A LITTLE treasure laid up for eternity is far better than a fortune for a few years of time.
ANY person will gain heaven who will seek to be saved as earnestly as the godless individual seeks to be lost.
TEMPTATIONS and trials, when put to the right use, are stepping-stones to a realm where they are never known.
ONE thing that is responsible for anarchy may be discovered in the fact that there is never an avowed anarchist who believes in God.
THE best remedy for the sorrows of this world is to become a partaker of the “joy of the Lord,” by getting actively to work for the salvation of souls.
THERE is no use in sighing for an external paradise until you have let God create a paradise within you. God made Adam a perfect being before He put him in the garden of Eden.
WHEN the longing of His people to behold Him is as great as it should be, the Lord will no longer remain in heaven, but will be drawn down to the earth. How great is that longing in your heart?
THE Lord is no respecter of persons, and shows no partiality in His dealings with individuals; but it is not true that He has no favorites, for to all of us He has freely extended grace, which means “unmerited favor.” We are all of us His favorites.
THE reason so many people who pray for God’s blessing do not get it, is that they are, perhaps thoughtlessly, asking the Lord to bless some sin.
MOST people have all the money and power in this world with which the Lord can safely trust them.
It is no time now to take a nap in the service of God. Those who do this may sleep on through the hour which will close up the work and fix their own eternal destiny. The devil will not arouse the sleeper, and it is presumption to ask such a favor from the Lord.
THE Christian religion was not made for good people, but for bad people, which was the only kind of people there were on the earth after Adam’s fall. Every descendant of Adam has possessed by inheritance a heart “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.”
THE evangelist who is truly “instructed into the kingdom of heaven” will bring forth from the treasury of divine truth “things new and old,”—not things new, nor things old, exclusively, but both things new and old, the new things relating to the old, and shedding increased light upon them. The new truth will not be independent of the old truth; it will not discredit that which is old, but will further confirm it. The new light will reveal new things, but will show them to be in the same pathway that has been followed from the first. The old truth should discredit any new doctrine which discredits it.
ELIAS was a man subject to like passions as we are,” declares the epistle of James. Naturally he did not differ from other men; but he was a man of faith; and his faith was indicated in his first recorded words spoken to king Ahab: “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” He who has faith realizes that he stands before God; that he is in the presence of Him whose eyes run to and fro throughout the earth, and who also, as Paul declared, is “not far from every one of us.” This is the truth, but without faith we do not grasp it. Faith makes real to us the presence of the Almighty.
THE leading negro educator, Booker T. Washington, head of the Tuskegee, Ala., Industrial Institute for negroes, has taken occasion to speak concerning the danger from anarchy in the United States, and he puts a pointed and serious question to the people of this nation. He says:—
“In all sincerity, I want to ask, Is Czolgosz alone guilty? Has not the entire nation had a part in this greatest crime of the century? What is anarchy but a defiance of law, and has not the nation reaped what it has been sowing? According to records 2,516 persons have been lynched in the United States during the last sixteen years. There are or have been engaged in this anarchy of lynching nearly 125,800 persons.”
Thus it is a fact that many of the very ones who held up their hands highest in horror at the anarchy of Czolgosz, were anarchists themselves of a no less real, and certainly no less dangerous, type, since they were participants in the law- and government-defying lynchings to which Mr. Washington refers. Their anarchy was more respectable; that is all. And for this very reason, because it was sanctioned by large numbers of respectable people—because it was approved by so many of the “best citizens,” it is far more dangerous than the type of anarchy shown by the weak-brained Czolgosz, which never has had or will have any following in this country worth mentioning, nor any influence whatever in shaping the institutions of its government.
The most dangerous form of anarchy is the most respectable form, because that form can command the largest following; and the most respectable form of anarchy is accorded a good deal of deference throughout the world. If the causes were searched out, we should find that anarchy has its beginning in a lack of reverence for the law of the Almighty.
