ELDER F. W. FIELD, writing from Tokyo, reports two more candidates ready for baptism—a young man and a young lady, both Japanese.
ELDER MORROW and his wife, who were compelled to leave Georgetown early in January, on account of Mrs. Morrow’s failing health, write, after having been three weeks in Bermuda, that they are both much improved in health, and are quite sure that the Lord led in their going to that island. While regaining their health, they are finding many opportunities for missionary work, and hope to assist Brother Enoch, who has been laboring so long to advance the message in Bermuda.
FROM Barbados, Brother W. A. Sweany writes that their work is prospering as never before, despite the suffering and hardships of the people. The Sabbath-school has recently grown from less than eighty to over one hundred. He mentions the fact that they have not yet been privileged to attend any of the counsel meetings conducted by Elder Spicer, on account of the quarantine, but adds that they are thankful the quarantine can not keep them away from God, nor him from them. The donations from the United States have, with the blessing of God, enabled them to alleviate much of the suffering.
F. W. FIELD
By F. W. Field
Japan
Tokyo.— We have had more tokens of the blessing and presence of the Lord during the past few months than ever before in our work here. One young man and a young woman were baptized this week. Two more young men in Tokyo have decided this month to obey. Two young men are keeping the Sabbath in Wakamatsu, and another is waiting until he finishes his school in the spring, having failed to gain his parents’ permission to leave school. We shall set these at work as far as and as soon as we are able.
A young lady in the mission school, having read our paper, has decided to obey; she also has a friend who is deeply interested. In her last letter— she has seen none of our workers — she announces her decision to leave school, not knowing how her parents may treat her. She has given herself to the Lord, to obey all his commandments. I could mention other cases where our paper has awakened an interest.
We are of good courage. There are many interested ones among those who people are attending our English classes, and among those for whom our native brethren are working, as well as among the readers of our paper. We shall be deeply interested in the proceedings of the General Conference, and we have confidence that our field will not be forgotten when the needs of the cause are considered.
F. W. FIELD
A Memorial for God
By J. S. Washburn
THE highest solid monument in the world is the famous Washington Monument, which is five hundred and fifty-five feet and five and one-eighth inches high. It was built as a memorial of the “father of his country.” The names of forty States and many societies that supplied a share of the money to pay for this mighty obelisk, are inscribed on special stones on the inside of the marble shaft—pure white marble without and granite within, tipped at the summit with a pyramid of pure aluminum, visible from below only from a certain position, and then on a particular moment of the day when it shines out like a brilliant star from the point of the monument. On this aluminum point are inscribed the Latin words “Laus Deo,” Praise to God.
Washington himself is said to have selected the site afterward adopted. The corner-stone was laid in 1848. In 1855 the shaft had attained a height of one hundred and fifty-two feet. Then the funds being exhausted, the construction was suspended for twenty-three years, and was resumed in 1878, and the monument was finished and dedicated Feb. 21, 1885. The total cost of the monument has been $1,300,000.
As I have looked upon this highest monument in the whole world to human greatness, this towering memorial of the master workman who laid the foundation of the last great nation on earth, as I have considered the ascription of “Praise to God” which fittingly crowns the summit, an inscription invisible from below, seen only from heaven, I have thought that a vastly higher monument must be erected in the capital city, on whose summit the same motto shall be inscribed,—a monument that shall stand for an infinitely greater government than the United States, for a Master Builder, a Ruler, incomparably wiser and more powerful than the revered father of his country. This last great, terrible, yet glorious message of truth sounding abroad God’s appeal to a world in rebellion—this royal invitation from the eternal King, for whom we are ambassadors—is vastly more important than the whole government of the United States.
Has the General Conference asked too much for the capital city when the appeal has been sent out to establish a memorial church here? I can not believe that our work will wait for years as the Washington Monument waited for funds. If all our people who are as able to give one hundred dollars, or even one thousand dollars, as was our brother in far-away Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, to give one dollar, would take the same interest as is revealed in the following letter from this brother, how soon would the amount still due on the church be paid, and the work thus far established in this national center!
“HONOLULU, H. I., Feb. 3, 1903.
