Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 10.

Preach in Regions Beyond
Earlier text: Water’s Therapeutic Properties

India

By G. K. Owen

CALCUTTA.— The gospel of the kingdom is advancing in the Orient. Although the circumstances are such that it must be expected to move slowly for some time, yet it is evident that an unseen power is pushing it forward in a manner that is exclusive of human glory.
One omen that seems prophetic of future prosperity, is the success of the few canvassers who have already gone into the field. Even those of limited experience, and with little or no training, soon begin to send in reports that exceed our expectation. As all our workers needed encouragement and instruction, we decided to call them together for a two weeks’ institute, to begin next Tuesday evening, January 31.
In various ways the Lord is pointing out work for us to do. Young men come to us from the colleges and from different positions, pleading for instruction, and many of them seem really hungry for the truth. Since writing the foregoing, I have stopped to talk and pray with one who called on us for the first time, having attended two or three of our meetings. For three years he has been attending a college of five hundred students, and expresses an earnest desire to give his life to the service of the Lord. He says that he obtained a pamphlet on the subject of the Sabbath, became convinced of the Sabbath truth, and resigned his position as clerk of the college that he might obey the Fourth Commandment. We have met other interesting and hopeful cases which we have not time to mention.
The building that we had been using for an office and a meeting hall did not well answer our purpose, and we examined many other buildings that were offered for rent, but in every case the rent was too high, or some other reason prevented an engagement, until our landlord notified us that we must vacate by the first of January, or pay higher rent. For a time no suitable place could be found. The thought was expressed that perhaps the Lord had a better place waiting for us, and would show it to us in due time. Finally just the kind of hall that we needed was found on the opposite side of the street, only a few rods away. The rent is about the same as was asked for the one we formerly occupied.
Another cause for gratitude and rejoicing was the safe arrival of Brother and Sister L. F. Hansen, and Sisters Burrus and Black, from America. Sisters Orr and Kellogg, who came to India with this party, remained at Bombay to labor for a time. The help of these six laborers will be much appreciated, and there is room in this large field for many others.
Before starting for India, and while en route, we heard some startling snake stories, but I have not seen a snake since I came here, though I have no reason to doubt that they abound in some parts of the country, where great caution may be necessary to avoid them. But let every one who comes to this land beware of the old serpent, for this country is distinctly marked with traces of his presence and his work. His influence seems to be holding the inhabitants in a bondage in which they of themselves, though groaning to be free, are utterly helpless. Many of them are hungering for the word of life, which is “quick and powerful,” and able to reveal to them the saving truth that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
We are beginning to plan for an industrial school, and some are manifesting their interest by depositing rupees for that purpose.
There has been some slight illness among the workers, but faith is grasping the thought that the Great Physician has light on the subject of health for His workers, and power to sustain them in good health, even in a plague-stricken land. We must not forget that we have an important part to act in securing such a result.
G. K. Owen,
Jan. 20, 1902.

O. F. BUTCHER

By O. F. Butcher

Michigan

AGNEW.—When the work of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons” began in Michigan, it was my privilege to be with the little company at Agnew. Our people at this place have known the truth but a short time. Nearly two years ago Sisters Lent and Ingersoll, who live about four miles from here, started a Sunday-school at the village schoolhouse. The confidence of the people was secured, and the way was opened for ministerial work. After the General Conference last spring, Brother W. E. Videto and I were sent here to labor. We obtained the use of the schoolhouse for meetings. The Lord’s blessing was upon the work, and before camp-meeting we had the privilege of seeing fourteen persons baptized. Among these were the postmaster and his family. All were thankful to God for sending them the light.
When I met with them later, my heart was made glad to find them still greatly rejoicing in the truth. A few meetings were held, in which God was present by His Holy Spirit. All seemed anxious to do what they could in working for God. Those who could, began to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Some had good success, and even those who did not meet with the success they desired, were blessed in obeying the call to service. Several, especially of the young people, expressed themselves as desirous of doing any work to which the Lord may call them; and I believe they will become efficient workers in the cause of God. Some who took their stand for the truth have had tribulation and hardship to meet, but all seem of good courage, and rejoice in being witnesses for Christ. We have reason to hope that there are other honest souls in Agnew who will yet be found on the Lord’s side.

