Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 33.

Keep Sweet!
Earlier text: Temperance in the Home

Visiting Southern Schools

By M. BESSIE DeGRAW

It is sometimes a good thing for us and for our work that we find out what is being done in other places and by other people. I have often felt so in regard to the work of the South. If you better knew the conditions here, you would the sooner determine to lift your share of the burden.
In company with Mrs. Emma Gray, of Armona, Cal., who is deeply interested in the South, I had the privilege of visiting several educational institutions recently; and I came home with a renewed determination to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to interest people in the great South and to train for service here.
At the Oakwood School in Huntsville, Ala., we met the colored teachers of mission schools started by the Southern Missionary Society. It was a pleasure to meet this company of earnest young people who are working for the children of their own race. We visited the schoolroom of one of these teachers. It is in a city of about one hundred fifty thousand inhabitants, and the room is thirteen feet square. Here this young woman teaches forty children. These children sit on home-made benches, and their facilities are the most limited. Nevertheless I did not hear one word of discouragement. Only six or eight of these forty children are from Seventh-day Adventist families. The others come from neighboring homes. That teacher is reaching, we will say, twenty-five families with Bible instruction. Should not such work be helped with means and men?
We were royally entertained at Tuskegee in the school of Booker T. Washington. There eighteen hundred young colored people are being trained for lives of usefulness. In a declaration of principles made at a recent conference held at Tuskegee appear such thoughts as these: “We urge our people to seize upon every opportunity to get possession of land, to the end that they may have homes of their own, and become permanently settled.” “The masses of our people will remain on the farms engaged in agriculture; it is our imperative duty to see that such methods of farming are adopted as will enable us to produce more an acre on the farms, and at the same time build up the soil.” “Nothing should be allowed to interfere with the education of our children. . . . All farmers should make an effort to send their sons, who are to succeed them, to schools where they can obtain instruction in agriculture.” There were many other declarations equally as important, which indicate the tenor of the instruction given in the Tuskegee Institute.
Booker Washington has followed right principles concerning the education of the colored boy and girl; and when I see the work he has done, I only wish that, years ago, we had followed the instruction given us regarding industrial training, that to-day we might be leading instead of slowly bringing up the rear in this great educational movement. It is our privilege to lead; but we missed the opportunity. The son of a slave is outrunning us. Our only hope is to step fast in the advanced light which is ours, and by God's grace to redeem the time.
Near Rome, Ga., we visited a company of most devoted Christian workers. About six years ago Miss Martha Berry gave eighty acres of land for the use of an Industrial school for Highland boys. This school now accommodates one hundred fifty young men,—young men who have been aroused to exert themselves for an education. They carry on the work of the farm, dairy, cannery, and home under the instruction of a few men and women whose devotion to a cause is seldom equaled.
Then we climbed a mountain to a little school right among the Highlanders. Here, too, is a little company of our own workers, struggling to teach forty or fifty children who come from mountain homes, ministering to the physical needs of a people full of aches and pains, who know not how to care for their bodies, and to whom the medical missionary is a Godsend. The school farm in this upland region is the only visible means of support. Some man to whom God has entrusted means, and who can work with boys, could do a world of good here. Is there not some one who wants to know more of this place, not out of idle curiosity, but because the Spirit is forcing from him the words, “Here am I”? I will gladly tell such ones more.
There are hundreds of places waiting to be entered. The school at Madison, Tenn., is here to help prepare men and women for such places. You ought to know something about what you can get here in the way of a preparation for work in the South and in foreign fields, and you may have the information for the asking. M. BESSIE DeGRAW.

