THE accompanying picture presents to us a part of the army of missionary colporteurs of the Ohio Conference. This picture was taken at the Ohio camp-meeting, which was held, August 18-28, at Hamilton. Only about two thirds of the entire number of colporteurs were in attendance at this meeting; thus we see that Ohio has a strong force of missionaries going forth from house to house carrying the last message of warning that God will give to this sin-cursed earth.
For July the Ohio colporteurs sold $4,610.95 worth of books. The same month the sales for the Columbia Union Conference amounted to over $15,000. We are told by the spirit of prophecy that, to a large degree, through the publishing work is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven having great power, and whose glory lightens the earth. This angel, we understand, is the angel of the loud cry. It does begin to look as if we are in the beginning of the loud cry, when we see so many giving up worldly pursuits and enlisting under the banner of Prince Immanuel to carry his message in the printed page to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Many are giving themselves to the Lord for service, while others are going on in their worldly pursuits, wrapping their talents in a napkin and burying them in the earth. Only a few weeks ago one of our colporteurs who, for weeks, had been averaging $1.27 an hour, became "weary in well-doing" and secured a position where the Lord's cause was robbed of his talent. Satan knows what the Lord has told us through the spirit of prophecy about the publishing work being a great factor in the finishing of the work, and he is doing all in his power to hinder its progress.
Three children of the accompanying group, while working with their parents selling Signs of the Times in one of the large cities of the East, were seized by the authorities and would have been taken from the parents only that the Spirit of God did a mighty work upon the hearts of one of the officers, as the mother related to this man how God had healed them, and they had dedicated their lives to him and this work. Only recently several public speakers, one of them a Seventh-day Adventist minister, have been prevented from continuing their lectures, and that in free America. We know that soon all anti-Catholic literature will be excluded from the mails, as Rome is doing all she can to this end. We have been told that the work that is not done in times of peace and prosperity will have to be done under the most trying and difficult circumstances. Truly the enemy of truth is closing in on every hand, so let us consecrate ourselves "this day unto the Lord" for service for the finishing of the work. Read "A Reformatory Movement," in "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, page 126.
I. D. RICHARDSON,
General Agent Columbia Union Conference.
Three Good Camp-Meetings
By F. M. Wilcox
It was my privilege to attend three of the camp-meetings held in the Central Union Conference; namely, the camp-meeting at Seward, Nebr.; at Denver, Colo.; and at Lyons, Kans.
The Nebraska Camp-Meeting
From the very beginning, an excellent spirit was present. The Lord wonderfully blessed our Nebraska brethren and sisters during the last year, and this blessing prepared those who attended the camp-meeting to enter upon the new refreshing received at this gathering.
Although the State has suffered considerable as a result of the drought during the last year, the conference had on hand tithe funds at the time of the camp-meeting amounting to nine thousand dollars, with all salaries and bills paid to17August 1. Out of this excellent reserve fund the brethren and sisters joyfully donated $2,500 to the cause of missions. Last year Nebraska paid over to the general work between seventeen and eighteen thousand dollars on the Fifteen-cent-a-week Fund, and it was with courage for the future, and with the firm belief that the full amount would be raised, that the conference unanimously voted to adopt the twenty-cent-a-week standard for the year to come.
This conference has several important institutions located within its borders. In addition to Union College, which is a union conference institution, the conference has an intermediate school located at Hastings. This has been an important factor in the preparation of young men and women for lives of usefulness. Its financial operation last year showed a gain of nearly one thousand dollars. Two sanitariums are located in Nebraska, one at College View and one at Hastings. An excellent report was rendered of the work being done in both these institutions. Drs. J. D. and Eva Shively, at College View, and Dr. O. H. Hahn, at Hastings, are doing faithful and efficient work. Our people are giving these two institutions their hearty support.
Elder O. A. Olsen, Prof. H. C. Lacey, and other union conference laborers, together with the conference workers, carried a heavy burden of soul, and the Lord abundantly blessed. Elder J. W. Christian was chosen president and Anna M. Peterson secretary and treasurer, with the same committees.
