The first matter that we shall consider in this paper is the problem of church-school support. We must all admit that this is one of the most difficult financial problems before this denomination to-day, and we can solve it only as we lay aside every prejudice and breathe a prayer to God, “O Lord, teach us; show us thy way.” Each conference has had its plan for support; there has been no unanimity in this matter; perhaps none is possible. We must and do call our church-school work a success, regardless of our financial policies. That being conceded, are our four hundred and fifty-one teachers whom God has called and so wonderfully blessed, and our school boards that have labored so faithfully, fully satisfied with the methods that have been followed to raise the funds necessary to sustain these schools? Those who are, need no better plans than those they already have, but no plans can be successful as a whole unless through them a very large majority of Seventh-day Adventist children are enabled to attend our own schools, and unless these schools are being operated without the usual annual deficits we hear so much about.
Therefore, in considering this problem, let us not keep in mind one or two successful schools, but each conference should ask this question, What financial plans can be laid to enable a very large majority, if not all, of our children to obtain a Christian education without having a burden of debt?
PLAN 1.—The plan of support usually followed is very much better than to have no plan at all. It consists in the church-school board's appointing some one to visit every church-member and outsider who has children in the school, and receive pledges, which are usually to be paid monthly. Where every one helps whether he has children or not, and where those who have children shoulder their share of the burden, this plan works fairly well. However, let us notice some objections to it. The pledges usually go unpaid for months; and when the teacher calls for her month's wages, she is paid only part of it, or nothing at all. Then on Sabbath the elder or other church officer makes a call for those who have pledged to pay their pledges by a certain day, or the school will close. This threat of closing is repeated quite often during the year. It detracts materially from the sanctity of the service in God's house to have this matter presented so repeatedly. Furthermore, it makes the teacher, who is usually present, feel uncomfortable to have the matter of her wages mentioned so often. Then it usually happens that, despite all their efforts, the teacher must wait two, three, or four months for the last month's salary. All this is better than nothing, but I believe there is a better and more excellent way.
PLAN 2.—Another plan is to limit the attendance at school to those who pay tuition. I have been in councils where such a plan was considered perfectly proper, but I ask, How about the poor children whose parents are unable to pay? Shall these be barred? I can not think for a moment that Christ would have it so. This objection might be overcome by appealing to others for help.
PLAN 3.—A third plan of support is a conference educational fund, created through an appeal to the people. This might bring in one thousand dollars or more. The conference would then propose to certain weak churches, “We will give you one hundred dollars if you will raise two hundred dollars,” or some such ratio as might be decided upon.
PLAN 4.—A fourth plan spoken of is a setting apart of a tithe of the tithe for the support of schools. I do not think this has ever been done, but I do know that the tithe has been used in partial support of the teachers. The tithe is wholly unto the Lord, and should never be used for anything else than the support of the gospel ministry.
PLAN 5.—The last plan I have to offer is one that has been used by the Southern California Conference for three or four years. She has solved this problem for herself. Other conferences must solve it for themselves in their own way. It is a plan that abolishes every objection that I have made against the others, and enables us to educate a majority of our children in our own schools.
This is the second-tithe plan, which I believe is Scriptural, and therefore systematic. I must admit that when I went to Southern California last year, I was prejudiced against the second-tithe system. My heart was wrapped up in foreign missionary work, and I felt that when the people had paid a first tithe and a second tithe out of their earnings, they would have nothing left for offerings. I find just the opposite. The more they give, the more they have to give. God blesses their liberality.
Obligations of the Second Tithe
We all know that the tithe belongs to the ministry. There was, however, another tithe for another purpose, as brought to view in Deut. 14: 22, 23: “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thy oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.” This was called a second tithe, and was obligatory upon all the people. This is also spoken of in Deut. 12: 17.
“Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 530, states the following: “To promote the21assembling of the people for religious service, as well as to provide for the poor, a second tithe of all the increase was required. Concerning the first tithe the Lord had declared, ‘I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel.’ Num. 18: 21. But in regard to the second, he commanded, ‘Thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.’ Deut. 14: 23. This tithe, or its equivalent in money, they were for two years to bring to the place where the sanctuary was established. After presenting a thank-offering to God and a specified portion to the priest, the offerers were to use the remainder for a religious feast in which the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow should participate. Thus provision was made for the thank-offerings and feasts of the yearly festivals, and the people were drawn to the society of the priests and Levites, that they might receive instruction and encouragement in the service of God.”