O. F. BUTCHER

Texas

By W. A. McCutchen

The work in Texas has been very encouraging during the last year, notwithstanding the drawbacks we have had, and the terrible drought that prevailed. The Bible work in two or three of our cities, especially Houston and Austin, has progressed nicely, gaining precious souls to the truth. Also the preaching of the word has not been without results. Since our camp-meeting two churches have been organized, and one or two good companies raised up, besides some isolated believers. The amount of books sold by the canvassers has also been encouraging, everything considered; there having been about eight thousand dollars' worth placed in the hands of the people. Notwithstanding the shortness of crops, the funds, both tithes and donations, have been in excess of those of any year in the past. The increase in the tithe has been encouraging, and the annual offerings were more than double last year's gifts. Also there has been much interest in the Sabbath-school and church-school work, there being now a goodly number of church schools in operation in the State.
Recently there has been a remarkable interest developed among the Mexicans of our State on the border of Mexico, and the outlook promises much good in that direction. I have recently made a visit to Laredo, Tex., the center of this interest, and while there, I completed the organization of a church of a dozen members. They had taken preliminary steps toward forming themselves into a Seventh-day Adventist church before my arrival. Among these are two ministers of the Baptist Church. They are capable men, and are greatly concerned about extending the work among the people of their nationality. By invitation of the Baptist minister on the Mexican side, we went across into Mexico, and baptized our candidates in the baptistery of his church. For all the evidences of God's prospering hand upon His work in this Conference, we thank the Lord, and go forward with renewed energy in His service. W. A. McCutchen.

American Federation of Catholic Societies

THE “American Federation of Catholic Societies” has now perfected its plans of work, and has made Cincinnati its permanent headquarters.

Explaining the Mystery of Life

By Editor

The researches and experiments of Prof. Jacques Loeb, of Chicago University, in the investigation of the phenomena of nerve action and of the development and arrest of the vital processes, are being hailed as a revelation “into the inmost secrets of life, mind, and death.” Dr. Loeb has experimented upon frogs’ legs and upon the sea urchin and other lower forms of animal life, and finds that the beat of the heart may be started or stopped by the presence or absence of a small quantity of certain salts, and that the atoms, or “ions,” of the salts act by means of electricity; so that the ultimate cause of nerve action and of muscular activity is electricity. He produced growth in the unfertilized eggs of the sea urchin by immersing them in a solution of chloride of magnesium; or, by placing them in a solution of cyanide of potassium, they were preserved from decay, which quickly overtakes them under normal conditions. As the unfertilized egg is not strictly living matter, but can be made to grow like fertilized eggs in an aquarium by the means before mentioned, the claim is made that the long-cherished dream of the production of life in the chemist’s laboratory is near to, if it has not actually reached, realization, and that the artificial production of living beings will soon be possible. And on the other hand, it is claimed that death is the result of a specific process which may be arrested by certain chemical agencies, as it was in the case of the sea urchin’s eggs; and that thus life may be indefinitely prolonged.
We speak of this because of the evident effect of such claims, seemingly supported as they are by science, which must be to stimulate pride in the human heart, and correspondingly lessen — in many cases destroy altogether — man’s sense of dependence upon His Creator. Man now assumes to be upon the verge of becoming a creator of life himself. He assumes to be about to look into and comprehend the mysteries of existence hitherto reserved to the mind of the Omniscient, and extend his term of life indefinitely beyond the boundary line of “threescore years and ten,” allowed if not maintained by Providence, and to do this not by any divine aid, but by the resources of his own mind. What else but a sense of independence of God can be fostered by such ideas?
Verily, the present age is not one favorable to the development of Christian faith. This the Saviour foresaw when He said, “When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?”

