JULY 30 I left Chicago, Ill., for the Western tour. Arriving at Colton, Cal., August 2, I left the train to make a short call at Loma Linda. It was my first visit to this place, which has now become of so much interest to our people. The location is certainly all that it has been described to be, and marvelously fitted for the use to which it has been put. One is also much impressed with the facilities that have been provided for carrying forward the sanitarium work and the medical college; indeed, they are far more complete than I had expected to find at the present stage of the institution. It was pleasing to learn of the good patronage and of the blessings of God attending the work.
After spending a pleasant day at Loma Linda, I proceeded to Alhambra, where the Southern California camp meeting and conference were to be held. Alhambra is practically a suburb of Los Angeles, and very conveniently located in the center of a populous part of Southern California. The camp was a mammoth one, composed of 500 tents and about 2,000 campers. On Sabbath and Sunday there were fully 3,000 in attendance. The camp was laid out in a most systematic and orderly manner, and the organization and arrangements seemed to be the most complete and perfect that I have seen at any time. This was necessary for the best success of so large a meeting. The city authorities of Alhambra did everything possible to make our meeting a success, and this was much appreciated.
From the beginning, there was a good spiritual atmosphere and the interest continued to grow as the meeting progressed. The early morning devotional services were well attended, and were seasons of real spiritual refreshing. The preaching was stirring and practical. The events in Europe gave opportunity to present both the importance and the perils of our time with greater emphasis than ever in the past, and these earnest messages and appeals met a hearty response. A goodly number of the citizens of Alhambra and the adjacent country attended the public services, and were much interested. Elder E. E. Andross, the union conference president, labored earnestly and faithfully for the spiritual good of the meeting, and he was heartily supported by Elder F. M. Burg, the conference president, who carried the heavy burden of the meeting, and by the local and union conference laborers present.
Elder George Enoch, recently returned from India, presented the needs of the great foreign mission field, especially India, with good effect. This conference has been considerably behind in meeting its part of the mission funds up to the present this year. An earnest effort was made to change this situation.16and the Sabbath school and mission offerings on the two Sabbaths of the meeting amounted to $1,125.62, and cash and pledges to missions at other meetings to $2,804, making a total of $3,929.62 in cash and pledges for missions.
Regular services were also held in the German, Spanish, and Scandinavian tongues. An interest has been started among the Russians, of whom there are many in the conference, and they are calling earnestly for a Russian laborer. This the conference decided to supply.
The business proceedings of the conference were interesting and harmonious. The president's report showed an encouraging growth in all the different departments of the work. Five new churches had been organized during the year, with a combined membership of 119, while 256 had been baptized by the several workers and added to the church.
The report showed some gain in tithe and Sabbath school and missionary offerings, while the book sales showed a very substantial increase over the previous year. The various departments of the work were carefully considered and given all the attention the time would permit. Elder Burg was reelected president of the conference for the coming year. May the Lord greatly bless him in the many and weighty responsibilities of this large conference.
This was my first visit to this conference, and I greatly enjoyed the privilege of meeting many former associates in labor, and many of our people whom I had met in earlier years, and was especially glad to find them strong in faith, waiting for the glorious consummation now soon to be realized. Evening after the Sabbath, August 15, I left for San Francisco, and the Western Washington meeting at Auburn, Wash. O. A. OLSEN.
Indiana Camp Meeting
By M. E. Kern
THE Indiana camp meeting this year was the largest and one of the very best ever held in the State. The situation, in a beautiful park on the outskirts of Logansport, was quite ideal. There was a fair attendance from the city.
The report of the president, Elder E. A. Bristol, showed substantial gains in all departments of the work. One new church was admitted into the conference. The needs of the Wabash Valley Sanitarium received considerable attention, and plans were laid through which it is expected that this institution will soon be materially strengthened financially. Practically the same conference officers were elected for another year.
The visiting laborers were L. H. Christian, Allen Moon, W. A. Westworth, Clifford Russell, O. J. Graf, J. W. Mace, and J. B. Blosser, of the Lake Union Conference; F. Griggs and the writer, of the General Conference; and Drs. D. H. Kress and David Paulson, representing the medical work.
