ON BOARD THE STEAMSHIP “LIMARI.”—We are all well and happy. Our boat is making exceptionally good time. We landed at Colon at 10 A. M., July 4. The ship’s officers said it would be useless to try to get the boat that day for South America, on the west side of the Isthmus, as it would leave at 1 P. M. If we did not get it, we would have to wait ten days. We asked the Lord’s help, and he granted us favor with the customs-house officers, and they passed us on. But we found that the train had left a few minutes after we landed. However, one of our brethren of Colon learned that a car of through baggage had been left behind, and that the boat would have to wait for this. So we took the one-o’clock train across the Isthmus. The train master, who happened to be on board, put us in the baggage-car, and transferred us right to the boat landing free of charge. We can only thank the Lord for saving this time and expense.
At Lima we met Elder A. N. Allen, as we stopped about five hours there. He was of good courage, but needs help very much, especially office assistance. Every mail makes calls upon him.
Elder E. Thomann says that we are making good progress in learning the Spanish language, and we are very anxious to be at work in our new field. The Lord is blessing our efforts on the way. An engineer said he was deeply interested in the truth. Our captain on the boat was much interested. We left him some tracts, and he said he would visit us in La Paz, as he has no home, and is quite lonely. This man saved us about twenty dollars on our baggage and transferring to another vessel. We made the acquaintance of the American minister to Lima. The Lord surely is preparing the way. All praise to him! F. A. Stahl.
West Michigan Camp-Meeting
By E. L. Richmond
The date of our meeting made it somewhat difficult for farmers to leave their work to attend the entire time, but a goodly number were present. The camp was pitched in a first-class location on the fair-grounds at Three Rivers, Mich., and the campers seemed to enjoy the meetings very much. An excellent spirit was manifest, and the word preached seemed to awaken an interest in the hearts of those who listened.
Sister E. G. White spoke four times to good-sized audiences, and the message was clear and plain. Her burden was one that should cause all to awake and put forth their utmost endeavors to hasten the Lord's work in the earth. The voice of this aged servant of the Lord could be distinctly heard in all parts of the large pavilion, and we believe that the message will be carried to the various churches throughout the field by those who heard it.
Aside from our regular conference workers, we were ably assisted by Elders A. G. Daniells, Allen Moon, George B. Thompson, and Stephen G. Haughey of England. We were also favored with the presence of Elders E. K. Slade and C. McReynolds, who took part in giving instruction.
Quite a number of the brethren and sisters from East Michigan, and also from Indiana, came to share the blessings received. A large company of teachers who were in attendance at the Lake Union Conference summer school at Berrien Springs spent Sabbath and Sunday at the camp.16
A very noticeable number of the townspeople visited the grounds day by day, and from what we learned, we believe that they were favorably impressed by the visits. Many of them seemed interested in the doctrines presented. Elder W. G. Kneeland, assisted by Brethren E. A. Merriam and O. S. Thompson, will follow up the interest there as the way may open. We are encouraged to believe that quite a number of honest souls will be gathered in as a result of the efforts put forth.
The general impression left in the city was favorable. The quiet demeanor of the campers was something of a surprise and an innovation as compared with some meetings that had been held in the city in times past, and was commented upon by the citizens.
Our laborers go forth with renewed courage to take up their work in the fields assigned them. Some changes in locations were thought advisable, but in every case the plans met with the approval of those concerned.
Two baptisms were held during the meeting, the ordinance being administered to eighteen persons.
E. L. RICHMOND, Secretary.
The Space Between Ideal and Man
THE space between a man's ideal and the man himself is his opportunity.—Margaret Deland.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER
By G. W. ANGLEBARGER
Colorado
We are now in the midst of a series of meetings being held in a tent in Colorado City. At this time a goodly number are deeply interested, and one has decided to obey. We are hoping and praying for many to take their stand with us. It was our privilege to visit the churches at Cripple Creek and Victor, July 30. We spent part of three days with them, and did indeed have a time of refreshing. At Victor one good soul was baptized, and three or four others will soon be ready to take this solemn step. There is a good interest in this district to hear the truth. If a worker of experience could be placed in these cities, a good work could be done. We hope that this can be arranged after our camp-meeting. Elder G. M. Alway and Brother Roy Hay are assisting in the tent work.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER
Winter Canvassing in Florida
By C. V. Achenbach
FLORIDA has many advantages for winter canvassing, chiefly because of its delightful climate, which is attracting thousands of tourists every year. Many of our good people in the South who do not do much during the winter months, could do an excellent work in our State in this branch of the Lord's work.
