THE hearts of believers in the West Indies respond to the call of the hour for a general forward movement and a quick work in the earth. It truly is of God that now in all the world a people is to be made ready to enter the land of promise; and the Holy Spirit is manifestly working to make the people willing in this the day of his power.
I notice that the fire destroyed my report of week of prayer experiences in Buffalo and Mt. Vernon Academy. At the former place Brother and Sister B. E. Connerly were sent forth with the prayers of the people to their work in Porto Rico. This brought home to all, in a very practical way, the fact that the call now sounding means a definite work in the uttermost parts of the earth. Old believers, whose memories keep alive the blessed experiences of early days, cheered all our hearts by their testimony that the call now sounding on every side for world-wide service has the ring of the message in the old days when the little flock expected soon to go to heaven, and the hope of seeing Jesus in a little time was a power in the daily life.
Again, at Mt. Vernon Academy the convicting power of the Holy Spirit brought the immanence of the end before our hearts. Here it was not so much the testimony of aged believers who have long waited for the consolation of Israel that was the inspiring factor; it was rather the spectacle and the testimony of scores of consecrated youth, prepared and preparing for service, ready to push the battle into the uttermost parts of the earth. All things are truly ready for a decisive work, and the hour has struck for the final witness to be borne.
And now, from Jamaica, I am glad to send the word that God's Spirit sounds the same call to consecration and service among our brethren in this part, who have had less of privileges and light, it may be, than American believers, but in whose hearts beats the same love for this glorious message. A world-wide advance is called for, and everywhere God is leading his forces on.
In company with Brother J. A. Strickland and family, of Virginia, I landed in Port Antonio, January 5. Already a general meeting for the district was in progress. Two days, pressed full of services, brought blessings to the believers, and showed plainly enough that they appreciate the truth that has done so much for them. About one hundred were in attendance, representatives coming in from companies in the district. Four church buildings are in process of construction in this part, I believe. The people are mostly small cultivators, whose little plats of land hang upon the mountain sides.
I stopped with Brother W. J. Tanner, who has oversight of the work in the Portland district, as this part of Jamaica is called. The district is more malarial and wet than most parts of Jamaica, but Brother and Sister Tanner have been kept fairly well, and they are of good courage in the work. It is apparent that the message is building up a substantial and loyal people in Jamaica, poor in this world's goods, but growing rich and richer in faith. I shall long remember the hearty singing in Port Antonio. It does one good to hear the old songs in a strange land; and here, amid the palms and the banana plants, you may hear all the favorites of the churches in the home land. The language of the prayer and the social meeting makes one to know at once that here the truth has made believers one with all who rejoice in the “blessed hope” in all the earth.
Meeting Brother F. I. Richardson, superintendent of the Jamaican work, at a railway station near the east central portion of the islands, we together visited two companies in the mountains, at Glengaffe and Above Rocks, reaching the first place by horse. Here is a little church building in process of erection, out upon the spur of the mountain. Their Sabbath-school was well conducted, and all the company of thirty or forty present were an animated part of it. The truth has had to win its way in this section against considerable prejudice, but the faithful lives and witness of believers are doing the work. It is encouraging to find how large a proportion of the scattered companies has been raised up without ministerial labor, as in this place.
Sabbath evening we walked to Above Rocks, three or four miles farther on, and Sunday dedicated a little, white-walled church, perched high upon the rocks. It is but a tiny building, although fifty people were packed into it at the dedication.
After the dedication we walked sixteen miles over the mountains to Kingston, getting an interesting view of the valleys dotted with the little cottages of the cultivators. Looking down into these valleys, one may oversee five hundred or a thousand allotments, where the peasantry are digging their very modest living from among the rocks, in yams and sweet potatoes, or picking it from banana, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, or other plants and shrubs. Sixteen miles over the mountain roads was sufficient for even the unencumbered walker; but the people of these districts, very generally the women, I am told, must often walk the way with a load of produce upon the head, to find a market.
