Review and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 25.
—1 Corinthians 13, American Standard Revised VersionPage 1
Earlier text: The Great Need of Our Day Is PrayerColombia, South America
By Carrie Knight
BOCAS DEL TORO.—Although we have but recently come to this field, and are not fully acquainted as yet with the customs of the people, the Lord is blessing us, and giving us many rich experiences. This morning while out visiting and reading with the people, I found my mind constantly turning to my home land, and contrasting the life and homes of this people with the life and homes of my people in America; and I wish I could paint you a picture of the conditions that exist here as we view them day after day, that you might be able to see the contrast. You whose hearts are large and warm, who respond quickly to the calls made upon you for help, please do not forget us. We need help just now. Often when hearing our foreign workers tell of the needs of the foreign fields, I have tried to picture in my mind just how things must be in those countries. But hearing is not seeing; and as it has now become a reality to me, I find that my mental picture but faintly illustrated the truth. The darkness, the superstition, is something appalling. Evil habits are fast hurrying men into the grave. During the revolution a year ago, the dead were thrown into shallow trenches, and covered with sand. When the rains came, the sand was washed away, leaving the bodies exposed. Often the inmates of houses near these trenches were obliged to vacate because of the stench. The condition is doubtless one reason why there is so much sickness this year. The people are easily impressed with the truth; but frequently the impression is of short duration. They need to be told the truth over and over again, and after many repetitions perhaps it will reach the heart and bring results. So we have to work slowly, quietly, and steadily. For this reason we need one or17two more workers. Mr. Knight and I are alone, with over four hundred islands that must be visited with the message. Often the sea is dangerously rough, and in our little skiff (the only means we have for transportation) we are tossed about like a feather on the mighty waves. Often rain comes almost without warning, and we are drenched to the skin, and obliged to ride in that condition for hours; but we are kept well and strong by God's power alone. We pray him to lay the burden of this field upon the hearts of some of our brethren in America, that they may send us help, and provide a safer way for us to travel. This is an excellent field for canvassing. We can not take orders and deliver, but must sell the books. We often wish we had some of the good canvassers in America to help us. We expect soon to see this field on a self-supporting basis, as the brethren here are coming up in tithes and offerings, and we feel sure that we can relieve others of the burden of this field if only we can have help now. The brethren here are most willing to do their best. The work is onward, souls are being born into the kingdom; and they are faithful in paying their tithes and offerings. The other day one of our native brethren came to pay his tithe. “Here, Sister Knight,” he said, handing me a package, “is my tithe from the selling of our books; and here,” handing me another package, “is my wife’s tithe.” This same Colombian when converted through Bible readings was a hard drinker and smoker, but he at once discarded liquor, tobacco, tea, coffee, and meat, and would not even allow them on his place. This simply illustrates the nature of this people when once they are converted to the truth. They are determined, firm, and faithful. I am kept busy in Bible work, helping in meetings, canvassing, visiting, and nursing. I fear that my entire time will soon be taken up in nursing, as the calls are coming in thick and fast, but in this way I shall be able to pay my own way. We enjoy our work. We are often told by the natives that we are killing ourselves, but we never felt better, never were of better courage. We like this country. It is not nearly so warm here as in the States. There are no severe storms, cyclones, nor thunder and lightning, though it rains very hard. Pray for the work here. MRS. CARRIE KNIGHT. HUGHES SPRINGS.—Since my last report I have not held meetings regularly, as the farmers are very busy, but have begun meetings on Friday night and continued until Sunday night, visiting and giving Bible readings through the week. We have had some precious seasons of the outpouring of the Spirit. Eight dear souls have followed their Lord in baptism the past four Sabbaths. We are now raising the new tent, and will soon be giving the message to the people of the town. Those who have so liberally given to purchase a tent can now realize that they have an interest in this meeting, and we ask each one to pray earnestly for the success of the meeting at Hughes Springs. We think that a good, strong church can be organized here before the summer closes. Seven were keeping the Sabbath at this place when I came; now there are sixteen. I have found some prejudice, and a great deal of tobacco and snuff, with which to contend, but the Lord gives power to overcome. To him be all the praise! E. B. HOPKINS. G. G. RUPERT
By G. G. Rupert
