Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 49.
Abide in Me, and I in YouPage 1
Earlier text: Haitien MissionCamp Meetings of the Colored People in the South
By C. B. STEPHENSON
The annual camp meeting of the Negro mission was held in Jackson, Miss., the capital of the State, August 20-30. This was perhaps the largest gathering of our colored people in the history of the mission work. The camp was centrally located, and very nicely arranged. The large pavilion tent would not accommodate all who attended the night meetings, some nights above eight hundred, among whom were the best class of people, including professors, doctors, and other professional men. Two days were devoted to practical missionary work. The entire camp was organized into missionary bands, and went out into the city, to distribute literature and visit as far as consistent, inviting the people to attend the meetings. This was a very interesting feature of the meeting. Upon return, the bands reported on regular report blanks. About twelve hundred calls and visits were made. The statistical report showed quite a substantial growth in the mission. The camp meeting Sabbath school offerings were a little in excess of fifteen cents per capita for each Sabbath during the meeting. The brethren are all of good courage, and hope to reach the financial standard this year. Besides the conference laborers, Elders Sydney Scott and T. H. Jeys and the writer assisted in these meetings. I next attended the latter part of the camp meeting in Sumter, S. C., which was held at the same time. I understand this was the largest meeting ever held in that mission. Three new churches were added to the conference. The work in South Carolina for the colored people is developing very satisfactorily. Their Sabbath school donations were a little in advance of fifteen cents a member. Quite a number were baptized. Elder G. E. Peters was also present at this meeting. The Georgia mission camp meeting was held in Atlanta, September 3-10. A choice location was secured near the educational center. This meeting was well attended, both by our people and by outsiders. The congregation in the evening was much larger than could be seated in the tent, making it necessary to place temporary seats on the outside. The outlook is very encouraging for many additions to the Atlanta church as a result of this meeting. The financial report showed improvement in the finances. The brethren are working hard to reach the standard for missions. Valuable service was rendered by Elders Corliss, Haynes, and Branson, who divided their time between the white and the colored meetings. There were no visiting colored ministers. From Atlanta I went to Birmingham, Ala., and was there during the last two days of the meeting, which was held September 3-10, in Bessemer, a suburb of Birmingham. There were over one hundred in attendance at the Sabbath school. The donations for the day amounted to about sixteen cents a member. The services were well attended by outside people. A number came forward in the consecration meeting and gave themselves to God for the first time; others reconsecrated themselves for service. Altogether, this was a good meeting. In all of the camp meetings the blessing of God rested upon his people in a very marked manner. The spirit of earnestness and seeking God characterized every service. Truly, the Lord's hand is extended to help this people. Harmony and brotherly love prevailed throughout. New Mexico Camp Meeting
By W. L. Adams
The New Mexico Conference and camp meeting convened September 2. Elder G. F. Watson, the president of the Southwestern Union Conference, Elder F. W. Paap, A. F. Harrison, and W. L. Adams were in attendance from outside the conference, and practically all the workers of the local conference were on the ground. This being a small conference, less than one hundred were camped on the grounds, but a very good interest was evidenced from the first. Many from the town attended the night services regularly, and not a little interest was manifest. Quite a number are deeply stirred. The tent had been erected some time before the camp meeting was to convene, and the straight preaching of the Word had its effect. Our regular work was conducted promptly, and a good response was made to the appeals for means with which to conduct our mission work. The Sabbath school offerings were about the same as they were last year, although fewer were in attendance this year. A number of pledges to the foreign mission work were made, and these with the offerings in the Sabbath school, just about cleared the $666 which they were behind on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund. Much interest was shown in the missionary work in the churches, and the young people seemed more determined than ever before to do their part in this closing work. On the last Sabbath of the meeting, twenty-three followed their Lord in baptism, some of whom lived in the town of Clovis, where the camp meeting was held. Many others are much interested, and we believe that a great harvest of souls must result from the work in that place. Elder R. B. Coberly was re-elected president, and we believe that a good work is going to be done during the coming year. The other officers are about the same, with the exception of the secretary and treasurer of the conference, Brother L. J. Black being elected to fill this place. Southeastern California Camp Meeting
By E. E. Andross
