p. 19 | Review and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 2. (1/14/1904)

T. H. PAINTER

By T. H. Painter

Virginia

I LEFT Stanleyton for Fishersville the fourth of November, to hold some meetings, and remained there one week. The Sabbath-keepers at Fishersville are of good courage. The Lord came near in our meetings, and one man promised to obey.

November 11 I went to Newport News to assist Elder Babcock in a series of meetings, and remained until December 7. Here we had good meetings, and I truly hope that some will obey the truth soon. My stay at this place was a source of great blessing to my own soul, and I enjoyed my labors with Elder Babcock.

I labored at Lynchburg from December 8-22, and was with our people there during the week of prayer. The Lord came in by his Holy Spirit, and blessed us in our meetings. Nearly all are of good courage. They are scattered in different parts of the city and surrounding country, and are doing nobly in the payment of tithes and offerings. Their Sabbath-school donations in three months amounted to ten dollars.

I also visited Brother and Sister Campbell, at Naruna, twenty-five miles south of Lynchburg. I preached once in the M. E. church, to a good audience. They are calling strongly for labor here, and the way is open for a series of meetings. I believe a company could be raised up. Brother and Sister Campbell are of good courage in the Lord. He was railroad master when the truth reached him eighteen months ago, at the time our tent was pitched in Lynchburg. He sold his home in the city, gave up his position, and hired a farm of two hundred acres at Naruna. The Lord is blessing them.

If any of our people in the North wish to move to a country where the climate is mild, and where they can do missionary work, and thus be a help to the cause, I would invite them to consider this place. It is on the N. & W. R. R., not far from Lynchburg. Farms can be had at low figures. Truly there is a wide field for labor here, and Virginia needs men and women of good Christian experience, who can settle in new places and build up the work.

I expect to be with the Stanleyton church in their quarterly meeting, then go to Lynchburg and hold quarterly meeting.

T. H. PAINTER

Porto Rico

By B. E. Connerly

We had planned for me to make a ten days' trip in the northwestern and central parts of the island. So the first of December I started on horseback, with a good supply of our paper El Centinela de la Verdad, tracts, and Testaments.

I had a good experience in every village; but my special object was to meet with some people who had become interested in the truth through reading the paper. These people, who lived in Hatillo, sixty miles from Mayaguez, I had never met, yet there was a goodly company gathered to meet me, and they expected me to preach to them. My heart almost failed me when I realized that not one in the company knew a word of English, and I so deficient in Spanish; but I told them to get all the Bibles they could, and I talked to them on repentance, the forgiveness of sin, and baptism. The Lord richly blessed us, and all enjoyed the study. At the close two men desired baptism, and in a private talk one of them said that he would keep the Sabbath of the Lord.

In the center of the island I passed through some wild and dangerous country. The mountains are covered with timber, and the villages are few and far apart. The roads are only mountain trails, and it was necessary for me to have a guide. As the rainy season is not yet past, the mountain streams are swollen, and it is many times dangerous to cross them. One receives a novel experience sleeping in the native huts, and eating native food. These poor people must hear the news that the Lord is soon coming, and I am thankful for the message, and for the privilege of taking it to them.

During this trip I traveled more than two hundred and fifty miles, received seventy-five cash subscriptions for our paper, and had many opportunities to declare the message for this time. I intend soon to start on another trip of the same kind. How we need help and means here! I wish that we could have twenty thousand copies of our paper to scatter among the people. I praise the Lord for a part in this glorious, closing work. B. E. CONNERLY.

B. HAGLE

By B. Hagle

Michigan

CHARLOTTE, OWOSSO, AND HAZELTON.—We spent Sabbath and Sunday, December 5, 6, with the church at Charlotte, and the blessing of God was with us. From Charlotte we went to Owosso, where we remained through the week of prayer were read, and each evening after the reading, a meeting was held for the purpose of seeking God and putting away sin. We appealed to parents to get out of the way of their children. Fathers and mothers went to their children, and putting their arms about them, they came forward to seek God together, until nearly all in the church were forward seeking God. We held Bible studies each day in the church school. Nearly all joined in seeking God for light, and it made our hearts rejoice to see so many anxious to become free in Christ. We spoke of the importance of getting the truth before the people around us; and the school closed one afternoon, teachers and students going out with the special number of the Signs. Truly this is a move in the right direction. May these young people continue to hold on to the arm of God by faith.

