THE word “opportunity” means an open door, and the door of opportunity for giving the gospel to all mankind is wide open to-day in every land.
God’s providence has broken down national barriers. A hundred years ago India was closed to the gospel, and the first missionaries that arrived in Calcutta were deported by order of the East India Company; but God has broken up that company, and by the most tremendous force has prepared the way of the gospel in all parts of India.
One hundred years ago China was sealed against the foreigner, and Morrison, the first missionary, had to wait outside of Canton for one quarter of a century. Even twenty-five years ago there were but a few treaty ports open along the coast of China, and a little fringe of missionaries, while the interior was utterly closed. To-day every province of China is open and occupied.
It is only a little while since Japan opened her doors to Western visitors. To-day she is in the van of civilization in the Orient. Korea, the hermit nation, was utterly secluded until less than a generation ago; to-day she offers the most favorable mission field in the world.
Many of us can remember the geographies and atlases of our school days, when the heart of Africa was drawn as an unexplored and probably uninhabited page of black; to-day all Africa is open, and teeming with life.
Some years ago Cuba and the Philippine Islands were hermetically sealed against the admission of Protestant missionaries. To-day Cuba is free, and dotted with Christian congregations, and the Filipinos are welcoming the gospel to their towns.
The modern explorer and the advertising agent have blazed a pathway through every hidden corner of the heathen world. Eighty-five geographical societies are to-day pressing forward into the very heart of earth’s hidden lands. The commercial drummer has painted his advertisements on the trees and mountains, where even the missionary has not gone. Railroads, steamboats, and ocean cables are bridging every gulf that once divided distant nations. The first missionaries required a year to reach their fields. They can accomplish their journey now in a fortnight or a month. The flags of civilized nations assure them of protection on every heathen shore. A million men are working in the international postal union of the world, and keeping up communication between all quarters of the globe. In this and similar ways God has been going before and preparing the way for the message of the cross.
The work of Bible translation is the greatest of these. The first missionaries had to make a language for the people among whom they went. The missionaries to-day find not only a written language, but the Word of God printed in it and ready for distribution among the people in hundreds of human tongues, reaching about three quarters of the inhabitants of heathen lands in their own language. The headway thus given to the modern missionary is of incalculable value. Moreover, he finds a certain tone of public opinion in heathen countries which has been slowly created in favor of Christianity through the lives and teachings of previous missionaries. The present generation is entering into the labors of other men who toiled and suffered in loneliness and apparent fruitlessness.
The soil has been prepared by the Holy Ghost. The time was, not long ago, when the conversion of a heathen was looked upon as a kind of prodigy, and it was a grave question whether such a thing was possible. To-day the soil of every heathen land has been mellowed and fertilized by showers of blessing and glorious revivals. The heavens have been stored with prayers that are being answered every day, and the very air is charged with spiritual forces which the first missionaries looked in vain to find in the devil-blighted realms of heathen night.
The spiritual forces of our age are intensely missionary. The air is full of it. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is falling upon earnest souls, and fitting them for great and heroic lives. There is a spirit abroad that is steadily deepening the conviction on earnest souls that the work of evangelizing the world is the greatest work of this generation, and is possible within our own lifetime.
May God help each one of us to rise to the magnificent opportunity, and meet the solemn responsibility of our age!—The Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Russia's Living Tomb
THE most terrible of Russian prisons is Sakhalin, Russia's penal settlement in the Pacific Ocean. Cursed by nature, doubly cursed by man, this dreadful island is the horror of all Russia. The most hardened criminals turn pale, often faint, when they hear the word as the judge is passing sentence; for throughout all Russia, Sakhalin is feared as a living tomb. All over the empire bands of convicts are in motion, the rattle of the chain, the shuffling of convict feet, and the heavy tramp of soldier guards are heard in every town. From all parts of Russia these criminal rivulets converge toward Odessa. A convict ship awaits them there. Between decks the vessel is fitted with iron cages, like those for savage animals. From one thousand eight hundred to three thousand miserable criminals are packed into the cages, and the long voyage begins. A revolt on board is a frequent occurrence, but is always promptly subdued, for connected with the ship's boilers there are special hose appliances by which scalding steam may be turned into any cage, and the occupants parboiled.—Selected.
