LEAVING Cuba, October 14, we sailed along the south coast of Hayti, stopping at two ports in the republic of Santo Domingo. We arrived in Ponce, Porto Rico, the morning of the seventeenth. Porto Rico has a five days' quarantine against Cuba on account of yellow fever. Allowing our time on board, there were yet three days which we must spend in the quarantine station. Only eighteen could be accommodated at Ponce, so they took the rest of us around to San Juan.
SAN JOSE, PORTO RICO
I did not reach the home of Elder B. E. Connerly in Mayaguez until Sunday morning. Elder Connerly met me at the station, and we were soon talking over the work of the Porto Rican Mission.
Elder Connerly and his wife have been in Porto Rico five years. Three years ago Brother C. N. Moulton and wife came from Jamaica to assist in the work, and about a year ago Brother and Sister J. C. Brower came from the States. These faithful soldiers and their wives comprise the force of laborers carrying this message to Porto Rico, an island with an area of thirty-six hundred square miles and a population of about one million. The past year they have extended the work into Santo Domingo, a division of Hayti, with an area of twenty thousand square miles and a population of six hundred thousand. For a few days these workers were together, planning how the work might be carried on in the most profitable manner, with so small a force of workers and the limited amount of means that can be spared for the work there.
They find that it is very hard to get these people to stand firmly for the truth. Rome has taught them to consent to a teaching, but the necessity of living out what they believe is a new experience for them. They think they are Adventists when they “believe,” whether they “do” or not. A faith without works is good enough for them.
There is one thing that is favorable; they like to read, and the work done by the paper El Centinela has extended over all the island. It goes to every class, and reaches hundreds with its messages of truth, where only tens could have been reached by regular ministerial labor, and they, only of the very common people. Other denominations are spending thousands of dollars in building churches and conducting schools and medical missions. With all these efforts they reach only the lowest classes. If you provide everything, and the people are not asked to bear any burden, they will fill your chapel till some one else provides a better one and does a little more for them; then they are gone.
I am thoroughly convinced that the best way to educate these people and make them see that they must stand for the truth and bear its burdens, is to place among them our papers and books. All classes are reached in this way, and the truth, taken month after month, does good like a medicine. I am sure a laborer in Mexico had the right plan in mind when he wrote the following: “If I had one hundred thousand dollars with which to give the message to Mexico, I would spend ninety thousand of it in scattering literature, and ten thousand dollars in reaping the harvest.”
By issuing a monthly paper in Span-17ish, and pushing the circulation of our tracts and books, a work has been done in Porto Rico that never could have been done had the plans and methods which succeed so well in other fields been followed. Elder Connerly is now printing over five thousand copies of El Centinela each month. The people are eager for it.
There is no cause for discouragement in Porto Rico. The work has not made a showing as it has in some places, but the seed has been sown, and the fruit is beginning to appear. There is a power in this message that never fails to work if you can get the truth before the people. It is evident that the best way to get it before the Spanish-speaking people is by our literature.
One Sabbath afternoon, while at Mayaguez, I accompanied Elder and Mrs. Connerly to the cemetery, where we visited the grave of Brother Fisher. Here lay our brave, strong comrade, slain in the heat of battle. He fell when there was no one ready to fill his place, and his wife and child were left to struggle on alone in a strange country. We talked of God's dealings with men. We do not understand why these things come as they do, but we know his ways are best. Just as the Sabbath was passing away, we read a psalm, and then, kneeling by the grave we poured out our hearts in prayer that God would make us sufficient for his work, and that he who has the power over death might come quickly.
November 4 I sailed from San Juan for Cape Haytien, where Elder W. Jay Tanner and family have been stationed for the past two years.
The Trinidad Meeting
By I. H. EVANS
After an ordinary sea voyage in a small boat, on the morning of the tenth day we safely arrived in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Most of the West Indian Union Conference Committee were present, besides a number of workers from the East Caribbean Conference. Owing to the yellow fever, the appointment of the session of the East Caribbean Conference was withdrawn, and some of the leading conference workers met for counsel with the brethren in Port of Spain.
The South Caribbean Conference met two weeks prior to its announced appointment, so its meeting closed the day before my arrival. This arrangement made it possible for the West Indian Union Conference Committee to spend the five days before leaving for Panama in considering the work in all parts of the field. There were many questions for consideration, and it was found necessary to hasten the work to get through in the allotted time.