India

By Georgia A. Burgess

In his annual examination of the Hindu girls’ school in a certain town under his charge, the presiding elder of a Methodist mission was very much surprised a short time ago, on questioning the girls on the fourth commandment, to have them, in answer to his question, “Which day is the Sabbath?” unanimously reply, “Saturday.” On investigating the matter, it was found that the native missionary in charge of the work in that place had so instructed the children, he himself having become convinced that the Word of God means just what it says.
For several months we have been corresponding with this young man, and sending him literature on the Sabbath and other points of present truth. A few weeks ago it was our privilege to meet him and spend a few days in study with him and his family. It was truly refreshing to see them drink in the message.
For three years this man had been troubled over the Sabbath question,—long before he had ever heard of Seventh-day Adventists. Hearing in some way of our work in Dehra Dun last summer, he decided to send his younger brother, who was just out of school, to Dehra to hear more of this teaching. This brother spent several months with us, accepted the truth fully, was baptized, and has since been engaged in the work. On returning to his home, he taught his brother and father-in-law what he had learned, and put them into correspondence with us. For about two months they with their families have been keeping the Sabbath, and selling and distributing our literature, though still retaining their connection with the Methodist mission.
On the occasion of the annual conference of the Methodists in that district, a short time ago, the presiding elder stated in an open meeting that he regretted that some of the workers were being led away by the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventists, and that something would have to be done about it. This brother (to whom, of course, reference had been made) arose, and asked for the names of those who were thus being deceived. The presiding elder stated that he did not wish to make them public, as it might bring pressure to bear upon them in the conference. Immediately this brother arose and said, “Here is one of them,” and requested them to set him right if he were going astray.
Strenuous efforts have been made to keep him from severing his connection with his former mission. Twice since the beginning of the year his salary has been raised, and a bicycle has been given him for his village work; but he told them plainly that he did not care for their money. It was the truth he wanted.
On the occasion of our visit with them a few weeks ago, after studying the message more fully, the young man and his father-in-law decided to sever their connection with the Methodist people, in order that they might be free to devote their whole time to this work. A few days ago we had a letter from them, stating that they had sent in their resignation, and were now working as Seventh-day Adventists; and though they were meeting with much opposition, they were rejoicing in the truth. This, to them, is truly a step of faith, as they have received no promise whatever of support from us, and both of them have large families dependent upon them. But we know that the One who has led them thus far, and given them courage to step out on his promise, will continue to open the way before them, that they may be free to devote their time to the spread of this message among the Hindustani people.
It is truly wonderful the way the message is spreading among these people. Only a few days ago we learned of twelve young men in a school who had given up the use of meat, and had begun to keep the Sabbath through reading some of our Hindustani literature. One of these young men had written to his father, telling him of the step that he had taken, but when the letter reached the father, it found him, the mother, and another younger brother keeping the Sabbath. They also had received some literature and teaching on this subject through one of our native workers. It was a great privilege to meet with this gray-headed father, and hear his expressions of thanksgiving for this precious truth that has found him in his old age. He is eagerly looking forward to the time when he will have the privilege of being baptized and uniting fully with God’s remnant people. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”
GEORGIA A. BURGESS.

A Home for Orphans

By D. A. Shields

AFTER returning from the teachers’ summer school at Graysville, Tenn., I paid a visit to the Toluca (N. C.) Orphans’ Home and Industrial School. I met a hearty welcome at the hands of Elder D. T. Shireman and Sister Shireman. With them at present are their charges, whose happy faces and rosy cheeks betoken healthful bodies and happy hearts. Indeed, being about the home for several days, I could but remark the kindliness with which they were controlled, and the alacrity with which the little folks obeyed. A stranger on coming into the home could not tell, except for the physical appearance, but what Elder and Sister Shireman were the father and mother, and the little fellows all brothers and sisters.
Elder Shireman’s plan is to have twelve to fifteen little folks in one home, then build another home and get a foster father and mother for it, and thus have the children grow up under pleasant, homelike surroundings, and by this means keep them from so much mechanical drill.
Elder Shireman deserves not only the moral but the financial support of those who have the care of the fatherless at heart. He especially solicits aid from outside parties, but any one desiring to assist in this matter will be supplied with proper blanks arranged for that purpose. D. A. SHIELDS.

Sumatra

By G. A. WANTZLICK

PADANG.— We were pleased to learn, through two letters received from Brother E. H. Gates, that so far the three young Battak men in training at our Singapore School seem to enjoy being there, and show a willingness to take hold of any line of mechanical work, both in the printing line and carpentering. Some little time will be required before any direct advance steps can be taken with any degree of safety in pushing the interest in Battakland.
Here in Padang, the leading town of Sumatra, we have reached a point of special interest, and are eagerly looking for favorable decisions to be made by some who have given marked attention to the message from the outset. These would prove agents through whom access might be obtained to the vast Malay-speaking community. We feel our helplessness at this juncture keenly, yet continue to pray, and work, and trust, that the Lord will help us out just now, in pressing back the darkness, and enable these poor souls to walk in the light. The deep joy of knowing that “the seed” of truth—the Word of God—will ultimately surely yield a harvest of souls for the kingdom, and the satisfaction at heart of having extended the warning message to every European and Dutch-speaking family in Padang, enables us to wait with patience the returns which are promised.
G. A. WANTZLICK.