General Notes

MEETINGS have been held in West Windsor, Vt., by Elder T. H. Purdon, since January 21. A good interest is shown, and one person has begun the observance of the Sabbath.
Brother F. M. ROBERTS reports the dedication of a church building at Pleasant View, Ind., with rooms for a church school, free from debt. Six converts were added to the little company there at the time of the dedication.
AT Kaycee, Wyo., a company is being brought into the truth, through the labors of J. W. Beams and E. L. Cook. Meetings were held in private houses, several of which were offered for this purpose. At other places Bible readings were held, and literature was freely distributed. Thus far six souls are obeying the truth. Two young ladies have decided to attend Union College.
A SERIES of meetings was begun in Scotland, Ontario, about the middle of January, by William Simpson and W. A. Young. A well-furnished hall capable of seating one hundred persons was secured, and from the first the interest was good, the hall being at times unable to accommodate the number who desired to hear. Brother Young reports: “The country is deeply stirred. Private opposition has been carried on from the first, but next Sunday night the Baptist minister will preach against us. Our first Sabbath meeting was held here yesterday. Ten children and twenty adults were present. Nearly all said they would remember the Sabbath to keep it holy henceforth. Already Rev. 12: 17 is being fulfilled.”
AT Belington, W. Va., seven persons have begun the observance of the Sabbath, as a result of meetings held there by Brother J. A. Traugh. First a schoolhouse, and then a log church, was engaged by Brother Traugh for the meetings, but the doors were locked against him by the trustees. The people were anxious to hear the message, and this action made them indignant. Another church building was then secured, and against considerable opposition from the pastor and others, the meetings were continued, with the result stated. He was allowed the use of this building until February 22. “Now,” writes Brother Traugh, “the church doors are all closed, and the people are calling for cottage meetings. We expect others to keep the Sabbath soon.”
BROTHER ARTHUR FULTON sends the following report from Argentina to the Nebraska Reporter:— “It has been over four months since I arrived at Buenos Ayres. After spending two weeks here, I took a steamer, and after a journey of two days arrived at Diamante Entre Rios, where our school is located. When I arrived, Brother and Sister Maas, who had preceded me, were already busy with school duties, teaching in the German language. I began with one class, gradually taking up others as I could, until at the end of two months I was doing full work in German. “The annual camp-meeting was held a short way from the school, soon after its close. The Rio de la Plata Conference was organized at this time, since the conference a general meeting has been held, at which several persons were baptized. Others are beginning to keep the Sabbath.”
“I am now in Buenos Ayres, auditing the conference books, and getting a better knowledge of the Spanish language.”
“The school is situated on a hill, much like Union College, and may indeed be a light to all around. Nearly all the older students are spending the summer in the work. One is teaching a church school, some are canvassing, some are going with tent companies; and thus the rays of light reach out wider and wider.”
“The school ground, without trees, looked very bare when I first came. Although quite late in the season, we set out about three hundred trees of different varieties. In spite of drought and the ravages of ants, most of these are growing nicely. Over eighty of these trees were bought with the $6.75 donated by the brethren in Nebraska.”
“So you see trees are not expensive, and with a little means much may be done toward improving the school land. Who would like to have a part in furnishing our bare schoolrooms?”

