p. 18 | Review and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 1. (1/5/1905)

Earlier text: Suggestions for Extending the Circulation of Our Papers

Beginning in Portugal

By C. E. RENTFRO

C. E. RENTFRO

I WILL now give my first general report for Portugal, more especially for Lisbon. We landed in Lisbon the twenty-sixth of September, and though the language was strange to us, the first few days in our new field, as well as our entire journey, were marked by many blessings from our Heavenly Father.

We found our present house, after two-days' search, just across the street from the home of the man who owns it—Portugal's prime minister. We pay only a little more than six dollars a month, but must pay for six months in advance.

DEPOT OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, LISBON

This is indeed a very needy field, where ignorance and almost heathen darkness reign supreme. The inhabitants number about five million, with fewer Protestant missionaries than has India. The former country, I understand, has one worker to one hundred thousand people, and Portugal does not have that many, so far as I can learn.

The British and Foreign Bible Society has done much toward the evangelization of this field. A short rehearsal of its work may not be out of place. In the year 1809 the first edition of the Portuguese New Testament was published, in the D. Almeida version. In 1811 Mr. Henry Hartin advocated the cause of the Portuguese, and the result was the first edition of the New Testament in the Figueiredo version—a translation by a Catholic priest, this fact making for it a ready acceptance among Catholics. About 1819 to 1821 appeared the complete Bible.

In 1864 the Society sent Mr. W. P. Tiddy to this city to open an agency. F. H. Roughton had charge of the office until 1870. Then J. E. Tugman looked after the Bible interest for six years, when he was succeeded by Mr. Robert Stewart, who held the place twenty-six years. The agent for the peninsula is Mr. Robert O. Walker, of Madrid, while his sub-agent here is Mr. Robert Moreton, who is a noble young man of great capabilities. We made his acquaintance, and found him a friend in time of need, and are indebted to him for much valuable information, and for papers, from which I cull the facts here given. The Bible office now occupies a goodly portion of a large convent erected over three hundred years ago, from which place the friars went out to bless the Spanish Armada before its destruction.

About twelve years ago the government sold the convent to the Presbyterians, who, in turn, about five years ago sold it to the Episcopalians. The latter hold their services in the large chapel. This is rather strange, as the penal code declares that Protestants shall not have an exterior form of a church, but may have one in an out-of-the-way place. Yet the Episcopalians have raised the cross to the top of the building, which the Presbyterians

had torn down, they believing it best to sail under colors so closely resembling those of the mother church that they can easily capture the people.

The accompanying picture is of the front entrance to the Bible office, and shows a small shop, where Bibles are sold to the general public. This is the lower floor. The convent occupies a well-space almost equal to a block, or square, in some American city.

The total output of copies of the Bible or portions of it, from 1804 to 1903, was nearly 1,500,000. They employ seven colporteurs in Portugal. The selling of the Scriptures is not without trials; for in July of this year, in one of the outlying provinces of this country, a Catholic priest seized the entire outfit of a colporteur, and cast him into prison. Thus Rome does when she can find a convenient opportunity, even while keeping up a respectable front. We can see that Portugal is ready for the last warning message to a dying world. The Bible Society will receive its reward for the circulation of the Word of God.

We are making fair progress in the language, and hope soon to be able to do active work by selling literature. I have made two attempts to sell the Brazilian paper and tracts. While I sold a few, I found I needed a better vocabulary.

I recently learned that the Seventh-day Adventists are being advertised by some continued articles in a small religious Portuguese publication. These have the usual Scripture texts for argument against us. Also the book "Seventh-day Adventism Renounced" has found its way here, in English, however. Altogether, we feel glad for being helped in this way, even before we can talk in the strange tongues; for they can do nothing against the truth.

If any one wishes to give a donation through the usual channels, for the purpose of getting out more literature in the Portuguese bearing on present truth, it would be acceptable.

