The twenty-fifth annual session of the Nebraska Conference was held in connection with the camp meeting at Lincoln, September 3–13. Nine meetings were held, thirty-three delegates being present at the opening meeting. Others came in later.
From reports given we mention the following items of interest: four thousand dollars received from the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” has been turned over to Union College in the past year. The canvassers’ and office sales have amounted to $12,690, which, with the amount received on “Christ’s Object Lessons,” makes a total of $16,690. The conference treasurer’s report showed $23,673 tithe received, which would amount to about nine dollars a member. The amount contributed to foreign missions amounted to $5,669.41, or about $2.18 a member.
The usual committees were appointed by a large advisory committee. Thirty resolutions bearing on the different phases of the third angel’s message were passed, among which are the following:—
Resolved, That much prayerful study be given the question before a church school is organized, and that in every case the church-school superintendent be counseled, and that due care be exercised in the selection of a teacher who is best suited to the existing circumstances.
Resolved, That promising young men and women be encouraged to secure a training which will fit them for the church-school work.
Resolved, That the church-school superintendent be satisfied as to the moral and intellectual fitness of each teacher, and that each one be required to pass an examination not less rigid than that required by the county superintendent, and that each teacher who passes a satisfactory examination be granted a certificate from the conference, signed by the president and the church-school superintendent.
Resolved, That we hereby request Union College to conduct a special course for canvassers and missionary workers, covering about the same length of time as last year.
Resolved, That as a conference we will dispose of the remainder of our quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” accomplishing the work, by the grace of God, by Jan. 1, 1903.
We recommend, That all our conference laborers give earnest attention to the lines of old-time missionary work, by selling books and tracts from the public desk, by introducing to our people the new books as they come out, by organizing and building up the tract and missionary work in all our churches and companies, by assisting in the selection of agents, by soliciting subscriptions for our periodicals, and by doing all in their power to place some definite missionary work in the hands of every Seventh-day Adventist.
Whereas, The present church enrollment does not show the exact status of our church membership on account of the many removals to other States, we therefore,—
Recommend, That the district superintendents do all they can to encourage the members to unite with the churches where they reside.
We recommend, That the ten-cent-a-week plan for the support of foreign missions be continued.
We recommend, That all donations, for whatever department of the work, be solicited only under the direction of the conference, and that all donations be forwarded through the State office.
Resolved, That we co-operate with the American Medical Missionary College in the training of capable men and women for the important work of the Christian physician, by entering heartily into the plan of buying the Battle Creek College buildings by means of the Missionary Acre Fund, and that we do not encourage our young people to attend a cheap medical school where they can obtain only an inferior preparation.
Whereas, The editors of the Scandinavian papers are to issue an extra double number of said papers about the first of October, this important issue taking up the third angel’s message, therefore,—
Resolved, That we as a conference take hold in earnest, and as far as possible bring these papers to every Scandinavian family in Nebraska.
Resolved, That as a conference we will encourage the work among the blind by recommending that each church subscribe for one copy of the Christian Record, to be used in missionary work.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—
President, N. P. Nelson; Vice-President, G. M. Brown; Secretary and Treasurer, C. H. Miller; Conference Committee, N. P. Nelson, G. M. Brown, J. J. Graf, G. A. Kirkle, A. C. Anderson; Missionary Secretary and Treasurer, M. F. Beatty; State Agent, F. Jencks; Conference Association, N. P. Nelson, J. Sutherland, T. McAlpine, G. Mathieson, and R. F. Andrews; Educational Secretary, G. M. Brown; Secretary and Treasurer of Sabbath-School Department, Ida Nelson; General Conference delegates, N. P. Nelson, G. M. Brown, J. J. Graf, A. C. Anderson, and J. H. Wheeler.
Credentials were granted to N. P. Nelson, W. B. Hill, R. F. Andrews, J. J. Graf, J. H. Wheeler, L. E. Johnson, G. H. Smith, G. M. Brown, A. C. Anderson, P. P. Gaede, and Daniel Nettleton.
Ordination and credentials were given to C. R. Kite and G. W. Berry.
Ministerial licenses were granted to O. E. Jones, O. A. Hall, W. H. Campbell, F. W. H. Shroeder, Charles Swenson, B. M. Garton, N. C. Nelson.