“DEAR BROTHER: On January 29, at the noon hour, while waiting for my dinner, I picked up a copy of the REVIEW AND HERALD, and noticed an article you had written in regard to buying a church in the District of Columbia. While I was reading, I felt that I ought to have a hand in helping to pay for that church, and not having any ready money, I said, ‘Lord, what shall I do?’ The suggestion came, Go and hunt for work, and give the first money that you earn. I said, ‘Yes, Lord, I will do that.’ As soon as dinner was over, I started. I went about half a mile, and as I was passing a two-story house, it came to me very forcibly that I had better call there. But the first thought that came to my mind was, O, you have never got anything there to do. Nevertheless I said, ‘Lord, I will try.’ So I turned, and went to the side door, and was about to ascend the steps, when I heard a carriage coming into the yard. I waited until it came where I was, and then made known my errand just as if I had known that the woman was the lady of the house. Her answer was that she had nothing in my line of work. As I turned to go, she said, ‘Wait a minute, and I will see if I can find anything for you to do.’ She alighted from her carriage and started upon a hunt. When she had finished her round, she had managed to find enough work to come to $1.75, which I now send to you, adding to it twenty-five cents from my own purse. It is all the Lord’s. I am only acting as his agent. This is from your brother who is in love with the third angel’s message.
“N. F. B.”
A monument, a memorial, built of the enduring materials,—faith, prayer, labor, sacrifice, love,—will tower into the very heavens, and will last in its results for all eternity.
Up to the present date (March 3, 1903), $6,200 with interest to date has been paid on the church, which was purchased Nov. 1, 1902, for $12,900. Six thousand seven hundred dollars is still to be paid, with interest at 5½ per cent, or $1.01 per day.
Of the amount contributed by friends, not members of the Washington church, $1,500 was given by one person, $200 by another, $144.34 by “a friend,” and $100 each by two brethren, the rest in smaller amounts by friends in nearly every State in the United States, also in Canada, Hawaiian Islands, and England. We expect18in a few weeks to re-dedicate the church to our work, free from all debt, truly “a memorial for God,” and a testimony to the people of the nation’s capital, of the reality of the faith of Seventh-day Adventists in the third angel’s message. J. S. WASHBURN.
Rumania
By Louis Richard Conradi
CONSTANTSA.— Leaving Hamburg, February 4, with Sister W. Müller, who goes as nurse from Friedensau to Jaffa, Palestine, I spent two days at Kolozsoar, Hungary, where they had their annual meeting, February 5-8. The meeting was well attended, and the outlook is most promising. There are now one hundred and thirty-five members in this field, and about twenty-five others are awaiting baptism. During the last three months their tithe has nearly doubled. Several who attended the school at Friedensau entered the work for the first time. Elder Schubert assisted at the meeting.
We arrived here February 10. A company from Bulgaria and Rumania is assembled for their general meeting, which continues until February 15. We shall leave to-morrow, February 12, for Constantinople, where we expect to meet Brethren Baharian and Krum and other leading brethren, for counsel in regard to the work there. L. R. CONRADI.
Michigan
By M. C. Guild
ALPENA.— I spent Sabbath and Sunday, February 28 and March 1, at Rose City, Ogemaw County. Elder Chancey Wood joined me there, and a church of eight members was organized. A full corps of church officers was elected.
Their Sabbath-school consists of about sixteen members. This is the first church of Sabbath-keepers in this county. One of our brethren with his family moved there for the purpose of holding up the light of truth in a new place. Others came later, and some of the neighbors are now deeply interested as a result of missionary work.
Some of the members of this church have been long in the way of truth: their hope is bright, and their faith in the message is strong. It was impressed upon them that their prosperity depends on keeping on the whole armor of God, and receiving daily fresh supplies of grace, while giving out continually to those around them.
M. C. GUILD.
A Victory in Seattle
By H. H. Hall
SABBATH, Feb. 14, 1903, the Seattle church not only gained a decided victory, but took a long march forward. The occasion was that of a missionary convention. The brethren and sisters decided to perform the duty which had long stared them in the face, and promised to close up the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” before April 1.