By the time this reaches you, the people of God may be in unison praying for the advancement of the Lord's work. Our prayer will continue to be, God bless his cause, his people, the great sin-cursed world, and may he hasten the day of the reign of King Emmanuel. Remember this needy field in your prayers.

Lisbon, Portugal.

Mission Notes

FIFTY years ago the Bible was an unknown book in Japan. There are doubtless millions of Japanese who know comparatively little about it to-day, as there are millions in all parts of what we call Christendom. Yet the Bible has now made considerable impress upon the populace of Japan as a whole.

CHILE and Argentina have jointly set up a colossal statue in bronze of “Christ the Redeemer,” at the highest point of Upsallata Pass in the Andes. Both countries sent representatives of rank to the imposing ceremony of the unveiling, which took place in the middle of March. This great monument on the frontier is a memorial of the settlement of a long boundary dispute. In place of the usual frontier guards, armed to the teeth and glaring defiance into one another’s faces, the boundary will henceforth be marked by this benignant figure, which recalls to all passers their common allegiance to the Prince of Peace.

THE British and Foreign Bible Society has recently received $193.60 for its Centenary fund, from Malay Christians in the island of Sangir. The gift calls attention to the wide pervasiveness of modern missionary effort. The island of Sangir most of us will have to hunt up on the atlas. It lies about midway between the northern point of Celebes, in the Dutch East Indies, and the southern point of Mindanao, in the Philippines. Missionaries from the Netherlands have been working there for years.

THE head of the first ancestor of the human race is supposed by the Chinese to be buried near a temple at Chen-chau, in the province of Honan. During a festival there this summer the people thronged the China Inland Mission premises. The local preacher, the native Christians, a native evangelist from Taiho, and the ladies of the mission talked themselves hoarse, explaining the gospel of Jesus Christ to changing and eager audiences. Even the mission doorkeeper did duty as a preacher to men who hung around in the streets outside of the door. The doors of the mission had to be locked from seven to eight in the morning, to secure time for the workers to pray and study the Bible in preparation for each day’s work. During the festival, about twenty thousand men and women listened to Christian instruction, and bought copies of the Gospel to take home with them.

IN the thick of the terrible battle of Nanshan, just north of Port Arthur, two Japanese soldiers were wounded at the same moment. One of them, a corporal, crept to his comrade, and tried to bind up his wound. The man said to him, “Don’t trouble about me, look out for your own wound; I have believed in Jesus Christ.” Then the corporal recited to the desperately wounded man, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” “Yes,” responded the other, “I have been laid hold of by Jesus Christ.” At that moment a second bullet struck the speaker, and he died. The corporal lived to reach the hospital, and to tell the Christian nurse of this strange communion of souls on the battle-field. Some of the money given by Christians in the West, in self-denial and with prayer, carried the gospel to those two pagan Japanese, and so yielded forth a hundredfold on the bloody slopes of Nanshan.

THE National Bible Society of Scotland made its way into Spain as far back as 1895. The story, as told by a secretary of the society, is a remarkable one: “While yet the Bible was confiscated at every frontier, Manuel Matamoros showed us how the book might be printed in Spain itself for the use of the faithful souls, who, meeting in secret and under feigned names, were feeling their way toward the light. In a back room in a back street in the cathedral city of Malaga, on a rickety old hand-press, with scanty supply of type, a godly printer, with his own hands and such help as his wife and son could render, printed, at the cost of the society, three thousand large-type New Testaments, in the course of seventeen months’ labor during every hour of which he stood in danger of arrest and the galleys—a feat which will live in history with the achievements of those who counted not liberty or life dear to them for the sake of Christ and his gospel.”

Alabama

By W. L. MCNEELY

THE work in Alabama is still onward. God is blessing us as we strive to do his will. After camp-meeting I crossed the bay from Mobile, and held some meetings at Marlow, in Baldwin County. Nine were baptized. There are three others who I think will desire baptism when we organize the church.