Sabbath was made precious to all our hearts by the rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Satan had made many his bond servants, and it was refreshing to see the people forsake their sins by confession, and seek the Lord. Not a few will long remember the Sabbath blessing received, and we trust they will be faithful to their covenant vows. Meetings were held each night in the Adventist church, and a good audience was present.
Being greatly in need of rest, Elder D. E. Wellman was relieved of the presidency of the South Caribbean Conference, and Elder J. B. Beckner was elected to fill this place. Brother Beckner’s health had been failing in British Guiana, and though he had just been elected president of the British Guiana Conference, it was thought advisable for Brother Beckner to remain in Trinidad and supervise the work there, while Brother O. E. Davis takes charge of the work in the British Guiana Conference, under the advice of Elder Beckner. It was thought that this plan would be satisfactory for a time to all parts of the field. After this arrangement had been completed, word was received from Sister Davis, from Georgetown, that her husband was dangerously ill with heart failure, and that the physician had ordered him to return to the States at once. This was sad news indeed to the workers in this field. Brother Davis had done faithful work in Georgetown, and to hear of his dangerous illness made all our hearts ache. Earnest prayer was offered in his behalf, and we hope the Lord will heal him for his work’s sake.
It was advised to unite the publishing work now carried on in Port of Spain and Porto Rico, and to establish the publishing departments of the West Indian Union Conference at Colon, in the Canal Zone. This will accommodate our English publishing work quite as well as at Port of Spain, while it will be much more favorable for our Spanish publishing work. The mail facilities at Colon are unequaled in the union conference, and all agree that we could save considerable each year by uniting our publishing interests, instead of operating separate plants.
The Watchman press at Port of Spain needs additional room and appliances, while the Porto Rican publishing facilities must be added to at once to keep up their growing work. This recommendation was made, subject to the approval of the General Conference Committee.
The workers report progress in most of the fields, and all seemed of good courage. They felt the need of additional workers, and yet were desirous that other fields should be supplied as well as their own.
The school in Jamaica received consideration, and yet most of the people were so poor that they could plan to do but little to finance the enterprise. The estimated valuation of all the real estate owned by all our thirty-three hundred Sabbath-keepers in this field was not to exceed thirty thousand dollars. The wages earned by men in many places is less than an English shilling a day, and they board themselves. Often work is not to be had at any price. The poor people18live in the most abject poverty and destitution. Notwithstanding all this, this people love the Lord, and many are faithful in paying tithes and offerings.
December 25 we set sail for Colon, Panama, where a session of the West Caribbean Conference will be held Dec. 30, 1907, to Jan. 6, 1908. In our company are Elders H. C. Goodrich, president of the West Caribbean Conference; U. Bender, president of the West Indian Union Conference; W. G. Kneeland, president of the Jamaican Conference; and Brother H. H. Cobban, secretary and treasurer of the West Indian Union Conference. The two latter proceed to Jamaica to get ready for the Jamaica conference, which convenes Jan. 10, 1908, at Kingston. The rest of us remain in Colon to attend the session of the West Caribbean Conference.
The workers in this field are compelled to undergo hardships and privations, which our workers in the States and in Europe can hardly appreciate. Oftentimes it is almost impossible to get proper food to nourish the body. Most rivers and streams have to be forded. The only means of transportation between islands is often by a small sailing-boat, in which travelers are exposed to the sea and storms, and to a burning tropical sun. Eternity alone will reveal what these faithful, God-fearing workers have endured for the sake of building up God’s cause. Yet it is by sacrifice and self-denial that this work has triumphed so far, and so it will be to the end.
I. H. EVANS.
Selling Publications in Malaysia
By G. F. Jones
G. F. JONES, Singapore, writes: “The oft-repeated testimony ought to be quoted here again: ‘If there is one work more important than another, it is that of getting our publications before the public, thus leading them to study the Scriptures.’ We are now studying this all-important question—how to get our publications before the millions of Malaysia with their many languages. The Lord will send us capable translators as soon as we are willing to move forward. This was demonstrated to us a little while ago; a very well-educated young Chinaman called at our house, and became interested in our work; later he did some translating for us, and we got it printed in Chinese characters. Finding it necessary to get this and other Chinese literature out, we chose two of our Chinese converts to go and sell them. At first they insisted that nothing much could be done with them, as they had done a similar work for other missions and had no success; but we told them that God was ‘in this movement, and the books would be sold, so they went out and sold them, the number of copies sold now amounting to nearly five thousand. This demonstrates to us that the field is ripe, and faithful canvassers are in demand to help our meager number.”