The meeting opened at eleven o’clock, with every available seat in the house filled. Elder Nellis spoke of what was necessary to be done in order to see the glory of God. Following this, Brethren S. C. Osborne and Lee Moran spoke of what the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is destined to accomplish, and the consecration needed for this work. Elder Wollekar considered the question, “What will you do with the rest of the books?” The various phases of the effort having already been presented, the congregation began to realize, as they had never realized before, the fact that the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is simply a part of the great missionary effort before this people. Brother Wollekar then asked those who had not taken their quota, and who were willing to take them, to arise. In a few minutes one hundred and fifty of the five hundred books still unprovided for, were spoken for. He then asked who in the congregation would become responsible for one hundred books. There was no answer. He then dropped to seventy-five, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty-five, twenty, and yet there was no response. This seemed discouraging, but the after-results showed that it was not the Lord’s plan that any few members should take the burden from the church as a whole. When fifteen was reached, one blind brother arose. This seemed to prepare the congregation for the next call, which was ten. People stood up all over the house when this number was mentioned, and after they had all been counted, there still remained two hundred books. Those who would take five were then counted; afterward those who would take two, finally those who would take one. At these various calls, some who had made pledges for a greater number, again expressed their willingness to assist, so that the whole number might be provided for. When there remained but eighty-seven books, the brother who had led out with the pledge for fifteen, and who had pledged twice since, arose and suggested that each one become responsible for one more book. This was accepted by a standing vote, and the cloud which had so long hung over the Seattle church was transformed before our eyes into a pillar of fire, showing us the glory of the Lord, in fulfillment of his promise.
This meeting was a most excellent preparation for the afternoon session, which opened with a talk on “The Present Work for Church Members,” by Wm. J. Boynton. This was followed by remarks on “Missionary Methods of Christ and His Disciples,” by the writer; “Our Church Schools,” by H. C. J. Wollekar and Madga Madsen; and “Christian Help Work,” by Dr. A. Q. Shryock, after which a retrospect of it all was given by Elder W. W. Sharp.
The eagerness with which the congregation accepted the practical suggestions for work which were made by these speakers, showed how thoroughly all had been stirred by the Spirit of the Lord,19which was present in so large measure. Verily, brethren and sisters, the latter rain is falling, and it is good to be in the midst of a shower. H. H. HALL.
New York
By G. B. Thompson
I AM glad to report that the message is making some progress in this conference. During the past year we have been endeavoring to dispose of our quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” All our laborers have taken hold of this work, and are still engaged in it. Nearly six thousand books have been ordered; most of these have been sold, and the proceeds sent to the academy at South Lancaster. We hope the time is not far distant when we can sing our jubilee song.
The medical work was started during the year, and is operated under conference management. A small sanitarium has been opened in Buffalo, with donations from all parts of the conference, and is being blessed beyond our expectations. Dr. A. R. Satterlee and his wife are in charge, with two trained nurses. We have also started a small training class for nurses. The influence in the city is excellent, and we shall soon have to provide more room.
The educational work is making a healthy growth. Ten or more church schools are now in progress, and the blessing of the Lord is being seen in a marked manner. At the school in West Salamanca, where Brother H. W. Carr and his wife are teaching, twenty-three were baptized last Sabbath, and there are others who desire baptism. These all showed evidence of true conversion. It is hoped that an intermediate school will be established in this part of the State during the summer. In other of our schools also the power of the Lord has been present to convert the children. Following our annual conference in January, an institute for our teachers was held, and was well attended. Profs. F. Griggs and E. A. Sutherland were present. We feel confident that this institute has marked a new era in the educational work in our conference. The conference assisted the teachers to attend.
The Lord greatly blessed at our annual conference. The instruction from the brethren from abroad was practical and well received. Three churches were admitted to the conference, and last Sabbath another church of nineteen members was organized at Salamanca. Three church buildings were dedicated during the past year. The missionary spirit was manifest during the conference, and it was voted to pay the salary of Elder B. E. Connerly in Porto Rico, and purchase a tent (50x70 ft.) for use in Scotland. We feel confident that our conferences will be greatly blessed in sharing their blessings with the regions beyond, and thus hasten the coming of the Lord. The conference in all departments is entirely out of debt, and we are endeavoring to carry on the work on the cash basis. Our courage in the Lord is good, and we expect to see the work rise, and the warning message carried to all the world. An effort is now being made to have all take part in the campaign to distribute our good tracts, and an encouraging response is being heard from all over the State. G. B. THOMPSON.
An Occasion of Great Gladness
By H. E. Osborne
It will be remembered by many that the special blessing of God in our Tabernacle services on Sabbath, Dec. 27, 1902, was the subject of thankful acknowledgment in the columns of the last REVIEW for 1902. Before the news of this splendid victory had reached our people, we were temporarily deprived of our place of worship by the destruction of the Review Office on Dec. 30, 1902, as heat was supplied the Tabernacle from the Review and Herald plant. This seemed a grave misfortune to the interests of this special work of grace among us, which had been carried forward in special services for young and old both before and during the week of prayer.