It appears probable that King Edward VII is suffering with cancer of the throat, despite statements that have been issued to the contrary. A late dispatch from London states that the king’s throat is causing him increased anxiety and inconvenience. “Although his physicians,” says the dispatch, “affirm that the growth in the throat is not malignant, it obstinately resists all attempts at cure, and grows steadily worse.” The king’s voice is now so seriously affected that he is obliged to avoid all public speaking. Something with reference to the cause of the malady may be inferred from the statement which is made that the king’s consumption of tobacco is now limited, much against his will, to three cigars a day.
The dispatch adds that “some time ago the king thought of trying Christian Science treatment, but after speaking with some of the aristocratic devotees of the sect here and investigating the claims of some of the alleged cures, he concluded the evidence was not sufficiently strong of the efficacy of Christian Science to induce him to run the risk of popular ridicule and possible hostility by experimenting with it.”
LAST week in these columns we made reference to the noteworthy action of the Virginia constitutional convention touching the old-time American privilege of freedom of speech. Here are the facts of the matter as set forth in a press dispatch to the Daily Moon, of this city:—
“RICHMOND, VA., September 18.—Virginia, so conspicuous in the days of the revolution in helping to secure freedom and justice for the colonists who suffered from the tyranny of England, is the first among the sisterhood of States to take formal steps for the suppression of free speech.
“The constitutional convention yesterday decided to eliminate from the bill of rights of the State the words ‘freedom of speech.’ This action was taken after a scene that was dramatic. In the present bill of rights occur the words, ‘Guarantee the liberty of the press and freedom of speech.’
“The committee to which the instrument was referred for revision recommended that the words ‘freedom of speech’ be eliminated. When the report came up for discussion, A. C. Braxton, a leading republican member, moved that the words be retained. The motion drew forth earnest opposition, led by Judge Berryman Green.
“‘Ever since the days of King Alfred,’ he exclaimed, ‘freedom of speech has been the prerogative of the English-speaking races, but one of the strongest evidences of its abuse is the noble victim now lying dead in the nation’s Capitol, surrounded by weeping thousands.
“‘Do not grant full freedom of speech lest it be abused and made synonymous with license. No other bill of rights embodies such words, and in view of recent events it behooves us to be careful what we do.’”
“When he concluded, a vote was taken on the motion to retain the words in the bill of rights, and it was rejected by an overwhelming majority.
“Over the building the stars and stripes and the flag of Virginia floated at half-mast in mourning for the dead chieftain, while drapery of somber hue shaded the entrance. As he spoke, Judge Green pointed to these evidences of woe.
“His words were greeted by the loudest applause from almost every member of the convention; and when the vote was taken viva voce, if there was a man present who desired the bill to declare for freedom of speech, he dared not raise his voice to let it be known.” (Italics ours.)
LIBERTY is not, in its proper sense, a synonym of license. Many people seem to think that license is simply too much liberty, and that it is dangerous to allow people full liberty lest it should lead to license, riot, and anarchy. This is a mistaken idea. License is always against liberty and contrary to it, since it always interferes with liberty. Liberty means liberty for all; license means that some one’s liberty and rights are to be invaded. Liberty for all means respect on the part of each for the rights of all. License means a contempt on the part of some for the right of others. Liberty is from above; license is from beneath. We can never have too much of true liberty.
L. A. S.
MEETINGS IN EASTERN UNION CONFERENCE
By H. W. Cottrell
NEWFOUNDLAND.
A GENERAL meeting was held in Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, at the time appointed, which I attended. Elders H. J. Farman and C. A. Hansen were engaged in holding a tent-meeting at this place. Several of the believers from the St. John’s church were in attendance. The day services were devoted to the special interest of the various branches of our denominational work, and the evenings to the general public. The church at St. John’s is the only organized body of our people on the island. The mission field is practically unentered territory. The inhabitants are, generally speaking, an intelligent, pious class of people; making the Dominion an excellent missionary field. There are but three Conference employees in the field. Elder Hansen and his wife were sent from Iowa by that Conference, and are supported by them. I herein take the liberty to publicly express our gratitude for their interest and liberality in furnishing these laborers for this island. I am sure the Lord will add His blessing. The workers are of good courage. The church at St. John’s is very urgent that the health department of our work be established in their metropolis, even if it be done in treatment rooms for the present, and I heartily concur. St. John’s would be a good place for the proper persons to establish this work.
