A DISTINGUISHED specialist in children's diseases has carefully noticed the difference between twelve families of drinkers and twelve families of temperate men during a period of twelve years, with the result that he found that the twelve drinking families produced in those years fifty-seven children, while the temperates were accountable for sixty-one. Of the drinkers, twenty-five children died in the first week of life, as against five on the other side. The latter deaths were from weakness, while the former were attributable to weakness, convulsive attacks, or edema of the brain and membranes. To this cheerful record is added five who were idiots; five so stunted in growth as to be really dwarfs; five, when older, became very epileptics; one, a boy, had grave chorea ending in idiocy; five more were diseased and deformed; and two of the epileptics became, by inheritance, drinkers. Ten only, therefore, of this fifty-seven showed normal disposition and development of mind and body during life. On the part of the temperates, as before stated, five died in the first week, of weakness; four, in later years of childhood, had curable nervous diseases; two only showed inherited nervous defects. Thus fifty were normal, in every way sound in body and mind.—Selected.
Care of the Feet in Cold Weather
Of greater influence on the general health than appears at first glance is the care of the feet in winter. Aside from the discomfort suffered, the nerves and temper are never improved by the constant “nagging” of cold feet.
The cause may, of course, be deficient circulation, the heart not being strong enough to pump the blood thoroughly into the capillaries of the extremities, or the cause may be a nervous disorder, and in such cases a physician’s advice is necessary. But in many cases cold feet are the result of neglect, or, to speak plainly, of vanity.
A neat, trim appearance in a shoe that fits perfectly is greatly to be admired; but many times the shoe does not stop here; and a foot is never admirable when squeezed into a shoe so tight that every separate joint is visible. A shoe too narrow forces the bones of the foot together, often causing them to grow out of shape, and always compressing the blood-vessels which wind in and out, over and under, and between the bones. It is the blood supply that warms the feet. If this be impeded at any point, either by too tight and narrow a shoe, by drawing the laces too tight around the ankles, or by tight “garters,” the result is inevitably cold feet. Placing the feet in hot water warms them quickly because the heat rapidly expands the coats of the blood-vessels, particularly of the capillaries, and the blood flows quickly and fully through them.
When the feet are once accustomed to moderately thick-soled shoes, a thin sole is uncomfortable in all seasons. Heavy hose are not always desirable, particularly where there is a tendency to excessive perspiration. In such cases two pairs of thin silk or lisle hose are sometimes satisfactory, the outer pair taking up the moisture from the inner pair, and leaving those next the foot dry.
As a rule, however, light-weight merino is more comfortable for winter, and the perspiration can be controlled by daily bathing in alum water, and then dusting with borated talcum powder. Avoid standing or sitting with the feet over a hot-air register.
For the ordinary case of cold feet bathe in warm water in which is a liberal tablespoonful of mustard, dash cold water over them and rub briskly, slapping the soles in a manner that is really very near to punishment. Exercise by rising upon the toes, then settling back upon the heels, raising the toes from the ground while so doing, repeating this several times, beginning with a few times and increasing the number. Brisk walking is good exercise for cold feet.
Do not wear low shoes and cloth gaiters. Shoes made with an inner cork sole are to be recommended. Do not keep rubber overshoes on longer than is necessary, as they cause the feet to perspire. Feet are more quickly warmed if the shoes are removed.
Never go to bed with cold feet. For nothing in the world is the hot-water bottle a greater boon. The old-fashioned soapstone or flat-iron, a small stone jug—though the latter never seems quite safe—anything is better than cold feet.
Have a pair of knitted, fleece-soled bedroom slippers, or, failing this, a very comfortable pair can be made of eider-down flannel, cut high enough to cover the ankles. Cut them small enough so they will not slip off—elasticity of the material will allow this.—Pilgrim.
Hints From a Trained Nurse
By Housekeeper
TEACH your children to breathe through their noses; if one finds it absolutely necessary to breathe through his mouth, something is wrong, and a physician should be consulted without delay. The difficulty is very probably caused by adenoids, a growth at the back of the nose, which can be removed by a simple surgical operation. If neglected, they are likely to prove more troublesome as time goes on.
Insist that children wash their hands thoroughly before eating. This is not for esthetic reasons, but as a precaution against disease. Do not let them eat sweet things between meals, but give them bread and butter or fruit; if they are really hungry, they will enjoy it, if not they are better off without anything. The sugar consumed by the average American child is the cause of defective teeth, inadequate digestion, and irritable nerves in after-life, even if the ill effects are not at once apparent.