The Colorado Camp-Meeting
This was the first general meeting in Colorado which I had been privileged to attend for five years. It was held in Rocky Mountain Lake Park, a beautiful camping-place in the city of Denver. When I arrived at the meeting in the mid-week, I found that the larger part of the conference business had been transacted, and the spiritual interests of the encampment were well advanced. Elder C. R. Kite, who has served the conference as president for the last four years, was again reelected. He has won a large place in the hearts of the brethren and sisters in Colorado. Brother Ralph T. Emery, who has served the interests of the field most acceptably as secretary and treasurer of the conference, was again chosen for this position. The other members of the conference committee and heads of departments remain about the same, I understand, as before.
It was my privilege at this meeting to meet many with whom I had been associated in years gone by, and to me the reunion was one of great refreshing and encouragement. It seemed good once more to meet with the dear brethren and sisters in this conference who have for many years faithfully and loyally manifested their love for this message. A number of changes had been made in the personnel of the workers. I was pleased to meet Elders G. W. Anglebarger, W. D. Emery, J. S. Rouse, G. M. Alway, and H. A. Aufderhar, and other workers with whom I was associated in the past.
At this camp-meeting the spirit of personal labor was particularly marked, and to this, I believe, even more than to public effort, was due the excellent results attending the meeting. Every night, after the evening service, small companies met together for prayer, where the cases of the unconverted were especially remembered by name. God rewarded this earnest labor for souls, and during the meeting sixty were buried with their Lord in baptism. We believe that this is the largest number ever baptized at a Colorado camp-meeting. Elders W. T. Knox, I. H. Evans, M. E. Kern, and H. M. J. Richards, with the conference and union conference laborers, constituted the force of workers at this meeting.
The conference school at Campion has before it good prospects. Prof. C. L. Taylor has been secured as principal. Elder W. A. Gosner will connect with the school as Bible teacher. A strong faculty of teachers has been provided, and I believe our young men and young women in Colorado will appreciate the opportunities which this school affords them.
The West Kansas Camp-Meeting
This meeting was held in the little town of Lyons, a city of about twenty-five hundred inhabitants, in western Kansas. We found here a spiritual oasis in a region of country which for the time being is transformed almost into a desert. The great drought which has affected Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas seemed to center in this State. The extensive corn-fields present a sad spectacle, the stalks withered and yellow as in winter. Some of the towns have entirely exhausted their water-supply, and have had to be supplied through the medium of the railroad. Lyons, however, proved an exception to this state of affairs. The city was abundantly supplied with water, sufficient even to continue the watering of the streets. Our brethren were accorded a hearty welcome by the hospitable people of this little city, and everything possible was done by the citizens to make their stay pleasant and profitable. Several homes were opened for free entertainment. The attendance of the general public was quite marked, especially at the evening services, several hundred usually being present.
I did not reach the meeting until the closing days, but I found that as the result of the excellent work done by Elder E. T. Russell and Brethren M. B. Van Kirk and C. G. Bellah and the local laborers, an excellent interest was manifested. Elder W. T. Knox had been present at the early part of the meeting and rendered efficient service. About a dozen were baptized at the close of the meeting.
Although our brethren and sisters have suffered much in a financial way as a result of the dry weather, a feeling of optimism possessed their hearts.
The work of the Wichita sanitarium was well represented. This institution has been particularly favored of late with an excellent class of patronage. Dr. L. L. Jones, the superintendent of the sanitarium, was present at the meeting.
Plans were laid for earnest and aggressive work in the future. Elder N. T. Sutton was again unanimously chosen president of this conference, with the same executive committee as served last year.
At all three of these meetings Elder J. W. Westphal, of South America, assisted in Nebraska and Kansas by Elder S. S. Shrock, conducted meetings for the German-speaking people, and the Spirit of the Lord was manifest in these services. They contributed in no small degree to the results attained. I rejoiced to find such a spirit in these three conferences. The Lord is abundantly blessing our brethren and sisters in the Central West. This part of the great harvest-field has proved a source of supply in the way of workers and means in the past for the great world-wide work. From the scores of excellent young men and women whom I met at these gatherings I feel that many will go from these conferences to give the message to those who know it not. F. M. WILCOX.
New Church Organized at Lockport
A NEW church has been organized at Lockport, Ky., by Elder B. W. Brown. The membership is fourteen.