VIRGINIA.
A local camp-meeting was held at Culpeper, August 15-25. The meeting being local in its nature, the attendance of our people was not large. The outside interest was fair. The ministers and workers of the Conference were present, and took part in bearing the responsibilities of the services. Prof. Frederick Griggs, from the Eastern Union Conference Academy, and the writer were present. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and took the lead of the services. Of course no Conference business was transacted, because of the nature of the meeting. About five hundred copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” were purchased by those present; thus a good spirit was manifested to have a part in every good work to the glory of God. Their Conference will be held later.
VERMONT.
One of the best camp-meetings I ever attended was held at Barre, Vermont, Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, 1901. The attendance of our people was unusually large, and the outside attendance was good most of the time. The weather was favorable for camping and for open-air services. The laborers from abroad were Elders Place, Bicknell, and Miles, Professor Griggs, Dr. Nicola, and the writer. All their Conference laborers were present. The spirit of freedom prevailed, so that the message of truth was declared with the power of the Spirit of the Lord. The health work, educational work, canvassing and sale of denominational literature, were each considered in its place, to acceptance and profit. In a business meeting, when a resolution concerning the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” was being discussed, to make the business practical in the assembly, nine hundred and forty-eight books were sold prior to the vote. A similar work was done at all the camp-meetings in this Union Conference.
The revival work was entered upon at the beginning of the meeting, and continued throughout the entire period, but both Sabbaths were special seasons of refreshing. Backsliders were caused to again rejoice in a personal Saviour, and sinners were converted to the Lord. The services were characterized by a solemn awe rather than by outward physical demonstration, and the effects were appreciated by all present. Seventeen were baptized, one being a re-baptism, and I understand a goodly number will be baptized at their home churches. This Conference is numerically small, having a membership of about five hundred. They have had a debt of three thousand dollars hanging over them for several years, but now they rejoice that they have cancelled the debt, the last of it being provided for at the camp-meeting. They have planned to enlarge the work in their own Conference, and have taken upon them the responsibility of paying a teacher in the Eastern Union Conference Academy. They also contributed to mission fields as well as to their home interests. I rejoice to see the spirit of Christian expansion coming into our Eastern Conferences. Just a little way from this and the whole world will be controlled by Christ and His own. Glad day!
Elder Watt has the co-operation of his brethren, and was re-elected to the office of president. The Sabbath-school Association and the tract society were received into the Conference as departments. In several of our Conferences the tract and missionary societies were accepted as departments years ago, and such as were not, were accepted this year. All are of good courage in the Lord.
H. W. COTTRELL.
NEWFOUNDLAND.
By H. J. Farman; Charles A. Hansen
HARBOR GRACE.—June 10 I baptized two sisters, who joined the St. Johns’ church, one of whom is now in another part of the island, and has a Sabbath-school of seven regular members.
June 23 I began tent meetings in Harbor Grace with a fair attendance. July 13–29 Elder H. W. Cottrell joined us giving much valuable instruction and help, which we greatly appreciated. Steps were taken to advance the work here in the future.
June 15 Elder C. A. Hansen and his wife, of Iowa, reached us, in good health. They were ready to take hold of the work in earnest, and have entered into the sympathies of the people. They often speak of how well they enjoy the climate and the surroundings. I doubt if they have seen an hour’s homesickness since their arrival. They act as if they were settling down here for life, for which we are glad.
We continued meetings in our tent till August 19, when we went into the Presbyterian Sunday-school room, which was kindly rented us for five dollars a month. Three young persons have decided to obey God, and many others are halting between two opinions. Pray for us and the work.