Everywhere in Jamaica one finds the cry of hard times. The main industries of the island have declined. Now the fruit trade with America is the main hope on the northern shore, at least, and perhaps generally. The grower gets from eighteen to thirty cents for a large full bunch of bananas at the docks, and I was told in one great orange district that growers had been getting twenty-five cents a barrel for oranges.
Jamaica is a beautiful island. The introduction of most of the tropical fruits of India gives it very much the appearance of that land. Port Antonio, from the sea, looks very like an East Indian town, with rows of coconut palms skirting the sandy shore, and leaning out over the beach. The Jamaicans, however, have brought in the aid of sanitary science to sweep pestilence from their towns. Diseases that once wrought havoc are held in check. The cool nights and refreshing breezes generally blowing, and the comparatively even temperature prevailing, make Jamaica a pleasant and not unhealthful land. Workers who spend years here, however, miss the tonic of the cold northern winters that puts energy and iron into the blood. The strength of our work in the tropics will depend largely upon the development of true and loyal workers, inured by birth to the tropical climate. And the Lord is giving us the material for training.
In Kingston I found Brother and Sister Eastman and their family. Sister Eastman's health has long been frail, so critical, in fact, that she has been unable to make the voyage to the States. She has longed to lie down to rest among her friends at home, if her work be done, but with courageous faith and trust she awaits God's will. It is a battle, truly, this work of carrying a message of life to all peoples. Some must lay down the life in the battle's front; but onward the standard is to be swiftly borne, and it will not be long till the work is done. O, that means everything to those who struggle amid perplexities and afflictions, pushing our frontiers ever outward!
I must write again concerning general meetings in the western part of the island, and the meeting and organization of the conference in Kingston.
W. A. SPICER.
Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Hawaii
By C. E. Leland; Mrs. C. E. Leland
HILO.—The Lord has blessed our efforts here in securing a convenient building for holding meetings and school, with sufficient living-rooms as well, so we are quite comfortably located, and are doing what we can to spread the truth on this island.
We hold meetings on the Sabbath with our little company, studying the Bible together; and during the week we conduct a private school for young men of the various nationalities, canvass what we can, and hold readings with some who are interested in the truth. We find it impossible to hold a series of meetings, owing to the incessant rains.
Another feature of this island is the absence of the middle classes. The white people are largely engaged in business or sugar raising, and are of the wealthy class, who attend the Central Union Church. They seem to take no interest in any other meetings. The foreigners, with a few exceptions, are simply serfs to the “sugar lords,” and eke out an existence, toiling on the plantations.
While out near the volcano recently, we met a Norwegian who, by reading his Bible, had become convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath. He said he believed we had the truth, and promised to attend our meetings when in Hilo. His home is twenty-two miles away. He seemed glad to meet us, and we gave him a number of late papers, and some of our good tracts. We hope he will yet take his stand for the truth. Two native sisters have decided to keep the Sabbath, and we hope for two more soon who are studying with us.17
The school work seems to be the only way at present to reach the people, as it attracts their attention, and already some are asking what our religious belief is, and why we keep Saturday, thus affording an opportunity to tell the message. Remember the island of Hawaii.
MR. AND MRS. C. E. LELAND.
A Word from Spanish Honduras
BROTHER H. A. OWEN writes from La Primienta, Spanish Honduras, where he had gone to get some tools and baggage belonging to Brother Allen, who had recently joined him in Tegucigalpa, and to meet his sister, Dr. Lura Owen, who will take up self-supporting work in Spanish Honduras:—
“We expect to start inland in the morning. Our mules are much worn. Because of this, I traveled many leagues on foot. During this last trip, which I made alone, I camped on the mountains at night, with the mules picketed around a blazing fire of pine knots. The Lord sent his angels to guard the little camp. None of the tigers, lions, or wolves, whose cries could be heard echoing among the mountains, molested me, although the wolves came within a few feet of the fire.