Teach them never to drink from a common cup; there is no more rapid way of spreading disease than by the train tumbler and the school dipper.
Do not let them have ice water, but encourage them to drink as much pure, cool water as possible. The importance of this last can not be overestimated. In my professional career I have seen wonderful cures result from this simple remedy. Many times a prescription reads, “To be taken in half a glass of water,” because the doctors know how hard it is to persuade the average person to take water enough. Two quarts a day is none too much.
Train your children to drink milk slowly, and always to eat something with it. It is particularly dangerous to allow them to gulp down milk when they are overheated and thirsty. The result is a well-nigh indigestible curd, which causes intense pain, and in some cases death.—Housekeeper.
Cultivating Self-Control in Children
By H. C. C.
Did you ever try to sink a cork in water? What happened when you removed the pressure of your hand? Just so unsatisfactory is it to attempt by outside pressure to govern the actions of the boy or girl in whom the element of self-control is uncultivated. The true parent or teacher hails with delight any indication of that inner development in the life of the child that takes away the necessity of that constant holding in check that becomes so irksome alike to the constrainer and the constrained. And so we fan and cherish and nourish the little flame that is the beginning of all true character building.—H. C. C.
Whisky and Snake Bite
DESPITE the popular creed, it is now pretty sure that many men have been killed by the alcohol given to relieve them from the effects of snake bite, and it is a matter of record that men dead drunk with whisky and then bitten have died of the bite.—Prof. S. Weir Mitchell and E. T. Reichert, in Researches on Serpent Poison.
There is no known antidote by which the venom can be neutralized, nor any prophylactic. Whisky intoxication favors the injurious effect of the poison. What is required is to keep the patient alive until the poison is eliminated.—Prof. W. Watson Cheyne, King's College Hospital, London, in International Encyclopedia of Surgery.
In India whisky used to be given for snake bite, but it was found to interfere with the processes of repair, so is being abandoned.—Dr. Sims Woodhead, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, London, England.
Whisky has obtained its reputation as a cure because, as Dr. Mitchell has pointed out, if a snake strikes several times before inflicting a wound, the sacs containing the venom may be emptied, and the bite not introduce enough poison for fatal results.
Dr. Shepard, of Brooklyn, says a hot-air bath will drive out of the system any animal poison, heat being the most perfect eliminator known to man.—Selected.
One of China's Criminals
By CHARLOTTE SIMPSON
CHARLOTTE SIMPSON
ONE day, passing through the streets of our city, we saw a large crowd gathered in front of the Yamen gates, to gaze at a man who was sentenced to death for murder and robbery. He was confined in a wooden cage, having a hole for his head, fitting tightly, so he could not move. One leg and one arm were tied to the side of the cage, while under the other leg was placed a bench, which he could scarcely touch with his toes. In this way he sustained the weight of his body on his toes. Should he not be able to do this, he would, of course, be suspended by his neck and choke. He was kept in this position one day from early morning until late at night. It was a very hot day in July, and the man was given neither food nor drink. He wore no clothing except a pair of short trousers. The sun poured down upon him its fiercest rays, and large numbers of flies, attracted by the fruit skins thrown down by the crowd, tormented the wretched man past all endurance.
FEAST FOR DEPARTED SPIRITS
We were informed that after dark the bench would be taken out, and he would choke to death. The Chinese seemed to feel no pity for him, and when we suggested that surely being put to death was punishment enough, without the torture, they replied that a Chinaman does not fear death, if it is quick, but that he dreads torture and the slow death.
Many modes of torture are resorted to, such as destroying the ear-drums and eyesight, crushing the ankles, and compressing the fingers. Compelling people to kneel on chairs and other articles, and beating them with bamboo, are very frequent punishments, and it is very common to hear of people taken to the Yamen for slight offenses, being confined by heavy wooden shackles on wrists and ankles. It is said that one man begged the officials to change his wooden shackles for iron ones, because the wooden ones were infested by vermin, which cause the unfortunate prisoners intense suffering. Not having the free use of their hands, they can not remove the vermin, and they chafe the skin in their efforts to free themselves from their tormentors, which gradually develops deep sores.
In former years they used to punish murderers and robbers by nailing them to the city wall, and leaving them to die. This practise was discontinued only about twenty-six years ago, while in this city people were buried alive eight years ago.
