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Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 19.

The Source of Hope
Earlier text: The Mother Who Worries

General Conference Committee Actions

By William Ambrose Spicer

Distribution of Laborers

The ministerial institute in Philadelphia brought together several members of the General Conference Committee not usually within call for regular committee meetings. Advantage was taken of this to consider a number of items relating to the distribution of laborers. Not all of these recommendations can as yet be reported, but those given in the following list will be of interest to our readers. Elders W. B. White, Allen Moon, and B. G. Wilkinson met with the committee members located at the General Conference office in meetings both at Philadelphia and in Washington.
Recommendations were made as follows:—
Elder J. W. Hofstra, recently returned from the East Indies on account of illness, to the New Jersey Conference.
Elder R. H. Martin, of the Greater New York Conference, to the Chesapeake Conference.
That the East Michigan Conference be invited to release Elder E. K. Slade, to take the presidency of the Ohio Conference.
That the Ohio Conference be requested to release Elder H. H. Burkholder, to take the presidency of the East Michigan Conference.
That the committee concur in the request of the West Pennsylvania Conference, that Elder W. A. Westworth, recently returned from China, be invited to take the presidency of that conference.
Brother F. E. Gibson, of Ohio, to the West Virginia Conference, the Ohio Conference in this case volunteering to pay the salary for a year, to aid a neighboring conference.
Elder H. J. Farman, of Vermont, to Jamaica, West Indies.
That the Atlantic Union be requested to release Elder S. B. Horton, to act as assistant secretary in the General Conference Religious Liberty Department, the former assistant secretary of this department, C. M. Snow, having been called to devote all his time to editorial work.
That Dr. C. H. Hayton, graduating this spring from the George Washington University, engage in medical work in India, after qualifying in Great Britain.
That the Mexican Mission be requested to release John L. Brown, of Mexico, if satisfactory arrangements can be made, to engage in book work in Spain.

Foreign Mission Seminary Students

The lack of mission funds, as all know, has compelled the Mission Board to hold back nearly all the candidates for foreign fields for the present. During the Philadelphia institute, attention was given to the assignment of those under provisional appointment to foreign fields; so that while waiting for mission funds to increase, their services may count at needy points in the home field. Assignments were made as follows:—
Miss Rachel Jones, of Kansas, to engage in the Bible work in the Northern New England Conference.
Miss Mildred Smith, of Michigan, to the District of Columbia Conference as a Bible worker.
Miss Gertrude Johnston, of California, to engage in the Bible work in Virginia.
Miss Belva Vance, of Indiana, to the Virginia Conference as a Bible worker.
Miss Cassie Wilson, of Michigan, to engage in the Bible work in Baltimore.
Miss Mary C. Kent, of Indiana, to engage in the Bible work in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
Miss Viola Joplin, of Oklahoma, to engage in the canvassing work in the East, with a view to taking another year's work in the Seminary.
Miss Janet Morris, of Pennsylvania, to engage in the Bible work in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
Miss Leona Tuley, of Nebraska, to engage in Bible work in the Chesapeake Conference.
C. P. Lillie and wife, of Massachusetts, to go to China in the autumn, in the meantime to engage in tent work in the Virginia Conference.
H. G. Bayley and wife, of Michigan, to engage in evangelistic work in the District of Columbia Conference.
E. Beuchel and wife, of Michigan, to engage in evangelistic work in the Indiana Conference.
L. Bowen and wife, of New York, to assist during the summer on the Foreign Mission Seminary farm.
F. Hermann Piotrowski and wife, of New York, to Europe at the call of the European Division, with a view to making the Levant their field of labor.
George Sandborn, of Michigan, to Mexico, to engage in work with Spanish literature during the summer.
R. B. Stauffer and wife, of Kansas, to Argentina, he to engage in book work, Mrs. Stauffer to work as nurse.
A. L. Shidler and wife, of Kansas, to engage in the book work on the Mexican border, with a view to working later in Mexico or other Spanish fields.
Aside from these students under provisional appointment, others are working toward the mission fields. There is a sturdy band of workers waiting only the word to go forward, and the mission fields of Asia, Africa, South America, and other parts are anxiously waiting for the word to come that the increasing gifts for missions will enable the help erelong to be sent forward. This year, however, the Mission Board is compelled to hold practically quiet, save as here and there a worker can be placed in foreign lands without materially increasing the burden of the mission treasury.
The hearts of the brethren gathered at the Philadelphia ministerial institute were stirred by the calls that came in for help from India, China, and other parts. Looking at their own work, the representatives of these populous conferences along the Atlantic seaboard were distressed at their poverty of means and men. But, looking out on yet more destitute fields, these brethren felt a longing desire to supply workers and means by which to enter doors of wide access manifestly held open by the special providence of God.
The work of this message is now so widely spread out through the earth that the Lord's people must pray and give week by week in order to hold what has been gained, and to enable the fields to add each year just a little to their staff in order to cope with the growing work.
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Resolutions on City Work Passed at the Ministerial Institute at Philadelphia