We wish to acknowledge the receipt of six dollars given to the book work, and to thank the donors for the same. Other donations to the same work will be gratefully received. We are in need of about two hundred dollars with which to buy a boat for our canvassing work. At present there is only one canvasser in the field, but he is having a good Christian experience, and writes that our books are attracting the attention of the people where he is working. He says a boat is a necessity in order to reach the scattered people who hardly ever see a missionary.
H. J. FARMAN.
HARBOR GRACE.—Our work here goes well. A good interest is manifested by a number of the best people, and the Presbyterians are our best friends. We are now holding meetings in a nice large hall, and have a good attendance. But it does seem that the people here see things differently, and they move slowly. Our courage is good, as is also our health. We find it much colder here than in Iowa, and there has not been one warm day since we came. One can work without a coat on occasionally, but not often. Altogether, we are getting along nicely. One can eat fish here if he has to, and even with a relish.
CHARLES A. HANSEN.
VERMONT CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS.
By J. W. Watt; F. M. Dana
The thirty-ninth annual session of the Vermont Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held, at Barre, Vt., in connection with the camp-meeting, Aug. 23 to Sept. 2, 1901.
The first meeting was held August 23 at 10:30 A. M., with the President, J. W. Watt, in the chair, and B. F. Colby, Secretary pro. tem. Owing to the absence of the records, the roll call of delegates was omitted, and the reading of the minutes of the last session was waived.
The President was empowered to appoint the usual committees, which were as follows: On nominations, J. G. White, A. D. Ladeau, W. E. Fortune; on resolutions, George Williams, F. S. Porter, A. E. Taylor; on auditing, A. W. Boardman, Calvin Pike, F. S. Porter, C. H. Drown, P. W. Saxby, B. F. Colby; on credentials and licenses, Elder Purdon, A. W. Payne, E. D. Clayton.
Elder Watt gave a brief outline of the work done in the Conference during the past year, emphasizing the fact that the work is the Lord’s, and is to be done by the aid of His Spirit. Remarks were made by Elders Bicknell and Purdon. Adjourned to call of Chair.
The second meeting of the session was held August 26. Eighteen delegates were present. After song and prayer the minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. After brief remarks the request of the Vermont Tract and Missionary Society that it become a department of the Vermont Conference, was received and accepted. Adjourned to call of Chair.
The third meeting was held August 27, with twenty-four delegates present. Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. The request of the Sabbath-school Association to become a department of the Conference was read, and was accepted. The Committee on Resolutions gave a partial report, as follows:—
Whereas, In the providence of God our work is becoming unified, and whereas the different organizations are consolidated with the Conference, therefore—
1. Resolved, That two persons be appointed by the Chair, who, with the President, shall be a committee to revise the constitution so that it will be in harmony with the present system.
2. Resolved, That we welcome the return of the640old-time missionary spirit among us, and that we will encourage the rank and file of our people to engage heart and soul in the distribution and sale of our periodicals, tracts, pamphlets, and books; especially “Christ’s Object Lessons.”
3. Resolved, That the Conference become morally responsible for its proportion of “Object Lessons” in the interests of our educational institutions, and do invite the president to call up the matter at any convenient time at this session.
4. Resolved, That we pay the wages of a teacher in the academy of the Eastern Union Conference.
5. Resolved, That each church in the State as far as possible furnish one or more canvassers, and endeavor to keep them in the field, by substantial aid if they see it is needed.
Elders Cottrell, Bicknell, Watt, and others made remarks on the importance of these resolutions. The first and second were adopted, and after some discussion on the third, the meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
The fourth meeting was held August 28, twenty-eight delegates being present. After song and prayer, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Resolution 3 was again read for consideration. After remarks by Elders Cottrell and Miles, Professor Griggs and others, considerable attention was given to the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” about four hundred copies being taken. Resolutions 4 and 5 were passed, and the meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
The fifth meeting was held August 29, at 9 A. M., thirty delegates being present. The report of committee appointed to revise the constitution was called for, read, and after a few corrections, was adopted.
