“Say no! to tobacco, that poisonous weed;
Say no! to all evils; they only can lead
To shame and to sorrow. O shun them, my boy,
For Wisdom’s fair pathway of peace and of joy.”
“That preparatory department of the Northwestern University must be a fine place to learn, and get ahead,” said Nathan, looking up from the paper he was reading.
“Why? What is it doing that makes you think so?” asked Pearl.
“Here in the paper it says: ‘Professor Fisk, of the preparatory department of the Northwestern University, allowed his three hundred students to choose between giving up smoking and leaving school.’ That must have been hard to say, and still harder for some of the pupils to hear; the smokers, I mean.”
“Well, that is radical, true enough: I wonder what brought him to take that stand.”
“Three or four things, I should judge by this article,” responded Nathan.
“You would not think it wise for a teacher to interfere with the personal habits of his pupils unless there was a good reason for it,” said Mrs. Neal. “Professor Fisk is a wise man, I should judge, and he knows he is right, or he would never have made that move. Read it to us, Nathan, or tell it, if you have read it yourself.”
“It seems the faculty are seeking to maintain a very high standard of scholarship both in the university itself and in the preparatory schools; and they find that smokers are backward in their studies; they do not reach the standard. That lowers the grade of the school. They are untidy, even filthy, in their habits, and that lowers the morals of the school. They are hard to manage; that lowers the discipline of the school, and it takes valuable time and strength of the teachers that should be used in advancing their scholarship. Then they consider it a matter of honor that those attending should be true to the purpose of their parents or friends who are bearing the expenses of their education.”
“All good reasons, every one,” said Mr. Neal, “and any one of them alone would be sufficient ground for his action.”
“I wonder why smoking,—just smoking leaves of a plant,—would produce such a long list of bad results,” said Pearl, looking inquiringly at her father.
“It’s the stuff that’s in the smoke, isn’t it, father?” asked Nathan.
“Yes, that is it. Smoking wood, or paper, or straw, while harmful to some extent, would not produce the effect on the body that smoking tobacco does.”
“What is in tobacco smoke, father?”
“Carbon, or soot, ammonia, and nicotin, mainly. Carbon in one form produces sleeplessness and headache, in another it causes trembling. The ammonia bites the tongue, excites the salivary glands, and causes dryness of the mouth and throat. The nicotin does the most damage; for that is a deadly poison. It works slowly, because only a very small amount is inhaled. There is sufficient nicotin in two strong cigars, if taken into the stomach, to cause death.”
“Well, if it is a poison, father, it must surely poison the folks who use it. Yet, there are hundreds and thousands of men and boys, and some women and girls, using it, and they are alive.”
“That is true, daughter, but would you consider that an argument in its favor, when it is known to be a poison?”
“No, not that, but poison is poison, and why don’t the smokers all die?”
“The action of the nicotin, taken in this way, is so slow, that few realize they are being injured by it, until they are almost past recovery. Then there are many who have good resistive powers, and throw off poisons more easily than others. Students, clerks, and generally speaking those who work and live indoors suffer most.”
“They are really losing life by the practise, then,” said Mrs. Neal.
“I wonder how?” said Nathan.
“Get your note-books, and I’ll give you a few points,” said Mr. Neal.
“Wait a minute, and I’ll get mine,” said Mrs. Neal, “for Baby John will be asking me these questions some day.”
“Yes, write them all, mama; we do not want Baby to be a smoker,” said Pearl.
“Any one of these would form a study by itself; but I’ll give them to you, and some time I hope we can take each item up separately. Put your notes under the heading, ‘Injurious Effects of Tobacco on the Human System:’—
“1. It retards growth.
“2. It causes nausea, and produces dyspepsia.
“3. It makes the blood watery, and injures the red corpuscles.
“4. It weakens the heart action.
“5. It irritates the sensitive membrane of the bronchial tubes and lungs.
“6. It injures the nerves, particularly the special senses.
“7. It lessens brain activity.
“8. It injures mental faculties, and blunts the moral sense.
“9. It causes thirst, and often leads to the use of intoxicants.
“There, you have a good month’s work ahead of you.”
