It is always encouraging to be connected with a work which is growing and making progress, and especially so when the work is a good one. Surely the work of placing in the homes of the people the books which bear the precious truths of the third angel's message,—the last message of invitation and warning to be given to the world before its destruction,—is a good work, and it is encouraging to note its progress and growth. In the Southwestern Union, during 1911, every month has shown a gain over the same month of the previous year, either in orders taken or books delivered; and all but two have shown a gain both in orders taken and books delivered. Some months the gains have been very large, even doubling that for the same months of the year before.
The only discouraging feature about our report is the average of hours worked. Surely the importance of the message demands that more hours be put into the service. While the message is going rapidly, it might go faster if more earnestness and time were put into it. Let us pray for the heavenly anointing, that we may see more clearly the demands of the hour; and seeing, let us hasten to work while the day lasts, for the night is almost here when no man can work. W. W. EASTMAN.
Paper Work in Korea
By C. L. BUTTERFIELD
THE January, July, and December, 1911, numbers of our Korean paper have been specials. Of these three numbers we have printed 10,300, 12,500, and 13,500, respectively. The first two numbers were readily sold, and the agents are reporting good sales for the December number.
God has certainly blessed our efforts in this work during the past year, for which we praise him.
Plans are being made to change our twelve-page monthly paper into a monthly magazine early in 1912. Then we hope to have our agents selling as large a number of the magazine each month as were sold of our specials during 1911.
This large distribution of our paper has resulted in obtaining many yearly subscribers, and in finding persons who desire to study all the truth.
Our little paper, Sei Chyensa eui Keuipyel, meaning the third angel's message, is true to its name, and we trust it will, through the blessing of God, be the means of winning many souls to Christ. C. L. BUTTERFIELD.
Chile
By F. H. Westphal
We have been putting forth some labor in the cities of Chile, with visible results. The accompanying picture represents, partially at least, the work accomplished in Valparaiso. Since the organization of the church in this city, a few years ago, many changes have taken place. Some of the members have moved away, and are representing the truth elsewhere; others have died; while a few have apostatized.
Last year we made a public effort in Valparaiso, and some souls were gathered into the fold. Since then, Octavio Navarrete and Charles Foster labored from house to house selling books and periodicals, and the Lord blessed the efforts put forth. There are quite a number interested, who regularly attend the church services. A few of these we hope to see baptized soon.
In Santiago there is also an interest, which seems a more marked one than we have ever seen before. The time is ripe for a public effort, and we are planning to hold meetings during the months of January and February. At this time the Chile Conference will convene, and an institute for colporteurs will be held. We hope several workers may enter the field at the close of the conference.
Lately I visited among the people in the country. At Capital Pastene there is an interest in the truth. One of our colporteurs went with me. On our return we had but one horse, and, as we had no saddle, we could use the horse for luggage only, while we walked. Afterward we learned that we walked sixty-three miles.
In a short time I visited Temuco, expecting that the brethren from Huichahue would meet me to take me to their place to celebrate the ordinances. They did not get the word, so after the meeting at Temuco, I walked to Huichahue, a distance of twenty-seven miles. I was traveling from seven o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon, and without dinner.
We celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house and baptized five believers. Just as the Sabbath was closing, and the meeting also, an army sergeant and another brother came forward for baptism. During the moment of the setting sun these persons were buried in the beautiful river near by. Then followed the marriage ceremony of a brother and his wife who had been legally married by a justice of the peace.
After visiting Valdivia I returned to the school. Here was great excitement, for the officers had come to take with them two of our students to serve in the army. One had just been converted, and was afraid of Sabbath service in the army. The students prayed for these brethren and they also prayed. We were all surprised that the Lord immediately answered our prayers by letting them go free. The one recently converted was a strong young man, yet the doctor gave him a certificate which permitted him to go free. The other student had a defect in the eye and a broken arm, so he was also dismissed. When the students met for evening worship, these young men came back, and there was great rejoicing.
THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN VALPARAISO, CHILE
The news comes that several are asking for baptism at Limares, Los Andes, and Bajo Imperial. In other places there is interest, and the colporteurs are having good success. We are very much encouraged. There are jewels to be gathered, and strong young men ought to prepare for service and enter the field to seek for the lost. Truly the end is very near, and those who go forth with weeping shall come again, bringing their sheaves with them. We ought to have many men in the field who can gather souls for Christ. “He that winneth souls is wise.” Why not be wise and labor for the meat that perisheth not?
We ask all to remember us in their prayers. We feel our need of a baptism of the Holy Spirit. The time for the latter rain has truly come. The nations are angry, and the wrath of the Lord is about to fall upon a guilty world. How solemn these last days of mercy! The Lord is still waiting that all may seek a refuge in Christ. All should be active in such a time as this. Attila, the king of the Huns, said: “He that can be idly indifferent when Attila fights and is engaged in battle, is worthy of death.” What about those who can be indifferent when Jesus is closing up his work in the heavenly sanctuary?
F. H. WESTPHAL.
The Southern Union Conference Nashville, Tenn.
By Carlyle B. Haynes
At the time of writing, this conference is still in session, and will probably be continued for several days. All its meetings so far have been marked by a spirit of the utmost unity and good feeling on the part of all.
The bookmen's convention, which occupied the first two days of the conference, was a very successful meeting. Elder E. R. Palmer rendered efficient service in its work.
A meeting that will be long remembered was held in the Memorial Church, in Nashville, on Sabbath afternoon, January 20. In the morning Elder W. T. Knox delivered an impressive sermon on “God's Everlasting Covenant,” and in the afternoon Elder K. C. Russell conducted a revival, in which nearly the entire congregation took part, and during which there were many signal manifestations of the presence of the Spirit of God. Many confessions of sin were made, and the determination was expressed to put it away. At the close of the service when an appeal was made for those who felt the need of special help to come forward, there were but few who did not take advantage of the opportunity either to renew their consecration or to start for the first time in the Christian way.
The daily papers of Nashville are giving a remarkably large amount of space to daily reports of the conference proceedings. Every day there has been at least a column in the morning papers, and on some days two columns; while in the afternoon paper every day there are two reports, and on two days there have been three reports. The papers have also printed a number of pictures, one of the entire delegation, others of some of the leading men. In the Saturday afternoon paper a three-column article was published with pictures of five of the brethren, the article being a brief history of the work of Seventh-day Adventists in all the world.
The workers at the conference have become very enthusiastic over the possibilities of the newspaper work, and are earnestly studying the lessons in newspaper reporting.
At the time of writing the committee has brought in only a partial report, which was unanimously adopted. Elder S. E. Wight, of the West Michigan Conference, was elected president of the Southern Union Conference; Elder E. H.18Rees, of New Orleans, was elected secretary-treasurer and auditor; and A. F. Harrison was reelected general field agent.
The brethren from outside the union who have been present at the conference are Elders W. T. Knox, K. C. Russell, E. R. Palmer, Charles Thompson, G. F. Watson, Brother L. A. Hansen, and the writer. CARLYLE B. HAYNES.
Fireside Correspondence School
By W. E. Howell
THIS school was established for the purpose of providing a means of education for the large number who for any reason are unable to attend the ordinary school. This number includes all, both young and old, whose occupation or circumstances keep them at home, and all who are regularly employed in the organized work of the denomination, of whatever class they may be. The school is now well into its third year's work. From the steady improvement in the quality of the students' work and from the many expressions of appreciation by the members of the school, its managers feel more fully confirmed than ever in the opinion that this enterprise is a successful and indispensable part of the educational work of the denomination. We beg the indulgence of the reader in presenting some statistical information about its work, which it is believed will be found interesting.
