Earlier text: Our CaseTHE wagon was heavily laden with great bags of metal, too heavy for a single horse to draw, one would have thought. It turned into a side street, and halfway down the block again turned into an alley at the rear of a livery-stable. It required considerable tugging on the part of the horse to pull the load up the incline of the alley driveway, but he did it, and the driver looked pleased when the back wheels had made the rise, and settled down to level ground. At the barn door it was necessary to turn the wagon around completely and back in. Surely one horse could not do that. The turn was made easily enough, but there the wagon remained. “Back up, Jim!” said the man, pulling lightly at the reins. The horse braced his forefeet, and shoved. The man got down from the seat, and went around to the back of the truck, and pulled. “Back!” he commanded. The horse put every muscle to the strain. “Back!” The wagon moved this time at least a foot. Two more, and the back wheels would be over the threshold of the barn door. “Back!” The command moved the horse to exert his greatest effort. There was a crunch of splintering wood, and the wagon rolled back. Not a blow had been struck the animal. Only gentle words had been spoken, and the horse had done the rest. And when it was all over the man did not go on unloading the wagon without a further thought of the great, obedient animal standing still between the shafts. He went to him and took his nose in his hands, and, patting him between the eyes, said: “Good, old Jim! You did do it, didn’t you? I knew you would.” And the horse rubbed his nose against the man’s cheek. It is pleasant now and then to see such things.—Catholic Calendar. It is said that there are no more horrible prisons than those found in certain provinces in Russia. A traveler, just returned from these provinces, gives an interesting incident in connection with prison life there. A colonel was appointed to take charge of one of the largest and most noxious of the prisons. It was situated in the center of an important province, and was filled with turbulent men and abandoned women. Harsh discipline, poor food, insufficient ventilation, uncleanliness, and hopelessness,—all conspired to brutalize the inmates. Especially was this true of the women. The longer they were imprisoned, the more depraved and unmanageable they became, until it needed a disciplinarian of the severest type to keep them under control. The colonel could manage the men, but the women defied him, and he began to think that he must resort to flogging to subdue them. One morning the colonel’s young wife took a walk in the prison yard. She was a gentle enthusiast, who had made up her mind when her husband first entered upon his official duties, to reform, if possible, the women prisoners by kindness. This purpose she failed to accomplish; for kindness seemed to have no more influence over them than solitary confinement. As she walked in the yard that morning, she became apprehensive and nervous, lest some harm might be done her baby whom the nurse carried beside her, and who was being taken into the enclosure for the first time. As soon as the women prisoners caught sight of the child, they ran to it, gesticulating wildly. The mother gave a shriek, and stood at bay before them, prepared to defend her babe from violence. The guard came running up. But instead of the abusive language which had heretofore greeted the young wife, the poor women broke into raptures over the babe. “O, the darling! Let me hold him.” One after another stretched out her marred arms in entreaty toward the obdurate nurse. “Isn’t he the innocent!” exclaimed the vilest of the prisoners. At that word16 several of them peered into the pure face of the child, and then broke down, tears streaming down their cheeks. Begging to hold the baby, the laughing, crying, gesticulating women crowded around the child. The eternal motherhood lighted up their imbruted faces, and the sight of unimpeachable innocence softened every stony heart. Then the colonel’s wife had a happy thought. “The best-conducted woman of you all at the end of the week will be allowed to tend the baby for half an hour.” The women, whom neither kindness nor punishment had been able to restrain, became obedient to every word and order. At the end of the week it was almost impossible to decide which one had earned the coveted reward. The baby made weekly visits to the prison yard, and the gentle, humanizing effect upon the women seemed almost miraculous. Innocence is irresistible.—Selected. The Book Work in Virginia
By U. D. Pickard