We next visited the Hazelton church. Sabbath and Sunday, December 26, 27, were good days for us. Nearly all felt their need of a new conversion to God, and took part in the testimony meeting. Some said they had been robbing God in tithes and offerings, and promised to return to the Lord his own. Truly the Lord is willing to help all who will consecrate themselves to him.

We spoke three times in the jail at Corunna. The prisoners gave good attention. Those in charge came into the hall and listened, with interest, and several of the prisoners asked for prayers. One man seemed to get hold of God. Truly the Lord has gone out before us to prepare hearts to receive the message. May God arouse his people who are dying of inactivity. I believe to delay now is fatal. May each one to whom God has given this precious truth arouse to action.

B. HAGLE

CLIFFORD G. HOWELL

By Clifford G. Howell

Tennessee

EARLEYVILLE.—Many have read Elder Godsmark’s article in the Review of December 3 with reference to the work we are trying to establish in this needy field. Several have written us in regard to locating here; and in response to Brother Godsmark’s appeal we have received five dollars from a dear sister in Michigan; also a “box from kind friends at Judd’s Corners, Mich. These kindnesses are much appreciated; and I know there are others who have felt prompted to aid in the work. There are so many needs and so many calls that I would not now add to what has been said had there not come to us a circumstance which I expect to describe in our school record under the heading “Blessings in Disguise.” About eleven o’clock, Thursday, December 24, a fire broke out in the haymow of our barn, and made a clean sweep of barn, corn crib, sheds, hay, fodder, broom corn, and about one hundred and thirty bushels of corn, a good part of which had been bought to feed through till another season. We do not know how the fire started. Brother Auten, to whom the barn belonged, and I were both away. The neighbors came and worked heroically to save the house and what else they could. They are very kind indeed to us, and offer to help in the work of rebuilding. I do not know the full meaning of the circumstance; but I am sure that God will make it plain to me in his own good time. And the promise “to give unto them beauty for ashes” has been a great comfort to me.

Two or three have written, asking how to send money. It may be sent by post-office order on McMinnville, Tenn., the letter being directed to me at Earleyville. Registered letters may be directed to the last-named place.

The following thoughts from “Gospel Workers” have been of much encouragement to me: “Those who closely connect with God may not be prospered in the things of this life; they may often be sorely tried and afflicted. . . . Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, . . . yet he preserved his integrity and faithfulness to God. . . . It is a work of faith to calmly repose in God in the darkest hour,—however severely tried and tempest-tossed, to feel that our heavenly Father is at the helm.”

I have confidence that he guided us here to do a work for him, and with hands uplifted to heaven for help, we will not fail nor be discouraged.

Since beginning this article, a little motherless thirteen-year-old girl we have taken into our home came to me and asked, “Brother Howell, how long has this world stood?” I told her, “About six thousand years.” “How long,” she queried further, “will it be till Jesus comes?” “Some now living,” I replied, “I will live till he comes.” “O, I hope I shall live till he comes!” she said, with her eyes just sparkling, “I never thought of it at home; but since coming here, I have thought I would like to live till Jesus comes.”

May God grant that she may, with many others here whom he desires to reach with this message through us.

CLIFFORD G. HOWELL

O. O. FORTNER

By O. O. FORTNER

From Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg

On the nineteenth of October, Elder Hyatt and the writer left Cape Town for the eastern province of Cape Colony. As Brother Moko, who was working in the native location near East London, was needing help and counsel, Elder Hyatt went directly to East London, while the writer went on to Port Elizabeth, being joined by Brother Ingle a few days later. We met Elder Tarr and Brother Sates at Port Elizabeth, and greatly enjoyed the privilege of visiting the brethren and sisters there. Through removals the church-membership at that place has been reduced to a small number, but those who are left are alive to the truth, and are anxious to do everything possible to cause it to prosper. They have recently moved the church building to a lot owned by the church, as before it was located on ground that was loaned for the purpose. Brother Sates is anxious to start some medical missionary enterprise, and we hope the way may soon be open for him to do so.