December 11 I was called to the Chunchula church to dedicate a new house there. The brethren have worked faithfully, and have erected a house for the Lord. A good school is being conducted there by Mrs. E. G. Bennett, and many not of our faith are sending their children to this school. We hope soon to see schools all over this land, where the principles of true education will be taught. W. L. MCNEELY.

California

By A. J. HOWARD.

ESCONDIDO.—Since giving up the work in Arizona, I have remained at home with the family on account of their poor health. I find plenty to do. The week of prayer gave to this church a great blessing. Our meetings were held at half-past twelve each day. They were well attended. The Spirit of the Lord came to us with convicting and converting power. Sins were confessed, the blessing came, souls were free. The testimonies had the ring of victory. God's hand was stretched out with healing power.

One dear sister seventy-three years of age yielded herself so fully to the leadings of the Spirit that her poor weak body was strengthened. She laid aside her cane, and now takes delight in working among her neighbors with our periodicals. She says her life is the Lord's forever, to be used in his service. Our donations were one hundred and fifteen dollars. We number about fifty, children and all. The meetings were well attended.

Since coming home my time has been spent in visiting and Bible work. Nine souls are rejoicing in new-found truth. Counting the children, this makes an addition of seventeen to our Sabbath-school. We have some exceptionally bright young people. Several will soon be ready for baptism. The church here is of excellent courage. They are pushing the periodical work. The little ones at the Young People's meeting decided to pay one penny each every Sabbath for the India mission. They are very faithful in this, and have determined to keep eight children in school for the year. They earn their pennies by cleaning and dusting the church each week under the supervision of the church-school teacher. They are preparing the program published in the REVIEW for the twenty-fourth of December.

Personally, I never was of better courage, and never received greater blessings than of late. A. J. HOWARD.

Mississippi

By E. P.; RACHEL AUGER

CORINTH.—It is now six years since my wife and I came to this place as self-supporting workers, nursing the sick, giving Bible readings and doing Christian Help work.

Our efforts have been blessed. One sister accepted the truth, and an impression in favor of the truths held by our people has been made on the hearts of many. As a result of instruction in health reform several have given up wrong habits, and are enjoying better health.

Our work has so increased that we can not answer all the calls for treatments. It seems that a building to receive patients and in which to give treatments is very much needed, for many are asking us to erect one. I have bought two good lots, and begun to build a house, 28 x 48 ft., plain, convenient, and suited to this work. It is our purpose with God's blessing to make it an institution for the training of nurses and to further the cause of Christian Help work and healthful living.

Were it not that some kind brethren and sisters sent me three hundred and forty dollars to start the work, I could not have undertaken it. I have all the framing lumber paid for, and the excavation for the basement finished and paid for. The citizens of Corinth donated about fifty-six dollars. This is the first effort in this State to open up treatment rooms, and our conference is not able to assist in it. I need $1,275 to complete and furnish the rooms.

This enterprise is to be carried on in accordance with the light given in the Testimonies, and it is to be free from selfishness in its management. None of the proceeds will be used for any other purpose than to pay the running expenses, and caring for the sick. The needs of the people and the suffering of the afflicted poor is my plea.

The mayor of Corinth wrote a recommendation for me and our work, a copy of which will gladly be mailed to any one desiring to help us. Pray for us and the work.

Since Sept. 26, 1903, nine of our patients who had been given up to die by the doctors, have fully recovered. To God we give all the praise.

E. P. and RACHEL AUGER.

Vermont

By J. W. WATT

DURING the week of prayer it was my privilege to visit four of our Vermont churches,—North Wolcott, Morrisville, Johnson, and Bordoville. A good interest was manifested in all these places. The time has surely come for deep consecration to mark the lives of all who have a knowledge of present truth. At Bordoville the annual election of officers was held on Sunday; an elder and a deacon were ordained.

Follow-up Work

Now that a good beginning has been made in the distribution of our literature in Vermont, the work should be followed up. Yearly subscriptions for our periodicals should be obtained; interested ones should be visited; Bible readings should be given when the way is open for such work; and books, pamphlets, and tracts should be placed in the hands of the people. Earnest prayers should go up to God daily that he will bless this literature, and cause souls to accept the truth.