MANGUM.—We have just arrived at this place to begin a series of meetings. The way is all open, and a house secured. We have a good home in which to stop with kind friends, and above all, the people seem willing and anxious to have the meetings. It is a new field where the truth has never been preached. Last night was our first meeting, and a goodly number were out. This is a place we have had in mind, one from which a call has been coming to us for two years, so now we will try to fill the call. Our courage is good. We have sought the Lord not to leave us, and we trust some good will come to the people. My wife and daughter will assist me in the meetings. It is a pleasure to bring the truth to those who desire to know more of God and his truth. We ask our friends and all who love the Lord to pray for the success of this meeting. MONTGOMERY.—The fourth year of the Charity Mission School closed May 27. The daily average of attendance was over fifty. Most of the students made rapid progress. The parents seemed well pleased, and attended the closing exercises. We have already mentioned, through the columns of the REVIEW, that the parents of these children are very poor, and can not pay much tuition. Some can not pay any. Last fall I made an appeal for help for them, also for the mission family, who are working partly on the self-supporting plan. The good people of San José, Cal., responded, through the kind solicitation of Brother W. G. Buckner, and sent us some second-hand clothing, and some fruit for the children, for which we were very thankful, and which we took pleasure in distributing among the most needy. The little boys were somewhat disappointed, as most of the clothing sent was for girls. But Brother Buckner sent ten dollars in cash, and several of the most needy boys were helped. The mission family received one barrel of choice dried fruits from Sister D. A. Woodruff and others in Ashford, N. Y. Our hearts are made to rejoice because of the word recently given through the spirit of prophecy, that the Lord accepts the work that has been done for the colored people in the small mission schools supported by Seventh-day Adventists. Dear friends, please keep in mind what the Lord has said about the work for the colored people, and kindly sustain us by your earnest prayers and financial help. Those desiring further information concerning our work, needs, etc., are invited to write to Prof. B. E. Nicola, Box 414, Huntsville, Ala., or to Elder W. L. McNeely, president of the Alabama Conference, Fruit Hurst, Ala., or to the writer. T. B. BUCKNER. The Southern Sanitarium
By Smith Sharp
MORE than one year ago we were instructed through the Testimonies that a sanitarium ought to be built at Graysville, to be operated in connection with the Southern Training School located at this place. The necessity was conceded by all; but when we considered the situation from a financial standpoint, the task seemed similar to that of the Israelites in Egypt when compelled to make brick without straw. In all the Southern Union Conference there are only about two thousand Sabbath-keepers, many of whom belong to the colored race; and most of these, as well as many of our white brethren, are very poor in this world's goods. Under such circumstances the work was deferred until a Testimony came, informing us that we had delayed too long. With this fact confronting us, what could we do but go forward even though the prospect for obtaining means to complete the building seemed very discouraging? And this we did, being fully satisfied that if we did our duty, means to finish the building would be forthcoming. The plan suggested for raising means was that we should first appeal to Graysville for one third of the means, to the Cumberland Conference for one third, and to the Southern Union Conference for one third. Graysville raised more than its quota. Twenty-five acres of land, on which was a good, pure, soft-water spring, was donated by one of our brethren. The Cumberland Conference, as well as the Southern Union Conference, did something, and we began what appeared to us to be an immense undertaking. The building is situated on the side of the mountain, about fifteen minutes' walk from the school. It is only thirty-two by sixty-four feet, four stories above the basement, and will accommodate twenty or twenty-five patients. This building, though modest in size, will suffice for all the work that we think we ought to concentrate at any one point. At the very outset we decided to go no faster than money was received to pay bills. Notwithstanding work has not stopped entirely at any time, yet we have gone much slower than would have been the case had we possessed a full treasury. The building is up and inclosed, wired for call-bells and electric lights, and lathed, and we hope to be enabled to complete and furnish it this fall. This can be easily accomplished provided the means can be obtained. We have already found it necessary to appeal to our brethren outside the Southern Union Conference. The late General Conference at Oakland, Cal., very generously opened the way for us. The California Conference, which convened the day on which the General Conference closed, by vote invited us to visit the churches in that State. Elder Kilgore and I made a brief tour of the State, visiting San José, Los Angeles, Fresno, Selma, Armona, St. Helena, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco, and Sacramento, also Reno, Nev. We obtained in the aggregate over four hundred dollars in cash and about one thousand dollars in pledges. This has been quite a help to us, but more means must be obtained in order to keep the work going. Elder Moon, president of the Northern Illinois Conference, has very kindly consented that I should visit churches in Chicago and other parts of his conference. It will be necessary also to visit other conferences in the interests of this work. I shall bring credentials showing that I am duly