By A. G. Daniells

DURING the institute at Philadelphia, Pa., considerable time was given to a careful study of the work we are now called to do in our large cities. The committee appointed to express the views of the workers present, in the form of resolutions, presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted:—
Your committee on city work respectfully submits the following report:—
We, as ministers and workers of the Atlantic, Columbia, and Canadian union conferences, assembled at the ministerial institute in Philadelphia, Pa., April 12–26, 1911, desire to express our deep sense of the magnitude of the responsibility which we bear for the unsaved and unwarned millions of the nations. Especially do we recognize the imperative necessity of a most earnest effort in behalf of the great city centers of population. As our message is to go to every nation and language in this generation, we believe that there is demand for immediate and determined action on the part of every member of the church. It seems evident that a decided advance in spiritual power and efficiency is needed, and, as ministers and workers, we have determined to obtain this by earnest prayer and forsaking of sin. We call upon all who believe the great threefold message of Rev. 14:6–12, to join with us in seeking God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In no other way can we ever accomplish our world-wide mission, and save perishing souls. To this end we again consecrate our all to the service of Jesus Christ. Deploring our utter unworthiness and helplessness before God, we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that we may speedily finish the proclamation of the message, and thus prepare the way for the glorious return of our Master.
In view of the importance of evangelistic work in the cities of the nations,—
We recommend, That conference committees and workers give special attention to the needs of the cities and towns in their respective fields, in order that broad plans may be laid for the accomplishment of a speedy and thorough work; and further,—
We recommend, That careful consideration be given to the following suggestions with reference to public efforts:—
(a) Location of tent site. Central, on a thoroughfare, and in a respectable neighborhood.
(b) Appearance of grounds. Clean, level, and well kept.
(c) Interior of tent. Well lighted; ground suitably covered; neat, appropriate decorations; comfortable seats, uniform in size and color.
(d) Careful arrangements for good music.
(e) Punctuality in opening and closing services.
(f) Strengthen each company with an adequate number of helpers.
We recommend, To all our workers the vital importance of heeding the instruction of the apostle Paul to “preach the word.” To this end we urge,—
(a) That special attention be given to reading, study, and prayer.
(b) That every effort be used to strengthen the faith of the people in the Word of God, and to encourage them in its study.
(c) That we study to present the truths of the third angel’s message in such a manner as to make all our services of a spiritual and reviving nature.
Recognizing the value of personal effort in winning souls, we urge,—
(a) The use of literature as a means of securing personal acquaintance and access to the homes of the people.
(b) Personal visitation as a means of successful work.
Whereas, There is most urgent necessity of giving publicity to the principles of the third angel’s message, in order that all seekers after truth may be attracted to our meetings; therefore,—
We recommend, That most careful attention and study be given by the workers to the subject of advertising, in order that the best results may be obtained in their respective fields. We suggest:—
(a) Cards, placards, and circulars of good material and workmanship, illustrated in such a manner as is in keeping with the character of the effort; and the use of sermon outlines, on which shall be stamped or printed an advertisement of the meetings.
(b) Wide, thorough, and systematic distribution of advertising matter.
(c) Judicious use of the public press in the matter of announcements and reports of meetings.
(d) That we discourage all advertising methods which are undignified, and which detract from the exalted character of our message, and encourage our workers to study modesty and good taste, and avoid sensationalism, taking care to prepare carefully worded advertisements, that will create a good impression of our work.
Whereas, There is urgent need of suitably prepared and inexpensive literature for wide-spread, free distribution in evangelistic efforts; therefore,—
We recommend, That a series of four-page leaflets, about 6¼ x 9½ inches in size, on various subjects, be immediately prepared, with appropriate headings and suitably illustrated, and that one third of the last page be left vacant for advertising purposes; this literature to be furnished at as small a margin above actual cost as possible.
We recommend, (a) That a committee of three or more be appointed by the institute chairman to prepare and superintend the publishing of leaflets covering the following subjects; and that fifteen of these be published in time for our present summer’s campaign, and the remaining ones as soon as possible:— The Word of God; The Divinity of Christ (first chapter “Desire of Ages”); The Fall of Satan; Conversion; Prophecy—Its Importance; Daniel 2; The Home of the Saved; The Second Advent; Daniel 7; 2300 Days; Sanctuary; The Law of God; The Sabbath; The Millennium; The Change of the Sabbath; The Seal of God; Sunday; Present Truth; The Signs of the Times; The Two Israels; The Holy Spirit; Spiritualism; Nature of Man; The State of the Dead; The Punishment of the Wicked; Faith and Repentance; Baptism; Angels; The Judgment; The Seven Seals; Capital and Labor; Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Coming of Elijah.
(b) That the question of the production of similar literature in other languages be referred for favorable consideration to the North American Foreign Department.
Whereas, The providence of God has placed in this country a great mission field in the millions of people of other languages who constitute a large part of our city population; therefore,—
Resolved, That we urge our conference committees to give special study to this phase of our city problem, and we call upon our people, especially those of foreign nationality, to arouse to the responsibilities and the possibilities that God has brought within our gates.
Respectfully submitted. B. F. KNEELAND, C. H. EDWARDS, A. E. SANDERSON, C. B. HAYNES, J. F. PIPER, A. V. COTTON, O. O. BERNSTEIN.
The blessing of the Lord attended the consideration of this report. It was suggested that the first resolution be adopted on our knees in earnest prayer. When we bowed before the Lord, definitely consecrating ourselves to the tremendous work which faces us in these large cities, the Spirit of God overshadowed the place, and bore solemn witness of approval to the step we were taking. All will remember this rich experience with much joy. New hope and courage came into all hearts to push the great work before us until it shall be finished.
A. G. DANIELLS.