We spent Sabbath, the twenty-fourth, at Uitenhage. On the previous Sabbath Elder Tarr had been there, and had baptized Brother Vermaak and a portion of his family. On this Sabbath, after an impressive sermon, Elder Tarr administered baptism to two of Brother Vermaak's daughters, who had been unable to attend the previous week. This family began keeping the Sabbath several months ago, after reading some books purchased from the gospel wagon company. They have gladly accepted all the points of our faith, and are rejoicing in the light. The removal of Elder Edmed and family was a great loss to the Uitenhage company, as there was no one left to take the eldership of the church, but the members there are not in the least discouraged. Sister Blodgett has done good service as pastor of the church as well as teacher of the school.

On the twenty-eighth Brother Ingle and the writer started for East London. In the meantime the long-continued drought had been broken by copious rains, and the veld was beginning to change its color from a parched brown to a living green. After a pleasant journey we joined Elder Hyatt and Elder Tarr at East London. We found quite an interest had been awakened among the natives at the location. But, as is nearly always the case, the enemy had not been asleep. It had been reported that Brother Moko was an agitator, and was causing discontent among the natives by advising them not to work on the Sabbath. He had just received notice from the town council to leave the location at once, or he would be prosecuted. We were sure there was a misunderstanding, so we obtained an audience with the mayor, and explained the matter fully to him. We think Brother Moko will now be allowed to proceed with his work unmolested. While we were there, open-air meetings were held in the evenings, at which Elders Hyatt and Tarr spoke through Brother Moko as interpreter, and then Brother Moko spoke in Kaffir. I have never heard a better interpreter in any language than Brother Moko. These meetings were attended by over three hundred people, who stood as close to us as possible, and listened with rapt attention.

While we were at East London, a meeting was held to discuss the advisability of opening a church school. If a teacher can be provided for them, we believe there will be a church school there next year.

After spending Sabbath and Sunday at East London, we took passage on the “Walmer Castle,” and reached Durban the following day. Durban is a beautiful place, and a modern city in every respect. We remained there only one afternoon, however, and the next morning found us at the home of Elder Edmed, in Maritzburg. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be here for a short time to enjoy with this family the rich blessings which the Lord has been pleased to grant them. As we attend the meetings in the gospel tent, and see the large number of new Sabbath-keepers, and their earnestness and devotion to the truth, our hearts are filled with praise to God. A baptismal service will soon be held, when about twenty-five of these new converts will be buried with their Lord in baptism. The meetings of the Union Conference Committee will begin Tuesday morning, a report of which will appear later.

O. O. FORTNER

MR. AND MRS. C. E. LELAND

By C. E. Leland; Mrs. C. E. Leland

Nevada

RENO.—After returning from the Hawaiian Islands, we were invited to labor in Nevada, making our first effort at Reno. We found the company very much discouraged, and the church building in an unfinished and dilapidated condition. We at once began to repair the church, and after painting and papering the building, clearing and fencing the lot, we held public service for four weeks, reclaiming a number who, becoming discouraged, had given up. Three adults and several children have also taken their stand to obey the truth.

Before leaving, we celebrated the ordinances with them, nearly all participating. They all seem encouraged, a number paying their tithe, and subscribing for the REVIEW and the Signs. We are enjoying good health, and are of good courage in the Lord to labor on till the end.

MR. AND MRS. C. E. LELAND

Greater New York Conference

By Arthur G. Daniells

It was my privilege to attend the second annual session of the Greater New York Conference held in New York City, November 12-16. The meetings were held in a very pleasant hall in the Merritt building. The churches were fully represented by delegation. The business of the conference was transacted during the day, and preaching services, which were well attended, were held each evening.

The Greater New York Conference was organized two years ago. Previously Greater New York formed a part of the Atlantic Conference, which included New Jersey. In the reorganization two years ago, the name Atlantic Conference was dropped, and the Greater New York and the New Jersey Conferences were organized.

The territory of the Greater New York Conference is Greater New York, Long Island, and the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster in the State of New York. Although the territory seems very limited for a conference, it has a population of about five millions. It is really a great field. Its population represents nearly all the nations of the world, and many of them in quite large numbers.

