Review and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 33.
TO MY BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN THE FAITH, NIGH AND AFAR OFFPage 1
Earlier text: COMMON ERRORS IN DIETTHE BEGINNING OF OUR WORK IN SKODSBORG.
By Dr. Ottosen
[DR. OTTOSEN gives the following sketch of experiences in the starting of sanitarium work in Skodsborg, Denmark. It is in behalf of this interesting work that the special offering is to be taken Sabbath, September 14.—MISSION BOARD.] When the missionary council had decided to open up the medical missionary work in Copenhagen or vicinity, Elder M. M. Olsen and I went to Copenhagen, and in company with some other brethren, we searched the city from one end to the other for a suitable place. Several days' searching was in vain. We then visited the outskirts of the city, but with no satisfactory results. We called together the brethren present, and had a season of prayer, asking God most earnestly that He would show us where to go. We started out again, and our minds were led in the direction of the beautiful Strandvej, a road running along the coast of “Oresund.” This road runs through a number of small villages where the people spend their time, especially in the summer season. Here, at last, we found a large villa standing unoccupied, learned that it formerly belonged to King Frederick VII, was built by him, and that this villa, together with another close by, was for sale for the sum of seventy thousand kroner (about $17,500). We had no money with which to buy, and for a beginning we had intended only to rent. We visited the owner, a widow; she could not sell, however, without the consent of her lawyer. We presented to them the object of the society; and in view of this, they reduced the price to sixty thousand. We again sought God, and once more we went to see the owner with reference to our object. She burst into tears when we spoke to her about what we intended to do, and promised to sell for fifty thousand; but the lawyer was not to be moved. After several seasons of prayer, we received a letter from him to the effect that in view of the object of the society and the wish of the owner, he would be willing to sell on the conditions stated above. For this we thanked and praised God. In the meantime I had written to several friends who I knew were interested in this work, and had personal conversations with some of them, and they brought in their smaller or greater sums, partly as donations and partly as loans. We now began to fit up the institution, chiefly relying upon a promise of a considerable sum of money from a certain sister. We made arrangements with contractors, and everything was well started when we were informed that no money could come at the time it had been promised. This left us in a perplexing situation. It looked as if all would go to pieces. But we united in earnest prayer to God, asking Him to help us out of our embarrassment. We went to the contractors and asked if they would prolong the time set for payment. It should be remembered that we had already obtained far more favorable terms than they were used to giving, as they had given us the privilege of paying for the work in the course of three years; and now to come and ask for still better terms, for further prolongation, seemed unreasonable. But there was no other way out of it, for we had no money. We asked God, as already stated, that He would put it into their hearts to show us favor, and went to them in faith. And they all—there were three of them—agreed to put off the time for payment. So again we had great reason to thank the Lord. The first installment they put off six months. We then tried to get money till that time. We went to the Lord in prayer, presenting before Him how He had told us in the Testimonies that such institutions should be established in all parts of the world, that He had helped us to obtain houses, and that we did not believe He would leave us alone now if we with all our hearts worked to promote His cause. Once more we obtained the promise that money would come. But two weeks before we were to pay out several thousand dollars, we again were informed that we could not get the money. About ten days passed. In the meantime we sought the Lord most earnestly in prayer. Everything looked as dark as it could possibly be. It seemed as if we had come up to the Red Sea, and that the only help possible was a special deliverance by the hand of God. And the deliverance did come, praise be to His name! Three or four days before the money was to be paid out, the entire amount came as a gift. The brethren can hardly form any just idea of what a cause of joy this was to us. In order for any one properly to appreciate an experience of this kind, it is necessary for him to have been in such a strain of mind that he could not sleep, but had to be in prayer during the entire night, waiting for the deliverance of God. Then he will be prepared to understand what joy it brings when the Lord reveals His power