It is with great reluctance that I take the valuable space of the REVIEW to speak of my own personal matters. The columns of our beloved church paper should be appropriated to subjects of greater importance. What I am about to say will be written from a solemn sense of duty to others, and not in any sense as a personal vindication. For the latter I have very little interest.
About thirteen years ago I left Battle Creek, Mich., for Bowling Green, Fla., broken down with nervous prostration. Here I have been ever since, except a few months spent in North Carolina preaching the message. Not long after I came to Florida, I began to hear of rumors of my losing faith in the message. A friend of mine, at that time quite prominent in the work, wrote me that while attending a camp-meeting in Kansas, many came to him to inquire if it “was a fact that Elder Butler had given up the truth, and gone back to infidelity.” From that time on, I have occasionally received letters, some from our ministers, some from lay members, inquiring about my spiritual condition, and whether I still held to my former belief. These letters I at once answered, telling the writers that I firmly believed the truth, and always had. Only a few weeks ago I received a kind letter from an earnest, devoted sister who had heard me preach in other days (though I had no remembrance of her personally), stating that years ago she had a dream that greatly impressed her mind, in which she saw me in very great distress and peril. She had been greatly troubled over this dream, and wrote to ask me of my spiritual standing, etc.
All these occurrences have set me to querying in my mind if it is possible that large numbers of our people really regard me as an apostate from the truth. A few days ago, in talking with a brother, a president of a Conference, who has been traveling quite extensively among our people, I inquired of him if he had found such views prevalent among our people as he went from place to place among them. He replied that in many places where he had been, numbers came to him, hearing that he knew me well, and asked him if it was “really true that Elder Butler had given up the truth.” Of course he emphatically contradicted the reports. I then felt it to be my duty to write a statement of facts, so that no reasonable person should be left in doubt in regard to my position. We are in the “shaking time,” of which we have heard for many years. All that can be shaken will be shaken. Many are weak in the faith because they have not walked in the light. They are brought under temptation in one way or another. They have known that I have held prominent positions in this body in the past, but for more than a dozen years have taken little part in the work. They naturally query why this is so. They wonder if it is not because I have been reproved and have given up, been “sore-headed” and dissatisfied, and gone the way of many others. They hear some rumor that such is the fact, and they begin to question in their dark hours if, after all, it may not be that the doctrines we have believed so strongly are untrue. My supposed apostasy may possibly assist some other one down the grade to darkness and death.
I should feel exceedingly distressed to hear that any mistaken views of my spiritual condition had served as a stumbling stone to any tempted soul. Hence I will take some little pains to give the facts so plainly that none need to fall into temptation over me. So far, however, as these false reports about me are concerned, I care so little for them that I would not be to the trouble of writing to correct them, only that I fear others may be injured by them. Long ago I ceased to chase after, or worry about, false reports concerning me. I never lose any sleep over them. I let them pass as the idle wind. Chasing after one’s reputation is an unprofitable business.
“How does it happen, then, that you suddenly left the work, went far away to Florida, and have kept still so long?” It will take some little space to answer this question. But I will endeavor to do it to the satisfaction of all.
In the fall of 1888 my health completely broke down at the Indiana camp-meeting, and I left the meeting before its close and returned to my family in Battle Creek, in great distress. The difficulty was nervous prostration. For many weeks I was barely able to write a few letters, and remained in Battle Creek. I could walk but little, and much of the time had a high temperature. My brain was in such a weak condition that to listen to a discourse would give me intense distress. I was not able to attend the General Conference at Minneapolis that year. This breakdown was not a sudden attack of illness, but the crisis had been drawing near for about four or five years. I had been held by our people in leading official positions for over twenty years,—had been president of three different State Conferences,—Iowa, Missouri, and Michigan,—had held that office for a term of years in each; had held the office of president of the General Conference nearly thirteen years, and was president of the Publishing Association for eight terms; was also a member of the college board, etc. During much of this time I had worked intensely hard, attending nearly all the camp-meetings, and acting a leading part for a dozen years or more, often working night and day. As I felt my strength waning, I sought to save it as much as possible. But with the cares pressing upon me, I knew not how to avoid the final outcome.