The Yamen are dreaded by all the Chinese. And well they may fear them, for many innocent people have suffered, and still suffer, almost unheard-of torture at the hands of mandarins and officials, who as a class are unprincipled and corrupt.
As we see darkness and suffering on every side, and remember the many thousands of Chinese who have not yet heard the gospel, our hearts and courage would grow faint within us did we not remember that God has said he will gather a people from every nation and kindred and tongue.
Brethren and sisters in the home land, we need your prayers and help. The fields are ready for harvest, but where are the laborers to gather the precious sheaves into the garner of God? Now is the time for earnest work.
Honan, China.
News From Haran—8
By Z. G. BAHARIAN
Z. G. BAHARIAN
Our eighth trial was on May 18. When we were presented before the court, we saw that the presiding judge was planning to have the clerk read other letters, even though there were a very few points in the former letters to which we wished to give explanations. I arose, and proposed to present these explanations. The president opposed, knowing that these would be to them a stumbling-block in their determined course. For about half an hour I tried to have my explanations read, and at last succeeded.
The first point to be explained was the misuse made of all our writings. They were taking quotations from our letters, cutting them off from their connections, and giving to them political meanings, as they pleased. Our protest was powerful, and the judge could not bear it. Before I had half finished, he ended the trial for that day, and postponed it to another time, murmuring that he would not call us again before a month.
On May 25 we heard of the sudden and unexpected arrival of two overseers, to investigate all the proceedings of the court for the space of eight years. These officers were those appointed especially for the provinces of Adana and Aleppo. One of them was a Moslem, and the other a Greek. We prayed to God, and then wrote a petition containing all the unjust points in our past trials. This petition we forwarded to them through a friend, an American missionary lady. The Greek officer had called to see her charity institutions. This was her best opportunity to hand our petition to him. This she did, telling him of our innocence. My wife also had called on this man last year, when she had gone to Aleppo in our behalf, and explained to him our principles. God stirred his heart to do right. After reading our petitions, he sent for all the papers, letters, and proceedings of the court. After a careful review, he was fully convinced that we had no political guilt, and determined to work for our freedom.
He and his companions called the president and the general attorney, and commanded them to finish our trial soon, and in justice, declaring that in their investigations of us they had found no guilt. The president called the other members of the court, and informed them of the command of the overseers. On June 7 we were called up again for trial, and the whole afternoon was spent for our cause. We saw that the attitude of the court was different. We were allowed to ask what we would, and to say what we desired.
My explanation was completed first. Then the president handed the clerk the first prohibiting commandment of the minister of the interior against our preaching, issued about eight years ago. The clerk read it. Then I took some time to explain how and why it was issued against us, and how it was annulled by another commandment from the same14minister, issued about six years ago, permitting me to preach. The general attorney then asked me: “Why, then, did Shurai Devlet issue another commandment against you?” I then explained minutely the purpose of that commandment. It was issued not because we were insurgents, but because the government was not willing to create another nation because of this new religion. Other religions have been national religions, and the government has committed to each some of the civil works, as marriage, the first notes for citizen papers and passports, etc. These civil works can be performed only when one is a member of these acknowledged religions. Outside of these religions, one is considered an outlaw. No one can marry, travel, buy or sell ground or houses. As Protestant representatives denied that we were Protestants, we were in the condition where our civil rights could not be secured to us. We appealed to the government for these rights. According to the principle of the government, there was only one way to secure these rights, and that was to make our religion national, and so create another nation. As this was a great task for the government, it took the only other possible step, that is, to prohibit our religion. After explaining these things, I told them very plainly that our religion can not be a national one. Our purpose is to preach the gospel, and not to create a nation. We can not take upon us the performance of civil works that belong to the government. We are a church, and not a nation. I was very glad for this opportunity, because this was the heart of our message.
Several other papers were read, and we gave proper replies. The day was spent, and our trial was left till the next day for completion.
Aintab, Turkey.
Experiences of a Ship Missionary
By CHAS. W. PETER
CHAS. W. PETER
Safely within the Golden Gate, and floating securely and quietly down the roadway between the city built upon hills to the right, and Alcatraz Island, Uncle Sam’s fortified watchman of the gate to the left, the white-sailed wanderer of the deep comes to her moorings somewhere close to Goat Island, or is towed to a place that has been selected for her alongside the quay. Here her assorted cargo is discharged from her hold. If she has sailed from the Orient or the islands of the sea, it will most likely be tea, sugar, bananas, etc.; or if from around the Horn, the English, French, or Italian merchantman will be discharging those brands of manufactured goods commonly found labeled “Made in Germany,” etc.