Rowdyism in Montreal
A Seventh-day Adventist tent, which was pitched on St. Hubert Street, Montreal, for religious services, has been the center of a type of rowdyism that is discreditable in any city. After several evenings of disturbance, the mob element prostrated the tent and smashed seats and furniture before the police arrived. The department had been previously warned and had been asked for protection, but none was granted until the mischief had been done. The editor of the Daily Telegraph, a leading Montreal paper, thus shows his interest for the city's good name, and his bias for fair play:—
"What is the matter with our police department? Only the other day the police took on themselves to refuse protection against a gang of roughs at a Good Templars' meeting because they did not agree with the views of one of the speakers. Last night they permitted another gang of roughs to break up an Adventists' meeting and smash the tent, seats, and furniture — and that despite the fact that warning had previously been sent to Chief Campeau, and a complaint published in yesterday's newspapers. Last night's letter in this paper, from the pastor of the Adventists, showed plainly enough what was to be expected. Are the police department and the hooligans of Montreal to decide what doctrines shall be promulgated in the city and what shall be prohibited?" — World's Crisis.
The Virginia Camp-Meeting and Conference
By John Nevins Anderson
"This is the best camp-meeting I have ever attended." This was the testimony of no less than eight persons on the last Sabbath of the Virginia camp-meeting held on the water-front in the outskirts of the city of Portsmouth, August 14-24.
The different sections of the State were quite well represented, though the attendance was much smaller than in previous years, possibly due to the fact that the meeting was held in the eastern part of the State. However, when it is remembered that the meeting was two-ply, that is, there were two camp-meetings instead of one (one for white people and one for colored people, in different parts of the city), the annual feast was by no means insignificant, even in point of numbers. About one hundred were present in the white section and about sixty in the colored. In the case of both the outside attendance was good. These interests are being followed up by workers who remain to gather up and bind off.
Apart from the regular conference laborers, there were present from the General and union conferences Elder W. W. Prescott and Prof. B. G. Wilkinson; Elder D. C. Babcock and Brother S. M. Konigmacher, of Africa; Prof. E. G. Salisbury, Brother I. D. Richardson, and the writer. All the preaching was practical, emphasizing the need of vital godliness by the power of the Holy Spirit in view of the nearness of the great day of the Lord. Much emphasis was placed on God's willingness and abundant provision to bless his people. The true meaning of God's infinite grace in saving his people from their sins was set forth.
The several lines of work, such as the canvassing, the young people's, and the educational, were well looked after. A considerable number of young men and women are entering the work directly or preparing to enter some school in which to prepare for the work. Under the leadership of Elder W. J. Stone the Virginia Conference showed substantial gains both financially and numerically. The increase in membership for the past year was one hundred. The tithe had increased twenty per cent. One church of twenty-four members was admitted to the conference. Some were awaiting baptism, but this was postponed until a18later date.
At the request of Elder Stone, his name was not considered as a candidate for the presidency for the coming year. However, on a motion from the floor he was unanimously chosen to continue in that office until the union and local conference committees can select a man to fill the place. The remaining officers of the conference were reelected, with one or two exceptions.
In the white section the Sabbath-school offerings amounted to $105; and when a call was made to give for the work in heathen lands, there was a response and $530 was pledged to be paid before the end of the present year. May the God of all grace and blessing abundantly bless his people in Virginia, and make them fruitful and full of courage, and cause them to know in their hearts that their "labor is not in vain in the Lord."
J. N. ANDERSON.
The East Kansas Camp-Meeting
By A. T. Robinson
THE camp-meeting of the East Kansas Conference was held, according to appointment, in one of the parks of the city of Ottawa, Kans. The park lies within a few minutes' walk of the Santa Fe depot and also of the business center of the city. The portion of the park where the camp was located is covered with large elm-, hickory-, and walnut-trees, making it a restful and in every way an ideal place for camping.
The main public services were held in a large tabernacle, while two other buildings were used for youth's and children's meetings.
Besides the full corps of conference laborers, there were present, Elders E. T. Russell and W. W. Eastman, Prof. M. B. Van Kirk, and the writer. Elder Russell and Professor Van Kirk left before the close for the West Kansas meeting and Elder Eastman left for the Iowa meeting. The places of these three laborers were filled by the arrival of Elder W. T. Knox, and Profs. Frederick Griggs and M. E. Kern.