Missionary licenses were granted to Mrs. E. M. Peebles, Mary F. Beatty, W. F. Surber, C. H. Miller, W. J. Wilson, Robert Ryan, Esther Smith, Albert Anderson, J. B. Mourer, Ida Nelson, G. P. Loy, William Batterson, and Susan Isaac.
Colporteur licenses were granted to C. S. Wilbur, L. B. Porter, E. L. Cook, J. W. Beams, and J. H. Johnson.
General Mission Notes
THE great decline of Japan Buddhists during the last two hundred years is shown by the fact that there were 394,087 temples, whereas now there are less than 72,000.
“OUR failure to prevail more largely with the non-Christian nations is due to our more fundamental failure to prevail with God in prayer.”
“INDIFFERENCE to missions is a crime deeper than refusal to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless. Charity is a great work. It is well to feed the multitude with bread, but better still to give them the living Bread.”
“WOULD you have been content to live and die without knowing Christ? For yourself it would have been an immeasurable loss; and by delaying to give to heathen nations the gospel, you inflict this great loss upon them.”
DARKNESS and death are abroad, and we have the Light of life; a world famine, and we have the Bread of life. God is calling, man is calling. O for a church that dares to do great things for God! — A. T. Pierson.
THE province of Honan, China, has an area of 67,955 square miles, and a population of about 22,100,000. It has ninety-four walled cities having no resident missionaries. Including lady workers and the wives of missionaries, there is only one missionary to every 361,000 of the population.
A LAWYER of Indianapolis, aged eighty-seven years, has recently given away the last of a fortune aggregating $800,000. One half is bestowed upon relatives. Of the other half, $265,000 goes to mission boards, home and foreign, and the remainder to a college. An equally phenomenal gift to missions has recently been made in Leeds. A millionaire, lately deceased, bequeathed for missionary purpose nine tenths of his estate, which is valued at $4,967,000. His desire was that this money should be spent in providing every tribe of mankind with accurate and faithful copies of the Gospels of John and Luke and The Acts of the Apostles.
Cedar Lake Academy
By J. G. Lamson
CEDAR LAKE ACADEMY opened its fourth year of school, October 6, with an enrollment of twenty-five in the Academic department. This number has been increased to thirty-six, and still others are coming. We have room for three more boys in the dormitory, and could accommodate six more girls. Perhaps some who read this report may yet decide to come. Students may enter at any time.
We have an excellent class of students, and nearly all of them have called for elementary work, so our teachers are not crowded with class work as they have been hitherto. This enables us to pay more attention to the manual training. We have now started a class in masonry, under the competent direction of Brother E. W. Foster, of the Edmore church. A class in carpentry is to be organized this week, under the direction of W. T. Marshall, who is a thoroughly competent mechanic. The class in printing begins this week, and the school will publish a small monthly folio, the entire work of which is to be performed by the students. Brother Wolcott is superintending the harvesting of the crops, and the Lord has blessed us bountifully this year. The school was fortunate in securing the services of Sister Jennie Wilson, who came recently from Australia, to act as the matron. Her influence with the young ladies cannot but be inspiring.
There are sufficient students in attendance to put the school on a paying basis, and we believe that one of the most prosperous years in the history of the school is before us. We shall be glad to have our entire capacity filled, and any students who may yet be thinking of attending school will be welcomed if they can furnish proper testimonials from the churches where they reside. It is not necessary for students to be Adventists in order to enter, but it is necessary that they be willing to abide by the rules.
A most promising Commercial department has been opened. New furniture and equipments are to be installed this week, and competent instruction will be given in shorthand, typewriting, and bookkeeping. Only those who have a sufficient preparatory education should think of attempting any of these subjects. J. G. LAMSON.
Iquique, Chile
By Mrs. A. R. Ogden
Chile
IQUIQUE.—It has now been more than one year since we left our home and started for Chile. After a pleasant voyage we landed among people speaking a strange language, and having many strange customs. But after being here a short time, they did not seem so peculiar to us, and now we have become quite accustomed to their ways, and are at home among them.
Their habits of living are very unhygienic, cleanliness being but little regarded by the majority of the natives. The women know but little about cooking and housework in general. A large amount of beer and wine is used by all classes. These seem to be regarded as the most important articles of their diet. And they eat at nearly all hours during the day. When we visit them in their homes, they must serve a lunch before we leave. They think it a very queer custom to have but two meals a day. Many of the women, especially of the lower classes, smoke.
