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Review and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 22.

If I Should Die Tonight
Earlier text: Personal Labor in St. Clement's Camp, Malta

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Meeting

By D. H. Kress; F. H. Robbins

DURING the union conference meetings which were held in Pittsburgh the most popular theater in the city was secured, and at the present writing two Sunday night meetings have been held by Elder Daniells. The theme considered was the second coming of Christ and the signs which indicate its nearness. The interest manifested in these meetings was entirely out of the ordinary. Hundreds were turned away one Sunday night, although the theater has a seating capacity of more than two thousand. It is difficult in large gatherings of this character to determine just what kind of impression is made upon the minds of the hearers. It is only by personal contact that this can be ascertained.
About two thousand names and addresses were handed in, with the request for reading matter on the subjects considered. Many of these were the names of prominent business and professional men of the city. Elder F. H. Robbins and I on Monday morning started out together to call on some of these men and women. One thing has surprised us, and that is the courtesy with which we were received. Naturally we expected to meet some opposition. We have been engaged in this work for one week, and so far we have met no opposition whatever. On the other hand, all whom we have met, possibly with the exception of one, and he is far from being a hopeless case, seem to have been in readiness to receive truth and to welcome it. Again and again as we would leave these offices, Elder Robbins would say, “Have you ever seen anything like it?” and I would have to admit, “I never have.”
A head waiter at one of the leading hotels, who had requested reading matter, not merely expressed his own interest in present events and their significance as revealed in the Bible, but told us that these things are the common topic of conversation at the tables, and just as two business men were passing into the dining-room, he said, “There are two men who attend the meetings.”
We are surprised to find bright, intelligent business men who have been students of prophecy. “What is meant by the three and one-half years of Revelation 12?” was the question asked by one business man. We sat down with him and explained the 1260-year period, bringing him down to the end, when knowledge shall be increased, and “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried.” The next question was regarding the Sabbath. This also was answered. These were questions which came from an honest inquirer. When we left him, although it took him from his work for one hour, he expressed his appreciation, and said, “I feel that I have taken too much of your valuable time.” We left a supply of reading matter on the topics on which he desired to read.
A literary man about fifty years of age, a graduate of Cornell and of a Glasgow (Scotland) university, inquired concerning our mission, and when we explained it to him, his heart was touched, and tears came to his eyes as he said, in an apologetic manner, that he was not living up to his privileges. Appropriate reading matter was placed in his hands.
The owner of a large store sat down with us and for more than an hour we talked on points of our faith, in answer to his questions. His heart was receptive. He wished to secure the book “Daniel and the Revelation,” and desired other reading matter.
I can explain all this in only one way, and that is that the angels of God go in the way before those who in the spirit of Christ take up this long-neglected work in the cities.
All this emphasizes our need of becoming thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures, so as to be able to give an intelligent answer to questions that are troubling the minds of the people. It also clearly emphasizes the need of having a living experience ourselves. I myself feel more keenly the need of going to the people in the spirit of Christ and of presenting the truth in tender love.
It is useless to attempt this work without a thorough preparation of heart. The time spent in prayerful study of the Bible and the Testimonies in the morning before going out is not time lost. It is better to go without breakfast than to neglect this. When Jacob was left alone and wrestled with God in prayer, he prevailed, and even his brother Esau, whom he had not yet met, became his friend, and when they saw each other face to face, Esau fell on Jacob’s neck and kissed him. When Jacob’s heart was all subdued and mellowed, and he felt his utter helplessness and dependence upon God, God could touch the heart of his brother.
It is evident that the time has come for us to pray and work for those nearest and dearest to us, and to take a special interest in the welfare of our neighbors and friends. God has given to every one his work. In this closing work all will be workers. We are told: “When the churches become living, working churches, the Holy Spirit will be given in answer to their sincere request. Then the truth of God’s Word will be regarded with new interest, and will be explored as if it were a revelation just from the courts above. They will then plead with souls with an earnestness that cannot be repulsed. Then the windows of heaven will be open for the showers of the latter rain.”—Review and Herald, No. 25, 1890.
D. H. KRESS.
MEETINGS were opened in the Pitt Theater, Sunday evening, March 12. Elder Daniells preached three Sunday nights; then, as his evangelistic work begun in Portland a short time ago called him away, Prof. B. G. Wilkinson was invited to take up the work where Brother Daniells left it, and to speak in the theater during this series of meetings.
Dr. D. H. Kress, of Washington, D. C., is here, and he and I are now visiting the business men. Elders D. A. Parsons and J. P. Gaede, five Bible workers, and some colporteurs will visit and hold studies with the people in their homes.
Elder Parsons advertised the meetings well through the newspapers; also used a large number of personal invitations. The people greatly enjoyed Elder Daniells’s lectures, and last Sunday night many said that they highly appreciated Professor Wilkinson’s address.
Pittsburgh is ripe for the message. Letters are coming to the conference office almost every day, asking for reading matter on our faith. Our workers are finding many interested people as they visit. A shrewd, bright, clean-cut business man swung back from his desk in his office chair, and talked to Dr. Kress and me about an hour and a half. He has been a Sunday-school teacher for years, and is familiar with the Scriptures. After talking with us for some time, he asked if we were Seventh-day Adventists. We replied, “Yes.” He said, “Gentlemen, what have you come in here for? Do you want me to shut up my shop on Saturday?” Before we left him, he acknowledged that Saturday is the Sabbath, and we could see the deep movings of the Spirit of God on him in a marked manner. We then bowed our heads together around his desk in a word of earnest prayer. Dr. Kress gave him some reading matter on the Sabbath question and the second coming of Christ. The man said that he had been too much of a fighter and too argumentative. This statement was made after we had pointed out to him the need of having the law of God written in the heart that it might become a pleasure and a delight to do his will. This is only one of many interesting experiences which we are now having.
We solicit an interest in the prayers of our people everywhere that Pittsburgh may be thoroughly warned and that many may accept the truth. F. H. ROBBINS.