The conference has ten churches, with a membership of six hundred and fifty. During the last conference year the membership was increased by one hundred and twenty-three. The tithe for ten months of 1903 was $9,146.32. The general offerings amounted to $1,675.65, and the Sabbath-school offerings to $341.58, making the total receipts $11,163.55. It will be seen that the average tithe per member is more than sixteen dollars. This, I think, is the highest tithe paid by any conference in the United States.

There has been a most encouraging increase in the tithe in both the Greater New York and New Jersey Conferences since the reorganization. During the conference year ending at the time of the change, the tithe was about nine thousand dollars. As will be seen, the tithe of the Greater New York Conference this last year was as large as that of the whole field before the change. And I have been informed by Elder Jayne, president of the New Jersey Conference, that the tithe of that conference has very greatly increased during the two years.

Elder C. H. Edwards was elected president, with a committee of eight good advisers. The conference is thoroughly organized, with Tract Society, Medical, Sabbath-school, and Educational departments. It has three ordained ministers, one licensed preacher, and twelve licensed missionaries.

During the past year some of the brethren who are following their regular business vocations have done a large amount of gospel work, some of them having held public meetings all through the summer. The Lord has blessed their

efforts. They are earnest, loyal workers, who help to give life and zeal to the conference.

I greatly enjoyed attending this conference, and feel encouraged regarding its future. It is certainly a great mission field of itself, but the members do not forget other great, needy fields.

A. G. DANIELLS.

A New Sanitarium in Peoria, Illinois

By J. E. Froom

Prompted by the conviction that memorials for God are to be established in our cities, we have labored and prayed that provision be made for the growth of the work started here about six years ago by Brother and Sister R. B. Craig; and our hearts are cheered by the recent developments.

Peoria is, next to Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, and is the metropolis of the new conference organized in southern Illinois. It is a wealthy and pleasure-loving city, surrounded with beautiful scenery. It has many industries, the greatest being the distillery business, which has assumed immense proportions, as may be seen by the following facts furnished me by United States collector of revenue: The internal revenue collections on proof spirits in Peoria for last year amounted to over thirty-two million dollars at one dollar a gallon. This is presented in another way by the statement that the revenue collections here last year amounted to over one hundred thousand dollars a day, and that the daily shipment of these strong liquors has reached as high as forty-four car loads of sixty-five barrels each. Each bushel of corn that is ground, cooked into mush, and fermented with from one to two pounds of yeast, affords five gallons of proof spirits. When it is understood that these spirits are from one to four times the strength of the whisky sold at retail, it is manifest that the works of evil are fully represented in Peoria; and until probation closes, it is very clear that God has a work for rescuers.

Efforts to get a suitable location for treatment rooms or a cafe have been repeatedly made, but each time something hindered the execution of the plans. We have now secured an excellent, three-story brick building, erected for other purposes, but remarkably adapted to our use as a sanitarium. Having been built by a philanthropic lady as a home for clerks and working girls, it was not only well built, with good plumbing, steam-heating apparatus, laundry, and large, airy basement, but its twenty guest rooms were fully furnished with a good grade of furniture. It is well supplied with hair mattresses, chairs, cooking ranges, and carpets. After thorough cleaning, the carpets were made into acceptable Brussels rugs. On the ground floor a few alterations were necessary. For two thousand dollars we have a well-equipped sanitarium, with twenty guest rooms, in a city of seventy thousand inhabitants.

In the absence of conference or other funds to make this a denominational enterprise, individuals have for the present arranged for the necessary funds, which, together with the liberal terms granted by merchants, has made it possible to establish a memorial for God in this city. For this we praise him, and again consecrate our lives to the work which he may give into our hands.

J. E. FROOM, M. D.

The Work in Menominee, Mich.

By M. W. Lewis

It is a little over two years since we began work in the Upper Peninsula. With the exception of one brother who was permanently located here, we were all alone; and yet not alone, for the Lord was with us, and that to bless. We often thought of those precious words, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” We were informed that we had come to a hard field. Our experiences confirmed this statement; but those encouraging words, “There is nothing too hard, for Thee,” and, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” inspired us with hope, and we determined to leave the success in the hands of the Lord, and proceed at once to business.