The Southeastern California Conference camp meeting was held at Huntington Beach, August 26 to September 5. The grounds were very beautiful indeed. They belong to the Methodist denomination, and were arranged for the annual camp meetings of this society in Southern California. Throughout the summer season various denominations hold their meetings on these grounds. Being located near the beach insures an equable climate. The tents were pitched beneath beautiful trees that cast a shade practically over the entire grounds, which are laid off in beautiful walks. Everything was very convenient and pleasant for the campers. The large wooden pavilion was used for the general gatherings during the encampment. From the beginning a splendid spirit prevailed. It seemed as if the people had come prepared for an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord, and were anxious to place themselves in proper relation to God that they might individually share in this blessing. About two hundred and fifty tents were occupied during the meetings. The conference business having been attended to last February, the entire time was left free for the consideration of spiritual interests, and all seemed to greatly appreciate this. Among those assisting in the meetings, in addition to local conference workers, were Brethren E. W. Farnsworth; J. E. Fulton, president of the Australasian Union Conference; Luther Warren; Francis Stafford, of China; Meade MacGuire; M. E. Cady; F. E. Painter; G. B. Starr; E. J. Hibbard; Sister Petra Tunheim, of Java; and the writer. Deep interest was taken in the presentation of the needs of the foreign fields by Brethren Fulton and Stafford and Sister Tunheim. We were very much disappointed in not having Elder R. F. Cottrell, of China, with us. He was expecting to be in attendance the latter half of the meeting, but on account of serious illness and an operation at our Glendale Sanitarium, he was unable to be present. I am glad to say, however, that he has now almost wholly recovered from this condition. We took his case to the Great Physician, who heard our prayers, and sent relief to his servant. At different times during the meetings revival services were conducted, and each time quite a number responded. The last Sabbath of the meeting was especially blessed of the Lord. A large number went forward; some gave their hearts to God for the first time, and many sought more perfect consecration and surrender to the service of the Master, preparatory for the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. About thirty-six were baptized near the close of the meeting. The last Sunday morning a beautiful baptismal service was conducted in a large swimming pool on the beach in the presence of a very large congregation. Twenty-nine were baptized at this time. Elder F. M. Burg, Bible teacher at the College of Medical Evangelists at Loma Linda, administered the ordinance. We are confident that this camp meeting will prove to be a great blessing to the work in the Southeastern California Conference. Pennsylvania
By J. S. Washburn
PHILADELPHIA.—As our camp meeting did not close till the latter part of June, and we found difficulty in securing a location for the tent, it was impossible to begin our tent meetings until July 25. Our tent is pitched this year in a part of West Philadelphia, some distance from our church building and from the homes of the larger part of our membership, so our people have not been able to attend the meetings as regularly as last year. Yet I am certain that the attendance of those who are not members of the church is fully as large as ever before. Our large pavilion is full every Sunday night, and the attendance through the week is very encouraging. Sunday night, September 5, I spoke to a very large congregation on the subject of the unpardonable sin, and there was a deep interest. About $36 was given in donations toward the expenses of the meeting. We have presented the subjects of the Sabbath and immortality, and the interest seems deeper than ever. A prominent physician has become very much interested in the meetings. He has bought “Steps to Christ” and “The Great Controversy.” He stated to me that if he could not secure another copy, he would not take a large sum for “The Great Controversy.” Recently he sent me a check for $25 for the expenses of the meetings. He has just begun to keep the Sabbath, and seems to be thoroughly converted to the truth. He employs an assistant physician, and has a dispensary of his own, and a large office practice. We feel encouraged to believe that he will be a real help to the work in this great city. Two other doctors are greatly interested. A motorman on one of the principal lines of the city, who is a Catholic, has been keeping the Sabbath to the best of his ability for over a year. He is hungering for the truth, though he has not yet dared to have a Bible of his own, but he is breaking away from the bondage under which he has been groaning for years, seeking rest and finding none. Last night he was willing for the first time to take home with him two small copies of the Gospels. He has feared to do so before. As he took them he very pathetically asked us to teach him how to pray. We pray that God will set this honest Catholic free. I am sure that the time has come when we may expect to see many honest Catholics accept the message that breaks every bond with which sin has bound its captives. In the work in the large cities, it is sometimes difficult to