ONE should enter the canvassing work with the thought of winning souls for God, and not from a commercial standpoint. God knows what we need, and he will look after that if we do our duty faithfully. One canvasser, working in the southern part of Virginia, has brought several persons into the truth, and to-day they are carrying the good news to others. That same canvasser just sent me his report for week ending November 3. He worked twenty-nine hours, and sold eighty-three dollars’ worth of books. One day he worked seven hours and took twenty-four dollars’ worth of orders, thus averaging over three dollars an hour. Brethren, there are bright prospects in the canvassing field for those who are willing to forsake all and work for God. Will not some who read these words answer the call to scatter the printed page? Shall not 1912 be the banner year for our canvassing work throughout the world-wide field? Doubtless many feel very loath to go out into the canvassing work. In the days of the judges of Israel there came at one time a call for help against the Canaanites. Through the neglect of God’s people these idolators had so increased and fortified themselves that it took brave soldiers to rally to the call to go up against Sisera. The men of the tribe of Reuben felt a desire to respond to this call, but the record tells us that they abode by their sheepfolds, having “great thoughts of heart.” There are many to-day who have “great thoughts of heart” regarding the canvassing work, but that is all. However, two tribes went up against the Canaanites, and we find that Christ began his work in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim. The scripture says of these two tribes, “Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeopardized their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.” I am so glad that God calls the field a high place. At this time Deborah the prophetess was “a mother in Israel.” It was then that the stars fought from heaven in their courses. We are nearing the final battle of Armageddon, recorded in the sixteenth chapter of Revelation, when again the powers of heaven fight for God’s people. “My heart is often burdened because so many who might work are doing nothing. They are the sport of Satan’s temptations. Every church-member who has a knowledge of the truth is expected to work while the day lasts; for the night cometh, wherein no man can work. Ere long we shall understand what that night means. The Spirit of God is being grieved away from the earth. The nations are angry with one another. Wide-spread preparations are being made for war. The night is at hand. Let the church arouse and go forth to do her appointed work. Every believer, educated or uneducated, can bear the message.” If God has called you to carry the message through the medium of the canvassing work, will you not respond to-day? “Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work. Laborers are needed who comprehend the greatness of the work, and who will engage in it, not for the wages they receive, but from a realization of the nearness of the end.” Brethren, if we could realize that the end is just before us, we would begin to be in earnest about finishing God’s work. U. D. PICKARD. South Texas Meeting
By G. F. Watson
This meeting was held according to announcement, at San Antonio, October 26 to November 5. A goodly number of our people were encamped on the ground, and had it not been for the heavy rainfall so much of the time, many people from the city would have attended. This was shown by the attendance on the evenings that it did not rain. We met as a mission, but separated as an organized conference. The South Texas Conference was organized Oct. 29, 1911. The business meetings were marked by a large degree of that spirit which causes men to agree, so the affairs of the conference were arranged with a feeling of good will on the part of all present. The reports rendered by the mission superintendent, the treasurer, the field missionary agent, and the Sabbath-school secretary, were very good. Elder J. I. Taylor was unanimously elected president of this new conference, with Elder J. A. Leland, Brethren E. L. Neff and N. H. Conway, and Judge Connell, as the other members of the conference committee. At present the headquarters of the South Texas Conference are at 113 West Seventh St., Austin, Tex.17 Prof. E. E. Farnsworth, of Keene Academy, was with us three days at the first of the meeting, and Elder W. W. Eastman during the last three days. Brother C. E. Smith, who was the treasurer of the mission field, was present, and turned over all funds to the new conference treasurer, Brother J. H. Wilcox. Brother R. L. Pierce, manager of the Forth Worth Branch, was also present, and turned over the book and tract work to the youngest child of our union. On Sabbath, November 4, ten believers were buried with their Lord in baptism; and on Sunday, at the close of the last service, Earnest Taylor was ordained to the gospel ministry. In spite of the inclement weather, the meeting was a success; and the people returned to their homes, and the laborers to their fields with renewed courage. Adoration of Christ
By N. W. Vincent
SEE Jesus, bruised and bleeding,
Nailed to the rugged tree.
For murderers he's pleading;
He dies for you and me. Blest High Priest now in heaven,
He pleads his precious blood;
The Spirit he has given
To draw us near to God. O, will we not adore him
Who thus for us has died!
In love we bow before him,
And bless the Crucified. Atoning blood now frees us
From sin and sin's vile ways.