Certainly these countries are in a pitiful condition, and need the message which the Lord is giving to the world. Many are ready to accept the truth when they hear it, and when converted, they love it as much as people in other parts of the world. Many of them are very liberal with the little they have, and make donations to help carry the truth to others.
Here, as in other Catholic countries, there are many feast days. There are, in all, about sixty of these feast, or holy, days during the year, many falling upon Sunday, which is really regarded as no more than a feast day, all kinds of work being carried on much the same as on other days of the week. Business houses generally are closed in the afternoon, and the time is spent in places of amusement. This being true, it seems evident that the persecution for Sunday violation can never be very great in this country.
We feel to praise the Lord for the many good experiences he is giving us, and for the many lessons we have learned since coming to this field. The Lord is blessing the work.
Mrs. A. R. OGDEN.
Iquique, Chile
F. W. SPIES
By F. W. Spies
Brazil
Soon after the close of our good general meeting at Brusque, the writer, accompanied by Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Gregory, Sister Emilie Kauling, and several brethren, started for the southern part of the Province of Santa Catharina. Dr. and Mrs. Gregory were traveling overland to the Province of Rio Grande do Sul, which they expect to make their field of labor; while Sister Kauling was going to Rio Novo, to take charge of a church school. The first part of our trip was rather unpleasant, owing to rain. For several days we were obliged to ride almost half the time each day in the rain. The latter part of our journey passed off as comfortably as could be expected in Brazil; that is, after riding all day, we had the privilege of sleeping on the floor in some settler's house, with only such things for bedding as we had with us.
June 17, after a trip of eight and one-half days on horseback, we arrived at Rio Novo. Here we have a church composed mostly of Lethonian people. In addition to her school duties, Sister Kauling will assist this church, as she is of their tongue. We remained at Rio Novo a week, during which time we had meetings daily. A few patients came to consult Dr. Gregory, and a few also had some dental work done. The health and temperance principles presented by Dr. Gregory caused quite a stir in the community, for wherever one touches the appetites of the people, they usually grow very zealous to defend and excuse their bad habits.
From Rio Novo we visited the churches at Mae Luzia, Linha dos17Antos, and Linha Torres. At each of these places Dr. Gregory spoke to the people on the principles of right living, and we hope that much good was accomplished by his talks. The remainder of our company then went on to Rio Grande do Sul, while I visited the believers at the Jundia River, and then returned over the territory already mentioned, putting in order such things as needed attention in our churches; for at one place the elder had apostatized, taking several families with him.
At Linha dos Antos we organized another church school, and also took the initiatory steps toward organizing a church. I also had the privilege of baptizing two souls, and of receiving them with three others who came to us from the Baptists, into church fellowship. On the way home we rode four days out of our way to meet with several families of Sabbath keepers who had not been visited for two years.
On the whole, this trip was of great blessing to me. I was strongly impressed with the need of medical missionary workers, or rather, with the need of each worker's being acquainted with simple methods of treating the sick; for but few people can be found with even comparatively good health.
May the Lord abundantly bless the workers already in this great field, and add many more to them; for truly the field is white unto the harvest.
F. W. SPIES
Nebraska Conference Proceedings
By C. H. Miller
Teachers' certificates were granted to Pearl West, Lorena Carpenter, Lillie Fulton, Iva Leech, and Myrtle Ferren.
A written request was presented by Elder L. E. Johnson, chairman of a committee appointed at the Crawford camp meeting to investigate as to the advisability of establishing an industrial school in northwestern Nebraska, that steps be taken by the conference to establish such a school if a suitable location can be secured. The matter was referred to the conference committee.
Unity and harmony prevailed during all the proceedings, and we feel sure that prosperity will attend the work in this conference the coming year. Let us all take an earnest, active part in the work, that it may soon be finished, and the saints gathered home.
C. H. MILLER, Secretary.
Alabama
By T. B. Buckner; Mrs. A. L. Buckner
MONTGOMERY.—The fourth session of our church school for the colored people opened September 29. We have an enrollment of fifty. We also have an organized Sabbath school of sixteen, and a tract society of ten members. The first church for the colored people was organized in this city last Sabbath. Elder W. L. McNeely, president of the Alabama Conference, conducted the services. The Spirit of the Lord was present to impress the glorious truths presented.