A partial report of the Nominating Committee was read, which was as follows: President, J. W. Watt; Treasurer, Geo. Williams. Conference Committee: J. W. Watt, Geo. Williams, A. P. Needham, A. W. Payne, W. E. Fortune. J. W. Watt was elected Conference president for the coming year. The election of Treasurer was waived. J. W. Watt was elected first member on the Conference Committee. The remainder of the report was waived. Resolution 4 was reconsidered, and a motion was made and seconded to amend so as to read, “That we pay one half of the wages of a teacher in the Eastern Union Conference Academy.” After some discussion, the meeting adjourned to call of the Chair.
The sixth meeting was held August 30, at 5 P. M., thirty delegates being present. The discussion of the amendment to Resolution 4 was continued, and the motion was finally lost. Further report of Committee on Resolutions was received and adopted. The report was as follows:—
Whereas, Our State paper is published that our people may keep in touch with the work in our own Conference;—
6. Resolved, That we support it with our subscriptions and increase its usefulness by contributing our reports.
Whereas, We have been told by the Spirit of Prophecy that the object of the Sabbath-school is the salvation of souls;—
7. Resolved, That we make a greater effort than ever before to gather in those not of our faith; and as the success of the school depends upon a faithful study of the lesson, resolved, that we urge the parents to give more time to home study with the children.
Whereas, We have been shown from the Spirit of Prophecy that our children should not attend the public schools, therefore,—
8. Resolved, That we do all that we can to establish and patronize church schools throughout the Conference, with the counsel of the Executive Committee. Adjourned to call of Chair.
The seventh meeting was held August 30, at 5 P. M. The previous report of the Nominating Committee was considered, and George Williams was elected Treasurer. The Conference Committee was elected as reported. Further report of the Nominating Committee was received, and the following persons elected: Secretary and Treasurer of Tract and Missionary department, and Conference Secretary, F. M. Dana; Field Secretary of S. S. Department, J. G. White; Corresponding Secretary of S. S. Department, C. H. Drown; State Canvassing Agent, A. E. Taylor; Auditor, F. S. Porter. Delegates to Eastern Union Conference: J. W. Watt, A. E. Taylor, G. H. Clark, J. G. White. Report of Committee on Credentials and Licenses was received, and after remarks by Elders Cottrell, Watt, Bicknell, and others, the following were given credentials: J. W. Watt and T. H. Purdon. Ministerial licenses were given to G. H. Clark and C. H. Drown; and missionary licenses to Mintha Luce, Clara Lecklider, Lillian M. Heath, F. M. Dana. Meeting adjourned sine die.
J. W. WATT, Pres.
F. M. DANA, Sec.
WEARY NOT NOW.
By S. O. James
S. O. JAMES.
We sometimes wish our days of trial o’er;
That Christ would come, and we should weep no more;
That hearts estranged would melt and be at one,
No more to grieve each other ’neath the sun.
Dear worker, wait, and patiently endure;
You shall be saved. His promise still is sure;
The end will come full soon, and may it find
Us walking with our Lord, not left behind.
ECHOES FROM HONOLULU ANGLO-CHINESE ACADEMY.
By W. E. Howell
The evening of August 22 there sailed out of Golden Gate, San Francisco, five teachers selected by the Pacific Union Conference to conduct the Chinese work in their new mission field, Hawaii Territory. One teacher was already on the ground. The new ones are Brother and Sister I. C. Colcord, formerly connected with Graysville Academy, and for the last four years in charge of Columbia Academy, Kettle Falls, Wash.; also Brother and Sister C. P. Moon, of Wisconsin. Brother Moon is nephew to Elder Allen Moon, and during the last year taught a church school in his own State, assisted by Sister Moon.
Our voyage was an unusually smooth and pleasant one, and all arrived in good trim to take up the abundance of preliminary work necessary to be done in the ten days left us before school opened. This work was much lightened, however, by our being able to study its principles and plan many of its details, en voyage.