get the names and addresses of those who attend the meetings, yet this year we have secured the names and addresses of nearly two hundred interested families. At our Sunday night meetings we ask how many would be glad to receive the twenty-eight numbers of the Family Bible Teacher, free. We distribute pencils and slips of paper to all who will give us their names and addresses. We then mail to each one these four-page leaflets in installments of about seven numbers at a time. This accomplishes two objects: the interested ones appreciate and study these valuable condensed Bible readings, and, second, we secure in this way the names of those who are already truly interested. These names are all filed in order, and when literature is sent or visits made, this too is recorded. We have found this system an excellent one, enabling us to get into close touch with the people. For many years I have wished that we might be able to get the people to bring their Bibles with them to the meetings. But as all of us must sadly admit, many even of our own people seem to have given up the good, old-fashioned way of taking their Bibles with them to meetings. At this tent meeting we are following the plan of holding a short responsive Bible reading at the beginning of each meeting. We select a passage of scripture appropriate to the subject, and tell the people that our text for the sermon will be found in the scripture which they are reading responsively. At the end of the reading, we ask them to state what in their judgment would be an appropriate text for the subject announced. In nearly every instance the correct text will be selected by some one in the congregation. By this plan we have been able to get many of the people to bring their Bibles, and thus to look up many of the texts when read. This is a help in making the truth plain to the people and in starting them to study the Bible for themselves. As never before we are seeking to tell of the love of Jesus in every sermon, and we tell the people the simple, plain way of confessing and giving up sin, and receiving forgiveness—the blessed truths which we so often take for granted that every one understands, and yet which ought to be kept before us always, for we forget them so soon. The truth seems more fresh than ever before, and after thirty-one years of preaching the message, it seems to me that I am just beginning to learn how to hold tent meetings and to teach the people this wonderful saving truth. The end hastens. Soon we shall hold our last tent meeting. “Surely I come quickly. . . . Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Good Opportunity to Use Newspapers Lost
By WALTER L. BURGAN
In a recent agitation over the question of forcing the Sunday blue laws on winter tourists in one of the popular cities of the South, considerable space was given in the newspapers of that and many other places in the State for the expression of views on both sides of the question. The sad feature of this discussion was that practically nothing appeared in print in which opposition was made to the plan, from the Biblical and religious liberty standpoints as taught and held by the Seventh-day Adventists. The agitation continued several days, and the editors permitted their contributors much freedom in saying whether or not they wanted the drug stores closed, and also the ice-cream soda fountains, garages, and other places of pleasure and livelihood. The campaign waxed so warm that a number of the business concerns of the city in question banded together and closed, giving as their reasons, “While we are not in sympathy with the present agitation to have a tight-closed town; rather than appear obstinate, we are going to close our respective places of business Sundays, until some sane understanding has been determined upon.” Even after making this decision, these business men said they were “almost dependent upon the tourist and the traveling public,” and that “it would be easy to make a very grave mistake at this time by a too-drastic enforcement of an obsolete law.” A study of a number of the reasons given both pro and con revealed the fact that the majority of the writers treated the question purely from the business and pleasure standpoints, while one minister of a popular church preached a sermon on why Sunday should be observed as the Sabbath. Here was an excellent opportunity for our brethren and sisters to give the correct views on Sabbath observance, not only in the particular city where this agitation was on, but it is quite probable that letters from other places in the State would have been published as well. Our brethren and sisters should realize that when such agitations are being carried on through the newspapers, the editors are generally more than glad to publish our religious liberty principles. The world at large most always dwell on the pleasure and business sides of the question when opposing Sunday laws, and their arguments do not have much force, but arguments based on the Bible concerning Sunday as the Sabbath give readers of these papers something to think about, and also arouse in the minds of many, inquiries that lead them to make further investigation of the matter. Instances are known where men have been convinced of the true principles of religious liberty by having first read of the message in newspaper reports. Our opportunities are unlimited in giving various phases of the message through the secular press. Whom Does the Lord Call to Service?
