There is but One whom men should fear. Jesus exemplified the noblest type of manhood. He feared no man.
The world to-day is divided into three classes: (1) men who have grasped power, and cause themselves to be feared; (2) men who fear other men; and (3) least in numbers, Christians, who fear no man, but God only.
Unfortunately, the number of those who do not fear the power of man, is on the decrease. The spirit and evil genius of the age seem to foster the centralization of wealth and power into the hands of a few men. This naturally makes the many dependent upon the few, and crushes out individuality. It leads many men to fear a few men.
In all His created works and His relations with man, however, God has ever shown a scrupulous regard for the principle of individuality. No two leaves of the forest are alike: each one has its distinct features. In His dealings with created intelligences (with Lucifer even) the Creator has given to all perfect freedom of the will—the very kernel of individuality.
Any effort, therefore, on the part of any man, to compel other men to fear him, is directly contrary to the conduct and teachings of Jesus, and consequently, anti-christian. And those who cringe, and fear the puny power of even the greatest of men, so called, thereby prove themselves no Christians at all; for one cannot fear God with all the heart and fear man.
According to Montaigne, the fear of man is the root of all lying; for, “to say that a man lieth is as much as to say that he is brave towards God and a coward towards men.”
The Scriptures repeatedly point to the fact that in the last days the fear of man predominates over the fear of the Lord. According to John, the very first words of the message sounded by the first angel, are: “Fear God, and give glory to Him.” He calls upon men to cease fearing their fellow men, and, instead, to center their attention upon God.
He who fears man thereby places man in the place of God, and becomes as much an idolater as any heathen.
The motto of the great John Wesley was: “Fear no one but God; hate nothing but sin; and be determined to know nothing among men but Christ and Him crucified.”
Said Solomon the wise, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe [“set on high,” margin].” The Word abounds with similar passages of encouragement to the children of God who fear only the Lord.
True manhood has been hard to find in every age. True men are wanted everywhere. The Church, as well as the world, is cumbered with those who fawn and cringe, who play the politician, who sell their manhood day by day for petty positions, who to curry favor with the powerful, call white black, and black white, and who, fearing to be in the minority, always vote with the winning party. Truly, it is high time for those who fear the Lord and love His cause to sound anew the cry of Jeremiah: “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a MAN.”
Pilate introduced Jesus to the angry multitude in words which had a much deeper meaning than the Roman governor himself knew: “Behold the MAN.”
These degenerate days call loudly for men who dare to do what they know is right—for men who fear nothing but wrong. With the poet we fervently pray:—
“God give us men. A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready
hands:
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor—men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And scorn his treacherous flatteries without
winking;
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty and in private thinking.”
The Church of God needs men with the invincible courage and determination of Wycliffe of England; of Militz, Matthias, Jerome of Prague, and Huss of Bohemia; of the noble Knight of Chlum, and Wenzel of Duba, who stood so nobly by Huss in his death trial; of Luther and his supporters in the Reformation movement in Germany; of the Wesleys; of Roger Williams—of countless other noble men and women who feared God rather than man. Like Luther at the Diet of Worms, these fear not to exclaim, when necessary: “Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help me!”
Such are truly Christians. Like their Master, they denounce evil wherever they find it. They are no respecters of persons.
But their strongest denunciations of evil are their righteous lives. Knowing that they are in the right, “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1), while, in striking contrast, “the wicked flee when no man pursueth.” The lion acts more than he talks. His actions make what he does utter all the more significant. So it is with the manly Christian.
He is a slave who, filled with the fear of man, dare not be “in the right with two or three.” But, the Christian is a free man, being delivered from all bondage to the opinions and whims of other men.
The Lord’s eyes are running through the earth in search of MEN. Are you a MAN? A. J. B.
SINGING
By Editor
SINGING is an important branch of the worship of God. It was formally ordained and enjoined by the direct instruction of Jehovah. It was granted all possible accessories, the aid of pipe, harp, organ, and stringed instruments of all kinds,—anything, in fact, that would make a musical sound and accompany and blend with the human voice. The human voice is a wonderful instrument, capable of an almost infinite variety of changes in pitch, tone, stress, strength, and expression.851
This voice can be cultured and improved, the same as one can improve by practice in the use of an instrument. There may not be many ears trained to discern the difference between the rough and the polished, the uncultured and the cultured, but the latter is the standard, and from this the true pleasure from music is derived. Those who have turned their attention to the training and culture of the human voice, have undertaken a good work, which should be encouraged, and all success in that line should be appreciated.