“On my way down I made a thorough test of canvassing in the small towns, and am confirmed in the opinion that in this region the Waldensian method of carrying a variety of articles and trading among the people will count to advantage. I worked ten hours in Tegucigalpa, and disposed of twenty-five copies of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ and ‘Gospel Primer.’ I have sold an equal number of ‘Bible Readings’ in Canada in the same time, with less effort, and here in Honduras I had to take a variety of articles in trade, including lace and bread.
“A small percentage of the Honduranians are readers. We are carrying the third angel’s message to this people more by word of mouth, in consequence, than by the printed page. Scattered among the people here and there are some who believe that Jesus is soon coming. Many are accepting the gospel of temperance, and in Tegucigalpa we must make a public effort soon. A number are reading, and asking for more truth.
“We praise the Lord for returning health. I have never been stronger in my life. I am able to work among the people during the day and travel at night. An Aztec told me a few Sabbaths ago that he had decided to keep the Sabbath instead of Sunday, and gave good reasons for his change. My heart thrills with joy as I see among the vines the beginning of fruitage. My sister Lura came while I was here. We are very grateful to the Lord that we can have her with us. Her work will be a great benefit to the cause in this field.”
A Recent Trip Through New England and Eastern Pennsylvania
By R. A. Underwood
OUR brethren will be interested in a few things which came under my observation on my recent trip to New England and eastern Pennsylvania. I had the pleasure of spending a few days in the neighborhood of Boston. The work in that city is advancing under the faithful labors of Elder K. C. Russell. While stopping at the Melrose Sanitarium, I had the privilege of speaking twice to the patients and helpers in that institution. I was greatly pleased with all I saw at Melrose in connection with the sanitarium. Truly the location is an ideal one for a sanitarium, and from every indication it seems clear that the hand of the Lord was in the moving of the sanitarium to this place from South Lancaster. I was much pleased with the spirit which seemed to pervade the home. Dr. Nicola and his associates were of good courage, and very hopeful for the future of the sanitarium.
While at the sanitarium, in the reading-room where the patients are accustomed to assemble, I noticed a bookcase in which the books were conspicuous by their absence. I would suggest that some of our good brethren and sisters in the New England Conference take an interest in the institution, and aid in placing the best class of reading-matter before the patients. The following books are needed: “Bible Readings,” “Desire of Ages,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” “Great Controversy,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Marvel of Nations,” “Gospel in Creation,” “Eden to Eden,” “Steps to Christ,” “Best Stories,” “Life of Joseph Bates,” “Sunbeams of Health and Temperance,” “Man, the Masterpiece,” “Ladies’ Guide,” “Facts for the Times,” “The Stomach,” “Story of Pitcairn,” “Story of Redemption,” “Heralds of the Morning,” “Here and Hereafter,” “Mount of Blessing,” etc. Any one feeling an interest in this work would do well to furnish these books, all or in part. Some of our brethren may have these books in their homes, doing no good, which they could give for this purpose. Others could invest ten, fifteen, or twenty-five dollars, more or less, in furnishing these books to this institution.
While attending the annual meeting of the stockholders of the South Lancaster Academy, it was my pleasure to meet with the students in the academy. A much older class of students is in attendance than formerly. The academy is prosperous, and is doing excellent work. The business meetings of the corporation and all the meetings of the trustees, were very profitable, and of such a character as will give stability and strength to the institution.
On my return to Pennsylvania I stopped over Sabbath and Sunday in Philadelphia. I placed an order for a 40 x 60 foot tent with a manufacturer there, to be sent to Elder A. F. Ballenger in Wales. This conference donates this tent for that field. The work in Philadelphia is growing. Recently a second church was organized, with a membership of about sixty-five.
