Photo by F. H. Loasby
PLOWING IN THE PUNJAB, INDIA. THUS DID ELIJAH FIND ELISHA AT WORK
WHEN THE LATTER WAS ANOINTED PROPHET IN ISRAEL
In the Punjab, North India
By F. H. Loasby
F. H. LOASBY
Here is a familiar scene, natives plowing in the Punjab, using the oxen and the old wooden plow, just as their forefathers have been doing for centuries, or since the time of the ancient patriarchs, for that matter. After the plowing is finished, they harness two oxen to a flat, heavy piece of board, and with this they level off the ground. The seed is then quite often sown by hand, just as was done hundreds of years ago.
ONE OF THE THIRTEEN GATES OF LAHORE CITY, NORTH INDIA
The other picture is of one of the old gates of Lahore. There are thirteen of these gates. This one is called the Lahore Gate. At one time the old native city was inclosed by a high, massive wall, and these thirteen gates were the means of entrance. There was also a deep, broad moat on the outside of the wall, full of water. After the second Sikh War, in 1849, when the whole of the Punjab was given over to the British,12the wall was nearly all torn down, and the moat filled up. It is now covered with grass and trees, and forms a continuous green belt around the native city, which is a much-favored spot with the people, offering welcome shade from the rays of the fierce Punjab sun.
The native city of Lahore is perhaps more typically Eastern than any other city in India. In its streets and bazaars, which are nearly all so narrow that it is impossible for small carriages to pass each other, one may see representatives of a great number of the various peoples of India. There is the fine-looking Sikh (pronounced "sick"), the lithe Pathan, the prosperous Mussulman, sometimes the Afridi or the Wazir, to say nothing of the big-boned Punjabi; while nowadays we often see the round-faced Gurkha, watching the things of the city with an interest which never more than betrays itself by an amused, almost childlike smile. And from his regimental belt hangs the terrible kukri, the national weapon of the Gurkha.
Every turn of the narrow streets reveals something of interest, from the mosques of bygone emperors to the quaint houses with their zenana windows, where the occupants may see without being seen. There is the stately elephant, the long string of camels from the desert, and the diminutive donkey of the potter, loaded to the breaking point with waterpots to be sold in the bazaar.
But the thing that appeals to us most is that here are thousands of people who know nothing of the gospel truth for this time, and never will know unless the Christian peoples of other lands send their men and money to help carry forward one of the most difficult tasks that Christianity has been called upon to perform,—the giving of the warning message to the millions in these densely populated lands.
We are enjoying splendid health, and for this we thank the Lord. We are of good courage. Although our task seems a large one, we feel that the Lord will make victory sure. The weather here is very hot, now that we have reached April, and we shall be obliged to spend some time in the hills.
We were expecting to be able to move into our bungalow by this time, but owing to the war we have been hindered. We have not yet been able even to begin our building. We are sorry for this, as we work at a great disadvantage by not being conveniently near the people all the time. However, we are hopeful for the future,—the missionary is always hopeful,—and we believe our bungalow will come soon.
Two Testimonies
By M. D. Wood
M. D. WOOD
In the second epistle of John, the apostle said, in writing to the “elect lady,” “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the truth.” The missionaries have such occasions of rejoicing when they find their children also walking in the truth. Perhaps you would like to hear two testimonies which came to me this week concerning our Marathi Christians.
One Testimony
One was about a man who had been in our mission employ as a servant for over a year. His name is Rama. He was not a member of our mission, but was a professed Christian, and he with his wife and little boy frequently attended our Sabbath school and other church services. He left our employ of his own accord, saying he wanted to work on the railroad.
He came back this week for a little money we owed him. After receiving the money, he said, “Sir, may I attend your Sabbath school and other meetings as usual?”
I replied, “Yes, certainly you may, and welcome.”