A revival service was conducted by Professor Van Kirk at the morning service on the first Sabbath, at which thirteen, mostly young people, responded by giving their hearts to God for the first time. The call being extended, almost the entire congregation pressed toward the front of the tabernacle, as an expression of their desire and purpose to reconsecrate their lives for service in the finishing of the work of this message.
The preaching and Bible studies were both practical and doctrinal, and seemed to meet with a hearty response on the part of the people. One hour each day alternated between Bible study and the question box hour. No meetings were more fully attended or of greater interest than were those devoted to the answering of questions. Much valuable instruction was brought out through the question box, on points upon which different ones especially needed help.
Elder W. F. Kennedy, who has served the conference as president during the past two years, stated that he was unable to continue in that position, and Elder W. H. Clark, one of the local ministers, was unanimously chosen president of the conference. A few other changes were made in the officers.
There was a liberal response on the part of the people to the call for means for various enterprises, especially for foreign missions, $1,527 being raised.
Brother S. J. Abegg, of the Pacific Press, was present during the entire meeting, and united with the State agent, M. P. Manny, to work in the interests of our denominational literature. Judging from the armfuls of books and magazines carried out of the tabernacle on several occasions, their efforts were successful. The personal testimonies borne by the canvassers, at a meeting held for this purpose, were indeed inspiring.
The medical work was ably presented in addresses by Dr. L. L. Jones, of Wichita, and Dr. Christmann, of Parsons, Kans.
President Griggs, of Union College, in two stirring addresses, set forth the principles that underlie Christian education. Professor Kern gave a talk concerning the work of the Foreign Mission Seminary, and its relation to the work in foreign fields. In other addresses, Professor Kern emphasized the sacred responsibility resting upon this people to give the closing gospel message to the world in this generation.
While the good Spirit of the Lord was present and witnessed to the words spoken all through the meetings, the best was reserved till near the end of the feast. On the afternoon of the last Sabbath, at the close of an earnest, practical talk by Professor Kern, there was a move on the part of a large number of young people for complete surrender of their lives to God. Forty-three followed their Lord in baptism. This ceremony took place in the Baptist church, which was kindly offered for that purpose. If the army of young people who at this camp-meeting surrendered their hearts to God for the first time, or renewed their consecration to him, will keep their lives on the altar of sacrifice, there will be a new impetus given to the missionary spirit and to the work in the East Kansas Conference.
The service at the early morning hour on the closing day of the gathering was one that will long be remembered. Brethren J. W. Allison and A. B. Campbell were set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by prayer and laying on of hands. Elder W. F. Kennedy offered the ordination prayer, the charge and welcome being given by the writer. The Spirit of the Lord was present and witnessed to this solemn ceremony.
A. T. ROBINSON.
Progress in New Jersey
By William Ambrose Spicer
The reports of laborers at the recent session of the New Jersey Conference, held in Trenton, showed progress throughout the year. Work is being carried on in ten languages; and two laborers are studying to qualify for service in two more tongues, the Italian and the Bulgarian.
The session was held in the new headquarters church, the fourth church building to be dedicated in the conference within a short period. The meeting-hall is above, with conference offices and a church-school room below.
The laborers and believers are going at their problems of city evangelization with a will, and the Lord is giving fruitage in souls. Elder A. R. Sandborn was reelected president of the conference, and W. B. Walters secretary. The work in New Jersey is continuing forward with a strong, steady stride that it is cheering to see. W. A. SPICER.
Elmira Tent Effort
By H. W. Carr; M. W. De L'Horbe
SUNDAY, August 31, we closed our tent effort at Elmira, N. Y. On that day we baptized eight candidates, and as many more have taken their stand for the truth who were satisfied with their previous immersion. There are more than twenty keeping the Sabbath as the result of our eight weeks' effort, and many others are deeply interested.
An interest was awakened in the city by reports of our sermons which appeared in the city papers. We hear of others in different parts of the State who are interested by reading these reports.
The church at Elmira is very much encouraged, and those who engaged in the effort feel strengthened and a determination to press forward the good work thus begun.