A few hours’ stop at the Philadelphia Sanitarium showed that that institution, though less than a year old, has been greatly blessed. The sanitarium is crowded; it is reaching a wealthy and influential class of people, who are becoming enthusiastic supporters of the principles for which the institution stands. I was surprised to learn that, during the eleven months in which it has been operated, the institution has already done about twenty-five hundred dollars’ worth of charity work. This has been mostly for our own people. Prominent physicians in the city are becoming interested in the work of the institution, and are co-operating with it. God has blessed in all the treatment given, but signally so in the operations which it has been found necessary to perform for the restoration of health to those who have been there to receive assistance.
To any of those who may read these lines, and who may feel an interest in helping this institution, not only to shed light upon the special features of its work, but upon all the points of truth which we hold dear as a people, I would suggest that we furnish it with the same list of books which has been suggested for the Melrose Sanitarium. In addition to this, they are in great need of a good piano. Some of the wealthiest and best citizens of Philadelphia and other cities come to this institution. The friends of the cause have provided the means with which to start the institution and keep it running up to the present time, but as it has not had a dollar at its command, nor any donations bestowed upon it aside from that already mentioned, it has been unable to purchase a musical instrument for its parlor. It may be that some one having a good piano which is but little used, would be glad to see the instrument placed where it would be doing more good than at the present time. Is there not some one who would be glad to donate a good piano for this institution?
Owing to the large amount of medical and surgical work it has been called upon to do in benevolent lines, the institution is in great need of bandages, and partially worn sheets, woolen blankets, etc. Any one having any of these articles, or any of the books mentioned above, in good condition, should correspond immediately with Dr. A. J. Read, 1809 Wallace St., Philadelphia, Pa.
While in Philadelphia, I was informed that a large congregation of colored people in the city had recently accepted the Sabbath truth, and believed a number of the truths held by our people. In company with Elder Fitzgerald and one or two other workers, I attended the place of their meeting, which is in the Old Quaker Hall, a little off of18Broad Street, in the southern part of the city. Upon entering the hall, I was surprised to see about four hundred colored people eagerly engaged in the study of the Bible. In conversation with their leading minister, I learned that there are over a thousand Sabbath-keepers among the colored people in Philadelphia, that they believe in the soon coming of Christ, in the unconscious state of the dead, in spiritual gifts, and other truths which Seventh-day Adventists hold. They believe in trine immersion, for the Lord’s supper use bread and water, and in a few other things are somewhat different from our people. Elder Fitzgerald and myself had the privilege of speaking to this congregation on this occasion for a few minutes. I was impressed with the earnestness with which they were all studying the Scriptures, committing the Bible to memory. The minister who had been the one to lead this people into the Sabbath truth, said that less than six years ago he was employed in the West on the Santa Fé Railroad, and knew nothing of the truth he is now proclaiming; also that he has raised up several other congregations among the colored people, and all are now keeping the Sabbath. The colored people have a happy faculty of expressing their ideas of the truth in song. I was pleased to hear them express in song the truths proving that the seventh day is the Sabbath, giving the chapter and verse, and quoting in song the Scripture. In the same song they would answer most of the objections urged against the Sabbath truth by Protestants, both white and black. Whenever one of their ministers or Elder Fitzgerald and I would give an expression or quote a Scripture which touched upon some point of truth which we held in common, many voices would ring out in the congregation, “That is what it says.”
However much we may be led to criticise some of the points of their faith, we can but believe that they have been led a long step forward in the knowledge of the truth for these last days.
While stopping at Harrisburg, from Elder Smith I learned that a bill had been introduced in the legislature of Pennsylvania, to amend the old Sunday blue laws of 1794 now upon the statute-books. This step had called out the united effort of Protestant and Catholic clergy in Harrisburg and other cities, in rallying to the defense of this law, which, in most parts, has become obsolete so far as its enforcement is concerned.
In the meeting which was thrown open in the Senate chamber, the clergy used the old arguments which are generally used in supporting Sunday legislation. Such foolish arguments as that the wheels on the cars used on the railroads on Sunday, become brittle and worn out, and that men can not continue their work seven days in the week without impairing their health, were among the best they had in stock.