To God and to our Jesus
Be everlasting praise. The Habit of High-Mindedness
EACH mind has an altitude of its own. Some move on low levels. The thoughts which come to them are low thoughts, sometimes evil, sometimes vain, sometimes merely trifling. Such minds seek what they like. Serious conversation and books are unattractive to them. They go where they can find what is to their liking, where stories are told and language spoken which involve no tax upon thought, and which feed the tastes of a low-leveled life. As between the library and the grill-room, the solid book and the empty story, the talk of men about real questions of life and the chaff and gossip of the scandal-spreader and fool-jester, they choose the lower down. There are many other levels below and above this. The highest is the level of the men who try to bring all their thoughts and tastes into conformity with the best, who by always choosing the upper and better have sought to acquire the habit of a high mind, to which evil thoughts do not naturally come, and by which they are rejected when they do come. Such men hope some day to come to the height of character set forth in Daniel's “Epistle to the Countess of Cumberland:” — “He that of such a height has built his mind,
And reared the dwelling of his thoughts so strong,
As neither fear nor hope can shake the frame
Of his resolved powers; nor all the wind
Of vanity or malice pierce to wrong
His settled peace, or to disturb the same.
What a fair seat hath he, from whence he may
The boundless wastes and wealds of man survey.”
The Great Work and Its Priorities
“THE man called to a great work must not waste his life on trivial things. He must not act like the keeper of the lighthouse who gave to the people in the cabins about him the oil which was intended for the great lanterns of the sea.” Good Experiences in Canvassing in Argentina
By Maximo Trummer
A short time ago I spent two weeks in the school in Diamante, Entre Rios, which was my first visit there since the school began last March. Our colleges and sanitariums are to us what the recruiting-stations are to the army. From them we expect workers for the message. Last summer we had twenty canvassers in the field, and I was beginning to ask myself, Whence will our workers come for this campaign? But when I stood before the students, I received the desired answer. Owing to the success that five of the young men had last summer, and to the missionary spirit which prevails in the school, fourteen gave me their names, thus signifying that they were ready for the fields. With these we expect to bring our number up to more than twenty for the coming summer. Aside from the studies in the school, I held an institute in the sanitarium. Every morning at 5:45, the nurses assembled to study ways of selling our literature successfully. It was arranged that every nurse spend one month of the course in canvassing; so four of them began at once. Their experiences have been very satisfactory. They have received 125 subscriptions in two weeks. Later on, two or four more will take their turn to go out into the surrounding cities. Canvassing with two of the brethren in Victoria, Entre Rios, we received orders, as usual, in the city hall, in the courthouse, in the banks, from teachers, merchants, and private families, until we had forty-nine at the close of the third day. Although it was Brother J. D. Lorenz’s first experience, he took eleven orders for “Salud y Hogar,” in one day. In short, there are no difficulties which by divine help we may not overcome. A brother who works in the city of Tucuman, one of the fertile gardens of Argentina, sent in the excellent report of having taken forty-four orders for “Patriarchs and Prophets” in one week. This is another experience which confirms our plan of canvassing, especially for that book this year. A brother in the province of Buenos Aires sent in the report of sixty-six orders for “Salud y Hogar,” taken in one week. With a strong confidence in our message and a firm trust in God, the message will advance. It is indeed a pleasure to send the cheering word that we have already passed the record of 1910. We have been able to sell as many books during the first seven months of 1911 as we did during the entire twelve of last year. How abundantly the dear Master has blessed us! To him be all the praise and honor. With the remaining five months added we will, no doubt, have a splendid record for 1911. Union College Canvassers’ Band
By C. G. Bellah
In company with F. E. Painter, field agent of the Northern Union, and E. M. Oberg, field agent of Nebraska, we recently spent a week at Union College in the interests of the canvassing work. The president, Prof. F. Griggs, and the faculty heartily cooperated with us in all our work while there. After a few chapel talks, some personal work, and an experience meeting with the students, a call was made for the names of all those who wished to join the canvassers’ band. Seventy were handed in, and we feel sure that others will join later. That night we met with them, assisted in organizing their committee, and discussed plans for the future. W. A. Long was chosen chairman, Merton Helligso secretary, having associated with them Frank Doll and John Strahle. A book study will be held every two weeks, and each alternate week will be devoted to studying general principles. The four following classes have been formed with the named teachers: “Patriarchs and Prophets,” Mrs. Rowell; “Great Controversy,” Professor Morrison; “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” Professor Burg; and “Practical Guide to Health,” Professor Benson. Professor Griggs has also promised to take an active part in the band work. We appreciate very much the hearty cooperation of the faculty of Union College. We are sure this will bring success to the band work, and will mean many canvassers for the field next summer. Ministerial Institute at College Place, Wash.