A minister asked me one day, “What do you expect to accomplish in our city?” I replied, “To get the people to study their Bibles and take them as they read.” He remarked, “I want you to leave my lambs alone.” I inquired if he would object to my feeding the lambs in case I should find them suffering for food. He said that he would look after his flock. The interview was pleasant; he remarked that he was acquainted with us as a people, and that I represented a good class of people.

The work went on, and in the Lord’s own good time a company was raised up who love the truth. To the Lord be all the praise. Later on a short course of lectures was given by Elder H. R. Johnson, Brother Harris, and the writer. And while no marked success was apparent at the close of this meeting, yet some became interested, and those already interested were more firmly established in the truth.

The first annual camp-meeting in the Upper Peninsula was held at Menominee last year, from June 25 to July 5. We found the business men ready to grant us some favors. The use of the grounds and lumber cost us nothing. In fact, some of the lumber was given to us, and we sold a part of it to meet our expenses.

Besides our own laborers in this field, we were favored with the presence of Elders Covert, Haughey, and Bourdeau. The labors of these brethren were blessed of the Lord, and were highly appreciated by all present. Services were conducted in the English, French, and Scandinavian languages. On account of this being the first attempt to hold such a meeting in this field, it was not so well attended as we had hoped, but the Lord blessed the meeting, and all seemed encouraged to go forward in the Master’s service.

Near the close of the camp-meeting proper we retired to Greenbay, not very far from the camp-ground, where twelve or thirteen were buried with their Lord in baptism, thus expressing their faith in a once crucified and now risen Saviour. This was a solemn scene, well attended, and almost perfect order was maintained. To the Lord be all the praise.

After the camp-meeting, a short series of meetings was held in the same place, but the interest was not sufficient to justify a continuation, therefore the tent was taken down, and moved to another part of the city. The interest at this place was good, and several began to keep the Sabbath as a result of this effort. These meetings were held by Elders Williams, Johnson, and Bourdeau, and the writer. The Lord blessed much in the presentation of the closing message. Many seemed deeply impressed with the same.

Some time after the tent-meetings closed, a church was organized. Some who were ready to be taken into the church could not be present, but will be taken in later. There are others who have begun to keep the Sabbath since the organization. We hope that they will soon be brought under the care of the church. Families of our faith are moving here, and we have hope of a good, strong church to hold forth the word of life.

The Triumph Food factory is almost ready to begin operation. We hope this enterprise will furnish employment to some who have recently begun the observance of the Sabbath, and also to those of our faith who have lately moved into the city. This enterprise has already made a favorable impression upon the leading business men, who promise to patronize the institution, and assist in any way they can. Many of them have offered to help us when we get ready to build a church, promising us from twenty-five dollars to two hundred dollars apiece. It is obvious to us here that the Lord is co-operating with us in gaining the respect and confidence of this people; nevertheless there are some here who are much opposed to us and our work, and are working against us. But we do not worry about that, for we know that the God whom we serve must and will prevail.

A broom factory has been started recently, and furnishes employment to several of our brethren. We hope that it may be established on a successful basis; many business men promise to patronize this enterprise also.

The object of these institutions is not for the purpose of the accumulation of wealth for individuals or companies, but they are to be auxiliaries for the furtherance of the third angel’s message.

During our campaign with “Christ’s

Object Lessons” I went to two business men, telling them the nature of our work, and inviting them to co-operate with us in the enterprise. One man took twelve copies, and gave them to friends and relatives; and since that time he has paid our hall expenses during a course of lectures, sent one of his relatives, who had lately begun the observance of the fourth commandment, to the Cedar Lake Academy, paying her expenses while there, and now one of his own daughters is attending the Berrien Springs school. His wife has accepted the Sabbath, and he is convinced. He donated fifty dollars last year for a Christmas offering, and besides all this he offers two hundred dollars to help build a respectable place of worship. Shall we not give the business men an opportunity to help in this closing message?