It may be we see a greyhound steamer from the Orient, such as the “Mongolia,” the twenty-eight-thousand-ton modern liner, or some of her sister ships, the largest vessels that enter the harbor; or it may be an Australian liner, that has made her docks, or cast off her stays, for a long voyage across the trackless deep, touching at Hawaii, the garden of the Pacific, en route to her destination. Looking at the “Guide,” we read, “‘Columbia,’ to sail at 11 A. M. for Portland.” She is filled with a jolly company, going to attend the exposition. A band plays “My country, ’tis of thee.” As the last strains of the patriotic song die away, a Swedish quartet of male voices is heard singing the Swedish national hymn, or a company of missionaries, bidding farewell in song—“God be with you till we meet again.”
It would be an endless task to describe all the steamers and sailing craft, large and small, that visit us yearly, some monthly, some weekly, and some daily. Every nation that floats a vessel upon the high seas, or proudly waves her colors from a masthead, contributes to their number.
Surrounded by the Finnish and Scandinavian missions and fishermen’s and sailors’ union rooms, one finds the San Francisco Ship Mission, a department of the California Missionary Society of Mountain View, Cal. Upon entering the room, the visitor sees in front, upon the wall, a canvas, upon which are printed the ten commandments of God. A fourteen-foot, seven-shelved bookcase to the right contains Bibles, books, papers, and tracts in all the leading languages. After stamping a goodly assortment, and placing it within my grip, I start upon my rounds to the ships. After looking at the “Guide,” to see which vessels are to sail, and when, I kneel, and ask Jehovah to apportion his angels to the different vessels, to give the desire to read, and to impress the truth home to the hearts of the readers of the precious printed pages that are launched out upon the deep as “bread cast upon the waters.”
With grip in one hand, I manage with the other to climb up the side of the huge wind-jammer, and stand upon the deck. “Captain, how many men do you carry? When do you sail?”—“Thirty men, and we sail the tenth of the month, around the Horn, for Liverpool.” “Here is a roll of assorted papers and tracts, to be read when you get to sea, a gift of the California Missionary Society.” “Many thanks to you. We are glad to get something to read when we are out for so many months at sea.” “Yes, I have read that passage, and believe in God,” he says, as I turn to and read Ps. 107:23: “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” After handing him the roll of precious printed message of truth, and possibly selling one or more books to him or his crew, I bid farewell, with a “Pleasant voyage to you, Captain.”
The next vessel may be a French merchantman, or an Italian gunboat, or Russian cruiser. The first sale to a Frenchman was the “Life of Christ” and “From Eden to Eden,” in the French language.
“Transport to sail to-day,” said the watchman at the gate. “One thousand soldier boys aboard, in transit to the island possessions”—somebody’s boys, given as sacrifices upon the altar of a nation’s lust for commerce and territory. Having prepared an assortment of several hundred papers, tracts, etc., I go on board, and hand to each a copy, as far as they will reach. At twelve o’clock sharp the whistle blows; the twin-screws begin to churn the waves, as the huge transport starts out upon her mission. The regiment band strikes up “Good-by, little girl, good-by.” Tears are shed by mothers and sweethearts, as they look at the faces of those whom possibly they will never see again.
It is Sunday afternoon, and all is quiet upon the quay. A motley crowd of human beings is gathered around some speaker, who is exhorting them. He may be a gospel worker, a socialist, or an infidel, who has attracted to himself these men of such mixed nationality. The gospel worker tells of Christ, of the One to save them from their sins, exhorting them to anchor to the Rock, steadfast and sure, which will never be moved by storm or gale, pacifying the angry waves as oil poured upon the troubled waters.
The agitator or infidel has a sign tacked up, to which he refers: “The only Satan is ignorance, and the only Jesus Christ is knowledge,” fulfilling the Scripture, “They worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator,” “and their foolish heart was darkened.”
Every Sunday afternoon our time comes to present the message to this throng, and hand out tracts to them, and invite those who are interested to attend our Bible class at the headquarters near at hand, where we have an organ, and a good supply of chairs to accommodate them.