By G. B. Thompson
An institute for the workers in the North Pacific Union Conference was held at College Place, Wash., September 25 to October 8. With perhaps one or two exceptions, all the ordained and licensed ministers and Bible workers in the union were present. Over one hundred were enrolled. A large tent was pitched on the college campus, nicely arranged and comfortably seated, in which most of the services were held. The teachers in the college manifested a deep interest, and appreciated the opportunities of the institute. The study periods were arranged in the school so that all the older students could take a part of the institute work each day, making a large addition to the regular daily attendance. In the evening the large pavilion was crowded with students and members of the church. Elder A. G. Daniells led out in the work of the institute, with a strong line of studies on the high calling and responsibility of the ministry and work of God. Strong emphasis was laid on the holy character of this calling, the terrible result of doing the work negligently, thus failing to win souls to God, and the great joy of a victorious, soul-winning ministry. Elder W. A. Spicer gave a clear and forceful line of studies on the certainty of the things that we believe, tracing the many interesting and instructive parallels that are seen between the advent movement and the journeyings of the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan. These studies tended to renew our faith and confidence in this message. Studies on the place of the Spirit of God in the work of the ministry were given by the writer. One very interesting hour of each day was the question-box period. Answers were given to written questions touching the many perplexing and important matters which are constantly met by the workers in the field, in both evangelical and administrative lines. The questions asked were of a practical and helpful nature, and the instruction was very much appreciated by all who were present. Another especially helpful hour was the daily round-table talk with the younger ministers and Bible workers. At this time suggestions of a practical nature were made to those with somewhat limited experience in their work in the message, especially along spiritual lines of work. Many of the things which hinder our doing the best work for God were pointed out, and right methods of labor were set before these workers. By carefully considering the instruction given, without doubt much more successful work will be done in bringing souls into the truth. From the beginning until the close of the institute all were conscious of a special Presence in our midst. While none were conscious of any great outbreaking sin, a conviction concerning the lack of spiritual power in our labors18 rested upon us all. Our ease and indifference, when compared to the life of Him who wept over Jerusalem, and who in the mountains and by the seas poured out his soul to God for the lost, seemed appalling. An intense hunger and thirst for a deeper spiritual life took possession of the heart of every worker, and a determination that the great spiritual dearth of the past should end, and that more fruit should appear as a result of our labors. Many heartfelt confessions were made concerning negligence in praying, the studying of the Word, and meditating on spiritual things. The winning of souls appeared to all as the greatest and most glorious work in which we can engage. All consecrated themselves anew to God to live a more prayerful, spiritual, faithful, and energetic life, and to labor with a greater burden for the salvation of the lost than had characterized their labors in the past. Alone with God, many decided victories were won through prayer. Some told of being aroused from sleep, and in the silent watches of the night, led to consecrate themselves to God to labor anywhere that his providence might call them to go. Some from this number were chosen at this meeting to carry the truth to the dark heathen lands where millions have not heard the message. The measure of our strength as workers for God is indicated not by our activity, but by our spirituality. The value of our labor is measured not in the number of sermons preached, but in souls won to Christ. Every one called of God to work in his vineyard is to be a soul-winner, and in this he is to give full proof of his ministry. To do this requires unremitting, persistent toil, and the carrying of an inexpressible yearning of soul for those bound with the shackles of sin. Only as we bleed for souls can we bring a blessing to them. To be counted finally among the overcomers we must have some scars of our own, won in the conflict and agony of consecrated service. Man can not be won to God without travail of soul, prayer, and appeals from a heart of love. Another has truly said:— “It is enough that His disciples be as their Lord. I know of no man who has been anointed to preach for God who has not walked a path of toil and self-denial hot enough to blister his feet. The price of great victories is great surrender,—surrender of ease, of natural inclination, of everything that interferes with the one great thing we do. Men do not become saints in their sleep. Pastors do not witness great revivals by simply wishing for them. The only royal road is the one which bears the mark of a pierced foot. The light which lights the world is a burning as well as a shining one. As the oil wastes, the flame expires. It is worth while to be consumed with the ardor of our devotion if only we may light the world.”