There was a deepening spiritual interest as the meeting progressed. Almost the entire camp earnestly sought the Lord for a deeper work of grace upon the heart. Many whose Christian experiences had not been successful claimed the promises of God for complete victory; several backsliders returned to the Lord, and others gave their hearts to God for the first time. Thirty-four were baptized, most of whom were young people.
Evidences of the Lord's working in the hearts of the people were seen in the liberal gifts to missions and by the interest shown in plans for the great missionary campaign. Large quantities of the Berean Library, tracts, and other literature were purchased by the people to use in this campaign. Eighty-three young people became members of the King's Pocket League. Nearly $4,000 was given and pledged to foreign missions.
This meeting was a spiritual refreshing long to be remembered, and it is confidently expected that the coming year will be one of growth and victory for the Lord's people in Indiana.
M. E. KERN.
Encouraging Experiences With Newspaper Editors
By W. L. Burgan
WORKERS in different parts of the field are having encouraging experiences in responding to the requests of editors for our views on the war situation. The persistency of our brethren in the past to have extracts of sermons on doctrinal subjects published is now bringing a change that will be helpful in giving the message wider publicity.
Those editors who have been watching the development of our denomination, and who have also read the various phases of our message as the reports have come to them, know that we have the truth concerning the present war and what it means as a sign of the times, and they are calling upon our workers to give the Biblical meaning of it. These editors, as well as the readers of their papers, are wondering what this terrible slaughter means, and are willing to devote considerable space to a consideration of the subject from the Bible point of view. Quite a number of our evangelists have responded to the requests of editors for war articles, and these articles have brought an increased attendance at the tent meetings. The men in the field should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to give to the papers not only one article on the war, but several, and thus bring the truth before thousands, and perhaps millions, from different viewpoints.
In telling of the eagerness of one paper to get an interview on the war question, a worker in Colorado says: “Early in the week one of the reporters called up the conference office and asked for three different workers. After being told that all were away, he asked the young lady in the office some questions on the war, and an item appeared in his paper that evening. When I returned, she told me of the reporter’s telephone call, and I decided to give a talk on the subject, and offer the paper a report, which was gladly accepted.”
One of our ministers who has labored in several large cities along the Pacific coast, writes of the success that he is now having in connection with his effort in one of the leading cities of Nevada. This worker is a strong advocate of the newspaper work, and uses this medium in practically every place he labors. He says: “Though we have had good success with the papers in other places, the Lord has given us special favor here. Tonight, August 22, will be our thirty-fifth evening service in the tent, and the papers have already published fifty-seven articles on the message. These papers circulate throughout the State, and I am sure the Lord will direct the attention of many to the truth thus given. A lady in Big Pine, Cal., wrote: ‘Reading the Nevada State Journal, I became interested in your sermons. Can I get tracts? I should like to know the truth. Do you think this is the last generation?’” This same minister says that extracts of his sermons have been published as far east as Albany, N. Y.
From a city in Texas, where one of our workers has been laboring for about a year, comes this word: “The Lord is giving us success in soul winning. We have had a very satisfactory experience with the newspapers here; they have always given us all the space we desired, and seemed glad for the copy we furnished. I have good reason to believe that great good has been accomplished in this way, not only in keeping the meetings advertised, but in getting the message before the people. I believe that this is destined to be one great and inexpensive means of getting the message before the reading public.”
There are twenty-four thousand newspapers in the United States. Every one ought to be used as an agency for the spread of the truth. With this vast number of publications in this country alone, our brethren and sisters can readily see that we still have a great work to do, if every one of these papers is to be used to carry the truth to the people. Let us keep on, and work with renewed energy and courage as we see this wonderful channel opening to us for the heralding of the third angel’s message.
W. L. BURGAN.
The Alabama Camp Meeting
By S. E. Wright
THE Alabama conference and camp meeting convened according to appointment in the city of Montgomery, August 6, and continued to the sixteenth. The camp ground was located in a beautiful residence district on a campus that was once used for a college. The location made it very convenient for the campers, and also secured a large attendance from the city. The large tent was crowded to its capacity every evening during the camp meeting except one or two stormy evenings.
Alabama has certainly enjoyed a degree of prosperity the past year. Seventy-five persons accepted the truth in this conference during the first six months of 1914. Two churches were added to the conference, and one church building was erected, and dedicated free from debt.