“That does not frighten us, when we have you to rely on for help and guidance in our study,” said Nathan.
San Francisco, Cal.
Vinegar Unfit for Food
VINEGAR was never intended to be eaten. It is a product of putrefaction and decay. It is made by setting a great number of fungi to work upon sweet water until acetic acid is produced. This acid, the juice of the fungi, is used upon food as a sauce. The most curious fact about it is that people ever acquired a taste for it. It is not wholesome, it is not food, it is poisonous.
Voix, the great French investigator, demonstrated some years ago by experiments upon guinea-pigs, dogs, and rabbits, that vinegar has twice the power that alcohol possesses of producing gin-liver. Gin-liver is a liver covered with13great knobs; and it is this same diseased organ that vinegar produces with such ease.
Only a few years ago a young lady died of vinegar poisoning. Examination showed that a hole had been eaten into the stomach by the large quantities of vinegar that she had eaten — three or four ounces a day had been her accustomed ration — for the purpose of becoming thin.
The system does not need vinegar. The lemon gives us a wholesome and much more palatable acid; and if one prefers the vinegar to the citric acid of the lemon, it is because his taste is vitiated.
Moreover, vinegar contains worms, little eels wriggling about. In fact, the eel is always found in good vinegar. — Selected.
The Courteous Woman
SHE is not the woman who has one tone of voice for her friends and associates, and quite another for her servants and tired people behind counters who wait upon her.
Nor is she the woman who bids visitors an affectionate farewell in one breath, and in the next expresses her thankfulness at their departure.
Certainly she is not the woman who discusses with one friend the follies or secrets of another.
A truly courteous woman indulges in none of the petty shams and deceptions which make life insincere. She has one gentle manner and voice for all, high or low; and she never lowers herself by personal comments behind people’s back which could not be openly said in their presence.
So much a matter of gentle heart is genuine courtesy.—Selected.
The Uruguay Mission
By Arturo Fulton
ARTURO FULTON
It was the writer's privilege to spend a week lately with the brethren of the Nueva Palmira church. The trip is about seven hours by steamboat across the La Plata River, and a few hours up the Uruguay. On the journey we passed the island of Martin Garcia, where for over two months our young brother Pedro Kalbermatten has been confined for refusing to work on the Sabbath while in military service. The island is situated at the mouth of the Uruguay River, where, uniting with the Parana, it forms the broad La Plata.
The military prisoners have now been removed to Campo de Mayo near Buenos Aires. The day before the removal, the officers called our brother to them, and told him of the proposed change, imploring him to give up, as surely in the new prison he could not expect such leniency as they had granted him. For after the first struggle he has been entirely free on the Sabbath to take his Bible and go where he chose on the island,—a concession granted to no other prisoner.
At first it seemed as if he could not bear the thought of having to go to a new place, and pass through the same experiences as at the other three. He went to his room, and pleaded with the Lord until he gained the victory, and set out in full confidence that the Lord, who had thus far helped him in his troubles, would not now forsake him. On his arrival he asked permission to speak to the keeper, telling him why he was a prisoner. The latter, after questioning him about his religion, said: “That is good. I am very glad to let you go free on the Sabbath. I am a Protestant, and you are doing well to be true to your faith.” How grateful he was to God for this privilege, and that he had remained true to him!
On the island one of his fellow prisoners gave his heart to the Lord, and told him when he was free, he wished to be baptized.
After passing the island, in a few hours we reached Palmira, where a small boat comes out, and takes the passengers to land. It is only a small place, with not much commercial life, but there is a bill before congress to make of it a free port, which, if passed, will be a great advantage. All except the elder of the church here are sisters. Some have passed through severe trials because opposed by their husbands, but at last some of these are now much more friendly to the truth. There are some very bright young people here, who, if properly trained, could become efficient workers for the Master. One young man has lately taken his stand to serve the Lord, and his decision has caused great rejoicing in his family and the church. He offers a lot in town on which to build a church. Others have also offered to give for this purpose, and with a few hundred dollars more they could erect a substantial brick building.