Walk in the Light
By John Lipke
JOHN LIPKE
The Lord works everywhere by his Spirit to develop the character of Christ in man. His ways of accomplishing this are manifold. If man submits entirely to the Spirit of God and walks in the light, God will make him a power for good wherever he is. This the Lord has demonstrated to us in the experience of a German brother, who lives near Blumenau, in the State of Santa Catharina, Brazil.
From his youth he sowed wild oats, living only to please self, and did not even believe in God. One of the results of such a life was sickness. On a journey overland he became very sick, and had to lie in a hospital far away from his home and family. As he saw there how death claimed its victims, he was reminded by the Spirit of God that this might be his fate also. He was aroused, and prayed to God for strength to reach home and see his wife and children once more. The Lord helped him to get home. There he treated himself with nature's remedies, and recovered his health. Later he opened a butcher shop, but instead of serving God, he served himself again.
He became acquainted with our people at this time, and said that if ever he became a Christian, he wanted to be an Adventist. But he could not get loose from his prosperous business. One day he read the parable of the unfruitful fig tree, and how the gardener had asked permission to dig around it another year. This caused him to remember his promise to serve the Lord if he would make him well. Then it came to him that if he would not serve the Lord, perhaps he would cut him down, like the fig tree. This led him to sell his butcher shop, and begin farming. Then he accepted one point of truth after another, and became especially intelligent in regard to health reform, as he read much on this subject in books and papers. To-day he is a strict vegetarian. How the Lord can change human beings!
Then he saw that his children must have a school. So he secured a teacher from our school, and though only a18farmer, he boarded her and paid her salary. Other children in the neighborhood came to the school. As he learned more of healthful living, he felt it his duty to treat the sick. He followed the voice of the Spirit of God, and the Lord gave him success. He first took one patient in his home, then another. But as soon as the people found that they could get help, they began to come, until he could not take them all in. In order to accommodate more patients, he enlarged his house. The writer has been often at his home, and has been made to wonder at the marvelous work the Lord can do through a humble instrument. He used only simple remedies, as air, sand, water, light, and a strict vegetarian diet. He has had success in treating even difficult, almost hopeless cases. For instance, he treated a crazy man, who had been nailed up in a woodshed for five months, then stayed at a hospital for about six weeks, and left it without being cured. Our brother treated him about two weeks, and he went home with a clear mind. Another man, who was paralyzed on one side, and who was confined to his bed, was treated about seven weeks, at the end of which time he could walk, and was able to work with a sickle in the field. When he returned to his home, which was about ninety minutes' walk from our brother's, he was able to go alone, walking the entire distance. A woman had been treated for three years by physicians, but became worse all the time. She was brought from the town, and grew better after a few weeks' treatment.
These are only a few cases. The result of the unselfish work of this brother is also seen in the conversion of souls to the truth. He is a shining light to all his neighborhood. His experience shows, first, what the Lord can do with a human being who walks in all the light that he has given, and, second, that the Lord wants to do a mighty work through every one of his children in these last days.
Think of it! If every Seventh-day Adventist would walk in all the light that the Lord has given, we should be a powerful people, and the Lord would come soon. O my brethren and sisters, let us walk in the light!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Progress in Japan
By F. W. Field
F. W. FIELD
Since our last report from this field, the work has been progressing. Five more candidates for baptism have been accepted. Of these, two are the wife and daughter of a brother who was himself baptized in March; thus this family becomes united in the truth. The other three candidates are young men from Wakamatsu.
The problem of providing some instruction for our young men has been pressing itself upon us of late. So we arranged for Brother Kuniya to devote two hours a day in class work for them. They meet in the class room at my house, and study one hour from the Gospel of John, and one hour from the Revelation. Then I give one hour to a study of Genesis with those who understand English. Brother Oko-hira is now carrying on this work in Brother Kuniya’s absence.