authorized, and have the sanction of the General Conference. Money received will be duly credited on appropriations made for the Southern work by the General Conference Committee at its late meeting in Battle Creek. Now, my brethren, please consider that this is not my work, and that I am not working in my own interests. I would be glad indeed if duty did not call me in this direction. However, with the duty placed upon me and the work in danger of lagging, what can I do but go where the way is opened for me, and present the situation as it is, and place the money you give me in the hands of those who will faithfully apply every dollar of it to the object for which it is donated? The Testimonies have said that this field is a destitute and worthy one, and that our people will not do their duty until they rally to the financial support of the work in this hard field. It is difficult for our people in other parts of the United States to realize our condition in this field. We have very few places of worship, and our people have no money to provide such places. Where we have institutions, such as school buildings and treatment rooms, the facilities are such that our people generally would feel that it would be out of the question to operate them without increased furnishings, yet we are compelled to do the best we can with our limited facilities. Nothing will tend to advance the work in this field faster than this well-equipped sanitarium, directed as it will be by the Southern Union Conference. The sum of twenty-five hundred or three thousand dollars in cash will place us where we can be ready to receive patients into this institution. It does indeed seem that it is a small sum, and in many places in the Northern field it would be considered a mere pittance. But, my brethren, we have about exhausted our ability. Our modest little building is beautifully located among the pines on the mountainside, below the never-failing waters, waiting to receive invalids from less favored regions. We trust to the generosity of our Northern brethren to assist us in this extremity. SMITH SHARP,
*Manager of Southern Sanitarium for
S. U. C.* An Appeal for the Australasian Field
By E. M. Graham
Our people are being asked to contribute of their means to help carry the third angel’s message to the people of Australasia. In order to do this intelligently, it is necessary to know something of the country, what has already been done there to advance this cause, and what is needed to continue this work in an effective manner. Australasia is a large country, being six-sevenths as large as the United States before Alaska was added. But it is sparsely populated, having only 4,648,705 inhabitants, according to the last census. Of these 174,233 are in Tasmania, 830,000 in New Zealand, and the remainder on the mainland. In Australia the people are chiefly confined to the seaboard, as the interior is largely desert. But there are large tracts of land, called the back blocks, devoted to cattle and sheep raising, in the interior of some States, where there is a small and widely scattered population. The size of the territory, and the scattered condition of the people, make this a difficult field to work, and an expensive one; for much traveling must be done to reach the people. Fares are high, and traveling lacks the conveniences enjoyed in the United States. But in other ways it is not a difficult country. There is little prejudice against our work. There are Sunday laws, but so far they have not been put in operation against us. People come out readily to hear the preaching of the truth, and the health principles of our message are received with enthusiasm. These things indicate that now is the time to push the work here, while we are able to secure a hearing so easily, before the enemy closes the way before us. The Lord, through the spirit of prophecy, has spoken plainly concerning this field, and its relation to the work of the third angel’s message. The faithful canvassers have traversed the field from one end to the other, and it is the exception to enter a home, and find no Adventist literature of any sort. The book sales have always been, and still are very large. This work has been followed by camp-meetings, tent meetings, Bible workers, and other agencies, and as a result a conference has been organized in each State, seven in all. The present membership is 2,306, and there are about one hundred Sabbath-keepers not yet organized. The people are faithful in tithes and offerings. They pay the highest average tithe of any country in the world, with one exception, as will be seen from the table given in the Bulletin. But the burden laid upon them of working this large country is at present more than they can carry without help. A training-school, called the Avondale School for Christian Workers, has been established, and is doing good work in training laborers for the home and island fields. Connected with it is a printing office, the Sanitarium Health Food Company’s factory, and the Avondale Health Retreat, a small sanitarium, which is at present closed, for lack of a physician to manage it. These institutions have all been established in harmony with the instruction given by the Lord through his servant. In Melbourne, Victoria, where the work was first started, is a large and well-equipped printing and publishing house, where most of our denominational books are now being printed and bound. The long distance of Australasia from the United States makes the importation of books very unsatisfactory, and has made it necessary for most of the work to be done on the ground. This office stands high in