p. 16 | Review and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 36. (9/9/1909)

Six Months in India

By W. E. Perrin

Six months ago this evening, after a two-days' experience on an Indian train, our party, consisting of Brother and Sister Leach, Brother Robert Becker, and the writer and his family, arrived at Lucknow. The long trip from home was not a tiresome one; yet as my family and I broke up housekeeping the latter part of August, we were glad, after nearly five months of itinerary, to be able once more to settle down to home life. We find that home life here is more home-like than we had expected, judging from crude and misleading reports of India received before starting. Lucknow, although containing more than three hundred thousand people, is not so much on the order of an American city as are some of the port cities. The natives live in districts, giving it more of the appearance of a collection of smaller cities or towns' than of one large city. We have no street-cars or electric lights, neither do we have some other things which, while convenient and useful, can be dispensed with. We live in a nice location, among Europeans, and have access to everything necessary for comfort.

To combine to make life and its surroundings pleasant, we have the abundant tropical trees and flowers, which, especially in the public gardens, are beautiful beyond description; hedges and climbing vines; and multitudes of singing birds. Then, too, the antics of the numerous monkeys delight the children, while the peacock, strutting about in all his glory resplendent, attracts even us older ones. Of course, life here, as in other places, has its unpleasant features.

While the work here is hard, and there are deadly diseases and intense heat to contend with, yet we are persuaded that those coming to India may come without many of the misgivings that naturally obtain when false reports reach America. The tigers and elephants are out in the jungles, and it is only occasionally that snakes are found in European settlements, especially in the houses. While many people are killed by snakes, a missionary who has been here many years has taken the trouble to investigate the matter carefully, and in the annals of one hundred fifty years of missionary effort, he fails to find the record of a single missionary or any member of a missionary's family having died from snake bite. So it must be that many of the snake stories should be discounted.

The work at the Watchman Press is progressing slowly. We have had an immense amount of labor this summer, getting settled after the move from Karmatar, installing a new engine, and seeing to many incidentals. But the worst is over, and we hope that soon our energies may be devoted wholly to turning out a large amount of printed matter to aid in giving the message to the millions of India.

W. E. PERRIN.

Lucknow.

South Carolina Camp-Meeting

By K. C. Russell

THE South Carolina camp-meeting was held at Anderson, S. C., beginning August 15. This city has a population of eighteen thousand inhabitants. The camp was located in one of the suburbs of the city, and was surrounded with trees, which afforded shade from the oppressive heat of the sun.

The attendance of our people was small, but nevertheless the meeting was characterized by the Holy Spirit’s presence both in the business sessions of the conference and in the preaching of the word. We were gratified with the excellent outside attendance, which continued until the meeting closed. Some prominent people of the city were deeply interested in the services, who we trust will soon honor their convictions by obeying the truth as it is in Jesus. We might add in this connection that a number of the most hopeful ones who attended the camp-meeting became interested in the truth while attending a series of tent-meetings which preceded the camp-meeting in another part of the city. These meetings were conducted by Elders T. H. Jeys and E. W. Carey, assisted by Brother H. B. Gallion and his wife, and Anna Boehlin.

The business of the conference was attended with the blessing of God. Elder Jeys was elected president for the coming year, and Sister Eliza Warner was re-elected secretary and treasurer. Besides the regular laborers in the conference, there were in attendance Elder W. A. Westworth, president of the

Southeastern Union Conference; Elder R. T. Dowsett, secretary and treasurer of the union conference; and Brother V. O. Cole, field secretary of the Southeastern Union Conference; Dr. J. H. Neall, superintendent of the Atlanta Sanitarium; Brother L. D. Randall, manager of the southeastern branch of the Southern Publishing Association in Atlanta; and the writer.

The instruction which was given by the different speakers was of a most practical and helpful nature. Elder Jeys, Cole and Brother Randall gave special instruction in the canvassing work, which was appreciated by the self-sacrificing canvassers in this conference. The subject of organization as touching the book work received most careful consideration.