Brazil

By John Lipke

RIO GRANDE DO SUL.—Right after our last conference at St. Maria I received a letter from one of our brethren who wrote me that he had sold some of his property, and as he had devoted it to the Lord's work, he asked me to come and get it. We were indeed glad for this good news, because we needed the money, and on the other hand we could see the brother's confidence in this cause. He had given the property to the Lord because his Spirit had shown him the necessity. When I visited him, he gave me nearly one thousand dollars, and left it to us to decide to what purpose to devote it. Our conference committee decided to divide this sum among four branches. Lately one brother told me again that he would donate to our publishing house two thousand milreis, or about six hundred sixty dollars, as soon as he could sell his property. We are glad to see that the Spirit of God is working among us, and making hearts willing to give of their means to hasten this good work.
After attending to conference matters at home, I left Taquary to visit some scattered groups of our people. In two days I arrived at Taquara, a town where we held a local tent-meeting last February. Here we found Brother Olm still at work, and he reports a good interest. He called my attention especially to one man, a physician, who is daily reading his Bible, and is interested in our doctrines. A number of interested persons attended an evening meeting that was held during my short stay. We believe that a number will finally accept the truth here.
From Taquara we went on horseback to Solitario, where we have two families of our brethren who are faithfully living out the truth. In a family school that is held in the house of one of the brethren, they are training their children for the Lord. After we had celebrated the Lord's ordinances, we returned to Taquara, and the next day we rode on to Rolante, where some of our Brazilian brethren live. We thank the Lord for what he has done for these native brethren. Considering that they have been Catholics, they have made good progress in every way. They have adopted health reform, are paying tithe faithfully, and try to be witnesses for the truth wherever they get a chance among their countrymen. It did my soul good to see boys and girls come forward and pay their tithes. Having heard that the Lord through the spirit of prophecy has said that meeting-houses should be built, the few brethren decided to build one for meeting and school purposes. I found it already under roof. When it is ready and furnished, they expect to open a school.
From this place we rode to Canta Gallo, a colony in the mountains where we have three families standing for the truth. A bad and steep road leads into this colony; after a rainy season it is difficult to pass. Our brethren are not often visited by a minister, and they were glad to see us. The different churches are far apart, and on account of the long distances a minister has to travel, it is impossible to visit the brethren often. During the short time we spent together, the Lord came very near. Interested souls who came to see how we celebrated the Lord's ordinances, were so impressed that they shed tears.
The following Sabbath day found us again among our Brazilian brethren. From ten o'clock in the morning till six in the afternoon we had meetings, at noon having an intermission of only an hour and a half. Never before have so many people come together here as on that day. In the afternoon, after the examination of the candidates for baptism, we baptized eight persons, and then celebrated the Lord's ordinances. Great blessings were received, and the Spirit of God touched many hearts. After the close of the Sabbath we traveled till after ten o'clock until we reached Rolante again, and from there we returned to Taquara. Here our German brethren from three directions came together for the communion service, and before a good number of strangers whom we had invited, we celebrated the ordinances. It was indeed a solemn occasion. As the Spirit of God came near, and we celebrated the ordinance of humility, good attention was paid, and a deep impression was made upon all. Among those present were an interested lawyer and a commissioner of police.
A few days before our canvassers' institute began, I reached Taquary. Praise the Lord for his keeping care and the many blessings we received on this trip.
JOHN LIPKE.