Jamaica

By H. Louie Mignott

PORT MARIA.—This is the capital of the parish of St. Mary, a seaport town and commercial center of some importance on the northern side of the island. Last October Elder C. H. Keslake and the writer were asked to hold a series of tent meetings here. For about a week and a half after our services began, the weather was favorable, but with the coming of the usual fall winds and rain the attendance fell off, and it seemed as if our efforts had been a failure. But now with improved conditions, we rejoice that fourteen new believers are preparing for baptism.
H. LOUIE MIGNOTT.

The Bible Year

Assignment for May 7 to 13

The Psalter

“The Psalter is a marvelous record of human hearts pouring themselves out from age to age in communion with God.” Here are touched all the vicissitudes of human experience, the depths of human trouble, and the heights of joy. There is a world of tenderness toward God which has never been surpassed. . . .
“The subjects are so many and so varied that it is almost impossible to classify them. They touch upon every human experience and every hope of man; they exploit all phases of Israelitish history and God’s dealings with men.
“The leading themes are Creation, the King, Jerusalem, the Law, the Messiah, the Future, God’s Love, Mercy, Justice, and Goodness.
“The prevailing tone is praise. While some are very joyful, others are sad and plaintive, and still others philosophical.
*“The law showed what the religion ought to be; the prophets tell us very plainly what the religion of their times was not; the psalms indicate what the religion was to some.” They are animated throughout with the two sentiments of piety and patriotism.”—H. T. Sell.*

The First Book of Kings

“The two books of Kings constitute but one book in the Jewish canon. They are connected immediately with the two books of Samuel as their continuation. They contain the records of the Hebrew nation from the accession of Solomon to the destruction of Jerusalem, comprising a period of about four hundred and twenty-six years; also several prophetic utterances, whilst the writings of the prophets who lived before and during the captivity receive much elucidation from the contents of the two books themselves. The historical details are supposed to have been written by the historians of their respective times, the whole arranged and put together subsequently by Ezra, or, as some think, by Jeremiah. The first book of Kings comprises the history of the Israelites for about a hundred and twenty-six years, and consists of two distinct and separate portions; the first relating to the history of the undivided kingdom under Solomon, and the second the history of the two separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel for about eighty years. The first portion alone comes now in chronological order (chapters 1 to 11), and refers to the latter days of David, the accession and reign of Solomon, the building and dedication of the temple, and many important events connected with the life and times of Solomon. Note especially Solomon’s wisdom, his prayer at the dedication of the temple, his relapse into idolatry, and the typical character of his reign generally.”—Anderson.