By V. O. COLE
Is the Lord particular in setting aside individuals for service? David answers the question in these words: “But know that the Lord has set aside him that is godly for himself.” Ps. 4: 3. We may feel ourselves very unworthy, but when an individual surrenders himself to God for service, the Lord sees in that person something that is godly, and he sets him aside for himself. Can heaven or earth bestow upon that individual a greater honor than that of becoming a humble servant for the Master? Then, instead of dreading the Lord’s call to service, should it not be greatly desired, and should we not be greatly alarmed about our condition if we have not heard the call? When Isaiah saw the Lord, he cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” The Lord heard his cry, and said, “Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” Then, as soon as his sin was taken away, he heard the call of the Lord to service. The only thing that keeps us from hearing the call of God to service is sin; for as soon as Isaiah’s sin was purged, he heard the call, and answered, “Here am I; send me.” But says one, “I know that the Lord calls ministers to their work, but do you really think that he calls colporteurs?” The servant of the Lord has said: “The canvasser is engaged in an honorable business, and he should not act as if he were ashamed of it. . . . He who19 is called of God to so sacred a work should feel that its accomplishment demands all his energies. . . . God calls the canvassers back to their work. He calls for volunteers who will put all their energies and enlightenment into their work.” If, then, the colporteur really gets his call from God the same as the minister, is it safe to change his work as he would his raiment? Should he not plan to engage in the work twelve months in the year, and thus make it an occupation for life, or until the Lord plainly indicates a change? Another may say, “Sometimes obstacles hinder us, and so we have to give up, at least for a time.” Let us see whether or not this is a safe policy. Question.— Who is it that causes these obstacles? Ques.— Who gave the call to service? Then when the Lord calls to service, and we allow obstacles or difficulties to call us out, we then march out under the enemy’s banner, and place ourselves on his ground. I know from personal experience that there is no stronger stay to one in times of difficulty than to know that the Lord has called to his service, for it serves as an anchor, and holds him through every difficulty. So, then, by his help, let us settle this one thing, that, after receiving a call from God to enter his work, we cannot afford to heed a call from the enemy to surrender our weapons, and cease the great warfare for souls. May each colporteur sense the importance of continuing to march under the right banner. Missionary Volunteer Organization
By M. E. Kern
A CHURCH elder writes: “Are there rules prepared by which the society should be conducted? Should the older people be members of the young people’s society? What rights or duties has the church elder in the society? Have all young people who are church members and say they are trying to do right the privilege of belonging?” Missionary Volunteer Leaflet No. 4, on “Organization,” sets forth the principles and detailed plans of organization of our Missionary Volunteer work. A few things have been added since this was printed, but not to change any plan laid down there. This, and twenty-nine other valuable leaflets on Missionary Volunteer work, can be obtained from your tract society or publishing house. No. 4 sells for three cents. There is a distinct benefit to be gained from a separate young people’s society. It brings out the best there is in the young people, as they feel the burden of responsibility laid upon them. They have the privilege of planning as well as executing,—of doing things on their own initiative. The Missionary Volunteer Society is a training school for the younger members of the church, where they learn to do by doing. Ordinarily, then, the older people should not become members, but should give the young people a chance to develop. Older members are always welcome at the Missionary Volunteer meetings, and should show their interest by visiting the society. This does not mean that no older person should ever become a member or be a leader. It often happens that the one best qualified to lead out and help the young people in the beginning of their Christian work is no longer young. It is also sometimes true that young married people or older unmarried people feel more at home among the young people, and are considered by the young