A JAPANESE FERRY BOAT
But class work alone does not meet the needs for these young men. All of them are dependent upon themselves for support, and some have been obliged to leave home and give up everything for the truth. Hence the urgent need of providing some sort of work that will furnish them an industrial training, and also some means of support. With such facilities they could soon be trained, and go out as workers. We have in mind to connect the health-food work and the publishing work with our training school; but at present we have not sufficient means to carry on these lines of work. However, we are thankful for what has already been given to start these industries, and trust that we shall not need long to delay this important enterprise.
Five tracts recently translated have been received from the printers, and our workers are engaged in circulating them. These tracts present the gospel as related to the Sabbath, the signs of the times, and the second coming of Christ. Our workers appreciate them very much. They range in price from about one cent to four cents a copy. By putting out large editions, we could furnish them much cheaper.
A few weeks ago Brother Matsukura made a trip to the north, visiting his home and the neighboring country. He found an encouraging interest among the people wherever he went. In one village he met a young man who had attended our Bible school at Shiba, Tokyo. This young man received him gladly, entertained him at his home, and encouraged him in his work. There are many young men who have heard the gospel in our Bible classes, and we trust that the truths learned will not be forgotten. But best of all, Brother Matsukura reports that his relatives are now quite favorable toward the truth; and while he was at home, his mother fully decided to obey the Lord. We rejoice with him; for his people were for some time much opposed to his being a Christian.
Recently Brother Kuniya started out on a trip to the southern part of the country, to visit interested readers of our literature, and to spread the light of truth. He labored first near Kyoto, and found a ready sale for our tracts and pamphlets. But just as he got nicely started in his work, a summons came from the military authorities calling him to a two weeks’ army drill; so he had to return. He expresses the hope that he may be able to do something to advance the truth among the officers and men during his stay with them.
The medical work in Kobe was opened the first of this month (June), with Dr. S. A. Lockwood and his wife in charge, and Dr. Kumashiro and two nurses as assistants. We have quite a definite promise of more help from America for this work sometime this summer. The opening in Kobe seems very favorable, and the workers are of good courage. We shall expect Dr. Lockwood to keep the readers of the REVIEW informed concerning this work.
Of late the church in Tokyo have been considering the matter of building a meeting-house. None of our people are wealthy, and wages are so low in Japan that their offerings to the cause can not be very large. However, it was thought that the time had come for action. So at the last business meeting a building committee was chosen, not to build a church, but to devise ways and means. The committee has recommended the plan of having the members make pledges to pay for a certain number of bricks each week. A good brick costs about three fourths of a cent. Some young have pledged two bricks a week, some five, some ten, etc. We hardly expect to build a brick church; but some brick will be needed, and it was thought that this plan would be stimulating, and enable all to do something definite. Beginning with next Sabbath our regular services will be held in the class room in Hongo. When we build, we hope to secure a more central location.
These are some of the omens of success, and some of the needs, of the work in Japan. We have our trials and perplexities, and ask that the brethren in the home land remember us in their prayers, and with their sympathy and help, as the Lord may bless them with grace, and with talents of means.
Tokyo.
Mission Notes
The latest station of the British and Foreign Bible Society is in Johannesburg, South Africa.
There are now in Uganda, Africa, 1,070 church buildings, with a church membership of 100,000. The first baptism occurred in that land only twenty years ago.
The complete returns for China show that Scripture issues from the Shanghai Depot during 1902 reached the wonderful total of 1,084,000 books, while orders were received for 100,000 copies more than the depot could supply.
In Africa, four hundred and thirty-eight languages and one hundred and fifty-three dialects are found; into only about seventy of these has any portion of the Bible been translated. Five hundred of them have not even been reduced to writing. The Sudan, with its sixty million people, is still without a single Protestant missionary who can speak the language, though three societies are now endeavoring to begin work there.
Tidings come of severe distress in the north of Japan because of the failure of crops and severe cold and stormy weather. The poor peasantry in the famine districts are reduced to living on sprouts, which means slow starvation if help is not afforded. A considerable famine relief fund has been raised in Yokohama, which is rendering temporary relief. Christians and non-Christians in Japan are interesting themselves in the needy, and thus far no appeal has been sent outside their own country.