The Student Volunteer Convention in Toronto

By Estella Houser

THE Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions has just closed its quadrennial convention in Toronto, Ontario. The movement dates back to 1886, when a few students of the Seminary of Princeton, New Jersey, aroused by the great needs of the unevangelized world, were the means of awakening a summer school at Mt. Hermon, Mass. Here, one hundred of the two hundred and fifty young men assembled for Bible study, after much prayer, expressed their willingness to go as foreign missionaries.
From this the movement took shape, and rapidly grew. Scores of American colleges and universities were visited, and in 1891 the first convention was called. It was attended by six hundred and eighty-eight delegates, representing one hundred and fifty-one institutions. The work has grown continuously since that time. The convention which was in session during the last days of February in Toronto was the largest student convention, in point of numbers, ever held. Delegates were present from twenty different countries. Four hundred and sixty-five higher institutions of learning were represented by two thousand two hundred and ninety-six students and more than two hundred professors. The entire registered delegation reached an aggregate of more than twenty-nine hundred.
From the very first meeting a deep spiritual atmosphere prevailed. The young people who had gathered from the colleges and seminaries represented the most spiritual and devoted from these schools. All seemed bent on one thing—to learn more perfectly how the work represented by their motto, “The evangelization of the world in this generation” (which, indeed, was most inspiring and prophetic to those who are expecting the return of their Lord), might be speedily realized.
No applauding nor other noisy demonstrations were engaged in, but instead the speakers were greeted, and their messages received in silent prayer. The first session was a solemn one. It was emphasized that the blessings received at the convention would be in proportion to the measure of the giving up of self and selfish plans. Every higher hold on Christ was shown to mean a letting-go of the earthly. A spirit of deep consecration seemed to pervade the meeting, as we were brought face to face with the privilege of living in His presence, and of making our prayer life such a real thing that sweet communion with our Lord Jesus would be more desired than anything else in the world.
One speaker after another urged the importance of the work that is to be crowded into the closing days of this generation. Over one hundred returned missionaries were present, and many of these spoke of the great awakening in the fields from which they came, and the need of entering these now while they are ripe to the harvest. The very fact that India, China, Africa, and the islands of the sea, as well as South America, are to-day open to the gospel, while many of these one hundred years ago were very little more than a geographical name, or at least closed to Christians, was looked upon as an evidence that the fulfillment of the promise, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come,” is about to be realized. There seemed to be no question in the minds of the leaders of this movement that this work could be accomplished in this generation. To bring this about, it was emphasized that every Christian must bear some part; that the last commission, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” is as world-wide as is the promise which accompanies it, “Lo, I am with you alway.” The church which disregards this command is sure to wither and decay.
The leaders of this movement who were present seemed to look upon this large convention as prophetic. One inspiring feature in the movement was the determination, vigor, and earnestness manifested among the young people present.
The Volunteer Movement claims two reasons for its existence,—to gather out from among the students of the world a sufficient number of devoted young people to meet the requirements of the various missionary societies and boards; and at the same time to develop among those who will spend their lives in Christian lands, as either pastors or laymen, a sense of their responsibility to sustain and reinforce the foreign missionary enterprise by intelligent sympathy, by the giving of money, by prayer, and by aggressive effort in behalf of the world’s evangelization.
The report for the last four years showed that the educational work already had become far-reaching. Three hundred and twenty-five study classes had been organized, with an enrollment of almost five thousand students—these under the direction of the educational department of the movement. During this time the sales of the text-books and other missionary publications have reached one hundred thousand copies, an evidence that there has been a large increase in the study of missions, and this quite generally among students. With this mission study is urged careful, personal Bible study and prayer, which will manifest itself in a deep religious experience. Besides two thousand volunteers who have sailed since the organization of the movement, a large number who had been in the mission study classes have become pastors of churches, and have been able to bring the needs of the world before a great many people. Besides the importance of studying the fields, the habit of systematic and proportionate giving was emphasized. One point that was especially impressive was the fact that those who are the leaders, and especially those who are in school and are preparing for this work, with little means, are encouraged to take the lead in giving regularly and systematically to the support of the work to which they are planning to devote their lives, thus setting a commendable example to others.
The Volunteer Movement claims to have exerted a powerful reflex influence on the religious life of colleges and theological seminaries. No greater proof can be given of the hold that Christianity has upon an individual than his willingness to go to the ends of the world to propagate it, and this has had its influence on other students in the schools. Besides the organization in America, similar organizations have not only been effected in every civilized country, but also in the college centers of India, China, and Japan. Of the volunteers in England, over sixty per cent have sailed to the field. These different organizations are brought in touch with one another through a general secretary, and thus, regardless of denominational differences, all are making the one aim in their life the evangelization of the world in this generation.
True, very few of them look upon this as the last generation in this world’s history, their version of their motto being that if the gospel is to be preached to all men, it obviously must be done while all men are living. The evangelization of the world in this generation, therefore, means the preaching of the gospel to those who are now living—“the unevangelized, for whom we as Christians are responsible, live in this generation, and the Christians, whose duty it is to present Christ to them, live also in this generation.”
The movement has presented the claims of the world-wide message in nearly nine hundred educational institutions. And who can estimate the effect of their work upon the Christian world to-day? They are fortunate in having as leaders young men of consecrated, energetic enthusiasm, who have but one aim in view,—the realization of their motto,—and who will not be swerved from it by the highest worldly gain.
The closing session was marked by a spirit of warning lest the aroused emotions, without any fixed determination to seek higher attainments in the Christian life, might lead to greater defeat. Not fewer than three hundred of these young people signified their expectation to go out into the foreign field before the close of this year. More than a score were under appointment for China, to fill up the gap made by the recent Boxer uprising.
To those who are looking for the coming of the Lord, this movement means far more than simply the preaching of the gospel to the people living at this time. It means the awakening of the Christian world to the possibility of the great work which has been committed to it, and the preparation of the people in every heathen country for the closing message, which is to usher in the coming of our Lord. ESTELLA HOUSER.