After the repeated admonitions we read in the Old Testament, to praise God with a loud voice, and with all kinds of instruments of music, the more musical instruments we can see and hear well performed in the worship of God, the more we seem to be reminded of the order of heaven, which is full of harpers, harping with their harps. John says: “And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder; and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps;” and the song they sing on this occasion is the “new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures [R. V.] and the elders.”
Some years ago, friends of music in Battle Creek, thinking our church services might be greatly improved if we could enlist some of the good musical talent among the members, organized a church orchestra. Its benefit to the singing and its good services were very apparent, and much enjoyed by some. But unfortunately, by the generality it was not appreciated nor encouraged, and under these depressing circumstances, disappeared.
Now the friends of singing are rallying again to establish a choir; and a good body of singers have been enlisted, sufficient to form the nucleus of a good choir; and now an article appears in the REVIEW at which the singers have abundant reason to take exception. The article is on the subject of “singing,” REVIEW of December 17, page 815, and contains some statements which are beyond the bounds of moderation. In the patent business when the applicant has made a claim which is too strong, he enters a disclaimer on that point. So we feel called upon to enter a disclaimer in reference to some of the statements in that article. We refer to those expressions which draw a comparison between the notes of a song and the shrieks, wailing, and groans of the lost. But it may be said that it is declared that it seems so to some. This does not help the matter any; for no one has a right to let it seem so, much less to assert that to some it seems so; for when we say this, we are going altogether outside of our province; for no one in this state of being has ever heard the shrieks of the damned, and we trust that none of our readers ever will, unless it be from that side of the impassable gulf, on which Abraham and Lazarus will be established in their eternal habitation.
We hold that no notes can ever be drawn from the human voice this side the close of probation, no matter in what condition of pain, disappointment, remorse, or despair, than can for a moment be properly compared with the shrieks, moans, and wailings of the lost. Therefore no such comparisons should ever appear in the REVIEW; and none would have appeared, had the matter been fully considered.
The way we enter a disclaimer against articles for the REVIEW is by declining to let them appear; but the particular expressions referred to, inadvertently slipped by us.
Singers who have an interest to try to improve the singing, and thus add interest to the worship of God, however far short they may come of their ideal, should receive credit for contributing to the best of their ability to aid the good work; and their efforts, put forth with the honest design of serving and praising God, should not be classified as above.
And there are, both among the brethren and among the sisters, some who have a gift for solo singing. To speak of no others, if the soul-stirring solos of Brother Sheafe could be rendered at all our general gatherings, we believe it would send a thrill of inspiration into every heart.
The object of these lines is to encourage our churches everywhere to foster the taste for music that may exist among the young people, and among the adults also, that it may be developed and consecrated to the service of the Lord, and His cause have the benefit of it, instead of leaving it all to be absorbed in channels that may be, to say the least, questionable; because music is a divine gift, and ought to be devoted to divine purposes. EDITOR.
THE WEEK OF PRAYER IN BATTLE CREEK.
By A. G. Daniells
The Week of Prayer that has just closed has been in many respects a blessed occasion for the church in Battle Creek. Before the week opened, careful plans had been laid for giving every Sabbath-keeper in the place an opportunity to attend meetings, and obtain a better spiritual experience. Meetings were held every afternoon in the Tabernacle. These meetings were attended by children, youth, young people, and some of the aged members who could not well attend the evening services. At seven o’clock all who desired, met for prayer in the different vestries, and at half-past seven a general meeting was held in the Tabernacle. The evening services were not so largely attended as they might have been; yet, on the whole, the attendance was very encouraging, and increased until the close of the week.
Following the general service in the evening, there was held an inquiry meeting each night. These meetings were attended by scores of persons who were seeking freedom from the bondage of sin, and light with reference to the path of duty. We have reason to believe that many received special help at these meetings.