Much I could say about the many interesting experiences I have daily; but suffice it to say that the harvest truly is great, and the laborers are few. I think I hear you say, “What can I do to help the San Francisco Ship Mission in its work?”—Send clubs of new Signs—five or more, ninety cents each per year; four, thirty cents per month; two, fifteen cents a month—or of Life and Health—ten or more to one address—1 copy, five cents a month.
Money is wanted to buy tracts and purchase paper file-backs for the steamers, the name of each steamer to be placed upon the back.
The Young People’s Societies that want to take up this work can write to me, and I will furnish the name of an ocean liner which they can supply with a file, and keep it filled with copies of Signs, Life and Health, and Watchman, or whatever periodicals they may choose. Some of the boats are the “Ventura,” “Sonoma,” “Sierra,” “Alameda,” of the Australian and island route; or “Mongolia,” “Manchuria,” “Korea,” “Siberia,” “Copic,” “China,” of the15Oriental route; “Santa Rosa,” “Queen Roanoke,” of the coast routes; besides hundreds of steamers, sailing vessels of all descriptions and sizes.
Boxes of clean copies of all our papers, excepting Pacific Union Recorder, etc., are received, freight prepaid. The mailing of papers costs as much as new copies direct from the office; send your postage there. Canned fruit and dried fruit can be used at the mission rooms, to feed the hungry who are brought to us.
All money for subscriptions and files, etc., should be sent to A. J. S. Bourdeau, Mountain View, Cal., missionary secretary of the California Conference. All shipments of papers, fruit, etc., should be made to the mission address: 9 Mission St., Room 7, San Francisco, Cal.
The Great Lisbon Earthquake
By C. E. RENTFRO
C. E. RENTFRO
I HAVE read numerous descriptions of the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755; and while the one given in “Great Controversy” is excellent, yet there is nothing so inspiring as to read in the native language the story given by an eye-witness. To people living in Europe, our stories of the darkened sun and falling stars seem like a Yankee tale, and they ask why there were not such occurrences over here; to which we may reply, if we know of its importance and effects, that the earthquake of 1755 was a sufficient warning of the approaching end.
A little explanation of Lisbon’s situation will serve to explain what is not clear in the recital. The city is about seven miles up from the mouth of the river Tagus, and the sea water backs up when the tide comes in. Just in front of the city the river is about five miles across. I will translate this from a book published in Lisbon in 1758; however, it may be quite a literal translation:—
“Saturday, the first of November, and twenty-eighth day of the moon, the day broke serene; the sun clear, and the sky without clouds. This serenity had already lasted for many days of the month of October, and the heat was felt more than the season of autumn promised. A little after 9 A. M., the barometer being at twenty-seven inches and seven lines, and the thermometer of Reaumur fourteen degrees above freezing, and in a northeasterly direction the earth commenced to shake with pulsations from the center to the surface, and the impulse increasing, it continued to tremble, forming a balance, with the sides north and south. This caused the destruction of the buildings; for at the second minute of duration, they began to fall in ruins, the largest not being able to resist the vehement movements of the earth, and their continuation. Those lasted, according to the most regulated opinions, six to seven minutes, the great earthquake making in this space of time two brief intervals. In this time was heard a subterranean sound, like thunder afar off. To many persons it seemed like a large carriage (or wagon) traveling swiftly. The light of the sun was obscured by vapors cast out of the earth, whose sulphurous exhalations were perceived by many. Many cracks were seen in the earth, which were very long, but not wide, and the dust caused by the falling houses seemed to suffocate the living.
“At these impulses of the earth the sea retired, and, returning, the waves swept over the villages on the coast. Three of the greatest irruptions, besides many smaller, the sea made against the land, destroying many buildings, and carrying many persons into the sea. The day being a holy day, feast of All Saints, many persons at that hour were in the churches, devotedly seeking to fulfil ecclesiastical precepts, and to obtain the jubilee of the day. Many other persons were going to and fro in the streets, for various purposes, but the greatest portion of the inhabitants were at home, and some still in their beds. On feeling the earthquake, everything was horror, disorder, and confusion.
“In the largest churches, the roof had opened, and walls fell in on the worshipers, who began crying to God, ‘Misericordia,’ ‘Mercy, mercy.’ These cries were general, but mingled with cries of help of the most holy Mary. The same was heard in the streets, the squares of the city, and the fields of the suburbs. The horror of the earthquake, the sound of the demolition of the buildings, the fear of death, the cries and shouts of the men, the laments of the women, and the cries of the children, caused so much noise, and such confusion, that in the general consternation the discord was equal to the peril.