Nearly two hundred thirty-five dollars was raised in donations and pledges for the local and union conference work. The interest manifested by the citizens in attending the services for the general public during the camp-meeting was so marked that it was thought best that Elders Jeys and Carey should follow the interest up by holding another series of tent-meetings at some other point in the city. Both of the Sabbath services during the meeting were seasons of special spiritual refreshing, and we believe that as a result of this meeting, better days are in store for the South Carolina Conference. It is evident that there are many difficulties to surmount in this conference, with its small constituency and limited corps of workers, and also insufficient means to prosecute the work that should be carried on. Our prayer is that God will abundantly bless the efforts of our faithful laborers in this field during the coming year, in raising up Sabbath-keepers who will give strength and stability to the work. K. C. RUSSELL.

Work for the Colored People in Greenville, S. C.

By J. F. Crichlow

SINCE coming here, I have been holding cottage meetings, and trying to strengthen the church in this place, visiting and giving Bible readings.

Since the tent effort by Elder Sidney Scott last summer, the city has been stirred from center to circumference, and it would take at least two Bible workers to follow up the interest. I am doing all I can to help the interested ones and others. As a result of the tent-meetings, on Sunday morning, May 2, we baptized twenty dear souls. A large crowd witnessed the solemn ordinance. Others are awaiting baptism. At the close of the day the Lord's supper was administered, and we all felt his gracious presence.

At Spartanburg I found the company endeavoring to hold up the light of truth. I preached and held Bible readings with them, admonishing them to be of good courage in the Lord. The pastor of the Congregational church is very friendly toward us, and on two occasions invited me to preach to his people; of course I accepted.

We intend, not far in the future, to erect a church building. By so doing we hope to give stability to our work, and have a home to which we can cordially welcome strangers. We can praise the Lord for what he has done for this people.

We are glad that the Lord has put it into the hearts of his trusted servants to create the Negro Department for the advancement of the work among this race. The outlook is encouraging. And it is true that we “hear the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees.” It is time for us to bestir ourselves. Remember us at the throne of grace.

J. F. CRICHLOW.

H. F. COURTER

By H. F. Courter

California

Los Gatos.—I attended our good camp-meeting, held at Santa Cruz, from July 28 to August 6. The Lord is drawing his people together. Some thirteen were baptized. Others were recommended to go home,—to the home church,—and there be baptized.

Last Sabbath, August 21, I buried three precious souls. One was a sister over eighty years of age, who, although she had kept the Sabbath thirty years, had never been baptized or united with any Seventh-day Adventist church. May the Lord speed the closing work.

H. F. COURTER

Increasing Success

By F. W. Bishop

At Taltal, Chile, last month I encouraged one of our workers to try taking orders for “Coming King,” and in four and a half hours he had five orders, besides his sales of smaller books and papers. My orders, while helping him, for the same time, for large books, were fourteen. One day of six hours’ work gave me twenty-eight orders, valued at two hundred fifty-two pesos. At Antofagasta, a little farther north, while waiting for two of our colporteurs to come down from the interior, the time put in gave me over four and a half orders an hour. One day, in six hours, I had thirty-three orders from the business people. This is the largest number of orders I ever took in one day. Last year, in one day, I took thirty orders in Ecuador for “Patriarchs and Prophets.” The first few years I canvassed in the States, I considered twenty orders good for a week’s work, but now twenty orders a day seems to me small in South America, if I have put in faithful hours.

Our plan is to instruct the brethren how to take orders for our large books, then go out with them and give them a little practical experience.

From personal observation, we see that the large cities are neglected. What has been done has been done on the outskirts and in the villages.

F. W. BISHOP.

West Virginia Camp-Meeting

By Blanche Grubb

This meeting was held in the city of Parkersburg, August 5-15, in the same spot where our camp-meeting was held seven years ago. It was gratifying to note the neat and orderly arrangement of the camp, consisting of twenty-two living-tents, besides the tents for meetings and other purposes.

One hundred twenty-five of our own people were in attendance, which is a good representation for this conference, and the evening services were well attended by the people from the city.

We were grateful for the assistance rendered us by Profs. B. G. Wilkinson, M. E. Kern, and S. M. Butler, and Brother I. D. Richardson.