For some years it has been the policy of the American Board of the Congregational Church to make an effort to develop native help in the mission fields, instead of largely increasing their force of American missionaries. They have been very successful, but the time has come when re-enforcements must soon be sent out to take the places of those who have been long in the field. Statistics show that exactly one hundred of their missionaries have been in the work for thirty years or more; three have passed the fifty-year limit, while twenty-six have served over forty years.
Among the evidences that the day of the Lord is at hand, and that every nation, kindred, tongue, and people is to hear the gospel before that day, is the publication and circulation, apparently under sanction of the papal authorities, of a translation of the Gospels and of the Acts. The translation is in the language perfectly familiar to the Italian people. Although there are many notes which bear the church’s interpretation, still the people have the Scriptures, and they speak for themselves. The first edition is of one hundred thousand copies, and sells in paper covers for four cents, and in cloth for six cents.
Be systematic, proportionate givers. Let us portion our objects,—the home and foreign fields, current expenses, and neighborhood relief; and portion our gifts, our time, and money, and prayers. The variety of our means is as infinite as the variety of the ends to which we give, and the demand is constant. Under which of these heads does the debt come? — Exchange.
The immediate evangelization of the world, men say, would involve superficial work; let us be slow and thorough. Slow and thorough is one thing; slow and stagnant is another. Superficial work! Who proposed that the world should be superficially evangelized? We have betrayed our Lord under the pretense of doing thoroughly his work in this land, where we have sown the seed over and over again in ground already sown, while two thirds of the human race have been allowed to live and die in ignorance of the fact that there is a Saviour, or any love of God. And in our folly we have forfeited the richest spiritual blessing at home by deliberately transgressing the plainest divine law, “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.”—Robert E. Speer.
“Conflicting reports appear from various sections in China, and from some of these reports it would seem as if the empire was on the eve of another revolution similar to that of 1900. From other quarters the tidings are peaceful and hopeful, indicating the subsidence of the storm which swept with such fury over the land. It must be remembered that China has an immense territory, and that communication between its several sections is difficult and slow, so that an uprising in one district may have little influence, and even be practically unknown, in an adjoining province. The recent outbreak in the province of Szechuen was for a while of serious proportions. Yet that wave of rebellion hardly made a ripple among the people of the northern and eastern provinces. Let us keep in mind the vast area and population of China. This western province of Szechuen has a population almost as great as that of the United States, and an uprising in one of its cities would affect Peking or Shanghai or Foochow far less than a riot in San Francisco would affect New York or New England. Yet the time may come when the vast mass of more than four hundred million, more or less ignorant and selfish, might be so wrought upon that a great upheaval would be inevitable. But as yet there are no signs of any such disturbance.” The province of Szechuen, with a population of almost sixty-eight million, is one of the sixteen provinces that have never been entered by the third angel’s message. Surely entrance into this vast empire should not be delayed longer.
The Bible has been translated into the Thibetan language by a Moravian missionary.
The Lesson of Giving
“LORD, teach us the lesson of giving,
For this is the very next thing;
Our love always ought to be showing,
What offerings and fruits it can
bring.
There are many who know not thy
mercy,
There are millions in darkness and
woe;
Our prayers and our gifts are all
needed,
And all can do something, we
know.”
A Soul Growing Tall with Joy
“An old cannibal chief who was led to Christ by Dr. Paton, said just before dying, “My soul is growing tall with joy.””
Porto Rico
By B. E. Connerly
MAYAGUEZ.—We are making some progress in our study of the language. In our short visits among the people, although our conversation is necessarily very simple, we are much pleased with the interest that is being awakened. We long to teach them the Bible, but we dare not launch out much in that direction until we have a better mastery of the language.
A well-to-do man was here to-day, who said, “I am anxiously waiting for you to teach me the Bible.” We are holding Bible studies with a family who speaks a little English, and by using both the Spanish and the English Bible, we get along very nicely, and they enjoy it. A native colporteur attends our Sabbath-school when in the city. We are studying the Sabbath question with him.
A man who became much interested in our work through reading the paper, is corresponding with us on the Sabbath question. Although he lives fifty miles away, he says that at his earliest convenience he is coming to see us.
We are of good courage, and like our field. As we come in contact with the darkness and superstition of this people, we believe more truly that the Lord has sent us here to give them the light.
