When closing my last report, we were holding a general meeting at Curityba, State of Parana. At this meeting the Lord was present with his blessing. Two were baptized. Some came eight days’ ride by wagon over rough roads to attend the meeting, and four of these were sisters. Although there was no minister with them to present and urge the needs of the Lord’s cause, this church has nobly sustained the various branches of the work during the last year. When they learned of the burning of the Review and Herald, where the Hausfreund was published, they at once raised fifty dollars for its relief. In similar ways they are supporting the work here, while they are doing not a little in active labor.
During the last regular evening service Elder Graf was taken sick with malaria. The previous conference was held in a very malarial district. On this and other accounts he was not well there, and was able to help in the meetings but little. On coming to Curityba he seemed to be rapidly regaining his former health, but was suddenly taken sick at the close of the meeting. On this account Elder Spies went with me to the next place of meeting, at Itarari.
Itarari is in the State of Sao Paulo, near the Parana border, a country town two days’ ride by mule from the railway on the one side and three days’ from the railway on the other. There were only five or six church members there, and none in all the surrounding territory. Hence the meeting was a small one. But in their loneliness they were the more anxious for the meeting. Seven were baptized, all but one of whom were natives, and five of whom came directly out of the Catholic Church. There are others keeping the Sabbath who could not yet take this step on account of the tobacco habit. A church will no doubt soon be organized there. Regular public services were held in a hall, and the attendance steadily grew more regular, quiet, and attentive, and there seemed to be some interest. Brother Emil Hoelgle, after accompanying me three days’ journey to the train, returned to follow up the work.
In the State of Parana, between Curityba and Itarari, there are not less than twelve places where there are genuine interests among the people. In some places there are those who are already keeping the Sabbath. In one place there are about twenty who have burned their images of saints and pictures that they16formerly worshiped, and are keeping the memorial of the true and living God, and desire baptism. Appeals, urgent appeals, come for help; and it is feared that with delay much will be lost. As we see these conditions, our hearts cry to God in anguish for money, and for men who can work for these people. We have put Brother Hoelgle to laboring for them, but the calls are many.
These interests are the result of the work of one of our brethren, a commercial traveler, in connection with his other regular work. During the last two years he has taken over five hundred annual subscriptions for our Portuguese paper, while he has also scattered thousands of single copies and tracts. The subscriptions were nearly all taken on time, and consequently many were never paid for; and thus his work was done at more or less of a loss. But he has the joy of seeing some fruit from his work, and a rich harvest is yet to be garnered, provided it is garnered before the seed falls out.
Our trip by mule has been concluded, unless, on our way south, we cross the State of Rio Grande do Sul. We have traveled about one thousand miles in this way. Our lodging place was under the open canopy of heaven, a tent fly, a farina mill, or some other place equally good. Our saddle goods were almost invariably our bed and bedding. Our food was such as we could get by the way, generally very simple, and not always the most hygienic. Several times we rode from 4:30 A. M. till 7 P. M., with scarcely an hour’s stop for dinner; and once nearly the whole of the time in the rain. Our rising hour was usually 3 A. M. Many times our animals had to swim the rivers while we were taken across in a canoe. (One of Elder Spies’s mules was drowned while crossing.) We crossed almost impassable swamps, heavy sand, and tiresome mountains. Of course we sometimes were tired and sore, and we were ready to lie down anywhere and enjoy a short night’s sleep if we could be comfortably warm. With the exception of Elder Graf, we were all preserved in good health; and the trip seemed to do us good physically.
I have not written the preceding to complain of our lot. We rejoice to be permitted to labor for the Saviour. With the consciousness of his presence, hardships become pleasure. As I write, there steals over me a feeling of tenderness because the Lord should honor one so unworthy, to work and endure a few seeming hardships for his sake.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Bible Circulation in Rome and Britain
There has been organized in Rome “The Religious Society of St. Jerome for the Diffusion of the Holy Gospels,” with its headquarters in the Vatican. Its work, which is the circulation of the Bible, is conducted with the sanction of the pope. The first edition of the Bible prepared for sale and distribution numbered one hundred thousand copies. It contains helps, maps, etc., very much like the ordinary teachers’ Bible. It is printed in the language of the common people. Before his death, Pope Leo XIII granted an indulgence to those who would spend fifteen minutes daily in the reading of this work. Such a move as this is truly not without significance.17
The British and Foreign Bible Society has completed its first century of existence. In that time it has issued 180,000,000 copies of the Bible in many different languages. The daily output is 16,000 copies.