The Stones of the Temple

“Great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones” were brought at Solomon’s command to lay the foundation of the house of the Lord. These stones were “of a lime formation, so white that when polished it resembles marble.” Though the mountain on which Jerusalem is built is of this same rock, it was once supposed that the stones for the temple were brought, like the cedar beams from Lebanon, from a distance. It now appears that these “great stones” were hewed out of the rock and chiseled into shape by Solomon’s masons, aided by the skilled workmen furnished by King Hiram, in a great quarry that extended beneath the city of Jerusalem itself. This cavern was unknown to Europeans until 1852. “Its entrance seems to have been a natural cave; but farther on, its broken walls, its tunnel-like recesses, and the rock-hewn pillars supporting the roof, mark it as the work of man. . . . Scattered here and there upon the floor are hewn blocks, just as they were left by the quarrymen; upon them the marks of the chisel still seem fresh.”
From the nature and extent of this cavern, it is supposed that from the time when Jerusalem was first founded, the stone for its walls, temples, and other buildings was obtained here.

The Hittites

Ahimelech, mentioned in 1 Sam. 26:6, was a Hittite; so was Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba. Reference is often made in the Old Testament to this people, as in 1 Kings 10:29; yet only a few years ago, because the traces of their ancient cities were unrecognized and the territory they occupied was unknown, scoffers denied their existence. However, when the Rosetta stone had unlocked the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and those on the temple at Karnak were read, men who had sneered at the Bible record were surprised to read of the wars of Rameses with the Hittites. “Still the scholars refused to believe that the Hittites were a people of prominence.”
Then came the finding of the clay tablets of Assyria, with their cuneiform writing, whose secrets the Behistun rock inscriptions had unlocked. When these old relics were read, it was found that the Hittites were often mentioned. “Tiglath-pileser, of 1100 B. C., mentions them; Assur-nasir-apli, of 885 B. C., says that he collected tribute from them; and Sargon boasts that in the year 711 B. C., he captured the Hittite capital city of Karkemish, destroyed it, and brought the Hittite people to an end.
“At length, with all these evidences, the scholars acknowledged that the Hittites did exist. Now we know that this mysterious people once had large, fortified, walled cities, . . . and that their power was scarcely inferior to that of Assyria or of Egypt. . . . Thus a nation which played a prominent part in the history of the early world, but to which the scholar of a few years ago denied an existence, is now resuming a place in history. Another voice from beneath the soil of Asia is now calling out its long-silenced testimony.”

Love Your Brother to Love God

“He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

A Commendable Interest

By M. E. KERN

THE Missionary Volunteers of the North Pacific Union Conference have undertaken to raise money for the purchase of land for the Hankow (China) training school. This was accepted as a North Pacific Union enterprise at the recent session.
The Missionary Volunteer secretary of one of the local conferences, in writing to the young people about the enterprise, said:—
“I wish you could have been present at the meeting of the union conference held recently in College Place. When this matter of goals for our young people was brought up, Elder H. W. Cottrell, president of the Western Oregon Conference, made a motion that since the price of the land needed for the Hankow school came to a little more than the goal set for the young people of the union, a collection be taken right there in the meeting to start this fund. This motion was unanimously carried, and I wish you could have seen the pleasure and enthusiasm with which the delegates and other ministers and workers reached down into their pockets for cash to start our fund. As a result we have $50 to our credit in the union conference treasury.”
Such practical interest on the part of the conference workers will surely inspire the young people to do great things.
M. E. KERN.

Missionary Volunteer Department

M. B. KERN — Secretary MATILDA ERICKSON — Assistant Secretary MRS. I. H. EVANS — Office Secretary MEADE MacGUIRE C. L. BENSON J. F. SIMON — Field Secretaries

The Seven Last Plagues

By A. R. SATTERLEE, M. D.