Montgomery, being the capital city of the State, is an important center for the work among the two great nationalities of the black belt of Alabama. The work has been greatly hindered here in the past, but we are thankful to see it taking on a new impetus.
The patrons of our school are not able to pay tuition, buy books, and clothe their children as they desire; so we kindly ask our friends to send us some books. Dr. Kellogg’s physiologies (more of the first book), and “Coming King” (several), and two or more copies of “Healthful Living,” would supply our present need. And, as our work is partly on the self-supporting plan, we would highly appreciate dried fruits, beans, graham flour, whole-wheat flour, or any other article of food that our kind friends may choose to send us. We will pay the freight. Food articles are high here. “The South fell short on all crops except Cotton this year.”
We are of good courage. The Southern field is a fruitful one, and must be worked quickly, before the enemy closes up the openings. We are glad to see the good reports of work among the colored people in Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina. May the Lord hasten the time when the whole field will be supplied with means and laborers to push the work to a finish.
T. B. BUCKNER,
MRS. A. L. BUCKNER.
B. G. WILKINSON
By B. G. Wilkinson
France
PARIS.—We had a splendid meeting here yesterday (Sabbath). Some strangers were present, among whom was a Catholic lady of intelligence, who wept when going away, and said, “How I wish I were where you people are.” We are not located yet, but hope to be settled this week.
Looking over the records since I came here a year ago last July, I find that about one hundred have accepted the truth in the Latin field. But the fact that we now have no worker in Italy, will have a depressing effect upon the work there. The work at Geneva continues good. Between twenty-five and thirty persons have been baptized since we opened our school there last March. There is yet a great circle of interested ones.
B. G. WILKINSON
Egypt
By Louis Passebois
CAIRO.—I have received several letters from friends in America saying that they have seen in the newspapers that the cholera is raging in Cairo, and many thousands are dying every day. We have had the cholera, it is true, in this place, and it is here yet, and to-day it is reported that fourteen hundred are dead; but this is for all Egypt, and not just in Cairo. But we are glad to tell our brethren and sisters that our hope and trust in the Lord is good, and we are now able to appreciate better than ever before the promises of the ninety-first Psalm. On account of the epidemic, we had to stop our public meetings just at the time when seemingly a good interest was manifested. But the Lord opens other ways for us to work, and we thank him for his blessings.
Ten days ago we had the English tract, “Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined,” translated into Arabic, and printed a thousand of them. A newspaper published an article in Arabic against us. But what did that do? The same day that I learned about it, twelve persons whom I had never seen before came to my house to inquire about the truth, and some have become much interested. We hope that before long the seed sown will spring forth, and many will begin to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Several are almost ready now to take that step.
The Health and Vegetarian Home pays its way still, and the last few days the workers have had much to do. About two weeks ago I was called by a friend to see a sick man in Helouan. He was suffering with rheumatism; the doctor had been attending him for seventeen days, but the man grew worse, until finally, just the day before I went to see him, he sent his doctor away. Thus the Lord prepared the way for me. After directing him to take some simple treatments, I gave a massage to the affected parts, praying that the Lord might bless him. Two days after, I took a nurse with me, and went to see him again. The nurse gave him treatments, and the man improved so much that he left his bed, and after four days was well, and so happy that he went to all his friends and told them about our work. The next day three other persons came to be treated, and in three more days ten had come, as the result of his influence.
A lady who has had several physicians told my wife that if we were able to cure her, she would pay us whatever we asked. And her son says that he is willing to give all that he has if his mother can get well. The woman is improving, and appreciates the treatments, but she will need some surgical work. She said that if we had a doctor who could do this for her, she would be willing to pay any price for it. We are glad that the Mission Board has decided to send us a doctor, but we must still plead for two physicians, for there is no other country where the need of a lady physician is so great. And the lady missionaries for Egypt—where are they? Where are our sisters who are thinking to do something for the millions of their sisters who are sitting in darkness, and who never have the privilege of going into a place of worship? O that some might open their hearts to the cry of these poor souls who are calling for help! In the hundreds of homes called Christian where I have visited and given readings, I have never been able to come in contact with the lady of the house, and have not even seen her to salute her. These women can only be reached by our sisters who will consecrate themselves to this work, and will go to them with the love and spirit of Christ.