First Fruits in Spain
By Frank Bond; Walter Bond
FRANK AND WALTER BOND
OUR courage is good, and we have many reasons for believing that the Lord had begun to prepare hearts here for the reception of the last message of mercy, even before our arrival in this country. Surely he is going before his people. May we ever be ready to enter as he opens the door for us. We have been here less than three months, and the greater part of this time has been spent in studying the language. The Lord has blessed in this, and he has also blessed us in studying his Word with some of these people. Our hearts have been made glad by seeing a whole family accept the message for this time.
PLAZA CATALUNA, BARCELONA
They began the observance of the Sabbath two weeks ago—September 5. The man has preached several years for the Baptists, and has spent several years teaching school, and we believe he will be a valuable helper in this field.
When one is comfortably situated, and enjoying the many pleasures of home life, and reads of the great distress and misery in distant lands, of the teeming millions who are daily going down to Christless graves, or perhaps the story of the life of some unselfish missionary, he can not but feel a burning desire in his soul to do something for those people. No one else can, however, feel it so deeply, and be so solemnly impressed by the conditions that exist, as the individual who may be there.
As we see these people in the darkness and superstition of Catholicism, with but little or no knowledge of a living Saviour, not knowing that he is soon coming to make an end of sin and all its consequences, and take his people home, our hearts burn within us. The question arises, How can so many millions, who are so ignorant and careless with reference to their souls’ eternal welfare, receive the light of the gospel during the short period that still remains to this generation before our Saviour appears in the clouds of heaven, as portrayed in Matt. 24: 29-34? We know this will be accomplished; for the fourteenth verse of the same chapter says, ‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ The Lord says, ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’ Eph. 5: 15, 16.
Too many of us have been sleeping on guard, and it is high time to awaken. The time allotted for the carrying of the good news to the world has almost expired, but, thank the Lord, it is still possible to redeem, or make up for, some of the wasted moments. In order to do this, every energy of our lives must be wholly devoted to the Master’s service.
There is room in this country, with its millions of souls, for hundreds of strong, self-sacrificing workers. Who will come over and help us? The rapidity with which the message goes will depend upon the relation that we as a people sustain to God, and our nearness to him will depend on the time we spend in communion with him. We should at this time study carefully the way the Lord used Jonah to warn Nineveh. There was that great city, with its more than one hundred and twenty thousand people, and as Jonah, directed by the Lord of heaven, bore the message that God had given him for that people, they gladly received it, and within forty days the whole city was converted. The Lord is going to work mightily for those who will co-operate with him in these last days. Let us look to him earnestly for the outpouring of his Spirit as in the days of the apostles, that the work may be rapidly closed up.
We need the prayers of all God’s people, that the message may go with power in this country.
Barcelona.
Missionary School Permitted in Sudan
THE policy inaugurated by Lord Kitchener at Khartum of rigorously excluding missionaries has been abandoned. Recently the Church Missionary Society obtained permission to open a school either at Khartum or Omdurman in which religious teaching is to be given. Children of parents who object to religious teaching are to be carefully excluded from the school.
Word From Jamaica
By J. B. Beckner
Everything was flourishing both financially and spiritually until the terrible storm which struck our beautiful island the tenth of last month, accounts of which have appeared in the papers. All of the north side looks like an American winter.
With Brother Hubert Fletcher, I was in the chapel at Port Antonio when the storm struck it. It was torn to pieces. The floor was carried eight feet to one side. We escaped without a scratch. The dwelling houses of many of our brethren were destroyed, as well as all fruit trees and other products under cultivation. Some are discouraged, but the most of them praise the Lord that their lives were spared. The new church at Glen Goffe was also blown down. I fear to hear from other church houses that stood upon the mountains. We can look for hard times here for the next twelve months, as it will take that time for the bananas to come again. And the cocoanut trees are destroyed. We are preparing to use the strictest economy so as to rebuild the torn-down houses. Many will have to be helped to rebuild their homes and to get something to eat.