It seems truly significant that coexistent with the development of the special message of preparation for the Messiah's advent, there should be given a special message of physical preparation. At the beginning of this movement all the leaders were much impressed with this part of the message, and though it was different in many ways from other religious efforts, and though some of those first called were encumbered with many habits that were at war with this reform movement, they engaged in the work in a personal way, and became practical exponents of its value. Elder Joseph Bates was a man of rough exterior, and in his seafaring career had many habits that were objectionable; but by the help of the Lord he became one of its most faithful adherents.
Now that many years have passed, it would seem that there should be a special revival of that plain, simple living and that thoroughgoing reform that will enable those who are in course of preparation to pass the searching test of the seven last plagues. For this purpose there have been in course of preparation medically trained men, nurses, sanitariums, and hospitals. Definite instruction regarding healthful living has been given through the agency of the Spirit of prophecy.
As we study the words of David in the ninety-first psalm, it seems very evident that there is a complete blending of the spiritual and physical in the protection of the remnant. “He shall cover thee with his feathers.” This indicates that it is divine protection, in the first place; and the statement, “His truth shall be thy shield and buckler,” indicates that reform methods that are as a buckler in time of peace, will become a shield in the time of distress and when the plagues are falling.
Shall we not make a thorough study of the principles of healthful living as outlined in the various chapters of the writings of Mrs. E. G. White? Some of these truths enter very deeply and scientifically into the cause and cure of disease, and should be given careful and prayerful consideration.
As physicians we naturally seek for the latest and best methods which the leaders of our profession are advocating. No doubt some benefit may be derived from this, but in the end it is sure to fail of reaching the mark.
Moses had a peculiar experience in dealing with Pharaoh and the magicians. He might have had the privilege of being the chairman of the board of magicians, but he had previously by faith made another choice.
Daniel likewise had the special temptations of the worldly men of his day. He could court worldly favor at the expense of principle if he wished, but he chose the right way. That way seemed outwardly dangerous, if not suicidal; but once having made the decision to walk in God's way, he received the divine protection. “He shall cover thee with his feathers.” Daniel could see that which Darius could not see. Daniel could see, and believe, and trust the invisible. He endured as seeing the invisible. In the test that came to Moses and to Daniel vital principles were involved. It was then, as now, impossible to combine the two ways, for they were ever at variance.
As Moses faced the magicians of his day and was sustained and upheld by the divine power of God, so also will those be who follow the pathway of Moses. The way may seem at times rather unprofessional, but it is the only right way.
In the beginning of the plagues, there seemed no apparent difference in the way of Moses and that of the magicians. Moses really seemed to be the insignificant element. But when the plague of lice came, the magicians could not imitate the miracles that were wrought. During the next two plagues, the magicians were undoubtedly giving thoughtful consideration to the works of Moses. When the boils came, they were afflicted with them; God was demonstrating who were his and who were not. During the latter plagues, the magicians are not mentioned, and were evidently suffering the same afflictions as the others were.
Daniel was put to a severe test. He must associate with worldly men of strength and ability. He must pass a state examination and hold a degree. Not only did he succeed, but he was preferred above the other wise men. In the years that followed, Daniel abundantly proved that he had not neglected the education received in childhood, but stood firm on the divine principles of God's Word.
There can be no doubt that in the last great crisis of the ages every effort will be made to bring the work of God into disrepute. Satan contended with Michael over one failure of Moses, and wished to hold God's servant as his victim. In this he was disappointed. We may know that Satan will contend for mastery every inch of the way when the last dire judgments and calamities are being visited upon the earth. We should highly prize the instruction that has been given to this people, and by faith we shall endure.
When some member of the family is stricken and is at death's door, the question is not asked, How much am I expected to do for him? but, Have I done all that I know how to do? Let us, then, search out every ray of light that has been given, whatever may be the channel through which it came; and by faith we may abide under the shadow of the Almighty. A. R. SATTERLEE, M. D.