Argentina
By J. W. Westphal
PARANA, ENTRE RIOS.—We have appointed our union conference meeting to be held at our school in Camarero, March 7-21. We expect this meeting to be a very large and important one, by far the largest ever held in South America. We expect also that the new school building will be completed, and ready for dedication during the meeting. An effort will be made to raise means to enlarge the building, and we shall endeavor to get more students at the opening of the school year, immediately after the meeting.
Our school is growing rapidly in importance. Last year the attendance was about twenty, and this year twenty-five or more—this in spite of our disadvantages. With his medical work, it is impossible for Dr. R. H. Habenicht to do for the school what ought to be done. Many, many times he has had to teach after being up all night with the sick, and many times has not been present. With two languages to be taught, and one teacher able to teach only in German, it was impossible to do justice with the teaching force we had last year, and now that the school is growing, and there is a greater diversity of grades, it will be impossible the coming year. We have invited Brother Yepez to come from Ecuador, to assist. If he comes, this will only partially help us out. To teach full time, to have full charge of the home with sixty or seventy students of all ages; to look after the work, and to be everything, is a very much larger task than one man can do justice to.
I am now on my way to Missiones, to attend the general meeting.
J. W. WESTPHAL.
Arizona Conference
By H. W. Cottrell
The Arizona conference held at Phoenix, closed Jan. 5, 1908. The churches were well represented by their delegates, together with a goodly number of visiting brethren.
The services during the day were devoted principally to the transaction of conference business, and the evening periods to preaching. By special invitation of one or two persons there were more than forty of the principal men and women of the city present at one of the evening services. They were much pleased with what they saw and heard, and I trust profited also.
The Lord was with us in all our services, so this series of meetings was like an oasis in the desert to these children of God. The conference laborers were all in attendance, and were of good courage in their work. There has been an increase of fifty in church-membership during the conference year of nine months, but about the same number are reported as having moved out of Arizona to other parts; leaving the conference membership about the same as before. The larger portion of the increase in membership are Mexicans.
Elder H. G. Thurston was again elected president of the conference, and Mrs. M. T. Poston secretary and treasurer. The conference executive committee remain about the same as last year. Two additional workers were added to the list of employees. At an early date we greatly desire to place in this field more workers,—the best qualified workers we can supply, that is, the conference may soon become self-supporting, and that the money the union conference is now appropriating to these smaller conferences, may, instead, find its way into the darker regions beyond.
They are doing all they can to develop the church-school work in a strong, healthful manner. They have a well-qualified teacher and an excellent school at Phoenix.
Good work was accomplished for a time by the canvassers in the book work, but when the financial stringency came on and the great collapse in the market price of copper, the book sales were greatly affected in this territory. We hope this section of the country will ere-long recover from this condition, but if not, we must rise up in greater faith, and with added zeal and vigor for the Lord, continue the work of placing the truth contained in the printed page in the homes of the people until the Lord of the harvest shall say it is enough.
H. W. COTTRELL.
An Excellent Suggestion
By J. S. WASHBURN
BROTHER WALTER HARPER, who has been one of our most successful canvassers, writes to me, making the following suggestion: “The kindly donation of one day’s work a year for the Southern Missionary Society, if adopted by all of us, would give this work a lift, and would put it on a strong footing, and bring a feeling of security to the Lord’s workers and burden-bearers.” This certainly is a most practical suggestion, and our people could accept it profitably. I say profitably: first, to the work among the colored people; second, to the individual who donates to this work. There is no work for us more important at the present time than the work for the colored people of the South. We state this on the authority of the Testimonies. For no other work have such pathetic and continued appeals been made as for the work for the colored people.
I have recently had some interesting visits at the great Fiske University, which is, I understand, the highest institution in the world for the education of the colored people. There is a larger attendance now than ever before, and they are having a most encouraging year. Very many of the graduates of this institution have become teachers and principals of schools; others, professors of languages, history, or music. Many have become ministers. Quite a number have become missionaries to their own people in Africa.