“Every third year, however, this second tithe was to be used at home, in entertaining the Levite and the poor, as Moses said, ‘That they may eat within thy gates, and be filled.’ This tithe would provide a fund for the uses of charity and hospitality.”
This explains itself. This tithe was “required” and used for different purposes, but the giving was systematic. For two years they were to bring it to Jerusalem, and the third year they were to use it at home for “charity and hospitality.” Out of the amount of the two years’ tithe they first gave a thank-offering to God, and used the remainder to maintain themselves and others while they were being taught by the priests and Levites the things of God. These great feasts were educational.
The first and second tithes constituted the tithing system which God designed for his people to-day, as well as for Israel. These tithes (plural, meaning first and second) are mentioned in the Scriptures. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3: 8-10.
While hardly any one doubts the obligation of the second tithe, there are questions concerning its use to-day. Some think that Deut. 14: 22-28 gives the one adopting it liberty to retain it in his own possession, using it for paying offerings, church-school teachers, church expenses, etc. Others think that Mal. 3: 10 has reference to its leaving one's possession and being placed in the treasury of the church. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
(To be concluded)
Christian Education
By FREDERICK GRIGGS; C. C. LEWIS
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
FREDERICK GRIGGS, Chairman, C. C. LEWIS, Secretary.
Current Mention
— By the collapse of a large building in process of construction at South Framingham, Mass., on July 23, between thirty-five and forty workmen were buried under the débris. At last account eleven dead had been taken from the wrecked building, and others were known to be missing.
— Fifteen indictments on charges of restraint of trade in the matter of advancing the price of ice were returned by the grand jury at Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 23, ten against persons and five against firms, and all being members of the ice dealers’ exchange. Similar action is being taken against the ice trusts of Jacksonville, Fla.
— Because of the terrible persecutions to which Jews are subjected in Russia, a plan has been adopted in this country for a systematic collection of money to purchase lands in Syria which shall belong to the Jewish people in common. There seems to be practically no abatement of the unreasoning hatred of the Russian mass against the Hebrew race.
— Order is not yet restored in the Philippines. A report from the island of Leyte, dated July 25, states that a battle had just occurred between the American soldiers and constabulary on the one side and a force of Pulajanes on the other. The latter lost fifty killed and more than sixty wounded. The soldiers and native constabulary were in search of this force which had defeated two constabulary detachments, causing a loss of twenty-seven.22
— Through the intervention of the representatives of the United States and Mexico, the Central American states, recently at war, have agreed to disarm their forces and resume friendly relations. Within two months from the date of signing the treaty the parties concerned will sign a general treaty of peace, friendship, and commerce. In case of any dispute arising over the articles of the proposed treaty, the questions in disagreement will be submitted to the president of the United States and the president of Mexico for arbitration.
— On July 11 an assault was committed upon three special policemen who were guarding non-union workmen on the new Plaza Hotel in New York City. It was claimed that non-union men at work on the structure had been killed by union men’s throwing missiles of iron and steel down upon them. The policemen were attacked by the union men and thrown from an upper story to the floors below, one of them dying from his injuries. At the coroner’s inquest the men guilty of the assault were exonerated, though positively identified by one of the policemen. Four of the union men were immediately rearrested on a charge of felonious assault. None of the union men at work upon the building would admit having seen the policemen thrown from their stations.
— Russia at the present time might well be likened to a tremendous volcano whose disruptive forces have about reached the point of explosion. In some provinces the peasantry are either starving or rapidly approaching starvation conditions, and a growing wave of discontent and disloyalty is sweeping over the people. In very many districts the peasants have attacked and looted the estates of the nobility and the large landholders. A member of the czar’s household recently appealed for military protection against such an attack which was then going on upon his estate near the capital, but the military authorities dared not withdraw a force from the capital sufficient to cope with the disturbance. The secret organization known as the Reds is actively extending its propaganda in spite of the most repressive measures. The result of the czar’s decree dissolving the Parliament elected by the people seems slow in manifesting itself. It was thought by many that this would be the signal for a general uprising; but the leaders of the people feel that they are not yet prepared to act with any assurance of success. The censorship of the press is so strict that it is doubtful if the people generally have yet learned the true situation. The government has readopted its policy of repression, and house-to-house searches are being made by the police to secure all documentary evidence possible against the enemies of the present régime. Many are questioning the sincerity of the czar’s promise to convene another Parliament if he is able to control the present troublous situation. The last admonition of the Russian Parliament to the people was to pay no taxes and to furnish no more men for the army. This has caused Russian securities abroad to drop rapidly, and that at a time when Russia is sorely in need of funds. A general strike of the railway employees is threatened, which would seriously handicap the government in the movement of troops.