to save. The work is the Lord’s, and He will carry it forward. We succeeded in getting our little institution ready for operation, May 1, 1898, and in a short time it was filled to its utmost capacity; and that with little or no advertising. The helpers had to crowd together till three or even four lived together in small rooms, and five or six rooms that were intended for the helpers have been occupied by patients. Also in this respect the Lord has blessed us greatly, and we have had experiences that we would not be without for anything in the world. I will relate one or two instances. Skodsborg is located about eight miles north of Copenhagen, or about half an hour’s ride on the train. I visited Copenhagen at least twice a week to see to the patients that come to take treatment at the sanatorium branch there. One day, just a few minutes before the train was to leave, I was impressed that I ought to go to Copenhagen. I could not understand why, but a voice seemed to say to me, “You must take this train for Copenhagen.” I hurried off, and in the last moment I entered a coupe where four gentlemen were seated. When traveling, I always carry some reading-matter along, to improve the time on the train; and while I was reading, the four gentlemen began to discuss the condition of the health of one of their number. The three insisted that nothing was the matter with him, and he looked healthy and strong. But the man himself claimed that he was weak and of poor health. Shortly an opportunity for me to enter into the discussion presented itself, and the conversation became very interesting. In a few minutes he understood that I was a physician; and was greatly surprised to find that I was that strange physician that had come to Skodsborg. The result was the first patient at our sanatorium. Another time I had a similar experience. I had laid entirely different plans for the day, but the impression that I ought to go to Copenhagen became so strong that I went to the train. Here I met a gentleman who had visited the sanatorium one day while I was absent. He wanted to come to the sanatorium, and had asked for permission to take his claret along, as he believed that to be good for his stomach. But when he was told that I would allow no such thing, he gave up the thought of coming to the sanatorium. He said that we did wrong in not permitting claret and similar innocent things at our institution. This was the reason that we had lost two good patients. I explained the matter to him, and after he had heard my reasons, he said that he would come later, and that he would send one of his friends to us, a certain counselor at law, who also has since been here as a patient. ALPENA AND MUSKEGON.—From June 13-23 a local camp-meeting was held at the first-named place. As there are but few churches in that part of the State, not many of our brethren were present, but the attendance from the city was excellent. Almost every evening the tent was well filled, and a good interest manifested. Dr. Frank Otis, of the Battle525 Creek Sanitarium, was at this meeting a few days, and presented the health principles. Brethren Guild and Lewis, assisted by two efficient Bible workers, remain here to develop the interest. As I had not been home for two months, I came to Muskegon to hold the quarterly meeting with my home church. I was here over one Sabbath and Sunday. On the Sabbath the ordinances were celebrated, and the Lord came near. I had the privilege of burying five precious souls with their Lord in baptism, in Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful scene, and one long to be remembered by those present. B. F. STUREMAN. SHEBOYGAN.—I have labored at this place about six weeks, and find the people friendly, but, as at nearly all the shore towns, little inclined to be religious. The attendance is not large, but four have decided to go with us to the kingdom. To the Lord be all the praise. O. SOULE. Bermuda Islands.
By M. Enoch
HAMILTON.—This church was organized March 16, 1901, by Elder A. W. Bartlett, with a membership of eight. The usual officers were elected. Six of the members accepted the Sabbath within the past nine years. Since Brother Bartlett left, two others have taken their feet from God's Sabbath. Our quarterly meeting did not take place at the regular time, because of sickness, but last Sabbath, July 27, this meeting was held. On this occasion one sister was baptized and received into the church, thus increasing our membership to nine, praise the Lord. From the shore of the ocean all went to the place of meeting, where the ordinances were celebrated, after which we had a good social meeting. This was indeed a most solemn occasion; for the sweet, refreshing Spirit of the Lord was present, and all were encouraged to press on till Jesus comes. All the members pay tithes. The Scandinavian Fund was not forgotten. This shows that this little church, though very poor, feels an interest in the cause outside of Bermuda. M. ENOCH. IN THE SUMMER SCHOOL.