Business men of Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and other places presented the unreasonableness of the law, and its partial enforcement at the present time, generally upon the poor and conscientious Sabbath-keeper. Dr. Lewis, prominent among the Seventh-day Baptists, was present, and gave a telling speech in opposition to the blue laws as a whole, while presenting in a clear manner the claims of the Sabbath of the Lord.
Elder W. H. Smith succeeded in placing in the hands of every member of the legislature, literature bearing on the question, and it had a telling effect. It was clear that the Sentinel, which has been placed in the hands of each member during the present session, has also been having its effect. Several speakers lifted the Sentinel from their desks, commending it as an organ standing in defense of principles of liberty, recommending that it be read by every citizen. When arguments were presented showing that, upon Biblical grounds, the first day of the week has no foundation as the Sabbath, and that the arguments of the clergymen for Sunday enforcement, based upon the fourth commandment, had failed to apply to the first day of the week (since the Sabbath law refers to the seventh, not the first day of the week), there was a general clapping of hands by nearly all the members of the House, showing the effect which has been produced by the reading of the Sentinel and other literature placed in their hands.
It is just such occasions as these which the Lord uses to bring the truth for this time before the leading men of the nation.
We are in need of funds to continue sending the Sentinel and other reading-matter to the members of the legislature, and we would be glad to have our brethren respond, those who feel a desire to see the truth brought before these men, by sending donations to assist in this work. All such donations should be sent to the Pennsylvania Tract Society, Box 614, Williamsport, Pa., stating the purpose for which they are sent.
In different parts of the State I find that our brethren are rallying to the circulation of the small tracts. I trust this campaign will be vigorously carried forward.
Let all our brethren, wherever they are, endeavor quickly to sell their entire quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and not slacken their efforts until the full number of copies has been sold. Those who have not sold their quota should arise with purpose of heart, declaring, “This one thing I do,” until it is finished.
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
The Work at Kimberley, South Africa
By J. V. WILLSON; MRS. J. V. WILLSON
We are glad to be able to report progress in the medical missionary work here. During the year 1901 new bath-rooms were erected to accommodate the increasing patronage. These are well finished, and are furnished with modern appliances for baths and treatments. Since the new rooms were built, the work has increased greatly, and it is now in a flourishing condition.
During the last few months the physicians of the place have become interested in our treatments, and seven of the leading doctors are sending us patients. The Lord has blessed our medical missionary work, and we have seen many remarkable cures.
The great De Beers Diamond Mining Co., employing thousands of men, have voted to instruct their doctors to send their patients to our baths for treatment. Already this is greatly increasing our work. The government physician who prescribes for the post-office employees, is sending the clerks here, and the Cape police are coming also. This means a great deal for the work here. We are glad to have a part in this closing message, and wish to continue in it to the end.
J. V. WILLSON,
MRS. J. V. WILLSON.
A New Tract Society
By C. H. Castle
THE readers of the REVIEW are doubtless aware that the British Union Conference is divided into the South England Conference; the North England Conference; the mission fields of Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The North England Conference is presided over by Elder E. E. Andross. At a meeting of the conference committee and workers of the conference, held at Nottingham, January 2–11, Elder O. A. Olsen, president of the British Union Conference, was present, and organized the Tract and Missionary department of the conference. This is the first of the British conferences to organize a tract society. This has been done with the idea of making most prominent the missionary feature, leaving out the commercial idea as far as possible. There is probably no other tract society in the world that has left out the commercial phase so completely as has this one.
At this meeting, C. H. Castle, recently of California, was elected missionary secretary, also secretary and treasurer of the conference, with the office located at 19 Leyton Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. Brother J. Gillatt was appointed canvassing agent for this conference, and the medical work was recognized by appointing Brother W. Buxton to have the oversight of that branch. The Sabbath-school work was provided for by choosing Mrs. Castle as secretary of that department. Harmony and enthusiasm characterized the entire meeting at Nottingham.