B. E. CONNERLY.
West Africa
By J. M. Hyatt
CAPE COAST CASTLE.—Our work is moving along quite well, and we are being greatly blessed in many ways. At our street meeting last Sunday here, our congregation blocked the street entirely. It is wonderful how the Lord has gone before us.
Many things that one would not expect to find on the Coast are here. I very much needed a portable organ, for street and other uses. To my surprise my neighbor had one. He tells me to use it at any time I like. We thank the Lord. It has been a great help to us in our work. Music is very much enjoyed by the natives. It helps in our street meetings, too. The meetings are very well attended at our hall Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
We greatly need one or two teachers, as it is impossible for me to teach and attend to the other work also. We are having vacation now. We had six classes, the sessions lasting from ten to twelve o’clock in the morning, and from two to four in the afternoon. The work is graded from the beginners to classes in algebra. Many are expecting to attend after vacation. We can not tell how matters will work out, but the work is more than I can do alone.
Our blessings seem more than we can number. Last Sunday one of the well-to-do native merchants called on me, and made us a present of a new chapel organ. It certainly is a good one. It probably cost fifty pounds. The enemy had just taken the one we used the Sabbath morning before. The Lord looks after his work. We enjoy it here, taking all things together, and we have every reason to be of good courage. I do dental work when time permits. In this way we are able to help many.
We have two boys living with us. (One is about twenty years of age, and the other a small boy. The older one hopes to go into the work sometime. He is a member of our church.
J. M. HYATT.
British Guiana
By D. C. Babcock
KITTY.—Although some time has passed since any report has appeared from this field in the REVIEW, yet we have not been idle by any means.
The prevailing scourge that Barbadoes has had to pass through, reached this colony about three months ago, and is doing its work here, as it did in Barbadoes. The government is doing all it can to check its progress, but it is unable to care for the sick. A large number of men are busy erecting temporary shelter for the sufferers.
This to some extent has prevented us from pushing our work in the city as we hoped to do. Our new church building in Georgetown was dedicated on Sunday, March 15, at 3 P. M. Before the hour had arrived for the services to begin, the house was filled to its utmost capacity, and many were compelled to return to their homes. Among those present were the mayor of the city, and ministers of other denominations. An address was given by the Mayor, and among the many good things he said, one statement deeply impressed me: “I believe the object of the missionaries sent to this colony by the Seventh-day Adventists is to lift up fallen humanity, and I heartily welcome them to the city of Georgetown. May God bless their efforts in this city!” Our own laborers were all present, and took part in the exercises. That which caused joy to fill our hearts was the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, to convict souls. There was evidence of an advance step in the work in this colony, and many returned home, viewing this message in altogether a different light. There was no laughing, or clapping of hands; but as the solemn truths for these times were presented, a hearty Amen was sounded from almost the entire congregation.
May 17, although weak from a severe attack of fever, Brother Brown and the writer began seeking for a location for our new tent, which we had made with our own hands. Almost every place we visited, the villages were standing in water. Finding a lot in Kitty village, near Georgetown, which stood about eight inches above the water line, we rented it for six shillings a month, and on the 20th pitched our tent and began work. Brother Giddings assisted in raising the tent, but that night was the last that he could be with us for over three weeks, on account of fever. Brother Hyder came to our assistance the following week, and has labored some among the East Indians. We have tried to persuade the coolies to come to the tent, holding special meetings for them, but to no avail. They tell us plainly that they will not go where the black people worship. If we could have another small tent, 20x30 ft., for them alone, I believe some would be gathered out for God’s kingdom.
The rain has been continuous ever since our tent was pitched, six weeks ago; yet the tent has been well filled almost every evening. God has blessed the effort, and several precious souls are rejoicing in that freedom found alone in obedience to God’s holy law, through his dear Son. My own soul has also been abundantly blessed. As workers we have learned to love one another more. The first Sabbath, when a general meeting was held for those who were interested in the truth, as soon as the minister had stopped speaking, one of the new members20was on his feet praising God, and was quickly followed by others, until every one had borne testimony to the praise of God. Hungry souls are everywhere seeking for that which the world can not give. Yesterday, July 5, twelve precious souls followed their Lord into the watery grave. When we reached the seashore, fully fifteen hundred people had congregated to witness the scene. As I saw their anxiety to hear the truth, my soul went out to God to give me food for this people. Others will soon be baptized.