In visiting among them it was pleasing to see how thoroughly they understood the truth. At one place each morning the mother calls in the family and servants, and they study the Sabbath-school lesson until it is well learned, then other lessons are taken up. It is needless to say that they have an interest in the Sabbath-school, and it is pleasing to see even the servants attend and answer the questions correctly. One sister I visited reads English, German, French, Italian, and of course the Spanish. One son is soon to take his degree in the university, and a daughter in the conservatory of music in Buenos Aires.
I had expected to meet here the superintendent of the mission, Brother J. V. Maas, and together cross by stage to our other churches; but Brother Maas had been called home by a telegram, and on account of a plague among the animals I was told it was doubtful if I could get through without delay. My work taking longer than I had planned, I decided to return home. This was providential, as on my arrival I had the pleasure of welcoming Brother Walton John and family, who had just arrived. This was a great privilege. We feel very grateful to our brethren at home for these additional workers. Our needs in this direction are many, as our unentered fields are calling loudly for help. May the Lord of the harvest impress the hearts of those of more favored lands to respond to these many calls. We would be glad to correspond with any who feel a burden for this field.
The Norway Conference
By Guy Dail
GUY DAIL
The twenty-second annual session of the Norway Conference was held in Christiania, June 16-21. Seventy-two delegates, and about four hundred fifty members of seventeen of the twenty-two churches in the field, were present. We have had a good meeting. At one time it seemed that there would be somewhat of a party spirit present; but earnest prayer and seeking the mind of the Lord, completely overcame this, and gave a great victory, which we believe will leave a permanent influence upon the people of the Norway Conference.
It was in October, 1898, that Elder J. G. Matteson began proclaiming the third angel's message in four rented rooms in this city. His first lecture was on the second coming of Christ. People began to arrive an hour before the appointed14time, and the interest so increased that many times there were more than a thousand hearers in attendance.
The following June the Christiania church was organized, with thirty-eight members. Seven years later there were three churches in Norway, having a membership of over one hundred sixty. Last year there were sixty-five accessions, but the conference lost over a hundred members by the organization of the Northland mission, and its enrolment is now eight hundred twenty-seven. Seven were baptized at this meeting.
We are much pleased to see the financial growth of the Norway Conference. In 1901 their tithe was 12,335 kroner, with a membership of six hundred thirty-one; in 1907 it was 23,776 kroner. The membership has increased nearly two hundred; and the tithe has nearly doubled, in the last six years, exclusive of the loss referred to above by the organization of the Northland mission. But if we compare 1906 with last year, we also see an increase; for in 1906 the tithe was 21,622 kroner,—2,154 kroner less than for 1907,—while the donations were 3,138, and the book sales 23,758 against 3,970 and 34,976 kroner respectively in 1907. Every one knows that our people in general are not too heavily laden with the riches of this world, and such is especially the case in Norway, where there is great poverty among the masses; so that this increase in the finances is due to the special blessing of God and to the faithfulness of his children.
During the year two of our brethren were called upon to visit leading officers of the government concerning the military question, as one of our members got into some difficulty about this matter. We are glad to say that the representatives of the Norwegian government received the brethren very kindly, and showed us every consideration. As soon as they learned our true attitude to the question, they were free to grant us perfect exemption from Sabbath service in the army; and, in one case, at least, where the brother had conscientious scruples against serving, he was honorably discharged. Indeed, one of these high government ministers took pains to inquire quite minutely into our belief, and to ask if our observance of the Sabbath did not cause us a great deal of inconvenience. We are glad that it was possible to tell him that God looked out for his own, and that, during the hard times which Norway has been experiencing, none of our people had been obliged to call on the state for financial help.