The treasurer's report revealed a substantial increase in tithe, the gain for 1913 being $1,074.73, with a prospect of an equal gain during the year 1914. They were behind about $200 in foreign mission offerings for the first six months of the year. This amount was all raised during the camp meeting, and a fund created for conference work, which will be increased by donations from the field.
The Sabbath school work has been blessed of God in bringing many to Christ. There was a large increase in membership and offerings. It was unanimously voted to undertake this year the raising of fifteen cents for each member in the Sabbath school.
There were six church schools conducted in the conference last year, two of which were partly for outside students. About seventy students were in attendance.17
The home missionary work was considered, and plans were laid for the speedy development of the tract and missionary work in every church. All entered heartily into the discussion of plans. The people left for their homes with a determination to work for souls, and if possible bring many into the fold.
Elder F. W. Paap, Brethren J. W. Davis and G. H. Curtis, and the writer attended this meeting.
The colporteur work received a large share of attention, and many expressed a desire to enter this work and thus help spread the truth. During the year 1913 the book sales amounted to $11,124, and during the first six months of 1914 they reached $9,871.50. It will be seen from these figures that there should be a large increase this year.
The praise for the success of the work is given by the workers not to men but to the Lord. The future of the work in this conference looks bright.
S. E. WRIGHT.
The West Virginia Camp Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
The brethren who attended the annual camp meeting of the West Virginia Conference held this year at Parkersburg, August 20-30, considered it an excellent meeting. Although this conference numbers but little more than two hundred, about one half the membership was present at the meeting. The report of the president showed that the conference made splendid gains this past year. In fact, it was evident at this meeting that the brethren in West Virginia are getting in the habit of attempting great things for God. For 1913 the conference raised twenty cents a week per member for the whole year, a record which was not surpassed anywhere.
There was a splendid interest on the part of those not of our faith. The subject “The Present Crisis From the Bible Standpoint” drew a large audience. Each succeeding night the interest deepened, and on two special occasions during the middle of the week revivals were conducted by Professor Benson and Elder Lindsey.
Especially worthy to be noted was the Sabbath school donation of $300 the last Sabbath. Sabbath school was followed by a deep and powerful revival which swept over the whole congregation, binding off the work of the camp meeting.
But what surprised every one was the splendid donation in response to the emergency call. Over $1,000 was raised by this little company, not only making up any deficit which they might have had on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, but sweeping them way beyond this mark. The blessing of God was upon the meeting as the brethren made sacrifices out of their poverty to express the riches of their liberality toward God.
Elder W. J. Tanner, formerly of the Canadian Union, was elected president of the conference. He had already been in the field a few months, and had the work well in hand. Otherwise, practically the same corps of officers were re-elected. The only general laborer present at the camp meeting was Professor Benson, who gave excellent help. The union departments were ably represented in Brethren Dowsett, Stone, Richardson, and Horton, and Professor Salisbury of Mount Vernon Academy. This camp meeting cannot fail to have a splendid effect upon the work this coming year.
B. G. WILKINSON.
The Work in Brooklyn, N. Y.
By E. L. Cardey
When I came to this city last June, no one dreamed that we were so near a world war greater than history has ever known. Are we as a people aware of what this war really means? Are we planning on another time of peace and prosperity after this war is over? Of that we must be careful. The spirit of prophecy has told us many times of late that we are nearer the end than any of us realize. The finishing of the work is not so far off as we are accustomed to think. How many times we have said, “Is it possible that the world can be warned in this generation?” It can, brethren, and that in a very short time when God takes things in his own hands. It will not be “by might, nor by power [not according to the way we have been used to doing things], but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
When I came to Brooklyn, it seemed a great problem for only a handful of workers to carry the truth to the millions here. Through the blessing of the Lord, we secured a location for our tent in a wealthy section almost in the heart of Brooklyn, and on the twelfth of July began meetings. From the very first, an exceptional interest was manifested on the part of an excellent class of people.
The newspapers of Brooklyn and Manhattan have been very liberal. We have had printed in the New York World, New York Globe, Brooklyn Eagle, Brooklyn Times, and Brooklyn Citizen, about thirty articles, ranging from a column to a few paragraphs. In these few weeks we have been able to demonstrate that these large daily papers are willing to publish articles on the message.