At the Sanitarium, meetings were held in all the departments, daily, at one o’clock. At six o’clock in the evening there was a meeting for the night workers, and at half-past seven a general meeting for all connected with the institution. This gave nearly every employee in the Sanitarium an opportunity to attend at least one meeting each day. All things considered, these meetings were well attended, and scores of young people received new life, light, and courage.
Special meetings were held with the employees of the Review and Herald. At seven o’clock there was a meeting in every department of the Office. At eleven o’clock all the employees came together in the chapel for an hour’s service. Each evening the entire plant was shut down at six o’clock, thus giving all the workers an opportunity to attend the Tabernacle services. The meetings with the Review Office employees were the most impressive and effective of any. At the very start a call was made for reform. This call deepened, until the board and a number of the foremen and employees took their stand that the time had come for a deep and thorough reform to be made. As they carefully and deliberately came to this decision, the blessing of God rested upon them, and gave them the assurance of decided victory.
During the Week of Prayer we were favored with the help of Elder Brunson and Dr. Paulson. These brethren came to us with a fresh, warm message. From the first, the burden of all seemed to be that Jesus is coming soon, and that the time had come for every believer to bestir himself, and prepare to meet his God. The trumpet was given such a definite, certain sound that many hearts were awakened, and hope was revived that the end will not now be long delayed.
At the closing meeting in the Tabernacle, Sabbath afternoon, when hundreds were gathered to tell what had most deeply impressed them during the week, scores of people testified that one of the greatest blessings they had received was the revival of faith and hope in the sure and speedy triumph of the Third Angel’s Message. During the week many persons offered themselves for service at any time the Mission Board might call for them.
The offering of the church, which was taken Sabbath forenoon, December 28, amounted to $2,561. This will no doubt be augmented, as some have been handing in their contributions since the collection was taken. Although the occasion might have been one of greater profit to the Battle Creek church, we rejoice in what has been accomplished. We believe that the foundation has been laid for the continuance of a good work. A. G. DANIELLS.
Editorial Notes.
By L. A. S.
IT has been years since the close of the Spanish-American war, yet the controversy which grew out of the battle fought off the port of Santiago, when the Spanish ships were sunk by the American squadron, is raging still, and was never more in evidence than it is now. It even threatens to spread from the Navy Department, in which it originated, to the army, and how much farther it might go if left unchecked, or may go in spite of all efforts to prevent it, no one can say. The affair affords a striking object lesson on the point of the world’s need of Christianity. Here is the fruit of envy and jealousy and a struggle for the mastery. From it has come bitter feelings and recriminations, estrangement between friends, animosity and trouble, which tend only to spread more widely and to go on indefinitely. In Christianity all this is unknown. Christianity would have saved the country this humiliating spectacle, if its principles, instead of the traits of the natural heart, had prevailed in the minds of the parties concerned. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” Gal. 5:22, 23. It is the exemplification of these virtues that is needed in our world to-day. The world is dying for the lack of Christianity.
THE divinity of Christianity is shown in its purpose of saving people from their sins. All other schemes of salvation seek to save people in their sins; to save them from something that is not sin, as poverty, reproach, persecution, suffering, or political misrule. Naturally, men seek salvation of this sort rather than salvation from sin. No scheme that was of human origin would have undertaken to save people from their sins. But no salvation would amount to anything, would end in anything but death, which would not remove from the soul the fatal incubus of sin. This God knew, and accordingly it is at sin that His plan of salvation aims first and primarily, salvation from all other ills following salvation from sin as a logical consequence. In human schemes of salvation, any good that may be realized is quickly lost in the general destruction that follows as a logical consequence of the want of salvation of the soul.
“WILT thou be made whole?” This is the query addressed by Jesus to the impotent man. And that man is the representative of us all. We are all sick, and the question addressed to each of us by the great Physician is, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Who then will refuse? He who will not let God’s will be wrought in him, prefers sickness and death to health and life.
No one will get into the kingdom of heaven by being frightened into it; but the invitation is, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” Not fear, but love, is the motive which takes us heavenward. No one will be driven into the New Jerusalem by the terror of what is behind him, but all who enter that holy city will be drawn thither by the love of what they see before them.
WE erect a stumbling-block for our feet every time that we look away from God. No man is perfect, and it is always dangerous to turn our gaze upon human imperfections.