We recently had the privilege of attending the morning chapel exercises. It was a very interesting sight to see the immense hall packed full of earnest young men and women, whose capacities for culture and training are equal to those of almost any company of young people that can be found.
Some of the leading men connected with the university expressed a deep interest in our work for the colored people. It had been understood by them that we were about to establish a school and sanitarium for the colored people here in Nashville, and they stand ready to co-operate with us in every way possible. While we have a mighty truth that will be the special feature of our institutions, yet I am certain that we can learn very much from these noble pioneers in the work for the colored people in the South. I feel that this is the great work for our people at the present time.
J. S. WASHBURN.
West Pennsylvania
By B. F. PURDHAM
My time since my last report has been spent at Uniontown, Belle Vernon, and Washington. I visited Belle Vernon and Washington during the week of prayer, and the Lord gave us good meetings. This prayer season has been a blessing to our people at these places. At Belle Vernon one lady took a firm stand with us to keep God’s Sabbath and walk in his truth.
My wife had charge of the services in Uniontown, and several were deeply interested. We are still holding meetings from house to house with the people, reading God’s Word with them. A number of earnest souls are investigating the truth. One lady and her daughter have just decided for the truth, and19kept last Sabbath. May the Lord move others to obey.
This generation will witness glorious things in the closing up of this everlasting gospel. May we all be found at our post of duty in these trying times.
B. F. PURDHAM.
Norfolk Island
By H. MITCHELL.
We are having rather interesting times here just now. Three have taken their stand, and have been baptized. This has caused no little stir. One young married man is the godson of the archdeacon here.
We know this is the last message of mercy to be given to this world, and we must be faithful in telling the people, although we are often misunderstood and misrepresented. There are quite a few who are agreed that we preach a clean gospel, but the fear of meeting their priests and the ridicule of their friends is more than they can endure. Seeing precious souls halting between two opinions, and knowing it is a matter of eternal consequence to them, we feel the great solemnity of the work of preaching this last message.
We are all of good courage in the work. Any friends who would like to send back numbers of the Signs would assist our work here greatly. We thank all who have given us literature. We are trying to keep the homes supplied with the truth contained in our papers.
H. MITCHELL.
Newfoundland
By W. H. Thurston
For some time the workers in St. John's, Newfoundland, have felt the need of a small printing-press, and not long ago they had an opportunity to purchase a good press at a very reasonable price. Rather than let it pass, they hired the money and bought the press. One hundred fifty dollars is required to pay for the press and type, and about one third of this has been raised by friends of the cause. The balance is needed in the near future, and we believe there are others who would deem it a privilege to contribute to this fund. It is not the design of the brethren to go into the publishing business with this press, but we can make it very useful in our work here in printing notices, announcements, and leaflets, from time to time, to better and more rapidly advance the cause of truth in this island.
The work is one; and Newfoundland is a part of the world to which the gospel of the kingdom is to go. Any money given to this fund will be much appreciated by the workers in this field. Contributions may be sent to I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
W. H. THURSTON.
Nebraska
By C. R. KITE.
COLLEGE VIEW.—For some time we have felt a longing in our hearts that God would come near to his people here and awaken them to the solemn time in which we live.
Soon after the camp-meeting held at Hastings, Elder Luther Warren came to College View, and it was planned to hold a few meetings. Each night the interest deepened. The Spirit of God brought conviction to hearts, and we felt that God was beginning a great work for us. The meetings were continued for more than two weeks, and as one brother said to me, “They are the most wonderful meetings I have ever attended.” The Spirit of God went deep and searched hearts; confessions were made; wrongs were righted; the Lord’s tithe was restored, and scores and scores made a start for the kingdom of God. Four baptismal services were held, and more than two hundred dear souls were buried with their Lord in a watery grave, to rise and walk in newness of life.
We felt that the sure way for us to “grow in grace” was to have the experience recorded in John 1:45, 46 (please read it), or, in other words, do personal work for others. So we have organized all the young people in bands for work. A large order for the special Signs was taken, and many have had precious experiences in this work. We have started a night Bible school to continue about twelve weeks, taking up the subjects of Bible doctrine, Bible history, Testimony study, practical nursing and treatment of simple diseases.