This greatly pleased him, and he then related his experience with his superiors on the railroad. After being in their employ a few days he went to the official, and said, “Sir, I am willing to work all day Sunday, but will you please give me Saturday off?”
“Why Saturday?” the man inquired. “Are you not a Christian, and do you not want Sunday?”
“Yes, sir, I am a Christian; but I do not keep Sunday any more.”
“That is strange, when all Christians keep Sunday the world over.”
“But, sir,” said Rama, “I have lived with a missionary at Kalyan who showed me that the Bible teaches Sabbath and not Sunday, and so I cannot keep Sunday any more.”
“Well, I never knew about this before,” said the official, “but since you are so sincere about it, you may have your Sabbath, as you call it, and work on Sunday.”
“So,” said Rama, “you may expect my wife, our little John, and me at the Sabbath school and church services hereafter.”
The Other Testimony
Thomas came to us in the year 1896, with seventeen other boys from the famine district of Central India. He was three and a half or four years old. He was cared for as all the other boys, till we went to America, when we put him in a large Methodist boarding school.
Hearing of our return to India, Thomas wrote that he wanted to come to us, and we told him he might do so.
We scarcely knew the lad when we saw him, he had grown so tall and manly. He helped us in the mission building work last year, and finally decided to become a nurse. He has now studied and worked hard for more than a year, and we feel we could not well do without him.
A few days ago one of the railroad men, a European, suddenly became ill. He was sent to the railroad hospital in Kalyan; but this hospital is for natives, and does not take Europeans. However, the man was too sick to be moved to the Bombay hospital, so it was decided to make the best of the situation, though there was no one qualified to care for a European at that place. Some of the ladies of the town went in with food, etc.
The Bombay railroad doctor was called, and he said the man had pneumonia. Then the question was, “Who shall care for him?” Finally Mrs. Wood was called; and while the man was not her patient, she felt she must do all she could for him, so she informed Thomas that he must go and do his best for the sick man. To this Thomas gladly agreed, promising to be faithful. For a time the sick man was practically entirely in his charge. Then a European nurse came from the Bombay hospital to care for the man during the day, but Thomas was left to care for him at night. The nurse said, “I can trust that Christian boy entirely, he is so faithful;” and the doctor in charge of the hospital said, “That fellow is all right; and the patient is much improved.” The doctor from Bombay said, “I wish I had that boy to work for me in Bombay; he seems to get on well with everybody.”
But the best testimony was from one of the officials of the railroad, who had been spending the night at the hospital for the sake of the young patient, although his parents had now come to Kalyan. He said: “Mr. Wood, that boy you call Thomas is a genuine Christian, I can tell you that. He spent all last night with that poor sick man; and when the man couldn’t sleep at three o’clock, Thomas began to talk to him about God and prayer. The sick man asked him to pray for him, and Thomas gladly responded. There I stood and looked at that quiet scene. Thomas did what I could not do, and I am a European and supposed to be a Christian; but I can’t pray. I just turned away my head; it nearly choked me. The patient was gently saying ‘Amen,’ while Thomas talked with God in his behalf.”
Such work as this counts, my friends. Thomas does not know that I am telling you these things, but I wish you to know that this message of truth is helping the converted heathen to live as we ourselves seek to live, and is helping them to get others ready to meet Christ. These things encourage the hearts of the missionaries.
Minas Geraes, Brazil
By F. W. Spies
F. W. SPIES
WE are glad to report that in Minas Geraes, the most populous as well as the most wealthy state of Brazil, the work of the third angel’s message is getting a fair start. Minas Geraes is one of the central states. It is only about two and a half hours’ run by train from the capital, Rio de Janeiro, and is well supplied with railroads, so that traveling is fairly easy.
For a long time we have desired to send a worker into this important and promising field, but there was none available. However, at the close of our last union conference session, Brethren R. M. Carter and Henrique Simas went to this state to engage in the book work. They not only succeeded in selling a goodly number of books, but it was soon found that some of the seed thus sown had at different places fallen on good ground and brought forth precious fruit.