I will mention one more case. The Lord has helped in the disposition of “Christ’s Object Lessons” among the business men. One grocer has taken thirty of these books to send to his customers, friends, and relatives, besides tracts, pamphlets, and papers. He is certainly doing a good work. He had been quite a wicked man in his younger days, but he procured a new Bible, and began to study. He became perplexed over the Sabbath question, and could not get any rest until he went into his room with the Bible in his hand, and had a season of prayer. He prayed that God would show him which day was right, hoping that the Lord would bring some text to his mind in behalf of Sunday. After prayer he opened his Bible, and to his surprise his eye rested upon Eze. 20: 12. ‘Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.’

Shortly after this experience a notice appeared in the secular papers that his store would be closed from Friday evening sundown till Saturday evening sundown. He told me that he would have to keep the Sabbath, or reject the whole Bible, and he could not do that. He is now rejoicing in the truth. Does it not pay to give the business men an invitation to help.

May the Lord bless the work and the workers throughout the world, that the message may speedily go to the world in this generation.

M. W. LEWIS.

Interesting Testimonies

By JAS. COCHRAN

An incident occurred in a Sabbath service which I attended during the week of prayer that to me was very interesting. After the reading prepared for the occasion, opportunity was given for a social service. A strange lady arose in the congregation, and said she was rejoicing in the Lord that she had found a people that were keeping God's commandments. It was her first meeting with Sabbath observers. She told how she had received a tract on the Sabbath question, and how it led her to investigate the subject more thoroughly, and finally to accept this wonderful truth. She related the circumstances of her coming into the place where our church was located, and her eagerness to attend the Sabbath meeting. Immediately after she sat down, another strange lady arose and related almost the same story as to her experience. She had received a tract from one of our brethren living at a distance, which prompted her to further investigation and a final decision to accept the message as a whole. She, too, was rejoicing in the Lord that she had been led to see such a glorious and saving truth.

It was very cheering to look into the faces of these two sisters, and to hear the good testimony they bore. It was somewhat out of the ordinary that these two persons with an experience so nearly alike should find their way into this particular Sabbath service. We shall, however, expect to see many such incidents in the closing of this message. The literature we are sending forth will bear fruit to God's glory. Just now is the time for every one to be engaged in active service for the Master. On every hand are manifest evidences of God's Spirit striving with the people. Thousands of souls are longing for the truth contained in our books, tracts, and papers. The need of the hour is an awakened church to carry the truth to the people. JAS. COCHRAN.

Encouraging Words for the South

By V. O. Cole

The hearts of many Southern workers have been made to rejoice greatly on account of a recent Testimony published in The Southern Watchman of December 15. The title of this Testimony was, ‘A Fruitful Missionary Field.’ The servant of God says, ‘When a difficult field is presented before me as a field that must be worked, I understand that I must make this field my special burden.’ What an example this is to those who are laboring in more favorable fields.

Again she says: ‘The Southern field, with its encouraging and discouraging features, has been kept before me for many years. The workers in the South have had to struggle along against obstacles that have hindered their progress. It is God’s help alone that has enabled them to move forward in the face of difficulties which at times have threatened to overcome them.’

She further says: ‘My brethren, there is no reason for discouragement. The good seed is being sown, God will watch over it, causing it to spring up and bring forth an abundant harvest. . . . Our part is not to sit and weep, and wring our hands, but to arise and work for time and for eternity. We have as yet merely touched the Southern field with the tip end of our fingers. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. . . . Let a class of canvassers be fitted up, by thorough instruction and training, to handle the publications that shall come forth from the press. . . . O, that the presidents of conferences would encourage the church-members to take an active interest in the South, and do all in their power to advance the work of Seventh-day Adventists in this field.’

After admonishing those in more favorable localities to turn their hearts to this needy field, the servant of God adds these encouraging words: ‘Many are preparing to put their shoulders to the wheel to help advance the work. The clouds of darkness and despondency are rolling back, and the sunshine of God’s favor is shining upon the workers. ‘The Lord is gracious. He will not leave our work in the South in its present condition. . . . Now, just now, is our time to proclaim the third angel’s message to the millions living in the Southern States, who know not the Saviour’s coming.’