Of the new measures proposed at this meeting we might refer to the manner in which the conference poor fund was started—by a collection amounting to eighty-four kroner, taken on the spot. The local churches are to take up a collection once a month for the poor, and a tithe of this is to be forwarded to the conference treasurer, for the conference poor fund. Other business, similar to that of the Denmark Conference, about the circulation of literature, etc., was considered. One of the most important matters needing attention was the Christiania Publishing House. Owing to the law imposing a custom of one cent and a quarter a pound on all literature imported into Denmark after Jan. 1, 1909, it will be still more difficult for the house to keep up its earnings, as a large proportion of its work is done for Denmark. However, if all show a spirit of co-operation, and if the American brethren will also do what they can to co-operate with Christiania in this matter, so far as Danish-Norwegian publications are concerned, the house can continue to carry on its work very nicely. The report of the Christiania Health Home is good. Last year was their best, and this year bids fair to be even better. The gain for 1907 was 3,398 kroner. The educational question is also a live matter here. If we look at the list of the Norway workers, we find that, while this field has as large a proportion of young people as perhaps any of the Scandinavian fields, yet there is abundant room for new workers to be trained for ministerial responsibilities. The delegates to the Scandinavian Union Conference, to be held in Orebro next week, are asked to do what they can to bring about the establishment of a permanent union school.
A VIEW OF CHRISTIANIA
Elder C. C. Jensen was re-elected to the presidency, and Elder N. C. Bergerson, lately of Iowa, is the second name on the committee. We are glad that Brother Bergerson receives such a hearty welcome to Norway, and all wish him God's blessing in his labors in this field.
The Sabbath day was one of great blessing here, as in Copenhagen. In the forenoon revival service more than one hundred publicly expressed their desire to get rid of their lukewarmness. The help of the visiting brethren (Elders L. R. Conradi, W. J. Fitzgerald, J. C. Raft, and Dr. N. P. Nelson and Professor Reppe) was appreciated by the people and by the local workers.
One of the most interesting topics considered was the Abyssinian mission. The subject of our foreign missions was presented on Sunday, and the first-day offering amounted to one hundred ninety-three kroner.
Wherever we go, we find that our true-hearted people are anxious to hear of missions, and are willing to give toward their support. It is being constantly shown that giving for the work in other lands does not seem to impoverish the home field; for the financial aspect of the Norway Conference is as encouraging as it has ever been, notwithstanding what the brethren here have done to help establish the work in the other fields.
We go from this place to attend the meeting in Sweden. We believe that the year 1908 will be the best the conference ever had. God grant that it may. Christiania.
The Sick Mother
THE German Baron von Karlstine, in his book about New York, relates that on Washington’s birthday he was standing in a crowd on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourteenth Street, waiting for the grand procession to arrive. The first drums were heard in the distance, when a young man, hatless, and in his shirt sleeves, passed through the assembled multitude, and addressed the policeman who kept the people back.
“Officer,” he exclaimed, “my mother is sick in a house near Sixth Avenue; she has suddenly been taken much worse, and the doctor says that if the procession passes our house, the noise will kill her.”
“O. K., young fellow,” said the policeman, and left him to run up the avenue, where he stood some twenty feet before the procession and screamed, “Halt!” holding up a light rattan cane with both hands.
The word was passed along the line, an adjutant galloped forward, bent over his horse’s neck, and exchanged a few words with the policeman.
Suddenly the command, “Forward! march!” was heard, and the immense body of men proceeded to the corner of Fourteenth Street, without any music, except the lightest possible tapping of drums. Then came, “Right wheel!” and nearly fifty thousand men, whom immense crowds were waiting to see and cheer, wheeled up Fourteenth Street to Broadway, and down Broadway they marched without music until they were beyond the distance at which they might disturb the sick woman.
No one asked why an army of well-drilled, admirably equipped men, many of them battle-scarred veterans, turned out of their path at the simple request of a single policeman, armed with a little rattan cane. It would have been but a trifling matter for them to have taken the city; but no, the general in command, when he received the young man’s thanks, reminded him that his very natural request was addressed to gentlemen and soldiers. And a gentleman, be he soldier or not, reveres the sacred name of “mother.” — Treasure-Trove.
Reaching China's Millions by the Printed Page
By H. W. MILLER
H. W. MILLER
THE evangelization of China has generally been regarded as a difficult work, owing to the serious task of learning the language and the variety of dialects to be met with; and it is true that Chinese is one of the most difficult languages to master, and equally true that there are about fifteen distinct dialects.15But when we come to consider the population included in each of these various dialects, and the number of people that can be reached through each, the incentive grows stronger for mastering this difficult language, and the possibilities of printing literature in each of these different dialects appeal to us more strongly.