Atlantic Union Conference

By W. T. Knox

Statement of the $300,000 Fund to May 1, 1911

Herewith is furnished a report of the receipts on the $300,000 Fund up to May 1, 1911:—

Atlantic Union Conference

Central New England ........ $ 2928.61 Greater New York .......... 2411.66 Maine ..................... 266.00 New York .................. 1381.62 Northern New England ...... 946.88 Southern New England ...... 443.94 Western New York .......... 1169.91 Total ..................... 9548.62

Canadian Union Conference

Maritime .................. 239.89 Newfoundland .............. .... Ontario ................... 1275.68 Quebec .................... 476.50 Total ..................... 1992.07

Central Union Conference

Colorado .................. 260.15 East Kansas ............... 1794.12 Nebraska .................. 7427.36 North Missouri ............ 671.67 Southern Missouri ......... 398.34 Western Colorado .......... 651.31 West Kansas ............... 493.89 Wyoming ................... 1078.39 St. Louis Mission ......... 26.00 Total ..................... 12801.23

Columbia Union Conference

Chesapeake ................ 649.29 District of Columbia ...... 1060.45 Eastern Pennsylvania ...... $ 809.08 New Jersey ................ 1506.90 Ohio ...................... 2056.57 Virginia .................. 362.55 West Pennsylvania ......... 573.16 West Virginia ............. 337.00 Total ..................... 7355.00

Lake Union Conference

East Michigan ............. 4091.13 Indiana ................... 3167.16 Northern Illinois ......... 1389.51 North Michigan ............ 526.23 Southern Illinois ......... 950.66 West Michigan ............. 3650.80 Wisconsin ................. 1717.31 Total ..................... 15492.80

Northern Union Conference

Iowa ...................... 3028.28 Minnesota ................. 4286.94 North Dakota .............. 2069.13 South Dakota .............. 1513.50 Total ..................... 10897.85

North Pacific Union Conference

Montana ................... 1527.56 Southern Idaho ............ 1545.83 Southern Oregon ........... 728.32 Upper Columbia ............ 2779.36 Western Oregon ............ 2749.48 Western Washington ........ 2659.11 Alaska .................... 2.15 Total ..................... 11991.81

Pacific Union Conference

Arizona ................... 482.66 California ............... 2324.06 Southern California ....... 5484.35 Utah ...................... 130.30 Central California ........ .... Northern California-Nevada 9.00 Total ..................... 8430.37