I am glad to say that our company are all enjoying good health at this writing, and we are preparing to build a house of worship in this village.
D. C. BABCOCK.
Colombia, South America
By I. G. KNIGHT
BOCAS DEL TORO.—The field which we are endeavoring to evangelize as thoroughly and as fast as we can, is composed of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, United States of Colombia, and several important islands. Brother S. P. Smith writes from St. Andrews Island, where he is teaching school, that they are expecting a visit from us, as a church should be organized there soon. Also on Corn Island, a short distance southwest of St. Andrews, an interest is springing up through the work of some of our canvassers, and five or six are already keeping the Sabbath. At Bluefields, in Nicaragua, there are about the same number keeping the Sabbath, who have never met a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Some are anxious to receive baptism. A few believers in present truth are scattered through Costa Rica. At Pt. Limon there is quite a large company. I am making arrangements to visit some of these places next week.
We have been in Boca del Toro about four months. I have baptized sixteen willing souls, and organized a church here, with a membership of thirty-nine. Thus far we have confined our labors to this city and to places accessible with our little skiff. We have in this territory about eighty Sabbath-keepers. They are sadly in need of the help that is gained by coming in touch with well-developed members. In the REVIEW AND HERALD of June 30, 1903, there is some wholesome instruction from the pen of Sister White, which, if heeded by the laity in America, would greatly meet the crying need: “It is not the purpose of God that this people should colonize, or settle together in large communities. . . . God designs that they shall be scattered all over the country. . . . The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which as yet they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantages; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well-grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries.” How many will by their example show their belief in this instruction?
In this field are opportunities for making a livelihood in more ways than one. The people are anxious for reading-matter, hence these countries present an opportunity for wide-awake canvassers. We shall be glad to correspond with any one who would like to inquire regarding the matter. The work here seems to be taking on a steady, healthy growth. Pray for the advancement of the message here.
I. G. KNIGHT.
Arkansas Camp-Meeting
By H. SHULTZ
This annual camp-meeting was held July 17-27 in a beautiful oak grove in the suburbs of Van Buren. The weather was all that could be asked for; there were no storms to break into our meetings, and three large tents were pitched on the ground, besides twenty-two family tents. One hundred and thirty persons camped on the ground. The Spirit of the Lord melted the hearts of the people, four were buried with their Lord in baptism, to rise and walk in newness of life. The last Sabbath of the meeting was a good day. At the close of a discourse by Elder Nelson, nearly the whole camp came forward to seek a closer and better acquaintance with God, tears flowed freely, fathers and mothers with tearful eyes asking the prayers of God’s servants for their children, wives pleading for their husbands, and husbands pleading for their wives, parents for their children, and children for their parents. The power of God’s Spirit was here, confessions were made, and many who had robbed God promised that they would rob him no more. The accounts of the laborers were audited, but for the lack of means in the treasury, they were paid very small wages, scarcely more than one third as much as a common day laborer receives, and notwithstanding the small wages allowed them, there was not funds enough to settle with them. It still leaves the conference treasury about two hundred and forty dollars in debt to the laborers. The brethren generally are poor. But if all are faithful in paying their tithe into the treasury, this deficiency will soon be canceled. Two new churches were received into the conference. The laborers go forth with new courage, determined to push the work as never before.
The laborers from abroad were Elder N. P. Nelson and son; Elder Flaiz, of Minnesota; Elder McCutchen, of Texas; and the writer. The canvassing work was looked after by Brethren Hardesty and Cummings. Brother Cummings was chosen as State missionary. Quite a number are giving themselves to the canvassing work. The conference business passed off smoothly. Elder J. A. Sommerville was elected president, Brethren Watts, Griffin, Cummings, and Bender were elected to act with the president as conference committee. Sister Flora E. Heermann was chosen as secretary of the conference and tract society. The Arkansas Tract Society was chosen as treasurer of the conference. Altogether, this was one of the most spiritual camp-meetings held in Arkansas for many years. All go to their work and to their homes with new courage. God bless this people, and grant that a large ingathering of souls may be seen the present year.