By M. Bessie Degraw
God loves young people; and the physical strength of youth is but a symbol of the spiritual strength for which He looks in every young man and young woman. He says, “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you.” It is an inspiration to the young people to study together as they are now doing at Berrien Springs, and it is an inspiration to older persons to come in contact with the spiritual life which is everywhere manifest in the camp. There is a soul-hungering for the wisdom of God, which Jehovah has pledged His word to satisfy. The class in Bible study has brought light and strength. One great problem for the church school teacher is how to teach the Bible to the children. The students have had several lessons on Eden, which reveal the fact that in the first few chapters of Genesis—that is, in the history of Adam and Eve before the fall—is hidden the whole gospel. Let the children study Adam himself. He was created in the image of God; he was upright in body, in mind, in soul. Children will naturally desire to live the life which is thus vividly portrayed. We can be upright in body only as we obey the laws of health, and eat, dress, and breathe according to the divine principles. An upright mind comes as the result of Christian education, and uprightness of soul is the result of feeding upon God's word. In so far as the teacher can lead her pupils to live these truths, has she been successful in restoring the image of God in humanity. This is the gospel; this is Christian education. The Christ-life must be seen in Adam, for here was God's first plan. When we see God in Eden, then we are better able to understand the same power in the Christ-child. To live what is studied is the only indication of successful teaching. There is one noticeable thing in the camp, and that is that the Wisconsin students outnumber those from any other State. A little investigation revealed to me the cause of this: Wisconsin has a Conference president who is alive to educational matters, and it has an active superintendent of church schools. Wisconsin is reaping the results of the enthusiasm put into the church school work; for within the past few weeks that State has furnished several workers for other fields. One quite remarkable case has come to my attention, which illustrates the preparation for future work which a church school teacher may receive in the class room. Brother W. E. Howell, who had charge of the school for Chinese boys in Honolulu for the past four years, has been in the camp, mingling with the students. He was in search of some one to assist in the Chinese school. One day, after asking God to reveal the proper person, he happened to take a seat near C. P. Moon. The sewing class was in progress, but Brother Howell carried on a quiet conversation with him, telling him of the needs of the field. As a result, in less than twenty-four hours Brother Moon was on his way home, to prepare to take the next boat for Honolulu. Why could he go on this short notice? Last winter, according to the plan for church schools, in teaching geography he presented the different countries to the children as mission fields. The reports in the Missionary Magazine were read, and Brother Moon was especially impressed with the work among the Chinese, and in his heart he then offered his service to God for that field. When the call came through Professor Howell, he was not surprised in the least; he had been listening for it. It is gratifying to know that such experiences come to the teachers in our church schools. It is still more wonderful to know that this same spirit is working in the hearts of the children who are instructed by such teachers. An army of missionaries is now in course of training. How can any church delay to work for its children? How dare the young people who have ability to teach withhold any longer from the Lord that which is His own? Never before was there such an urgent call to the young to prepare for the work. If we delay much longer, those from outside the Church will receive the message, and will outrun those brought up to a knowledge of the Third Angel’s Message. A series of studies on Christian education has been begun, for the benefit of the people of Berrien Springs. Such meetings are held twice each week, and are well attended. The people of the village are courteous and free to express their appreciation of the fact that the new school is located in their midst.