SOME people will spend so much time hunting for some way of getting into heaven without being a complete Christian, that they will not have time left to get into heaven by the right way when they realize their mistake. L. A. S.
THE MESSAGE IN INDIA.
By J. L. Shaw
OUR FIRST CHURCH.
It is with feelings of thanksgiving to God that we report the organization of our first church in India. Many of our brethren and sisters in America have had a deep interest in the carrying of the message in this country, and have given of their means for the forwarding of the truth among this people; and no doubt they will rejoice with us in another evidence of God’s working in this darkened land. To be sure, the company of Sabbath-keepers who have taken a firm stand on all points of present truth is not large; and when all join that are in India, the number will be but few. Nevertheless a start has been made, the truth has gained a foothold, and we cannot but believe that this small nucleus is the beginning of something greater in the future.
For centuries the minds of the millions of India have been swayed by the teachings and traditions of men, and ever since the gospel was first introduced by William Carey, there has been a determined opposition to it, preferring rather to follow the words of men than the word of God. The opposition to present truth has been even more fierce, and the evil one has done all in his power to hinder it. As we have been visiting and talking with the brethren and sisters here, they have told us of the experiences of our workers when the message was first proclaimed, and of the bitter spirit of opposition manifested. Instead of receiving the rays of advanced light as from the Lord, many turned against it, and tried to heap reproach upon the servants of God, and many reports were circulated of a derogatory character about Seventh-day Adventists, which tended very much to prejudice the minds of the people against our work and workers. Notwithstanding this, God gave freedom to the proclamation of the message, and Calcutta was thoroughly aroused by the discourses of our Brother Robinson, who is now dead, and many were convinced of the Sabbath truth.
When the Bengali Christians found that the Bible taught that the seventh day is the Sabbath, they began to ask the missionaries how it was that they had been teaching them to keep Sunday instead of the seventh day, and the missionaries were thrown into perplexity in the endeavor to show the native Christians that what they had been teaching them was the truth. Just recently a woman—a missionary who has been working in India nineteen years—said that if she were at home, she might keep the Sabbath; but if she were to do so now, and tell the people whom she had been teaching all these years that what she had been telling them was not true, they would lose confidence in her, and that was more than she could bear. No doubt there are many missionaries who are honest at heart, and will sooner or later obey their convictions; but it is a great cross to them to turn about and tell their converts that what they have been telling them is wrong, and that the “seventh day is the Sabbath.”
Our little church is composed of English, Eurasian, and Bengali members, so it can be seen that the message has made a beginning among different nationalities, and by the blessing of God we hope to see it go forward among these multitudes. The fire has been kindled, and no forces of man can stop it or crush it out. We long to see this flame arise and sweep through India from west to east and from north to south.
BOOK AND PAPER WORK.
The seeds of truth have not only been sown in Calcutta, but through our books and the Oriental Watchman, people’s minds have been led to inquire concerning the truth, and some have even begun to obey. A large number of “Patriarchs and Prophets,” besides other books, have been placed in the different cities and towns in India and Burma, and it is encouraging to see what a favorable impression “Patriarchs and Prophets” has made; we meet with this book everywhere, and we might almost say it has found friends in every house that it has entered. The writings of Sister White in the various books and papers that have been sold are influencing the people, and preparing the soil for a harvest of souls in the future.
The health books have met with a warm reception in Burma. The Burmese and Chinese purchase them readily. Our agent in that field, Brother Meyers, took seventy-seven orders in two weeks for “Ladies’ Guide” and “Man, the Masterpiece,” and out of these delivered seventy-four books, and sold three additional copies. The health literature is without doubt a great means of reaching the people in the Orient, and opening the way for lines of gospel truth.
The good news has just reached us that more workers are on their way from America. This rejoices our hearts, and our prayers are that they and all others who come will be filled with the Spirit of God, and be possessed with a burning desire to labor for souls. J. L. SHAW.
SOUTH AMERICA.