It is a great pleasure to make known to our people everywhere the fact that, in spite of these apparently adverse circumstances, our Tabernacle worshipers had the joy of witnessing the baptism of eighteen persons on Sabbath, February 21. This number was composed almost entirely of young people who had been led to a decision during the services mentioned. The ordinance was administered by Elder H. Nicola, practically the entire congregation remaining during the baptismal service. About fifteen other young people will, at an early date, be added to the number already baptized.
We ask our people to magnify the Lord together with us for this gracious manifestation of his saving power, and together let us pray that this harvest of souls may be greatly multiplied to the glory of his name. H. E. OSBORNE.
An Important Event
THE formal opening of the Sydney Medical and Surgical Sanitarium took place on Jan. 1, 1903, at 3:30 P. M. There were gathered together many lovers of the principles of reform for which the institution stands as a witness and memorial, the commodious parlors being well filled. A splendid program was rendered, which was heartily enjoyed by those present. Pastor E. W. Farnsworth, the chairman, made a few appropriate opening remarks, dwelling especially upon the struggles and difficulties which confronted the erection of the building. Prayer was offered by Pastor E. H. Gates. The opening addresses were delivered by Pastor G. A. Irwin; D. H. Kress, M. D., the medical superintendent; Dr. M. G. Kellogg; and J. A. Burden, business manager.
At the close of the opening exercises the friends were divided into companies, and escorted through different departments of the institution; then refreshments were served in the large and artistically arranged dining-room, under the supervision of Dr. Lauretta Kress. The great variety of simple and tastily prepared foods and drinks, which were greatly enjoyed by all present, testified that healthful foods and drinks may be prepared so as to be extremely attractive and palatable as well as nutritious. The refreshments were served by a happy and cheerful corps of nurses.
Upon the whole, it was pronounced by all as a most profitable and enjoyable occasion long to be remembered. We sincerely hope that this important institution will prove a blessing, not only to those in search of health, but to all who are brought in touch with its principles. —Australasian Good Health.
The Relief of the Schools
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The total cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to Feb. 16, 1903, is $51,642.95.
NAME
AMOUNT
Joseph Weymer
$ 1 00
Mrs. W. H. Dufur
1 00
Mrs. G. B. Stout
1 00
F. L. Harrington
1 00
G. S. Dillingham
1 00
J. M. Myrtlejohn
1 00
Mrs. M. E. Doble
2 00
G. & T. Houck
25 00
Justina McCron
1 00
Mrs. P. J. Getty
1 00
Mrs. A. L. Whitmore
1 00
Mrs. T. Coverdale
1 00
John F. Klostermeyer
1 50
Warren B. Knolls
5 00
Mrs. J. Messersmith
1 00
Mrs. Etta Allen
50
Gustaf Anderson
1 00
A friend
1 00
Mrs. Mary Husted
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. C. G. Cole
2 00
Mrs. Milo Ford
1 00
Mrs. Clara Eular
5 00
Divide (Ore.) S. S.
1 40
Mrs. Redding
2 00
Mrs. Marie Bierman
1 70
Stephen C. Peckham
5 00
Ezra Smith
1 00
C. M. Christiansen
2 50
J. S. Christy
6 20
Mrs. Amos Engdahl
3 00
Isaiah Rhinar
1 00
N. G. Hopkins
1 00
Palmer Cook
1 25
Henry W. Carey
5 00
S. A. Shaff
5 00
Mrs. M. S. Foster
1 00
Mrs. C. Comp
1 00
D. D. Faugh
25
Judson Barrett
75
W. A. Tisdale
4 00
L. W. Wetmore
1 00
Bertha L. West
1 00
Ida Atkins
1 00
Mrs. C. H. Edwards
1 00
Mrs. S. D. Stone
2 00
Sister Richard
2 00
Mrs. E. E. Butler
3 00
Karl Conzelman
3 00
Mrs. G. W. Payne
5 00
Mary L. Pence
15 00
L. T. Eaton
2 00
Moses Whitmarsh
1 00
Brother Green
3 00
Brother Lannay
50
J. M. Brighan
1 50
E. O. Potter
1 00
R. W. Robb
1 00
R. F. Hanna
5 00
Mrs. S. L. Mead
5 00
Mrs. Cooper
3 00
Mrs. Lamont
2 00
John Woodburn
1 00
Henrietta Kingle
1 00
Mrs. J. C. Nichols
2 47
August & Fred Mathwaig
10 00
Mrs. C. Danley
5 00
Mrs. M. T. Cole
50
Hiram Shoemaker
1 00
Anna M. Jensen
2 00
Iron River Society (Mich.)