M. BESSIE DEGRAW. Previous to April 15, 1901, Arizona was a mission field under the supervision of the General Conference. It is now under the direction of the Pacific Union Conference. Steps are being taken, and are nearly accomplished, to place the work here in a more perfect state of organization, which will place the responsibility of the work more fully upon the laborers in the field, and which will cause our people in this Territory to feel more than ever that it is their work, and that they are responsible for its accomplishment. An Executive Committee has been appointed, composed of the following persons, with the writer as Superintendent and Treasurer: C. D. M. Williams; W. L. Black; M. Serna, our Spanish minister; and E. A. Brown. The work will soon be as fully organized as can be in a mission field, by the creation of Sabbath-school and Tract and Missionary departments, and the appointment of secretaries for each, and also one to look after the youth's work, and the Berean Reading Circle work. We shall endeavor to work on the plan of making one person responsible for each department, thus giving each part of the work the benefit of the whole of one man's strength and energies, instead of compelling each and every branch to suffer by having one man try to spread out his energies over the whole work. Already God is blessing in it, and we look for better success in the future. At the beginning of this year there were four churches in Arizona, with one hundred and eleven members, and about seventeen scattered Sabbath-keepers, who belonged to no Seventh-day Adventist church. Others have since taken their stand for the truth. Brother Williams and his wife, in Bisbee, are having all they can do, and report that some have already begun to obey, and others are interested. Brother Black reports from Tucson that he has more than he and his wife can attend to in looking after the new interests, the Chinese school, and the church. About half of this church is Spanish; and as Brother Black speaks Spanish, he works with them also. Brother Serna is looking after the Spanish church at Solomonville, and some companies of Spanish in New Mexico. Brother E. A. Brown, elder and librarian of the Phoenix church, is looking after the work in that place. Sister Iles has been in Flagstaff for some time, looking after the interests of the church, and working for all she can reach. Mrs. Webster and I were in Verde Valley for a few weeks, but the busy work of harvesting and haying kept the people from attending the meetings, so we decided to help in the interest here at Flagstaff, and return to the valley when the hard work is over, and the people have more time to hear. Arizona is not an easy field to work. This is due to several causes. It is sparsely settled, and the settlements are small. But few railroads, and high rates, make it difficult and expensive to travel. Distances are immense here, as mountains and barren deserts must be crossed, often by team, on horseback, or afoot. Many of the settlements are mining camps, and the people are transients, caring principally for gold. Comparatively little of the whole country is tillable, and that only where irrigation is possible; so a majority of the people are consumers, not producers. And this, together with the high freight, makes living expensive. There is a proverb here like this: Every one who comes here leaves his religion in the Missouri River. This is indeed too much so; but we find some honest souls who are as glad to get the truth as any can be. We find many who have heard and rejected the truth in the East, and want nothing to do with it here. Such hinder others all they can. Perhaps this will explain why it is that so much work has been done here for years with so little manifest results. It is especially hard for the canvasser. But we are not discouraged. We believe that the work will go as never before in this field, and we ask all who read this to pray for its success. SOUTH DAKOTA.
By O. S. Ferren
CUSTER.—The local camp-meeting held at Custer, July 19–23, is now past. Brethren Johnson and Miller and the writer were on the grounds several days before the date of this meeting, and held services for the people of the place and the few of our people who came at an early date. Every one present at this meeting learned that we are not dependent upon numbers for the direct blessing of God. Including the children, the number camped under the beautiful pine trees fell a little short of one hundred. This little company spent eight days very profitably, some of the campers coming four days' drive, with their children, in their covered wagons. The brethren and sisters at once saw that we had something for them; that the message was up-to-date; that the Lord was present in every sermon, and in every social and prayer