H. W. CARR,
M. W. DE L'HORBE.
North Missouri Camp-Meeting
By C. M. Snow
This meeting was held at Marceline, July 31 to August 10. Although a month earlier than in past years, there was a better attendance than for the last year or two. The camp was held in a pretty grove in the main park of the little city. The shade was much appreciated, as the weather was very warm.
The attendance from the city was the best that has been seen at the camp-meetings for several years. This was especially true of the evening services.
The workers from outside the union were Elders W. T. Knox, W. C. Hankins, G. E. Langdon, and the writer. A full force of union conference workers was present. In view of the fact that Elder E. E. Farnsworth, the president of the conference, was sick the greater part of the meeting, the business session was under the direction of Elder E. T. Russell.
One afternoon was devoted to a temperance rally, which was participated in by the W. C. T. U. leaders of the place. An interesting and profitable program was conducted on this occasion by Dr. G. A. and Mrs. Droll.
Elder E. E. Farnsworth was reelected president of the conference, with Elders C. J. Kunkel, W. D. Parkhurst, and L. F. Trubey, and Brother J. C. Bradley as the other members of the committee.
Several were baptized at the close of the meeting, and a good interest was awakened in the city. This will be followed up, and it is hoped the new church there will be greatly strengthened. The burden of the young people's work was carried by Elder Hankins, and in these meetings real victories were won. There was an excellent class of young people in attendance at this meeting and a number of them are planning to fit themselves for greater usefulness in this work. There was a good spirit manifested in the meetings. The friendly attitude of the townspeople is evidence that a good impression was made by the camp-meeting. C. M. Snow.
Field Notes
By Editor
A COLORED church was recently organized in Leavenworth, Kans.
Six members have been added to the church at Wilmington, Del.
THE baptism of five persons is reported from Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Missionary Volunteer Department
By Meade MacGuire
M. E. KERN — — — — — — — — — — — — General Secretary
MATILDA ERICKSON — — — — — N. Am. Div. Secretary
Leadership
THE loud and insistent cry throughout our ranks is for leaders. More leaders and abler leadership would soon change the whole aspect of this movement. The work is advancing and expanding so rapidly that it seems as soon as a man demonstrates any ability as a leader in a small sphere, he is thrust into a position of greater responsibility, for which he is not always qualified. It is so to a great extent throughout the religious world, but it is not so in the business world.
This practise lacks system and foresight, and is fatal to the highest degree of success. There is a saying that "no man has made a true success in any work until he has trained a successor." We have quoted this, but we have not taken it seriously. Perhaps it is just as well, for it is only half the truth. The most successful leader is the one who trains many leaders.
No amount of theorizing will settle the great question of leadership; in fact, the Lord himself has not left any doubt as to the divine plan in this matter which is so vital to the success of his cause.
Our Leader's Plan
The whole plan of Christ may be stated in a sentence. He came to the world to establish the Christian church, and during the whole three and one-half years of his ministry he was training leaders. He chose them at the very beginning of his work, and led them about with him. Day by day he counseled and taught, and, above all, lived his message in their presence. When he departed, he left but a small number of converts, but they were veteran leaders, and they quickly swept over the civilized world with the gospel. Christ's personal ministry was confined to a very small territory in this world. Apparently because he had so short a time and recognized the necessity for trained leaders, he devoted much of his time to them, and let it especially be emphasized that his training consisted in constantly practising in their presence the things he taught and desired them to continue teaching and practising.
He said to his class who were candidates for leadership that he came to seek and save the lost, to lift the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free. Then he took them into the streets and lanes of the city where he found the publicans and sinners and saved them, and the sick and halt and blind and healed them, and the distressed and sorrowing and comforted them. Then he said to the disciples, "Now you may begin, working as you have seen me work." Under his wise direction they did mighty works, but they sometimes made mistakes and failed. They went with him alone and questioned him as to the reason of their failure, and he told them. The next time they succeeded. Day by day as their confidence in their Leader grew, their ability as leaders increased, so that when he left them to carry on the work alone—without his visible presence—their courage and zeal and wisdom and power were irresistible, and the church grew and prospered marvelously.
Now what would be the result of the adoption of this plan in our work and with our present system of organization?