A great change has come to our town because hearts have been changed. God has put in our hearts a desire to better fit ourselves to win souls for his kingdom. Young people who before sought the pleasures of the world are now seeking first the kingdom of God. A spirit of helping others has come into hearts; the sick are visited, the poor and needy are helped, and our young people find joy in following the Saviour. We praise God for all these things. Our courage is good.
C. R. KITE.
India
By J. L. Shaw
KARMATAR.—We came down from Mussoorie last week, and I am at Karmatar for a few days, attending to some matters in connection with the press, but expect to go down to Calcutta in a day or two, as the council begins the first of November. Brother Votaw is on his way from Burma, and Brother James will be with us from Bangalore. We are looking for a good occasion, and believe that right plans will prevail for the advancement of the work. We had a good season in the mountains, and not without some success. Eleven have begun the observance of the Sabbath in Dehra Dun and Mussoorie, and seven were baptized during the season. We hope that more may be accomplished in another year. Nearly thirty workers were able to avail themselves of a change to the Mountain Mission Rest Home, and so far as we are aware, all felt much refreshed and strengthened. We are glad to dedicate the home free of debt, and thankful for the blessings that attended the dedicatory services. Quite a large number of outside people were present, and we took occasion to lay before them the extent of our mission movements, and our belief in the soon coming of Christ. About fifty attended the baptismal service in the afternoon, when three went forward in the sacred rite. We believe the Lord gave us this home. It is in the center of a large field of work among both the English-speaking and the native people.
At the close of the council I expect to go with Brother James to South India, and stay awhile at Bangalore, and then make a trip among the Tinnevelli Christians, and from there go over to Burma and work with Brother Votaw for a little time.
J. L. SHAW.
Jamaica
By C. B. MEED
SPANISH TOWN.—I was appointed to visit the churches and companies in the parish of St. Ann during the week of prayer. A week after this appointment came, I was taken with fever. However, the Lord raised me up and strengthened me, so that I was able to leave Granthorn (Clarendon) on Friday, the thirteenth. A ride of forty miles put me in Golden Grove, about the first hour of the Sabbath, where I was hospitably entertained by Brother Byfield. Although the Sabbath morning following was a rainy one, yet the most of our people attended the service, and we spent a very profitable time together.
A six-mile ride Sunday morning brought me to Britonville. The evening service was well attended. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people. Before daylight each morning, the hills were resounding with the praises of God's people as they met to worship the Lord in the early meetings. One thing is remarkable about that company,—they encourage a spirit of prayer, especially in their homes; so that when they come together, they are like living coals of fire.
Tuesday I started for Balimoney, a distance of thirteen miles. My visit to this place was a surprise visit, as no news had reached them of my coming. The spiritual condition of some here was not the best, but they have promised to put on the whole armor of God, and are determined with his help to be more faithful.
After riding twenty-four miles on Friday20morning, I reached Devon, one of the oldest churches in the island. There I found the brethren rejoicing in the truth as if it were a newly found one. This establishes the fact in my mind that Bible truth does not lose its friends because of its age. C. B. MEED.
A Lesson in Giving
By J. E. FULTON
ABOUT two months ago, when I was speaking to the children of the primary division of the Avondale (Australia) school on the work in Fiji, they voted that their missionary box should be opened to buy a small boat for the use of the school at Buresala. We were told that the box had more than coppers in it, and when it was opened, we found that there was £11 8s. 1d. [$55.51] in the box. The amount required to purchase a suitable boat would not exceed £15, and here we now had in one gift, and that by the children, over two thirds of the amount.
The children now saw the greater part of the boat paid for, and requested that they might pay the rest. We could not refuse them, so during these two months they have been preparing for another gift. After the closing exercises of the Avondale School, Sunday, October 6, a little meeting was arranged for the presentation of their second instalment. I thought that during the two months they might possibly get enough more to make up the £15, but it seemed quite a task. When we were called in to receive the money, lo, I was handed £13 11s. 11d.! This with the previous amount makes £25, or £10 more than was required.
Truly this was a surprise. What a credit to the missionary spirit of the school! The £10 surplus [$48.70] was voted by the children toward buying a press for the printing of the truth in New Guinea. Here is another demonstration of what children can do.