meeting. In fact, night and day the message was kept before the people. Meetings for children and youth were held daily. Dr. Nelson, of College View, occupied one hour each day on health principles. Sabbath morning after Sabbath-school all congregated in the large tent, and celebrated the ordinances. This occasion was enjoyed by almost every one. Elder Flaiz was present the last two days of the meeting, and all enjoyed his timely instructions. A goodly number of renewals for our periodicals were secured. There was a liberal collection taken for the different branches of the work, one especially for foreign fields. The book sales were all that could be expected. There were no health foods to ship526 back, all being sold that was left at the end of the meeting. Although the State officers of the Sabbath-school were not present, yet that branch was looked after, and a goodly collection was taken. Monday all drove to Sylvan lake, a distance of eight miles, where four persons were baptized. At our last meeting every one bore testimony to the fact that all sins were forgiven, and all said this was the most wonderful meeting they had ever attended. Several business meetings of the Black Hills church were held, and delegates to the State Conference elected. The Custer meeting was a success. Every father and every mother and all the children and youth, with two or three exceptions, went home rejoicing in new blessings. As it should be, the meeting was self-supporting. To God belongs all the praise. He is not limited to numbers. The promise was realized. J. E. Johnson and Brother Miller go to Sundance, Wyo., to hold a series of meetings in a church or hall; and Jay Neathery goes with me, to pitch the tent at Alliance, Neb., where canvassing and missionary work have been done. Brethren, pray for these fields, that God will give souls. In accordance with the request of the Southern Union Conference, made at the recent General Conference in Battle Creek, Mich., the Review and Herald Publishing Company has passed over to the Southern Union Conference their Southern branch office, which has been located at Atlanta, Ga., for the past twelve years. Accordingly, this office has been moved to Graysville, Tenn., and has become a part of the Southern Publishing Association. ALL orders heretofore sent to the Review and Herald Pub. Co., 243 S. Boulevard, Atlanta, Ga., should now be sent to the Southern Publishing Association, 1025 Jefferson St., Nashville, Tenn. THE address of the Southern Review, heretofore published at 243 S. Boulevard, Atlanta, Ga., is now 1025 Jefferson St., Nashville, Tenn. Price, as heretofore, thirty-five cents a year. BROTHER I. A. FORD, connected for some time with the Atlanta branch of the Review and Herald Pub. Co., has resigned, to take charge of the publishing work in Ontario. His place as secretary and treasurer of the Southern Union Conference has been filled by the appointing of C. L. Kilgore as Conference Secretary, and A. W. Spaulding as Treasurer. THE fitting up of treatment rooms for the colored people, at 447 Cherry St., Nashville, has begun, and the rooms will soon be opened. THE bath-room work begun in Nashville, Tenn., by Brother Hansen, has been supplemented by Dr. Otis. There are now sanitarium facilities for both medical and surgical treatment. MONTROSE (COLO.) HEALTH RETREAT.
By B. G.
The Hygienic Health Retreat is an enterprise conducted by Brother and Sister Hartman, and is located six miles from Montrose, Colo., in what is known as the Uncompahgre Valley of the Gunnison, on the western slope of the Rockies. A little over a year ago Brother and Sister Hartman added to their three-roomed house seventeen rooms more; and this building, with their twenty acres of orchard and vegetable ranch, they are using in the gospel health mission work, treating and caring for the sick. The ranch supplies part of the food for the family and their large number of patients, but it is a struggle to make the ranch and the income from patients supply means for a living. This is God's work, and Brother and Sister Hartman need the support of every Seventh-day Adventist. Such is the fame of the remarkable cures God is doing with the ministering hands of Brother and Sister Hartman that invitations are sent to them to go to towns from twenty to eighty miles distant, and start similar treatment rooms. Patients living in the surrounding towns come daily to the health retreat to receive treatments. The train stops just in front of the door, which is a great convenience to the sick who wish to visit the retreat. This retreat is a great benefit to those who live on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, in the San Juan region. Dr. Butterbaugh is the physician in charge. Brethren, give this cause your support. B. G. LOUISIANA CONFERENCE ORGANIZED.