Southeastern Union Conference

Cumberland ................ 1282.23 Florida ................... 1690.82 Georgia ................... 626.10 North Carolina ............ 421.14 South Carolina ............ 266.10 Bahama Mission ............ .... Southeastern Union Mission 5.00 Total ..................... 4291.39

Southern Union Conference

Alabama ................... 171.81 Kentucky .................. 225.50 Louisiana ................. 214.75 Mississippi ............... 311.03 Tennessee River ........... 414.42 Southern Union Mission .... .... Total ..................... 1337.51

Southwestern Union Conference

Arkansas .................. 81.16 New Mexico ................ 84.18 North Texas ............... 441.27 Oklahoma .................. 1496.01 South Texas ............... 150.18 West Texas ................ 77.90 Southwestern Union Mission .... Total ..................... 2330.70

Western Canadian Union Conference

Alberta ................... 510.20 British Columbia .......... 345.55 Manitoba .................. 629.60 Saskatchewan .............. 809.25 Total ..................... 2294.60

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous ............. $ 408.99 West Indian Union Conf.... 5.00 Australasian Union Conf... 3618.25 Various countries ........ 643.42 Total ..................... 4675.66
Grand total ............... $93439.61
In order that the readers of the REVIEW may understand the progress that is being made in the raising of the $300,000 Fund by the various conferences, the following extracts are given from the minutes of the General Conference Committee in a council held at College View, Neb., Oct. 10, 1909:—
1. That the systematic raising of the $300,000 Fund be begun early in 1910.
2. That the making up of this fund be completed by Dec. 31, 1912.
3. That the responsibility of raising this $300,000 be assumed by the union and local conferences of North America, apportionment being made on the basis of church and company membership, as published in the statistical secretary’s report of membership for 1908. That this membership be adhered to until the fund is raised, and that on this basis the apportionment stand as follows:—
Atlantic Union ............ $24,892.80 Central Union ............. 44,097.60 Columbia Union ............ 31,536.00 Lake Union ................ 61,200.00 Northern Union ............ 28,704.00 North Pacific Union ....... 29,073.60 Pacific Union ............. 36,580.80 Southeastern Union ........ 6,907.20 Southern Union ............ 6,417.60 Southwestern Union ........ 22,036.80 Canadian Union ............ 4,233.60 Western Canadian Union .... 4,027.20
By comparing these figures with the amounts received from the various unions, as shown in the report presented above, the progress being made by any union can readily be ascertained. It affords great satisfaction to see that three or four of the union conferences are making satisfactory progress in point of time in the gathering of these donations, which are so important to the welfare of our missionaries; but it will also readily be seen that there are a number of unions that are very considerably behind.
The necessities of the foreign fields are such that it is earnestly hoped that from each union there will from now on come in large donations on this fund.
W. T. KNOX, Treasurer.