Take a similar aggregate population in any other part of the world in adjoining territory, and see in how many dialects or different languages you would have to print literature, in order to reach all classes. Suppose you start with Asia. The different dialects of India, Burma, Siberia, etc., in fact, including all the rest of Asia, with the exception of Japan, in which the total population is not equal to China,—take all these fields, and consider that it will require three times the number of languages to reach their people as are required to reach the population of China. Again, these nationalities and languages differ far more widely than do the languages of China. Or let us take North and South America, with all their adjoining island groups; and here, with a population only one third that of China, we would have more languages than would be found here.
Perhaps for specific comparison we can better take Europe, which has double the number of languages, even if we should include all the distinct dialects found in the Chinese empire, including Manchuria, Tibet, and Mongolia. China has a written language which is equally intelligible to the educated classes of all the different dialects, except the Mongols and the Tibetans; but in order that the less educated classes might have the Bible in a more intelligible form, the Bible Societies have issued versions in the various dialects, in which the text conforms more nearly to the spoken language.
Standing first among these is the Mandarin, which is called the official language of China. Those who speak and can understand this language, number approximately three hundred seventy millions. It will be noticed, as we give approximate numbers of the various dialects below, that the aggregate is more than the population of China. This is due to the fact that Mandarin is understood by a large percentage of the people who are classed under the other dialects. For instance, it is estimated that twenty or thirty per cent of those who speak the Shanghai dialect can understand the Mandarin, and a much larger percentage of those who read the Shanghai can read the Mandarin also.
Think that there are more people who speak and understand one language in China than are found in all Europe, with its multitudes of different languages.
It is true that there are some variations in the Mandarin, so that it has been classed into Northern, Southern, and Western Mandarin; but these differences are not more noticeable than are the differences between literature printed in England and that in America. And the variations are those found in the spoken rather than in the written language.
The dialect varying most widely from the Mandarin is that of Amoy, which contains twice as many different syllables as the Mandarin. This dialect is spoken by over twelve millions, more than double the number that speak the Roumanian language in Europe. Then comes the Cantonese, with twenty million, which is more than the population of Spain. And we have the Shanghai-Soochow dialect, which is spoken by twenty million, and can be understood by forty-four million,—more people than are found in the British Isles.
SAMPLE OF CHINESE PRINT
When once any one language or dialect of the Chinese is mastered, it requires only a few months to change to any of the other dialects, the exact time depending on the extent of similarity. Having just gone inland from Shanghai one hundred twenty-five miles, I found all this distance those who spoke and understood the Shanghai dialect. The Hakkas, in the province of Kuangtung, are estimated as numbering between eight and ten million, three times the number found in Bulgaria. Near to these people are those who speak the Swatow dialect, which is somewhat akin to Amoy. These number some five million, equaling the population of Sweden. The Mongols, with their five million, might be compared to the Netherlands. Those speaking the Hainanese number over three million, more than are found in the island of Sicily; and for the Ningpo the estimate would be five million, double the number in Denmark. Tibet, with from three to five million, contains a much larger population than Norway.
Thus we have covered the principal dialects of the Chinese empire. The Bible Societies have already published the Scriptures in a score of dialects, so that to-day all classes of China have the Scriptures in the language most intelligible to them. It will be seen that while we have covered, in comparison, nearly all the principal dialects of China, we have not enumerated half of the different languages of Europe, but we have selected the countries in Europe in which we are publishing literature.
A remarkable work has been done there in getting out the printed page in so many of the different languages. It is necessary to have compositors acquainted with each of the different languages to set up the literature in the same; and it was a very interesting sight to see, in the Hamburg Printing-office, men standing side by side who could not understand one another, setting up the pages of the gospel truth.
While there is a movement on foot in China to make the Mandarin language universal, so that the four hundred twenty millions can be reached with one language, it should not at all be thought impossible to print the third angel's message in all these different dialects of China, the same as the Bible Societies have printed the Bible. And it would not be nearly so perplexing as printing the message in a like number of European languages.
