill and educate our young people, especially in the canvassing and periodical work. To my mind this is the most important work in the conference, and brings the best results.” Southeastern Union Conference, Mrs. Helen D. Dowsett, missionary secretary:— “We have a missionary secretary in each conference, although some of these have had very short appointments, know little about the work, and can devote only a part of their time to it, as they have other interests to look after. We are heart and soul with you in beginning the home tract and missionary work in the churches by starting missionary societies in each church, and training a good missionary secretary to take charge of the work.” Iowa Conference, G. C. Hoskin, tract society secretary:— “We trust we shall get results in this conference from the fourth Sabbath home missionary service. Everything is moving along nicely.” Colorado Conference, Elder C. R. Kite, president:— “I assure you I was glad to hear that you are endeavoring to revive the home missionary service in our churches. I look back to some of those missionary meetings years ago in my home church as the brightest spots in our Sabbath services. I want to assure you that my heart is in this work, and that we will consider this matter when our committee meets to-day, and plan definitely to push the work in our conference.” Ohio Conference, J. I. Cassell, tract society secretary:— “I am calling the attention of our churches to this important meeting, and asking them to organize at once for this work. I hope we shall see a steady growth in missionary endeavor as a result. You have our hearty co-operation.” North Dakota Conference, E. L. Spencer, tract society secretary:— “Most of our churches are German. What few English churches we have are taking hold of this work earnestly, and the reports that we get are indeed encouraging. We will endeavor to make this missionary service a general success. Next year we trust we shall be better organized, and can do more efficient work.” Western Washington Conference, H. A. Green, tract society secretary:— “Our missionary secretary is reorganizing the church missionary societies, and some of them are taking up the work enthusiastically.” Southern Union Conference, Elder C. F. McVagh, president:— “I will do what I can in this matter, urging our conference presidents and secretaries to make the most of this service, and to follow it up with other work.” Southwestern Union Conference, C. N. Woodward, secretary:— “I am glad that we are returning to the observance of the fourth Sabbath missionary program each month as home missionary day. I always used to enjoy that day better than most of the others, and I feel sure that the return of that good old custom will be a great benefit to all our churches. I am interested in the idea, and shall do all I can to work for a return to the old paths.” Arkansas Conference, J. A. Tucker, field missionary secretary:— “If anything will strengthen our churches, and beget in the members a hunger for souls, it is the old-time missionary meetings.” Chesapeake Conference, Elder Roscoe T. Baer, president:— “I am very anxious that we come up on the home missionary feature of our work, and push it to great success in this conference this year, and for all time to come, until the work is finished. We expect to see our tent companies take hold of our magazines, selling hundreds and thousands in connection with their efforts. I have gone over the bills received from the different publishing houses, and find that our workers have sold over seven thousand of these valuable magazines in Baltimore. I trust we shall soon have a number of church-members at work with these truth-filled papers. It is a noble experience for them and a great blessing to those who have not heard the truth, but who would accept it if they knew how to find it.” California Conference. Prof. C. C. Lewis, educational superintendent, writes that a live interest in missionary work is manifest in the Pacific Union College. A regular missionary society has been organized, and is taking over one hundred copies of the Signs weekly. Upper Columbia Conference, Brother F. G. Johnson, tract society secretary:— “We now have a man in the field to look after the home missionary work, Brother F. A. Bower, of College Place, Wash. I trust that our magazine work will soon be on a better basis than it has ever been.” Ontario Conference, Miss Sadie Baker, missionary secretary:— “I am deeply interested in the monthly home missionary readings. It has been decided that nothing shall take the place of this monthly reading in the churches throughout our conference. I like the idea of having the programs appear in the REVIEW. Our churches will carry them out, and we shall see good results. We are making progress, and souls are being brought into the truth by our church-members. At our camp-meeting this year it was voted to take up the plan of home Bible studies. The number of magazines sold each month is increasing, and through the home Bible study plan, each member can do something. We are of good courage.” Southern California Conference, Ernest Lloyd, missionary secretary:— “In about sixty per cent of our churches the fourth Sabbath missionary meeting is an important occasion. There are many encouraging features about our work in this conference. I see many hopeful signs: (1) The reviving of the old-time missionary meetings, from which thousands of pages of our God-given literature are being sent out through the mails to interested persons; (2) the increased missionary correspondence following up this literature; (3) the combining of a short missionary meeting with the weekly prayer-meeting,—now adopted by about ten of our churches,—giving more definiteness to the prayer service; (4) the increasing number of magazine workers among the churches, and systematic and aggressive house-to-house work with our papers and tracts; (5) the fact that our local leaders are endeavoring to lead out in active missionary work; (6) the growing willingness of our people to assist in the great work of reaching the masses around us; and (7) the visible and invisible results of our efforts as a missionary people. These are some of the encouraging features that characterize the missionary movement in the ranks of our membership to-day.” We are receiving many interesting communications from other leading workers, voicing their deep interest in this great movement. Extracts from these will appear later. God’s blessing is surely attending our church-members everywhere as they enlist for active service in their own communities. The Gospel to the Sailors
By A. J. S. B.