people as belonging with them. Such should not be dropped merely because they may have passed a certain age limit. On the other hand, older persons, because of the flexibility of our arrangement, should not take license to stay in the Missionary Volunteer Society merely because it may seem more congenial there. The younger ones coming on need to have responsibilities thrust upon them, and the church missionary society needs the fresh enthusiasm of the younger adult members. The Educational and Missionary Volunteer Council at St. Helena, Cal., this summer passed the following:— “1. We recommend the following plans for the local Missionary Volunteer Society:— “a. No definite age limit can be drawn between old and young. Those who are considered and count themselves as belonging to the young people, may unite with the Missionary Volunteer Society; also persons who may be no longer young, but who are chosen to lead. In general, we think of twenty-five to thirty as the approximate dividing line, but local conditions and individual feelings should determine this matter.” The church elder is the leader of the church of which the Missionary Volunteer Society is a part. The Missionary Volunteer Society has no separate existence apart from the church. By virtue of his office, the elder is adviser and helper to all departments of church work. He should take an active interest in all that pertains to the Missionary Volunteer work, and should support and encourage the leader to do his best, that he may make a success of his work. He should commend the officers for their earnest efforts and successful achievements. He is a member of the executive committee of the society, unless the church has arranged for some other officer to represent the church board in that capacity. As a member of this committee, he has a chance to render much assistance, by making suggestions, giving counsel, and speaking words of encouragement to those who are just learning to bear responsibilities. To be a success, he must believe in young people, must be tactful, and not assume the air of a lord or critic.20 The conditions of membership in the Missionary Volunteer Society are two: (1) Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church; (2) willingness to engage in active service for Christ. Those who join take this solemn pledge:— “Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take an active part in the work of the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Society, doing what I can to help others and to finish the work of the gospel in all the world.” If these principles are set forth plainly and forcibly, it would seem that only those who have a passion for souls would want to join. The best way to begin is to organize a prayer band. As this little group prays and works for souls, its numbers will increase, and other prayer bands will be organized. Then the society will consist of these praying ones. And if this soul-winning ideal is ever kept uppermost, your Seventh-day Adventist young people’s society of Missionary Volunteers will be a power for good, and souls will be added to the church because of its work. Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press
— Gen. George W. Goethals, who had charge of the building of the Panama Canal and who has been since the canal was completed governor of the Panama Canal Zone, recently announced his resignation. He will retire on November 1. General Goethals is surrendering his office because he believes his work at Panama is done. The canal is operating satisfactorily at the present time. He has spent seven years in Panama. — At Oxford, England, in the closing days of July, there passed away a man who had attained the first place among the lexicographers of the time, Sir James A. H. Murray. His age was 78 years. He was born at Denholm, a town on the Scotch borderland. Becoming a teacher, he developed a penchant for dialect, natural history, and antiquities, finally devoting himself to languages. In 1872 he began the work in which he has been engaged ever since and which he left uncompleted, the compilation of “The Oxford English Dictionary: A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles.” Nine large volumes have been published. It will be unrivaled anywhere as a thesaurus of philological learning. The work will be completed by those who had collaborated with Dr. Murray. — New York State and its subdivisions, exclusive of the city of New York, owe $75 for every man, woman, and child. Including the city, the per capita debt is $125. The average debt for each acre exclusive of the city is $13.10. Inclusive of the city, the average debt per