By S. B. Horton; W. T. Hartsock
The fourth annual camp-meeting for the State of Louisiana was held in a beautiful grove just outside the city of Crowley, in Acadia parish. Brethren and sisters from Welsh, Marthaville, Mansfield, Shreveport, Hope Villa, Lake Charles, and New Orleans were present. The visiting brethren were Elder R. M. Kilgore, president of the S. U. C.; Prof. J. E. Tenney, principal of the Southern training-school; A. F. Harrison, general canvassing agent; and W. O. Palmer, of the Southern Publishing Association of Nashville. These brethren were used by the Lord in bringing before our people the important principles underlying the message for these last days. The principles of true education were specially emphasized by Professor Tenney. A half score or more of our young people from this section are planning to attend the Southern training-school at Graysville, Tenn., this fall. The subject of Conference organization was duly considered. Elder Kilgore and others presented pertinent remarks upon the question, and it was unanimously agreed to organize the Louisiana Conference. R. M. Kilgore was elected chairman, and Ruby Roach temporary secretary. Committees were appointed on plans and constitution, nominations, and credentials. Recommendations and plans were adopted in keeping with the spirit of the message for these last days; true Christian education, medical missionary work, the publishing enterprise, and the circulation of literature receiving due consideration. It was also agreed to establish a depository in New Orleans as soon as circumstances would warrant, and to place the Sabbath- and day-schools, book and medical missionary work in departments of the Conference, in charge of secretaries and superintendents. The following-named persons were elected for the ensuing year: President, S. B. Horton; Secretary, W. T. Hartsock; Treasurer, Frank Peabody, Fenton, La.; Canvassing Agent, C. F. Dart; Superintendent of church schools and Secretary of Sabbath-schools, Ruby Roach; Secretary Medical Missionary Department, W. T. Hartsock; executive committee, S. B. Horton, C. A. Watkins, E. S. Abbott, Solomon Broussard, J. R. Hudson. Credentials were given as follows: Ministerial credentials, S. B. Horton, C. A. Watkins; missionary credentials, C. F. Dart, Mrs. E. Hartsock, Miss Ida Simmons, W. T. Hartsock; missionary credentials (self-supporting), Mrs. May Dart, Mrs. Belle Horton, Miss Ruby Roach, Miss Jennie Litchfield. The treasurer was instructed to remit a tithe to the Southern Union Conference treasurer of all tithe receipts. And it was agreed to assume Conference responsibilities from August 1. S. B. HORTON, Pres.
W. T. HARTSOCK, Sec. PENNSYLVANIA
By C. F. McVagh; W. F. Schwartz
Grass Flat.—This place is located in the northeastern corner of Clearfield County. It is a mining town, of more than two thousand Swedish people, who live within a radius of four miles. Nearly all the men work in the coal mines. In a religious sense, the Swedes here are represented by five Lutheran congregations, one Baptist, and one Free church. We decided to locate our tent here, believing it to be the place where God had called us to labor for Him. We held our first meeting, July 19, with about one hundred quiet and attentive hearers, including one Lutheran minister. The attendance has been good at each meeting, and God has given us freedom and power in the preaching of the word. This is a new field and a large territory for missionary work. If any one has tracts or papers in English, Swedish, or Slavonian languages, we would be glad to have them, as we can use a large number here. CHARLES MELEEN,
AUGUST ANDERSON. Those engaged in the tent effort at Erie report as follows: “For one week we have spoken on the Sabbath question to attentive audiences. Last Sunday we had a large attendance. During the week the number is not so large, but the same ones come. There is a deep interest manifested, and some have already stated their determination to obey God’s commandments. Thursday evening, after listening to a stirring talk on the change of the Sabbath, those who would take their places under the banner of Jesus in the keeping of all of His commandments, were asked to rise. Fully two thirds of those present arose. Pray that wisdom may be given us to lead these to the fold of God.” Scranton.—We had a good location given us at the corner of Taylor Avenue and Myrtle Street, in that part of the city known as Petersburg. The meetings have now been in progress nearly two weeks, and the interest is steadily increasing. At first our congregation was composed almost entirely of children; but the Lord gave us favor in their eyes, and by and by the parents began to come with them, until now we have a comparatively steady attendance of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty, of whom fully one half are adults. At the beginning we did not think it necessary to advertise our meetings, as the children did it for us. Now the parents are taking an interest, and are helping us to maintain order. Not all the people know our denominational name yet, but they are becoming interested in the truths they hear at the tent. One man told us he had been praying for some one to pitch a tent here and teach the Bible. Since the attendance became regular, we have had a small announcement and program printed and distributed. We expect by the close of another week to have more than we can attend to. The people are already asking us to call at their homes and study with them. Although the order has been fair for a tent-meeting, one lady went home last night and telephoned to police headquarters that boys were disturbing the meetings; that it was not the ministers who were being annoyed, but the people. She was assured that proper protection would be given in the future, so we feel that we need not concern ourselves about that any further. Sister Jessie Weiss was called away from the tent-company by the illness of her sister. Our prayer is for, grace and wisdom. C. F. McVAGH,