Religious Liberty Notes
By W. A. COLCORD
The ministers of Hartford, Conn., are criticizing very severely the authorities of Luna Park of that city because of certain amusements which are being engaged in on Sundays.
The Elkpoint (S. D.) church celebrated the fourth of July by the rendering of an interesting program on the subject of religious liberty. This was certainly an appropriate theme for the occasion.
Elder J. H. Christian has been elected religious liberty secretary of the South Dakota Conference for the ensuing year. He writes that there is an outlook for an agitation in his State on the question of moral instruction in the public schools.
In the Christian Statesman for June, Rev. J. M. Foster says, “The California disaster is God’s warning voice to the nation,” and cites as the first in a catalogue of national sins, the following: “Our nation dishonors God in trampling under foot the holy Sabbath.”
Schaff, in commenting on the first amendment to the Constitution, says: “This is much more than freedom of religious opinions; for this exists everywhere where, even under the most despotic governments, and is beyond the reach of law, which deals only with overt actions. Freedom of exercise includes public worship, acts of discipline, and every legitimate manifestation of religion.”
On Friday, June 29, next to the last day of the session of Congress just closed, the two-hundred-and-fifty-thousand-dollar appropriation to the Jamestown Tercentennial Exposition, with a Sunday-closing provision, passed Congress. The Sunday-closing provision reads: “Provided, That as a condition precedent to the payment of this appropriation in aid of said exposition, the Jamestown Exposition Company shall agree to close the grounds of said exposition to visitors on Sunday during the period of said exposition.” By such means and by such inducements do the advocates of the Sunday sabbath seek to secure the observance of the day.
June 11, H. R. Bill 16,483, known as the Wadsworth Sunday bill, “requiring certain places of business in the District of Columbia to be closed on Sunday,” passed the House of Representatives with an amendment exempting “the sale of fruit at fruit stands and the regular business of restaurants and hotels.” But it did not pass the Senate. This is the same bill that passed the House April 6, 1904, and was tied up by a tie vote in the Senate Committee on the District of Columbia. Should this measure pass the Senate at the next session of Congress, and receive the signature of the President, it would then become law.
W. A. COLCORD.
Religion and the Constitution
KEEPING the Sabbath day is one of the free exercises of religion. Thus the United States Constitution does not prohibit the Christian’s keeping Sunday as the Sabbath, nor does it forbid the Jew’s keeping Saturday as such; nor does it stop the Greek’s observing Monday as a day of rest, nor does it interfere with the Mohammedan’s keeping Friday as his holy day. Thus, under the Constitution, any person has a right to pursue his business on any day; practically, there is no legal sabbath day for all the United States, according to this Constitution, because the Constitution wisely declined to make any religious laws interfering with any one; and thus the United States, according to its Constitution, is without any religion, and without any religious laws, for the Constitution is . . . non-sectarian.
Undoubtedly the laws enforcing the observance of Sunday are all interferences with personal religious freedom of others who do not agree with these laws. The clause in the Massachusetts Sunday laws freeing a seventh-day person from the Sunday-law obligation is a piece of hypocritical interference, as the clause has no business, nor has the whole Sunday law any business, to be in the statutes of any commonwealth of the United States.
Under this situation there can be no amendment to allow any religious laws to be in force in any State, so all that can be done is to leave the observations of all religious matters to the conscience of the people of the United States, which was . . . the intention of the framers of the Constitution.—Boston Globe, April 10.