J. E. FULTON.
A Star Has Appeared
By W. B. White
WE presume that those who have been carefully watching the growth of the $150,000 fund have noticed in the recent issues of the REVIEW that a star has appeared opposite the name of the Upper Columbia Conference; this indicates that that conference has paid its proportion of the $150,000 fund, and can sing the song of jubilee over this obligation. We are wondering now what conference in the union will be next. We are receiving good reports from the different State conferences, saying that they are hurrying their work forward to close it, if possible, before the union conference, January 31. We hope all may be successful.
We certainly congratulate the brethren and sisters of the Upper Columbia Conference, and we know that the successful completion of this work will give them much satisfaction. Probably no one feels the poorer, and all feel blessed in doing their part. We shall watch the States of the North Pacific Union Conference with interest, to see what conference will next appear with a star before it in the list. Two of the union conferences are now clear, the Southern and the Atlantic. We hope ours may swing into line very soon with our proportion paid.
W. B. WHITE,
President North Pacific Union Conf.
South Dakota
By C. M. CLARK
CHAMBERLAIN.—Since the dedication of the sanitarium in this place, the institution has received a good patronage. The Lord is blessing the work, and many have been restored to health, and a number have accepted the truth as a result of our people’s coming here.
Our people who have lately accepted the truth, and live in the city, spent a Sabbath with us recently at the sanitarium. Six new members were received into the church, two by letter, and four on profession of faith. It was a good day for God’s people here. A number of persons in the city are interested, and the truth is gaining ground each day. It cheers our heart to see the work moving forward in all places in the world, and we know the time is near when it will be finished.
C. M. CLARK.
In the South
By M. JONES
“THE people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” The great threefold message of Rev. 14: 6-9 is shedding its beams all around. Voices are heard everywhere welcoming the light and rejoicing in its cheering rays.
Examining the existing form of worship as a result of the call in those messages, many are surprised to find themselves securely wrapped in a babel of error, and are therefore calling for deliverance at the hands of those to whom God has committed his timely messages. Some here in the South who have separated themselves from the communion of their church because of its pride, richness of attire, ornament, and error, have hailed with joy the light of the third angel’s message, and are calling others to follow their example and find the light.
The majority of the readers of the REVIEW may have no idea of what worship means largely in the South among the less favored class. A sermon is preached with the Bible closed, the minister acting his comedy as in theatrical performances, while the congregation keeps up a pitiful moan, and a marking of time with the heels of shoes; some, meanwhile, springing to their feet, heated with wild enthusiasm and rapturous delight, thumping themselves and pounding others with the fist or with anything that comes to hand. This shouting and excitable demonstration is called “having a good time,” and must invariably accompany the ones who claim to have a fulness of the Spirit.
Brethren, for our Lord’s sake help us in the work for the South. We may not be able to storm down the synagogues of Satan, but we can be a power in God’s hands to shed the light of his truth behind the prison-bars of error, so that God’s true people may catch a glimpse of him and be enabled to worship him who is the maker of heaven and earth.
Think of the few and inefficient workers among the thousands in the South; think of the shortness of time in which to work, and the rapid closing of the gateway of entrance to this unfortunate people. Then lend a hand in helping to gather out some, who, among the redeemed, shall praise our Saviour through the eternal ages.
M. JONES.
Colorado
By G. W. Anglebarger
Colorado
DENVER.—The blessing of the Lord is still attending the work in Denver. Sabbath, December 7, we baptized eleven more precious souls, and December 28 six more followed in this solemn ordinance. We are cheered as we realize that the time has come when the Lord has put his hand to the work. Those who had been hesitating, are yielding to the call. Some who had drifted away are returning to the fold, and many are giving their hearts to God for the first time. The church is enjoying the refreshing, as well as those who are coming into our midst.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER.
Field Notes and Gleanings
THE last Sabbath in December a church of eight members was organized at Alazan, Tex. There are three others who are expected to join later.
BROTHER E. B. HOPKINS recently held a four-days’ meeting at Cedar Grove, Tex. Of the result of his work there he writes: “Five were added to the church, and one followed the Lord in baptism. Several others are much stirred, and I think will finally unite with the church.”
FROM Blaine, Maine, Brother J. B. Goodrich writes: “We enjoyed a good quarterly meeting here Sabbath, January 4. Seven united with the church. Our new Sabbath-keepers are growing stronger, and are anxious to work for others, as every one of the followers of Christ ought to do.”