We feel that we have lost much in our evangelical work by failing to meet to counsel oftener than we have in the past. We believe that this institute will mark a new era in the work of the message in this part of the field. All felt that it was a real crisis in their experience, and that they must bear more fruit for God than in the past or be counted a cumberer of the ground. There is no limit to what God can do for a consecrated heart. A consecration like that of apostolic days will bring similar results, and the same power that attended the work then will attend it in its closing period. Plans were laid in the union for a strong evangelical work in the future, and the workers returned to their fields of labor with renewed courage in God, expecting that the refreshing which they had experienced from prayer, and study of the Word while we were together, would enable them to bring greater blessings to the churches, and to build up memorials for God in fields where the saving truths of the message are not yet known. G. B. THOMPSON. Bengal, India
By W. R. French
In India the name “Seventh-day Adventist” excites inquiry. While holding meetings for the educated Hindus in one place, I was questioned in an interested way as to what the name means. I told them that we keep the commandments of God, and that those commandments teach one to keep the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath. I went over the commandments one by one, and asked if there was anything bad about such a law, one that forbade stealing, killing, lying, and committing adultery. These beautiful principles appeal to the heathen, and we are thankful that it is our privilege to uphold such principles before the people of India. A few days ago a man published in his paper some very strong articles against Seventh-day Adventists. These articles attacked the law of God. A highly educated man who has been studying with Brother Mookerjee in Calcutta, and who has been attracted to the truth, answered these articles very nicely, and succeeded in getting his answers published in a paper having a wide circulation. This is an illustration of the different means God will use for the finishing of his work. Pray that we may be instrumental in getting many of India’s sons and daughters won to the principles incorporated in the ten commandments. We have now been here a year, and by God’s grace we have kept our health, and have been permitted to put some study on the language. “The Reason Why”
By E. W. Farnsworth
As a young man of no experience was planning to enter the canvassing work, a friend who doubted his ability to succeed, asked him what he would do if he met with failure instead of success. His reply was significant, and at the same time prophetic of the standard he afterward attained, “I would try to find out the reason why.” This method may apply to the work of the ministry as well as to selling books. Some ministers seem to have but little success in their labors. They produce little or no fruit. They preach, pray, and sing, they come and they go. They draw their support regularly from the Lord’s treasury, but they make no returns. They bring back little or nothing. Surely this can not be according to the mind of God. The parable of the barren fig-tree teaches the truth that he expects his trees to bear fruit. “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” The history of the early gospel ministry abounds with records of churches established, of multiplied conversions, of a growing, vigorous, untiring campaign in which “believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” We are sent out under the same commission as they were. We have the same faithful God. We have the same everlasting gospel, with the added importance that the near coming of Christ and verified prophecy impart. We have the promise of the Holy Spirit as our mighty helper and teacher. We have fulfilling signs which bear continual testimony to the fact that the message we bear is the truth. We have the light of centuries focused in the few years intervening between the present moment and the final end. May we not, then, look for greater results attending our ministry than have ever been possible in any previous age? Thank God, there is a power attending this message which is seen in no other religious movement. But it is not enough that the work prospers as a whole. What is God accomplishing through me? What fruit am I bearing for him now? How many souls have I brought to him this year? Is my ministry accomplishing what it should? Is my inner secret life such as he can bless? Am I diligent in watching for souls as one that must give account? Have I the power to prevail with God and men that it is my privilege to have? Do I pray as often and as fervently as I should? How much time do I spend each day in Bible study? Am I feeding the flock with “meat in due season,” with “clean provender, which hath been winnowed”? Does my deportment among the people correspond with that of the Master, so that I am acting as his representative in all that I do? If a man of good sense in worldly business finds that he is losing instead of gaining, he carefully goes over his accounts, and studies the relation of each with reference to loss and gain. He begins to practise economy in details. He seeks advice from able counselors. He determines to succeed, and spares no