Our hope for Egypt is good. We know that there are some sincere souls here. I love the Egyptians more and more, and I believe that God has some souls in this country who will be the instruments in his hands of carrying the gospel to the darkest parts of Africa. Yea, some of them have already heard the truth, and I believe that it is taking root in their hearts. Pray for us and for the work here, and for those who are just about to take their stand on the Lord’s side. LOUIS PASSEBOIS.
First Annual Session of the Southern California Conference
By C. A. Pedicord
THIS conference was held in connection with the camp meeting at Los Angeles, Cal., Sept. 12-22, 1902. There were in attendance fifty delegates from eighteen churches, including the five new churches which were admitted to the conference.
The president’s address showed that the work is onward. The membership of the conference has increased from nine hundred and ninety-six to eleven hundred and forty-six. The tithe has almost doubled. The past year $12,996.47 has been received by the treasurer.
From the Southern California Tract Society the following amounts have been received, and sent to the various fields:— Annual offerings, $992.26; First-day offerings, $592.52; India, $105.02; Material Fund for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” Sabbath-school donation to missions, $381.17; Christiania Publishing House, $392.22; Southern Field, $79.57; Skodsborg Sanatorium, $43.56.
The committees chosen to suggest names and plans were as follows:—
On Nomination: A. M. Way, T. M. Prime, L. O. Johnson, P. B. Passons, D. H. Warren, Frank Bell, and O. J. Fisher.
On Credentials and Licenses: J. N. Loughborough and the conference committee.
On Plans: C. Santee, C. A. Pedicord, A. T. Jones, T. S. Whitelock, and R. S. Owen.
The recommendations that were passed, were as follows:—
In view of the prosperity that has attended the work during the past year, in the giving of means to carry forward the work, in the preservation of the health of the laborers, in bringing precious souls to the knowledge of the truth, and in many other ways,—
1. Resolved, That we express our heartfelt thanks to God, and pledge ourselves by his help to put forth more earnest efforts to extend the knowledge of the truth during the year to come.
2. We recommend, That the church-school teachers who pass a satisfactory examination be granted a conference teacher’s certificate.
3. We recommend, That all our people pay a second tithe.
4. We recommend, That a conference fund be maintained, created by the second tithe and donations, for the support of church-school teachers and other missionary enterprises.
Recognizing that our conference school at Fernando will be an important factor in preparing workers for the proclamation of the third angel’s message,—
5. We recommend all our people to send their children of suitable age to this institution.
A special committee was appointed to bring in a report as to the uses to which the second tithe could be put. This committee consisted of Elders Santee, Owen, Healey, A. T. Jones, and E. S. Ballenger. Their report was adopted by the conference. It was as follows:—
That one third of the second tithe be retained at the home church to be used in any way that the church may vote, but we recommend that it be used in church expenses, etc.; that the remaining two thirds, and the surplus of the one third, be forwarded to the conference treasurer, to be used as the conference may vote from year to year.
That we favor the idea of sustaining our church-school teachers from the fund created by the two thirds of the second tithe forwarded to the conference.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses made the following report, which was accepted:—
For teachers’ certificates: A. J. Howard, P. P. Adams, E. M. Adams, A. W. H. Millard, Abbie Dail, Minnie Embree, Mrs. S. M. Strong, Mrs. C. E. Bunch, Mrs. F. E. Adams, H. E. Giddings, Mrs. M. E. Giddings, Myrtle Harris, and W. W. Wheeler.
For missionary licenses: Mrs. L. A. Parsons, Mrs. M. E. Hoyt, Mrs. D. Knight, and Laura Morrison.
For ministerial licenses: J. L. McElhaney, C. A. Pedicord, O. J. Fisher, T. S. Whitelock, E. S. Ballenger, P. P. Adams, W. W. Wheeler, and E. H. Adams.
For ordination and credentials: C. E. Knight, S. T. Hare.18
For credentials: Clarence Santee, W. M. Healey, R. S. Owen, S. Thurston, J. W. Adams, J. F. Ballenger, H. E. Giddings, and A. J. Howard.