Central American Conference

By N. V. Willess

SINCE I have now been in this field one year, I will write a short report of our work for the REVIEW. I am very glad to be here, for I am sure this is where the Lord would have me. This is home to me, and I feel perfectly satisfied so far as the field and the work are concerned. The only difficulty is my inability to do what I see is to be done before the work closes.
WORKERS IN THE CENTRAL AMERICAN CONFERENCE
WORKERS IN THE CENTRAL AMERICAN CONFERENCE
When I look into the faces of these dear people, all darkened and marred by sin, and think that there are nearly nine millions of them in our field, my heart almost sinks within me. In Guatemala alone there are about seven hundred fifty thousand.
The English part of our field, especially the Bay Islands, has been quite thoroughly worked; but until recently the Spanish portion has been practically untouched. The seven churches and companies are on the English side; and I have had the privilege of visiting them only once this year. Once in a while I get a letter from them, in which they speak of the rich blessings they enjoy from the Lord, and how the work is growing. Each company seems to be full of life and courage. They write many letters that I never receive, neither do they receive all my letters, owing to the uncertainty of the mail service in this country. It can be readily seen that it is difficult to keep in close touch with one another. The war, which has been raging in Spanish Honduras for the last year, has made traveling in that part of our conference impossible. I am now planning to visit all our churches and companies before camp-meeting, which will be held June 8-18.
The work here in Guatemala City is getting well started, and some are taking a stand for the truth. We are holding Sunday-night Bible studies, and they are quite well attended. We found preaching unsatisfactory; so we are giving Bible readings, letting each one who will take a Bible, and read the references for himself.
The people like this plan much better than preaching. We go slowly, and give all time to find the text to be read, so each one can know for himself what it says. This is much slower than preaching, but I am sure it will prove a better plan. Those who accept the truth seem to have a good spiritual experience. The real life of the message seems to be prompting them, and they, in turn, are reaching out for others.
On my first trip to the west coast, some months ago, I failed to make the proper change of trains, and consequently traveled a whole day's journey north of the place where I wanted to go. I could not understand why this mistake should be made, causing me to lose two days. But the next day, while retracing my steps, I met a young man who could speak some English. I talked with him for some time, telling him about the message and the work to be accomplished by it. He seemed interested in what I had to say, so I proposed to write to him, and send him some literature. He became deeply interested. I invited him to come to the city, and study with us. This he did, and he has now taken a firm stand for the truth, and will soon be ready for baptism. He and his family are the first-fruits of the message in Guatemala.
Brother W. E. Hancock had a similar experience with a lady whom he met on the boat as he returned from the States. She is now keeping the Sabbath, and is taking her stand on every point of doctrine as fast as it is given to her. We thank God for these precious souls, and give him all the glory. The Lord has many ways of reaching those who are seeking for light.
The Guatemala English School is the only institution we have in this conference. We are glad to say that it is doing well. We have nearly one hundred pupils this year, and most of them are making good progress in their work. Brother J. G. Pettey, who is in charge of the school, is doing splendid work, and seems to have the confidence of the patrons. He is very enthusiastic in his work, and this tells in the upbuilding of the school, also in other departments of work. The school is now more than self-supporting, and we hope that it will be able to turn over a surplus to the conference at the end of the year.
Our workers are enjoying good health, and all have their hands full. It is true there are perplexities to meet, but they are small compared with the joy of being connected with the last great gospel message to be given to the world.
We need some good, strong young men, who have been tested, and proved to be men who will stay with the work through evil as well as good experiences. We have excellent territory on the west coast of Guatemala, with all Salvador, where canvassing could be successfully done. If we had two or three young men, such as described above, to take up canvassing in this territory, it would be a great help in developing this field.
N. V. WILLESS.

Something to Do Each Day

“EVERY day that dawns brings something to do which can never be done so well again.”

The Reality of Religion

“THE soul that has felt the touch of the living Christ in the use of the means of grace, does not need to depend upon mere argument for the reality of religion and the divinity of Christ.”

The Chile Conference

By J. W. Westphal

The fifth annual session of the Chile Conference was held at the Pua Training School, March 11-18, 1911. Owing to adverse circumstances, the attendance was small. The meetings were excellent, however, and the Lord gave liberty in the presentation of the Word. The business meetings passed off harmoniously, and the resolutions and discussions were of a helpful character. The former officials were reelected; and the Chile Conference entered upon another year with faith and courage.
The past year has been a good one for the conference. The membership has increased about fifty. The tithe shows a gain of $597.64, the total amounting to $2,905.05. The Sabbath-school and annual offerings increased in the aggregate $204.92, showing a total of $1,810.10. The conference had set the amount of Sabbath-school offerings for 1910 at $426, gold; and they exceeded this amount by $68.78. This experience has given the brethren courage to set the mark at 2,500 milreis (about $532.50) for 1911.
The tract society had a net gain of $296.56 on its business. This is not large, but two years ago it was bankrupt. The brethren are of good courage regarding this important branch of their work.
The school balance showed a loss. With the prices charged, this could hardly be otherwise. However, some things in regard to the school are very encouraging. It is gradually gaining an influence, especially among those without. The poverty of our Chilean brethren makes the attendance of their children, especially of the larger ones, quite small. The school, however, is now in a position to provide a better home for those who come, and to raise the standard of the work done.
Difficulties face the Chile Conference. The severe drought has affected the crops so that the outlook is that the income will be reduced rather than increased. The brethren are faithful in the payment of tithe and offerings, being in this respect an example to others more favorably situated; but when they do not have anything, they can not give. The situation is especially perplexing, as they are trying to do more work in the large cities, where expenses are necessarily higher; but he who has told us to move forward will also provide. There is no occasion for discouragement. J. W. WESTPHAL.