On the first Sabbath, when the call was made for complete consecration, many, young and old, responded, some for the first time, and others who wished to renew their covenant with God. The spiritual interest was good throughout the entire meeting. Nine went forward in baptism. The young people's meetings were well attended, and a spirit of co-operation was manifested when suggestions for missionary work were offered. The interest shown by the children in their meetings was encouraging to those who worked in that department.

The report of the committee on resolutions met with hearty favor. The first resolution was an expression of gratitude to God for his favors of the past year. The second resolution was an expression of regret over the loss by death of a beloved brother and faithful servant of God, Elder J. M. Rees, and extension of sympathy in behalf of the conference to the bereaved family. Other resolutions referred to educational, Sabbath-school, and religious liberty work, and to plans for missionary work through the distribution of literature. Resolutions were also passed referring to tithes and free-will offerings. Pledges to the amount of two hundred eighty dollars were made in behalf of the tent and camp-meeting fund, and one hundred seven dollars was raised in cash and pledges in behalf of Mt. Vernon College.

The officers elected for the ensuing year were as follows: President, W. D. MacLay; vice-president and religious liberty secretary, J. F. Steele; secretary and treasurer of conference and tract society, Pearl L. Rees; Sabbath-school and educational secretary, Mrs. M. L. Haddix; field missionary secretary, D. W. Percy.

A number have expressed themselves as believing this to be the best camp-meeting ever held in West Virginia. This is as it should be, and will ever be the case with those who are having a progressive Christian experience.

We are encouraged by the past, and prospects for the future are bright, for they rest upon the words of Jehovah, who "will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." The bow of promise spans the heavens, while beneath are "the everlasting arms." BLANCHE GRUBB.

Trinidad, West Indies

By A. N. Durrant

SAN FERNANDO.—In my last communication to the REVIEW I made mention of a tent effort that was in progress in a suburb of Port of Spain, and promised to report further. Some very unfavorable conditions worked against us, so that we have not seen all we had hoped for, yet we can praise God for what has been done. Brother P. C. Carrington and two Bible workers assisted in the work, besides some of the members from the Port of Spain church. Before the course of meetings was finished, I was quite sick, suffering from symptoms that never before troubled me. I was confined to the house for two weeks, and then the good Lord raised me up. Eight new Sabbath-keepers, and three or four backsliders reclaimed, are the results of the effort, with many others still interested.

On Sabbath, July 24, six of these were baptized and united with the Port of Spain church. The other ordinances were also celebrated by Elder J. B. Beckner and the writer. The remaining candidates (nine in all) are receiving further instruction. These were given into the care of Elder E. C. Widgery, who is now in Port of Spain.

August 10 myself and family moved to San Fernando, where I was asked to locate. We have a small church here, and a half-completed building. While here, I hope to do all I can to help the work forward; and that the efforts put forth be successful I ask for the prayers of the faithful, especially at this time when there is so much to discourage. Pray for us and the work.

A. N. DURRANT.

Southern California

By William Ambrose Spicer

The Southern California conference and camp-meeting was held in South Hollywood, a suburb of Los Angeles. It was a large meeting — about three hundred tents pitched — and a good meeting. A tent effort in the place had preceded the camp-meeting, and a number had taken their stand for the Sabbath. The interest was good, and from night to night the large tent was filled as the special themes of the message were presented. Three new churches were received into the conference. There is encouraging growth in Southern California. Meetings were held for the German brethren by Elder H. Shultz, and for the Mexican believers by Elder E. L. Cardey, assisted by Brother Placencia.

The conference had recently given two thousand dollars from its tithe for missions, and at this meeting added to this gift twenty-five hundred dollars more, the larger portion of what they had. And it was most heartily voted to authorize the committee to arrange the work as soon as possible so that one fourth the tithe may go regularly to the mission fields. The people gave also in cash and short-time pledges about two thousand dollars to missions during the meeting, and several thousand more is promised if certain prospects are realized by one or two who are expecting to get hold of means shortly. The hearts of the people are with the missionary advance.

We were all glad to find Sister J. N. Anderson, of China, so far recovered that she was present at the meeting and gave talks on the great Chinese field that laid a very real burden to help upon all hearts.