Although we can be said to be just starting our work in China, still we have to-day entered work on three of these dialects besides the Mandarin, and will, before the end of the year, be prepared to issue literature in all of these as well as in the literary language, which will reach the educated class all over the empire and in all the different dialects.
With this brief statement it is hoped our brethren in the home land will join with us in an earnest effort to get the printed page before the millions of China, since the possibility of doing so is assured. God has not given this people an insurmountable task of warning the world of his soon coming; but it will be accomplished, and the ways and means are with him and his people. Ought not what has been accomplished in Europe in reaching so many different nationalities be an assurance to us that the same work can be done in China?
That which encourages us most in getting out literature for this people is their respect for the printed page. Remarkable progress has been made in China during the last five years in the publishing work. Ten years ago there were not more than five or six native newspapers in all China, but to-day there are scores of these; and the newsboys are seen running the streets with the dailies the same as in the large cities of our home land. The press is, and will be, a powerful factor in carrying the message to this people. We believe that funds spent for the publication of the message in this field will mean many souls for God's kingdom. We ask the reader to pause for a short time, and consider the needs of a people that have been in heathen darkness for centuries, and are now with eager enthusiasm running to and fro for knowledge. Shall we not equip a publishing house equal to the task of giving them this message by means of the printed page?
Shanghai.
The Alberta Camp-Meeting
By W. A. SPICER
It was a meeting of remarkable blessings, especially in the matter of gifts to the cause.
A few years have brought great changes in the new Canadian Northwest. Towns are growing up over the fertile prairies, and settlers are spreading out to occupy the land. It is a beautiful country, truly, and best of all, the advent message is getting a firm foothold in these regions.
The camp-meeting of the Alberta Conference was held in Lacombe, a clean little town about midway between Calgary and Edmonton. The membership of the conference is small, but last year it increased from one hundred sixty-eight to two hundred fifty-five. Some brethren have moved in from the States, and this helps to swell the numbers; but during the year about fifty began to observe the Sabbath in the province as the result of efforts made.
Their tithe increased from $2,858 to $4,569, and the year's offering to missions was over eleven dollars a member. The number of Sabbath-schools had doubled during the year, all donations had gone to missions, and three new churches had been organized. Twelve canvassers from their school had gone into the field. In fact, the report of Elder C. A. Burman, the president, showed a thriving little conference in this vast province.
The first laborer in Alberta was Elder Henry Block, a German worker, who told us of his experiences eight years ago as he came to Alberta not knowing of a Sabbath-keeper in all the land. The changes and developments now seen cause all hearts to rejoice. By the last Sabbath of the meeting, about two hundred persons were in the camp.
When the committee on plans presented a report calling for resolute effort to raise a fund for putting up school and sanitarium buildings, the matter was discussed a few minutes, and then the people began to give. Farms were given, and cattle and horses, and cash pledges were made, until twenty thousand dollars had been given, and all were rejoicing. About two thousand dollars of this was conditional, however. Next day, in further discussing details of plans, something over three thousand dollars more was given.
The pledges are largely in the form of property, which must be turned into cash; but the values set were according to current prices. These brethren are not wealthy. They are just getting started in a new country, and have not gathered much about them. But the believers know that the end is drawing near, and were glad to devote to the cause of God all that they could. And they were richer in experience for it, and rejoiced to do it.
Alberta is practically a mission field, and these gifts for their work are as mission gifts for a new field. But it is evident it will soon be lifting vigorously with the older conferences for the regions beyond. In fact, after giving this sum for school and sanitarium work, offerings for missions were taken in both the German and English tents, and something over six hundred dollars was given.
Needless to say, the meeting was a spiritual one. Twenty-eight were baptized. Elders G. F. Haffner and Henry Block labored for the German brethren, Elders A. C. Anderson and J. C. Christensen gave special attention to the Scandinavian work, though there were not so many of these who were not familiar with the English. All these brethren helped in the English services. Elder E. L. Stewart, president of the union, joined the local laborers in work and counsel throughout.