When at last the crisis came, I felt I must take a period of rest. My brethren still sought to hold me on the General Conference Committee; but I knew I was in no condition to perform its duties, and could not accept the position. I longed to get out into a quiet retreat where I could rest, think, and pray, have a chance for physical exercise, and so regain my broken health. I was not so old but that I hoped I might regain it, at least in part. I longed to get out of Battle Creek, with its pressure and rush, its turmoil and care; but I hardly knew where to go. I had no home of my own, and was considerably puzzled to determine where to go. Just at this juncture I received a letter from a perfect stranger, Mr. Irving Keck, of Bowling Green, Fla., stating he had read of me in the REVIEW, and had also learned of my failing health. He gave me a hearty invitation to spend the winter with him in Florida, saying it should cost me nothing. He wrote also the second time to the same effect. In my weakness and perplexity, I fancied the Lord had moved him to write. I could think of no other place to go; and though Florida was about the last place I had thought of going to, I finally concluded that my wife and I would spend the winter there. I thought it was the Lord’s mercy that opened the way for us. And this was how we came to go to Florida. It afforded me just such a retreat as I greatly needed. Here, with perfect freedom from care, I could work with my hands little by little as I gained strength, and I could see some chance to do a little good.
Mr. and Mrs. Keck at that time were not members of our Church. They kept the Sabbath, but were not established on many points of the message. They were quite suspicious of the Testimonies, as they had been reading opposition publications. I was most happy to assist them in learning of every point of truth in the message, the Testimonies included, and baptized them both. Brother Keck is now an earnest laborer, president of the Florida Conference, and a strong believer in the Testimonies, as is also his companion. This fact may be regarded, perhaps, as a “straw” showing how far my influence was used against the Testimonies, as some have intimated that I had lost faith in them. We lived in Brother and Sister Keck’s family six months before making our own little home as a neighbor.
Some have intimated that my sickness was a mere excuse for leaving Battle Creek—that my sickness was a small matter, etc. As for that, I was told that the leading physician of the sanitarium said: “Butler is a very sick man, but he does not know it.” I thought I was well enough acquainted with that fact when my temperature was about one hundred and five for days, and I had to keep my bed. When I reached Florida, I met a very intelligent physician, who formerly lived at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and had attended my son when he lost his eye. He said to me, “You will not get over this nervous prostration for several years, and never will unless you are very careful.” I have found his words true to the letter. I have never regained my mental or physical strength fully. Though my general health is excellent, yet if I overwork, those feelings of nervous prostration return, and my worst feeling of weariness is always in my brain.
I expected, when I came here, to preach the message again as soon as my health recovered. “Why, then,” says my critic, “did you not do so?” My answer is that in March, eleven years ago, my wife had a very severe apoplectic shock, leaving her a helpless invalid, her whole right side paralyzed. For a time she was unable to speak a word. She has not been able to use her right hand or foot by will power for over eleven years; and though her speech has considerably improved, it is still quite difficult for her to make her wants known. She has had to be lifted from chair to bed, and vice versa, wheeled in a chair when moved, and carried to the carriage when she rides. No ordinary woman can do these things for her. She has been and still is a great sufferer. To the best of my recollection, there has not been a single day in these eleven years but what she has suffered more or less pain, and very many times intense pain. At times it seems unbearable. These pains come largely from the contractions of nerves and muscles. The tendons become rigid. These cramping spells often cause her to cry out in great agony. Physicians have been unable to prescribe anything that will give relief. Vigorous rubbing is the best means of relief we know of. These pains often come in the night. Poor woman! It could but excite sympathy in any feeling heart to know of her great suffering; on the whole, she has endured it with great patience. I might enlarge upon this to any length, and then the half of her sufferings would not have been told. None but those who have had the care of similar cases can realize her sad condition.
In such a case as this, can my friends who have attributed to me apostasy and “sore-headedness” because I have not been in the field preaching all these years, discover any other reason for my silence? Could I leave her when in such a condition, without care, to the tender mercies of hired help, when I had solemnly promised at the marriage altar that I would love, cherish, and protect her as long as we both should live? For one, I have seen no Christian way to avoid this duty. I have tried to do my best cheerfully, kindly, believing it the duty of a true man to be faithful to a true companion as long as life shall last. I have felt shut up to this conclusion. I have prayed over it much, but could see no better light.