acre is $47.80. — Nothing could more forcefully bring out the unsettling of established conditions of things by the war than the announcement that the pound sterling of England has gone down below par and that the American dollar has become the standard in the financial world. In fact, all money exchanges of Europe have gone down. This is due to the strain of the war and to the fact that American manufacturers have been pouring into the markets large amounts of foreign paper received in payment of big war contracts. — Under the eyes of Lieutenant McIlwain, of the United States flying corps, and three members of the British royal flying corps, aeroplane records were broken at Buffalo, N. Y., on August 10, by the latest model of the Curtiss machine. The tests disclosed that the plane is capable of carrying two men and 900 pounds of explosive. With 1,200 pounds aboard, it sped at eighty-five miles an hour and broke the world's altitude record. The new machine is a 160-horse-power tractor. — General attention has been drawn for some weeks to the work of Thomas Mott Osborne as warden of Sing Sing Prison. Mr. Osborne some time ago, as a member of the prison commission, had himself incarcerated at Sing Sing, that he might study conditions from the inside. He has been introducing new ideas in connection with the management of the institution since his appointment as warden, and it has been feared by some that he was breaking down the discipline of the place. Mr. Osborne's system, in a word, is an attempt to work out a restoration of character in the criminals who are confined at Sing Sing, by trying to awaken within them the best of which their nature is capable. Missionary Volunteer Department
M. E. KERN General and N. Am. Div. Secretary C. L. BENSON Assistant Secretary MEADE MACGUIRE N. Am. Div. Field Secretary Recent Incidents in the Colporteur Work
By W. W. Eastman
THE following are a few of the many incidents which have taken place in the colporteur work during the present year, and which clearly indicate that the Lord is using the present world conditions to arouse the minds of the people and open the way for the circulation of our literature as never before in the history of our work. A man heard of a colporteur in the neighborhood, and for fear he might miss him, sent him a special invitation to be sure to call at his home. The invitation was of course accepted and a sale easily effected. A colporteur called at a house, but the lady was away from home. This was not an unusual occurrence, and the worker passed on to other homes. Imagine his surprise to be overtaken later by a man with horse and buggy to take him back to the house from which the lady was gone when he called. She had returned, and when told of the colporteur’s visit, sent the hired man to bring him back, and after being shown the book, readily gave her order. A young lady graduate of Syracuse University, New York, when shown “Bible Readings” by one of our colporteurs, was so anxious for the book that she could hardly wait to sign her name. She said, “It is just what I have been looking for. There are many ideas in the world, and I am all mixed up. I want to know what the Bible says.” A colporteur was told that if he would call at the schoolhouse he would get an order. “When I got there,” he says, “I never saw any one apparently more pleased than was that teacher. I did not give her an exhibition, but handed the prospectus to her and gave her a brief synopsis. She gave me the order,21 and said, ‘I am glad you came, for I had given up all hope of ever seeing you.’ She had tried to find me on both Tuesday and Wednesday, by telephone.” Two student colporteurs near the Mexican border in Texas recently were furnished two United States soldiers to accompany them while delivering their books. The soldiers were provided by the government for the safety of the boys, as it was dangerous for them to go alone on account of the raids being made by bandits. This provision for their safety proved of great blessing, and was much appreciated. The boys delivered nearly one hundred per cent of their orders. As the Lord had greatly blessed them in taking orders, giving them as high as $247 worth a week, their summer’s work was made profitable to them from a financial standpoint, enabling them to return to school with money to meet their expenses. But, best of all, the truth has been placed in the homes of the people even in troublous times—in just such times as will more likely cause them to be read with inquiring minds anxious to know the meaning of these things. Our Sanitariums and Their Place in the Third Angel’s Message
By D. H. KRESS, M. D.