Our native brethren have lifted nobly in putting up the church buildings that have been so recently dedicated. But now they are down, and many will have to be lifted. So we in brotherly love ask our American brethren to help us lift in this our time of need.
I am not discouraged, but have buckled on the armor a little tighter. In going west from Port Antonio the other day, I found roads all blocked with fallen trees. I was nine hours and a half going thirteen miles with my bicycle, and later twelve hours in going twenty miles. Roads are now being cleared of the fallen trees. I have about forty miles to go this afternoon.
Often remember us in your prayers. May God hasten the day when all have had the opportunity to get ready for the coming of the dear Lord.
Since writing the above, I have been out on a survey of the work of our terrible storm. Five churches were blown down, and many of the houses of our brethren. The prosperity of our work here demands the rebuilding of these houses as soon as possible. We had five new church buildings in construction when the storm struck our island. The rebuilding, with the finishing of those already begun, is a greater burden than we are able to bear or will be able to bear for some time to come, because of the destruction of the larger portion of the fruit crop of the island, which is the main dependence of our people.
I think the work here shows good returns for the investment that our American brethren have already made. We believe they will be willing in our adversity to invest a little more. Five hundred dollars will enable us to lift these churches, and establish the confidence of the people.
The John's Hall church must be rebuilt at once; it will be ready for use by October 1. This will probably be the first church to be rebuilt since the storm. Our brethren have been promised material for rebuilding their private houses, from the island relief fund, also provisions, so we shall only need help for rebuilding the churches which have been destroyed.
Our evangelistic work is prospering under the Lord's hand. There never was a deeper interest in the message than at the present time. Every week new ones are being added to the company of believers. Many of our native brethren are being awakened, and going out among the people, telling them what the Lord has done for them. The Spirit of the Lord is truly with us.
J. B. BECKNER.
From America to Australia
By S. M. Cobb
It may be of interest to our people to learn that the party that left San Francisco, Cal., for Australia, July 16, reached their destination safely. Our company consisted of eleven adults and seven children, but of this number there were two children and one sister who had been visiting friends in America, and were returning to their home in Australia.
We sailed on the steamer “Sonoma.” We were twenty-two days on the water, and had a very smooth passage. We stopped off at Honolulu one day. At this place we had a pleasant surprise. Brother Burgess met us at the boat, and went with us to the different places of interest in the city, and then conducted us to the hospitable home of Lyle, where we met Sister Hudson and others. After a bountiful dinner, we returned to the boat. We left Honolulu, July 22, at 8 P. M., and July 28 we reached Pago-Pago. Leaving this place, we crossed the one hundred and eightieth meridian, or day-line, Sabbath, August 1, at 2:15 P. M., and reached Auckland, August 3.
We were much pleased to meet Brother and Sister Hare at Auckland, and we had a pleasant visit with them during our short stop at this place.
Leaving Auckland, we reached Sydney, Friday, at 10 A. M., August 7, and were greeted by Elders Gates, Woodford, and Paap, Sister Irwin, and others.
Our hearts were cheered by the warm welcome we received, and by the thought that inviting fields of labor were waiting18for us. The union conference meeting to be held had been postponed until September 3, as Elder Irwin had not returned from Europe. Sister Graham arrived at Sydney the same day we reached that place, having come from Europe by way of South Africa.
Sabbath day, August 8, all the laborers who had just arrived from America were requested to meet at the Stanmore church in Sydney at 3 P. M., where we found about two hundred of our people gathered to welcome us. This meeting was very refreshing and helpful to us all, and we felt that it was good to be there.
We are now scattered in various parts of the field, laboring till the conference convenes. We are full of hope and courage, and are glad to be here.