One of these places is Juiz de Fora, where the above-named brethren have been residing for some time, and where it was my privilege to spend ten days in the early part of May. During my stay Brother Carter was conducting a canvassers’ institute. Among those taking part were four of the new Sabbath keepers in Minas Geraes, three brethren and a sister; two brethren and a sister from Rio de Janeiro; one brother from Espirito Santo; and two older canvassers,—ten in all. It was really encouraging to see ten earnest and eager persons getting ready to carry the truth to their countrymen. May they all be successful and effective workers.
During each evening of my stay we held public services, which were well attended; and on Friday, May 14, I had the privilege of burying nine persons with their Lord in baptism. On the following day, Sabbath, I organized a company of eighteen, and celebrated the Lord’s Supper with them. It was a day of rich blessing, and will long be remembered by those who had part in it. About twelve others are awaiting baptism in different parts of Minas Geraes; but as I was just about to start on a trip to the northern states, and had already made my appointments, I could not take time to visit the other places. We feel encouraged at the present prospects in Minas Geraes, as well as in all Brazil, and ask you to remember in prayer the workers in this large republic.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
By E. C. Ehlers
E. C. EHLERS
AFTER apparently insurmountable difficulties, we obtained a license to pitch our tent. We are having good and well-attended meetings. Pray for the work in the capital of Brazil.
During the time we have been here, fifteen have been added to the church. These dear believers were baptized at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain, in the Atlantic Ocean.
Progress in South Africa
FROM a letter written by Elder W. B. White, president of the South African Union Conference, dated June 9, we quote the following: “The last few weeks have been quite stirring times here in South Africa. In nearly all the large cities, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, we have been having riots. These began shortly after the sinking of the ‘Lusitania.’ At the present time things are quiet. We are living down in the last days, when, as the apostle Paul tells us, perilous times will come. Our work here is onward, and we have many things to encourage us. Our South African Sentinel has now reached a monthly circulation of 5,000 copies. This is our actual subscription list. We are printing about twenty thousand copies every month, and the paper is doing good work throughout the field. We continually receive letters from interested persons whose minds have been awakened to thought by reading the paper. New workers are coming to the field, and we are looking toward the future with anticipation. We had a most excellent union conference at Durban. Elder Spicer was with us, and his labors were highly appreciated. He is now visiting our mission stations in Rhodesia.”
A “Successful” Woman
By Mrs. I. H. E.
EVERY normal wife and mother desires above all earthly things that her work—the work committed to her hands in the garden of Eden itself—shall be a success. The ideals of this attainment may differ in details, according to environment, but in the great essentials they are much the same in palace and cot and all the homes worthy the name that lie between these extremes,—she desires to be a “helpmeet” for the little joys and sorrows of daily living as well as for times of special stress and strain; to run her home smoothly, ever keeping its spirit sweet and its standards high; and to bring up her children to fear God and respect those in authority.
Those who desire such success are, as we have said, many. Perhaps the reason so few attain it is because so many unimportant things are allowed to distract the mind from the great object to be gained.
“I have known one preeminently successful woman,” writes Louise Collier Wilcox, in the August Delineator. “Whenever I try to think of some one with whom I should be willing to exchange not only places in life—there are so many people whose places we should like to have—but of some one with whom I should like to change whole personalities, I always think of that successful woman.”14
“There is a current saying that to be successful we ought to begin with our ancestors, and I do not doubt the truth of it. The successful woman to whom I allude was born at Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, and one of his brothers was her direct ancestor. She married young and was the mother of thirteen children, every one of whom turned out to be handsome, exceptionally clever, and good. She adopted two other children who needed a home, and I suppose there never was a more wholesome atmosphere for children to grow in than her home.