The present working enrolment of the school is 190, of whom 92 are men and 98 are women. Of this number, 90 are new students, 68 have renewed their work from last year, and 32 come down from the first year's enrolment. Our registry of new students is steadily increasing from day to day, as the school is open for admission the year round.
The occupations represented are 24 in number. The home (not including employed workers) heads the list, with 62; of whom 22 are farmers (fathers and sons), 17 are housewives, and 23 are daughters. Teachers follow next, with 36. Then foreign missionaries, with 12; ministers (in the United States), 9; Bible workers, 8; canvassers, 6; nurses, 7; stenographers, 5; etc.
The ages most largely represented are 27 persons in their teens; 73, from twenty to thirty; 41, from thirty to forty; 15, from forty to fifty; 6, from fifty to sixty.
The countries outside the United States and Canada, where we have students enrolled, are: Guatemala, West Indies, Portugal, West Africa, Syria, India, Burma, Sumatra, China, Japan, Java, Tahiti, Tonga. Of these countries India is in the lead with 6.
The studies most largely chosen are: Grammar, 48; Bible doctrines, 34; composition-rhetoric, 25; bookkeeping, 16; New Testament Greek I, 16; college rhetoric, 13; arithmetic, 13; algebra, 11; stenography, 10; Latin I, 9; general history, 7; church history, 7; New Testament history, 7.
The best record for amount of work done the first year is that of a licentiate minister, who completed Bible doctrines, English grammar, and New Testament Greek I, with an average standing of 95, 94, and 93 respectively; in the second year, that of a young woman at home who completed (within the 52 weeks of a regular scholarship), physiology and hygiene, algebra, general history (¾), and Latin I (1-3), with an average of 97, 97, 93, and 94 respectively. A close second to her is another young woman who completed the life of Christ, algebra, and general history (¾), with an average of 90, 96, and 92 respectively. Both these young women are attending a residence school this year, where their Correspondence School credits were accepted. In the present year's work, beginning Oct. 2, 1911, the one who is now farthest ahead in any one subject is a young woman teaching church-school, who has completed 20 lessons (completing half of the course) in bookkeeping, with an average standing of 98; she took composition-rhetoric last year. A close second to her in a single subject, is another church-school teacher who has completed 17 lessons in algebra, with an average of 97; this one took grammar and United States history last year. The best record so far this year on two subjects is that of a farmer's daughter, who has completed 19 lessons each in arithmetic and composition-rhetoric, with an average standing of 96 and 95 respectively; she took grammar and physiology and hygiene last year.
So far as we have information, 14 students who were members of the Correspondence School last year are attending residence schools this year, distributed from South Lancaster to Loma Linda. Doubtless there are many more belonging to this class whose present whereabouts we do not know.
Some of the elements of satisfaction and strength in our school work are the increasing number of students who renew their enrolment from year to year and from subject to subject; the large proportion of teachers who are strengthening their education by this means; the faithful work of foreign missionaries on their lessons under unfavorable conditions; very little change in managing board or teaching force; enlarging the scope of our work steadily, but only as fast as our finances allow; the high standard of work required in every lesson; and the self-reliance, perseverance, relish for improvement, sense of accomplishment, and capacity for thoroughness that are being developed in our students.
Students may enroll any day in the year by addressing the school at Takoma Park, D. C. W. E. HOWELL, Principal.
Cheering Experiences in Canvassing
By Walter Harper
It is now only six and one-half weeks since I began to canvass in Arizona, having left that “earthly paradise,” Loma Linda, Cal., on Nov. 27, 1911. In these brief weeks the blessed Master has surely heard prayer and wrought most wonderfully. I seek God much in prayer, and am thankful for his many tokens of love and care. I know that the loved ones I left behind remember the work here at the throne of grace. In this short time the Lord, out of his overflowing heart of love, granted me success in taking over four hundred ten orders for books, helps, etc., amounting to $1,225 in value, besides over $100 for “Ministry of Healing” and over $50 for Spanish “New Testament Primers” and “Steps to Christ.” I expect that the work of these six and one-half weeks will total about $1,500.