LIFE at sea makes one anxious for reading-matter. It also leads man to realize, as nothing else will, his absolute dependence upon his Maker. In the words of the psalmist: “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth up the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. . . . He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Ps. 107: 23-30. For this reason, sailors as a class are appreciative of religious literature. Some of the methods of reaching officers and sailors on the ships are clearly outlined in the following interesting account of “A Day in Ship Mission Work,” recently received from Brother D. D. Fitch, of the Southern California Conference:— A Day in Ship Mission Work
“At a recent young people’s rally it was decided to promote the ship mission work at San Pedro, Cal. A collection20 of over ten dollars was raised, to which a brother from San Pedro later added enough more to pay for twenty copies of the weekly Signs of the Times for six months. Other papers had been sent in by friends, and we wish to assure you who may have missionary papers to spare, that they will be placed where they will count for the advancement of the message. On a recent Thursday about fifty of our people arrived at this port on our return from the annual camp-meeting. One of this number had brought with him a large supply of up-to-date, message-filled magazines, which had been purchased by the San Pedro friends for distribution. In addition to this, we had a supply of the Temperance number of the Youth’s Instructor, which the young people on the camp-ground had paid for, with the understanding that the papers should be placed on board the ships. “The Lord opened the way to have these papers placed on board the United States torpedo-boats, a number of which lay in the harbor. As soon as we had found a safe place to leave our luggage, I visited the ‘Truxton,’ one of the fleet which lay alongside the wharf. I obtained permission from the commander to place the literature in the mess-rooms used by the crew. He also told me how to place reading-matter aboard the seven other boats lying behind the breakwater in the outer harbor. Brother Hawkins, mother, and I waited at the city wharf until the launch came from one of the boats, and told our errand to the one in charge, as directed by the officer of the ‘Truxton.’ He willingly took us to the ‘Perry.’ “The chief officer of the ‘Perry’ received us, and after learning our errand, escorted me to the different mess-rooms, where I left the papers, speaking a word to the men, and requesting careful usage. “From the ‘Perry,’ we were taken in a launch to the ‘Stuart,’ where we distributed more literature. It would have been more economical for them to have had us make the round in one boat, but each time our kind host would send us in his own boat. The launch was undergoing repairs, so the captain’s gig was fitted up with cushions, etc., and five men rowed us and our bundles of papers over to the ‘Preble.’ “Thus we passed from boat to boat, welcomed and kindly received, although it was at a time of target practise, when the men are not allowed liberty, and when visitors are not permitted to come aboard. In the afternoon we were landed by the launch from the ‘Whipple’ at the same wharf from which we started in the morning. We were hungry and tired, but glad for the privilege of placing the gospel-filled literature aboard these destructive boats, which, of themselves, are plain signs of the second coming of Him whom we love. “After lunch I visited two other boats of the same fleet that lay at the wharf. The statement of my errand gave me a free passage to and from the boats, so that during the day no expense was incurred for transportation. About four hundred periodicals and magazines were distributed to the men in this fleet, and also to the crews of some other boats. “Those desiring to assist in this work will kindly mail such literature or books as they can spare to Chas. Bennett, 730 Dodson St., San Pedro, Cal.’” Where we now have one ship missionary, we should have many. The encouraging reports received from this class of workers in New York, San Francisco, and other seaports are an index of what will be accomplished in this direction when we fully realize our responsibility for the souls of those “that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters.” Here is an opportunity for many church-members to subscribe for clubs of the Signs of the Times, the Gospel Sentinel, and our other magazines and periodicals, to be used in reaching these sailors, who visit the great seaports, as well as the ports of the Great Lakes and the many navigable streams. For full information as to how you can help in this good work, address your conference tract society secretary or your missionary secretary, who will be glad to inform you of the prices on clubs of our papers and magazines. Back numbers of papers and magazines that you have read will also be acceptable to the sailors. The Missionary and Publishing Work
Notes, Plans, Reports, Statistics, and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference E. R. PALMER . . . Secretary N. Z. TOWN . . . Assistant Secretary A. J. S. BOURDEAU . . . Missionary Secretary Experiences of a Colporteur in Mexico
By A. J. S. B.