“I wish I could describe that big, plain wooden house in a small Southern town. It might throw some light on the qualities that made my heroine so preeminently successful. There were no curtains at the windows, because light and air in the house were more valuable to growing children than conventional furnishings. Moreover, curtains collected dust and were apt to get torn. There was very little grass on the lawn, because it was more useful as a ball ground for nine growing sons than for ornamentation. There was practically no bric-a-brac in the house, because it would only be in the way of romping little ones.
“One tale I must tell: One warm Thanksgiving Day, when doors and windows were wide, an intimate friend passing heard peals of the merriest laughter, and turned in to hear what the jest might be. It chanced that parents and all thirteen children were at the table, and the waitress, coming in with the Thanksgiving dinner on a huge tray, had stubbed her toe and fallen, and the dinner lay strewn about the floor, while the mother of the thirteen was helping the maid up and leading the laughter.
“‘That’s just sheer carelessness,’ said a commentator, hearing the story. No, that was evidence of one of the most valuable qualities a human being could possess—a sense of proportion to values. The merriment, the good nature, the joy of Thanksgiving Day, were of more value than china or dinner, and that great woman knew it.
“People sometimes said of the successful woman of whom I speak, that her children were carelessly reared because they went to school without hats. But there was one thing they didn’t do,—they never left their home in the morning until they had gathered with father and mother to read the Bible and to pray. While the boys were still boys, they were always in the sitting room with their mother, and not out on the streets at the fall of darkness.
“It seems to me in looking back that that life is the most successful I have ever seen. Those thirteen children are all grown now and are out in the world. They are all doing good work; each one is a valuable citizen, doing the world’s work ably, happily, honestly. Did I say doing the world’s work? I meant something quite different. I meant doing God’s work. I dare not tell what each one of these children is consecrated in some definite way to the work of God.”
And as these men and women go about their Master’s business, lifting their share of the world’s load, bearing their part of its burdens, think you that one of them fails to lay a reverent tribute at his mother’s feet as often as thoughts of her wise counsel and sunny presence flash into the mind? A life that guides and directs and leads into happy, whole-hearted service is successful indeed.
MRS. I. H. E.
My Neighbor’s Children
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE
There is something intensely interesting, even fascinating, in watching the gradual growth and development of fruits and flowers and buds and blossoms. I go to the window every morning to take note of the wonderful transformations which are sometimes wrought in a single night.
Here are some tiny buds of yesterday, which have unfolded gloriously under the stimulating effects of the dews of night and the warm kisses of the morning sun; and there are some tender leaves which yesterday had scarcely showed themselves.
• Again, it is an interesting study to watch the growth of the lower animals, and to note their wonderful intelligence. But if this is true, how much more wonderful and profitable it is to watch the growth—the physical, mental, and, more important than all, the moral and spiritual development—of children.
It has been said that children are close imitators. They are more than that: they are critical observers; they are logical; they are philosophical. Moreover, they are quite generally correct in their mental diagnosis of even the facial expression of their parents and teachers; and they are very keen observers of the words they speak.
All this is so apparent that it is really surprising how we sometimes forget that the little ears are wide open to catch the faintest syllable of anything which especially relates to themselves.
Some time ago I spent the day with a woman whose little son was a bright boy not quite three years old. Of course I held out my hand to Johnnie, and undertook some simple form of salutation. The little fellow promptly answered my smile with a baby frown, and hid his face in his mother’s apron. In vain I tried to induce him to come to some friendly terms with me.
While I was wondering at his strange conduct,—for children are generally glad of attention, and I saw that he was not at all bashful,—the mother hastened to explain that Johnnie was very strange lately; that he had a queer notion that he would not speak to any one outside the family and that she could do nothing with him. She should like to have him do differently, but he simply would not.
Of course Johnnie was an interested listener to all this, and apparently decided that not only was he a very important factor in the household, but that his baby will was not to be disregarded, no matter what the wishes of his mother happened to be.