I fear that we are too timid in approaching our neighbors with this truth. A few weeks ago a man not of our faith was at a meeting where the attention of our people was called to the importance of taking the REVIEW AND HERALD, and he asked if he might subscribe also. If we believe we have a message for the world, let us arise and give the message. How sad it would be if in the judgment we should face the fact that some of our unsaved neighbors would have accepted the truth had we gone to them with it in a proper spirit. Let us work while the day lasts.

Work With “Christ’s Object Lessons”

In visiting the churches I am sorry to say that I have not found the deep interest in this work that I had hoped to see. What can be said with reference to this work more than has been said? The Lord has spoken plainly through his servant again and again, yet we are not stirred over the matter as we ought to be. The month of December was set apart for a special sale of this book. Had each Seventh-day Adventist made a special effort, many copies would have been sold. But the obligation to sell these books will still remain after the month of December is gone. The Lord

still desires that we carry forward this work. Shall we do it? If any persons, so situated that they can not go out and sell the book, will send to the tract society fifty cents a copy for the number they would like to sell, we can get some one to sell them on commission. If any of our brethren wish to pay for a few copies of the book, and sell them at their leisure, it would be a real help to the South Lancaster school for them to do so.

It is a very dangerous thing for any of us to neglect a single duty now. Soon probation will close.

J. W. WATT.

Indiana

By B. HAGLE

MOROCCO AND MOUNTAYR.—I came to Morocco, October 14, and began a series of meetings in a hall. These were continued for six weeks. The donations met the expenses. We organized a Sabbath-school of twelve members.

After this we went to a place called Mountayr, eight miles from Morocco, and began meetings in a Baptist church. We held our first Sabbath meeting there last Sabbath, December 24. Sixteen were in attendance. The power of God came into our meeting, and hearts were melted. We expect God to do great things for us at this place.

During the time of labor in these two places sixty-seven sermons and twenty-eight Bible readings were given, seventy-five family visits were made, five hundred pages of tracts were distributed, one hundred copies of the special Southern Watchman and fifty copies of The Signs of the Times were sold, also twenty dollars' worth of books, three yearly subscriptions were taken for the REVIEW AND HERALD, and four for the Indiana Reporter.

We have not written this report for a show, but to let our brethren and sisters know what God can do with the weak things of this world. My courage in the message was never better. We expect an organization there soon. Brother Dunn and my wife are with me, and assist in the meetings. Pray for us, that we may be kept humble, that God may continue to work for us.

B. HAGLE.

The Purchase of Land at Takoma Park

By William Worthington Prescott

IN the spring of 1904 the trustees of the Review and Herald Publishing Association and the representatives of the General Conference united in making an offer for a certain portion of land at Takoma Park, D. C., being a part of what is known as the “Thornton tract.” This tract was in the hands of trustees representing the court; and as a portion of the land desired was in the District of Columbia, and a portion just across the District line, in the corporate limits of Takoma Park, Md., it was necessary that the sale should be confirmed both by the District court and by the Maryland court.

On the twenty-third day of June, Justice Anderson, in the District court, confirmed the sale of that portion of land lying in the District. An appeal was taken from this decision by counsel representing a certain portion of the heirs to the property, and the matter was taken to the Court of Appeals of the District.

The sale of that part of the land lying in Maryland was confirmed by the court of Montgomery County, Maryland, in September. The same heirs took an appeal also from this decision, to the Court of Appeals of Maryland.

In this litigation neither the Review and Herald Publishing Association nor the General Conference has appeared as a principal party. The differences were between the heirs themselves, some of whom favored the acceptance of the offer made, and others opposed it. The heirs were thus divided into two parties, each of which was represented in court by its own counsel.

After the case had progressed as stated above, disinterested third parties, especially the mayor of Takoma Park, made an effort to bring about an amicable settlement between the two parties at variance, in order that the litigation might be brought to a close, and the property sold according to the original offer.