credit, and does excellent work. The medical work was started in a small way near Sydney, and grew to such proportions that about three years ago we were instructed through the spirit of prophecy to arise and build an institution that would fitly represent to the world the principles of health that the Lord had given us. In obedience to this command a sanitarium has been erected a few miles from Sydney, and it was dedicated January 1 of this year. It will accommodate from sixty to ninety patients, and is a plain, but good building, light, airy, and convenient. It has been an expensive building to erect; for building materials are very high in price in Australia, every bit of timber used having to be imported from the United States, or some equally distant country. The work was done chiefly by our own people, all of whom worked for lower wages than they would have received elsewhere, so it has been a labor of love, and we expect that the blessing of the Lord will rest upon the institution. In fact, during the first month after it began to receive patients, we reaped the first fruits, for two patients accepted the truths of the message, and united with us. For this we praise God, and take courage. Other institutions of a like character have been started. In New Zealand they have a small sanitarium; in Adelaide there are well-equipped treatment rooms; in Rockhampton we have treatment rooms; in Sydney is a vegetarian café, with treatment rooms connected; there are health food agencies in every capital city, and in a few other cities, and there is an increasing demand for all kinds of health foods. You can see that in the years since the work was started here, a great deal has been accomplished, but there is much more to be done. The field is so large, and the people so widely scattered, that it is necessary to have more institutions in proportion to the people than would be necessary if they were more compactly settled. For instance, we have but one sanitarium in Australia. What impression would this make upon the people in West Australia, two thousand miles away? We should have a small sanitarium in every State. We can reach a class of people through our medical work that we can reach in no other way, and wherever it has been introduced, the results have been most encouraging. To erect the sanitarium we have, our people have given to the utmost of their ability. We have no wealthy people among us. The Sabbath-keepers are almost wholly wage-earners, and many of them retain their situations by sacrificing part of their wages, in order to rest on the Sabbath. There are few property owners among us, so we can not call on our people to sell, and give to the cause. The country has been suffering from a severe drought for several years, which has utterly ruined many people who were once wealthy. It has affected our people very much in some parts, particularly in Queensland, where some have endured great privations. If you could visit your brethren and sisters in some of these places, and see how bravely they are struggling to hold on until better times come, your hearts would go out in sympathy to them. Some have even been reduced to eating boiled prickly pear, to keep from starvation. But they ask no help for themselves, only that you will give of your means to help us carry this message to those who are perishing around us. But notwithstanding the means that have been raised for the sanitarium, and the sacrifices made by the workmen, there is a heavy indebtedness resting upon it, and we need assistance to pay this. We will continue to do all we can to help ourselves, but we appeal to you to come to our help, and remember that we are but two thousand people, trying to carry the work of this large country, in a drought-stricken land, with little means at our command. Missions should be established in each of the large cities, in order to carry out the instruction of the Lord, to work in the cities now. These would no doubt soon become self-supporting, but it takes means to start them. More workers should be put in the field, but we have not more means than will support the workers we already have. Workers are needed as well as money. An illustration will show this. The Pacific Union Conference has about a million square miles less territory than we have, about a million less population to work for; it has eighty-seven ministers, whereas we have sixteen. There are openings on every side. Calls come from every direction, and our hearts ache because we can not fill them. Brethren and sisters, we beseech of you to come to our help, that we may place the work where the Lord says it should be. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” May the Lord bless you, and fulfill this promise to you. Dedication of the Madison Sanitarium
By Alonzo T. Jones