S. M. COBB.
The Need for Laborers in Natal
In a recent letter, Brother Edmed, of Natal, South Africa, mentions the need of laborers there, and as an illustration relates the following experience: “I was invited to visit a family at Vryheid, at the extreme border, in Natal. Two ladies had accepted the truth when it was presented to them a few weeks before, and were anxious that their families should hear about these precious things. So I went to stay a few days with them. I held a few meetings in their houses, and some of the leading church-members were present. Twenty or more attended each meeting, and expressed their firm conviction that this message was right. But I could not stop longer with them, owing to appointments in Maritzburg, where we were about to pitch a tent and conduct a series of meetings. They begged me to return soon, paid my expenses, and made offerings to help the cause. But the demand was just as pressing at Maritzburg, where we had held several meetings in the church. What are we to do when demands are coming from everywhere, and we have only two men to fill the calls?”
Progress of the China Mission
Writing of their study of the Chinese language, Brother J. N. Anderson says that their work continues slowly but surely. He writes: “In Canton we have no little intercourse with the Chinese, and it is certainly gratifying to us to be able to make them understand many things. As our study at the present time is altogether in the New Testament, it serves to give us a Bible vocabulary, and so renders it the easier for us to speak of spiritual things. In Hongkong they are doing well with the language, and are favored, as well as greatly encouraged, by the fact that their teacher is manifesting real interest in the truth, so much so that he has written a short treatise on the binding force of God’s law. He gives promise of taking a stand for the truth and becoming a good worker.” Our workers in China were much cheered by the promise of the good company who are now en route to that field. Brother Anderson says: “I shall be glad to meet the new missionaries at Shanghai, and accompany them to their field. I am especially glad to know of their consecration and full sympathy with the advent message, which is the one and only thing to engage our energies at this time. This is a substantial addition to our force of laborers, and we welcome them most heartily, bidding them God-speed. . . . We are very glad, indeed, and thankful, to hear that a press has been donated to the China mission, which can not fail to fill our urgent need. Surely, the good Lord will not fail us, if we are where we can truly glorify him in all that he is ready to give us.”
Colombia
By I. G. Knight
BOCAS DEL TORO.—There are so many calls for labor in this great field that I am perplexed to know how to meet them. Books are being sold, and these create a desire to hear the message preached. Some have heard a few times, and they want to hear more. But the field is large, and it must be visited. And yet we feel that when an interest is awakened, interest should at that time be developed, if possible. There are interests which must not be neglected longer. Pray for the success of the message in this field. I. G. KNIGHT.
CHAS. T. EVERSON
By Chas. T. Everson
Italy
In order more perfectly to pave the way for successful work in this field, it was decided at our union meetings at Lausanne to give special attention to the distribution of our literature. And with this thought in mind, it was voted to translate “His Glorious Appearing,” and issue an edition of five thousand, which we hope soon to publish. Also we are soon to issue in the Italian language a five-thousand edition of Dr. DeForest’s excellent tract on the subject of health.
After the camp-meeting I visited our brethren in northern Italy, in order to lay before them our plans for the spread of the message by the printed page. For a while we hope to have some regular canvassers in the field. We are endeavoring to enlist all our people in Italy for the canvassing work, and shall try to treat them as canvassers by allowing them a commission on what they sell. Some can go out for a few hours a day, or it may be for only that length of time in a week, but each little time thus spent will help in making a successful work.
While there, holding meetings with the church in Torre Pellice, the headquarters of the Waldenses, concerning whose history we read in “Great Controversy,” I baptized a young man who formerly belonged to the Waldensian Church. He seems to be an intelligent young man who may some day become a worker in Italy.
At Turin, the ancient capital of Italy, I stopped for a few days to meet some of our people who are located there, and to baptize a candidate in the historic waters of the Po River. The brother that was baptized was one of the first converts that the Waldenses made from Catholicism when they came down into the plains from their home among the hills and valleys. It has not been very long since the Waldenses were forbidden to worship outside of their mountain territory, and not until the present liberal Italian government was established, about 1870, were they allowed to work in Italy outside of their own valleys. Of course they did some work, but it was done secretly. But when they were permitted to work in Turin, this man was one of their first converts, and he remained a Waldensian until the truth of the third angel’s message came to him. He has kept the Sabbath for nearly four years, but until recently did not have the opportunity of being baptized and learning present truth. He seemed to appreciate the truth fully as much as the new converts do in America; for the truth has the same power in every land and upon every people.