As a result of several conferences, an agreement was finally reached, based upon substantially the original conditions, but with a slight variation as to the exact amount of land included in the sale. The whole matter was brought to a conclusion last week, and the deeds to the property were duly executed.

The land included in the sale is that portion on the map which is within the heavy black lines. An examination of the map will show that this property is located two blocks from the Baltimore and Ohio Railway station, on the main line of the B. & O. R. R. from Washington to Chicago. It is the same distance from the terminus of the electric line to the business center of the city of Washington, which is about six miles to the south.

On the eight lots south of the District line, and facing Willow Avenue, will be located the Review and Herald printing plant, with such other buildings as the association may require. It is expected that this plant will be erected during the coming season.

On the four lots south of the District line, and facing Laurel Avenue, will be erected the building for the offices of the General Conference and Mission Board. This building will be forty by sixty feet, three stories in height, and will contain ample room for the offices of all the different departments of the General Conference.

On the triangular piece of land bounded by the District line, Carroll Avenue, and Laurel Avenue, it is expected that a church building will be erected in due time. It is probable that the remainder of this portion will be reserved for a lawn.

The lots on the north side of Carroll Avenue, continuing through to Tulip Avenue, will be suitable for residence purposes.

The whole lot comprises nearly five acres, about one third of it being in the District of Columbia and two thirds in the town of Takoma Park, Montgomery Co., Md.

By this purchase a rural location is obtained for both the Review and Herald printing plant and the General Conference offices, with all the conveniences for mail, telegraph, express, and

freight for the expeditious transaction of business.

The fifty-acre tract purchased for sanitarium and school purposes is located about fifteen minutes’ walk northeast of the land just acquired, and thus the different institutions located at Takoma Park are within easy access of each other.

Plans are now being drawn for the General Conference office building, which will be erected at once. It is expected that this will be completed and occupied before the meeting of the General Conference in May, thus providing a suitable place for the transaction of business connected with the General Conference. W. W. P.

The Week of Prayer in Southern Jamaica

By C. D. PARCHMENT

THE week of prayer, which has just terminated, has in every respect rivaled those of past years. Never before in the history of this observance has the Spirit of God manifested itself among the brethren of southern Jamaica as during this recent week of prayer. The time allotted to conduct these daily services was, as usual, early morning; and all can imagine how cheering and encouraging it was to see a congregation of people ranging from the old man of seventy to the child of seven, all gathered in the little white-walled church, even before break of day, for the sole object of meeting Jesus; and he, faithful to his promise, was never absent, so all were able to exclaim, “Truly the Lord has been with us.” The burden of prayer rested upon all, and not one minute was wasted. Many confessed their disloyalty to God in the tithe and offerings, and made faithful promise to do better in the future, and also to make a special effort to propagate the third angel’s message during 1905.

While it is true that mistakes have been made in the past, yet how cheering it is to note that the work is making steady progress. Our week-of-prayer offering has more than doubled that of former years, notwithstanding the present hard times, owing to the loss of crops. The outlook seems gloomy, but we believe our Heavenly Father will supply all our needs. Time and space would fail to give full details of the grand and glorious times which we enjoyed during the week of prayer. Truly, I am glad to scatter the tidings to the ends of the earth that the seed which has been sown in southern Jamaica has indeed fallen on good ground, and is bringing forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundredfold.

C. D. PARCHMENT.

The Week of Prayer in Baltimore

By HARRY S. WEAVER

THE week of prayer has been a blessing to us here in Baltimore; it has brought new life to many of us, and a new experience to others, for which we praise the Lord.

We were glad to have Elder I. E. Kimball and his wife with us on the first Sabbath of the week of prayer. Their presence and labor seemed to bring in a precious spirit of revival. Sunday evening they met with us again. This time we had a union meeting of both churches, and it was an occasion long to be remembered by the faithful workers of Baltimore. Brother Kimball gave us some good points concerning work for the salvation of souls, and for giving the message to them. We were made to feel that we must go out among the people more,—go out and search for precious souls, and compel them to come in.