W. F. SCHWARTZ. QUEBEC CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS.
By S. A. Farnsworth; W. J. Blake
The twenty-second annual session of the Quebec Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Coaticook, Quebec, June 13–23. The church delegation was unusually small, yet those present manifested a commendable spirit of unity and harmony. The Conference was favored with the counsel of Elder H. W. Cottrell, President of the Eastern Union Conference, during its entire work. Elder I. N. Williams, our former Conference president, having left the province, on account of failing health, was succeeded by S. A. Farnsworth, as chairman of the business sessions of the Conference. The usual committees were appointed. Eight meetings were held, at which six resolutions were adopted, covering the following points:— (1) Acknowledging God's goodness and guiding hand in the work during the past year; (2) acquiescing with the plan of the General Conference in the circulation of “Christ’s Object Lessons;” (3) making the tract society and the Sabbath-school527 Association departments of the Conference; (4) encouraging the canvassing work; (5) agreeing to raise means for “Christ’s Object Lessons” Material Fund; (6) emphasizing the importance of making the Sabbath-school work a spiritual success to all, and especially to the children. A deep interest was taken in the discussion of these resolutions, and all seemed anxious that they be carried out in fact as well as adopted in form. A good beginning was made by raising money for the Material Fund, several dollars being paid and pledged, even before the vote on the resolution was taken. By the appointment of a special committee, provision was made to work up this interest among absent members. The following officers were elected: President, S. A. Farnsworth; Secretary, W. J. Blake; Auditor, H. E. Rickard. Executive Committee: S. A. Farnsworth, H. E. Rickard, George Cushing, Harvey McClary, and Henry Libby. The Conference constitution was thoroughly revised to meet present arrangements. Six by-laws were passed, ranging in scope from the defining of the duties of the different officers to the manner of appointing the Conference auditing board. Credentials were granted to S. A. Farnsworth, H. E. Rickard, and W. J. Blake. A ministerial license was granted to A. E. Davidson. The Conference and tract society have sufficient funds to meet all their indebtedness, and the prospect is bright for another year of successful labor. S. A. FARNSWORTH, Chairman. LOUISIANA CAMP-MEETING.
By R. M. Kilgore
The Crowley (La.) meeting was not large numerically, but it was great with results. Five churches were represented. Quite a large number of young people were present, all of whom went forward for prayers. The principles of Christian education presented by Prof. J. E. Tenney produced marked results, for they were with power. The hearts of all were affected, and parents rejoiced as the light dawned upon their minds. They saw that education in the family, in the Sabbath-school, and in the day-school has in it only one object—the salvation of the children. Good cheer, courage, and union of heart and soul prevailed, all seeing eye to eye. The organization of a Conference being considered, all were united in following the instruction of the Lord given at our recent General Conference,—that these mission fields, though small numerically, and weak financially, should be organized into State Conferences, and that assistance be rendered them, and that there should be a fostering watchcare over them by the Union Conference, the same as over mission fields. The Southern Union Conference will be able to do this, as the action of the General Conference shall be realized. The Louisiana Conference was accordingly organized, all members in good standing in the several churches being members of the Conference. Elder S. B. Horton was elected President, and four others were chosen to act with him as an executive committee; competent department heads were also elected. The headquarters will be at New Orleans, except the Treasurer will be, for the present, at Welsh. It was voted that the organized life of this Conference take its beginning August 1. This was indeed a joyful occasion, and all returned to their homes happy, rejoicing in the Lord. At the close of the meeting, the call being urgent for us to visit the Welsh church, we did so, as we had three days before our next meeting. The church turned out and spent the time with us. As a result of these efforts, we expect to see a deeper interest in carrying forward the work of the message in all its departments. A church school, conducted on the principles of Christian education, will be taught at Welsh, while from the State at least ten or a dozen students will go to the Southern training school at Graysville, Tenn., the coming year. ONTARIO
By J. F. Ballenger; P. M. Howe