Opportunities in Louisiana

By I. T. Reynolds

THINKING that perhaps there may be some among our brethren in the Northern or Central States in whose ears the call to the Southern field has long been ringing, and who desire to know something concerning prospects and conditions here in Louisiana, I will state some facts.
Louisiana lies below latitude 33° north, has an area of 45,966 square miles, 59 parishes (counties), and 28,000,000 acres of land, in which is included the largest body of alluvial lands in the world. Only about 5,500,000 acres are in cultivation, on which are yearly produced nearly $100,000,000 worth of crops.
Land can be bought very reasonably, the price varying according to richness of soil, improvements, etc. Products are varied and abundant. Sugar, cotton, corn, rice, oats, sorghum, millet, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits (such as peaches, grapes, oranges, figs, etc.), are easily raised. Horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and goats thrive on the nutritious Bermuda grass and cane-break.
The population of Louisiana is nearly 1,500,000; largely American born, with a large percentage of French and Italian. The climate is healthful, not subject to extremes of heat in summer or cold in winter.
Now as to our work here. Only about thirty of the fifty-nine parishes have had our literature placed in them to any extent, and only ten of them during recent years, so that much of our territory is virgin soil for the canvasser. Times are as good here as in other States, and the people seem anxious to buy our literature; in fact, it seems that the Lord has in a special manner prepared this people to receive this message.
Wherever our books are sold, an interest has been awakened, with a desire for more instruction. Canvassers can go over the same territory again with splendid success. During the last conference year four of our canvassers sold four thousand dollars’ worth of books, and the time reported was less than five months each.
Our workers do not need to lay off on account of severe cold weather, but can work twelve months in the year. We want good, energetic workers to come and locate among us, to assist in giving these kind, hospitable people the great truth we love so much, and for which they are hungering.
I shall be glad to answer the inquiries of any one interested in this field. My address is Box 18, Pineville, La.
I. T. REYNOLDS, State Agent.

Support for the Burgess Mission

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

The foregoing report shows, as is also shown by other reports from different parts of the world, that God is doing something out of the ordinary. The glad readers of the REVIEW know that Brother and Sister Burgess went first alone among the Hindustani people, and that it was Sister Burgess' choice to pay their expenses by earning the money selling the Bible Training School. Our people purchased this publication freely, and have donated for that enterprise since then; and those who did this are still doing it, and in this way laying up treasure in heaven according to Luke 12:33.
Still the stock is good, and any one who has a stray dollar here or there can find a safe place to put it, in a bag that “will not wax old.” All funds sent for this purpose to the Bible Training School, South Lancaster, Mass., will be faithfully forwarded to Brother and Sister Burgess. S. N. HASKELL.