The war in Europe has set people to thinking. In the past two weeks we have seen many evidences of how, without human aid, the Lord is working on the minds of people. It seems that nine tenths of the people coming to the tent believe that we are right on the Sabbath truth and the coming of the Lord, and about fifty persons already have taken a definite stand for the Sabbath. At the close of the sermon last Sabbath we had a very interesting testimony meeting.
One man, who with his family was keeping his first Sabbath, testified thus: “For over a year the Spirit of God has been impressing me regarding the truth of the Sabbath, and a few months ago a copy of ‘Bible Readings’ fell into my hands. A week ago I was walking through Prospect Park, and as I passed a lady sitting on a bench reading, something told me to speak to her. I did so, asking if that was Christian Science literature she was reading. If it was, I was prepared to teach her that it was not of God; but she said, ‘No, it is written by Seventh-day Adventists.’ It was the War Extra of the REVIEW. I said: ‘Praise the Lord! I have been looking for that people. Are there any of them in this city?’ I was directed to the tent, and have not missed a meeting since; and now I know that this is the truth of God for this time.”
Another man, who, with his wife, was also keeping his first Sabbath, said that one copy of the Signs of the Times had been used by the Lord to lead him to investigate the Sabbath during the last six months. He saw in the papers the announcement of the tent meetings, and from the first service was convinced that God had led him to the right place.
Many others testified to similar experiences during the past few weeks or months, regarding the Sabbath truth. In all the past years of my ministry, I never saw such evidence of the Lord’s working almost wholly apart from human teachers.
What does it mean? I am asking myself, and have come to the conclusion that we are entering the loud cry of the third angel’s message, and that God is pouring out his Spirit on all flesh. Brethren, our finances are not our difficulties. This people must begin to “weep between the porch and the altar,” that we may be in a proper condition to receive the thousands that God will send to this message very shortly. I have no fears that God will be unable to finish his work in this generation.
While the Lord has been letting these blessings rest upon us in the salvation of souls, he also has looked after the finances here. We never started a tent effort with as dark an outlook financially, and yet we never had so bright an outlook financially as now. Already the collections have paid all the tent expenses and nearly $100 over. Some very prominent people have taken their stand, among them two well-known church soloists of Brooklyn. To God be all the glory for his abundant blessing; for it is not in man to save a single soul. We rejoice in the Lord for the evidence that the work is almost finished. And although we know that from now on our work will have to be done in troublous times, yet God’s power is unlimited; and who that trusts in him can fear?
E. L. CARDEY.
Using Newspapers in California
By Frank A. Coffin
Reports of our sermons and meetings, published in the daily and weekly secular newspapers, do bring people into the truth, as is evidenced by the experience of one of our workers at Reno, Nev. A series of tent meetings has been held there, thirty-five sermons having been given, at the last report. The newspapers, recognizing the value of the articles submitted to them by those in charge of these meetings, have printed fifty-seven of them, giving the message to the people. About twelve thousand homes in Nevada are reached by these papers.
Now, above all times, the public will read about the signs of the times. The day the Austro-Servian war began, the editor of a newspaper in a Southern California town called up one of our brethren on the telephone at noon, and was hardly willing to give him time to eat his dinner before giving the newspaper an interview on Armageddon and the signs of the end. This brother is not a minister, but he did his best to give the truth, and has sent in two more articles since.
The Southern California camp meeting, held at Alhambra, a suburb of Los Angeles, August 3-16, was given wide publicity through the newspapers of the southern part of the State. Seventy-five articles were printed in the Alhambra and Los Angeles dailies, giving over twenty-eight columns of solid reading matter, in addition to four large cuts in the Alhambra paper and two in a Los18Angeles paper. In spite of the great amount of space taken by the European war, the truth upon the Sabbath question, the judgment, Armageddon, the millennium, and other Bible topics was given to the public in both discourses and newspaper articles.
During the camp meeting, one of our workers, in giving his report, told of the great interest in the Sabbath question in a city where he held meetings, and of the favor shown our work by the local paper. Four persons who had accepted the truth during the year through this brother's labors, helped him to hold a strip of newspaper clippings seventy feet long, showing the items for and against the Sabbath, which had appeared in this one newspaper since the last camp meeting.
Truly the Lord will finish his work, and cut it short in righteousness. If we are to have a part in it, now is the time to act. We cannot estimate the great power of the newspapers for good if we improve our opportunity to use them in heralding God's word to the world.