effort to gain success. Surely in all that pertains to the King’s business we should not be less persistent and painstaking than men are in worldly things. There was a time when the disciples failed in their work. While trying to cast out a devil, they experienced defeat instead of victory. Then they did a very sensible thing,—they sought a quiet interview with the Master alone. They determined to know why they had not succeeded. They knew they had had success before. They had rejoiced because the devils were subject to them, and had cast out many of them. They anticipated no difficulty on this occasion. Jesus had given them authority over demons and diseases. Why failure? The Saviour at once answered the question, “Why could not we cast it19 out?” by saying, “Because of your little faith.” “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” On this occasion they had no courage to meet the evil spirit, and the devil knew it. They had no faith in the power of Christ, and the demon knew that. They had neglected to watch and pray. The devil knew all about that. They had been reasoning which should be the greatest. They felt injured because they had not been selected as members of the “transfiguration committee,” and the devil knew that in their condition of mind he had nothing to fear. Surely it would be sensible for us when we fail in power, in attaining results, to do as the disciples did,—go away alone with Jesus and ask him why. It may be lack of faith; it may be neglect of prayer; it may be a neglected Bible; it may be unholy ambition and jealousy; but whatever the cause, let us search it out, that victory may come to the work of God, and that he may be glorified. Our success depends on what we are in his sight. Gospel Workers’ Department
By Arthur G. Daniells
Their divine calling, qualification, and preparation. Methods of labor, plans, etc. Conducted by A. G. Daniells Heaven's Best Gift
By Allen F. Gage
Like the thrill of sweetest music
Borne upon the evening breeze,
Like the gentle notes of songsters,
And the murmuring of the trees,
Comes the Spirit soft descending,
Filling hearts with peaceful rest;
Low to earth ’tis heaven bending,
Blessed gift of God the best; Soft descending, like the rain-drops
On the thirsty desert land,
Causing bounteous fields for harvest
To spring forth on every hand.
Thus the Spirit, in rich measure,
To each longing soul is given,
As the water to the Hebrews
When the mighty Rock was riven. Blessed gift, divine communion
’Twixt high heaven and lowly man,
Guide and teacher, true revealer
Of the things in God’s great plan,
Satisfy my earnest longing;
In rich fulness rest on me;
To my heart speak peace and quiet
As did Christ to Galilee. Then shall I in quiet meekness
In green pastures sweetly lie,
Feed in gardens of thy planting,
Happy in thy presence nigh;
Careful never more to grieve thee,
Faithful for thy truth to stand,
Till I triumph through thy mercy
In that glorious blessed land. Among the Sanitariums
By L. A. H.
The nurses of the Madison (Wis.) Sanitarium enjoyed some good experiences in selling “Ministry of Healing” and many magazines. The first consignment of the special number of the Signs of the Times found them ready to engage in its distribution, every nurse having planned for an active part in the Harvest Ingathering campaign. This missionary spirit is accompanied by a consecration of the workers in their institutional work, giving a resultant cheerful faithfulness in their daily duties and a blessed service to patients. The visiting nurses of the Glendale (Cal.) Sanitarium make use of many magazines and tracts in their daily calls. Substantial results are already being realized from this good work. We note that several physicians from our sanitariums have been filling appointments outside of their institutional work, giving lectures and conducting services. This is certainly an effective way of doing good, in more ways than one. The management of the Hinsdale (Ill.) Sanitarium, recognizing the close relation of field effort to institutional interests, as well as the responsibility of missionary educational effort for the people, and the importance of personal experience to workers, is pressing a vigorous field campaign. The nurses who are privileged to engage in that work, report most profitable and interesting experiences. The sanitarium recently graduated a class of five, the address being delivered by Elder G. B. Starr, of Melrose, Mass. Dr. Ida Shively-Nelson, who has for some time been quite busy in private practise at Oklahoma City, is now connected with the staff of the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium. The Walla Walla (Wash.) Sanitarium for a time has discontinued its nurses’ training-class. The superintendent, Dr. I. A. Dunlap, states that this will not decrease the effective work of the institution, but is part of a plan to strengthen its service. Graduate help is now being used. Satisfactory arrangements were made with the St. Helena Sanitarium whereby the student nurses can continue their training. D. R. Callahan, for ten years business manager of the Nebraska Sanitarium at College View, has severed his connection with that institution. The constituency of the sanitarium recognizes that its financial prosperity is in a large measure due to the careful and conservative management of Brother Callahan. He is succeeded by Lars Neilson, of South Dakota. After two years of change of work, G. A. Williams again enters sanitarium work, being now business manager of the Nebraska Sanitarium at Hastings, Nebr. His former experience was in connection with the Atlanta (Ga.) institution. Dr. L. L. Andrews is well installed as superintendent of the Atlanta Sanitarium, succeeding Dr. J. H. Neall, who takes up private work in that city. Dr. A. L. Gregory, recently of Florida, takes the superintendency of the Graysville (Tenn.) Sanitarium, on the resignation of Dr. A. I. Lovell, who plans to engage in special work for a time. Notes From the Melrose Sanitarium