Beginning with the local church, it would mean that the elder and other officers would first learn how to win souls to Christ and this truth, by earnest, definite, personal work. This would be new work for many who now occupy the position of leader. The precious blessing of God that would fall upon them as a result of this work would inspire in their hearts a great burden to enlist all the members in the same service. They would not say, "Now we have done our duty, the rest of you ought to do something." That was not Christ's method. His representation of the work was such that his disciples felt there was nothing else worth living for. It linked them to the divine. It made all else in this life—every object and ambition—appear cheap and insignificant.
If our conferences would adopt the Saviour's policy, it would mean that soul-winning would be held up as one great test of the presence of divine life and power, and of the divine call of the workers. It would be esteemed above finances, or institutions, or administrations. And the president and conference committee would be, first of all, deeply consecrated men, with a great passion for souls. How else can they be true spiritual leaders, training the younger workers as Christ trained his disciples? Is not the greatest need of the cause of God today just this kind of leadership?
If this plan were followed in our schools, how solemn and yet how enviable would be the position of our teachers; for if upon the training of one leader may hang great events and even the destiny of nations, how great the responsibility of training scores of leaders. If Christ counted twelve a sufficient number in that generation to storm the battlements of the enemy and evangelize the civilized world, what tremendous results may be secured by the right training of an army of leaders for the work in this last generation.
To a certain extent this method of Christ's in training leaders is practised in our publishing department. The missionary agent goes out into the field, and trains the new recruits by doing in their presence the very work he desires them to do.
The principle applies with equal force to the Sabbath School and Medical Departments and every phase of our work. I have mentioned the other departments before our Missionary Volunteer Department because it is the demand for leaders and recruits in all the other lines of work which is one of the primary reasons for the organization of this department.
In order that we may pass the young people on for service in other departments with a keen, vivid conception of at least the supreme principle of leadership, and a correspondingly genuine experience, we as Missionary Volunteer workers must be leaders after the divine order. No other will do. God save us from the careless, the indolent, and the indifferent. God give us men and women of strong convictions, mighty power in prayer, unbounded zeal in spiritual things, and well-balanced judgment.
If all who now occupy any position of responsibility in this work would engage at once in training leaders according to Christ's method, a large share of the problem of evangelizing the world in this generation would be solved. We should economize time, minimize the requirements of routine work, and count those hours an infinite loss which might be spent in definite personal soul-winning and the training of leaders but are allowed to drift by with little or nothing accomplished. Is it not clear that the quickest way to evangelize the world is to enlist all the recruits we can to assist us as we go about in definite, personal soul-winning to evangelize our particular part of the world? Soon our recruits will be leaders, gathering about them other recruits, and a mighty army will have carried the message to every soul.
MEADE MACGUIRE.
Publishing Department
By E. M. Graham
N. Z. TOWN - - - - - General Secretary
W. W. EASTMAN - - - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
A Missionary Rally
AN excellent suggestion has been made in connection with the Harvest Ingathering service to be held October 4. It is that Sabbath and Sunday, October 4, 5, be made two missionary rally days, during which special consideration shall be given to plans for making the Harvest Ingathering a success, and for starting the Christmas campaign for home workers' books.
A suggestive program is being sent out by the General Conference on the Harvest Ingathering campaign. This should be used Sabbath forenoon. Sabbath afternoon the program given in the REVIEW for the fourth Sabbath in September could be taken up in churches that held it over on account of the quarterly meeting. At the close of the program a call should be made for the names of those who feel impressed to take up this work, and the Home Workers' Books leaflets distributed. These can be obtained from the tract societies.
In churches where the fourth Sabbath service was taken up on its regular date, the afternoon of the rally Sabbath, October 4, might well be devoted to a study of the Harvest Ingathering REVIEW. Have several persons selected to take part, and let them talk—not read—such mission stories from the paper as "A Korean's Experience," page 12; "What One Korean Tract Did," page 13; "Won by a Godly Life," page 13; "Government Inspector's Report" (this might be read on account of the figures it contains), page 15; "Out of the Depths Have I Cried," page 18; "The Hindu's Gift," page 19; "Is Not My Word Like a Hammer?" page 24. The program could close with the reading of "A Word From the Mission Treasury," page 3, followed by an outline plan of campaign, and an appeal for all to take part this year. Papers should be given to all at either the morning or the afternoon service, with instruction leaflets. Necessary committees and leaders should be appointed.20Sunday morning could be devoted to preparation for service, the first hour to
a drill on the handling of the home workers' books, giving special study to getting into the homes, forms of introduction, and the best points for interesting persons in the books.