Medical Missionary Department

W. A. RUBLE, M. D. — General Secretary
L. A. HANSEN — Assistant Secretary
H. W. MILLER, M. D. — N. Am. Div. Secretary

Colporteurs’ Summary for March, 1916

Unions Agents Books: Hrs. Books: Value 1916 Books: Value 1915 Periodicals: No. Cop. Periodicals: Value 1916 Periodicals: Value 1915
Atlantic
Maine 8 672 $918.50 $536.15 252 $25.20 $133.00
N. New England 8 612 341.25 211.95 872 87.20 147.90
Massachusetts 17 1194 1275.50 400.20 4488 448.80 914.10
S. New England 7 403 574.85 151.90 1642 164.20 174.40
E. New York 22 1911 2301.75 731.70 1885 188.50 289.00
W. New York 4 292 249.00 405.70 355 35.50 705.60
Greater New York 7 660 596.60 220.00 3255 325.50 560.20
Totals 73 5744 6257.45 2657.60 12749 1274.90 2924.20
Columbia
Ohio 36 3319 3019.94 2429.25 2028 202.80 472.80
Chesapeake 10 598 681.00 1136.40 1090 119.00 209.80
Virginia 14 1256 1680.09 183.35 1121 112.10 303.60
W. Pennsylvania 13 1397 1879.25 553.55 1590 159.00 412.00
E. Pennsylvania 9 1058 819.10 574.45 1936 193.60 693.10
West Virginia 13 1259 1793.70 879.65 1202 120.20 122.50
New Jersey 4 336 625.64 591.90 1211 121.10 661.00
Dist. of Columbia 11 640 967.05 602.65 1140 114.00 335.40
Totals 110 9863 11465.77 6951.20 11318 1131.80 3210.20
Lake
E. Michigan 9 812 742.55 1044.53 1545 154.50 603.70
W. Michigan 11 1209 788.88 450.30 10279 1027.90 644.30
N. Michigan 7 669 549.50 289.05 1210 121.00 126.10
Wisconsin 3 405 441.85 1012.85 2881 288.10 504.30
N. Illinois 11 1140 732.88 360.60 3056 305.60 632.40
S. Illinois 18 2140 2089.90 1809.95 1385 138.50 114.70
Indiana 10 1130 1203.35 2183.10 130 13.00 513.10
Totals 69 7505 6548.91 7150.38 20486 2048.60 3138.60
Eastern Canadian
Ontario 2 618.55 805.80 2158 215.80 543.50
Quebec 11.75 20.95 50 5.00 77.50
Maritime 1 287.40 75.20 420 42.00 72.10
Newfoundland 56.60 8.00
Totals 3 974.30 909.95 2628 262.80 693.10
Southern
Louisiana 4 153 234.95 358.35 562 56.20 270.50
Alabama 12 1262 719.05 939.90 1063 106.30 140.00
Kentucky 10 975 1348.55 1835.42 465 46.50 128.50
Mississippi 16 1267 2879.40 2770.10 795 79.50 57.90
Tennessee River 9 907 808.35 537.00 2855 285.50 260.20
Totals 51 4564 5990.30 6440.77 5740 574.00 857.10
Southeastern
Cumberland 7 622 560.25 1155.75 1660 166.00 108.50
Georgia 14 1432 1279.70 1080.60 360 36.00 255.80
North Carolina 14 1648 1389.35 1565.00 886 88.60 87.90
South Carolina 9 1039 1197.20 264.35 440 44.00 96.30
Florida 9 1019 1075.80 1026.50 658 65.80 302.50
Totals 53 5760 5502.30 5092.20 4004 400.00 851.00
Southwestern
Arkansas 11 733 734.80 154.50 30 3.00 118.50
Oklahoma 18 967 1547.00 1835.15 918 91.80 286.60
N. Texas 19 1674 2403.50 317.14 223 22.30 153.00
S. Texas 19 1492 2291.65 590.50 1221 122.10 185.50
W. Texas 8 411 263.20 325.85 135 13.50 87.50