FRANK A. COFFIN.
Golden Opportunity
By R. W. Parmele
THE terrible condition of affairs that exists in the world today affords golden opportunities for our people, especially in this favored land, to bring the message prominently before the public. Never before in the history of our work, it seems to me, have the people been so ready to listen to what we have to tell them. They are not only ready to listen, but many are turning to Seventh-day Adventists to inquire our views in regard to present-day conditions. All these years we have been telling of a time similar to that through which we are now passing, and now those who in the past have seemed to turn a deaf ear are inquiring if this is the time we meant. We must not fail to improve this opportunity to the utmost limit.
I was very forcibly impressed with this fact in a tour that I have just completed among some of our churches. My experience at one place alone will illustrate the point. At Lake Arthur, La., our church building is so located that it is not very accessible in stormy weather. As a consequence, our congregations had been quite small at my former visits. The elder of the church and I visited the Baptist prayer meeting and made request that the Sunday morning hour in the Baptist church be granted to me to present “The European War Fulfilling Prophecy.” The pastor and the people unanimously and enthusiastically granted the request, and I am sure did all they could to advertise the meeting.
Our local elder then visited the pastor of the Methodist Church and suggested to him that he dismiss his congregation Sunday morning, and they all come to the Baptist church to hear the subject. We knew this was asking a good deal and could hardly hope that it would be granted, but to our great pleasure, when the meeting in the Baptist church was about to start on Sunday morning, we saw the Methodist congregation, pastor and all, coming in a body to hear this stirring subject. The Lord greatly blessed in presenting the theme, and the entire congregation, so far as we were able to discern, were greatly stirred. Stout-hearted men were moved to tears as they saw that pardon’s last hour is expiring in heaven, and were led to realize that the last gracious call is being given. No effort was made in the discourse to hide our distinctive doctrines, and we believe that the influence of this meeting will lead to a further investigation of these doctrines. The church ordered a supply of the War Extra of the REVIEW, and will place one in every home in the town, following it up with other literature. The local newspaper also published a column and a half synopsis of the sermon.
In New Orleans the white and colored churches have each ordered 3,000 copies of the War Extra of the REVIEW, on the bottom of the first page of which is stamped the advertisement of a stereopticon lecture to be given in these respective churches, on the same subject. At the lecture an effort will be made to ascertain who would like further reading matter on stirring truths, and this will be followed up by the efforts of the missionary society.
I believe that if our ministers everywhere will be tactful in making the request for this privilege, they will be permitted to occupy the pulpits of the popular churches for the presentation of this important subject, which will stimulate further investigation.
R. W. PARMELE.
Messengers for God
By W. J. Walter
AFTER much prayer and counsel, it was thought best to hold an evangelistic tent effort the first week in July, in connection with the organizing of the new medical evangelistic class of the Hinsdale Sanitarium. Elder W. A. Westworth and Prof. J. G. Lamson took the leading part in this. The lessons and instruction were a great uplift to the entire sanitarium family, not only workers but patients as well.
Elder Westworth gave a series of studies on the new birth, showing that it means a complete giving up of all for the Master, and that nothing short of such surrender will be acceptable. Professor Lamson brought a definite and searching message. Prof. Frederick Griggs was with us on Sabbath and gave an inspiring talk to the new class, and also to the nurses of the sanitarium.
The class was organized with a membership of twenty; later, four others came in, making twenty-four at the present writing. We have the German, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Italian, Spanish, and English languages represented.
Believing Christ's plan of sending out the seventy to be the model for this class, a careful and prayerful study was conducted with these students from the Bible and the Testimonies on the sending out of the seventy. They went out two and two, like lambs among wolves, into every city and place which Christ would visit. So these students went to all the towns and villages surrounding Hinsdale, as well as the great city of Chicago, teaching the people that the kingdom of God is at hand. Four centers have already been opened in the city, and we expect to open two more the first of the month, the Lord willing. Each center has two or three workers, who are furnished with a monthly railroad ticket, enabling them to be at their home in Hinsdale each night for counsel and prayer, and for their classes, so that each morning they may be started aright.
We are also working the rural districts. The boys have been working this part of the vineyard, with good success, using the small books as well as the different magazines. Our plan is to hold schools of health, give temperance lectures, and do all we can to acquaint the people with the message for this time. We have held a temperance stereopticon lecture in the Methodist church in the southwestern part of the county, and organized a school of health with the Ladies' Aid Society of the same church.