Donors to the Relief of the Schools

NAME. AMOUNT.
Mrs. M. Bailey..... $1 00 R. R. Kennedy..... 100 00
E. M. Riley..... 1 00 Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Dickinson..... 2 00
Ada Peoples..... 3 00 James Lay..... 10 00
H. H. Johnson..... 5 00 R. L. Wildman..... 1 00
Jessie Barber..... 10 00 Maud L. Bull..... 5 00
Ora Barber..... 5 00 A. Bergfeldt (Scandinavian fund)..... 31 50
G. A. Hare..... 10 00 Sister McLaughlin..... 1 50
Mrs. N. Clair..... 5 00 Mr. Eleanor..... 1 00
M. E. Cady..... 15 00 Butler Hunter..... 1 00
B. F. Richards..... 5 00 Robin Hunter..... 1 00
J. F. Lamenet..... 1 00 Mrs. R. H. Little..... 1 00
Mrs. C. E. Bishop..... 1 00 Sister Fry..... 2 00
Wm. Christopher..... 5 00 M. J. Plau..... 4 50
Mrs. Mary Lewis..... 10 00 Mrs. J. Reader..... 1 00
Mrs. N. Budd..... 7 00 C. H. Allen..... 2 00
Henry Seath..... 5 00 Neils Hanson..... 2 00
Chas. A. Smith..... 10 00 Eugene Frost..... 10 00
W. H. Blosser..... 5 00 E. H. Lewis..... 2 00
Mrs. E. R. Garlock..... 3 00 Mrs. J. J. Oliver..... 1 00
Mrs. Emma Peason..... 5 00 W. R. Jones..... 5 00
Mamie Nash..... 1 00 H. H. Perry..... 5 00
Kate Archibald..... 50 Elder J. G. Wood..... 5 00
A friend..... 1 50 Laura Apt..... 10 00
Laura Tucker..... 3 50 Inza Covert..... 5 00
Mrs. F. E. Lucas..... 1 00 Mrs. R. M. Town..... 2 00
M. E. Waldo..... 1 50 Mrs. M. M. Brunson..... 5 00
W. L. Payne..... 7 50 Mrs. J. M. Riley..... 1 00
Newburyport (Mass.) church..... 2 25 Mrs. J. W. Bendixen..... 5 00
G. M. Phelps..... 25 D. B. Darby..... 5 00
L. W. Rice..... 1 00 A. S. Haynes..... 2 00
A. E. Dickenson..... 1 00 L. Rue..... 2 00
See Mason..... 10 00 L. F. Burdoin..... 20 00
Ora E. Corbit..... 1 00 J. D. Erntson..... 5 00
L. Myers..... 5 00 Mary Folkenberg..... 2 00
James Dunkin..... 10 00 W. C. Emmerson..... 2 00
J. W. Sealey..... 2 00 Jane Emmerson..... 1 00
John Ramsay..... 10 00 John W. Branstator..... 2 00
Mrs. J. B. Gould..... 1 00 Anthony Peticord..... 1 00
C. J. Overton..... 1 00 Mrs. E. Emmerson..... 2 00
Julian Overton..... 1 00 C. H. Emmerson..... 2 00
Mr. & Mrs. Cyrus Whistler..... 20 00 Catherine Platte..... 2 00
A friend..... 60 Joseph Folkenberg..... 2 00
Maggie McDonald..... 5 00 H. B. Hamm..... 20 00
R. J. Corbin..... 1 00 Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Wheeler..... 5 00
Creston S. S. (Iowa)..... 2 25 Friends..... 18 75
M. I. Pearce..... 1 00 Anna C. Rice..... 5 00
F. M. Darner..... 10 00 W. Leininger..... 10 00
Mrs. E. C. Burnham..... 5 00 A. Newell..... 5 00
Ida Lindstrom..... 5 00 H. E. Bartholomew..... 1 00
Myrtle Brown..... 5 00 A. S. Combs..... 1 50
A friend..... 2 00 M. B. Clinger..... 5 00
Stella Livingston..... 1 00 R. J. Davis..... 20 00
Mrs. Deborah Payne..... 1 00 Geo. Davis..... 81
Mrs. J. B. Ballard..... 50 M. White..... 1 00
Mrs. Olive Shannon..... 1 00 M. G. Stafford..... 5 00
Mrs. Eugene Breed..... 1 25 Mrs. Geo. Prindle..... 2 50
A. N. Loper..... 10 00 M. G. Stafford..... 5 00
Pleasant Kirk..... 1 00 Fritz Guy..... 4 00
R. A. Kirk..... 1 00 Anna Lohrey..... 50
Benjamin Christiansen..... 5 00 Anna B. McBride..... 1 50
G. W. Cole..... 10 00 Mrs. A. L. Ludington..... 1 00
Sale of jewelry..... 7 00 Mrs. M. N. Andrews..... 25 00
I. C. Sultz..... 10 00 M. J. Rowland..... 15 00
Mrs. C. W. Neal..... 10 00 Dr. and Mrs. A. J. Kelsey..... 10 00
Mrs. Capt. L. Simmons..... 5 00 Geo. A. Hill..... 2 00
C. D. Christman..... 5 00