The following report of the Committee on Nomination was accepted: Conference President, Clarence Santee; Conference Committee, C. Santee, W. M. Healey, R. S. Owen, H. E. Giddings, T. J. Evans, A. M. Way, S. Thurston; Secretary, C. A. Pedicord; Treasurer, Southern California Association of Seventh-day Adventists.
The officers for the Southern California Association of Seventh-day Adventists were elected. They are identical with the conference officers.
W. W. Wheeler, of Fernando, Cal., was chosen Church-school Superintendent and Sabbath-school Secretary. J. H. Parrett, 143 Carr St., Los Angeles, Cal., was appointed Conference Canvassing Agent.
It was the sense of the conference that the conference offices be removed to Fernando, where our new school is located. This move is now completed, which accounts for the delay of this report.
C. A. PEDICORD, Sec.
French Switzerland
By John Vuilleumier
GENEVA AND LAUSANNE.—After camp meeting was over, we were successful in securing a lot free of charge on which to pitch our large tent and two small ones. This location was somewhat distant from the first one, and our audiences were not very large, though a good interest was manifested. One young man accepted the truth, giving up a position as tax collector. The newspaper references to the camp meeting were very kind indeed, with the exception, of course, of the Roman Catholic organ in Geneva. One daily paper published several articles presenting our positions on the law, the Sabbath, and the fate of the wicked. A good impression was made on the minds of the people. It seemed rather interesting to see our posters in the streets of the city of Calvin, even opposite the famous cathedral, with the printed subjects,—“The Closing Message,” “Which Day Is the Sabbath?” etc.
Here is where Merle d’Aubigné wrote his history of the Reformation, and, with Gaussen, established a theological school in which the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, could be taught as the word of God, and in which Gaussen taught the fulfillment of prophecies and the soon coming of Christ, with great power. At the present, in the same school, none of these points of faith are taught nor believed. Brother Tièche is the permanent worker here, and is having good success.
In Lausanne some of the French reformers who fled there for refuge, established a workers’ school, from which many young preachers and canvassers went to France, and never returned. Here is where, fifty-five years ago, a revival was going on, notwithstanding great opposition and persecution from the government and the state church. Alexander Vinet, then professor of French literature in Basel, having written for a Lausanne paper an article in favor of religious liberty, was summoned by the state attorney to appear at Lausanne. His defense and other writings have since become, throughout Europe, standard works on the question of church and state and religious liberty. A fine marble statue was erected to his memory two years ago in Lausanne.
And yet his principles are not followed. A Sunday law voted last year by the canton de Vaud legislature, which meets in Lausanne, was submitted, by request of fourteen thousand petitioners, to the ratification of the people. A rousing campaign was immediately started by the Sunday-law advocates, consisting of deputies and lawyers. The ministers of the various churches kept out of it, and worked in the dark, for fear that the law should be called religious. Scores of lectures were given throughout the canton, challenging opposers to take the floor at the close. The whole press kept up a continuous fire in favor of the movement. The opposers of the law had no public meetings, no papers; they published a few articles and scattered posters. At this juncture, accompanied by Brother Provin, I gave half a dozen lectures against the law in as many cities, in which halls were given us for that purpose. In Le Sentier, two ministers took the floor after I had finished speaking. They admitted that my arguments were sound, and invited us to give them more light. They have now offered us a hall. A special edition of Les Signes was also published and scattered. On the 28th of September the law was rejected by the people by a majority of five hundred and ninety, the number voting being about thirty-eight thousand. The church and government people were amazed and stunned. But they are even now arousing and preparing for another fight.
The same Sunday-law movement is on just now in the Neuchâtel and Geneva cantons. We are preparing to canvass these regions with publications suited for the purpose. Now is a good time to work in French Switzerland. But some of our best workers have gone to France. May God bring in fresh help from those who as yet have not recognized the truth.
JOHN VUILLEUMIER.
Onnens, Vaud.