CHAS. T. EVERSON
Flint Camp-Meeting
By B. F. Stureman; M. Shepard
Michigan
FLINT.—The camp-meeting recently held in the East Michigan Conference was one of the best ever held in the State. It being thought that a tent should be pitched and a short course of lectures held, we held the first meeting on Friday evening, September 11, and the last meeting on Sunday evening, October 4. The attendance was good throughout, and the Lord truly blessed these few meetings. From the start, we were led out to preach the message, and the Lord surely helped us to give it clear and plain. We were made to see that the old-time method of preaching the truth is the best way, as it had its effect on the hearts of many who attended the meetings.
Thus far twelve have begun the observance of the Sabbath, and others are deeply interested, of whom we have much hope. We received $15.10 in donations, and raised $17.50 to pay for three thousand of the tract, “What Do These Things Mean?” We expect to make a thorough canvass of the city, and leave one of these tracts at every home.
The camp-meeting made a very favorable impression on the minds of the people of the city, and surely the Lord came near and blessed. Our people returned to their homes with better courage and greater determination to work for the Lord.
B. F. STUREMAN,
M. SHEPARD.
South Africa
By Mrs. M. A. Cornwell-Chaney
HARRISMITH, ORANGE RIVER COLONY.—I left my work in Durban, where I found the climate too severe for my strength, one year ago. Some will remember the sister of whom I wrote, who was much interested in the truth. She has accepted the Sabbath, and is still firmly with us. The Sabbath meetings are held at her home. Two others accepted the Sabbath and other points of truth, and are now in Pretoria. One of these sisters said that no one could know the blessing she had obtained through the readings and acquaintance with the truth. Still others are interested, and see that it is a life-and-death question, yet they have allowed friends or business to stand in their way. It makes me sad to see people knowingly choosing death and money, rather than life and all else worth having.
As there was such a long delay in getting a school started at Sweetwaters, I had a room seated, and taught the children myself from September until Christmas. We had a blessed time together, and the Spirit of the Lord was certainly manifested among us. The children were convicted, and wept over their sins, and earnestly sought the Saviour. Many were the blessings that we received from heaven during those few months.
We spent January in Cape Colony, attending the camp-meetings, councils, etc., and returned to Sweetwaters early in February. The very next day after my return home, I was taken down with malarial fever, and from that time on I was sick, some days better, and again worse, until my life was despaired of. Through prayer, with anointing and careful rational treatment and nursing, blessed of God, I was raised up from my bed of sickness.
Before I was taken sick in Sweetwaters, Mr. Chaney and I held meetings for the adults and for the children of our own people each Sabbath, and also Wednesday evenings. I held Bible readings during the week, and until Christmas had a night school for the adults.
On account of many hindrances in our work—sickness, and improper location for work, shortage of money in the South African Union Conference, and in Natal and the Transvaal—a proper mission station among the Zulus could not be opened; and finally we learned that money was scarce at home. After earnestly seeking the Lord, and counseling with the conference committee, we decided to take up canvassing, and thus carry on a most important branch of the work without drawing from the Lord’s treasury.
We came to this place trusting the Lord to lead us. We are where we can19feel that we are needed. We are the only Sabbath-keepers here, and the work is a new one. There was scarcely a room to be had in the town at any price, but we were blessed of the Lord in finding one at three pounds a month; and although we must cook, eat, and sleep in one room twelve by fourteen feet, with but one small window in it, we think we are fortunate in getting this.
Mr. Chaney is canvassing for “Home Hand Book.” He has canvassed now a part of eight days; and to-day, before dinner, he had taken thirty-five orders; I began with “Christ Our Saviour,” using a help occasionally; and during the few hours I have been able to canvass, I have taken thirty-four orders and sold eighty-five papers—forty-one copies of the Sentinel, and forty-four copies of the English Good Health. This is my fourth day. I expect to spend only about three hours a day for a while, until I become stronger. To-day I was out three hours, made thirteen canvasses, and took eleven orders.
I have had some blessed times in the homes of the people each day, and have gladly improved the opportunity to do missionary work by personal talks, and the Lord has been manifestly with me. I do praise his name for it. I have one Bible class, and begin weekly children’s meetings to-morrow. I have about five hundred tracts, and expect to begin systematic tract work as soon as I can get some envelopes printed. There is quite a settlement just outside of Harrismith. Mr. Chaney has been out and sold some Kaffir “Steps to Christ” and tracts, and we have ordered more, expecting to spend one or two days a week out there.