The workers carry with them a supply of tracts for free distribution. They plan to leave a tract in every home, in this way planting the seeds of truth. They use Life and Health, Life Boat, Signs, Watchman, Liberty, and Protestant Magazine, also the small books, in their work. Profits from the sale of these books and magazines assist them in their expenses, and at the same time the literature brings the truth to the people and opens the way for the workers to talk and hold studies with them. They have already found several openings for Bible study, and people are asking about the Sabbath truth.
The workers in the city are having most interesting experiences. They find many in need of treatments, and this affords them wonderful opportunities to pray with the people and tell them about the healing power of Jesus, and that he is19soon coming again. Already two have begun to keep the Sabbath as the result of the work done by the workers in the colored district.
We are all of good courage, and have every reason to believe that he who has begun the good work will care for it and prosper it.
We can use literature in all languages, if sent postpaid to the Students' Hall, Hinsdale, Ill. W. J. WALTER.
The War
By J. D. RICHARDSON
What Does It Mean to Us?
Now is the time for every believer in present truth who can do so to cut loose, enter the canvassing work, and help spread the printed page like the leaves of autumn. This is a time of peace for us, and now is the time to work. The war cloud may soon overshadow this land, and then the work will be difficult. God calls every man to service.
Thousands of troubled souls are reading the daily papers and wondering what will be the outcome of this terrible war, fearful as to whether this nation will yet be involved. Some are calling this war Armageddon, while others are wondering if it is Armageddon, and what it means.
In our tent efforts and camp meetings where we have advertised to speak on the war in Europe from a Bible standpoint, large crowds have pressed in to hear and have taken a great interest in our work. Surely this is the time to sell our books and magazines, for people will spend their last dollar to learn what these things mean. God's Spirit is troubling men's hearts and giving them a desire to know the truth. This is the great harvest time; the harvest of the earth is ripe, “but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers,” and say, “Here am I; send me.”
There are no hard times in God's work. For the past two or three months, while many factories have been closed and commercial salesmen have been complaining of dull business, our sales of literature have been the largest by far of any time in the history of our work. The sales on subscription books for July in the North American Division came to nearly two hundred thousand dollars. Much prayer and faith will sell our literature anywhere and at any time. Prince Immanuel calls for men, so let us cheerfully volunteer.
J. D. RICHARDSON.
Ministerial Reading Course
By W. E. H.
A SHORT time ago we sent out a letter to the registered members of this course, suggesting, among other things, that each one use his influence to induce one other person to take up the work. A minister in Indiana has already secured his one. He says:—
“While at the conference I met a friend of mine, a young minister, who was not taking the Reading Course, so I sold him my first book at a low price to start him in the course.”
It would not be difficult to double our registration of nearly seven hundred if all would make this personal effort. One reader says:—
“I assure you I appreciate this Reading Course, and am glad to avail myself of the advantages it affords. I am sure that all who follow it will become more efficient, and look upon the work of God with a higher estimate.”
Another says of the first book:—
“It has been a source of lasting benefit to me, and I can see that my work has been much more effective since its study.”
One reader says that he had started to read “Acts of the Apostles” once before, but—
“I never made it a duty to study until I knew it was a part of the study course. I have found the precious lessons of the apostles meat in due season to my own soul. I am sincerely grateful for this much of the course. I hope to be able have soon to get the next book in the series.”
In a previous note in the REVIEW we made mention of the department The Ministry, now being conducted in our magazine Christian Education, to aid readers in getting the most benefit from the books read. Of this plan, one conference president says:—
“This will be good. We are all naturally prone to neglect some things, and need more or less stirring up.”
A Colorado minister writes:—
“I am sending in my subscription for Christian Education with this mail. I had been watching for a long time for reports on the course.”
Another minister says:—
“I am glad to hear what you say about the department The Ministry to be in the magazine Christian Education hereafter. I am with this mail ordering the magazine through the tract society.”
For this department of the magazine we have been fortunate in securing valuable notes from some of our college teachers who are familiar with the book “The Monuments and the Old Testament” from having used it in class work. These will be continued through October, November, and December, covering the time scheduled for this book. Books for 1915 will be taken up in a similar way.