The Lord gave abundant spiritual blessings in the meetings. Many found a new experience, and many surrenders were made. I am unable to report the number baptized; but on the last Sabbath alone, after a revival service, led by Elders E. E. Andross and Luther Warren, forty persons expressed themselves as having there made their first start in the Christian life. And the good spirit of revival was in all the services.

Elder Andross was elected president of

the conference. Elders H. W. Cottrell, J. O. Corliss, and A. O. Tait were present from the union conference, helping in the preaching and the councils.

This conference has several sanitarium interests, and encouraging reports were presented from the Loma Linda, Glendale, and Paradise Valley sanitariums. Loma Linda and Glendale I saw for the first time, and I was glad to note the true advent spirit pervading these places. By the blessing of the Lord and the co-operation of the brethren, these institutions are bound to become strong factors in the work. An offering was taken to aid the Loma Linda school and sanitarium.

The Fernando Academy celebrated its jubilee from all debt at the meeting, and it was a happy occasion. This school is turning out earnest missionaries.

Quite a number of workers from this conference will, I am sure, soon be out in the mission fields. It is plainly to be seen that Southern California is in line with every good endeavor in the advent movement, and to be in their meetings is to receive blessing and inspiration and courage for the work.

W. A. SPICER.

Nova Scotia

By J. A. Strickland

HALIFAX.— August 1 I arrived here. I had spent the preceding Sabbath at Moncton, New Brunswick, in company with Elder J. O. Miller. Every development of the work so far has been of an encouraging nature. The people as a whole are friendly, neighborly, and easy to get acquainted with. I am sure I shall enjoy my work.

Sunday afternoon, August 8, I began a tent effort. All the seats were occupied at the first meeting. At night we could have filled a tent two or three times as large as the one we have. Large congregations have attended every service, always some standing, sometimes as many as two hundred unable to get seats. Last night we had our record crowd. The street before the tent, and the field around it, were thronged with people. I presented the Sabbath question. They took it calmly, and seemingly in a serious and thoughtful way. I can not tell yet what the outcome will be, but I am hoping, trusting, and believing that the dear Lord will gather out some souls for himself. J. A. STRICKLAND.

Field Notes

SABBATH, July 24, two persons were baptized at Mountain Lake, Minn.

EIGHT persons were baptized at Portland, Maine, on a recent Sabbath.

A LETTER from Brother Godfrey says that twelve have promised to obey the truth in Beloit, Mich.

AT Burlington, Iowa, on a recent Sunday, five were baptized. Others are in the valley of decision.

ON July 31 thirteen persons were baptized at Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Others are expecting to go forward in this ordinance soon.

AS the result of a series of meetings held at Dexter, N. M., two decided to obey the commandments, one of whom has recently been baptized into the church at Hagerman.

TWENTY-SIX adults have already publicly taken their stand for the truth at Philadelphia, Pa., as the result of the tent effort conducted at that place. Others are much interested.

BROTHER G. G. RUPERT, reporting the work at Perry, Okla., says: “We have held, in all, eighteen meetings in two weeks. The Lord blessed, and eleven were added to the church; seven by baptism.”

ELDER C. F. McVAGH sends this encouraging word: “The work is onward in the Southern Union Conference. The sanitarium is full, the publishing house is working over time, the food factory is behind with its orders, and the people are of good courage.”

THE following report comes from Brother S. J. Hersum, Richmond, Maine: “Since our camp-meeting, held the first of July, we have had two baptisms. Six were baptized, four of whom gave their hearts to the Lord at that meeting for the first time. Five united with the Richmond church. We expect another baptism next Sabbath. Four are thinking of being baptized.”

British Guiana

By T. L. McKenzie Spencer

BERBICE.—I am glad to report that the work is going forward here. Last year I held meetings at Adelphi, where some people (not of our faith) had been keeping the Sabbath, but I was unsuccessful in bringing them to a decision for present truth. However, at the beginning of this year I returned and continued holding meetings and visiting, which has resulted in the organization of a Sabbath-school of fourteen members. I am sanguine that a church will soon be organized here. At Long Hook, Cauje Creek, a neat little building has been erected, and was dedicated on February 14. A church of fifteen members has been organized here. At Windsor Forest the membership of the church is increasing. I recently baptized seven souls.