New Mexico 1 127 65.00 102.00 390 39.00 46.50
Totals 76 5404 7305.15 3325.14 2917 291.70 877.60
Central
Missouri 8 1333 1298.10 407.95 785 78.50 498.00
Colorado 5 925 645.75 708.55 500 50.00 163.60
Nebraska 10 1501 2167.60 89.60 1600 160.00 248.70
Wyoming 2 229 252.10 346 34.60 103.50
Kansas 15 2475 2354.65 292.30 2330 233.00 438.20
Totals 40 6463 6718.20 1498.40 5561 556.10 1452.00
Northern
Iowa 9 659 628.40 368.50 1915 191.50 680.70
Minnesota 7 676 536.10 358.00 3162 316.20 1436.40
North Dakota 14.75 774 77.40 158.90
South Dakota 100 10.00 360.00
Totals 16 1335 1164.50 741.25 5951 595.10 2636.00
Pacific
Cen. California 9 722 584.85 76.50 1905 190.50 270.00
California 5 298 655.65 3315 331.50 431.20
N. California 8 498 934.70 267 26.70 207.80
N. W. California 3 279 $312.05
S. California 1 20 31.75 447.00 8177 817.70 910.00
S. E. California 4 232.25
Inter-Mountain 5 490 864.90 781.65 75 7.50 92.60
Arizona 2 124 549.00 11.50 570 57.00 13.00
Totals 37 2431 4165.15 1316.65 14309 1430.90 1924.60
North Pacific
W. Washington 4 519 796.55 2327 232.70 445.60
Upper Columbia 436.35 418 41.80 137.70
W. Oregon 5 280 270.75 375.25 650 65.00 222.00
S. Oregon 100.75 175 17.50 115.00
S. Idaho 3 562 717.35 63.20 168 16.80 95.20
Montana 680 68.00 147.60
Totals 12 1361 1784.65 975.55 4418 441.80 1163.10
Western Canadian
Alberta 530.45 466 46.60 403.50
Manitoba 605 60.50 80.50
British Columbia 245.00 5345 534.50 218.50
Saskatchewan 574 57.40 310.50
Totals 775.45 6990 699.00 1013.00
Foreign and Miscellaneous 4759 475.90 6426.00
Subscription lists 52189 5218.90 6936.40
Foreign Union Conferences and Missions
Australasian 6884 9576.53 8136.64 9887.81
British 24 1822 371.27 1154.49 159533 3241.25 937.29
Scandinavian 93 9804 7079.91 7427.53 16235 1017.93 330.56
Latin 3 1371 769.72 974.85 2794 132.85 234.64
W. German 46 5357 2134.37 2096.75 74931 1662.58 2727.83
E. German 47 4944 2019.79 1307.91 61047 1611.30 2239.49
Danube 16 1544 765.55 621.14 100 2.37
Cen. European 51 4442 1902.45 2752.66 24615 776.18 664.78
W. Russian 132.25
South African 10 691 1346.80 1823.08 484 45.08 642.96
India 457 963.52 210.84 4194 241.83
Korean 52.63 23.72 4392 109.80 74.70
Japan 17.63 14.25 837 35.37 20.88
Philippine 20 1355 862.65 372.00 44.21 79.46
Hawaiian 3 335 710.95 500 45.00
Guatemala 1 158 171.00 3.50
Canary Islands 1 36 20.92 160.60 .57
Porto Rican 5 408 584.10 1123.96 114.16
Cuban 13 426 2034.00 2309.05 20.20
South American 20 1273 1796.86 2255.64 44.27 268.59
Brazilian 7 1188 1374.18 2420.65
Austrian 279.68
Portuguese 629 15.48
Totals, foreign 360 42495 34554.83 35597.69 350291 35029.10 18243.92
Totals, N. Amer. 540 50430 57876.68 37834.54 154019 15401.90 34102.90
Grand totals 900 92925 $92431.51 $73432.23 504310 $50431.00 $52346.82