We are happy in our work here, and feel much better in health and spirits since coming.
MRS. M. A. CORNWELL-CHANEY.
Japan
By F. W. Field
Tokyo.— We see many encouraging omens in our work. While in Kobe last week, I baptized three candidates. Two of these are helpers at the sanitarium, who went from Tokyo when the work was opened there. The other is a young man who has just begun to obey the truth. He has been reading our papers for about a year, and being in Kobe recently, he studied the truth with some of the sanitarium workers. There are perhaps six others who have begun to observe the Sabbath this year, who have not yet been baptized. This shows an encouraging increase. Our total membership is about fifty.
Brother Kuniya is having interesting times in the south country, and will have something good to report. We are of good courage in our work.
F. W. Field.
JAMES A. MORROW
By JAMES A. MORROW
Bermuda
HAMILTON.—My book sales for July are better than I had expected, as it has been necessary for me to give almost all my time to the meetings. I have been presenting the subject of the Sabbath, and I look for three or four to decide soon. Sundays are about the only days that I now devote to canvassing. For the last three Sundays the sales have been as follows: $12, $9, and $23.-50. How long this will continue, I do not know. For it all I feel to thank the Lord.
I am anxious to secure a tent for use during the tourist season, say from January to May.
This leaves us quite well, but we find that during the hot weather we shall need to be cautious not to overwork. Brother Enoch found it necessary to take a trip for his health. He and Sister Enoch have gone to Nova Scotia. They expect to remain two months.
We are encouraged to learn through the faithful REVIEW how the Lord has directed in the removal of the offices from Battle Creek. I fully believe that we shall see startling things in the development of this message from now on.
JAMES A. MORROW
MRS. J. L. SHAW
By Mrs. J. L. Shaw
India
CALCUTTA.—While in Darjeeling, we had the privilege of meeting many people from all over India who had been subscribers to the Oriental Watchman, and had purchased our books. It is really wonderful how the seeds of truth have been sown. As we saw some of the fruits of the seed sown by the different canvassers, I could but wish that some who are not here now could realize something of the good their work has accomplished. I have never known so fully the importance attached to the circulation of our literature as I have during this trip.
Miss Black and I visited the home of a gentleman who once opened his doors to Brother Robinson, in Darjeeling, when other doors were closed against him. He and his wife were glad to see us, and told us that just the day before, they had been reading the “Great Controversy,” and had been impressed by some things they had read. They both wept, and said that they longed to have the experience that those had who had brought these books to them. I do not know when I have met any one so hungry for spiritual truths as these two souls, and I am sure the day is not far distant when they will be rejoicing in the full light of the third angel’s message. It is really encouraging to see how the seed sown by those who are now sleeping is bearing fruit, and eternity alone will reveal the results.
The same day we also met a lady who has “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and the “Great Controversy.” She said that she and her family accepted everything these books taught but the Sabbath, and that they had felt that they had left that with the Lord to make clear to them; and if he made it clear that they were in the wrong, they would certainly change. We urged her to follow the question in the Oriental Watchman, which she promised to do. The Methodist minister in Calcutta enjoyed “Patriarchs and Prophets” so much that she had presented him with a copy, and had also given him the “Great Controversy.”
I never enjoyed a month more than I did the one spent in Darjeeling, canvassing from house to house, and meeting, as we did, people from all parts of the world. We are thankful that our lot has been cast in such pleasant places.
MRS. J. L. SHAW
British Guiana
By D. C. Babcock
GEORGETOWN.—There is a decided advance in the work generally. At the meeting last Sabbath two brethren were added to the Georgetown church. The Lord is blessing our efforts daily, and some are accepting the truth. While Satan is doing all he can against the work and the workers, the Lord's mighty power can be definitely seen.
Among others, an intelligent young man has fully come into the truth. I hope he will be a great help to the cause. He is well educated in the Hindustani, reading, writing, and speaking it fluently. Brother Hyder says there are very few who speak it so perfectly. He was teaching the coolie children for one of the Georgetown churches when he accepted the message. He has been a public worker for several years, although quite young.