By J. W. Westphal
Our company, consisting of Elder A. R. Ogden and wife, and Elder H. F. Ketring and family, bound for Chile, Brother Bell for Ireland, and the writer and his family for Argentine, set sail at New York on the “Teutonic,” of the White Star Line, August 28. A council of some of the workers in the Brazil mission field had been called at Rio de Janeiro, and I stopped there one week to meet with them. Many things relating to the interests of the work in that field were considered, which we believe will be a help. Among other things, a general meeting was arranged for, to be held May 22–31, at which time a Conference will probably be organized.
The Lord has greatly blessed the work in Brazil. As a result of only six or eight years’ labor, there are now fully eight hundred Sabbath-keepers, and the number of laborers through whom the Lord has effected this has been very few. I was glad indeed to meet some of the pioneer workers of the South American Continent. Elder F. W. Spies, Superintendent of the field, Elder H. F. Graf, and Brother A. B. Stauffer were present in the council.
By request Elder Graf accompanied me to the general meeting in Argentine, and rendered valuable help. The meeting was held about twenty miles from Diamante, in the Province of Entre Ríos, near the Crespo church, November 10–20. Nearly all the laborers of the field were present. Elder John McCarty was absent on account of sickness. Elders Ogden and Ketring were also with us through the meeting. Besides the Crespo church, which now has a membership of one hundred and ninety-one, representatives were present from other churches. Throughout the meeting the forty-foot tent was crowded to its utmost capacity, and frequently it was not large enough to hold the congregation. The testimony borne was straight and practical, and the Lord greatly blessed it. During the meeting twenty-six were baptized, and ten have been baptized since, and the prospects are that there will be a number more.
A Conference was organized at this meeting, consisting of thirteen churches and about four hundred and twenty-five members. A constitution was adopted, and officers were elected. Elder N. Z. Town was chosen President, R. Diriwaechter, Secretary and Treasurer, and Mrs. N. Z. Town, Corresponding Secretary and Secretary of the Sabbath-school Department. Complete harmony prevailed throughout all the business transactions, and in the discussions many expressions of faith in this work and message were heard. All, and especially the laborers, felt that it was good to come together in such a meeting, and they go out into the work with good courage.
However, this Conference is not nearly self-supporting; especially will this be the case for at least a year to come. We are now just before the harvest. For about ten months there has been no rain to speak of, and much of the wheat is already entirely ruined. We have now had rain, and while some wheat may yet be harvested, it must necessarily be very little. Stock has been starving. Corn is being planted, but it is somewhat late. Other crops are not raised.
The Conference starts out with three ordained ministers, two licentiates, and three holding missionary credentials. Besides this there are others engaged in the tract society office, and several young men who will begin work shortly. The Conference, to be known as the Rio de la Plata Conference, embraces the republics of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and the laborers will be scattered over them all. Elder E. W. Snyder, with another worker, returns to his work in Paraguay. Elder Town and some of the young workers will go to Uruguay, while Elder McCarty and Brother Maas and others will remain in Argentine to labor. Brother Arthur Fulton, the teacher of our school, will labor in Buenos Ayres for the summer, and while there, make a specialty of the study of the Spanish language. At present the canvassing work is at a low ebb, but when the harvest is better, and more laborers are trained by our school, the prospect will be much improved.
J. W. WESTPHAL.
EGYPT
By L. R. Conradi
THE NILE, ARAB VILLAGE, AND PYRAMID.
THIS morning I was permitted to baptize eight willing souls in the Nile, among whom was our first Arabian minister. This afternoon we organized the first church, with sixteen members. To-night we shall journey as far as Luxor. The Lord willing, I shall arrive in Hamburg, December 23. The weather is fine, and the best is that the Sun of Righteousness is also rising in the land of the Pharaohs. Isa. 19:19.
L. R. CONRADI.
Cairo, December 7.
FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND.
By JEAN VUILLEUMIER
In our French-European field, everything calls upon us for a speedy proclamation of the message. In France there is a determined struggle between the enemies and the friends of “the Church.” This conflict has come to be so serious that there seems to be a blending of all the old and the new political parties into two leading armies: the clerical and the anti-clerical forces. This situation has been brought out and intensified by the famous law passed this spring against religious orders. The anti-clerical majority in both chambers succeeded in carrying this law in spite of the desperate opposition of the clericals. The “secular clergy” number forty-two thousand priests, paid by the State, directed by eighty-seven bishops. The “regular clergy,” or friars, number one hundred and ninety thousand. Their real estate fortune is estimated at two hundred million dollars. The speakers in favor of the law frankly confessed their fears that they would grow so strong as to form “a State within the State.” One of the designs of the law was to debar some orders from teaching school, which they are doing to a great extent, thus molding the plastic minds of youth against the ideas of liberty and democratic government.