I began my delivery this week, for the time had come when I must look after that part of the work. The first day of delivery I canvassed some, for it was hard to break off. I was blessed in taking $28 in new orders, aside from books delivered. I have never combined a delivery and a canvass this way before, but it seemed as if the orders came providentially in my path, so I had to gather them in. They are still coming, and I can hardly avoid more orders.
After the close of the Sabbath last week, I took my lantern and went off in the dark to canvass among the Mexican families. I was soon blessed in taking four orders, amounting to $9.65, for our good books, or an order at nearly every house. The week preceding that, after the passing of Sabbath, I went out with my light among the hills and rocks to present our books to the people. In a little over an hour the good Master gave me four orders, amounting to $14.
This is chiefly among Mexicans and Spanish-speaking people. It is astonishing how the Spirit of God is working just now with the Spanish people the world over. I never saw anything like it. It is a marvelous change from a few years ago. Surely God is now calling this race, and they are responding to his call. They almost come to me on the street to buy the books. WALTER HARPER.
An Interesting Missionary Experience
By John N. Quinn
DIFFICULTIES entered the church of which Eugene M. was a member, and as they continued to increase, he began to question the genuineness of Christianity. Next he doubted the authenticity of the Bible, the justice of God, and the possibility of experimental religion. As the years passed, his difficulties multiplied, until his mind became the cage of every unclean and hateful doubt. The ministers of various churches visited him, but were unable to help him out of his darkness.
A few weeks ago a worker connected with the Review and Herald Publishing Association stepped into the store owned by Mr. M., and on leaving, handed to him some Seventh-day Adventist tracts. A second visit was made, and the worker was told a long list of objections about the injustice, the inequality of God, and the contradictory statements of the Bible. It was suggested that four evenings be given the worker, with the assurance that the man's doubts could be removed, and his difficulties solved. The four evenings have passed, and Eugene M. is rejoicing in Jesus Christ, and in absolute freedom from doubt of any kind. The first evening the topic of study was, “Reasons for Believing in the Existence of God;” the second, “Sin and Its Relation to the Government of God;” the third, “Gospel Truths From Eden;” the fourth, “God's Method of Eliminating Sin From the Life and From the Universe.”
At the close of the second evening's study, as Mr. M. grasped the truth that God governs alone by the consent of the governed, the Holy Spirit did his appointed work, and with tears coursing down his face, the unbeliever surrendered to be governed by God. With joy he told of the blessing that he had received.
When the fourth study was finished, he asked the worker to give his reasons with the illustration of some one's gradually lowering the flag from the flag-staff, and running up an emblem of rebellion. He then said, “I have lowered the false flag, and now have floating from the masthead of my faith that which is a sign of the power of my Creator.” “From to-night on I am with you,” was the hearty response.
Four weeks, and yet this man is soundly converted and in harmony with the Word of God. There is no message on this earth other than the third angel's message which could have wrought such a change in a human mind in so short a time. It need not be said the learner wishes the studies continued, and is planning to open his home, so that his neighbors may hear the word of life.
JOHN N. QUINN.
A Lion Chase at the Tsungwesi Mission, South Africa
By M. C. Sturdevant
THE lions are coming too near us to be comfortable. They are around our houses and cattle kraal very often. If it were not for our large dogs, we would be much more troubled, as several cattle and hogs have been killed around us. The boys and I have been called several times by the natives to take our guns and help hunt the lions. One day we succeeded in coming upon a large one lying on top of the calf he had just dragged off up the mountain. There were about forty natives with me.