The Lord has spoken very definitely in regard to our relation to the work in the South, and desires that a much greater effort be put forth in behalf of spreading the third angel's message. Truly the harvest here is ripe. This coming fall and winter bids fair to be the banner year for the canvassing work. Prosperity seems to be rising everywhere. The orange crop this year promises to be especially good. Along the east coast a trolley line is projected from Jacksonville to Miami, which will be the means of enlivening up trade generally. Now is the time to work in this needy part of the Lord's vineyard. Who will respond, and come over and help us?
We are planning to hold a three-weeks' institute just preceding our camp-meeting at Orlando, from October 1-20. Those desiring further information in regard to self-supporting work in Florida should send to the writer for a copy of the leaflet entitled, "Florida; Its Resources and Opportunities." Address the writer at Orlando, Fla.
C. V. ACHENBACH,
Field Missionary Agent.
The Hindustani Work
By L. J. Burgess
AFTER OUR conference in Lucknow, India, we went to the Garhwal district in the Himalaya Mountains and spent two months. Over two years ago these people asked us to come and start a school among them; and although we have encouraged them to believe that we would do so sometime, we have not been able to fulfil their hopes. We have the prospect of a small piece of land, but as yet have not received the title to it. If this is obtained, we hope to start a small school there soon. It is a beautiful and healthful location, and everything seems to indicate that it would be a favorable place in which to open a school and mission station.
The people of the Garhwal district are mostly farmers. For the past two years they have had little rain, which has caused very hard times on account of failure of crops. Notwithstanding their poverty, the people brought us frequent donations of rice, vegetables, milk, etc. They also promised to help in building a school. If they should have a season or two of good crops, I doubt not they would be quite liberal in making donations.
We are now spending a few months at Mussoorie, and hope to have a few Hindustani men with us here for a course of Bible study. We are also working to get out some more literature in the native language, as that is our greatest need at present. We enjoy the work of preparing literature, and experience much of the help of the Lord in it. It is a satisfaction to us to see how the literature is received, and how it is the means of spreading the truth. We receive letters in nearly every mail from some one who has become interested through reading something that has been printed in the Hindustani language.
We are learning to be more conservative in writing reports as we get more experience in the work. Some time passes before a report comes out in print, and sometimes the things which were reported do not look so well when we read them in the paper, the circumstances having changed, and a prospect which seemed very promising at the time of writing, having failed to develop as we hoped. But we continue to sow beside all waters, both early and late; for if we sow the good seed, we know the Lord will give the increase, and in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
We are praying that the General Conference will mark the beginning of still greater things in the work of the third angel's message. L. J. BURGESS.
Mussoorie, India.
Canvassing Among the Mexicans on the Rio Grande
By W. F. Mayers
MARCH 19, I left Corpus Christi, Tex., for an extended trip among the Mexicans. After leaving Sarita I came to a sandy desert, and was four days in getting through it. In some places the sand was fifty feet deep, and the wind shifted it about continually. The railroad company had to build barriers to keep it from covering the track.
On account of the dry weather, grass was very scarce. But for the artesian wells and the windmills one would suffer for water. By carrying corn for the horses, I managed to get through all right.
I did not take many books into the desert because of the heavy sand, but ordered supplies from the publishers to come through by freight. There were only a few Mexicans in the desert, but they nearly all bought books, and by the time I got through, I had sold out. When I arrived at the railroad, I found the books I had ordered had been laid off seventy-five miles above, and it was only after much effort that I could get them forwarded.
On account of the delay, I ordered another box of books, to be sure to have enough; but the Lord's blessing was with me, and I soon had to order more. I sold “El Rey Que Viene,” “Cristo Nuestro Salvador,” “Camino A Cristo,” “Cartilla Sagrada,” besides the Spanish paper El Mensajero de la Verdad, and tracts.
Some of the people are too poor to buy a book, even if it costs only thirty-five cents, so I sell them something for five cents, and sometimes as low as one cent, and to those unable to buy anything I give tracts free. The Lord has also provided a way whereby I receive a supply of Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—for free distribution, for which I feel very thankful. I find that even the Catholics are glad to get them.
Now is the opportune time to work among these benighted people. I have felt the leading of God's Spirit in a marked manner. He says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end.”