The greatest sorrow of my heart for these long years past has been that the way to do good for perishing souls, bringing the precious truth before them, seemed utterly hedged up. So keenly did I feel this that for one year I went out preaching, taking my afflicted wife with me, living in a little tent. She, knowing my anxiety to labor in the cause, offered to go with me. We spent several months in Asheville, N. C., in the hospitable home of Brother D. T. Shireman, giving lectures in the park, in a central part of the city. God blessed our united labors. Quite a number accepted the truth, among them our beloved friends, Brother and Sister J. A. Brunson. They came from the Baptist Church, accepting, under our labors, the whole truth—visions and all (another “straw” relative to my giving up the visions). Brother Brunson and I lectured also in Waynesville, N. C., and several precious souls came into the truth. We returned to Florida, and I held meetings at Bartow; and as a result, a church was organized there. Some excellent people united with us in the truth.559During that year’s labor nearly threescore souls accepted the truth. Does this look as if the minister who labored for them had apostatized?
But few can realize the difficulty of laboring under such circumstances as we labored under that year. I felt it was too hard upon the sick, afflicted one. In a short course of lectures I was associated with Elder Crisler, then president of the Florida Conference. When he saw the difficulties of the situation, he said, “Brother Butler, knowing as I now do the difficulties under which you labor, I cannot believe it your duty to continue to do it.” I confess I felt so myself, and reluctantly gave up the effort, and returned to the little farm, where we have remained ever since. I have not felt condemned for so doing. I have seen no other way.
Brethren and sisters, I will tell you the truth; there has never been a moment since I accepted this truth, more than forty years ago, that I have had the slightest thought of giving it up. The very thought of leaving the truth of God and going back to the world, to dark unbelief and infidelity, fills my soul with horror. My belief in the truth was never stronger than during the time I have been in Florida. This truth has been to me the greatest joy of my heart in all my trials and sorrows, and I have had my share of these. It has been the one great blessing and light and joy of my life, the one hope of my soul. Give up the truth! go back into darkness, without hope and without God in the world! O my soul! who could bear such a thought? Years ago when at the best of my mental powers, I thought it time to decide some things for good and all, and shut up the avenues for Satan to come in with his temptations in times of discouragement. When could I have chosen a better time than then? I looked over the evidences carefully, felt of the great pillar on which the whole structure of the temple of truth stood, passed in review all our positions, and then and there settled it in my mind, for all future time, that we have the truth of God for this time. I have never for one moment been shaken the least particle from these conclusions, and never expect to be while reason lasts. This has been my position for about a score of years. I am not one of the sort to be shaken by every wind of doctrine. Those who give up this truth I pity above all I can express. I expect not to imitate them. I cling to the old pillars of truth I accepted years ago, and see no reason to change one of them.
But perhaps some one will ask, “Have you not become ‘shaky’ in regard to Mrs. White’s visions, when you have had personal Testimonies of reproof sent you?” In reply let me say that about forty years ago I heard Elder M. E. Cornell give two powerful discourses in Waukon, Iowa, to the church of which I was then a member, several years before I began to preach, on the subject of the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, and the Testimonies of Mrs. E. G. White and their connection with the last message now being proclaimed by our people to the world. That argument, with its Scriptural support, I then regarded as unanswerable, and do yet; and from that time to the present I have never doubted for a moment that Mrs. White was a chosen channel through whom the Lord had given and was continuing to give great spiritual light to His people. I believe this to-day as much as I ever did. I have never doubted it all these years. I have been reproved by the Testimonies, as many others have. These reproofs have never been pleasant for the natural heart to bear; but I can truly say that I believe these reproofs have been sent by the Lord for my spiritual good, and I am sure they have been profitable to me. I cannot say that I fully understand everything that Sister White has written. Neither can I say that I understand all that has been written in the Bible. Quite a number of Scriptural passages look dark to me, and I would be very grateful to any one for a lucid explanation of them. We all know that God’s providential dealings with His people and with nations and individuals are ofttimes mysterious to our weak and limited faculties. In God’s great book of nature how many and vast are the mysteries that the human mind cannot explain. God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Yet who but the skeptic and the atheist would think of rejecting God’s agency in these manifestations.