Quebec Annual Camp-Meeting
By W. H. Thurston
AYRE'S CLIFF, the place selected for the annual camp-meeting, September 6-16, is located on the Boston and Maine Railroad between Sherbrooke, Quebec, and Newport, Vt., and is a very desirable place for the meeting. The meeting will be held on the fair-grounds, which with its convenient buildings, is granted us for free use. Some will have a little farther to come than others, but this is always the case, wherever the camp-meeting is held, and it is none too far for any to come. We trust that every family in the conference will be represented by a majority of the family, in case the whole family can not attend. Never have our people needed the benefits of such a meeting more than at the present time. Good help has been promised by the General Conference, and a thorough study of our time and its meaning from a Bible standpoint will be taken up; none can afford to miss this meeting.
Great events are taking place in the world to-day, prophecy is fast being fulfilled, and the work is being finished in the earth. What do these things mean to us? and what should be our attitude toward them? “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for he is faithful that promised); and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Do you believe this, brethren and sisters? If you do, you will not let any trifling matter keep you away from camp-meeting. The meeting will begin Thursday night, September 6.
There will be a dining hall on the grounds, where all can get their meals who desire to do so. Begin now to plan for the meeting. Invite your neighbors and write to your friends, and in this way gather in all you can to the feast of spiritual things. The president of the conference, Elder Rickard, is very sick, but it is hoped he will be sufficiently recovered by that time to attend the meeting.
W. H. THURSTON, Acting President.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
By Editor
Camp-Meetings for 1906
ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
West Virginia, Pennsboro........Aug. 16-26
New York, Phelps (State)........Sept. 6-16
Vermont, Windsor........Aug. 23 to Sept. 3
Central New England.....Aug. 31 to Sept. 10
Greater New York........Sept. 23 -
CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Ontario, Paris........Aug. 23 to Sept. 2
Quebec, Ayre's Cliff........Sept. 6-16
Maritime, Williamsdale East, N. S., Sept. 13-23
SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Georgia, Marietta........Aug. 2-12
South Carolina, Cowpens........Aug. 9-19
Alabama, Attalla........Aug. 16-26
Tennessee River, Nashville........Aug. 23 to Sept. 2
Cumberland Conference, Somerset Ky........July 26 to Aug. 5
North Carolina, High Point........Sept. 7-16
Florida, Lakeland........Nov. 1-11
LAKE UNION CONFERENCE
Indiana, Seymour........Aug. 8-16
Southern Illinois, Pana........Aug. 2-12
West Michigan, Hastings........Aug. 9-19
Ohio, Troy........Aug. 16-26
Wisconsin, Stevens Point........Aug. 22 to Sept. 3
East Michigan, Holly........Sept. 27 to Oct. 8
Northern Michigan, East Jordan........Aug. 30 to Sept. 10
Northern Illinois, Galesburg, Sept. 26 to Oct. 7
CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE
Nebraska, Fremont........Aug. 3-12
Nebraska, Beatrice........Aug. 17-26
Nebraska, Gothenburg........Aug. 30 to Sept. 9
Colorado, Boulder........Aug. 23 to Sept. 3
Missouri, Versailles........Aug. 2-12
Kansas, Salina........Aug. 9-19
SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE
Texas, Alvarado........Aug. 2-12
Texas, Buffalo Gap (local). Aug. 23 to Sept. 3
Arkansas, Winslow........Aug. 16-26
Oklahoma, Kingfisher........Aug. 23 to Sept. 2
PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
California, Eureka........Aug. 16-26
Southern California, Los Angeles........Aug. 16-26
AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Union Conference session, Cooranbong, N. S. W........Sept. 13-23
EUROPEAN MEETINGS
British Union, near Birmingham........Aug. 3-12
Holland........Aug. 16-19
France........Aug. 21-26
The presidents of the various conferences are requested to forward any additional information which will enable us to publish a complete and correct list of the camp-meetings appointed for the present season. If any changes are made, of either time or place of meetings already appointed, notice should be forwarded at once.
Quebec Annual Conference
By W. H. Thurston
THE next annual session of the Quebec Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the annual camp-meeting at Ayre's Cliff, Québec, Sept. 6-16, 1906. This will be an important meeting for the Quebec Conference, and it is greatly desired that there shall be a good attendance of our people during the entire session.
The regular business of the conference, such as electing officers, auditing accounts, laying plans for the medical work, publishing work, etc., will be taken up early in the session, and we would urge the importance of being present at the first business meeting, which will be called at 9 A. M., Sept. 7, 1906.