All through the day it was the same. Baby needed a thorough shampoo, the mother explained, but really he refused to allow her to wash his head; and as soon as she undertook to wash it, he “screamed and screamed,” until she “just had to give it up.” Meanwhile Johnnie only winked solemnly and wisely, and very logically decided to repeat the experience; and you may be sure he will not be slow in doing so.
During the day, Johnnie and his peculiarities were often discussed—and always in his presence. “His father used to put him to bed,” remarked the mother, a little sadly; “but baby will not allow him to do so any more, so of course I have it to do myself. He has even taken it into his head not to go to his grandpa, as he used to; he doesn’t want grandpa to do anything for him. But if one of the other children tries to take grandpa’s attention, then baby is jealous at once, and very readily climbs to his grandfather’s knee.” This last was explained with a smile, as if it were quite the correct thing for baby to be jealous.
Now I regret the fact that this experience is common in more families than one. Indeed, it seems to be quite the thing—it has come to be the rule and not the exception.
What can be done to correct this unwise practice of telling of a child’s naughtiness or “smartness” in his presence, and, above all things, declaring that: “he cannot be made to mind”? How can we expect the children to be obedient when we continually affirm in their presence that they cannot be made to obey?
I will only add by way of suggestion, the friendly advice which I very carefully and lovingly gave the little mother before I left her:—“The next time baby is put to bed, just tell him that papa will attend him tonight, and that Johnnie is such a good boy that you are sure he will not object. Always express to him your expectation that he is going to mind. Never suggest disobedience to him. Do not discuss him while he is in hearing distance. If you wish to speak of his cunning ways to others, be very sure he is not near.”
Let us hope that this dear little mother, as well as many others, will profit by this friendly advice.
Lansing, Mich.
Conducted by Mrs. I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington D. C
By Mrs. I. H. Evans; Miss Lora E. Clement
Assisted by Miss Lora E. Clement
Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,— their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.
My Neighbor’s Wealth
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Shuttle
MRS. L. D. AVERY-SHUTTLE
I HAVE a neighbor across the way,
Who lives in a cottage small and low;
He wears a coat that is old and gray,
And he toils for his daily bread, I know.
He has no gold, and he has no lands,
Nor gems nor diamonds nor vast estate,—
He has nothing at all but his own brown hands,
And people never have called him great;
And yet, and yet he is rich, I say,
As rich as a pompous lord or earl,—
As rich as a king; for he has today
The priceless love of his baby girl.
And two little eyes look into his,
And ten dimpled fingers clasp his own;
He has two little rosebud lips to kiss,
And a tiny form that is his alone.
They call him poor; but he would not sell
That baby head, with its nut-brown curl,
For the wealth of earth; so I deem him rich
In the priceless love of his baby girl.
MARTHA E. WARNER
By Martha E. Warner
Front Porch Visits—No. 1
MARTHA E. WARNER
“OH, dear,” sighed Mrs. Bowen as she walked up my front steps one morning, and seated herself in a rocker, “I’m tempted to send Harold back to the ‘home.’ He does not appreciate a thing that is done for him. I know you will say I must not look for appreciation from a child; but really Harold keeps the whole house in an uproar. He cannot go by one of the other children without giving him a punch. They are not angels, and do not take it gracefully. I’m at my wit’s end to know what to do with him. Mother said that if you had Harold, you would “straighten him out.” Please tell me how you would go about it.”
“I don’t know about ‘straightening him out,’” I replied; “but I should endeavor to put a stop to that punching. One of my boys had the same habit. I talked with him, and tried to show him what it might lead to, but to no avail. One day while seeking for wisdom, something seemed to say, ‘Give him a pillow to punch.’ The next time John began to punch one of the other children, I called him to me, and told him that as he seemed determined to punch, he could punch a pillow for five minutes; and every time he punched the children after that, five minutes would be added.”