At Madison, Wis., Sunday afternoon, June 7, there was dedicated the new sanitarium, erected for the making known of God's “saving health among all nations.” This sanitarium is a beautiful, excellently arranged, moderate-sized, four-story structure, on the lake shore opposite the capital city of Madison. The sanitarium grounds are composed of a five-acre plot touching two hundred feet of the waters of the lake, not far from the Chautauqua Assembly grounds. The views from the windows and verandas of the sanitarium, over lake and hills, are so charming as certainly of themselves alone to be strongly conducive to the health of whomsoever shall have the benefit of them. And in truth the house is already nearly full of patients who are having this splendid benefit, with all the others that the institution can bestow. The dedicatory services were held on the broad, high front veranda, the audience of several hundreds of people occupying the lawn and driveway in front of the building. Elder Wm. Covert presided. There were selections of instrumental19music, hymns and songs; a brief history of the Madison Sanitarium, by Brother J. H. Bramhall, who started this work in Madison; dedicatory address by Dr. J. H. Kellogg; short addresses by A. T. Jones and Jesse Arthur; an original poem by Mrs. Olson; the dedicatory prayer by Elder Covert, and benediction by Elder Reed. All passed off pleasantly in a Christian way, and good impressions were made in behalf of the Lord's cause and great message of saving health. Brother C. P. Farnsworth, M. D., and Sister A. B. Farnsworth, M. D., are the physicians in charge. It is they with their helpers who, under God and by his good hand upon them, have brought the medical missionary work to this successful stage at Madison. They have a truly model sanitarium, for the moderate-sized class; they have the hearty co-operation of the whole Wisconsin Conference, and the good will of the city of Madison and the University of Wisconsin, and surely nothing less than the sincere good wishes and Godspeed of every lover of the third angel’s message in all the world. And with all this in their favor, and with the good hand of God still upon them, they can with bright hope and good cheer go on in their present and larger field of usefulness and blessing to suffering mankind. In the Wisconsin Conference the doctrinal work and the practical work of the gospel move on harmoniously, and therefore strongly. The strictly evangelical work, the medical missionary work, and the educational work are all carried on and built up in even lines, in pleasant relations, and in Christian fellowship and mutual helpfulness—“in a brotherly fraternity according to God's law.” Accordingly, brightness, good cheer, and prosperity pervade all, and are apparent everywhere. May it be so, and more also, forever and everywhere! Convention of the Educational Department of the General Conference
By Frederick Griggs
According to appointment previously announced in the Review, this convention was called to order by the chairman of the department, L. A. Hoopes, at ten o’clock, Friday morning, June 12. A goodly number were present at the opening meeting. More have come since. Several of the General Conference Committee are present. All the union conference schools in this country are represented. Nearly all the union conference superintendents of church schools are present, and many of the State superintendents are also here. A large number of church school teachers from the central part of the United States are also present, so that, altogether, we have a company of about one hundred and fifty teachers. Nature has certainly smiled upon us so far during this convention. Shortly before the convention met, the heavy rain clouds which have been hanging over the central portion of the United States, and pouring their contents upon the earth, broke away, and the sun shone forth brightly upon the earth. Those who are acquainted with College View say that it was never more beautiful than at present. It is certainly a beautiful and inspiring scene that one beholds as he looks out from the chapel windows— in which room we meet for our session—across the rolling prairies. The first meeting was opened with an earnest season of prayer, beseeching God’s blessing to rest upon us, and that the Teacher of teachers should be with us during the days of the convention, that we might all be properly instructed. A program had been prepared. Words of welcome to the members of the convention were spoken by L. A. Hoopes. He said, in part: “We have many reasons for thanksgiving for this convention. I believe it to be an evidence that there is a taking hold of our educational work in a decided way, and that it indicates a concerted movement, for which we have all been looking. It should be remembered that the work of the message committed to the last generation is in its nature an educational work. While this may be said of the gospel work in all time, it is more emphatically true of the last message to the world. It is at the feet of the only One who knows all truth that we have come to sit and learn. We therefore gladly welcome you to our place, and trust that the fondest anticipations of this convention may be realized.” In response, F. Griggs said: “I think it is a most excellent thing that this convention of ministers, Bible workers, and teachers has been called; that we have here come together to look at the work from one another’s view-point. Without this mutual counsel our schools are certain to get away from the gospel work; and on the other hand, there are certain things which teachers can see, that, if appreciated by those who stand at the head of our work, may be utilized as a means of advancing the message. But it must not be forgotten that the greatest benefit which this convention can be to our school work can come only when the vitalizing spirit which our great Teacher is waiting to impart to us, is received. Let us seek for it, first of all; for having received it, many of the perplexities which we meet in our work will be solved.” At eleven o’clock Elder A. T. Jones gave an address upon the philosophy of history. “The problem of sin and its solution is the philosophy of history. Any study, or any teaching, of history that is not conducted in view of that, is not the true study of history at all, and as a study in itself it is certain to be vain. Therefore another thing follows, and that is, since the history of this