I have been a close student of the Testimonies these many years, and my confidence in them was never stronger than it is to-day. As a people we are vastly indebted to God for the light that has come to us through this source. In the history of this work how many crises have arisen, when light from the Lord has flashed upon us from this source, enabling us to see and avoid the dangers surrounding us. What glorious volumes we have in “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Great Controversy,” “The Desire of Ages,” “Christ’s Object Lessons,” “Steps to Christ,” and the Testimonies. There are no books on earth (always excepting the Bible) that so clearly present the great facts of divine truth and redemption. They are of inestimable value. I have read them with great delight and spiritual profit. How priceless are the articles coming weekly to us in the REVIEW and in the Signs. Not one wicked, impure thought can be found in these voluminous writings. Sister White’s writings seem to gain in clearness and spiritual power in spite of physical weakness and advanced years. I confess it filled me with sadness to read Sister White’s remarks, in the reports of the last General Conference, to the effect that she might not be with us very long. To be sure, in the course of nature we could hardly expect otherwise, but I for one look with dread at the possibility of her departure. Her influence has been so salutary at every crisis in this work. Previously to the last General Conference, clouds seemed to be gathering that threatened our peace and prosperity. I think I never prayed so much for any Conference beforehand as for this one. How glad we all were that the clouds passed away, and a blessed victory was gained, all going forth in courage and hope to their labors. I am sure Sister White’s presence and counsels were valuable in bringing this result.
I have never felt more hopeful for the cause than of late. With the special moves made at the Conference I am in hearty accord. God will bless His people if we are faithful to the great truths He has given us. It does not seem probable that I shall ever be able to do much effectual labor in the cause again. I am rapidly verging on toward threescore and ten years. My memory has greatly failed. My mental strength is waning. Physical weakness approaches more and more. This cause is too important to be loaded down with old, broken-down pilgrims. The means needed for their support can be better applied toward helping to sustain younger men. But I wish all to understand that I am a firm believer in this cause, and in no sense a doubter. Let none who meditate giving up think for a moment that I have set such an example; for I have not. If my word is doubted, ask Elder Irving Keck, president of the Florida Conference, if he has ever heard me say one word disrespectful of Sister White or the Testimonies. He has been a confidential friend and one of my nearest neighbors for thirteen years. I refer also to Elder L. H. Crisler, for years president of this Conference. His address is Orlando, Fla. He knows me well. Ask Elder J. A. Brunson, who came out during the course of lectures I gave at Asheville, N. C., and labored with me for a season. Ask these men with whom I have associated much if they ever heard me express a single doubt concerning Sister White’s work or any point of present truth.
Dear brethren and sisters, I am fully persuaded we are very near the triumph of this work. It is no time to doubt, especially those of us who have long been believers in the Third Angel’s Message. How foolish at this late date to throw away our confidence in that which we have believed so long and so firmly. Where else could we find any foothold, any place to go? It would be like springing from the ship just coming into harbor from a long voyage, into the black waters of the deep ocean, to sink forever. May God help us to gird up the loins of our minds and hope in God to the end.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
EXPERIENCES WHICH LEAVE LASTING IMPRESSIONS.
By M. Bessie De Graw
A LARGE circle of young people gathered on the grass on the bluff overlooking the St. Joseph River, one Sabbath afternoon. They were overshadowed by the boughs of the oaks which fringed the bank, and before them spread the tents of the summer school. It was a most informal meeting, but one which made a deep impression on my mind. There was spirit in the singing, for it came from the heart; and the talks were heart-to-heart talks.
Several who had taught church schools were asked to relate their experience. If there is any one thing which seems to develop character in young people, it is the church-school work. I am constantly surprised by these young men and women. And so I was on this occasion.
Sister Worthen told us of her school life in South Lancaster; of her first attempt to teach while still a student, for she acted as tutor to some young women who could not be accommodated in regular classes; of her first church school and its growth. In 1899 she was called South to teach; and her life at Hildebran, N. C., and in the mountain homes near there, made the Southern work dear to her heart. She was not teaching for money, for her tuition for two or three months amounted to only fifteen dollars. “But,” she said, “I always had a home, and I would love to labor always for those dear children.”