Comparative Book Summary

1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916
Jan. $44,495.65 $53,931.97 $64,262.88 $59,697.52 $46,778.58 $60,418.25
Feb. 53,923.57 53,525.18 62,813.12 67,149.45 47,943.61 74,298.80
March 73,015.56 73,374.99 66,640.42 75,962.31 73,414.23 92,431.51
April 73,548.31 73,027.32 73,520.45 85,685.35 78,974.96
May 81,923.78 94,166.15 101,640.01 87,024.10 107,987.69
June 135,888.76 137,838.38 137,373.06 153,480.96 151,199.10
July 127,256.86 156,166.90 140,576.24 199,116.62 170,546.02
Aug. 91,810.46 103,165.69 111,660.64 105,391.65 118,773.18
Sept. 86,001.72 67,551.70 73,732.14 74,359.96 78,364.70
Oct. 81,367.89 70,219.07 84,015.90 60,357.25 76,102.53
Nov. 67,600.00 77,424.87 73,949.68 57,388.95 69,660.16
Dec. 58,386.24 57,291.91 59,749.92 57,496.17 69,145.88
Totals $976,218.80 $1017,684.13 $1049,943.46 $1083,110.29 $1088,890.64

Comparative Summary of American Periodicals

1913 1914 1915 1916 1913 1914 1915
Jan.1 177080 152971 170760 177107 July 176772 211040 150880
Feb. 201659 242627 134619 222470 Aug. 153849 171451 152273
Mar. 166499 224757 341059 154019 Sept. 127017 164860 130465
April. 152088 162027 183280 Oct. 126557 174182 123027
May 166465 168934 158114 Nov. 100351 142040 98174
June 156550 189897 159635 Dec. 99504 143190 107229
Totals 1804391 2147976 762048

The Summary

By W. W. EASTMAN

We feel thankful to God that we are able to pass on to the readers of the REVIEW such a splendid summary for March. These summaries from month to month represent the retail value of orders taken for our books, and the retail value of our ten-cent magazines sold for cash, by our faithful colporteurs throughout the world.
It is gratifying to know that the past eight months has shown a steady gain in the sale of our books, over the corresponding months of the previous year, and this in spite of the troublous times existing in our world. Surely there is but one way of accounting for this, and that is that these books contain a message from God to the people and nations of earth, and nothing is to stay the progress of that message till its warning and invitation have reached earth's inhabitants.
The total gain as shown in this summary is $19,000. There is a slight falling off on the sale of books in foreign fields, but a gain in magazine sales; while in the North American Division there is a falling off in magazine sales, but an unusually large gain in the sale of books. Some unions have made very large gains, the Central leading, with a gain of $5,000. We are pleased to see all these splendid gains, but especially to note the progress being made in the Pacific Union, and also to see the Southwest regaining its normal sales.
According to this report, our colporteurs averaged $1.15 an hour in the North American Division, and 90 cents in the world-wide field. W. W. EASTMAN.

Comparative Summary of Foreign Periodicals

January, 1915, 448,128 copies, value $13,166.23; January, 1916, 375,259 copies, value $13,774.74.
February, 1915, 403,134 copies, value $11,357.55; February, 1916, 577,282 copies, value $14,480.57.
March, 1915, 467,626 copies, value $18,243.92; March, 1916, 350,291 copies, value $35,029.10.