4 40
Per Kan. Tract Society
25 30
W. A. Lockwood
5 00
Mrs. L. O. Johnson
5 00
Eugene Atkinson
4 00
S. S. Carman
2 00
E. Nash
5 00
Mrs. M. L. Coleman
3 00
Berrien Springs
2 00
Donation
3 00
E. L. Paulding
1 00
H. E. Jacobson
5 00
Mr. Childs
50
Mrs. J. Gotsgain
75 00
Minnesota
31 58
| A friend (Wis.) | 1 00 |
| Eva Fuller | 1 25 |
| Mrs. M. D. Utt | 1 00 |
| Mary Chidwiggan | 2 00 |
| Little Company in Selma | 1 00 |
| T. J. Banks | 5 00 |
| William Nash | 20 00 |
| John Nash | 1 00 |
| Aurilla Hoffman | 2 00 |
| Walter C. Twain | 2 00 |
| Robert Cary | 2 00 |
| A friend (Mich.) | 1 00 |
| Mrs. H. Perrier | 2 00 |
| A friend (Ohio) | 2 95 |
| A. P. Logar | 2 50 |
| Fritz Guy | 6 00 |
| Mrs. Clara Hatter | 4 00 |
| Mrs. A. F. Bigelow | 1 25 |
| Lettie Brock | 2 05 |
| J. J. Narr | 1 00 |
| N. O. Cross | 50 |
| Mrs. Eliza Bedford | 1 00 |
| Mrs. E. Godderham | 50 |
| B. B. Newman | 1 00 |
| J. W. Crotchett | 1 25 |
| R. Axelson | 1 00 |
| W. S. Proctor | 1 00 |
| Agnes Shepler | 1 00 |
| Eliza Walker | 1 00 |
| Ada Walker | 1 00 |
| A. S. Walker | 1 00 |
“Christ’s Object Lessons”
By S. N. Haskell
It might seem useless after so much has been said about the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” to add anything more. But lest it might be thought that we were not so much interested in the sale of them as in other enterprises, we add our testimony in its favor.
It is “not by might, nor by power,” that the work in any department of the cause of God is accomplished. Men are strong as they work in harmony with the purposes of God. What God has said will be, not because men are connected with it, but because God has spoken. When men follow God’s directions, the work is accomplished, and man becomes God’s honored instrument to accomplish his purposes. To Philip Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat;” that is, feed five thousand men, besides women and children, with two barley loaves and a few small fishes. Had Philip brought to the Saviour the loaves and fishes, the multitude could have been fed, and he would have been the honored instrument.
It has been said that the song of jubilee will be sung when “Christ’s Object Lessons” are sold. Notwithstanding the fact that it requires an effort to do this, if each does his part, the work will be done, the quota of each State will be sold, and the song of jubilee sung. God requires nothing of us that we can not do, and it is not our efforts alone that do it, but it is the Spirit of the Lord. We are to place ourselves in an attitude where God can do it through us and by us. Many have done this, and the Lord has wrought for them. Many who thought they could do little or nothing have done much.
The real test comes to us when the battle goes hard. When others lag, it is time for us to put forth the greater effort. No State nor conference should let go its hold until its quota is filled. Each person should feel a responsibility in the work, and with the blessing of God it can be accomplished. Where are those who have done nothing comparatively? Let them now enter the field at once. Let those who have worked well, also take a double portion, and their talents will be increased proportionately. He that was faithful with the five talents had five talents added. He20who had but one talent hid that in the earth, and lost the reward. Will any who read these lines be among that number? God is in earnest with his people, and is testing them on what he has said on each and every point. We trust that the song of jubilee will be sung in many of our conferences during the next few months.
S. N. HASKELL.
The Work in New York City
By E. E. Franke
THE work in this city is progressing in a phenomenal way. Hundreds are interested as a result of the work in Carnegie Lyceum. Never have I seen such an interest in the city as exists at the present time. The straight testimony is bearing fruit, many have already begun to observe the Sabbath, and we expect a large addition to our churches here as a result of these meetings.