Our tent is crowded every night; in fact, one half of the audience can not get inside. Last night fully four hundred were present. The tent stands on a corner lot, and the streets are filled with people. Several have taken their stand, and yesterday I baptized the first-fruits of our second tent effort, with two others — one from the Kitty work.
The work on the Kitty church has begun. All the frame is bought, with the shingles, and everything is paid for thus far, with one year's lease of the land. We have twelve dollars left.
D. C. BABCOCK.
Birmingham (Ala.) Colored Camp-Meeting
By T. B. Buckner
The second annual camp-meeting for the colored people of Alabama was held, according to appointment, at Birmingham, September 10-20. All the colored churches of the State were represented. Forty-two persons camped on the grounds. We held four meetings each day, besides the children's meeting, which was conducted by Sisters Wilson and Whitman, assisted by others. Elder A. Barry, of Nashville, Tenn., assisted me in the preaching services. Also Brother Chatman, of the Oakwood school, occupied the eleven o'clock hour in Bible talks.
Sisters E. Patterson and Ella Sanks, of the Oakwood school, gave health talks at the tent, and lessons on cooking at the homes of several. These were highly appreciated. Prof. B. E. Nicola labored in the interests of the Oakwood school, and Brother C. J. Dart in the interests of the canvassing work.
We spent the early morning hour in seeking the Lord and studying the Testimonies. When we read, on page 237 of Volume VII, that “our churches in the South are to have a spiritual resurrection,” all felt that we needed such an experience in order to make that meeting a success. The Lord came very near to us. Sins were confessed and put away, and all promised not to rob the Lord any more in tithes and offerings. The burden was lifted from many hearts, and backslidden members came back to the fold. The outside attendance was not large. The Lord gave us six dear souls from the enemy's ranks. All of these but one followed their Lord in baptism, with seven of the Birmingham church who desired to be baptized into the third angel's message.
We continued evening meetings for a week after the close of the camp-meeting. We believe a good impression was made on all who attended, and we rejoice in the Lord, and give him the praise for the success of the meeting.
The church-school question for colored children was a perplexing one there, as in many other parts of the South. In this State, with about six hundred thousand colored people, we have only three schools, and these are struggling for existence.
If any who read these lines wish to help in this work, donations of money or provisions will be thankfully received. All gifts should be accompanied with a note stating for which school they are20intended—the Birmingham (colored), Juniata (colored), or Montgomery (colored).
Cash donations may be sent to Brother C. E. Giles, Attalla, Ala. If you desire further information, please write to W. L. McNeeley, 121 N. Seventeenth Street, Birmingham, Ala.; C. E. Giles, Attalla, Ala.; or to the writer, “Charity Mission,” Montgomery, Ala. We are thankful for the help given to these schools in the past, and to the colored work generally. But, my dear friends, will you not come to our rescue in this trying time, and help us to keep these few schools in operation? Please let us hear from you. We are told in a recent Testimony that the Lord accepts the work being done in all these schools for colored people in the South.
T. B. BUCKNER.
OLIVE P. INGERSOLL, M. D
By Olive P. Ingersoll
CALCUTTA.— Our work has most certainly been blessed at the sanitarium. Since the beginning of the year, when we began on the self-supporting basis in good earnest, we have had only two months that have run us behind at all on the running expenses. Month by month our receipts have enabled us to keep up the expenses, and to add considerable in the way of equipment and apparatus. All the workers are of good courage.
The treatment rooms have been well patronized; both those for the ladies and those for the gentlemen being used to their fullest capacity. Our nurses' training class is doing nicely.
OLIVE P. INGERSOLL, M. D
Union College
By Mrs. M. E. Kern
UNION COLLEGE opened September 30, with an enrolment of one hundred and sixty-one enthusiastic young people. In a week the number increased to two hundred and twenty-one. There is a better outlook for the school than for some time, as there seems to be a general awakening in regard to the value of mental discipline.
The church school, which is managed independently, has almost doubled the enrolment of previous years. A number of more mature young people are doing grade work in the church school, so that the college enrolment represents but few below the ninth grade.
There is an earnestness among the young people which is most gratifying. All are of good courage, and expect many blessings this school year.