On account of the long droughts, there is much suffering among the poor peons, and I have seen whole families walking along the road, carrying all their possessions on their backs, in search of work.
Mexicans are faulty in many ways, but they are not stingy with what they have; they are always generous and hospitable.
Sometimes they ask me to read from the books, and often the reading of a few paragraphs sells the book without any further effort, and then I feel well repaid for my hard study in learning the language. “The Gospel Primer” and “Christ Our Saviour” are good books for them, as many of them have very little education, and some none at all.
I recently sold four books to one man, and neither he nor his family could read. I told him that when he had visitors, they could read for him. After buying the books, he took me to his neighbor, and loaned him the money to buy two books, although he also could not read.
The greatest obstacle in selling Spanish literature is the poverty of the people. Many desire novels. “Haven't you any novels?” they ask. I tell them no, but that I have something better,—the history of Jesus.
People who are used to sitting down to well-filled tables have no idea how poor the Mexicans are, and how little they live on. Corn made into thin cakes called tortillas, and coffee, constitute the diet of many. Beans are sometimes added to this menu when they are able to have them.
Their houses are built of sticks woven together, and daubed with mud, also sometimes of palm branches or anything available, and usually have earth floors. Most of the roofs are made of grass, and serve the purpose very well. Very little lumber is used, and usually there are no glass windows, openings being left in the wall for light and air to enter.
The Mexicans are bound by habits centuries old, and they seldom break away from them. The standard of cleanliness is low among the poorer classes, and they are much afflicted with skin diseases.
Many of these people are little better than slaves, centuries of oppression having degraded them. But now the time has come to give them the last message that mankind is to receive before the coming of the Lord. Who are ready to consecrate themselves to this work?
W. F. MAYERS.
The Georgia Camp-Meeting
By K. C. Russell
THIS meeting was held in Macon, Ga., a city of thirty-five thousand inhabitants, July 29 to August 8. The camp was located in Central City Park, which was nicely shaded from the heat of the sun with large and stately sweet-gum trees, and the ground was covered with a beautiful carpet of green grass.
The meeting being held so far south in the State, it was feared that the attendance would be small, but there were about one hundred of our people present.
Elders W. A. Westworth and R. F. Dowsett and Brother V. O. Cole left for South Carolina several days before the meeting was over. The preaching during the first part of the meeting was done principally by Elder Westworth, and was greatly appreciated by all.
Elder J. W. Christian and the writer were in attendance during the last days of the meeting. During the closing part of the meeting, the preaching consisted of practical spiritual instruction designed especially for our own people; the needs of the mission field, the principles of religious liberty, and some of the cardinal points of our faith were presented.
The last Friday evening and Sabbath morning were seasons of special blessing. The services were of a revival nature, and many responded to the call that was made to give their hearts to God and reconsecrate their lives anew to his work. Sabbath afternoon eighteen precious17souls followed their Lord in the sacred rite of baptism in Lily Lake, at Crump’s Park. Elder C. N. Martin officiated at this service. Twelve of the number were those who were newly converted to Christ.
The offerings during the meeting, consisting of cash and pledges, were as follows: Missions, $211; Southeastern Union Conference emergency fund, $116; Sabbath-school offerings, $26.28; tent and camp-meeting fund, $36; making an aggregate of $389.28.
Elder C. B. Stephenson was elected president of the conference, Miss Grady Brooke Sabbath-school and missionary secretary.
The outside attendance at the meeting was very small, with the exception of the Sunday afternoon and evening services, owing to the rainy weather which prevailed. The last Sunday the meetings were especially well attended by the citizens of Macon, who manifested much interest in the truths presented. A spirit of unity and harmony prevailed throughout the meeting.
K. C. RUSSELL.
The Missionary Meeting
By E. M. Graham
EVERY church that is awake to the times in which we are living will have its missionary meetings, weekly if possible, and if not, just as frequently as people can be gathered together for it. One translation of Eph. 4:16 makes plain an important principle. “For from him the whole body, closely joined and knit together by the contact of every part with the source of its life, derives its power to grow, in proportion to the vigor of each individual part; and so is being built up in a spirit of love.” The body, which is the church, derives its power to grow in proportion to the activity of each member. So no church can expect to add to its numbers if its members are not working. A working church will be a growing and a united church.
Missionary meetings are held to consider various questions connected with the work of God. Some of the reasons for such a meeting are:—
1. Prayer for the workers and for the souls for whom they are working, that special intercession may be made as it is needed.