BRETHREN G. W. Berry and H. E. Reeder, who recently held a six-weeks’ meeting about fifteen miles from Oshkosh, Neb., report that “as a result twenty persons have begun the observance of the Sabbath. The company now numbers twenty-eight souls, including the old Sabbath-keepers. Many others in the same neighborhood are deeply interested, and are asking that meetings be resumed soon, that they may the more fully hear the message.”
DURING the week of prayer Brother and Sister D. G. Turk visited four churches in New York. Of the visit at one place he writes: “Monday, December 16, we reached Masonville, where Elder Nicola and I engaged in tent work last summer. We were glad to find those who had accepted the message strong in the faith, and best of all, we found that the seed that had been sown was still springing up and bearing fruit. One sister had recently begun the observance of the Sabbath. During our stay there Brother and Sister Packer were converted and took their stand for the truth. Others are in the valley of decision. We feel greatly encouraged over the work in Masonville.”
OF recent experiences in Wewoka, Okla., Brother C. M. McDonald writes: “November 24 I began meetings seven miles from Wewoka, and notwithstanding the small neighborhood, we had good attendance during the entire meeting. The people gave us respectful attention, and it became evident early in the meeting that several were interested. The Lord helped us, and January 3, when Elder J. R. Bagby came to administer baptism, he buried thirteen in the watery grave, all adults except one boy thirteen years old. Others are interested. The Wewoka Seventh-day Adventist church was organized January 5, with nineteen members. We have a nice Sabbath-school, and expect to start a church-school January 20. We shall have about twenty-five scholars, half of whom are children of Seventh-day Adventists.”
Electric Hardening of Armor Plate
— Lieutenant Cleland Davis, U. S. N., has invented a method of face-hardening armor plate by electricity, which bids fair to supersede the present Krupp or Harvey method.
Moroccan Sultan Seeks Refuge
— The Moroccan sultan, Abdel-Aziz, who is now in Rabat, is reported to have lost all courage, and to be anxious to leave Morocco and take refuge in Paris. The bandit, Raisuli, has refused to recognize Mulai Hafid, and has persuaded the tribes under him to stand by the old sultan.
Islands Disappear Near Yucatan
— The waters of the Gulf adjacent to Yucatan and Campeche have been agitated by a series of subterranean disturbances for several months. In places the shore has been completely changed. Recent advices report that three islands of considerable size have disappeared. There were guano camps upon two of them.
Miners Rescued from Cave-In
—A cave-in of a mine shaft at Ely, Nev., December 4, imprisoned three men 1,000 feet below the surface. Through a six-inch pipe provisions were furnished while the work of rescue has been pushed. By means of a telephone they have been able to communicate with friends at the surface. They were liberated January 18.
Socialistic Disturbances in Berlin
— Socialistic disturbances have continued during the week in Berlin, Germany. About two thousand unemployed were marching through the streets January 21, when the police, attempting to disperse them, were attacked with missiles. The police then charged the mob with drawn sabers. Many were injured, and a large number of arrests were made before the affair was over.
Southern Railroad Rates Compromised
— Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama have accepted a compromise in reference to rates on the lines of the Southern Railroad Company. According to the agreement the general rate is to be two and one-half cents a mile, but books for 2,000 miles are to be sold at two cents a mile. The Southern Railway has decided to extend voluntarily these same rates to its passenger traffic in Tennessee.
Portuguese Republican Plot Frustrated
traffic in Tennessee.
— Prompt action on the part of the Portuguese government January 22 frustrated a premature plan to overthrow the monarchy and proclaim Portugal a republic. The plot was organized by a small band of advanced republicans, three of whom were arrested by the police at a secret conference. About forty have so far been arrested, and evidence was found of another intended uprising January 31 if this one should fail.
Revolution in Hayti Suffers Reverses
— The revolution in Hayti, which was reported to be spreading to the northern part of the republic, has met with serious reverses. An agent of the revolutionists has been arrested in New York, charged with counterfeiting the Haytian currency, and his shipment of 2,000 rifles and 200,000 rounds of ammunition has been intercepted; and now the leader of the movement, Jean Jumeau, has been killed. It is thought this will terminate the revolution.