One who is not a minister sends in this testimony:—
“Of the first book, I can say that it has taught me how to observe better, and learn from a man's discourse. It has taught me how to read better, and how to prepare Bible studies better. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Any who wish to join our enthusiastic reading circle for the rest of 1914, may send in their names and addresses, with $1.25 for the third book, and a registration slip will be sent. It is not too late to take up the course at the beginning, and read all three books for 1914. The Reading Course certificate will be sent to all who complete and report on these three whenever the work is finished, even if not by the end of 1914. Address Educational Department of the General Conference. W. E. H.
The Present Outlook
By C. S. L.
WHAT effect will the present war have upon our work? I have been asked this question a hundred times since the European war began. Much might be said as to the hardships which will come to our people in Europe in a thousand different forms as the result of the war. But I shall deal specifically with the bearing this war will have upon our liberties in America.
Ex-President Taft recently said, “This war is going to set civilization back one hundred years.” Many other prominent writers have voiced the same sentiments, and no one has disputed them; it is taken for granted that this will be the case. If the wheels of civilization are to be turned back one hundred years, what bearing will such a move have upon our liberties and our freedom to preach and practice gospel principles? If in a single year it is possible to turn civilization back one hundred years, it is possible to conceive that the present backward movement may soon gain sufficient momentum so that a few years hence will find us living in days similar to those of medievalism.
The religious organizations in this country are already loudly proclaiming that the present political régime and national policies are operating upon a false political hypothesis, and that these policies are responsible for the present war. These religious organizations are tendering their good offices to sit in joint mediation when final settlement is made, and they have asked the President of the United States and the Secretary of State that earnest consideration be given to their policies for the permanent disarmament of all nations so that enduring peace may be assured. The new Pope demands the right to determine the final negotiations and settlement of the questions affecting the belligerent nations, in order that permanent peace may be insured.
Who does not see in this embroilment a new stimulus for a great “peace and safety cry” movement such as has never been witnessed before? Many are saying, “This is the last war that will ever be witnessed by the people of this earth.” By this they mean to say that in the future the church organizations will be in such absolute control over the political affairs of the nations that war will be made impossible. No doubt we shall see in the near future a great movement on foot to put the church in control of the political affairs of the nations.
The question is being asked, Why this great war and terrible sacrifice of humanity? The answer is given, False political policies are in operation. The remedy suggested is, Listen to the voice of the church, and permanent and universal peace will be assured. But the remedy which is suggested is worse than the disease. This is not a new experience which is confronting us. The same situation existed in the declining days of the Roman Empire after its disruption. The church came forward and offered the remedy. She said, “Listen to my voice and I will insure peace.” The remedy suggested is not a new one. We need not try the experiment over again to find out how it works. If you are desirous to know how it works, read the history of medievalism, and you will protest most loudly against any movement in America which proposes to follow the same course.
The student of history is not oblivious of the signs which are so ominous at present. He sees the way paved for the exaltation of the church and the subordination of rulers to her dictates. He sees the most sacred right of man, freedom of conscience, trampled underfoot. When the church reigns, persecution will lift its venomous head and hand, and the dissenter and nonconformist will be given no quarter. In the near future we shall see rapid developments in this direction as the result of the war. Let us arouse ourselves and give our Heaven-appointed message while we have freedom of action, lest even a worse affliction overtake us than that which has overtaken Europe in the present war.
C. S. L.
Educational Department
By J. L. Shaw; F. Griggs; W. E. Howell
J. L. SHAW — General Secretary
F. GRIGGS — N. Am. Div. Secretary
W. E. HOWELL — N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary
Notice to Church School Teachers
By W. E. H.
THE first three of the new teachers’ manuals are now ready. They contain valuable instruction, drill material, and tested methods, as well as a working schedule by months, weeks, or lessons. They are illustrated, and bound in paper covers. The three now ready are:—
“Cardboard Construction” (for grades 3 and 4, correlating lessons in household economy for grades 1-4), by Grace O’Neil Robison. Price, fifty cents.
“Primary Reading,” by Katherine B. Hale. Price not fixed, but less than fifty cents.
“Bible History,” by Alma E. McKibbin. Price not fixed, but less than fifty cents.
These may be ordered through the regular channels. A fuller description of them is given in the educational magazine for October. W. E. H.