2. Reports of labor, that all may be intelligent as to what is being done and what needs to be planned for, also that they may know how to pray in an understanding manner.
3. Study of principles that will make the members better qualified for labor for God. There is an inexhaustible field here, in the building of character, the right understanding of religious liberty, and of health and temperance, in gaining a knowledge of what is taught in our tracts, in learning how to do missionary correspondence, studying the best methods of distributing literature, and other subjects.
4. Study of the foreign fields, that the members may better understand the conditions that have to be met, and what must be provided for the giving of the message; in order that they may learn to give of their means intelligently.
In every missionary meeting some lesson of a practical nature should be given. The missionary meeting is not the place for sermons or exhortations, but for united study of the things that make successful missionaries. Programs should be arranged so as to give as many as possible a part in them, and those taking part should be changed from week to week, until all who are capable of doing so, have had something to do. This helps to make the meetings educational.
The missionary meetings should not be long. An hour to an hour and a quarter is long enough, as a general rule. To make them what they ought to be, a good leader is needed, one who is quick to see important points and impress them, one who is bright, brief but pointed in remarks, and who is an active missionary worker.
E. M. GRAHAM,
Secretary Australasian Union Conf.
Graduation of Nurses in England
By W. T. Bartlett
Another little band of well-trained missionary nurses has just been graduated by our sanitarium at Caterham. One of the nurses, Miss May Loveday, has already left to join the sanitarium in India, and another, Brother H. J. Hurlow, is expecting to proceed shortly to that field. Three others were present to receive their diplomas at the graduating exercises, which were held in the gymnasium of the sanitarium on Thursday, July 8. One of the five, Mrs. Ruby Eastcott-Brown, almost finished her course three years ago, but owing to failing health was unable to be graduated at that time. Since then, however, she has done creditable work in the field, and at present she and her husband, another graduate of the training-school, are engaged in self-supporting missionary work. Two others, Miss M. Hanna and Miss Violet Spearing, complete the class. All received commendation from their teachers as faithful students and efficient nurses.
The motto adopted by the class was the statement of the apostle Paul, "For me to live is Christ," and we believe that this motto actually represents the purpose of them all. The graduating exercises formed an interesting and profitable occasion. Brother W. C. Sisley occupied the chair, and Elder W. J. Fitzgerald gave the address of the evening. He dwelt especially on the thought that the gospel committed to us meets every need of mankind, and that God has raised up and organized a company of men and women in order that the presentation of this gospel might not be incomplete or swayed by individual bias, but well-rounded and many-sided, thus meeting all the needs of mankind. Elders W. H. Meredith, W. H. Wakeham, and W. T. Bartlett also spoke briefly, and Dr. A. B. Olsen then presented diplomas to the graduating nurses. He set before them, in earnest words, the high standard at which missionary nurses must aim, and exhorted them to patient continuance in well-doing, that they might gain the prize held out before them, and at last receive the Master's commendation.
The gymnasium was well filled with an interested audience, consisting of patients and nurses and friends of the latter. The Caterham Sanitarium continues to enjoy a good patronage, but best of all, the presence of the Lord is felt in the institution. Judging from the testimony of many of the workers, there never was a more healthy spiritual condition in the institution than has prevailed during the past few months. It is the earnest desire of those connected with the sanitarium that the nurses trained in it should go forth not only able to care for the body, but also understanding how to minister to sin-sick souls.
W. T. BARTLETT.
Field Notes
AT Allentown, Pa., Sabbath, July 10, two persons were baptized.
SIX persons were baptized at Brownstown, Ill., on Sunday, July 11.
ON Sabbath, July 24, two persons were baptized at Gunnison, Colo.
SABBATH, July 10, four persons were baptized in Oklahoma City, Okla.
ONE young man was baptized at Mancos, Colo., on June 24, and two at Bayfield on July 4.
ELDER F. W. FIELD baptized three persons at the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium on Sabbath, July 10.
BROTHER R. P. MONTGOMERY reports the baptism of three persons at Broken Arrow, Okla., on Sunday, July 4.
RECENTLY, at Covert, Mich., nine persons were baptized, and one other signified her desire to start in the service of God.
A CHURCH of seventeen members was organized at Monteer, Mo., on July 3, and on the following day five persons were baptized.
TWO persons took their stand for the truth, and were baptized, at Orland, Ind., as a result of the tent-meetings held at that place.