Another teacher told of her life among the fishermen on an island off the coast of Maine. She was the only one in all that great State who was teaching a Christian school. Do you wonder that the very simplicity of her narrative touched hearts, and made us long to reach the young people in all our States who are needed, O so sadly needed! as teachers for our own children? I sometimes wonder, as these calls appeal so strongly to human hearts, how the heart of God must ache when all His sympathies are drawn out by the needs of thousands of children.
Last Sabbath the hour for the Sabbath-school was devoted to a discussion of the needs of the Sabbath-schools of our land. The Sabbath-school is the nursery of the Church. How is it, then, that so many escape from the fold in passing from the nursery to the Church? If the Sabbath-school trained as it might, would it ever be necessary to hold revival meetings for the youth in our midst? Would they not be church-members, active Christians, without having a series of meetings held for their conversion? Are the Sabbath-schools educating the children in the principles of truth? Serious questions these, but questions which every church-school teacher must face.
Again: If the Sabbath-schools were true to the principles of Christian education, would there be a single church which would not demand a day school for its children? There was but one answer.
The plans proposed by the General Conference for uniting the Sabbath-school and the church-school work were reviewed. A most important step was taken in this direction by the Lake Union Conference at its last meeting at Berrien Springs. I refer to the election of Prof. H. R. Salisbury to the position of superintendent of Sabbath-schools and church schools for this district, thus uniting the work under one head.
This had led to the conclusion that the superintendents of all our Sabbath-schools should be men or women who are teachers true to the principles of Christian education,—persons who can conduct a school composed of the Sabbath-school teachers, in which instruction will be given in real Bible study; in methods of teaching children and youth; in nature study, and other subjects which every one who deals with children must understand.
Can you imagine the results in a Sabbath-school where such a plan is followed? Suppose one State should adopt this plan in all its schools, how would the churches in that State compare with the churches in other States, at the close of the first year? What would it do for the children? Let some State try this, and it will forthwith become the center from which the workers will be drawn for the field at large. This is one thing for which you may look. The work for the children and youth is onward, and God is helping.
As the simplest proof of the need of such reform, let me tell you that at the close of the hour, a mother from one of our neighboring city churches who, with her three children, is spending a few weeks on the grounds, stepped forward and said: “I had intended to send my children to the public school this winter, but I cannot do it. They shall go to a church school. I see that God wants the little ones.”
These are a few things which live in my memory.
M. BESSIE DE GRAW.
Berrien Springs, Mich.
WEST AUSTRALIA.
Dardanup.—Sister San Quay writes: “I have quite enjoyed the week of prayer. I seem to be drawn nearer to God than ever I have been before, and so can say that I have gained many blessings.”
Bunbury and Capel.—In a letter from Brother Craddock, I learnt that during the week of prayer these companies had a blessed time. He says: “Both at Bunbury and at Capel God’s good Spirit was with us in a marked manner.”
Spring Valley.—Sister Lucy Glover writes: “We read the readings in the Record every night, and were blessed. They helped us to see the solemn times in which we are living. We feel thankful to the dear Lord for sending us such beautiful messages.”
Fremantle.—Our brethren will be sorry to learn that Brother Hard met with an accident last week, by falling from a scaffold about thirty-six feet high. He tells me that when he felt himself falling, he “prayed to the Lord,” and so his life was preserved. He received a few abrasions on his face and side, but all are healing fast. The people say “nothing but a miracle saved his life.” We thank God for the preservation of our brother, and may he now live to ever glorify his Saviour.
Perth.—Most of our brethren in this church are at present enjoying a good spiritual experience. The prayer-meetings are well attended, and are characterized by the divine presence. The Tuesday afternoon mothers’ meetings are a great help to our sisters who can leave the cares of home, and spend an hour in meditation, prayer, and study.
Our Sunday night meetings are well attended, our hall being usually filled with an appreciative audience. We are now having the best interest we have had since coming to this State. Many are making inquiries about the truth, and what is better still, some are taking their stand, for which I feel very grateful. To God be all the praise. Mr. Smith and his family have decided to keep the Sabbath. Ever since coming to this place, I, with others, have had a burden for these dear people, and now God has brought joy to our souls. For this we praise Him. Our Bible workers are being blessed with readers. Let us pray that these readers may become sheaves for the heavenly garner. JESSE PALLANT.