The work is onward, and all are of good courage, feeling that the Lord is surely pleased with the advanced steps taken. We desire the prayers of the readers of the REVIEW for the work in this conference. C. H. CASTLE, Secretary.
Field Notes
BROTHER U. DAKE reports the recent organization of a church at Cement, O. T.
THREE souls have recently been added to the company of commandment-keepers in Milwaukee, Wis.
BROTHER JETHRO KLOSS recently reported that four persons were desiring baptism at Fish Creek, Wis.
AT Stony Brook, Minn., three persons, heads of families, have accepted the message under the labors of Brother J. O. Peet.
THE little company near Blencoe, Iowa, are much encouraged by the completion and dedication, free of debt, of a small but neat house of worship.
BROTHER W. H. WHITE and his wife have organized a Sabbath-school of thirty-three members at Ferguson, O. T., and through their efforts a number are interested in the truth.19
BROTHER W. E. FREDERICK reports that at Statesville, N. C., an interest to hear the truth has resulted from the prosecution of two of our brethren for refusing to keep Sunday. Two lawyers who at first condemned the attitude of these Sabbath-keepers now say that the State Sunday law is unconstitutional, and another one, a prominent attorney, says he is ready to use his influence to have the statute repealed. The papers have opened their columns to the truth on the subject of religious liberty.
March Study of the Field
1. WHAT progress is reported from British Honduras during the month? What are some of the special needs of that field?
2. What appeal comes from Bermuda? Through what kind of work has the message been given in that field quite largely?
3. Tell something of the third angel's message in Tonga.
4. What encouraging news comes from "the far north"? What is the population of Iceland? How many laborers are located in that island? How many Sabbath-keepers are there? Through what means has the message especially been given?
5. What can you say of the work in China? Mention some of the greatest needs of this field. How has the Lord provided efficient laborers for China?
6. What can you say of the condition of the Paraguayans? What progress has been made by the third angel's message?
7. What touching appeal comes from India? How shall we respond?
8. From how many other fields have we had reports this month? How many schools have reported? Locate these. What is the greatest need of our mission fields?
Donations for the Washington (D. C.) Church
MRS. C. E. CHAPMAN, $50; Vermont Conference, $22; Elmira E. Chapin, $10; Thos. Bickel, $1; Edward & Elizabeth Tutton, $1; C. A. Wyman & wife, $1; Mary E. Stanton, $1; Superior Tract Society, $6; D. B. Snow, $1; Sioux Rapids church, .60; B. Dickens, $1; S. U. Conference, $4; Mrs. H. H. Baldwin & son Walter, $5; Lucie Dessain, $1; William Lefever, .50; Mr. & Mrs. Francis De Pas, .50; Mr. & Mrs. Felix De Pas, .50; Mr. & Mrs. Yona & Albine De Pas, .50; Samuel Hannon, .25; John P. H. Hannon, .25; Silas Hannon, .30; Francis Conrad, .25; Lambert Evrard, $1; Mrs. Elsie Longacre, $1; Wm. Cashner, $1; J. J. Nichols, $1; Smithville (Mo.) S. S., $3.10; Mr. & Mrs. C. J. Cole, $1; E. H. Gosmer, $1; T. B. Ransom, $1; Mrs. L. F. Ransom, $1; Mrs. D. B. Christiansen, .50; M. N. Hawgood, $5; Mrs. Rosa Brown, .50; C. H. Gessler, .50; S. T. Coney, .50; S. Wiles, $1; J. Henry Adams, $1; a sister, $1; a sister, $1; M. J. Randall, .25; Eugenia R. Barber, .25; Ida Barber, .25; N. G. Wells, $1; J. M. Weese, .50; Henry Cruickson, $1; M. B. Parrett, $1; Isaac Parks, $1; F. C. McCormick, $1; G. A. Cushing, $2; Mr. & Mrs. W. A. Hayward, $1.50; Mrs. Anna Baker, .25; W. M. Sandell, $2.50; Memphis (Mich.) church, $1; Mrs. F. L. McClure, $1; R. N. McClure, .25; Mrs. R. Brown, .50; M. Ferguson, .50; W. Wallace, .25; Mrs. Sarah Betts, $1; E. H. Pullen, .75; Wilma L. D. Walter, $1; G. W. Tribbey, $1; Henry Olmsted, .50; a friend, .50; J. W. Shultz, $1; a friend, $1; Curtis (Neb.) church, $1.56; Lydia S. Lane, $5; R. W. Douger, $1; Mrs. M. J. Gibbons, $1; Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Janney, $2; Mr. & Mrs. H. Daniels, $2; P. A. Hawgood, $5.