We intend to pitch a tent in this city about the 15th of June, to ripen off the work begun in the halls. Our meetings in Genealogical Hall every Thursday night are attended by large, intelligent audiences, and we have nothing but good to report.
We thank the Lord for the success thus far, and ask the brethren and sisters to pray for the work in New York City.
E. E. FRANKE.
Field Notes
Elder J. H. Krum reports the baptism of nineteen persons during his recent tour through Asia Minor.
Brother G. F. Haylock writes that two of the boys from Brother Evans's school in Bonacca are with him, canvassing in Honduras.
“Christ Our Saviour” has been translated into the Samoan language, and will be printed by the Avondale Press, Cooranbong, New South Wales.
In a recent letter, Mrs. J. N. Anderson reports a school in Hongkong, China, for Chinese boys. There are twelve enrolled. Miss Ida Thompson has the school in charge.
We have word from Paris, France, that the work in the school is progressing. The evening meetings, though not largely attended, are bringing results. One woman, formerly a Catholic, has begun to observe the Sabbath, and others are interested.
Sister Grace M. Kellogg writes from Chandernagore, India: “In my last report the opposition raised by the Hindus had nearly closed my native work in Chandernagore. Since that time it has continued with great persistence, but there are indications now of the darkness giving place to light. There has also come a strong plea for help from Chinsura. A native minister of another denomination who has been keeping the Sabbath for about three years, has secured many openings among the college students there for Bible study, and has many times been to Chandernagore requesting me to answer the call. One Hindu babu has given me the privilege of using his house for holding meetings, and another has offered to board me free while there. An educated Mohammedan has also promised to join the Bible class. It would seem to be a call from God, and by his help and in his strength I trust I shall take up the work in connection with the work in Chandernagore. The young men who have taken their stand for Christ are still rejoicing in his love.”
A New Order of Things
By Percy T. Magan
FOR many years we were told through the spirit of prophecy that if the Battle Creek College were moved away from that congested center to some quiet country spot, a new order of students would arise. Time and again the Spirit of God proclaimed that if this were done, and only a simple, Christian education imparted to those who might attend, the school would send out twenty workers where it then sent out only one.
When at last, in the summer of 1901, the school was taken away from Battle Creek, it was quite generally predicted that instead of “a new order of things,” the exodus from Battle Creek would mark the winding up of the work of the school forever.
It took faith to move. A heavy debt still rested upon the Battle Creek College, which would have to be paid off. There was no assurance that there would be any money available for the starting of the new school, until the creditors of the old were satisfied. Many advised us to wait a year or two before attempting to re-open the school.
When the summer school of 1901 was opened, the location of the new school had not yet been decided upon. With but a few dollars, and a few cents borrowed from the conferences, we pitched in a grove on the banks of the St. Joseph River at Berrien Springs, Mich. We knew not what was coming next, nor where we were to go. We only knew that God had promised to be with us, to bless us, and to give us students of “a new order,” if we would have faith to move without hesitation when he should speak.
Next the land was purchased, the comforting message being received that God had led our feet to the blessed spot. At every step his blessing was made manifest; at every turn his guiding hand, his leading power, was discerned.
In some rented buildings the first winter’s school was held, and with the coming of the spring the erection of buildings by student labor was begun. The winter came upon us with our buildings only about half finished. There was no murmuring, however, from the students, who believed that God was in the work.
As the winter was passing away, but few copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” from the proceeds of which the school was to be built, were being sold.
The students had just got comfortably settled down to their work. It seemed hard to ask them to leave now, and go out into the field to canvass for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” It looked like a strange thing to do in the middle of the school year. But the voice of God was whispering to the hearts of the students, “Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.”
The school had moved from Battle Creek. The long courses of study had been abandoned. A new kind of school had come into existence, and a new order of things in the school had been inaugurated; and as a result the sure promise of God had been fulfilled, and a new order of students had arisen.
A meeting of all the students was called, and they were told that so few copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” were being sold that there would be no money with which to complete the necessary buildings, unless something should be done immediately. For a number of days both students and teachers met together, seeking God to know what was their duty in this matter. As we met before him, the clear light of heaven poured in more and more. When the question was asked, “How many will be willing to drop their studies at this time and enter upon a strenuous campaign for the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’?” practically every teacher and every student in the school arose. To take the step was a great sacrifice, to both teachers and students; but the words of the Lord were called to mind, that Christian education is a battle and a march.