H. J. EDMED
By H. J. Edmed
Africa
UITENHAGE.—Just before the beginning of the war in South Africa, we were directed to this pretty suburban town, surrounded with beautiful hills, and situated about twenty miles from Port Elizabeth. The latter place, being the second largest city of Cape Colony, is regarded as the Liverpool of South Africa. We began our work by canvassing. After disposing of about six hundred books, we held a series of meetings. After a long, strong pull, Brother van Eeden assisting a part of the time, a company of adult Sabbath keepers, numbering thirty-three, was organized. Besides this, there was a good company of children. Considering the disturbed condition of the country, and the difficulty attending the work, our hearts rejoiced to see so much of the Lord’s blessing. Our tent had been used during two trying winters, so it seemed necessary to build a house for the Lord. But we had no means, and hard times prevailed everywhere. We made an appeal through the Visitor, and in a short time money and pledges came in, a few even from America, amounting to upward of $1,275. I need hardly say that every donation that came was sent in such a way and at such a time that it showed unmistakably that the Lord’s hand was in it. With this money, and some that we borrowed, we built a church thirty by forty feet, and each member pledged to donate one shilling a week until the debt was paid.
Last February we begun our school with an enrollment of twenty-seven pupils. The school has grown in favor with the people and in numbers, until it now has an enrollment of forty-six. This is altogether beyond our faith, for we provided space and seating capacity for only forty-two. However, we believe that the Lord has put his hand to this work, and we expect to see him carry it forward. We watch for his providence, then step in, looking to him to do the rest, and he never fails us.
We rejoice in the advancement and progress of the message.
H. J. EDMED
Obedience and Insight
“OBEDIENCE is in all things the parent of insight.”
L. BROOKING
By L. BROOKING
Argentina
LEAVING Brother Bonjours in the Pampa Central, I drove eighteen miles to hold a meeting at a French-Swiss house. I stayed over night at a Hollander's, who bought “Steps to Christ” in his language. While visiting another Hollander next day, I sold a copy of “Steps to Christ,” and a Spanish hymn book. That night found me at an English cattle farmer's, who, though refusing to purchase, was very hospitable. I spent the following night with a French Catholic, and left a copy of “Gospel Primer” in Spanish for his children. Next night, at a Hollander's I sold one Spanish “Steps to Christ,” and took an order for a Holland one. Both these nights were spent on the floor on sheepskins. At noon a North American lady bought a copy of “Christ's Object Lessons.” That night I stopped at a large cattle ranch, where the young men said that they preferred books on cards and horse racing; but I had an opportunity to read from “The Desire of Ages” to some of them. The next night a Welshman bought a copy of “Steps to Christ,” in the Welsh language, and kindly invited me to stay with him as long as I liked. It was Friday, and as I was near the place where Sister Goldemond, a Holland Sabbath keeper, lives, I stayed until Monday morning, holding a meeting on Sabbath, which was attended by several of the neighbors. The resident missionary was annoyed, and said that we were doing much harm. I believe that some in that place will yet accept the whole truth. Monday I sold six copies of “Steps to Christ,” in the Welsh language, and one copy of “Sunshine at Home.” Tuesday I sold two copies of “Steps to Christ.” Wednesday one more and an English Bible.
The main diet in these camps is meat, white-flour biscuits, and tea or mate. Carcasses of animals lie around on all sides, as it has been the hardest winter for many years. As we realize something of Satan's power here, we long for the time when Jesus will come to take his people home. There is evidence that the Lord is moving upon hearts here to come out of Babylon, and we sow the seed of truth, realizing that in due season we shall reap precious sheaves for the harvest of God. Our hearts are filled with the peace of God. To him be all the praise.
L. BROOKING
Receipts of the Mission Board Treasurer for the Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 1902
By H. M. Mitchell
Annual Offerings.—Atlantic Union Conference, $27; Canadian Union Conference, $9; Central Union Conference, $86.55; Lake Union Conference, $92.91; Pacific Union Conference, $1,021.87; Southern Union Conference, $33.50; Southwestern Union Conference, $12; Mexico, $4.16. Total, $1,286.99.
First-day Offerings.—Atlantic Union Conference, $324.44; Canadian Union Conference, $46.96; Central Union Conference, $714.03; Lake Union Conference, $573.96; Northern Union Conference, $177.25; Pacific Union Conference, $1,287.04; Southern Union Conference, $151.14; Southwestern Union Conference, $101.82; Mexico, $2.50. Total, $3,380.34.
General Fund for Missions.—Atlantic Union Conference, $76.03; Australasian Union Conference, $52.96; Canadian Union Conference, $58.99; Central Union Conference, $138.60; Lake Union Conference, $1,082.56; Northern Union Conference, $687.61; Pacific Union Conference, $392.06; Southern Union Conference, $2,020.57. Total, $4,509.38.