The Work Onward.

By S. H. Lane

In quite a number of States success is attending the efforts to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons.” This is the experience wherever the work is pushed vigorously. Where the minister works, there the people aid. They seem willing to take hold, if some one will lead. Some of the church elders are earnest, and have inspired the members of the churches over which they preside to order at least the quota of books which they should sell, and many in those churches have gone to work with a will to dispose of the books. By so doing, elder and members have been blessed and built up spiritually, as hundreds can testify, and our schools are benefited financially. The financial part is important, but not by any means the most important part.
Those who sell this book gain a rich experience, which will enable them to do more efficient missionary work than in the past.
No one should live unto himself in these last days. The world's history, in its present sinful state, is rapidly maturing, and will soon reach that period when he that is righteous will be righteous still, and he that is unholy will so remain. Every act now should be one of right doing. Our schools have been important factors in shaping the dispositions and characters of many who in our own land and in other fields, are with fidelity and earnestness proclaiming the important, world-wide truths, which are so testing in their nature that they will ripen the harvest of the earth.
Reader, are you in the conflict? On which side are you? Everything required of us is developing in us either liberality of soul or selfishness of heart. If we now engage heartily in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” we shall be drawn out to do the people good, and we shall do them good, and that good will be reflected upon our own souls.
The work should be kept up until every school in our ranks is redeemed from the curse of debt. Between now and May 3 will be a favorable time. Will not ministers and leaders keep well to the front? Our loyal people are ready to follow. If you have not books, why not send to your tract society and obtain some, and then visit your friend and neighbor and persuade him to purchase? Who will try? We believe that this work will be pushed in the North, in the South, in the East, and in the West.
In New York State a day of prayer was appointed in reference to the matter. This is an excellent thing to do. In Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas the churches are determined to sell ten thousand dollars’ worth by April 1. In Oklahoma they have already sold three thousand dollars’ worth. Thus the work is moving. Are you doing your part?
S. H. LANE.

Why Canvass?