This Testimony should bring confidence and courage to the work and workers here; and already we see evidences of its fulfilment. During the past few weeks three experienced canvassers from the North have come to our conference without any solicitation on our part. I believe that the canvassing work is the principal work that the Lord is stirring up the hearts of his people to do in this field, as it can be carried on with less prejudice than any other branch of our work.

The race prejudice is so great that, in other departments of our work, if one begins to labor for one class, he is barred from the other; but this is not so with the canvassing work, for the world looks upon it generally as a money-making scheme, and considers that a person is entitled to sell to all classes alike; while God looks upon it as missionary work of the highest order. Therefore neither the people of the world nor the people of God raise any objection to one working with both classes in the canvassing work. All who are familiar with the work here will recognize this as a condition that places the worker on vantage ground.

Besides being a native of the South, the seven years’ experience that I have had in the work here has taught me many precious lessons; and if this experience can be of any help to my fellow workers who are thinking of making this their field of labor, I shall be glad to hear from them.

If your hearts are turned toward this field, ask the Saviour earnestly to guide you. Make no rash moves, but move cautiously and prayerfully. Seek wisdom daily from God; and when you are sure that the Lord is leading, then do not permit the enemy to overthrow your plans. It is always best to bring with you letters of recommendation either from your conference officers or from the officers of the church to which you belong, as this will sometimes save much confusion.

I wish to say, in conclusion, just a few words to my dear brethren and sisters who are already here in the South, and have not yet found their place in the work. It seems that Israel’s cloud has been lifted, and is moving this way. Do we not wish to catch a glimpse of this cloud, and move on with this triumphant march? If so, let us heed that portion of this Testimony which says, ‘Our part is not to sit and wait, and wring our hands, but to arise, and work for time and eternity.’

The Lord has told us that there is a work that all can lay hold of and do, so with hearts overflowing with love and zeal for perishing souls, let us seek the Lord earnestly, that we may be willing to do that work, and thus fulfil the promise, ‘Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.’

V. O. COLE, State Agent Cumberland Conference.

“Story of Joseph” Fund

By Southern Missionary Society

A CALL was recently made through the REVIEW for donations to a fund to be used in printing, and binding the book, “Story of Joseph.” This book is being sold on the same plan that “Christ’s Object Lessons” is sold on. The plan is to create a fund that will pay the expenses of publishing this book, so that the total proceeds

of the sales may go to build up the Brotherhood’s mission school work among the colored people of the South. The sum of five hundred and fifty dollars is needed to publish an edition, for which the paper has been already ordered. This is a small amount compared to what our people have done for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” according to the same plan. The following donations have been received up to December 28:—

J. F. Carman, $25; C. W. Smouse, $7.30; H. E. Brighouse, $5; Anna Nicholas, $5; M. E. Yergin, $4; H. S. Stewart, $2.50; Chas. Hatters, $2.05; Mrs. L. F. White, $1; Mrs. H. L. Gilbert, $1; Laura E. Ashton, $1; Mrs. Jane Sinclair, $1; A. D. Ladeau, $1; D. Dohse, $1; Mrs. E. Anderson, $1; V. Hardy, $1; Jno. A. Lauck, 80 cents; Mrs. M. Brand, 75 cents; Mrs. T. Heald, 75 cents; L. M. McNutt, 50 cents; Mrs. A. E. Joslin, 40 cents; Miss M. Severins, 25 cents; Annie Tucker, 25 cents; C. S. Twing, 25 cents; Chas. Hildreth, 25 cents; Mrs. L. E. Hull, 26 cents; T. A. Palin, 20 cents; Maria Waterbury, 20 cents; Mrs. Alice Lawson, 25 cents; Mrs. Jane Holford, 25 cents; total, $64.21.

SOUTHERN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Churches and Sabbath Schools

A CHURCH of eight members has been organized at Lake Village, Ark., two of this number having accepted the truth during a seven days' meeting there, ending December 20. A Sabbath-school of ten members is also in progress.

A RECENT report from Hutchins, Kan., stated that the church there was expecting a considerable increase in membership at the next quarterly meeting; several Sabbath-keeping families having recently moved into that vicinity. A good church school is in progress there.

Continue reading: TOTAL DONATIONS FOR NASHVILLE CHURCH