While all our meetings were good, some of them were attended with special manifestations of the power of the Spirit. On Tuesday night we had an old-time revival. The Laodicean spirit was broken down, and the Spirit of the Lord came among us with rich blessings. One who had been in a backslidden condition testified that he longed for the experience of true conversion. He was greatly benefited by this meeting, and said that he was going to live closer to God. The Spirit came in in convicting power, and souls were refreshed.

If every one who holds membership among us had the true experience of the new birth, our work would go much easier than it does. If all were taken in by birth, and not by theory or by climbing up some other way, there would be a mightier power among us to bring souls to a knowledge of this precious truth. While conversion, in a sense, is a daily work, it is an inevitable necessity that we must all be born again, or we can not see the kingdom of God. When the members of the church are all truly converted, there will be no trouble about the unconverted honest souls in the world. This is the rich-and-increased-in-goods age of the church. May the Lord help us all to be thoroughly converted.

The Lord came very close to us on the last Sabbath of the week of prayer. The Holy Spirit came in with power toward the latter part of our meeting as we gave opportunity for those who had relatives and friends for whom they wished prayer offered. He filled the children with his sacred presence, and they arose with praises on their young lips. During the meeting one sister took her stand for the truth, and testified to her determination to follow the Saviour wherever he leads. Then just before closing, another sister arose and said that she would not allow Satan to hold her back any longer, and testified to her purpose of accepting the whole truth of the third angel's message. This week was a week of victories, and we have decided that this shall be a year of prayer, and that the good work shall not stop with a week of prayer.

Last Sabbath it was our great joy to receive six precious souls into the fold. There are others soon to follow. We now have four who are ready for baptism. We are not depending upon help from the outside so much now, but are looking to God to revive the work in this great and needy city of over five hundred thousand souls, where very little is being done.

We expect next Friday night and Sabbath to have Elder K. C. Russell with us, and we are looking for another precious season.

Elder Traugh met with us recently, and gave us very timely instruction for the work in these its last stages. O brethren and sisters, pray for the work in Baltimore! We need your prayers. Our offering amounted to $22.50, to which will doubtless be added $15, making a total of $37.50.

HARRY S. WEAVER.

Boggstown (Ind.) Manual Training Academy

By B. F. MACHLAN

It may interest the readers of the REVIEW to know how God has blessed the Boggstown Manual Training Academy. Some time before the week of prayer, we began praying for God’s blessing to rest upon our young people, and touch their hearts. The needy field had been kept before the students since our school opened, and we prayed that the Lord would awaken in them a desire to give of their means, as well as to consecrate their lives to him. Rigid self-denial was practised by many of them, and all had a part in the giving.

One hour each day was set apart for our prayer service. All took part in song and in bearing testimony to God’s love and power. From the first, the Lord blessed us, and although we had asked and expected great things of him, yet he blessed us above what we had asked or thought. Several students decided to obey the Lord’s commandments,

Our offerings amounted to $31.55, besides several pieces of jewelry. We are praising God for his great love and his strong hand.

B. F. MACHLAN.

Maine

By J. B. Goodrich

DURING the week of prayer we held meetings with the church at Washburn; and as we had the readings, the Spirit of the Lord came very near, and some not of our faith witnessed for the truth, and expressed the thought that they had never seen more direct manifestations of the Spirit’s presence than in those meetings.

While listening to the readings, I began to realize more fully the progress of the work, and some of the old-time power came upon me, and I can praise the Lord for a new lease of life, and a voice to praise him “who healeth all our diseases.” Brethren, the consummation of our hope is near.

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below.”

J. B. GOODRICH.

Indian Territory

By E. L. Maxwell

MUSKOGEE.— The weather during the week of prayer was cold, but nearly all our people attended service each evening, and several friends met with us.