FROM Merrill, Wis., comes the report that three persons were baptized recently, and that others are much interested in the truth.
THE series of meetings recently held at College City, Cal., resulted in eight persons accepting the third angel’s message. As many more are under deep conviction.
THE Indianapolis (Ind.) tent-meeting closed on Sunday night, July 25. At the closing service six or eight signified their intention to begin the observance of the Sabbath.
ELDER MORRIS LUKENS states that three little girls were baptized at Waldron, Ind., on July 17, and that five persons were baptized at Boggstown on the following day.
SABBATH, July 10, was a good day for the church at Fergus Falls, Minn. Six persons were baptized at that time. Others are keeping the Sabbath who expect to go forward in baptism soon.
BROTHER CHARLES ALLEN reports that seven persons have begun the observance of the Sabbath as a result of the meetings held at Marengo, Ind., and it is expected that four or five more will take their stand for the truth before the close of this series of meetings.
The Educational Magazine
By F. G.
The new magazine, to be entitled Christian Education, is one in which all our educational workers should especially interest themselves. We plan to make it thoroughly practical and helpful to teachers in their schoolroom work. And it is not only to be for teachers as such, but for parents as well.
There is no subject in which we should be more interested than in the education of our children and youth. It is the work that lies next to our church-members. As an aid in this work, the new magazine should be in every home. The heaviest responsibility in all matters of education naturally rests upon those who are directly engaged in educational work. Our teachers should take an interest in placing this magazine in the homes of our people, where it will become the forerunner of many new primary schools. An effort should also be made to place the magazine in the hands of every teacher in the land who is not of our faith.
Much interest exists at the present time in the question of Christian education. A great deal is being said against the non-Christian character of the public school. While we believe that religion should not be taught in the public school, yet this general agitation gives us an opportunity properly to set before those who are thinking about educational matters the true principles of Christian education. These principles are most closely interwoven with those of the gospel, and through these principles many may become deeply interested in the gospel message for this time. Will not all our people, whether educational workers or not, take an especial interest in building up the work of this magazine? F. G.
The Correspondence School
By W. E. Howell
A Word to Ministers Who Are Applying for Studies
Last week we promised to say a word to ministers. In doing so, we do not presume to lay a hand upon the ark of the Lord to steady it. But as we study the educational needs of the ministry along with those of others, it is impressed deeply upon our minds that no other human being is engaged in so high, so holy, a calling as they.
Now, dear minister, it may be true that your opportunities earlier in life for obtaining an education were few and poor; it may be that they were favorable, but neglected. But that is not the main question with us now. The question to be answered is, What shall we do to fill up the aching void? The entrance of these words gives light: “The only way in which we can redeem our time [or opportunities] is by making the most of that which remains.” The sensible thing, then, is to consider how to make the most of present opportunities.
But before doing that in detail, will you not oblige me by looking up last week’s Review and turning to the article “Correspondence Study,” on page 20? Read first (whether you have read it before or not), in the fourth paragraph, what is said to canvassers. Then multiply that by ten, and apply it to yourself, inasmuch as the canvasser usually talks to only one at a time, while you seldom speak to fewer than ten. Then read the remaining paragraphs about the remedy, so that nothing need be repeated here.
Now again, let me ask you a plain question or two. Do you believe that anything is overdrawn in that article? Do you ever feel, as you stand before an audience, O that I had the tongue of the learned that I might declare His testimony! O for the language of Canaan to clothe the conceptions of truth and beauty that the Spirit imparts! With the weight of the solemn message you bear resting upon your soul, does your tongue sometimes fail you for utterance? Do you long for a larger vocabulary, for a more fitting choice of words to press the truth home to the heart of the hearer? Do you ever suffer in spirit from a consciousness that you sometimes use incorrect forms of the verb or of the pronoun? Should you not suffer still more if you were aware of all the errors in your speech that grate upon the ears of your auditors?
Well, dear fellow sufferer, is it not high time to take a rest-cure for these afflictions? The Correspondence School is not a cure-all, but with your earnest, patient, conscientious co-operation, it will put you on the road to the recovery of that which has been lost, or to the obtaining of what was never found. Procure from your State educational secretary or from the Missionary Volunteer secretary a copy of the Correspondence School Announcement, and examine carefully what it offers you in English. Then write us your convictions about the matter.