Received on the $150,000 Fund

By I. H. EVANS

up to Aug. 4, 1908
***Atlantic Union Conference*** Central New England ........$ 2,791.02 Greater New York .......... 1,682.41 Maine ....................... 865.39 New York .................. 2,346.50 Southern New England ...... 1,210.50 Vermont .................... 1,406.74 Western New York .......... 2,085.61 Total ....................... 12,388.17
Canadian Union Conference Maritime .................. 601.49 Quebec ...................... 181.64 Ontario ..................... 821.78 Newfoundland ................ 20.80 Total ....................... 1,625.71
Central Union Conference Colorado .................... 4,771.98 Kansas ...................... 3,960.02 Missouri .................... 2,009.50 Nebraska .................. 6,123.63 Wyoming ................... 881.92 Total ....................... 17,747.05
***Columbia Union Conference*** Chesapeake .................. 804.01 Eastern Pennsylvania ...... 2,560.51 New Jersey ................. 1,246.98 Ohio ...................... 6,402.43 Virginia .................. 1,034.77 West Pennsylvania ........ 1,989.49 West Virginia ............. 558.86 Total ....................... 14,597.05
***District of Columbia*** Washington churches ....... 1,401.54
Lake Union Conference East Michigan ............... 3,185.48 Indiana ................... 5,249.02 North Michigan ............ 2,074.00 Northern Illinois ......... 2,977.86 Southern Illinois ......... 1,652.50 West Michigan ............. 8,774.70 Wisconsin ................... 6,276.23 Total ....................... 30,189.79
North Pacific Union Conference Montana ................... 1,085.37 Upper Columbia ............ 3,036.43 Western Washington ........ 3,370.03 Idaho ....................... 1,045.20 Western Oregon .............. 3,937.36 Hawaii ...................... 21.05 Alaska ...................... 20.00 Total ....................... 11,615.44
***Southern Union Conference*** South Carolina ............ 315.84 Alabama ..................... 623.14 Tennessee River ........... 1,406.31 Florida ................... 976.48 North Carolina ............ 954.75 Cumberland ................ 1,360.99 Louisiana ................. 572.54 Mississippi ................. 413.33 Georgia ................... 474.97 Conference not specified .... 97.41 Total ....................... 7,195.76
***Northern Union Conference*** Iowa ...................... 9,761.86 Minnesota ................. 5,811.64 South Dakota .............. 2,672.47 North Dakota .............. 2,181.63 Conference not specified .... 73.82 Total ....................... 20,501.42
***Pacific Union Conference*** Southern California ....... 4,925.38 Arizona ................... 466.79 California-Nevada ......... 10,258.53 Utah ...................... 440.58 Total ....................... 16,091.28
Southwestern Union Conference Arkansas .................. 938.93 Oklahoma .................... 4,248.68 Texas ....................... 2,622.14 Conference not specified .... 22.82 New Mexico .................. 2.00 Total ....................... 7,834.57
Western Canadian Union Conference Alberta ................... 1,211.35 British Columbia ............ 303.60 Manitoba .................... 350.76 Saskatchewan Mission Field .. 63.10 Total ....................... 1,928.81
Unknown Unknown ..................... 161.70
Foreign Algeria ................... 13.33 Australia ................... 188.48 Bermuda ..................... 36.00 China ....................... 175.25 South Africa ................ 439.02 Jamaica ..................... 73.86 Yukon Territory ............. 20.00 England ..................... 283.99 West Africa ............... 50.00 Mexico ...................... 65.97 India ....................... 418.25 South America ............... 82.81 Switzerland ................. 9.69 Central American Mission .... 26.00 Trinidad .................... 28.69 Norway ...................... 25.00 Japan ....................... 17.50 Haiti ....................... 5.00 Egypt ..................... 51.55 Palestine ................... 2.00 Tobago, W. I. ............... 1.22 Cuba ........................ 8.00 Hungary ..................... 3.00 Tahiti ...................... 15.83 France ...................... 6.80 Philippine Islands .......... 1.00 Samoa ....................... 8.00 Barbados .................... 5.00 Portugal .................... 6.00 Straits Settlements ......... 10.08 Pitcairn Island ............. 20.00 New Zealand ................. 1.52 Fiji ........................ 4.87 St. Kitts ................... 7.51 Ireland ..................... 25.56 Russia ...................... 5.00 Denmark ..................... 14.59 Santo Domingo ............... 2.50 West Caribbean .............. 96.35 Total ....................... 2,255.22 Grand Total .................$145,533.51
I. H. EVANS, Treasurer.

Field Notes and Gleanings

NINE persons were recently added to the Buffalo (N. Y.) church, some of these receiving their membership by letter.
BROTHER THOMAS MURPHY reports that there has recently been an addition of three to the number of Sabbath-keepers at Hattiesburg, Miss.
AT the close of the summer school at Berrien Springs, Mich., two of the number who were in attendance were baptized by Prof. J. H. Haughey.
AT Indiana, Pa., five persons were recently baptized, and five united with the church. Four of those baptized were students of the church-school.
A REPORT in the Atlantic Union Gleaner states that seven new members have been enrolled in the New York City church, No. 1, during the last quarter.
THE Columbia Union Visitor reports that on Friday evening, July 17, an elder of the Church of God and his wife united with the Charleston (W. Va.) church.
A REPORT from Jerome, Ariz., states that four persons have recently accepted the truth there, and that they have organized a Sabbath-school of twelve members.
ELDER J. ERNEST BOND, in a report in the Pacific Union Recorder, says of his tent effort in Douglas, Ariz.: “Fourteen precious souls were buried with their Lord in baptism, and one brother who was not prepared at that time was baptized the following day. Three expect to be baptized next Sabbath, and five more, who have begun to obey the message, expect to follow soon.”

Time a Precious Talent

By E. R. P.