“John thought that would be great fun, and attacked the pillow vigorously; but five minutes was a long time, and the pillow did not cry, ‘Mother, John is punching me!’”
“The day came when John had to pommel that pillow for half an hour, and then there was no fun in it.
“When his time was up, he came to me, and said, ‘You may put that old pillow up in the attic, mother; I’ll not need it any more.’ And he did not.”
“That is an unusual way to punish a child,” remarked Mrs. Bowen, “but it seemed to work well in John’s case.”
Clintonville, Conn.
Baking Without an Oven
By Marie A. Lowe
MRS. MARIE A. LOWE
Some time ago I read in the Review of a sister who was obliged to cook over a camp fire, and who had no little difficulty in baking bread, as her only oven was a kettle.
For her encouragement I wish to say that excellent bread, as well as gems and biscuit, and even cakes and pies, may be baked without an oven. If the following directions are carefully followed, they will come out as light and as daintily browned as if baked in a first-class range:—
Take pails or cans with tight-fitting covers, put enough dough in each to permit rising, and allow it to rise the same as for any other way of baking. Have plenty of ashes, the more the better, and keep them hot until the bread is ready to bake; then dig a hole in the ashes large enough to set the pail in, and cover over the top with ashes. Bake from forty-five to sixty minutes. You will come out as light and as daintily as well as a range.
Gems are put into an oiled frying pan and covered tightly; then the ashes are dug away, the pan set in, and hot ashes spread over the top.
The ashes can also be used as a fireless cooker, when one wishes slow boiling or stewing for vegetables and fruits.
Mercer, Oregon.
A Lucky Pocket Piece
For the girl or the woman who does her own sewing, this valuable pocket piece is suggested to keep off the “hoodoo” of unwise buying at bargain sales.
In a small blank book, set down just how many yards of material you need for an apron, a cotton shirt waist and a silk one, a dressing sack, a house dress, simple or elaborate, a street suit, a separate skirt, and a long coat, using the knowledge you have gained in cutting from different widths and kinds of material. If you make your own underwear, set down the amount of goods necessary for each piece; also just the amount of embroidery or lace required for trimming. If you are a woman who has a family of children, devote a page to each child.
Put the pocket piece in your shopping bag, and always have it with you. Consult it before you spend money at the tempting bargain counter. Even when you buy goods from the bolt, having the correct measurements will save waste; and in buying remnants, it will prevent paying out money for things you cannot use. Many a woman has a drawerful of odds and ends picked up at remnant sales, which for the lack of perhaps only a few inches turned out not to be the bargains she thought she was getting. On the other hand, overcautious shoppers often lose the chance of getting real bargains by not being sure of the amount of goods required.
In the clearance sales held by large dry goods firms there are many remnants of excellent material that can be picked up at a great reduction; and there is abundant opportunity to save money if you know what you need, and just how much goods will be required.—Youth’s Companion.
The Crown of Motherhood
By Ella S. W. White
Dost wear the crown of motherhood?
Then praise Him for his gift so good —
For hands that cling, and little feet
To guide, and for his use make meet.
And to thy trust be true, dear heart,
Since rich and prosperous thou art.
— Ella S. W. White.
Arousing the Public by Newspaper Reports
By W. L. Burgan
MANY interesting reports of the encouraging way in which the columns of newspapers have been opened for the circulation of the truth have recently been received from cities in this and other countries. These papers have done much thus far during the tent and camp meeting season to spread the message in new fields, and to arouse a spirit of inquiry among persons who heretofore were unacquainted with the great advent movement.
It is interesting to learn that the brethren laboring in Utah, the stronghold of Mormonism, are meeting with success in their efforts to present phases of the message through the newspapers. Two of the brethren are now holding an effort in the church in Salt Lake City. In telling how they are reaching the public, one of them writes, “We are having some success in getting extracts of the lectures printed in the papers.” The reports have been more extensive as the meetings have progressed.