BROTHER C. SHULZ, one of our faithful colporteurs in Mexico, has sent us the following account of some of his interesting experiences in that field. For obvious reasons we omit the names of the places he visited:— “Ever since my conversion in Alaska in the spring of 1904, it has been my desire to bring the lost to Christ. By the guidance of the Lord, it was my lot to come to Mexico, bearing my own expenses.” “While in — I bought papers, pamphlets, and tracts, taking a burro to carry the load, and went afoot through the mountain country, selling the tracts and books. Sometimes I slept by the wayside, wherever night overtook me, guarded from all danger by Him who sent me. My burro and I lived for more than a month on the sales of the books, and we have returned with enough money to buy another supply.” “After working for some months in a railroad camp to earn money to enable me to buy a tent and two burros, and securing Bibles from the American Bible Society’s agent, I started out again on a long journey through the mountains. The Lord protected me always from robbers, snakes, and wild beasts. Although I nearly always slept on the ground, and was sometimes sick from fever and bad water, I was able to work. Many received the Bibles with pleasure. Others would tear the tracts, and throw the pieces in my face, ‘the tracts,’ so they said, ‘being Protestant.’” “While in —, in the state of —, I met Brother B. B. Blackly, who instructed me concerning the Sabbath. While staying at his house with Prof. G. W. Caviness, I accepted the faith of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I then returned to Texas, and visited my brother and his family, trying to induce them to accept the same faith. Failing in this, at the request of Professor Caviness I went to Mexico City, and engaged in the periodical work.” “My experiences have been varied. I have worked in twenty-three different states in Mexico. As a result of the seed sown, through the blessing of the Lord, a church has been established in —. A young Spaniard, now elder of the company of believers, accepted the truth through my efforts, and many scattered believers in many places also received the message or are convinced that it is of the Lord.” “To-day I received a letter from a native pastor. He has been preaching the gospel for more than twenty-five years. I visited him while working in —. He desires to meet with the directors of our mission, and engage with us in giving the threefold message to his people. I had instructed him for two hours on our doctrine, reading to him the ‘Coming King.’ He liked the book very much, and subscribed for our missionary paper, Las Senales de los Tiempos, and for our Spanish ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ ‘Home and Health,’ and twenty-eight tracts.” “Last week I took thirty-six subscriptions for Senales de los Tiempos, besides selling tracts, single copies of our papers, and such books as ‘Steps to Christ’ and ‘Christ Our Saviour.’ I traveled by railroad, steamship, stage-coach, on foot, on burro, and sometimes on a packhorse.” “In the coast cities, where the people are more liberal, and where there is more money, I am able to sell more of our literature than in the interior, where the people are sometimes fanatical. In one place I had paid for a room; but the owner, learning that I was a Protestant, refunded my money when I was going to my room in the evening. Not finding any other place, I had to sleep on a stone bench.” “In another place, large boys threw street refuse at me. I was obliged to ask the police to stop it. This happened in several towns. Four times I was led through the streets to police headquarters in the daytime on a charge of unlawfully selling papers. Ignorant, fanatical people had secured the police to take me there, in order to stop my work. Of course I was always set free.” “I am certain that the Lord will not miss one with his message who has a desire to know and to do. Books sell more rapidly than papers. The people say they ‘want a complete work at once.’ Being so often deceived by agents, they will not often subscribe.” Truly, we in the home field know but little of the suffering and privations and hardships that are endured by our house-to-house workers in these Catholic countries. As an illustration of what may be accomplished through the sale of our publications by our ministers, the following incident in the experience of Elder A. R. Ogden, president of the North Missouri Conference, is to the point. Several years ago, while spending some time at a station waiting for his train, he went out into the city, and took a three months' subscription for the weekly Signs of the Times. When this subscription expired, the family renewed the paper for one year. In consequence the entire family accepted the truth, and one of the sons became a successful canvasser, and has since sold thousands of dollars' worth of our denominational publications. It pays to take advantage of every opportunity for the spread of the truth.