It was unanimously voted by the whole school to offer our services to the conferences, without any salary or remuneration whatever, beyond the traveling expenses, for work in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The offer was immediately accepted.
Two weeks were spent in earnest study and heart-searching preparation for the work. Neither students nor teachers were experienced canvassers, and all realized that whatever success they had must come entirely from God. Professor Sutherland conducted a class in the study of the book, “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Elder B. E. Fullmer, taking Elder Loughborough’s book, “The Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists,” carried on systematic work in the history of the denomination, while the writer gave a series of lessons in the story of educational work and educational reform among our people.
On January 18 practically the entire school started for the field. Many times we had been told by the Spirit of God that our schools should be patterned more closely after the schools of the prophets. When more buildings were needed for the schools of the prophets, the students themselves went out and cut down timbers with which to construct their dwellings. Our students had already constructed the buildings which we now occupy. The jubilee campaign for “Christ’s Object Lessons” was a further step in advance, as the students were now assisting to raise the money to buy material for construction.
We are deeply thankful for the good spirit which God, in his loving mercy, has placed in our school, and among our students. The praise and the glory for all that has been accomplished belong to him, and to him alone. In the history of the building of educational institutions by the church, in any age or clime, we verily believe that the Emmanuel Missionary College is the first to be built by the sale of a book. It is, possibly, the first whose students as a body have been willing to drop all their school work in the midst of the school year, for a considerable period of time, and take the field to assist the kind friends who, in the largeness of their hearts, were working to raise means with which to build the school.
In a later issue of the REVIEW we will tell the story of the campaign itself, with some of its blessed lessons and experiences.
PERCY T. MAGAN.
The March Advocate
By M. Bessie De Graw
THIS is not to urge you to send in subscriptions for the March Advocate, but to tell you that forty thousand copies of this issue will be placed in the hands of the secular teachers of the United States.
This does not by any means supply all our teachers, but it is a good beginning. If we could have the assurance that each month for at least a year, forty thousand teachers had their attention called to vital truths of the third angel’s message, we might look for great results.
It now becomes a serious problem. Shall we, as a people to whom God has given truth, withhold the light, or shall we let it shine? There are, right about us, within a stone’s throw of our houses, coming almost daily within the circle of our influence, an army of workers who are molding the destiny of the nation. Shall we organize a definite campaign to bring the truth to these people? Shall we go forward? If so, answer these questions: How much are you willing to do? Will you visit the teachers in your public schools each month, hand them reading-matter, and talk with them?
At least one State, Wisconsin, undertook to place a copy of the March Advocate21in the hands of every public school teacher: 16,650 copies were ordered by that State.
If this movement appeals to you, let us hear what you are willing to do in the future. God stirred your heart to assist in this virgin effort to reach the hearts of teachers with the truths of Christian education. He will bless the effort. Are you ready for more work?
M. BESSIE DE GRAW.
Notes of Progress
By C. W. Flaiz
ONE conference president writes, “I have sold 237 of the books, besides the number I have sold to the members of our own churches.”
The following is the experience of a German brother in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” I submit his own words: “First, as I heard about selling ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ I thought this is a great way to do, but didn’t think I would come in any ways near the work. But as Brother —— came here with his books, and wanted us to take part in the work, I couldn’t see it at all that the Lord wanted us or me to do such work. I worked hard against it, but felt very uneasy about it, and said I would give the twenty-five dollars, but not sell one book. Brother —— said that was not what the Lord wanted. So I didn’t know what to do. I saw that I either had to obey, or I would work against the work that my brethren were doing,—I would have to talk against the work in my family, and so on. I saw that brought darkness in my home. So I said to my dear family we had to pray to the Lord for him to guide us in this work. So we prayed, and the dear Lord helped us. Before I went out, I called my family, and we prayed to the Lord—my wife and —— and myself. Then I went out right in my neighborhood and sold eight ‘Object Lessons’ the very first day. Then the next day I sold nine. So a great blessing came to us in our family; instead of darkness, the shining light came over us. I have sold forty ‘Object Lessons’—sixteen for Brother ——, four for Brother ——, and twenty of my own. Thank the Lord that he showed us that we must obey him as his children, and anything the Lord wants us to do now, we are willing to do. The blessing we have been having since the conference is great. I have done a little work most every day, but I feel so weak and little in this work! Often we seek the Lord, and praise his name, and he hears us wonderfully. I often think what is next that the Lord will want us to do.”