Publishing Department

N. Z. TOWN . . . General Secretary
W. W. EASTMAN . . . N. Am. Div. Secretary

News and Miscellany

Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press
— Manitoba had a referendum vote recently on a temperance act. It was an unlucky day for two hundred bars, forty-two wholesale liquor houses, and seven licensed clubs, all of which will close June 1.
— Twenty-one thousand Bibles and Testaments went down with the Japanese steamer “Ysaka Maru,” recently torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea. The books belonged to the British and Foreign Bible Society, and were consigned from London to various points in the East.
— A nation-wide movement was started recently in Washington, D. C., for the erection of a memorial in the national capital in memory of Clara Barton, famous as the “Angel of the Battle Field.” Miss Barton was the founder of the American branch of the Red Cross. Many of the notable men and women of the nation are leaders in the movement for the memorial.
— Experiments have been made in Europe to determine what color in a soldier’s uniform is the least conspicuous to an enemy. Of ten men, two were dressed in light gray uniforms, two in dark gray, two in green, two in dark blue, and two in scarlet. All were then ordered to march off, while a group of officers remained watching them. The first to disappear in the landscape was the light gray.
— The Chinese government recently signed an agreement permitting Russia to construct a railroad in Manchuria. This road will give Russia control in northern Manchuria, in compensation for the railway rights granted Japan in southern Manchuria. The new line is to run from Harbin, on the Siberian railroad, in a northerly direction across Manchuria to a point on the Russian frontier, a distance of more than 660 miles.
— China has abandoned the monarchical form of government, and is again a republic. The mandate creating this change, issued by Yuan Shi-Kai, states that the demand for a monarchy was not unanimous, and therefore he has ceased to be emperor, and resumes the presidency. Officials of the Chinese Republic Association, which has been financing the revolution, are pleased with the change. This association has a membership in the Americas of about 300,000.
— Congress now has before it the largest fortification bill ever reported to that body. It was presented to the House of Representatives as the first of four annual measures which provide for the expenditure of about $100,000,000 for increasing and modernizing the coast defenses of the country. The bill calls for $34,299,050 for this year, and will make possible armaments to defend harbors against the long-range guns of modern battleships, and otherwise strengthen the coast defenses.
— Probably the oldest stained-glass window still in existence is one in a church at Neuwiller, in Alsace, which represents St. Timothy, and which, though dating from the eleventh century, is still in good preservation. Other very ancient examples, which date from the twelfth century, are to be seen in the church of St. Denis, near Paris.
— A side effect of the war that interests every one of us is the increased price of leather, and so of shoes, due to the increasing demand for leather and the diminishing supply. The latest census reports show that the number of cattle has decreased twenty per cent in the last ten years, and the population has increased the same percentage. Shoes, therefore, are to be more expensive. It is said that the increase for the present will be about twenty per cent, but will likely be more by next fall.
— More than twenty prominent tobacco manufacturers of New York City and Brooklyn were arrested recently, and warrants were said to be out for many others, as a result of an investigation made by internal revenue collectors, who claim that the government has been defrauded of millions of dollars by the selling of cheap cigars and cigarettes without stamps, to consumers and dealers throughout the country for the past fifteen years. In a statement issued by the federal authorities in charge of the investigation, the losses to the government through these alleged illegal practices were described as “appalling.” “The proof so far obtained,” the statement says, “has resulted in evidence being secured to date warranting the seizure of about 200 factories in New York and elsewhere.”

NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS

Camp Meetings

ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE

Massachusetts ............ June 8 to 18 Eastern New York .......... June 15 to 25 Western New York ........ June 22 to July 2 Northern New England ...... Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 Maine .............. Aug. 31 to Sept. 10 Southern New England ........ (Undecided)

CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE

Colorado, Denver .......... June 8 to 18 Missouri ................ Aug. 3 to 13 Nebraska ............... Aug. 17 to 27 Kansas ................. Aug. 24 to Sept. 4 Wyoming ............... Sept. 21 to Oct. 1

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE

Virginia, Richmond ...... May 25 to June 4 Chesapeake .............. June 8 to 18 West Pennsylvania ...... June 22 to July 2 Eastern Pennsylvania ...... June 15 to 25 New Jersey ............. July 27 to Aug. 6 Ohio .................. Aug. 17 to 27 West Virginia, North View, Clarksburg ........ Aug. 26 to Sept. 5

EASTERN CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE

Ontario ................ June 19 to 25 Quebec ................. June 25 to July 2 Maritime ............... July 3 to 9 Newfoundland, St. John's .... July 14 to 18

LAKE UNION CONFERENCE

North Michigan .......... June 8 to 18 Wisconsin .............. June 15 to 25 Northern Illinois, Joliet ... June 22 to July 2 East Michigan .......... June 22 to July 2 Southern Illinois ...... Aug. 14 to 20 West Michigan .......... Aug. 17 to 27 Indiana ................ Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 North Michigan ........ Aug. 24 to Sept. 3

NORTH PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE

Southern Idaho, Boise ........ May 18 to 28 Upper Columbia, Walla Walla, Wash. .... May 25 to June 4 Western Oregon, Portland .... June 8 to 18 Southern Oregon, Eugene ..... June 8 to 18 Montana ................ June 15 to 25 Western Washington ..... June 22 to July 2

NORTHERN UNION CONFERENCE

Iowa, Nevada ........... May 25 to June 5 Minnesota, Anoka ........ June 1 to 11 South Dakota, Watertown .... June 8 to 18 North Dakota, Jamestown .... June 15 to 25

PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE

Central California, Hanford .. May 25 to June 4 Northern California, Oak Park, Stockton ........ June 8 to 18

SOUTHEASTERN UNION CONFERENCE

South Carolina, Greenville .... May 4 to 14 Georgia, Fairburn ............ May 18 to 28 Cumberland, Charleston, Tenn. June 1 to 11 North Carolina, Statesville ... June 15 to 25
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