Another minister, working in Ogden, has sent in a collection of clippings showing that the papers in that city are willing to herald the tidings of the Lord’s return. Not only do such reports go into the homes of the people, but they arouse the honest in heart, with the result that they search out the Lord’s servant and listen to the message.
One worker in the Northwest has had a number of excellent experiences with editors, and gives some valuable hints concerning the best way to secure the publication of articles without much difficulty.
A worker in North Carolina writes of the success he is having in newspaper publicity work.
It is well to continue to supply the editors with articles each day, increasing their length, and thus giving more on the different phases of present truth in each succeeding report. No one should feel backward, but should consider the fact that the Lord is guiding in this movement and will open the columns of the papers wider as our faith increases.
From Shanghai, China, comes this encouraging report:—
“I am sending you under separate cover copies of four issues of the China Press containing articles dealing with the general meeting held here in May. We feel that the editor was quite liberal with us, and gave us a pretty good place in the paper, especially in two of the issues. After submitting the last manuscript to him, I mentioned the fact that we appreciated his kindness and the space which he had given us in his paper. He answered, ‘Oh, not at all! I am the one to thank you.’ I have already heard from several who read articles in this paper, and they expressed themselves as glad to know about the growth of our work in this division.”
Word from Jamaica and the Canal Zone tells us that articles of excellent length were published about the two general meetings recently held in those places.
Let us continue this good work, and realize that the secular press is a power in the hands of the Lord for the spread of his gospel. W. L. BURGAN.
Iowa
By A. R. Ogden
The first six months of the year have passed, and we are glad to send in a few items relative to the work in the Iowa Conference. Our annual conference and camp meeting are now in the past; and while the weather conditions prevented as large an attendance as usual, yet we had a most excellent and sweet-spirited meeting.
Following the camp meeting, we arranged for nine tent companies in the field, which are located as follows: Davenport, Elder J. W. McComas in charge; Burlington, Elder W. K. Smith; Ottumwa, Elder V. B. Watts; Des Moines, Elder J. J. Westrup (Swedish effort); Estherville, Elder P. E. Broderson and Brother J. M. Olsen (Danish effort); Cresco, Elder E. W. Wolfe; Kellerton, Elder J. W. Beams; Rinard, Mrs. Minnie Sype; and Dike, Brethren H. P. Gray and W. A. Gilbert. With each of these tent companies, especially those in large cities, there are several assistants, all of whom are taking hold of the work enthusiastically, and we confidently expect a large ingathering of souls as a result of the summer’s campaign.
It is probable that a local camp meeting will be held later in the season in the southwestern part of the State, as our State meeting was held in the northeastern part of the conference. Our workers are all of good courage and are pressing forward vigorously in their work, united in purpose, for the one great object of saving souls, and we believe that their efforts will be crowned with success.
Brother A. R. Smouse, our treasurer, reports that for the first six months of the year there has been an increase of $2,146.48 in tithe over the same period of 1914, and an increase of $2,678.63 in mission funds, making the total increase of tithe and mission funds for the first six months of 1915 over the corresponding part of 1914 nearly $5,000. We confidently believe that the increase for the last six months of the year will be proportionate to that of the first six months, in which case we shall easily pass our goal of $50,000 tithe and the full twenty cents a week for missions.
Our departmental workers are busily engaged in their various callings, and we are glad to see success attending the efforts put forth. We are especially encouraged with the increase of literature sales in our conference thus far this year. In 1914 our total book and tract sales amounted to $2,072.20 for the first six months of the year, while for 1915 a statement just received from the publishers shows our sales to be $7,016.25, an increase of nearly $5,000. We have a good strong corps of canvassers in the field, quite a number of whom are working for scholarships, and success is attending the efforts of these faithful workers.
If any of the Review readers have friends or relatives in the places where tent meetings are being held, they would do well to write to the workers in charge of the meetings, giving the names and addresses of those whom they would like to have these workers visit.