world, as alone we can know it, is the result of sin, and the solution of it, it is plain that the beginning of our study of history must be with the beginning of sin, not only in this world, but the beginning of sin where sin began. The philosophy of history, and that philosophy worked out in demonstration, is given in the Bible. This problem of sin, and the study of history in the light of the solution of it, is the only thing that will give the true understanding of the occurrences that history outside the Bible records.” At three o’clock, Friday afternoon, this subject was further considered, with special reference to the teaching of it. Elder Jones said that his histories were not written primarily for our schools, but were the result of a request made by our brethren that he should prepare something which would bring together the facts of history in accordance with the general principles which he stated in his morning talk. He felt that so far as possible it was better to go to the original sources for his facts. Accordingly he had taken, as far as possible, that which the men who made the history had to say of what they had done. His histories were thus quite largely a compilation. He had done this, feeling that those who read and study them would be better students for having thus studied the records as they were originally written. A general discussion followed, led by M. E. Kern and W. A. Colcord. As a result of this meeting, a committee, consisting of the following-named persons, was appointed to bring to the convention recommendations regarding the outline of history and the preparation of suitable books for our schools: A. T. Jones, M. E. Kern, W. A. Colcord, B. E. Nicola, J. G. Lamson, F. Bralliar, and Miss M. Bessie De Graw. At eight o’clock Elder A. G. Daniells gave an address upon “Our Message.” He emphasized the thought that our work had not happened to come into existence, but that it was in the definite order of God. So in the giving of this message we had a specific and peculiar work. From this idea we must never depart. Sabbath forenoon Elder Jones spoke upon “The Bible in Education.” “Education truly begins with life, and is intended never to end. And the Bible belongs in it all the way, for the first of all reasons because it is the Word of God, who is the author of life, the designer of destiny, and the continuance of life without end. Being the Word of God, the Bible belongs in education, because it is thus the fountain of knowledge.” Sabbath afternoon a union social meeting was held, led by Elder H. W. Cottrell. Sunday morning at six o’clock Elder J. J. Irwin, superintendent of the North Michigan church schools, led a prayer and social meeting. At eight o’clock the general relation of our educational work to the third angel’s message was considered. This subject was spoken to by several. It was particularly emphasized that our work in education was not the message in itself, but rather an integral part of the message, embracing other features equally as important. At ten o’clock Prof. M. E. Cady, followed by Miss F. M. Dickerson and F. Bralliar, opened a discussion of the subject of science. Many most excellent and helpful things were said regarding this important subject of work. The general idea was that we should study science even more earnestly than we have, but that we should avoid some of the dangers in its study. Pantheism is rapidly gaining ground because of a wrong conception of the working of God in nature. “The written Word must be to us the interpreter of the works of God about us. There is danger of making too much of the flower and of the vine, and not making enough of that living Word which convicts of sin.” As a result of the general discussion, a committee on suggestive courses of study was appointed. The committee was as follows: M. E. Cady, C. C. Lewis, Miss F. M. Dickerson, H. A. Washburn, B. E. Nicola, F. Bralliar, B. E. Huffman, Mrs. Flora Williams, and H. W. Carr. At three o’clock in the afternoon L. A. Hoopes opened a discussion of “The Relation of Church, Intermediate, Union, and Medical Schools to One Another.” “There are many factors that enter into the discussion of this question. The spiritual phase of the work is the one great part. Yet there are practical questions20concerning the extent of the work which each one of our various schools is to carry on.” The studies, grades, and similar questions are ones with which we naturally have to deal.” A general discussion followed Elder Hoopes’s paper. A committee was appointed on the organization of an educational system, consisting of A. G. Daniells, W. W. Prescott, M. E. Kern, E. A. Sutherland, F. Griggs, W. A. George, E. T. Russell, B. E. Nicola, H. E. Giddings, Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, Mrs. Flora H. Williams. At eight o’clock in the evening, Professor Prescott spoke upon the subject of science. “What shall we study, then, in the things that are made?—We will study the essential truth of the third angel’s message. What the heavens declared, was the reflection of him when he was manifested in the flesh. He manifested forth the glory of his salvation from sin in his works. But before this can be seen, the life of God as manifested in the person of his Son for salvation must be realized.” Elder T. H. Jeys led the Monday morning prayer and social meeting. At eight o’clock a partial report of the committee appointed on history work was considered. At the ten o’clock meeting the subject of language teaching in our schools was considered, led by Prof. W. E. Howell. The afternoon session was devoted to the consideration of the organization of church schools. Miss M. Bessie De Graw, followed by B. E. Huffman and S. M. Butler, led an interesting discussion, in which many practical questions and difficulties were discussed. At eight o’clock Professor Prescott addressed the convention upon the subject of “The Closing Message and the Schools.” FREDERICK GRIGGS,