As we came upon him, all halted while I made a noise in front of him. The bullet took effect in the neck, causing him to leave his prey and run farther up the mountain. We followed after, soon coming upon him again, where, at rather a long distance, I got two more bullets into his side. He ran a little farther in the bush where he lay close behind a tree, and before I hardly knew it I was within sixty yards of him. This time he arose to his full, roaring till the ground fairly trembled. Many of my native helpers began climbing trees. I hastened to put another bullet into the lion’s body, which made him start for me in earnest. Seeing that I had not time to reload, I gave him a load of buckshot in the face. This made him rise on his hind feet and fall over backward in the tall grass and bush. We approached cautiously, and found several places where he had lain down and struggled, but he escaped from us, so we left him to his fate, having shot him five times. Thus ended our first day’s adventure in lion-hunting. M. C. STURDEVANT.
Christian Education
By H. R. Salisbury
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
H. R. SALISBURY . . . Secretary
The Rescue of the Nashville Sanitarium
By L. A. H.
Confirming the Testimony
A REMARKABLE turn of affairs took place in behalf of the Nashville (Tenn.) Sanitarium at the recent session of the Southern Union Conference. What seemed to be failure gave place to assurance of success; sadness was turned to great joy; disheartened men were filled with hope and courage; and an institution of God's planting was snatched from impending ruin, and placed on substantial footing. While there are features connected with the experience that in particular are not pleasant for contemplation nor edifying in repetition, the experience as a whole offers lessons of practical value. General interest in the welfare of our institutional work, and special interest of many in this sanitarium, may warrant a statement concerning some of the circumstances attending its history and the present situation.
When the Nashville Sanitarium was established in its present location, it emerged from a somewhat transitory existence of several years in rented buildings. The early rise and progress of its work, and the appeals of the spirit of prophecy in its behalf, gave confidence to the brethren to extend its field of operations. A share in the $150,000 Fund raised by the General Conference helped to give the institution a permanent home in the country. An excellent site of ten acres, with a nice dwelling, some smaller buildings, and a beautiful lawn, was secured. Suitable alterations and additions were made and furnishings and equipment provided, making a building of three stories and a basement, fairly well equipped.
The new enterprise required an investment in excess of the funds in hand, leaving an indebtedness, the beginning of trouble no doubt. A proposed street-car line that failed to materialize gave disappointment in the matter of transportation. Inadequate natural supply of water caused expense in meeting this need. Destruction of laundry, bakery, and a storeroom by fire, caused a loss. Some moves that were afterward seen to be unwise were made in the conduct of the work; such as closing the city branch before its patronage was fully transferred, and in some changes of workers. These items, with times of low patronage, increasing interest on indebtedness, depreciation of inventory values, all tended to an increasing deficit in the annual financial statements.
In the meantime a report gained circulation to the effect that the institution was established contrary to special instruction given in the Testimonies, and for this reason success was impossible and the sanitarium was attended with adversities. Many who should have been its supporters became discouraged, and with some, criticism took the place of commendation. Question as to the advisability of continuing the institution arose, and the future of the Nashville Sanitarium became a matter of the special intervention of God and a rallying of all its constituency to its fullest support.
At the recent Southern Union Conference session the last financial statement of the sanitarium was read, showing a condition serious enough to demand immediate consideration and action. This was not a matter of surprise nor the revelation of a secret. The interest of the delegates expressed the feeling of many throughout the union conference. The matter was made one of special attention. The proper committee gave it very thorough study. There was in hand copy of all that had been written by Sister E. G. White regarding the work, and this was carefully gone through. A series of resolutions was presented, stating that the selection of the present site and the establishment of the existing institution was fully indorsed by all the instruction available. A definite plan of financial relief was outlined and proposed.
At the reading of the resolutions one brother, a conference president, on whom God had very evidently placed a burden, took the floor and stated his experience. He made confession of failure to give proper support and of having taken a course that was not helpful. For a time his mind had been exercised in the other direction, and now he wanted to help in every way possible. He was on the point of selling a piece of property that he now thought had been held for this occasion, and he proposed to make a donation of $500. An earnest and stirring appeal was made for others to join in the plan of reducing the indebtedness of the institution.