W. H. THURSTON, Acting President.
Fox River Academy Announcement
The annual announcement of the Fox River Academy, located near Chicago, is now ready for distribution, and will be sent for the asking to any one interested in Christian education. This school offers special advantages to those living within its reach. The fall term will open on the second Wednesday of September. The prospect is already good for a full attendance and a successful year's work. Correspondence is solicited. Address W. T. Bland, Sheridan, Ill.
Arkansas Conference
By U. Bender
The regular annual session of the Arkansas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held on the camp-ground at Winslow, Ark., August 16-26. All business of the conference, such as electing officers for the coming year, laying plans for the conference committee to carry into effect, reading reports, auditing, etc., will be taken up at this session. All delegates should be there by Friday, August 17, as the first meeting will be called that day, and the election of standing committees be taken up. The division of work in the first meeting to a great extent influences the whole session. U. Bender, President.
Oklahoma, Notice!
By Andrew Nelson
THE railroads have granted us the following rates to the camp-meeting at Kingfisher, August 23 to September 3: An open rate of one fare and one third for the round trip from all points in Oklahoma and Indian Territory. Tickets will be on sale August 20, 22, 23, 24, and 30, with final limit of Sept. 5, 1906. No certificate is required. You will purchase a round-trip ticket for one and one-third fare, good to return September 5. Be sure to get a round-trip ticket, as no refund to any one who attends the meeting will be made. A few days before wishing to start to the meeting, it would be well to make inquiry of the agent if he has received the instruction, so that if he has not he can write to the head office for the same.
Good help is promised us at our camp-meeting. ANDREW NELSON.
Business Notices
BRIEF business notices will be published in this department subject to the discretion of the publishers. A minimum charge of one dollar will be made for one insertion of forty words or less. Three cents a word will be charged for each additional word, and remittance must accompany each order. Initials and figures count as words. Name and address must be counted.
All persons unknown to the managers of this paper must send satisfactory written recommendations whenever submitting notices for insertion in this column.
In the case of poor persons who wish employment the charge may be remitted, but in order to secure this concession a letter from the elder of the local church of which the advertiser is a member, or from one of our well-known ministers, must accompany the advertisement.
WANTED.—Seventh-day Adventists to sell dress-goods from samples. A free outfit. For particulars, address A. E. Earll, Box 1131, Globe, Ariz.
WANTED.—To buy small farm, or wish to rent a farm, or would work by the year. (No children.) Address A. L. Deemer, 747 Barbey St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
WANTED.—Position as engineer. Have had experience in electric work, also piping. Good all-round repair man. Best reference. Address W. P. Saxby, R. F. D., East Brookfield, Mass.
WANTED.—Seventh-day Adventist young or middle-aged lady of good Christian experience to stay with an invalid lady, and little girl aged three years. For particulars write to Mrs. Addie M. Jepson, 416 E. Pearl St., Owatonna, Minn.
FOR SALE.—A number of desirable homes in College View, Neb., to persons contemplating locating here. The undersigned will be pleased to give reliable information regarding property here. Address A. Swedberg, College View, Neb.
FOR SALE.—Eighty acres timber land; $5 to $10 an acre. Two miles from Mountain View and Seventh-day Adventist church; church-school one-half mile. Will sell to those who will help in our church-school. Address Bert Eperson, Mountain View, Mo.
WANTED.—By Chicago physician and his daughter, vegetarians, an educated, intelligent young or middle-aged woman as housekeeper. Splendid home, educational facilities. Must furnish good reference. Address Dr. A. B. Yudelson, 2974 South Park Ave., Chicago, Ill.
WANTED.—First-class lady nurse of fine appearance for high-grade private sanitarium in Chicago's finest suburb. Must be expert masseuse, cultured and refined. Very exceptional opportunity. Give full statement of qualifications, and state salary. Address Dr. Wm. Lee Secor, 339 South Lincoln St., Chicago, Ill.
FOR SALE.—Purest, most healthful, best vegetable oil for cooking or salads; no odor; keeps indefinitely. Gal. can, $1; 5-gal., $4. Also olive-oil of the purest grade; gal., $2.75; half-gal., $1.40; quart can, 85 cents. Send for samples. Also write for prices on California ripe olives and honey. Address E. W. Coates, 535 W. 110th St., New York City, N. Y.
Obituaries
Sather.—Died June 21, 1906, Delta Dale Sather, daughter of Brother and Sister Sather, aged 1 year, 7 months, and 13 days. On the funeral occasion words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Isa. 61:1, 2. L. Thom.