By J. G. WHITE
THE vacancies in our faculty have recently been filled by Miss Laura Lacey, who came from Sanitarium, Cal., to work as superintendent of nurses, and Dr. John Hopkins, from Madison, Wis., as assistant physician. These workers are already doing efficient service. An ever-increasing spirit of consecration seems to be working upon the hearts of our family. November 4, twenty-one were buried in baptism by Elder Gosmer, who recently connected with the institution as assistant chaplain. Some of these were cases of rebaptism and some were baptized for the first time. A most earnest and devoted spirit prevails in the family and faculty, and the future is bright for the institution and its workers. The Lord has been steadily at work for the last few weeks, restoring to health, in answer to prayer, a dear sister, a former graduate, for whom we had no hope apart from God. This causes us much joy. Our family recently subscribed for twenty-one hundred Harvest Ingathering Signs. We shall do our best to dispose of this number, but in sanitarium work it is difficult to send out a large number of workers, as the patients must be cared for and the regular work performed. The financial accomplishments of the institution during 1910 were phenomenal compared with former years, but so far 1911 is a little in advance of 1910. During the week just closed the earnings of the institution were greater than those of any other week in its entire history. The house is now nearly full of patients and the prospect is excellent. Pray for us that we may live right before, and deal properly with, those who come to us. Medical Missionary Department
(Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference GEORGE THOMASON, M. D. — — — — Secretary L. A. HANSEN — — — — Assistant Secretary The Publishing Work
By E. R. PALMER; N. Z. TOWN
Conducted by the Publishing Department of the General Conference E. R. PALMER - - - - Secretary N. Z. TOWN - - - Assistant Secretary The Two Summaries
By E. R. P.
NOTE the following points in studying the accompanying summaries:— The book summary for October shows a gain of nearly $19,000 over the corresponding month of 1910, about two thirds of this gain being in foreign fields. In North America, nine of the union conferences show a gain over October of last year, and three a loss; while eleven of the foreign fields show a gain, and seven a loss. It is hardly necessary to suggest that leaders in fields showing a loss should question the reasons for it. Let us all congratulate Brother A. A. Cone, the general agent of the Pacific Union Conference, for bringing his union up in October to the head of the list of the unions in North America. Brother Cone is one of the youngest in experience of our general agents, and has been working to build up the colporteur work in the Pacific Union Conference. While we congratulate the one at the head of the list, let us speak a few words of encouragement to our brethren in the rear, inviting them to come nearer the front. They may be working equally hard, and may need a word of encouragement just now. Let us not overlook these splendid reports from our foreign union fields. This is the largest report we have ever published of our foreign work. If the report from Brazil had been received, the total for the foreign fields would have passed $50,000. This work, by our colporteurs abroad means faithfulness, earnestness, and many sacrifices. The comparative summary grows more interesting every month. The October report is a fine addition to it. This brings the total for the first ten months of 1911 a little above the total for the twelve months of 1910. Compare the figures, year by year, from 1906. It will be noted in the magazine summary that the sale of magazines during the first ten months of 1911 nearly equals the sale for the twelve months of the preceding year. The gain in the sales of magazines for the month of October was something over 48,000 copies compared with October of last year. A large proportion of this gain will be found in the mailing list, and in the foreign and miscellaneous sales which are more than double what they were one year ago. We regret, however, that while six of our union conferences in North America show a gain in the sale of magazines, an equal number show a loss. There is something interestingly human about both of these reports. Like fallible humanity, they have their weak points as well as their strong ones. Seneca, an old-time philosopher, said that “it is good for a man to fortify himself on his weak side.” These summaries point out the weak places which need fortifying. They afford cause for rejoicing, cause for anxiety, food for thought, and a world of opportunities for progress and improvement.