H. SHULTZ.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER
By G. W. Anglebarger
Colorado
WE are very glad to report that the work is making progress in Denver. Through our united efforts here a goodly number of precious souls are taking hold of the truth. We have two conference Bible workers here, besides myself. Brother Charlie Lightner, who is working for the colored people, and Sister Celia Green, who labors for all classes, are both having fruit of their labors. The church-members are working earnestly with us in our Sunday evening and Sabbath services, bringing with them many strangers. We also distribute many invitations weekly, announcing our Sunday night meetings, giving subject, etc. This we find has greatly helped us. In addition to this we put our notices in all the leading papers of the city. Sabbath, July 18, four persons were baptized, and united with us. Others will be baptized soon. We praise the Lord for the good spirit of love and harmony which prevails in the Denver church. During the late Christian Endeavor convention held in Denver, the church and Young People's Society distributed almost ten thousand copies of the Sentinel which was prepared for the occasion. We trust much good will come from this effort.
The work throughout the conference is prospering. We have four tent companies in the field,—Brethren W. Ziegler and H. Aufderhar, at Ft. Morgan; Brethren H. M. J. Richards and Meade MacGuire, at Palisades; Brother Mackintosh, at Pagosa Springs; Brethren Wm. Kennedy and W. Hills, at Mancos. These companies are all sending in favorable reports. Two of them report several as having accepted the truth. Elder Spring reports four new converts at Glenwood Springs, and a new church building almost enclosed. Elder Watson has been visiting the churches in New Mexico, and brings back a good report. Our laborers in that part of our conference are being blessed. Many of the Spanish-speaking people are accepting the message. Our workers throughout the conference are of good courage.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER
British Columbia
By O. E. Davis
SKEENA RIVER.—Leaving Port Simpson, May 1, after looking over the field I located in this place, May 7. The manager of the Balmoral Canning Company, after conversing with me, and making several inquiries as to what church I represented, etc., furnished me a cabin free, and shingles to re-shingle an old church which was built by the English Church several years ago. They had abandoned the place, and partially torn the building down. I did the work alone, receiving nothing for my labor. But I hoped in this way to secure vantage ground another year, if our workers should desire the building.
Some may think it easy to labor in British Columbia among the Indians. They may imagine that there is no opposition, no prejudice, nothing to hinder in the work. But this is not the case. Opposition is as strong here as in Michigan, and the advantages for getting the people to receive the truth are a great deal more limited.
I had been in Port Simpson only about four weeks when the Methodist minister warned me not to advance my ideas of the Scriptures among the Indians; for it would create discord. About four months later, in another conversation, he said there had been strife and even bloodshed because of different doctrines being taught among them, and that if I continued to advance my views of the Bible, he believed the same trouble would be repeated. This time I quietly answered that if preaching God's Word would cause trouble, God is able to care for the trouble. Since coming here, the minister at this place has said that they ought to have the government police make me leave the place. These are only mutterings of the dragon that is wroth with the church, and very soon we may see him rise up in power to “make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
The missionaries who have been long among the natives wield a strong influence over them; therefore many obey their teaching, no matter how illogical or unscriptural it may be. However, God is preparing a people to receive the message. I can hardly hope to see much fruit immediately from this short season's work, owing to the fact that the natives have come from all along the coast and interior, also from the southern shores of Alaska, and will soon return to be under their former influence; but favorable impressions are being made, and an influence gained that will be much to our advantage, as we press the work to the other parts of the field; for there will be some who will give us a favorable reception. Many other encouraging features are also to be seen.
I am now preaching in the Chinook, but hope by next winter to be able to speak the Scemallia language. As yet21I am the only Seventh-day Adventist worker in British Columbia laboring especially for the Indians. I hope soon to see others join in the work. I thank God for the faith and courage he gives me, also for the privilege of being a co-laborer with Christ. At this writing there are seven adults who have taken their stand for the Sabbath since I came among this people. Unto God and to Christ belong the honor, the praise, and the glory. O. E. DAVIS.