“In this horrible conflict, only self-love predominated. Fathers left their children, and children forgot their fathers. The wives forgot their husbands. There was no friend to friend. None cared for earthly goods, only sought to free their lives, alone attended to the salvation of their souls.
“Many people sought the margin of the Tagus, to be free from the falling buildings, full of horror of the sight of the ruins, when suddenly the sea entered from the mouth of the river (between seven and eight miles distant) with a furious inundation of waters, threw itself into the city, and accomplished what the tremors of the earth did not in the ruin of the city.
“Soon after the earthquake, one of the palaces was seen to be burning, then churches and other buildings, in which were the lights and stoves, from which the fire communicated to the woodwork. Here was multiplied the sadness and the increase of misfortune.
“The shaking of the earth continued from hour to hour, with less violence, but with equal horror, and it was feared that the earth would open with the vehemence of so many movements.
“The earthquake, the tidal wave, and the fire ruined and destroyed the greatest and the best part of that most extensive and populous city.
“This want of reflection and of news made to write some months after by many authors an improper and less true account of the number of deaths. Joseph de Oliveira Trovao, the first that wrote, in a narrative letter of the results of this earthquake, says that seventy thousand persons died, but other writers say less.”
The author, who is a very conservative writer, insists that not over ten thousand died. Of course, this was in Lisbon only. The same book tells of the extension of this earthquake, on the coast of West Africa, and Spain, fully verifying what is written in “Great Controversy” by Mrs. E. G. White. Surely, when a person stops to realize the greatness of the earthquake of which Lisbon was the center (and we can see the results yet), and realizes that there was none such before, nor has been since, and, too, the time in which it occurred,—almost at the end of the twelve hundred and sixty years of papal supremacy,—he can but believe that it perfectly fulfils Rev. 6: 12: ‘And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake.’
Mission Notes
JAPAN boasts of her eight hundred million gods.
FIVE persons were baptized in Colon recently, by Brother Peckover, prior to his leaving for Bocas del Toro, for recuperation.
BROTHER FRANK HALL and family, of Jamaica, are to take up work in Grand Cayman. They are of good courage. Reports from the island are very favorable.
THE church-school at Mahogany Grove, Jamaica, is progressing wonderfully. Brother R. C. Kennedy is doing his best to make the work a success. He has an attendance of forty children, and the prospect is that many more will soon be added.
THE dedication of the church building at Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, was appointed for Sunday, September 10. This building, the largest of our churches in the East Caribbean Conference, is now entirely free from debt, and is ready to be placed in God’s hands for complete service.
IN writing to this office, Brother C. E. Rentfro, of Carcavellos, Portugal, encloses a copy of their first effort in Portuguese, which is a translation of No. 5 of The Family Bible Teacher. If any can use copies of this tract, Brother Rentfro will furnish them, post-paid, at the rate of ten for five cents. He writes encouragingly of the work there, and says of their language teacher: “We know God is working upon her heart by his Holy Spirit, and we pray that he may convert her to the truth of the third angel’s message. . . . Remember us in your prayers.”
Bermuda
By J. A. Morrow
HAMILTON.—For three Sundays I have been holding Bible readings with fifteen or twenty Portuguese. I hope that some of these will yet heed the message. One week ago last night a woman at the Point expressed her intention to keep the Sabbath. I am only holding cottage meetings at present. I hope soon to labor awhile in St. George, on the east end of the island. We have never held any meetings there, but I have canvassed that place for “Coming King,” and one of our native brethren has sold some books and papers there.
J. A. Morrow.
Norway
By O. A. Johnson
Norway
SANGLUND, HAMAR.—We have been passing through quite a political crisis this summer, which has had its effect upon our country in various ways. Financially, business has been affected more or less. Our canvassers have found it quite difficult to do much, and that has embarrassed our publishing house. But prospects are brighter now, since Norway is now acknowledged as a separate, independent nation. But that does not end the matter; for now many are discussing the form of government Norway ought to have. When all this is settled, we hope for more quiet times.
At one time, war was threatening. The army was mobilized, and the land troops were called out to defend the frontier. Several of our brethren have been called to do military service. Last summer two from the office were called, and lately one of them has been condemned to thirty days’ imprisonment, and the other to twenty-four days, on account of failure to comply with military regulations. Another of our older office employees has lately been called to do military service; but he was appointed cook, and so remained. Amid it all, we are of good courage, and the work is onward. The finances of the conference are at present in good condition, but our publishing house is hard pressed. O. A. JOHNSON.