The members are quite busy just now about their church-school. The time has come for a permanent school to be opened here. Our children were attending a mission school, but the teacher manifested a very hostile spirit against them, and the parents for the sake of peace had to keep them at home. Some time ago Elder O. E. Davis made some suggestions concerning the support of the school, and the brethren, realizing the situation, at once took hold, and by the help of the Lord they expect to have all plans perfected, so that the school will be opened next month.

The work at New Amsterdam goes slowly. Yet there are some who are awaiting baptism. The services are well attended by many intelligent persons.

I have had much sickness in my family this year and other difficulties, but we are not discouraged. We are the Lord's, and mean to spend and be spent in his service. We have been greatly edified and encouraged by reading the reports of the General Conference. As the heavy rainy season is now over, I intend to open work in a new district. We need a tent very much in this conference. Just now we have to hold meetings on the streets, and a certain class of people will not attend such meetings. Besides, the weather hinders frequently. We hope that the way may be soon opened for us to have a tent.

T. L. MCKENZIE SPENCER.

The Correspondence School

By William E. Howell

WHAT is the meaning of all this talk about the Correspondence School? What does it mean to the promoters of the school? What does it mean to the recipients of its benefits?

In these momentous times, that which imparts real significance to an enterprise is its relation to the great second-advent movement. This is the greatest movement in the world—not because a humble body of believers called Seventh-day Adventists are organically connected with it, but because God is its mover, and because the nearer a movement approaches its culmination, the broader is its significance, the deeper its interest, and the greater its momentum. Nothing connected with such a movement can be accounted small or unimportant. No detail of organization is too insignificant to merit the most careful attention. In truth, just as the successful running of

a mammoth ocean greyhound depends as much upon the needle of its compass as upon its ponderous engines, and just as the correct timekeeping of a common watch depends more upon the tiniest tooth in its tiniest cog than it does upon its more conspicuous and very useful face, so the success of a great movement is conditioned upon the perfect working of every constituent part. Just as the Hoe printing-press has been brought to its present state of perfection, to its present pitch of producing-power, by repeated adjustment and perfecting of each of its many parts, and by the continual adding of some improvement here and there, so must the machinery for accomplishing so mighty a work as the advent movement is destined to do, be continually enlarged and perfected.

Now the educational wing of this movement has been steadily growing, both in size and in working efficiency. Its mechanism is being constantly added to and perfected, in order that it may keep pace with the movement of which it is an essential part. The Correspondence School may be looked upon as one of its latest improvements. Its promoters saw that the educational system they were employing did not do a complete work. Many who had the greatest need of its benefits were unable to obtain them. All through the history of the advent movement, some have been pressed into service before they had an adequate educational preparation for it. This has been done partly because of the dearth of laborers, and partly because few have fully sensed how great a movement the humble beginnings would grow into.

But once in the harness, it is difficult to lay it off and give up one's time wholly to further qualification. That such deserve to have some effective means of self-improvement while continuing their work, is unquestionable. Some are able to mark out their own study, and pursue it with benefit. But, even in such cases much time and energy are consumed that could be saved by having the study laid out and directed by those who are already familiar with the subject. Then, too, it is of great value to work to some definite standard, like the covering of so much ground a week, or the using of so much time a day, and to have the stimulus of association with others in the same work, and of gentle promptings to keep up to the standard, from those interested to see us do our best.

The promoters of the Correspondence School saw all this, and much more, before they determined to add one more improvement to their organization for qualifying men and women for service. They saw that the growing needs of the advent movement are outstripping both the number and the qualifications of available men. They saw that an enterprise which could raise the efficiency of workers without breaking off their work, would be very timely, and worth the effort and expense of promoting. They saw that a school-room, which, like the land-turtle's “house,” can be carried about wherever the occupant listeth, would be accessible to the busiest of the busy. They saw, too, that what would help the worker in the harness could reach prospective workers; yes, and even those who have not yet chosen a definite calling, and those at home who long for self-betterment, but are lacking the means or opportunity to obtain it.

These are some of the reasons why the Correspondence School has been established. This is something of what the enterprise means to its promoters.