Several orders are to be suppressed, and their estates confiscated. Friars have taken it quite calmly as a rule; but great activity is being exercised by “the Church” in view of the coming elections. The853government is somewhat concerned as to its fate, and has recently shown some favors to Catholic missionaries in Turkey and China. In fact, the main intent and result of the expedition of the French fleet in Turkish waters was to secure some advantages for Catholic orders in Turkey.
Protestants seem to enjoy some favor with the government, and they take advantage of it to successfully sue at law many Catholic papers for slanders against Protestant ministers and their work. This is preparing a harvest of violence by and by.
Thus poor France is oscillating between two parties, one of which favors faith (so called) without liberty, and the other, liberty without faith. Let now the Third Angel’s Message come in quickly, and give the people true faith and true liberty!
Most of the French cantons of Switzerland are called upon to pass Sunday laws just now. In one (Vaud) the law was introduced in the spring, and was just carried. The leading paper of that canton, La Gazette de Lausanne, founded in 1798, printed two articles which I sent it, against this law, and of course criticised our position, and called the law a law of hygiene. This law is quite sweeping, and may be applied to any kind of work done by a Sabbath-keeper, although allowing exceptions for many kinds of business which go to make Sunday holidays enjoyable. Similar laws are being considered at Neuchatel, Berne, and Geneva.
The Sunday movement in France is carried on by Catholic societies, a Protestant society, and an inter-confessional society. In several large cities, of late, the latter society has aroused a mob spirit in favor of Sunday closing, and has carried its point in a way which savors of the Revolution of 1793.
Our field is ripe. May God send us laborers, and give us the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we may successfully warn the people, and invite them to a better country!
I have forgotten to mention a new movement among Protestants. Some years ago it started with a view of studying social questions, and thus coming better in contact with the laboring classes, which are largely involved in the socialistic movement. Now, several pastors are enthusiastic over the idea of preaching, not the old gospel of converting the people for another world, but the coming kingdom of Christ to be established upon this world by means of socialism! Groping in the dark with one ray of light falsely understood and applied!
Again I say, May God help us to bring the Third Angel’s Message before the French people with the power of sanctified lives! JEAN VUILLEUMIER.
Paris, December 10.
ILLINOIS
By M. G. Huffman
MOUNT ERIE AND KEENVILLE
The Lord is blessing in this part of His vineyard, and the cause is onward. The company at Mount Erie is growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.
From October 23-27 a general meeting was held at Mount Erie for the benefit of our brethren and sisters in the southern part of the State, who did not have the privilege of attending the camp-meeting last fall. Elders Allen Moon, W. D. Curtis, Chas. Thompson, and E. A. Butz, and the writer were present, and participated in the services. The Lord was present by His Spirit, and the power of His word found its way to many hearts. Much valuable instruction was given, the fruit of which will doubtless appear in the kingdom of God.
Sunday, October 27, at 11 A. M., the church was dedicated with appropriate exercises. A Scripture selection was read, and the invocation was offered by Elder Butz. Elder Curtis presented the financial report, then made a plea for donations. The people responded quite freely, and soon the amount necessary to enable us to dedicate the house, free of debt, was provided for. The choir then rendered the anthem, “Open Thou Mine Eyes.” The writer preached the dedicatory sermon, and Elder Moon offered the prayer. The occasion was pleasant and profitable, and we trust that God’s blessing may rest abundantly upon the labors of this church. The meetings closed Sunday night, October 27, with a stirring discourse by Elder Curtis.
From November 20 to December 9 I was at Keenville, and during my stay with the church at that place the Lord came graciously near His people, and the whole church was greatly awakened. The Lord blessed in bearing a straight and pointed testimony. One person united with us in keeping the commandments of God, and a number of others became deeply interested.
I greatly enjoyed my sojourn with the brethren and sisters. May God bless the Keenville church, and may all strive to do the Master’s will, and at last receive a rich reward in heaven.