Scandinavian Relief Fund.—Atlantic Union Conference, $1,271.51; Australasian Union Conference, $10.35; Canadian Union Conference, $162.16; Central Union Conference, $2,716.26; China, $17.35; India, $16.20; Lake Union Conference, $3,140.52; Mexico, $4.17; Northern Union Conference, $805.90; Pacific Union Conference, $2,445.18; Porto Rico, $6; Southern Union Conference, $259.32; Southwestern Union Conference, $339.20; West Indies, $8.51. Total, $11,202.63.
Skodsborg Sanatorium.—Atlantic Union Conference, 90 cts.; Central Union Conference, $2.90; Lake Union Conference, $8.90; Mexico, $2.08; Pacific Union Conference, $264.76; Southern Union Conference, $2. Total, $281.54.
Sabbath-school Donations.—Atlantic Union Conference, $320.81; Canadian Union Conference, $69.43; Central Union Conference, $1,100.04; Lake Union Conference, $1,075.86; Northern Union Conference, $332.20; Pacific Union Conference, $1,502.91; Southern Union Conference, $114.34; Southwestern Union Conference, $110.79. Total, $4,626.38.
Second Tithe.—Central Union Conference, $933.52; Lake Union Conference, $584.57; Northern Union Conference, $566.63. Total, $2,084.72.
Australasian Union Conference.—Northern Union Conference, $100; Pacific Union Conference, $104.60. Total, $204.60.
Brazil Mission.—Lake Union Conference, $16.
British Guiana Mission.—Pacific Union Conference, $5.
China Mission.—Central Union Conference, $285.90; Lake Union Conference, $145.20; Pacific Union Conference, $10. Total, $441.10.
European General Conference.—Central Union Conference, $4,367.26; India, $10; Lake Union Conference, $210.95; Northern Union Conference, $405; Pacific Union Conference, $101. Total, $5,094.21.
Fiji Mission.—Canadian Union Conference, $1; Pacific Union Conference, $11; Western Oregon Conference, $100. Total, $112.
India Mission.—Australasian Union Conference, $5.28; Central Union Conference, $37.87; Lake Union Conference, $115.43; Pacific Union Conference, $39.25; Southern Union Conference, 45 cts.; Southwestern Union Conference, $7. Total, $205.28.
Japanese Mission.—Germany, $1.55; Lake Union Conference, $102. Total, $103.55.
London Medical Treatment Rooms.—Central Union Conference, $100.
Matabele Mission.—Canadian Union Conference, $1; Germany, $3.36; Lake Union Conference, $5; Southern Union Conference, $5. Total, $14.36.
Nyassa Mission.—Atlantic Union Conference, $21; Central Union Conference, $173.39; Lake Union Conference, $1.90; Pacific Union Conference, $20; Southern Union Conference, $3. Total, $219.29.
Porto Rican Mission.—Canadian Union Conference, $1; Lake Union Conference, $10; Southern Union Conference, $5. Total, $16.
River Plate Conference.—Central Union Conference, $42.80; Lake Union Conference, $54.85; Pacific Union Conference, $5. Total, $102.65.
South American Field.—Lake Union Conference, $2.30.
Tahitian Mission.—Lake Union Conference, $29.25; Pacific Union Conference, $10. Total, $39.25.
General Summary
Annual offering............. $ 1,286 99
First-day offering......... 3,380 34
General fund for missions.. 4,509 38
Scandinavian Relief Fund... 11,202 63
Skodsborg Sanatorium....... 281 54
Sabbath-school donations... 4,626 38
Second tithe............... 2,084 72
Australasian Union Conf.... 204 60
Brazil Mission............. 16 00
British Guiana Mission..... 5 00
China Mission.............. 441 10
European General Conf...... 5,094 21
Fiji Mission............... 112 00
India Mission.............. 205 28
Japanese Mission........... 103 55
London Med. Treat. Rooms... 100 00
Matabele Mission........... 14 36
Nyassa Mission............. 219 29
Porto Rican Mission........ 16 00
River Plate Conference..... 102 65
South American Field....... 2 30
Tahitian Mission........... 39 25
Total...................... $34,047 57