By E. A. Sutherland

Have you wondered why the Lord has sent us word that every Seventh-day Adventist should canvass? I have, very often; for canvassing was naturally very distasteful to me, and it was only when I accepted the promise by faith, that I found courage to undertake the work. Having once entered the field as a canvasser for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” I found coming into my life such a warmth of Christian experience that I began a search for the philosophy underlying this method of disseminating truth: for God makes no arbitrary commands.
I have watched two glowing coals on the hearth, lying near each other, yet not in contact. Gradually the ashes gathered, the glow faded, the coals died. I have put a single stick of wood upon the grate, expecting to see the fire burn, and have seen it smolder and die; but if two sticks are laid together, the fire kindles and burns, even though there are but few coals with which to start it.
Furthermore, I have seen Christians in whose hearts had been kindled the fire of truth. They lived year after year in the same community, but no other lights were kindled. Indeed, the first light has in many cases grown dim, although there was fuel in abundance.
The electric wires in our incandescent globes remain dark and lifeless until the current is turned on,—until a connection is made,—then those same little wires glow with a white heat.
Speaking of the last days, the Lord, through the prophet Zechariah, says: “In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left.”
Imagine the blaze of light which will go up from all the earth when the “governors of Judah”—those who know the truth—are like torches brought in contact with sheaves of grain! Evidently the time has come for this enlightening. It has been preached for years, and Isa. 60:1 has been quoted times without number. “Sermons have been in great demand in our churches. The members have depended upon pulpit declamations instead of on the Holy Spirit. Uncalled for and unused, the spiritual gifts bestowed upon them [like the lonely coal] have dwindled into feebleness. . . . A revival and a reformation must take place. . . . Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life. . . . Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.”—Review and Herald, Feb. 25, 1902.
We fell into debt, contrary to the Lord’s wishes, it is true. Nevertheless, since we are in debt, God will use even the debts to arouse His people from lethargy, and will, through the effort to lift those debts, awaken a sleeping world, and proclaim to it the everlasting gospel.
More than that, He will do this through a most humble and despised means. That is also a divine method of work. As “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise,” so He is to-day using a means, despised by His people, to bring that same people into greater truth, and through them to proclaim the last message.
It is a glorious truth. The money which will come into our hands for the erection of buildings or for relief from debt, as a result of the canvassing campaign , is the smallest part of the blessing. There are eternal principles underlying the command to go forward, and as the walls of Jericho are approached, I want a place in the advancing army.
I have watched the reports sent in by hundreds who are now canvassing. It is wonderful to note: (1) the personal help received in every instance by the canvasser; (2) the hearty response from people who for years have been waiting for this personal contact with men and women who know God’s voice; (3) the death blow which canvassing strikes to narrow prejudice, which often exists.
It is God’s work! Do not, oh, do not, check the work! Say, “Lord, I am ready, use me.”
E. A. SUTHERLAND.

At the Front

By Joel C. Rogers

When the last call was sounded for volunteers to enlist in the army to emancipate our schools, I was glad to be ready for the service. It had been my desire ever since the campaign started fifteen months ago to join the ranks. It was my privilege to place a copy of the first edition of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the hands of a family who bought it for a present to their Baptist minister. I did not then realize that it was my duty to press the battle.
On February 18 fifty copies of the book were placed in my hands, and I took a train at Battle Creek for the nearest city west, Kalamazoo, expecting to sell them before returning. Possibly my determination bore a slight resemblance to that of the Spartan soldier who felt that he would never return home unless a victor or a corpse. Reaching my field of battle, and realizing that God was my only source of strength, encouragement came as the Captain of our army spoke to my soul, saying, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” Ps. 32:8.
To describe the march, countermarch, and battle of the first day would take a long time. I soon learned that to reach the hearts of the people with the book, my own heart must be filled with its good things. So I made the book itself my daily study. I was astonished to find so many beautiful things on every page; and the water of life, which began to flow into my own heart and quicken my experience, was soon passed on to others. No books were sold the first day, but two were left for examination, and both were sold next day. Being obliged to lodge in a hotel the first night, I was enabled to sell a book to the proprietor, and one to a guest. Seven were sold the second day. Just as hard work was done the next day, and not a book was sold. Working early and late, persistently and earnestly, while continually pleading with God for help, victory came, and after eight days the fifty books were in the people’s hands. Let nothing deter any one from pressing to the front line in this great campaign, and emancipation to all our schools will be proclaimed speedily. JOEL C. ROGERS.

The Thing Was Done Suddenly

By P. T. Magan

Ten Thousand Copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” Sold in Two Weeks

WITH fervent thankfulness to God we announce that during the last two weeks the Review and Herald has shipped out into Emmanuel Missionary College territory alone, ten thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” These constitute straight sales, the money for which is guaranteed by the tract societies. We are glad, very glad, for this blessing of the Lord. If all will work according to God’s plans, the Christ lines, the relief of the schools will be accomplished as easily and smoothly as the building of that wonderful temple the stones of which came together without sound of ax or hammer.
P. T. MAGAN.

Canvassing for “Christ’s Object Lessons”

BROTHER GEO. G. JOHNSON writes: “For about two months I have been canvassing for ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ in Rockford, Ill. I have taken one hundred and sixty-one orders, and while delivering seventy-seven of these, I sold six other books. And one having a burden for the salvation of souls will have success with that book, because the Lord has spoken so plainly concerning it.”
Elder C. W. Olds writes from Janesville, Wis. “There is a general rally in this part of the State for the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons.’ We expect to follow this campaign to the finish.”
L. A. Jacobs, church-school teacher at Thomson, Ill., spent two days canvassing with six of his pupils. They took thirty-three orders.
Continue reading: Current Mention