Our school entered upon its fifth year of work September 9, with the largest opening attendance and the most encouraging outlook in its history. Sixty boys were enrolled the first day, against about forty-seven last year. By the end of the second day there were seventy-two, twenty-seven of whom are boarding students.
We are just closing our first week of school-room work. In almost every sense it has been the most pleasant opening week that I have experienced in the Chinese work. One feature of much strength is the large proportion of last year's students who have returned. Of the boarding boys, two thirds are old students; while among the day students the percentage is but slightly smaller.
Other features for gratitude to God are a kindly spirit between the church and the school workers; earnestness and accord among the teachers; better plans for conducting the home work; and a decided improvement in text-books, methods, and principles of instruction, in the daily curriculum. We have adopted for our working motto the last three words of Isa. 25:1, accepting this as the counsel of the Lord to us for this work and at this time. Brethren and sisters, pray that we may be faithful and true.
W. E. HOWELL.
MEDICAL MISSIONARY OUTLOOK IN CHICAGO.
By David Paulson
THE expiration of the four-year lease on our large training-school building marks another epoch in the development of our Medical Missionary operations in Chicago. We are fortunate in having secured suitable headquarters in a commodious building on the corner of Cottage Grove Avenue and Thirty-third Place. This building is on the ground adjoining our Chicago Branch Sanitarium. It will add much to our convenience to have the headquarters of our medical missionary work in such close proximity to our Sanitarium work. In this building will be the maternity ward, and also medical and surgical wards, as well as temporary headquarters for our medical school, pending the erection of a permanent building for the Chicago end of this important enterprise.
At the dedication of our old headquarters at 1926 Wabash Ave., four years ago, Sister Henry, with almost prophetic clearness, outlined the possibilities that were in store for the future of our medical missionary work in this dark and sin-cursed city. These years have certainly noted wonderful advancement in various lines. The Life Boat Mission had just then been opened in its present commodious quarters at 436 State St., which is within two blocks of one of the most active business centers that can be found in the United States. The good that this mission has accomplished, not only for those who have come there to be helped, but also for those who have gone there to help others, never will be and never can be written down in human records. Only eternity will be able properly to unfold the far-reaching results which have come from this gospel effort. This mission is, to-day, one of the best known in the city. It is crowded almost to the doors nearly every night of the week, and its audience is frequently composed largely of persons from the better classes, as well as from the more unfortunate strata of society. Gospel workers from other missionary enterprises in the city frequently visit it for the purpose of coming within the sphere of its inspiring influence, and also to speak a word of cheer and encouragement.
It would hardly seem that any one who has ever attended one of these evening services could honestly raise the question, “Do you ever see any results?” It is the duty of the Christian Church to hold up a beacon light in these dark centers even if they see no results, but it is our fortune to see, night after night, definite results; and a goodly number of men and women are to-day rejoicing in the light of present truth as a result of this gospel effort.
The Life Boat Rest for girls has cozy and home-like headquarters on South Clark Street, just adjoining a large Catholic church. Here a few faithful and loyal ones, in whose hearts God has planted an active love for their sisters, are working without any compensation, month after month. They are full of cheer, enthusiasm, and courage, grateful that the Lord has given them such an opportunity to labor even in a difficult corner of His vineyard. Perhaps the best evidence that could be cited to show how profoundly impressed the sin-stricken inhabitants of this dark portion of the city are with the Christian character of these workers, is the fact that in their errands of mercy into thousands of places where sin seems to triumph, they have never been spoken to disrespectfully except in one or two instances, and in each of these cases it was by some intoxicated person; and each time, some one instantly took their part. This shows what God in His providence does accomplish for those who are willing to sacrifice for the good of lost humanity. Young women are to-day living Christian lives in happy homes as a result of this work, and the interest and sympathy which have been awakened for our work in the minds of some of the best classes in the city can never be fully estimated.