THOS. DE MOULPIED
By THOS. DE MOULPIED.
EASTPORT.— The week of prayer was solemnly observed by our little company, there being a good attendance of those living near the church at every meeting. The promises of Jer. 29:12, 13, were truly verified. The Lord did indeed pour out a blessing on his waiting people, and hearts were made tender in the sunshine shine of his love. Confessions were made, idols were cast out, and near the close of the meetings a state of unity prevailed that God could sanction and bless.
The meetings terminated on December 16, in such an occasion of praise and thanksgiving as the church had never witnessed. The Spirit’s workings could be seen upon all. All but one in the congregation testified to God’s goodness and mercy. Some who had never made a profession witnessed for Christ. Bless his holy name.
THOS. DE MOULPIED
Hayti
By W. Jay Tanner
The Protestant element in this republic is very small—not over two thousand at the most, and the number of those who speak English falls below this.
One of the most perplexing things to deal with in respect to selling books, or anything else, for that matter, is the fluctuating value of Haytian money on exchange. There is no certainty from one day to another what exchange will be. When I desire to get American money exchanged for Haytian, I may find that to-day I can get six dollars for one dollar United States, and to-morrow that I can get only $5.50, and the next day it may be down to five, or even four, and then suddenly fly back to six.
With these conditions existing, it is very difficult to get the people to buy anything on the subscription plan; and it is also difficult to get any one to sell on a rise on17exchange. And this seems to affect cash sales to a certain extent, also; for it makes the people reluctant about purchasing any more than they absolutely need. For this same reason, merchants refuse to do much importing, and consequently many articles of common necessity can scarcely be obtained here.
I feel that I am making progress in the French. I am able to hold conversation in the language, to a limited extent, and as fast as I learn anything that I can make use of in our meetings, I do so, partly for the benefit I may derive from practise, and partly for the encouragement of our people, who are anxious to see me make progress.
W. Jay Tanner.
West Virginia
By B. F. Purdham
DECEMBER 6 I began a series of meetings at Kanawha Station, and the attendance and interest have been good. Last Sunday five persons followed the Saviour in baptism. These, and another who was baptized some time ago, were received into the church Sunday night. We still hope for others.
I am glad to say that the week of prayer was a blessing to us all. The services were held each day at 6 P. M., and were quite well attended. All were faithful in prayer and testimony. This was a great help to our other series of meetings being held at 7:30 P. M., and contributed largely to the good results as stated above. The offerings were almost double those of last year. We are of good courage. B. F. PURDHAM.
Brazil
By A. L. Gregory, M. D.
TAQUARY.—Mrs. Gregory is five days’ from here, teaching the first Portuguese church-school of Brazil. As she is in an out-of-the-way place, I receive a letter from her only about once a month. She has with her our adopted daughter, who is fourteen years of age. I have a boy of fifteen cooking for me.
We have no place here in which to give treatments. All we can do is what we do in private practise, with many obstacles in our way.
Our printing-press is employing three workers at present, and we have in prospect an abundance of work for the near future. Up to date we are paying running expenses, and with more work would have a surplus.
The REVIEW is a comfort to us in our isolation.
A. L. GREGORY, M. D.
Northern Illinois
By Wm. Covert
WE are getting good word from our churches regarding the blessings which came to them during the week of prayer. The reports that have come to us indicate that all have been benefited. The financial reports are not in yet, so we can not tell whether the total donation will be more or less than last year. The churches in Chicago have given about five hundred dollars.
Four were baptized at the Forty-sixth Street church. At Aledo three were received into the church, subject to baptism, and five others are expected to unite with that church when the three who applied for membership are baptized; so it practically means an addition of eight members to the church at that place. Others are to be baptized soon in Chicago. Also a number of new Sabbath-keepers at Moline are about to unite with the church at that place. Our church statistics show that we have about twelve hundred members in this conference. We hope to see this number materially increased during the year.
Wm. Covert.
Michigan
By H. S. Guilford.
WEST BRANCH.—We are rejoicing in the accession of two to our little company; these made a start during our week-of-prayer season. The Lord met with us by his Spirit, and we are encouraged to do what we can for the proclamation of the message in this city and its vicinity.