Kalgoorlie.—Brother Chapman writes, among other good things, concerning the week of prayer: “We were not disappointed; for the Spirit of God was present. We had a season of prayer, after which we went through the study set apart for the morning. We then sought the Lord on my behalf; and oh! I know the angels were standing by, rejoicing to see the victories gained. Every one present had victories. As I prayed, I felt that the Lord was doing what I asked. . . . After the season of prayer, I partook of food, then arose and dressed, and found that I was able to walk, turn, stoop, and talk without any trouble. Strength and vitality came into my chest and limbs right away, and I know that the good work will go on.” May God still continue to bless our brother.
THE SOUTHERN WORK.
By Ellen G. White
Taken from Diary of 1899.
DURING the night season I was in a meeting in which the work in the Southern field was being discussed. The questions were asked by a company of intelligent colored people: “Since it is true that the Lord is soon to come, is it not time that something was done for the Southern field? Are the white people and the colored people of the Southern States to be passed by? Have they no souls to save? Does not the new covenant include them?”
“We do not question the need of missions in foreign fields. But we do question the right of those who claim to have present truth to pass by millions of their fellow beings in their own country, many of whom are as ignorant as the heathen. Why is it that so little is done for the colored people of the South,—a people ignorant and destitute, who need to be taught that Christ is their Creator and Redeemer? How can they believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can one preach except he be sent?”
“The colored people have been freed from the bondage of national slavery; but they are still in the slavery of ignorance. Does there not rest upon ministers of the gospel the responsibility of setting in operation plans whereby this people can be instructed? Does not the commission of the Saviour teach this? Is it right for professed Christians to hold themselves aloof from this work, allowing the burden to rest on a few? In all your plans for medical missionary work and for foreign missionary work, has God given you no message for us? Why have you not a deeper sense of the necessities of the Southern field?”
“We lay this matter before you. O how thankful we shall be if this meeting is the means of bringing the needs of this people to your notice.”
Then He who has authority arose, and called upon all to give heed to the instruction the Lord has given in regard to the Southern work. He said: “Much more evangelistic work should be done in the South. Scarcely anything has been done for this field. There should be a thousand workers there where there is now but one.”
“The Southern field is represented by the man who, robbed and beaten, was left by the roadside to die. A priest came that way, looked at the suffering man, gave a sigh of pity, and passed by, wishing he had not seen him. Then came a Levite, who also passed by on the other side. ‘But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, “Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”’”
“After relating this incident, Christ asked in a clear, solemn voice, ‘Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?’ From many voices came the answer, ‘He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus, . . . Go, and do thou likewise.’”
“The wrong use of means has hindered the work which should have been done in the Southern field. Those who know their duty and do it not, are accountable to God. To Him they must answer for their neglect.”
“Let the professed people of God awake. Think you that the Lord will bless those who have felt no burden but to hedge up the work in the South?”
As these words were spoken, deep feeling was manifested by some. Some offered themselves as missionaries for the Southern field, while others sat in silence, apparently taking no interest in the subject.
Then these words were spoken: “The South is a most unpromising field. But what a change would now be seen in it if, after the colored people had been released from slavery, Christians had worked for them as the followers of Christ ought to work, teaching them how to take care of themselves.”
“Not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of the Heavenly Father. Will not God pronounce unfaithful stewards those who have left the colored race uncared for and uneducated? Some have worked nobly, and God will bless them. Others have made a few feeble efforts, and have then allowed their means to be diverted into wrong channels. God will hold them responsible for leaving the Southern field so largely unworked. He will call to account those who have used selfishly the means lent them to be used in helping and blessing humanity. The word of God plainly points out their duty, but they refuse to obey. Unless they repent, they must answer at the bar of heaven for their neglect.”
MRS. E. G. WHITE.
LIFT, BROTHER, LIFT.
By Mrs. P. Alderman
MRS. P. ALDERMAN.
(Madison, Ohio.)
Toil ’till the burden is lifted,
Work till the work is done.
See where the clouds are rifted,
Angels with help are come.
The vineyard, long neglected,
Is waiting the sickle now;
And fields with not a furrow
Are waiting the gospel plow.
Then lift, dear Christian comrade,
Though it be but a pound;
So shall thy heart be strengthened;
With peace thy days be crowned.