ONE of the most precious talents God has given to his stewards is the talent of time. One reason why it is so precious just now is because it is fast slipping away. Only a little time is left in which we can work. In view of this fact, and the great work to be done in carrying the gospel to all nations, it is often a wonder to us, as we look over the State and union conference papers, to see how little time some of our agents actually work each week. In many conferences the average time worked a week is less than twenty hours for each agent. How would a man of the world prosper if he wasted his time as some of our canvassers are wasting theirs? and yet those same canvassers, who work from ten to twenty hours a week, wonder at the close of the season why they have failed to earn a scholarship, why the canvassing work is not more profitable, why the Lord has not blessed them with the large sales others have made. The answer can almost invariably be found in the record of time worked.
In view of this sad fact it is refreshing to see such reports as we find published in the Northern Union Reaper of July 28. In Minnesota thirty-one canvassers averaged thirty-three hours each during the week. Eleven of these thirty-one agents worked forty hours or more, and five out of the eleven worked fifty hours or more.
The reports from North and South Dakota are so refreshing to look at that we pass them on:—

Report of the Canvassing Work in North Dakota

(Week ending July 18, 1908)
AGENT BOOK HOURS ORDERS VALUE
O. Grundset Great Controversy 35 13 $37.25
J. H. Roth Great Controversy 61 33 $99.75
F. Christy Great Controversy 38 24 $69.00
Peter Richert Great Controversy 48 15 $45.35
V. W. Pallerson Great Controversy 77 30 $100.25
E. Nelson Heralds of the Morning 75 17 $34.00
John Lorenz Daniel and the Revelation 14 8 $26.00
I. C. Schmidt Daniel and the Revelation 48 14 $44.50
Totals 396 154 $456.10

Report of the Canvassing Work in South Dakota

(Week ending July 18, 1908)
AGENT BOOK HOURS ORDERS VALUE
Jas. M. Johnston Great Controversy 49 15 $48.35
Alfreda Mortensen Great Controversy 28 11 $32.50
Agatha Johnson Great Controversy 48 14 $43.75
Geneva Anderson Great Controversy 41 20 $58.00
Clara Kier Great Controversy 39 19 $66.75
Olive Crum Great Controversy 35 15 $46.25
C. M. Christy Great Controversy 44 19 $55.25
C. F. Cole Great Controversy 60 17 $59.20
W. H. Twining Great Controversy 39 14 $59.75
Carl Thompson Great Controversy 31 7 $27.25
F. B. Jewell Great Controversy 20 8 $33.75
Chris Peterson Daniel and the Revelation 40 3 $8.25
L. Peterson Daniel and the Revelation 50 8 $22.00
Fred Bolton Daniel and the Revelation 57 16 $54.80
Geo. W. Tucker Daniel and the Revelation 56 12 $37.70
J. H. Eastman Daniel and the Revelation 47 20 $69.15
Lillian Aalborg Heralds of the Morning 40 8 $15.50
Bess Porter Heralds of the Morning 24 9 $16.50
Ethel Barber Heralds of the Morning 12 8 $14.00
Regina Litwinenke Heralds of the Morning 78 66 $115.50
Totals 838 309 $884.20
Some of our canvassers who think they are having a hard time working from ten to twenty hours a week will do well to study these reports in detail, and see if they can not discover an answer to their oft-repeated question, “Why do I not succeed better?” Tell us plainly, dear friends, you who are only working one-half or one-third time, would you not like to have your name stand in a list like this among faithful young people who are averaging from forty to fifty hours a week?
You may think it hardly possible for a canvasser to work seventy-five hours in one week. The writer is not prepared to explain just how it was done; for he is not acquainted with the facts; but we have looked up the record, and have found that these reports, with the exception of the last name in the report from South Dakota, are for one week only.
We also publish below a report from Wisconsin. This is the second one which we have published from that State. This one shows an average of thirty-nine hours for each agent. The previous report showed an average of a little over forty-three hours for each agent. We heartily congratulate these canvassers who are doing such faithful work.

Report of the Canvassing Work in Wisconsin

(Week ending July 11, 1908)
AGENT BOOK HOURS ORDERS VALUE
Edgar Brigham Home and Health 44 23 $78.05
Fred E. Middlested Great Controversy 43 20 $61.55
Carl Wilson Great Controversy 39 17 $51.25
Marie Laursen Prophecies of Jesus 39 22 $44.50
Louis Scholtz Great Controversy 42 11 $39.00
O. J. Olsen Great Controversy 35 13 $37.75
Henry Winn Great Controversy 40 10 $33.25
Frank Halderson Daniel and the Revelation 45 9 $28.70
W. P. McCrillis Coming King and Great Con. 43½ 12 $27.00
A. Carlson Great Controversy 60 8 $24.40
Reuben Wilson Home and Health 34 5 $18.00
Sina Gjerde Heralds of the Morning 31 6 $14.75
Lizzie M. Keate Seer of Patmos 14 $5.65
Totals 509½ 156 $458.85
E. R. P.