Another free dispensary will be opened in a few days in the thickly congested portion of South Halstead Street. This will plant another new center of our work in Chicago, and will furnish us an opportunity to reach a class of people who have so far scarcely come under the sphere of our influence. It will also furnish valuable medical and missionary opportunities for those of our students who assist at this place.
For several years we have felt that we ought to have a good hygienic restaurant in this city, but various obstacles have hindered the opening of such an enterprise. However, this has undoubtedly been providential, for we should probably have established it in the business portion of the city, instead of establishing it, as we now have, almost within a stone’s throw of the University of Chicago. The interest in healthful living that has been manifested during the past year by some of the members of the faculty and by students of this great educational institution led us, a few weeks ago, to invite a number of representative educators and students from this school to a Sunday dinner, which we served at our branch sanitarium. Forty-four responded to this invitation. Among them were several of the leading educators of America. In his after-dinner speech, Professor Jackman, one of the deans of the school, extended an earnest invitation to us to establish near the University a restaurant that would represent sanitarium principles. The interest and enthusiasm which these educational people manifested convinced us that we must undertake this enterprise at once. We have met with special providences in securing a proper location and friendly co-operation, and by October the only pure-food restaurant in this great city of nearly two million inhabitants will be in operation.
The rental of the rooms for this purpose will amount to forty dollars a month, to say nothing of all the expense necessary to their equipment. Are there not some readers of the REVIEW who would be willing to assume the entire responsibility of this rent for the first six months, or the entire year? Think of the missionary opportunities that are before us in coming in daily contact with several hundred of the best members of the faculty and the students. Several of our workers in Chicago have not only given their money, but have also given their work for an entire year, to assist in opening up new lines of work in this needy city, which contains more inhabitants than can be found in many of our States. Our large cities have been sadly neglected. They will soon be far more difficult to labor in than they are at present, and even now they present sufficient difficulties to discourage many.
Our branch sanitarium at 28 Thirty-third Place has been well filled during the past year with a most excellent class of patients. A peculiar train of providences has so brought it about that many of the leading city officials have been among those who have come here for treatment, thus furnishing an unusual opportunity to present to them the real principles upon which we are conducting our work. For this privilege we shall undoubtedly be more thankful in the near future, when troubles thicken about us, than we can possibly be at present.
We are thankful to be able to state that, although our work has now been in operation in Chicago for ten years, only two deaths have occurred among the hundreds of workers who have been here from time to time.
The Life Boat still maintains its circulation at the ten-thousand mark, which is a matter of great encouragement to us, especially when we take into consideration that little effort has been made to extend its circulation. At the low price of twenty-five cents a year, its list could be easily doubled in a few months if our people would each select the name of some friend who would be benefited by this paper, and then donate him a year’s subscription.
Our workers in this large city are of good courage, and appreciate the fact that they are being sustained by the prayers of God’s people throughout the world. DAVID PAULSON.
VIRGINIA.
By Mrs. M. L. Vaughn
NATURAL BRIDGE.—Again I send in my widow’s mite for the Lord’s sake. I have made three missionary visits to the sick; have taken two two-months’ subscriptions for the Review; and given away two copies of the Signs and one of the Review; have mailed a package of Reviews and Signs. I love to read the reports that are sent in by others, and I long to say or do something that shall induce some to take their feet from trampling on God’s holy Sabbath day, and give their hearts to Him who created the heavens and the earth.
I desire the prayers of the readers of the Review for my only daughter, that she may take her feet from God’s Sabbath. Pray for me, too, that I may have more faith and patience. MRS. M. L. VAUGHN.
MICHIGAN.
By E. A. Sutherland
BERRIEN SPRINGS.—The prospects are encouraging for a good school this winter. I do not believe that in my connection, with the school work, I have ever seen a stronger desire on the part of men and women to take a training for gospel work. I have also been very much pleased with the co-operation which is shown by many of our workers in the field. I feel that the Lord is especially blessing us in beginning the work of the new institution.
E. A. SUTHERLAND.
TENNESSEE RIVER CAMP-MEETING.