Sound it aloud, O watchman!
The eleventh hour at last!
Oh, tarry not, dear pilgrim,
Lest thine hour be passed.
THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN CONFERENCE.
By O. A. Olsen; L. R. Conradi
From Denmark, we went to Moudon, in the western part of Switzerland, to attend the Central European Conference, July 4-14. The location of the camp was all that could be desired, and the weather was perfect. There were about fifty tents on the grounds. The services were conducted in French and German, as heretofore. The very best spirit prevailed throughout the meeting. God came near to His people, and knit their hearts together in love. Seven were baptized. Brother J. Vuilleumier, who has been in poor health the past few months, was able to be present a part of the time. Brethren Wilkinson and Boettcher, who had just arrived from America, were heartily received, and the Lord added His blessing to their efforts in behalf of the people. A constant effort was made to conduct the business sessions of the Conference in a Christlike manner. Important steps were to be taken, and we united in seeking counsel of God that His will might be carried out.
As three fourths of the inhabitants of Switzerland are Germans, while only one fourth are French and Italians, and there has always been a consequent inconvenience attending the proper development of these two fields under one management, and as there is a large Latin field in Europe, which should be entered as soon as possible, it seemed that the best interests of the cause could be served by the organization of a new Conference, which should give special attention to the needs of the German-speaking cantons, leaving the Central European Conference more free to develop the work in its large mission fields. Our French brethren and our German brethren were one in feeling that the time was ripe for this move; accordingly, the German-Swiss Conference was brought into existence. Elder J. T. Boettcher was chosen president. Within the bounds of this new Conference there are three organized churches with two hundred and seven members, paying annually about two thousand dollars in tithe and offerings. The other ordained minister left to the two million inhabitants of German Switzerland is Elder J. Erzenberger, whose name has so long been associated with the Third Angel's Message in Europe. In view of this fact, the German-Swiss Conference made a call for additional help. And, feeling a desire to have a part in the development of more laborers, they began to raise money to assist in the purchase of material for the publication of the German edition of “Christ's Object Lessons.”
The territory of the Central European Conference includes French Switzerland, French Belgium, France with Algeria, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, giving it a population of about one hundred millions. Here we have only four hundred and seventy-three church-members. Elder B. G. Wilkinson was unanimously chosen to take charge of this vast field. As our French-speaking brethren realized the needs of the work God had given them, they were led to lay still broader plans for the advancement of the message. Among other things, they began to raise money for an educational fund, and desired that steps should be taken to develop laborers who shall give themselves wholly to the work of spreading the gospel in these lands.
As these two Conferences enter upon their work for the coming year, they have reason to be of good courage. Their field is, in many respects, a difficult one, yet God's power is greater than all obstacles, and He will have a people in every nation who will be ready to meet their Lord with joy. Let all remember the cause of God in this territory.
O. A. OLSEN,
L. R. CONRADI.
MAINE
CALAIS.—The tent workers at this place report as follows: “An educated and respectable class of people have attended our meetings regularly, and five strong, staunch, and sturdy souls accepted the truth. As we look over the congregation from evening to evening, we see many others whose constant attendance and good attention reveal their deep interest. These show their good will and cordiality in many ways. We find but little opposition; but, as usual, there is the undercurrent of the dragonic spirit. Nine dollars and forty cents has been taken in contributions thus far. We trust that every child of God is making the success of this effort his special prayer.”
BLAINE.—After the Cliff Island meeting, I returned to Blaine, and was then called by a telegram to visit the sick. After returning, I went to Reynolds, and then back to Blaine. Have been holding meetings, and distributing tracts, and calling on families in the northeastern part of Mars Hill. Some are reading, and say they are going to know for themselves if these things are so. I find some convinced, and expect them to obey. Pray for us and the work here. J. B. GOODRICH.
Speaking of the efforts being made in Maine for the relief of the Christiania publishing house, one librarian writes: “I gave the reading to one poor man in our neighborhood who has not attended church, for the lack of suitable clothing. While a few of our people were at our house, he came in, bringing $1.18, saying it was all he and his wife had. I tell you, it touched our hearts. Although it was secretly given to one of our number, yet as soon as he started home, all knew what he had done. One good brother called him back, and gave him a nice coat and vest.”