At the Friday service, and also on Sabbath, every one in the house either bore testimony or asked for prayers. The Spirit of the Lord was especially present on Sabbath, December 17, and sins were confessed.

This week of prayer marks a new era in the life of our church, and if we should not meet in another on earth, we can truly say that we expect to meet the results of this one in the world to come.

Notwithstanding the needs of our own field and the poverty of our members, we were able to donate quite a good amount for mission work, and I hope to see more given in the near future. Pray for the work here.

E. L. MAXWELL.

Cumberland Industrial School

By Clifford G. Howell

It has now been over two years since the Lord directed my wife and myself to this place; and we had much evidence that it was his will that we should establish a school that should help to advance his work here. In his great kindness to us, he has sent us help from many kind friends, and helpers, especially Brethren C. A. Graves and Ona E. Offerle, and their households. Over six hundred acres of land has been purchased by these brethren, much of which they will be willing to sell to those who are guided here by the Lord to also help in his work.

I have carefully avoided all effort toward colonizing families here; and have earnestly asked the Lord to send just such ones as might be blessed in coming, and be made a blessing.

One hundred acres is devoted to the school farm. I have taught three terms. Most of the pupils are not of our people, as there are but few Seventh-day Adventists here. From the first, I have hoped to build up a self-supporting work, where laborers could be trained for God, who would catch up the banners of the cross and bear them on through toil and sacrifice to glorious victory.

The people here are friendly to us. There are no colored people near us. The climate is healthful, and the water is good. There is plenty of timber. The soil is not so productive for most products as in some places, but more than a living can be raised on even a small farm.

There is room for a few more families of our people here, especially those who have young people who desire a training to become workers in the cause. I expect to open school in our new building next month. Though some of this country has been settled many years, in some respects it is like a new country. Cabins are built in the woods, a small clearing made, and crops planted among stumps and girdled trees. Any who intend to come, should be prepared for toil and self-denial. We are of good cheer, feeling confident that we are in the path of duty and service. We extend sincere thanks to those who have sent us of their earthly store, and pray that it may be to them treasure in heaven.

CLIFFORD G. HOWELL. Earleyville, Tenn.

Week-of-Prayer Notes

By B. E. CONNERLY; CAROLINE KYSOR; J. A. MORROW; B. F. RICHARDS

Porto Rico

THE week of prayer is now in the past, and it has been a precious season to our little company in Mayaguez. Brother Moulton came from Arecibo during the last part of the meetings. In the morning we had the readings in English, and in the evening we had them in Spanish, and the Spirit of God was present in rich measure. On Sabbath, December 17, we had baptism early in the morning, four going forward in that sacred ordinance, and later in the day we organized the church with thirteen members, after which we celebrated the ordinances. It was a precious season, and one long to be remembered. B. E. CONNERLY.

From an Isolated Group

WE are two old people living alone. We held our meetings, read the readings, and prayed. We gave three dollars last year. You said it would have to be doubled this, and so we had to pray for that. We were sick, and could not go out to get the money. But I said it must come, and so it did. After our last reading we took up what had come in, and it was six dollars, and ten cents to buy the money order. CAROLINE KYSOR.

Bermuda

THE work is deepening with our new Sabbath-keepers. I feel sure we can count on twelve or fourteen of these. One intelligent man has not fully decided, but I feel hopeful for him. I never saw the Spirit of God work with more power. Truly we are seeing a few drops of the latter rain here in Bermuda. J. A. MORROW.

Oakland, California

DAILY, through the week, the Spirit of God was with us. The church, by the way, is not so large by eighty members as it was before the removal to Mountain View. Last year the annual offering was under two hundred dollars. Our people were greatly touched this year by the situation. When the offering was called for, there was an opening of many envelopes to increase the gifts, and considerable loose money was put in the baskets. The entire congregation knelt in prayer, thanking God for the privilege of sending means to help spread this message to earth’s remotest bounds. The offering was $306.50. B. F. RICHARDS.

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