A Panic-Proof Power

By E. R. P.

THE power of the gospel is the only power which can withstand the panics and other calamities which are coming upon the people of this world. God’s resources are all within his own hands, and he holds them subject to the needs of his children who put their trust in him.
This principle is being put to the test during this strange year of storms, panics, and politics. For a long time we have been teaching our canvassers that hard times can not injure us, so long as we keep them on the outside. The value of that truth is now being put to the test.
Last year was a time of unparalleled prosperity until the panic came late in the autumn. Our publishing houses were very busy. This seemed perfectly natural, and no one was surprised.
This year business is dull, and, therefore, it is an astonishment to dealers in paper, and other merchants from whom we obtain our supplies, that our publishing houses are even more busy this year than they were last. They inquire how we manage our business to keep it prospering in such times of depression. Worldly men can not comprehend the answer. It is found in the simple gospel fact that God is master of circumstances, and can give water from a rock, manna in the desert, and success to his work when all outward conditions are unfavorable.
In a recent number of the REVIEW a report was given that fifty thousand copies of our message-filled periodicals are sent out from the Review and Herald Office every week. Here is another good item:—
During the month of July the retail value of publications sent out by the Review and Herald Office amounted to one thousand dollars a day for the full number of days in the month.
Let us be of good cheer, dear brethren and sisters, and greatly rejoice that we have resources within our reach which the world has not given, and which it can not take away. E. R. P.

Current Mention

— A strike of shopmen, affecting the entire line of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, was declared on August 5. It is estimated that twelve thousand men walked out, and this in spite of the fact that the arrangement under which they were working had been reached as a result of arbitration brought about by the government.
— The practical utility of wireless telegraphy is being demonstrated by the fleet of American warships now on their way to Australia. Ever since leaving the Pacific Coast of the United States, they have been in touch with the home government by means of wireless messages, some of which have spanned two thousand miles of water.
— During the past week disastrous forest fires have been raging in eastern British Columbia. So far no authentic statement has been made as to the exact number that have lost their lives in the conflagration, but it is known that a proportionately large number have perished. The property loss has been placed at nearly five million dollars. Reports state that two towns of over three thousand inhabitants have been practically destroyed. The burned area is said to be from three to ten miles wide and about fifty miles long.
— Mr. Asquith, prime minister of Great Britain, while welcoming and approving the work of idealists in the direction of international peace, declared in a recent speech at a government banquet that the youngest person now living would not witness a time of universal peace among the nations. He said that the annual expenditure by the great nations of $2,500,000,000 for implements of war was not made with the idea of using those things for ornaments. He declared they were intended for use, and some day they would be let loose upon the world.
— The great German air-ship built by Count Von Zeppelin was totally destroyed during a storm on August 5, when it was about to complete a very successful flight of nearly two hundred fifty miles. The air-ship had remained in the air twenty-four hours with only two descents for minor repairs. While anchored to the ground a severe windstorm struck the balloon, and for some unaccountable reason the gas exploded. The German government has voted the count $125,000 for another air-ship, and contributions are being taken up among the people for the same purpose.
— The newly formed Turkish ministry has resigned, and the sultan has appointed a new one. It is stated that this change of the ministry indicates another triumph for the progressives. The new cabinet is composed practically of the nominees of the Young Turk party, and contains two Christians, one Armenian, and one Greek. Within a fortnight the sultan’s immediate advisers in governmental affairs have been completely changed. An attempt was made on the sultan’s life just previous to the change of the ministry, but his coat of mail turned the point of the assailant’s dagger. The sultan has given up his claim to the right of appointing the ministers of war and marine.

The Publishing Work

Conducted under the auspices of the General Conference Publishing Department.
C. H. JONES     -    -    -    -    Chairman E. R. PALMER    -    -    -    Secretary H. H. HALL      -    -    Assistant Secretary
Continue reading: A ***“Civic Revival”