A committee was appointed to arrange the permanent location of the school and sanitarium enterprises. Brother F. L. Hommel and a few associates have been conducting a sanitarium in the city of Edmonton. By self-sacrificing effort and holding on they have paid a rent of two hundred dollars a month for an unsuitable building. It is proposed to move the sanitarium work into the country; and by rallying the conference to take over this department of the work, better prospects are in store for the sanitarium and the interests of the health work.
C. A. Burman was re-elected president of the conference, with J. W. Boynton as vice-president, and Miss Stella B. Lowry as secretary.
W. A. SPICER
Texas Camp-Meeting for the Colored People
By M. JONES
THIS camp-meeting was held at Waco, July 17-27, 1908. We began our services in the church, as planned, but the attendance increased so largely and was so regular, that we were forced to join four family tents together, and get out in the open air. We were accommodated by a lumber company, who loaned us planks for seats, in addition to the benches taken from the church.
Our early morning prayer- and praise-services will ever be remembered. As all pleaded for the unity of the Spirit, consecrating and re-consecrating themselves for service, the Lord came near, and the workings of the Holy Spirit were such as all could realize. Hearts cried to God in real earnestness to raise up faithful workers to go out into the fields when all were made to see how small a number in proportion to the population was in attendance at the camp-meeting. Several hundred interested listeners came out each night. Truly the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
The study of the Scriptures, missionary talks, how we may best help in the finishing of God's work, and sermons on the leading themes of our faith, were some of the chief subjects of interest taken up during the camp-meeting. Only two one heavy shower caused a break in our arrangements, but the attendance and spirit were kept up till the close. “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” All left for home on July 28, feeling greatly encouraged, and with greater determination to press the battle to the gates of the enemy, to stand till Jesus comes, or fall at the post of duty. Many were the regrets that the meetings must terminate. Dear friends of the REVIEW family, remember us in your prayers. Our field is white already to harvest, yet no reapers. M. JONES.
Espirito Santo, Brazil
By J. W. WESTPHAL
The last general meeting of the season in Brazil was held at Cerro Pelado, state of Espirito Santo, beginning Sabbath, June 13. We have in this state three churches, with a membership of about one hundred fifty, including scattered Sabbath-keepers. For three years they had had no laborer in the state, and received help only from a short visit once a year. In view of the fact that they had been faithful in the payment of the tithe, which was practically all used outside of the state, they had become dissatisfied with their neglected condition. It was therefore a great relief to them when we brought with us Brother Joseph Lindermann, Sr., with his family, to locate and permanently labor for the spread of the message in Espirito Santo, and there is every prospect that he will fit into this field acceptably.
Owing to the distances and the difficulties of travel, the attendance was not large, but the different churches were all represented. Besides Brother Lindermann, Elder F. W. Spies and the writer were present. There were some battles to be fought, and some victories to be won. While there is still much to be done, I believe we have in sight brighter days for the work in that state. On my way out I stopped over Sabbath with the Santa Maria church, where I baptized two believers. The church at that place is united, and fully in harmony with the message and work. Elder Spies remained17longer to visit some other places.
We are greatly rejoiced with the news that we are to have two other laborers from the States for the work in Brazil. With these, together with Brother Gaede, who is to labor in Santa Catharina, and Elder E. Schwantes, who will return from Portugal, the great republic of Brazil will be better manned for aggressive work. J. W. WESTPHAL.
West Pennsylvania
By W. F. SCHWARTZ.
HUNTINGDON.—Last week I went to Huntingdon to labor in behalf of the church, and the interest that was awakened at that point. The Spirit of God attended the work, and much good was done. Before leaving, we had the ordinances, and twenty-seven persons took part. Seven of this number had never enjoyed this blessed privilege before; these were received into church fellowship, three having been previously baptized, and four were baptized on Sunday morning, in the presence of a large audience. This brought a great blessing to the Huntingdon church, also a spirit of joy and peace, with thanksgiving to God, for adding to their number.
The spirit of giving has always been seen in this church, also faithfulness in paying their tithes and making donations. The total amount of tithes and offerings for all purposes during the last quarter was $192.82. We pray that the windows of heaven may still be open to this company for their faithfulness.
Before leaving we also had the privilege of organizing a Young People's society, which elected their officers in co-operation with the officers of the church.