But what does the Correspondence School mean to prospective recipients of its benefits? According to their own testimony, it means: “My chance has come.” “My prayers have been answered.” “I could not let such a golden opportunity pass.” “I am looking forward to my work in the school with great pleasure.” “I can not express the gratitude that arose in my heart when I read the Announcement.” “I welcome with outstretched arms this new method of instruction.” “The Correspondence School will fill the long-felt need of many young people.” “I have often wondered why our people did not have correspondence schools for those who could not leave home.” “I left school at an early age, and have for years desired a better and more thorough education, without opportunities of entering college. I trust that my desires will be fulfilled in the advantages offered by your school.” “It seems to me that no person, young or old, who is willing to sacrifice the time and put forth the energy, need lament longer a meager education.”

From the foregoing and much more testimony, may be deduced an answer, in part, to the question, What does the Correspondence School mean to the recipients of its benefits? It means opportunity; and “opportunity is the command of God.” It means action; and action is vital to health and growth. It means progress; and progress is a breeder of opportunities and a stimulus to increased activity. This is the reason we have been talking so much about the Correspondence School. Please attend to the details of your classification, in order that you may be enrolled as charter members of the school before its opening on the fourth of October next.

W. E. HOWELL.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

By John Norton Loughborough

From Elder J. N. Loughborough

I HAD a fine smooth trip from Cape Town to Southampton, 6,002 miles. I am now on the camp-ground at Yverdon, Switzerland. Thirteen years ago I attended a camp-meeting in this same town. Our meetings then were held in a fifty-foot tent. It was the meeting for Switzerland and France. Our people about half filled the tent. This camp-meeting has a meeting tent, fifty by ninety feet, filled with our people. Next week there is to be another camp-meeting near Nimes, France, where will assemble as many more. Truly the Lord has wrought in this field.

I am in excellent health. I have spoken five times in three days on this camp-ground.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH

Triumphs of Faith in the Canvassing Work

By Walter Harper

THIS closes my canvassing work for this trip. I now go to the northern part of the State of Washington to deliver. To-day (July 15) the Lord blessed in taking four orders for that peerless volume, “Ministry of Healing.” Besides this, I also took over fifty dollars in orders for other books, outside helps, etc. All honors are the Lord’s, for he grants it all. On this trip I have had twenty-three orders in one week for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and nine in one day for this good book. After trying the plan of connecting the two “relief books,” “Christ’s Object Lessons” and “Ministry of Healing,” with my regular canvassing work as a part of it, as missionary work for the Lord, more or less in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, I have demonstrated that this plan, under God’s hand, will succeed, and calls down a train of blessings on the other regular canvassing work.

WALTER HARPER.

Christian Education

By Frederick Griggs

Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference

FREDERICK GRIGGS - - - - Secretary

Helps for Teachers

By F. G.

THE Department of Education has published in pamphlet form the course of study adopted by the last General Conference educational council, together with the educational resolutions passed by the General Conference and the council. The pamphlet is of a proper size to fit into the “Manual.” This course of study and the resolutions will be of much help to our educational workers everywhere.

Also a school and class register has been prepared, and can be obtained for use in our schools this coming year. This register is very complete, and will be of great value to our teachers. These helps should be purchased of the Department of Education through the educational secretaries of the union conferences. F. G.

Experiences in Catholic Mexico

By N. Z. T.

LIVING as we do in a Christian land, where Protestantism is in the ascendancy, and where Roman Catholicism has so adjusted its external methods as to court the favor of the people and the government, there is danger of our being misled as to her true character and aims. The experiences of our colporteurs in Mexico, as well as in other countries where the real methods and purposes of the papacy are seen and felt, should be both interesting and instructive to us. The following incident, reported by Brother J. A. P. Green, general agent of Mexico, speaks for itself. Brother Green says:—

“The enemy has put forth his hand which is to hinder our work. Last week Brother Gutierrez encountered one of the real difficulties in Mexico. A leading Catholic paper had already published a full description of ‘Coming King,’ in order to warn both priests and people against it.”

