Pacific Union Conference
By S. C. OSBORNE
DURING the month of January we held an institute in San Francisco, Cal. It was quite well attended, yet there should have been a larger number present. The California Conference was very liberal in dealing with the canvassers and those expecting to engage in that work. All such were given rooms free of charge, and were boarded at the Vegetarian Restaurant at the expense of the conference, and their fares paid to their fields of labor. We could not ask for more than was done, and we greatly appreciate such a liberal policy toward this class of workers. After some work among the churches, we held an institute at Newberg, Ore. The attendance was not large, but all possessed zeal and energy, and twelve earnest, devoted persons were prepared to carry the last message of mercy from house to house in book form. Most of them, if not all, are now in the field doing good work. One young lady, a beginner, took thirty dollars’ worth of orders the first seventeen hours she worked. A young woman who had been in the field before, took sixty dollars’ worth of orders in the same length of time. The Newberg church kindly provided for all who attended, free of charge. We were taken into their homes as members of the family, and made to feel and know that we were welcome. True Christian hospitality was shown. They received a blessing in showing such kindness and liberality, and it was a blessing and benefit to those that received it. Next came our union conference meeting at Portland, Ore., which was one of the best I ever attended. Many broad and liberal plans were laid for the advancement of the message; and there was a deep spiritual influence throughout the meeting. We were favored with the presence and efficient help of Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, and E. R. Palmer, world canvassing agent. They did much for the advancement of the work in this district, and we greatly appreciated their help. Following this was the Montana Conference, which was held at Butte, Mont. Quite an interest was manifested in the canvassing work, especially in regard to the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and nearly all in attendance took the drill on that book. A few will handle the large books during the summer. Montana has a small conference and few laborers, so we cannot expect great things from them yet; still they do well for their numbers. They sold nearly five thousand dollars’ worth of books last year, and we believe that they will do even more this year. At this writing, April 3, we are holding an institute at Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash. There is an excellent interest among the students, twenty-eight of whom are being instructed in the sale of our books, as follows: “Prophecies of Jesus,” one; “Great Controversy,” three; “Ladies’ Guide,” four; “Home Hand-Book,” six; “Daniel and the Revelation,” six; “Bible Readings,” eight. Others join our class each day, so we expect to see this number increased. Prof. E. L. Stewart has done much for our class here. He kindly gave us from 8 to 9:30 A. M., the very best time of the day, and excused from school duties all students who desired to attend our class, and lightened their work in various ways. We pull for large books first, last, and all the time. The smallest book used in our drills this year is “Marvel of Nations.” We had a few on that book at our San Francisco institute. Of course we have had some on “Christ’s Object Lessons” alone, but we do not count them, as that is not a subscription book; and then all our canvassers are going to sell their quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and some will sell many more. I believe the right plan has now been laid for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons;” and that book is meeting with a hearty reception among the people. I am sure that if the leaders do their part, these books will be sold in a short time, and our schools relieved of their debts. Only six books apiece! What a small job! Why, we ought to do that business in one day, not over a week at most. That will give us one whole day for each book. And who cannot sell one book in a day! The Lord is in this work, and he will help us do it, if we engage in it earnestly. We are of good courage for the work on the Pacific Coast, and look to the Lord for help to carry it forward successfully to the salvation of many souls.