M. G. HUFFMAN.
E. K. SLADE
By E. K. Slade
DETROIT.—The work in Detroit is still progressing, and while there is room for great improvement, we have reason to be very grateful for the present prosperity of the work here. The members of the church are well scattered over the city, where we trust they are having an influence for good. The membership of the church is something over one hundred and fifty. We are but a small handful in this metropolis of Michigan, with a population equal to about one sixth of that of the whole State.
At present our family in the mission, including a few boarders, numbers twenty. The Bible workers’ class of seven members is held daily, and is attended with rich experiences in the study of the truth and methods of work.
An effort is being made to carry on all lines that may be effectual in reaching all conditions of life. We are gratified by seeing some results of the work of late, and encouraged by the promise, “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Many have sent in fruit and provisions for the mission family, for which we are thankful. Pray for the work and workers in Detroit.
E. K. SLADE
KENTUCKY
By O. C. Godsmark
Louisville.—Since our last report the work here has steadily progressed. We now have made the repairs on our church building, and are pleased to be in possession of so good a place of worship. We shall now begin to make regular payments on the purchase of this desirable piece of property. Our people here are of good courage, and are sacrificing to their fullest extent to get the work established on a firm basis. Four have begun keeping the Sabbath, three of whom are soon to be baptized. This comes as the result of Mrs. Godsmark’s Bible work. Many others are deeply interested, and we wish that we had workers to fill the openings.
Brother and Sister Barry are here, doing good work among the colored members. Two have begun the observance of the Sabbath, and many others are interested as a result of their work, though they have been here but a short time. They have also the promise of sufficient brick and mortar with which to build a house of worship.
In response to our request for means and publications, we have received some of the former, and many, very many, of the latter. We are thankful for both, as they assist us much in our work here in the South; but we suggest that those churches that have not already sent us barrels, boxes, or bundles of papers, both new and old, refrain from so doing until further notice, as we already have all that this small church can dispose of for some time to come. We appreciate the many kind letters we have received, showing the interest our people have in the work in the South, and trust none will consider it a lack of appreciation on our part if, amid our other duties, we do not answer immediately. Nearly all who favored us prepaid the freight, some, however, did not, which makes it a little hard for the company here, struggling to their utmost to purchase a suitable house of worship in which to present this precious truth. Some one in Minnesota favored864us with a box of something, which we did not take from the office, the express charges amounting to $6.90. Any one knowing the source of this box will bestow upon us a favor by corresponding with us regarding the matter. The papers are given, not only to private readers, but also taken by our members to the various hospitals, homes of the friendless, schools, etc., and we believe will accomplish much good.
We wish especially to thank those church schools and young people’s societies that are taking an interest in the work in the South, and have begun sending us their mites to assist in establishing the work here. Believing our brethren in the North will aid us here not only by their prayers, but with their means also, we are pressing on, rejoiced to see already tangible results of the workings of the Lord here in Kentucky. O. C. GODSMARK.
2005 Magazine St., Louisville, Ky.
MARITIME PROVINCES.
By Geo. E. Langdon
After storing our tent in Fredericton, we continued our meetings in Temperance Hall. Brother W. R. Andrews remained to follow up the work begun with the tent. The interest and attendance have continued to be good. Twenty-five thousand pages of tracts and pamphlets have been sold, and forty-eight subscriptions have been taken for the Signs of the Times. Five have decided to keep the truth as revealed by God’s law, and many others are under conviction. Brother Andrews has sold forty copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” besides keeping up the interest in the hall.
I have visited the churches at St. John, Hopewell Cape, and Elgin and Greenfield, New Brunswick. The brethren and sisters at most of these churches are of good courage in the Lord, and are endeavoring to improve every opportunity to advance the cause of God in the earth. While among them, I took twenty-five subscriptions for the Signs and seven for the REVIEW, and sold sixty-one copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” thirty-nine to people outside of the church. Many have told me they were greatly helped by the beautiful lessons in the book. Some of our people here are receiving real spiritual help in selling this book. I trust we shall have a revival in this work, and others share in the blessings received in doing it. The money received from the sale of this book in Canada will now go toward establishing a Canadian school. Let all our people arise and help in this good work.