By Reuben M. Kilgore
The camp was within three blocks of the courthouse square in Franklin, Ky. From the beginning the outside attendance filled the large pavilion every night, while the most plain and pointed truth was presented. Many questions were passed in, which gave us an opportunity to explain quite fully several points of our faith. This is new ground; the people are willing and anxious to hear. A daily Bulletin was issued, giving a synopsis of the discourses. These Bulletins were distributed by the campers from house to house. This gave our people an opportunity to visit the citizens and invite them to the meetings. These missionary efforts proved a blessing to all who worked, as their living testimonies showed. Prior to the meeting, advertisements were solicited and obtained from the merchants. These advertisements paid for the Bulletins, many of which were distributed by the merchants.
About one hundred persons occupied the family tents, and rooms near the camp. The instruction given was received and appreciated. The Spirit of God was present. Many went forward for prayers, and in response to the call for entire consecration, the whole congregation came forward. Twelve were baptized. Among them were Brother George Wales and his wife.
How many cities there are in the South where our good brethren and sisters of experience, from Battle Creek and other large churches in the North, could go and do good work. I would be glad to aid those contemplating this plan of work by communicating to them any knowledge that I possess concerning the field.
Prof. J. E. Tenney presented the true principles of Christian education, which must enter into the experience of all who are saved. Our young people must be awakened to make a speedy preparation for the work of God, and our people generally should bestir themselves to put into operation God-given principles in their home and church schools. Dr. O. M. Hayward’s discourses on Life, its origin, source, the object of the Giver, and the relation that we sustain to Him in preserving this gift of God, were profitable to all. The canvassing work, tithing, offerings, the home and foreign fields, and the publishing interests at Nashville were all held up before the people in a plain way, and we believe good results will follow.
The writer, with Elder W. J. Stone and other local laborers, constituted the remaining working force.
There were but few changes in the officers elected. A medical missionary department was created, with Brother L. A. Hansen as secretary. The Conference stands clear of debt, and sufficient funds on hand to settle all their current bills. Courage, good cheer, and confidence marked all the actions of the body.
R. M. KILGORE.
SIOUX RAPIDS (IA.) CAMP-MEETING.
By N. C. Bergersen
The first service was held Tuesday evening, August 20, Elder L. F. Starr giving a stirring discourse. The Spirit of God came very near in all the services, giving His servants freedom, that they might speak His word with boldness. It also reproved us of sin; but God was merciful and righteous, and forgave us our iniquity. The word presented was like fire, and it softened our stony hearts. “His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones. . . . Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord; for He hath delivered the soul of the poor from the642hand of evil-doers.” Many came forward for the first time, and others had their courage renewed.
It was indeed a blessing to be present at the Sioux Rapids camp-meeting, and to hear the testimony that came from God’s people. We frequently heard the remark, “I have attended our camp-meetings for many years, but this is best of all.” In the words of another: “Glory be to God that the work in Iowa is onward and upward. The good work begun at our State camp-meeting was continued at the northwestern camp-meeting with such power that there is no mistaking that the cause of God is onward in Iowa, and that the time for sleeping is in the past. The current is sweeping on. Brethren, be sure to attend your local camp-meeting and see for yourselves, and I am sure that you will know, as I know, that the Lord is coming, and that soon.”
Many people from town attended the evening services. I believe the Sioux Rapids tent company have, under God, done a good work this summer. Several of the best business men in the town attended the Scandinavian services, at which God came very near us. As a result of the meeting, eleven were baptized on Sunday, and several persons changed their plans for work. Some will take up the nurses’ course at the Iowa Sanitarium, and others will either canvass or enter the Bible work. A spirit of liberality for the work in the regions beyond was in the camp; and two hundred dollars, in cash and pledges, was received for the tent fund. The help of Elder C. W. Flaiz, President of the Northwestern Union Conference, was very much appreciated.
The camp-meeting closed Sunday evening, August 25, with a shout of victory going up from the camp. The closing meeting was a praise service.