Closing the Campaign for “Christ’s Object Lessons”
By George Ide Butler
My deep interest in the present campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” leads me to contribute an article on that subject to the REVIEW. To be sure, I can hardly hope to add anything of importance to what has been so well said on that subject. I can, however, at least show my interest in it.
With deepest interest I have watched this matter ever since Sister White made her generous proposal to dedicate this precious book to the relief of the schools. I have been exceedingly gratified to see the generous spirit with which our publishing institutions have responded to this noble offer of the author to give this valuable book to the cause of education. I have greatly admired the general plan adopted by our people in order to secure a vast circulation of this most estimable volume. The success attending this effort thus far has indeed been most gratifying, but the desired end is not yet reached.
While I have not overstated the general interest I have felt in the past, yet I can truly say that since I have begun—at a comparatively late date—to endeavor to fill our quota in the great Southern field, covered by the Southern Union Conference, of which I am president, and have earnestly sought to press this matter in the union conference, and especially in my home conference of Florida, I have thus been brought into closer touch with this movement, and have felt a still more intense interest in its success. Through a combination of difficulties, we did not get fairly started until mid-summer, and in some conferences not until mid-autumn, when the camp-meetings were held, yet great advancement has been made already.
Because of local demands we shall not be able to push the effort for “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the Southern field after the close of the General Conference, or after May first. We must then make a mighty effort to extend the circulation of our periodicals all through the Southern field. This is an absolute necessity of our situation, for the further upbuilding of the cause in the South, as well as for the pecuniary needs of our weak publishing association. We shall make, however, a vigorous effort to dispose of our full quota before May 1.
To the best of my knowledge, this date is about the same as that which is expected to terminate the general canvass throughout the field. Doubtless, these blessed books will continue to be sold, more or less, till the end of time. Why?—Because of the intrinsic value of the book itself. It meets a want of Christians in all the world, and ever will till probation closes, and death is swallowed up in victory. All persons interested in Christ and his teachings must be interested in his incomparable object-lessons, and the wondrous parables which he spoke. The most wonderful lessons in all his precious gospel were taught in these beautiful figures of speech. Some of them are so simple that a child may comprehend them. Others are so deep that the meaning is hard for the common mind to grasp. They need to be elucidated to the ordinary reader. Yea, they are so deeply spiritual that the cold-hearted, selfish professor fails to comprehend their significance.20
I venture the assertion, without fear of successful contradiction, that there is not a volume extant in all the productions of the human mind that comes anywhere near reaching the clear, beautiful, luminous explanations given through the author, of these wondrous parables given by him of whom it was said, “Never man spake like this man.” These expositions are simply marvelous in their clearness. I have been a Bible student for fifty years, and have read and reread with delight these parables, and carefully pondered their meaning. I have often studied for hours the meaning of some of them, and failed to comprehend their full import. But in reading “Christ’s Object Lessons,” beautiful and precious thoughts were brought to light, and my soul was thrilled with the beauty and intrinsic excellence of the deep spiritual lessons expressed.