Barker.—Died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Karrer, of Clarno, S. D., Mrs. Hannah C. Barker, aged 73 years. Three children—two daughters and one son—survive her. She was a Seventh-day Adventist for nineteen years, and attended every camp-meeting in South Dakota, except two. J. A. Karrer.
Tower.—Died June 25, 1906, Harvey Tower, aged 89 years, 3 months, and 22 days. Brother Tower was born in Vermont, and came to Michigan in 1839, teaching school for six years in Jackson, after which he moved to Barry County, and in 1850 to Oceana County. He held several town and county offices. He accepted present truth in 1882, and was loyal to it until the last. He leaves a companion, with whom he had lived three-score years, and nine children, but they mourn which not as those who have no hope. The funeral was held at the home, and words of comfort were spoken to a large congregation by C. J. Kruse, of the M. E. church, and the writer, excellent music being furnished by the M. E. church choir. W. C. Hebner.
Davis.—Died at Sheridan, Ill., April 22, 1906, of congestion of the brain, Christine Winnefred Davis, only daughter of Mrs. Sarah Davis. Christine was born at Ottawa, Ill., Dec. 30, 1899, was a winsome child, and loved the Sabbath-school. The funeral service was conducted by the writer; text, Isa. 11:6, last clause. Ida B. Hibben.
Anderson.—Died in Los Angeles, Cal., June 24, 1906, of cancer of the stomach, Edward O. Anderson. He was born in Christiania, Norway, June 17, 1845. Twenty-seven years ago he heard present truth preached by Elder O. A. Olsen, and from that time was a firm believer. For many years he served his home church at Sturgeon Bay, Wis., as elder and leader. B. E. Fullmer.
Holford.—Died at Napoleon, Mich., July 7, 1906, James H. Holford, aged 64 years, 9 months, and 26 days. He began to observe the Sabbath in 1873, and joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church soon after. He remained true to the message. He leaves a wife, four children, and two sisters to mourn their loss, yet not without hope. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Job 14:14. B. F. Stureman.
Arnold.—Died in Keene, Tex., July 9, 1906, Martin E. Arnold, aged 53 years, 4 months, and 19 days. Brother Arnold had been sick with typhoid fever four weeks, but was recovering, when he was taken with an inward hemorrhage, and died in a few minutes. His sudden death was a heavy blow to his companion, who is left with four little ones to train for the Lord. He was firm in the truth, and died with a bright hope. Words of comfort were spoken from Gen. 3:15. Clarence Santee.
Allen.—Drowned in the Willamette River, Portland, Ore., July 4, 1906, Brother Gorden Allen, aged 18 years. The body was taken, for interment, to his home in Sawtelle, Cal., where, with his parents and two sisters, he accepted the “glorious message” about five years ago. Since then his life has been one of fidelity to the Friend of his choice. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, in the Sawtelle church, to a large gathering of sorrowing neighbors and friends. S. T. Hare.
Dray.—Fell asleep at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alice Pomeroy, at Newaukum, Wash., July 6, 1906, Mrs. Nancy B. Dray, aged 91 years, 10 months, and 17 days. She was a consistent member of the M. E. Church for fifty years. In the year 1895 she heard and accepted the third angel’s message. A large circle of friends and relatives mourn their loss, but not without hope. Words of comfort were spoken from Rev. 14:13 when we laid her away to await the coming of the Life-giver. Albert Beck.
Cole.—Died at Bristol, S. D., July 10, 1906, Lottie E. Cole, wife of D. B. Cole, aged 44 years, 4 months, and 3 days. Sister Cole accepted present truth in 1879 at a meeting held by Elders Fulton and Dimmock in Minnesota. She was a great sufferer for a number of years, but bore it all patiently. A husband, four sons, and three daughters survive her. She rests in hope of a part in the first resurrection. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from John 11:25 in the M. E. church. N. B. Baldwin.
Palmer.—Died at Conway, Mich., June 18, 1906, of pneumonia, Mrs. Maggie Palmer, wife of W. W. Palmer, aged 36 years. Sister Palmer accepted the third angel’s message in the spring of 1891 under the labors of Elder W. B. White in Nebraska. She died in full hope of her coming Saviour, having dearly cherished the thought for the last fifteen years of her life. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn their loss. The funeral service was held by the writer in the Conway Presbyterian church. E. A. Bristol.