SANITARIUM work is not something separate from gospel work: it is an essential part of it; it is the gospel in practice. The tendency, however, is for the church of Christ to become so occupied in what is termed purely spiritual worship that this practical phase of gospel work is ignored. There has never been a time in the history of the church when its members were more highly religious than at the time of Christ’s first advent. So religious were they that to heal or even relieve pain or suffering on the Sabbath day was regarded as a violation of the law of God. The burden of that church was not to be a blessing to humanity, but to carry out certain religious ceremonies. When Christ appeared, he employed his time largely in healing the sick and doing good, helping when and where help was most needed. As a result of this course, the publicans and sinners drew nigh unto him, and the needy multitudes followed him. To the priests and the Levites who envied his power and success he made known their secret by a parable, which presented the situation existing at the time in the professed church of God. He said, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves,” who wounded him and left him by the wayside half dead. In order that the dying man might receive physical help, God brought that way a certain priest who was on his way to the temple to worship. Evidently the priest did not consider this a part of his mission or a part of the gospel work, so he passed by on the other side. The Levite did the same. The Lord then brought a Samaritan that way, and “he had compassion on him.” He dressed and bound up his wounds, and in the absence of a sanitarium or a better place, he took the man to an inn, where the sick man could receive the needed help. To the priests and the Levites Christ said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” In this parable is illustrated not only the need that each church member should be a good Samaritan, but also the church’s need of suitable places where the sick may be taken or encouraged to go to receive the proper care or aid in health restoration. This parable illustrates the relation that the church of Christ should ever sustain to the sick and the afflicted. There has never been a time when sickness and degeneracy were more prevalent than at present, or when a greater need existed for good Samaritan work. Consequently there has never been a time when there was a greater need for suitable places where the sick may be taken and tenderly and intelligently nursed back to health. But a still greater and more important work than healing the sick, or even of working miracles, is to be done at this time. We may ask, What work can be greater? John the Baptist did no miracles, but Jesus said of him, “I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.” To raise a man to life who is at the point of death is truly a great work, but to impart principles which will prevent sickness is a still greater work. Had men always been obedient to the law of God, the curse of disease now flooding the world, would not be. The aim of the gospel is to bring men and women into obedience to law, and by so doing to bring to them the blessings which can come only to the doers of God’s word. Men and women are perishing because of a lack of knowledge of God’s laws. When sick, they do not reason from effect to cause. The sickness is attributed to heredity or to some providence, anything, in fact, but to the true cause or causes. While we have all inherited bodily infirmities as a result of the transgressions of our forefathers, yet there is much suffering which we cannot charge to our ancestors or to providence, but is due to our own transgressions, and can be remedied only by ceasing to do evil and learning to do well. There is no one thing that the people of today need more than a knowledge of how to live so as to enjoy health; for not only the health but often the eternal destiny is determined by the way we eat and drink, and live in our homes. If the physical habits are not what they should be, the mental and moral powers cannot be what they should be; for this reason God’s desire is that we may be in health. Christ died to save men from ruin by saving them from sin, or the violation of law. In this work our sanitariums are to be a helping hand. To make plain natural law and to urge obedience to it, is the work of our sanitariums; and this work must accompany the third angel’s message in order that a people may be prepared for the coming of the Lord. It is impossible for men and women to discern the sacred truths through which alone sanctification is made possible, so long as they indulge in tea and coffee drinking, in the use of drugs and patent medicines, and in the use of foods whose tendency is to enervate or benumb the brain. Yet this is what is being done by many. It is only by cherishing the light God has given upon health reform that men and women may be fitted for life and immortality. Realizing this, we are better able to appreciate the importance of the true Samaritan and sanitarium work, and also the position God designs these institutions to occupy in the proclamation of the last message of mercy. Medical Missionary Department
W. A. RUBLE, M. D. 000 General Secretary L. A. HANSEN 000 Assistant Secretary H. W. MILLER, M. D. 000 N. Am. Div. Secretary N. Z. TOWN General Secretary W. W. EASTMAN N. AM. DIV. SECRETARY The Correspondence School and the War
By C. C. LEWIS
THE Fireside Correspondence School adapts itself to all conditions. We have not yet received word that any of the soldiers in the trenches are pursuing studies through this means, but we have just received word from Elder W. C. Ising, who is a prisoner of war on the island of Malta, that he has completed the last ten lessons of the second year in New Testament Greek. Although these lessons have not yet reached us, we are certain that they are of uniform grade with all his other work during the past two years, which has ranged from 65 to 100. We have received several of his letters, and he says that his lessons were passed upon by the censor and were mailed. Brother Ising formerly labored in Assyria and Armenia. Some of his lessons last year were dated at Bagdad. While many of our missionaries in the out-of-the-way places of the earth are faithful and successful in the correspondence school work, why is it that so many of our near-by work ers do not avail themselves of the opportunities afforded by the correspondence school? Is it because “a prophet is not without honor save in his own country”? Why is not New Testament Greek just as good for our ministers in this country as it is in Asia? and why cannot our young ministers in this country pursue this study by correspondence just as successfully as Brother Ising has done under his far more difficult circumstances? Principal Fireside Correspondence School.