“In the regular course of his work, Brother Gutierrez accidentally called upon a priest, and canvassed him for this book.” After listening to the explanation of ‘Coming King,’ the priest asked for a pencil and the prospectus, so that he might subscribe for the book. As soon as he had the book in his hands, he walked away with it, saying, “This is a Protestant book, and I am going to burn it.” Brother Gutierrez said, “If you do not return my prospectus, I will call the police.”

“The canvasser was as good as his word, for when the priest refused to surrender the prospectus, a policeman was called, and the priest was taken to the police station. The chief of police told the priest if he did not return the prospectus, he would give him thirty days in jail. The prospectus was found at the home of the priest and taken to the police station.”

“The chief of police asked Brother Gutierrez to explain his book to him. In the presence of the priest Brother Gutierrez gave a full description of his book. The magistrate was impressed with it, and immediately signed his name for a copy. His secretary also signed for one. Then the policeman who had arrested the priest and taken him to police headquarters, also requested that he might be permitted to sign.”

“The magistrate now told the priest that his fine for interrupting the canvasser would be either five dollars or fifteen days in jail. The priest paid his fine, and went home a sadder, if not a wiser, priest.”

“We rejoice that God can give victory under such trying circumstances. Evidently nothing can be done against the truth, but for the truth. If the church had its former power, our lives would be in jeopardy; but God can protect his workers. Remember us in your prayers.”

Front row, from left to right, Brethren Yarnell, Town, and Brown; back row, from left to right, Brethren Robinson and Green.

Although a young man, only twenty-one years of age, Brother Gutierrez has already had an interesting experience as a colporteur. Seven years ago, when only fourteen years of age, he began work as a Bible colporteur for the American Bible Society. Having been engaged in that work, he has learned how to endure hardships as a good soldier. He has been arrested and imprisoned for selling Bibles, and knows how to sleep out in the open fields. At one time a mob, evidently inspired by the leaders of the church, stoned him, and left him for dead in the road. His Bibles were taken from him, and his horses stolen. His brother-in-law, who was with him in the same work, was mobbed, tied to a tree, and stoned to death. Our Brother Gutierrez, who through the providence of God had been spared from death at the hands of the mob, took his brother-in-law down from the tree with his own hands.

These incidents smack very loudly of the days of the Reformation, when Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin, and other men of God were translating the Word of God, and sending it out through Europe by the hands of colporteurs. It was a common occurrence at that time for young men to be seized in this way, and burned at the stake, with their own books and other merchandise as fuel. But it is almost startling to us who live in this enlightened age, to learn that within the past seven years, in a great republic adjoining the United States, young men should be stoned for selling the Word of God.

Brother Gutierrez, who is an intelligent young Mexican, recently learned of the truth through conversation with one of our Mexican sisters and through reading El Mensajero. The last Sabbath of the institute he came to our meeting and offered himself as a canvasser, saying he was ready to go out with the other agents. We arranged to help him what we could in the little time that remained, and at an early hour the next morning he presented himself for instruction. In our study together he manifested an excellent spirit. Brother Green reports that during his first week, one incident of which is narrated above, this young man’s sales of our literature amounted to fifty-eight dollars Mexican money, equal to twenty-nine dollars, gold.

N. Z. T.

The Home Missionary and Publishing Work

Conducted by the Publishing Department of the General Conference

E. R. PALMER - - - - Secretary

N. Z. TOWN - - - - Assistant Secretary

A. J. S. BOURDEAU - - - - Missionary Secretary

Advancement

THE true teacher is not satisfied with second-rate work. He is not satisfied with directing his students to a standard lower than the highest which it is possible for them to attain. He can not be content with imparting to them only technical knowledge, with making them merely clever accountants, skilful artisans, successful tradesmen. It is his ambition to inspire them with principles of truth, obedience, honor, integrity, and purity,—principles that will make them a positive force for the stability and uplifting of society. He desires them, above all else, to learn life's great lesson of unselfish service.

These principles become a living power to shape the character, through the acquaintance of the soul with Christ; through an acceptance of his wisdom as the guide, his power as the strength, of heart and life. This union formed, the student has found the Source of wisdom. He has within his reach the power to realize in himself his noblest ideals. The opportunities of the highest education for life in this world are his. And in the training here gained, he is entering upon that course which embraces eternity.—“Education.”

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