After his remarks his example was followed by most of the workers present. That God was moving on their hearts was apparent. One after another announced his purpose to stand by the work of the sanitarium, and in almost every instance a substantial donation bore material witness of the proposed support. Several pledged sums of $100 or more, while others gave amounts ranging down to $5. The spirit of sacrifice could be the more appreciated when it was considered that with the most of these it meant giving out of a small income from small salaries.
Several individuals proposed to sacrifice property in order to secure means with which to assist. A lady colporteur said she was trying to sell a small home, the proceeds of which were much needed for the family wants, from which sale she would give $50. Other colporteurs made offerings, one pledging the profit on three weeks' work. One brother had no property he could sell, his only ready asset being a barrel of sorghum, but he would sell this and give the proceeds. Those who were already burdened with personal financial problems and felt the lack of means, expressed their regret at their inability to make any donations at this time. A sum of $4,000 or more was pledged at this meeting. This was Friday noon, and adjournment was taken to the evening after Sabbath.
The day following was full of Sabbath blessing, closing with an excellent revival and consecration service, and the (Concluded on page 22)20sanitarium meeting was entered upon with a spirit in keeping with the day's experience.
The Rescue of the Nashville Sanitarium
(Concluded from page 19)
The chairman, Elder C. F. McVagh, announced that he had just received a special communication from Sister E. G. White; and that, while he had not read it all, he knew it bore on the question in hand. This was under date of Jan. 14, 1912, and gave just the message that many needed as a final assurance that God's hand was set to the support of the sanitarium. All were enabled to see that when an institution is in need, it is no time to forsake it. Clear admonition was given as to the duty of all to rally to the help of a work in the establishment of which God had so signally led. The importance of searching to ascertain the true situation and of learning lessons of wise economy and right administration, was clearly pointed out. The communication was thankfully received as a specially timely one, and taken as a confirmation of what God had already done in behalf of the Nashville Sanitarium.
Further opportunity was given to render help. Some who had previously hesitated now responded; others gave who had not been present at the previous meeting; and a number increased the pledges already made. With conference assistance and all donations received, the total amount raised was about twenty-one thousand dollars. This gave credit for several good donations raised by Elder W. C. White, including an offering from his mother, bearing substantial proof of her personal interest in this work.
A resolution offered by Elder W. T. Knox, and unanimously adopted, made provision for Elder E. L. Maxwell, president of the Louisiana Conference, to make further solicitations, as openings for this may occur. Twice during the meeting did the company join heartily in singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow;" and indeed it was an occasion of praise. With an institution so near disaster, by financial embarrassment and by the discouraged surrender of its friends, it was a matter of deep gratitude that there should come such immediate and substantial financial relief and such a grand rallying of our people to its support. Without such support, final ruin is inevitable to an institution.
It is recognized that this is but a beginning of what is necessary to place the institution where it must be. Careful plans are being laid for the best possible working basis. Suitable help is being secured; an educational campaign is to begin; proper advertising methods will be carried forward; and all concerned are expected to give the fullest cooperation. One recommendation provides for an active prosecution of the "Ministry of Healing" campaign, it being recognized that this is a plan given us especially for such a need as this situation presents.
The opportunity to help the Nashville Sanitarium is not restricted to those attending the meetings referred to. Others may assist as their interest may indicate. Address Southern Union Conference Treasurer, 511 Cole Building, Nashville, Tenn. Correspondence with interested persons is solicited. Let prayer be offered in behalf of this work, that full success may attend it.
L. A. H.
I Know That God Is Good
“I see the wrong that round me lies,
I feel the guilt within;
I hear, with groan and travail cries,
The world confess its sin.
“Yet in the maddening maze of things
And tossed by storm and flood,
To one fixed trust my spirit clings;
I know that God is good.”
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