Ministerial Institute at Philadelphia

By G. B. Thompson

EVER since the beginning of the work of the third angel's message, we have looked forward to a time of a great refreshing, or the latter rain, by means of which that work will be speedily forwarded in the earth, and our absent Lord return. God's Word has promised it; the Testimonies of the Spirit have spoken frequently of it, and exhorted us to prepare for it; and the time has fully come.
Only by such an outpouring of spiritual power can the stupendous work before us be done. Never by mere force of numbers and increase of machinery, can we warn these great cities given over to sin and pleasure. Never by keen argument, attended by human power and ingenuity, can we reach the millions before us yet unwarned, both at home and abroad. With human strength the task is utterly hopeless, and we might well despair. Be the appropriation of funds ever so large, and the aggregation of workers ever so experienced and well trained, without God's Spirit in great measure they are but a drop in the ocean of lost humanity among whom they mingle. To finish the work there must be a tremendous spiritual awakening among us, not alone among the workers, but in every church. This is the crying need of the hour. It is for this that we should fervently and continuously intercede with God. We must increase our pace, and we should begin now.
Not long ago the servant of God said: “Recently, in visions during the night season, a representation passed before me. Among God's people there seemed to be a great reformatory movement. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families, and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side, doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with a heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844.”
Those who had the privilege of attending this institute seemed to stand on the threshold of some such experience as that described above. Certainly a large measure of the Holy Spirit was present. It was not some special occasion in the institute, but it was a daily experience throughout the meeting. A study of the Word brought a conviction of sin. All lightness, joking, and jesting were put away. Not a single criticism was heard from the beginning till the close. The one absorbing thought which took possession of every heart was the desire to be free from sin, that we might be anointed with God's Spirit for service, and not simply warn men with God's message, but save their souls as well. Everything else was secondary to this.
As the great work of the ministry was exalted, a terrible burden rested on hearts to be true soul-winners. This seemed more desirable than anything else in life. To preach God's message with power to reach hearts seemed to be the great goal desired. In no meeting that the writer has ever attended has such universal seeking of God been seen. Men prayed and agonized for victory. Getting a new experience was more important than hours of sleep. Seasons of prayer extended far into the night. A general prayer-meeting was arranged for 6:30 A. M.; and although the workers were widely scattered in a large city, nearly all were present every morning. A spirit of earnest, importunate prayer was with us.
As day by day the conviction of sin deepened, wrongs were made right. Where jealousy, envy, and evil-surmisings had existed among workers, they were confessed and put away. Some went to those against whom they had entertained wrong feelings, and made things right. Motives were looked into, and hearts were searched by the Spirit of God. The emptying which must precede an infilling of spiritual power went on day by day. And the Lord did not disappoint us. He came not alone to convict, chasten, and correct, but also to bless, strengthen, and encourage. After the humbling of heart came the joy of the Lord. All were encouraged to believe that a new era had dawned; that the call to work the cities meant a strong evangelical effort, attended by a great ingathering of souls.
Personally, I feel a profound conviction that the same work, only in a deeper and fuller measure, should be begun in every union and local conference. That this revival work should begin with us as ministers and workers seems fitting; but having received from God the fulness of his blessing, we should carry it to all our churches, and to the world, that there may be a spiritual awakening, not in one section of the field, but as far as the message extends. The time is here for this work. The Lord is waiting to bestow his Spirit on hearts that are clean. It is not some Holy Ghost message apart from this truth that is demanded, but the message of the third angel, proclaimed with the Spirit of God sent down from heaven.
There is no other way to finish this work. We have compassed this mountain long enough. It is now time to arise, and follow the pillar of cloud as it moves toward the promised land.
But this means an individual work. Before the flood of blessing can come, there must be a period of cleansing and of earnestly seeking God, a putting away of sin, a cleansing of heart, a repenting of sin; there must be the voice of weeping and supplication, the decrease of self, and the increase of Christ.
And surely the time has come for this work to begin. Why delay? Why should we not each begin now? The day of God is here. The end is almost in sight. Human probation is about to end. The cup of earth's wickedness is almost full. There is no time now for delay. In 1844, or more than sixty-six years ago, the hour of the investigative judgment began. Of this there is no doubt. The work of this heavenly tribunal will soon end, and the High Priest lay down his censer forever. This solemn truth ought to stir our hearts as never before to pray and to forsake sin. The time of the latter rain is here. We need it. We must have it to finish the sacred work of God committed to our hands. We believe that the blessing sent of God at this meeting, if used aright, will result in bringing renewed success to our work in the East.
G. B. THOMPSON.
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