Vermont Conference
By O. O. Farnsworth
THE forty-fourth annual session of the Vermont Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the camp-meeting in Windsor, Vt., August 23 to September 3. All churches in the conference should at once elect delegates, and forward the names to the conference secretary.
O. O. FARNSWORTH, President.
Oklahoma Conference
By Andrew Nelson
THE regular annual meeting of the Oklahoma Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, incorporated, will be held in connection with the annual camp-meeting of the Oklahoma Conference, at Kingfisher, O. T., August 23 to September 2. The first meeting will be held Monday, August 27, at 9 A. M. The delegates in a session of the Oklahoma Conference consist of the conference membership.
ANDREW NELSON, President.
Volunteers Wanted
The Southern Missionary Society wants volunteers to sell ten thousand copies of the "Story of Joseph" before the close of the present year, working without commission, thus donating to the cause in the South the time spent in selling the books.
The "Story of Joseph" sells readily at twenty-five cents a copy. It is owned wholly by this Society, and every cent of profit derived from its sale goes to the support of mission schools among the colored people.
These books are sent out by prepaid mail, express, or freight to any one who agrees to sell them and return the full price to the Southern Missionary Society without unnecessary delay.
Let us hear from you, brethren and sisters. We need your help, and we need it as promptly as possible. Address Southern Missionary Society, North Station, Nashville, Tenn.
Annual Meeting of the Michigan Sanitarium and Benevolent Association
By GEO. E. JUDD
THE regular annual meeting of the Michigan Sanitarium and Benevolent Association for the year 1906 will be held in the chapel of the Battle Creek Sanitarium, on North Washington Avenue, Battle Creek, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 21, 1906, at 3 P. M., standard time, for the election of trustees, and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
GEO. E. JUDD, Secretary.
Property for Sale and Missionary Work
By D. T. Shireman
Notice!
I WOULD like to correspond with a colored family who wishes to engage in missionary work, and would like a small home. I wish to sell a house and lot well located. I also have a 9-room house and nine acres to sell, close to the Hildebran school. Can give possession at once. Good barn and outbuilding; good soft water; plum, pear, cherry, peach, apple, quince, and fig trees growing and bearing on the land. For particulars, address me at Toluca, Cleveland Co., N. C. Good references required. D. T. SHIREMAN.
Helpers for the Plainfield Mission
Since the death of Brother Joseph H. Watson, in 1904, Brother Thomas H. Branch and his family have been left to carry on the work at the Plainfield Mission station in Nyassaland without any associates. We are glad to state, however, that Elder J. C. Rogers and his wife, of Everett, Wash., have now accepted an appointment to that needy field. Brother and Sister Rogers have spent several years in successful work in South Africa, and are well acquainted with the country and its needs. They will be heartily welcomed by the laborers in that field as helpers in the gospel.
Dr. Hare Returns to California
Dr. G. A. Hare and his family left Washington, Tuesday, July 31, for their home in California. Dr. Hare came to this city two and a half years ago, in response to a request from the General Conference Committee, to assist in starting our medical work here. In establishing this phase of our work in Washington many difficulties have had to be met which have called for the exercise of much patience and perseverance. These difficulties are being overcome, and our medical work in its various phases is becoming known, and is taking good root in this city. A few months ago Dr. Hare resigned his position in connection with the Washington Branch Sanitarium, and after a visit to Europe with his wife, Dr. Jessie Hare, he has returned to his home in California. Those who have been associated with these workers will hold pleasant recollections of the excellent spirit manifested by them in all the perplexities incident to pioneer work. They have rendered cheerful and whole-hearted service, and they leave us with our prayers and best wishes for their future.
Appeal to Attend West Virginia Camp-Meeting
JUST as we were going to press, we received an earnest appeal from Elder E. J. Dryer, president of the West Virginia Conference, urging the brethren and sisters of that conference to attend their camp-meeting. It will be published in full next week.
Songs Available from Charles Whitford
The song which appears on the first page is published by Brother Charles P. Whitford in connection with another entitled “Footsteps that Never Come.” Both of these songs will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of twenty-five cents. Orders may be addressed to Charles P. Whitford, Asheville, N. C.