The second hour could be devoted to a study of how to present the Missions REVIEW. A supply of canvases should be on hand, and a simple form of introduction learned.
Sunday evening the program should open with special prayer for the Missions campaign. We must have funds for our missionary work, the warning must go on. Therefore we must work and pray until they come. This could be followed by a short study on our responsibility to help those about us; a concert study of the little canvass for the Missions REVIEW; experiences from those who were successful last year in regard to what they found the best methods of work; giving out of territory and final plans for the Harvest Ingathering campaign.
We believe that if this plan of having a good missionary rally on these two days is followed, it will start off the Harvest Ingathering work with good impetus, and that it will help the campaign with the home workers' books. There is not much time to plan for it, but if every church elder will act promptly, every church can have a good missionary rally. E. M. GRAHAM.
A New Method of Pledging
By E. M. Graham
"Mr. Kil, the Korean pastor of the large Central Church in Pyeng Yang, having felt for some time that a kind of coldness had come over the Christians in the city, resolved to go to the church every morning at dawn with one of his elders to pray. These two men of humble, trustful faith, met thus in prayer every morning a little after four o'clock for about two months, without speaking to any one about it, in fact, I think no one knew of it. But somehow when the fact gradually became known to a few, some score or more united with them in these morning prayers. Then the pastor, seeing there was a desire on the part of others to join him, announced to the church on Sunday morning that any one wishing to pray with them might do so, and the bell would be rung at 4:30 A. M.
"The next morning at one o'clock the people began coming, and by two o'clock several hundred had gathered. When the bell was rung, there were four or five hundred Christians present, and after a few days the number each morning was between six and seven hundred. On the fourth morning, while praying, the whole congregation suddenly broke down weeping for their sins of indifference, coldness, and lack of love and energy for work. Then came the joy of forgiveness and a strong desire to be shown ways and means to work for God. Four more mornings were thus spent in prayer, singing praises, and asking God's direction. The pastor now thought it was time to do something, and asked how many would give a whole day to go out and preach to unbelieving souls. All hands went up. Then he asked how many would go for two days. Again nearly all hands were raised. At the request for three days fewer hands went up, and so on through four, five, and six days, the number gradually lessening, but even for seven days there were quite a number. The total number of days of service promised at that early morning prayer-meeting was over three thousand."—"Korea for Christ," pages 33, 34.
Since the early days of this message, our people have been used to pledging money for the cause of God, and the Lord has blessed them in so doing. Would it not be equally pleasing to him if we were to adopt this Korean plan, and definitely give to him, to be used in giving this last warning message, a certain portion of our time each week?
Let us consider the possibilities there are in this. We have now, according to the latest statistics, 114,206 Sabbath-keepers. If these devoted, on an average, one hour a week to giving this message to others, it would be equivalent to the work of 1,627 persons, for ten hours a day, for one year. An average of four hours' work a week from every Sabbath-keeper would be an equivalent of 6,508 persons working ten hours a day, for a year, a number more than our entire force of conference workers, who, including colporteurs, number 5,101.
These figures help us to understand why the Lord says, through the spirit of prophecy, "If every church-member were a living missionary, the gospel would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to all peoples, nations, and tongues."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, page 32. It is because the general systematic work of our people would add so enormously to the working force in the field.
In view of these facts, would it not be well for every Sabbath-keeper to consider the advisability of devoting a portion of time each week definitely and sacredly to the Lord's work, allowing nothing to interfere with it, save that which absolutely cannot be overcome?
That this is in harmony with the instructions given in the testimonies is shown by the following statement: "In every church the members should be so trained that they will devote time to the winning of souls."—Id., Vol. VI, page 436.
Let not those who can give but one hour a week, or perhaps even less, think this small amount of time not worth devoting to the Lord. It is these small amounts of time, taken together, that make up the mighty whole. So all of it is worth while. But careful planning will enable many to increase the amount of time which is all they at first believe they can give. Let us deal liberally with the Lord, for he deals with us exceedingly bountifully, giving us even more than we can think or ask.