A word more. If I may judge from the number of inquiries that have come to me from ministers and other Bible students during the last two months, I am warranted in the conclusion that the difficulties of many are not with their English, or at least not confined there, but rather with a lack of understanding the original Greek of the New Testament. You, as an intelligent, zealous minister, crave a knowledge of the Bible in the original for two reasons: First, to relieve yourself and others of the embarrassment that results from the use or the abuse of the original by would-be critics who are seeking some means of avoiding the straight testimony of the truth; second, that you may catch all the delicate shades of meaning in familiar texts of Scripture, that you may probe deeper into the import of difficult passages, and that you may feel the force and the beauty and the freshness of thought that come from reading appreciatively the language of Holy Writ in the very words to which the Spirit gave utterance.
That all young and middle-aged ministers, licentiates, and Bible students who find it impossible to call a halt in their present work, to go to school, may have an opportunity to gain this happy experience, the subject of New Testament Greek is offered by the Correspondence School. A member of the General Conference Committee remarked, the other day, that a hundred of our younger ministers ought to take this study at once. Did you know that in the providence of God the Greek is not a dead but a living language? That ten million people to-day use almost as pure a Greek as that of the New Testament? And that hundreds of words and expressions used in the New Testament are as familiar to the educated modern Greek in every-day life as is the King James Version to the English reader? In our course in Greek you will get from the start the benefit of the interpretation of words, phrases, and passages in the light of their present usage in the living Greek language. You will also get the modern Greek scholar’s interpretation of difficult passages in the New Testament as illustrated in the Modern Greek Version. You will only repeat the experience of others if, by this study, the New Testament becomes a new volume to you. The course in New Testament Greek will continue at least two years. There is no time so good to register for it as now.
From the Mail-Bag
To the twelve States from which applications had been received last week, we must now add the following: California, Minnesota, Louisiana, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ontario, Vermont, Colorado, Arkansas.
Every study offered in our Announcement, and seven others that have not been offered, have been applied for.
From the first applicant — a Battle Creek College student for three years, now proprietor of treatment parlors: “For one, I am very glad to see this effort begun. I shall be glad to review some work, as well as take up some new branches.”19
From a parent with two daughters out of school: “It seems to me this is indeed another forward move directed by the Lord.”
From a State missionary agent: “Now that we have a Correspondence School, I will endeavor to take one or two studies. I am planning on going to college next year, but wish to review.”
From a Bible worker: “I desire to take advantage of the opportunities this school will offer, and so I am writing for particulars.”
From a church elder: “I believe this is a move in the right direction, which will accomplish much good for young and old.”
From a minister: “I am now engaged in the ministerial work, but I desire to improve by the Correspondence School. I want to take the studies in Greek.”
From a dutiful son: “I have an invalid mother to take care of, so it is impossible for me to go to one of our schools. I want to take a course in the Correspondence School.”
From a correspondence student: “I took a year’s course by correspondence about five years ago, and felt that the time and money were both well spent.”
From a teacher: “As I intend teaching this fall and winter, I may not have time for more than one or two studies.”
From an editor: “It certainly is a good work which you are beginning in Washington. I do believe that your school may be made a real blessing to the denomination, and I shall be glad to help.”
From the oldest applicant: “I am a man sixty years old, but strong and healthy and desire to improve myself. How much time a day would be required to keep up with these studies? My time is somewhat limited, and I do not want to undertake too much.” He applies for four studies.
W. E. HOWELL.
Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
FREDERICK GRIGGS - - - - Secretary
The Teacher's Vacation
By F. G.
WHAT is the vacation bringing to you, fellow teacher? Is it giving you a fund of strength and courage that will be an inspiration in the year to come? Is it increasing your store of facts that will make you ready in imparting knowledge? Is it qualifying you with a richer experience in the things of God that will enable you more perfectly to lead your pupils in his ways? These are important questions that have a very direct bearing upon the future year's work.
The long summer vacation is not a time for doing nothing; it is a time for gathering strength for a mightier effort than has ever been put forth in the past. It is a time of examination, of seeking to discover the weak points in the work of the year past. It is a time of heart searching, for only he can teach, in the true sense of the word, who has been taught by the Great Teacher. It is a time for the study of nature as the work of God. Such a use of this vacation will mean much in the year to come.