PETROLIA.—We pitched our tent in this place and began services, July 17. At our first meeting, two men and several children were present. We began our meetings before advertising. We then canvassed the town, going from house to house, leaving an invitation card. By this means, and the use of bulletin boards, we increased our audience to about forty. Most of those who come are quite regular in their attendance, which is an encouraging feature. A deep interest is shown by all in the subjects presented. We feel quite hopeful that the Lord will get to himself glory in the conversion of some precious souls to the truth. If there are those who feel a special interest in the work here, and would send us clean copies of the REVIEW and the Signs, and tracts, for free distribution, we could use them to good advantage. We hope to hear from a number who have the good work at heart. Especially do we request your prayers that success may crown our efforts. J. F. BALLENGER,
P. M. HOWE. Work in Phillipsburg
By S. S. Shrock; W. H. Smith
PHILLIPSBURG.— About two weeks ago we came to this place, and after a short canvass the Lord directed us to a beautiful site for our tent, in a central location, and moved upon the owners of the ground to let us have it, free of charge, all summer. We began at once to get things in readiness for work, and by July 5 had everything quite satisfactorily arranged. Our first meeting was not largely attended, but a good interest was manifested. The attendance has slowly increased. It is plain that Satan came here before us, and did his bad work, but we are all of good courage. We have great confidence in our Captain.
S. S. SHROCK,
W. H. SMITH. SAN FRANCISCO.—The ship mission in San Francisco is sending out thousands of papers and tracts every week, and any one wishing to send clean pages of any of our denominational literature may send them, prepaid, to C. G. Marchus, 971 Howard St., San Francisco. Any such favors will be thankfully received. This is a four-compass port, and God wills the message sent upon the seas as well as upon the land. To-morrow six hundred school-teachers sail for Manila, and we shall place in the hand of each, five small tracts. These teachers go on a three years' contract, and how opportune to give them—the molders of public thought—the message.
C. G. MARCHUS. At the recent meeting of the California Conference, ninety persons were granted credentials and licenses, ministerial and missionary. THIS year California has fifty-one persons engaged in the canvassing work. BROTHER T. A. KILGORE, who was for several years manager of the New York branch of the Pacific Press Pub. Co., and who has been connected for the past two years with the Oakland office, has been appointed Manager and Treasurer of the St. Helena Sanitarium, of California. NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
By H. J. SCHNEPPER
I HAVE been connected with the North Pacific Conference a little over two years. During this time the Lord has blessed us greatly. Last summer on four different occasions I administered the ordinance of baptism. Last winter I went to a German-Swiss neighborhood. Nearly every Sunday they had a keg of beer and a dance. The judgments of God took the leader out of the way, and the word preached took effect. Two families began to walk in the narrow way. Most of the people reformed more or less, so that beer is not wanted any more. My last visit to that place was July 11-15, when those who had taken Jesus as their personal Saviour followed Him in baptism. We celebrated the ordinances, and enjoyed a precious season together. July 23-31 I visited Royal, our Conference president having requested me to do so. The brethren there had builded a church, which they desired to dedicate to the Lord. We had meeting every evening, and on the Sabbath four services besides Sabbath-school. In the afternoon we had a precious experience. About a dozen came forward for prayer, six of whom were baptized the following day. On Sunday morning the neighbors and the brethren filled the house to the utmost. After a sermon on the object of the house of God and the consecration of ourselves to Him as temples of the Holy Ghost, the building committee reported, and gave the key to the church, which was free from debt. The brethren were all in harmony, and God manifested His power in the conversion of the youth and children. In solemn prayer we gave the Lord His own—the house, and also ourselves. Every one was moved by the Spirit of God. It was good to be in such a place, where God comes so near His people. The influence of the church is good, and the neighbors desire more preaching. Elder Babcock, though eighty-two years old, was full of the truth of God, and rendered valuable help in opening the meeting and encouraging the people. May God keep him for some time to come to the uplifting of fallen mankind. H. J. SCHNEPPER.