Of all the precious books of the author, there is none better than “Christ’s Object Lessons” to remove prejudice concerning her and her work. There is no better answer to the wretched innuendos and barefaced slanders of some of her detractors than a copy of this volume.
The well-known fact that many ministers of various denominations have given an unqualified indorsement of the merits of this book, in spite of the well-known connection of the author with unpopular Seventh-day Adventism, is the strongest kind of evidence of the intrinsic value of the book.
This glance at the value of “Christ’s Object Lessons” comes far short of the reality. But other considerations must be noticed. How fit is such a volume for the noble purpose of lifting our precious schools out of the bondage of debt! Every intelligent Seventh-day Adventist knows that the prosperity of our institutions of learning is the backbone of our denomination, and the great factor in the future success of our message. The great debts that have been incurred in bringing our schools into existence, and in keeping them running, are a clog upon their progress. With the calls for means to carry forward our work, and establish it in new fields, and thus enable the precious rays of light to penetrate the inky darkness of ignorance and superstition, together with the task of paying off the great indebtedness loading down our schools, the burden becomes heavy indeed. When properly considered, what a precious privilege it is for the rank and file of our people to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and by canvassing for this grand book be the means of lifting this incubus entirely off our precious institutions of learning, thus greatly assisting them in their noble work.
Will not our people sense at once the importance of fully completing this great canvass? What do we think of a house well advanced, but left unsightly and unfinished?—It is a disgrace to its owner and architect. What of a noble movement, left incomplete, being nearly a success, but after all only a failure? How many sighs and sorrows result! Failures of final success never exhilarate, but corrode and sadden. Well begun, advanced to almost the point of consummation—but a failure at last! “Ye did run well; who did hinder you?” So it will be with many a Christian who mourns, and wails, and weeps, but has to groan, “Lost at last!” Is this blessed, glorious scheme, begotten in sacrifice, and carried on by the generosity of the lovers of this cause, at last to fail of a successful consummation because of the lack of earnestness of our people? If so, it will be a great grief to many hearts. How much better to sense the importance of the hour, dedicate ourselves once more to God, pray mightily for the help of his grace, buckle on the armor, resolving with full purpose of soul that we will all fill our quotas, and help our churches and conferences to complete the important canvass which is to give final relief to all our schools. How much happier shall we all feel, and what courage it will beget for new and important work! Instead of the sad sense of failure and disappointment, a glorious thrill of success and victory will fill our souls.
Brethren and sisters throughout the great American field, let us do rapid and lively work before the close of the next General Conference, and make it a memorable epoch in the history of this work, so that we can shout the song of victory all along the line.
This result I long to see. It will gladden the heart of every lover of this cause. This result can be accomplished easily if all will enter upon it in earnest. No mortal mind can realize the important consequences to the cause of truth of such a consummation.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Are We Doing What We Should?
By R. A. Underwood
The call of our brethren in Washington for assistance to provide a suitable place of worship to which to invite the representative men of the nation to hear this message, has led me to think that we have not done in the past what we should for this class. Every State and Territory in the United States, and that includes every organized conference in this country, should, from the very nature of things, consider Washington as a part of its field, from the very fact that from each State and Territory in the Union citizens are making that field their temporary home. Therefore it is reasonable that all the conferences in the United States should contribute something toward providing a suitable place of worship where this truth is being intelligently presented at the capital of the nation,—a place to which each conference may direct its State representatives who go from its territory.
Every Seventh-day Adventist should feel it a pleasure to take some part in this effort now being made to establish a memorial of this truth in Washington. This means will be blessed of God to convert to this message some of the first men of the nation. Our prayers should accompany our offerings, whether they are large or small, that God may lead Senators, Congressmen, and judges, as well as all who are in that city, to a knowledge of the saving truth we love.
May God bless those who are placed there to hold up the torch of light and truth, that they may lead many to espouse the principles of liberty and right, in the crisis that soon will be reached in our nation. R. A. UNDERWOOD.