Secretary of Department. Importance of Health and Temperance Publications
By Ellen G. White
The temperance question is to receive decided support from God's people. Intemperance is striving for the mastery; self-indulgence is increasing, and the publications treating on health reform are greatly needed. Literature bearing on this point is the helping hand of the gospel, leading souls to search the Bible for a better understanding of the truth. The note of warning against the great evil of intemperance should be sounded; and that this may be done, every Sabbath-keeper should study and practice the instruction contained in our health periodicals and our health books. And they should do more than this: they should make earnest efforts to circulate these publications among their neighbors. Selling Health Literature
The sale of our health literature will in no way hinder the sale of publications dealing with other phases of the third angel's message. All are to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. Canvassers should call the attention of those they visit to our health publications, telling them of the valuable instruction these periodicals contain regarding the care of the sick and treatment of diseases. Tell them this instruction, studied and practiced, will bring health to the family. Explain how important it is for every family to understand the science of life. Direct their minds to him who formed and who keeps in motion the wonderful machinery of the body. Tell them that it is our part to co-operate with God, caring wisely for all our faculties and organs. The proper care of the body is a great responsibility, and requires an intelligent knowledge of its parts. Tell them that God is dishonored when, for the gratification of appetite and passion, man misuses the machinery of the body, so that it does its work feebly and with difficulty. Tell them that the books you have for sale give much valuable instruction regarding health, and that by practicing this instruction, much suffering, and also much of the money spent in paying doctors' bills, will be saved. Tell them that in these books there is advice which they can not possibly obtain from their physician during the short visits he makes. Teaching Health Principles by Example
In his association with those whom he meets, the canvasser can do much to show the value of healthful living. Instead of staying at a hotel, he should, if possible, obtain lodging with a private family. As he sits at the table with the family, let him practice the instruction given in the health works he is selling, holding up the banner of strict temperance. As opportunity is offered, let him speak of the value of a healthful diet. He should never be ashamed to say, “No, thank you; I do not eat meat.” If tea, is offered, let him refuse it, explaining that it is harmful, that though for a time stimulating, the stimulating effect passes off, and a corresponding depression is left. Let him explain the injurious effect of intoxicating drinks, and of tobacco, tea, and coffee, on the digestive organs and the brain. As the canvasser goes from place to place, he will find many who are sick. He should have a practical knowledge of the causes of disease, and should understand how to give simple treatments, that he may relieve the suffering ones. More than this, he should pray in faith and simplicity for the sick, pointing them to the great Physician. As he thus walks and works with God, ministering angels are beside him, giving him access to hearts. What a wide field for missionary effort lies before the faithful, consecrated canvasser; what a blessing will be his in the diligent performance of his work. A Sacred and Important Work
Young men, young women, you are called by the Master to take up his work. His requirements are too sacred to be tampered with. In the name of the Lord I ask you to conquer every unlawful appetite and passion, and to purify your souls by a belief in the truth. Overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. Discharge faithfully your obligations, looking to God for strength. Church-members, awake to the importance of the circulation of our literature, and devote more time to this work. Place in the homes of the people papers, tracts, and books that will preach the gospel in its several lines. There is no time to be lost. Let many give themselves willingly and unselfishly to the canvassing work, and thus help to sound a warning that is greatly needed. When the church takes up her appointed work, she will go forth “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” MRS. E. G. WHITE. Famine Relief for the Matabele Mission
FROM Cape Town, South Africa, Brother W. S. Hyatt writes: “The drought in Matabeleland this year has cut short their crops, and it is believed that many children will suffer and die as a result. We are sure that funds and food will be needed, in order that we may save the lives of some of the natives in the vicinity of our station.” At the recent conference in South Africa, it was recommended “that Brother Anderson be authorized, in behalf of the Matabele Mission, to provide food from the mission funds for extremely necessitous cases during the prevailing famine, until he can send a full report of the situation to enable the committee to make an appeal for help.”