The teacher's responsibilities are great, but his source of power is correspondingly large. He needs to measure, in these days of quiet, these responsibilities and this power. In this way, he is to gather strength and courage for the work of the future. As during the winter season, nature stores up strength for the growth of the next year, so during the long vacation period is the teacher to gain a hardness of nerve fiber and sinew, mental and spiritual, as well as physical, which will make him vigorous throughout the year. Is the vacation bringing this to you, fellow teacher?
F. G.
Campaign Literature
By F. G.
The following action was taken by the educational council recently held:—
“Whereas, The success of our home- and church-school work depends largely upon the attitude of the parents toward it, therefore,—
“Resolved, That the departments of education, general and union, be authorized to conduct a campaign of education for parents, as follows:—
“(a) By the circulation of Christian Education Leaflets.
“(b) By sending out educational programs for conventions to be held in our churches one Sabbath in each quarter of the year, or as often as convenient.
“(c) By such other means as may be deemed advisable.”
In accordance with this resolution the following leaflets have been prepared and published: “Our Need,” “Our Line of Advance,” “The Source of Recruits,” “Separation From the World,” “The Church School,” “The Children Have Been Neglected.”
We believe these leaflets will be of great value in the advancement of our educational work. They are for general circulation, particularly among our people, and should be freely used by our educational workers. They are of envelope size, and can be used in correspondence. The educational departments of our conferences, both union and local, should order a good supply of these leaflets for use during the summer. The price is $2.50 a thousand. They can be ordered of the Department of Education of the General Conference, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. F. G.
Blue-Laws Repealed
THE Buffalo Express of Aug. 5, 1909, under the above heading, contains the following regarding Sunday legislation in Connecticut, the home of the “blue-laws:”—
“The House to-day passed, in concurrence with the Senate, a bill liberalizing the Sunday. By it the so-called blue-laws relating to the Sunday, which forbid almost every form of recreation and all secular activities except such as are acts of necessity and mercy, will be wiped out, if Governor Weeks signs the little bill.
“One of the laws specifically repealed is that which provides for a fine of four20dollars on each person who shall attend a concert or entertainment on the Lord’s day.
“The new Sunday bill defines the Sunday, and prohibits all sport and secular activities, except such as are demanded by necessity and mercy and such as are for the ‘general welfare of the community.’ The penal section provides both fines and imprisonment for violation.
“Under the words ‘general welfare of the community’ Sunday baseball is probably permitted.
“The opponents of the bill fear that theaters and all forms of amusement can be held on Sunday until the courts shall have decided that such diversions are not for the welfare of the people.”
Guatemala English School
By W. E. Hancock
We have nothing unusual to report in the work of our school more than that we have found it necessary to employ auxiliary teaching. A few classes have been assigned to a young lady. We believe that the school will necessitate another teacher before long. We are planning to open a kindergarten the last half of the school year. Mrs. Hancock will take this work, provided there is not so much demand for it that she will have to give her entire time to it. We now expect she will be able to take charge of the kindergarten and primary divisions.
Since we came here, the school has held quite an even number of students,—a few coming, and a few leaving. Our efforts in missionary lines though few, are beginning to look bright for results. We have several true friends among the best people of the city. One or two have listened very attentively to the points of truth about which I have spoken to them. We are enjoying our work. Remember us in your prayers.
W. E. HANCOCK.
Atlantic Union Conference Summer School
By F. G.
THE secretary of this department recently visited the Atlantic Union Conference summer school now being conducted at the academy, in South Lancaster, Mass. This is the first summer school which has been held in this union conference for several years. The conferences in the union are assisting the church-school teachers in a financial way to attend the school. Nearly all the primary-school teachers in the union are in attendance; there are also a number present who have never taught, but who plan to teach this coming year.
The instructors in the school are Prof. C. S. Longacre, Mrs. E. M. Long, and Miss May Cole. The instruction is of a very practical nature, as the actual problems to be met in the schools this coming year are being carefully considered. The distinctive methods to be pursued in our schools are being well emphasized.
This union conference is making provisions for systematizing and developing the school work in a manner far in advance of what it has been in the past. To this end Miss May Cole has been chosen as educational secretary for the union conference. There are already more schools desiring to open this fall than there are teachers to supply them. There is no reason why there should not be an excellent system of church-schools throughout this union conference, and we believe this will be speedily accomplished. F. G.
Expect Great Things of God
“GOD expects great things of you. Take care that you do not disappoint him. Be ever expecting great things of God. He will not disappoint you. Take heed of expecting too little. You little know how much power God may give you over your besetting sin.”
Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience