[To be helped into stronger service by the Sabbath-schools on December 28.]
The River Plate Academy, Argentina
THE River Plate Academy was not started because the brethren wanted an institution to operate. The necessities of the situation called it into existence. A brother from Uruguay came to our brethren in Entre Rios, Argentina, where he supposed there was a school. He had a great burden to assist in proclaiming the last warning message, and he had come to make the necessary preparation. This caused the brethren to see the necessity of doing something at once, and this was the beginning of the academy. This brother was the first native ordained to the work of the gospel ministry in the River Plate field. He has been the superintendent of the Upper Parana Mission, and is at present an esteemed laborer of the Argentine Conference—a product of the academy.
Except the means which the few brethren in the field, generally very poor, could give, there was no money with which to purchase land or material, and build. Those were days of sacrifice and hard work. Minister, student, and layman turned brickmaker, mason, hodcarrier, and carpenter in order to supply the most meager facilities imaginable to carry on the school. Through the years since, as the attendance has increased and we have been urged on to enlarge, the means procurable by our best efforts have never been sufficient to do more than supply the most absolute need.
LADY STUDENTS AT ARGENTINA SCHOOL, STUDYING IN THE KITCHEN, MAKING USE OF THE KITCHEN STOVE TO KEEP WARM
The self-denial of our brethren, the teachers, and the students of the first years of the institution, has had to be exercised since. As Israel of old in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem wrought with the trowel in one hand and the sword in the other, so the teachers and students have had the instruments of labor in one hand and their books in the other all these years. Much of the building has been done by student labor, frequently gratis.
The occasion of starting the school is the best evidence that it is needed. Our young people can not go to other lands to get their training. The difficulties of language and customs make it either impossible or unwise; and yet it is on the shoulders of the young men and women of these lands that the burden of this work must be placed. If the people of South America ever hear this message, it will be because workers thus fitted will proclaim it to them. The only way the problem can be solved is by means of missionary training-schools on the ground; such as the River Plate and Pua schools. In the end it will also be found much more economical than to import all our laborers.
Already most excellent results are seen from our schools even with these meager facilities. The superintendents of the Ecuador and Upper Parana Missions, as well as some of the most esteemed laborers in the Argentine Conference and in other fields, are students from these institutions. The excellent canvassing records made in South America during the last few years have been made by our students, a number of them making scholarships. Our schools are doing an important part in spreading the message and evangelizing South America, as these results show; therefore, we may safely support them and place them in a condition to work to advantage.
With the exception of about four thousand dollars, all has been raised in the field to build up these institutions. Those acquainted with them will say that fifteen thousand dollars is a small amount to give them the needed help. South America will do what it can for them. We now solicit the assistance of our brethren who have always been so ready to respond to the calls of the needy.
The Adventist School in Pua, Chile
The influence of Seventh-day Adventists is being felt in this country. An article appeared in one of the leading daily papers against Protestants, and Adventists were mentioned first on the list. Another article, written by the archbishop of Santiago, Chile, and published in one of the leading daily papers, stated that Catholics must watch the movements of Protestants, learn where they live, where they have their meetings, and what class of books and papers they circulate. They were instructed to learn the titles of those books and papers, so that they could be denounced and opposed effectually.
We need to be up and doing and prepare an army of young people to enter the field before our hands shall be tied. Most of the young people who offer themselves for the work need to be educated before they can be successful workers. Many bright young people hardly know how to read. They need to be educated in language, history, geography, and Bible in order to meet intelligently the more educated people. The Adventist school in Pua is the place to impart such knowledge. But the fact that it is so small and poorly equipped makes it most difficult to carry on its work. The school looks to the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, the last of the year, to provide us with the money to put it on vantage-ground. The school should be an honor to our work. Our Sabbath-schools can make it an honor to the14cause, but this depends on the liberality of both old and young. If we lift and lift together, then there will be results that will redound to the honor and praise of the Master. Surely, dear brethren, there is need of lifting, but if it is left to a few tired workers in Chile, then we do not know when it will be done.
The thought that we are going to get help from our brethren in the home land buoys us up, and we forget any weariness by the way. We take hold of the work with renewed courage and hope. We feel that we are very near our eternal rest and home. This world is growing darker, and the evidences stronger that it is not our home. So let the means come in, that the Lord may not be disappointed in the South American Union Conference.
Nogoya, Entre Rios, Argentina.
The Austrian Mission
By Guy Dail
GUY DAIL
This year our Austrian Mission held its annual session in the city of Vienna, September 18-22, immediately after the eucharistic congress of the Roman Catholic Church, which brought so many thousands from all parts of the world to the Austrian capital. The various Austrian nationalities represented here in their native costume were an interesting sight; and without doubt the congress brought millions of crowns into the coffers of the Vienna merchants and hotel-keepers and owners of places of amusement.
Our own meetings were held in the hall usually used by the Vienna church. About one hundred representatives of the mission were in attendance. A spirit of brotherly love and union was manifest. As many of the difficulties connected with our work were referred to, it was a pleasure to note that the power of God to overcome these outward circumstances was much more highly emphasized than were the troubles themselves. It was here in Vienna that our workers first learned how to hold public lectures in Austria. That was in 1907, and it was that year that our first society for public lecturing was organized in Austria. Since then the work has gradually extended, and ere long there will be none of the larger districts of the Austrian Mission unoccupied, if things continue as at present.
The conference sessions were held as “paragraph 2” gatherings. That means that no one is admitted unless he is invited, and has a card with his own name and the name of the one responsible for the calling of the meeting. A list of the names recorded on the cards, with the numbers assigned to the names, must be kept, and shown to any government official who may be authorized to come into such a gathering to see that all names are properly recorded, and that no one is present who does not have the invitation card with him. While prayer and singing are not allowed in connection with the public lectures, these acts of worship are permissible in paragraph 2 meetings. Before singing, however, all the windows were closed, that we might not attract too much attention, and cause the gathering of a crowd of people in the court below.
There was also here, as in the two other meetings just held, the Bohemian and the Moravian-Silesian conferences, a wide-awake missionary spirit, in behalf of both the home and the foreign work. Eleven hundred thirty-five crowns were given in cash and pledges for the Ten-cent-a-week Fund. About a dozen asked for baptism on Sabbath. Owing to the governmental and other difficulties connected with this rite, it is not the simplest thing always to grant every request for baptism, and sometimes one must wait for a while before being accepted into church-membership. However, thus far our percentage of loss in Austria through apostasy is not great.
The population of what constitutes the Austrian Mission is now about ten millions, representing principally the German, Italian, Slovenian, and Serbo-Croatian languages. There were one hundred eighty-eight members in the Austrian Mission at the close of the second quarter, showing a net gain of forty-six for the half-year.
Brother J. Wolfgarten was again chosen superintendent of the field, and he has associated with him eleven co-workers and ten colporteurs, who have anything but a pleasant way to tread, as far as outward circumstances are concerned, but who are of good cheer in God, and determined to press the battle to a finish. Pray for the work in Austria.
The Spirit of Guadeloupe Islands, West Indies
By PHILIP GIDDINGS
PHILIP GIDDINGS
My work here is to scatter literature. I have now been over the entire island, visiting every town, village, and sugar estate. The books I am handling are “Steps to Christ” and “His Glorious Appearing.” I also dispose of some tracts. Although I do not sell as much as I should like, I have the opportunity of speaking to scores of the soon return of Jesus and the preparation necessary to meet him. To almost all it is news indeed. Some mock, and one said, “They treated him so badly the first time, I don’t believe he will come back.” Others listen with interest.
To many Catholics everything must be “blessed” by the priests. So some have taken the Bibles they bought from the other canvassers for this “blessing,” which the priest refused to give. As I go around with my books, some ask me, “Have those books been blessed already, or shall I have the priest bless them?” For an answer I ask them this question: “With what would you wet water?” They see at once the absurdity, and smilingly say, “Water does not need wetting.” So I say: “As water is wetness itself, and needs no wetting, so God’s Word is blessing itself, and needs no man’s blessing.”
I find the country people very kind and honest. I called at a home to sell a two-franc book, but as the man could not afford to pay so much, he bought a six-cent pamphlet. After I had gone a few yards, I heard him calling me back. Glad to think he had secured the amount to take the book, I advanced toward him, when he handed me my purse, which I had left on the couch. I thanked him heartily, for it contained about twenty francs,—not much, but it represented much hard talking, and many weary miles in a torrid sun. On returning, I called again to see him, offering the book which he had not money enough to buy, at half price as an expression of gratitude. “No, sir,” said he, “I can not accept any recompense for simply being honest.” Then I said, “Won’t you accept the book as a present from me?” “Under the circumstances I can not,” was his reply.
Hitherto I have had calm sailing among the people, but that record has since been broken twice. I was canvassing two women when a young man came in, and listened for a while. Thinking that he was interested, I extended my attention to him also, when I was surprised by an outburst of fanatical Catholicism: “You are a Protestant; I am a Catholic. You don’t baptize your infants; I baptize mine. You don’t believe in Mary; I believe in her. She is my mother. Go! Go!!” And thinking I was not going quickly enough, he took me by the hand to hasten me thence. The women were very sorry for his manner, and told him he should not have treated me so, but he began to berate them for listening to a Protestant.
Last Thursday (August 15) was a feast in honor of Mary. The village was thronged with gaily dressed men, women, and children. One group of young men, after examining the books, said they did not want any. I saw, however, they were desirous of a controversy. I spoke a few words and left them. After I had gone a good distance, they sent a lad to call me back. Encouraged that they were going to buy a book, I returned. When I got to them, they said, “We want a book on Mary.” Of course they knew I had no book on Mary. Though they scarcely gave me a hearing, several of them speaking to me at once, I tried to explain to them why Protestants speak only of Christ for salvation, quoting Peter in Acts 4:12, Paul in 1 Tim. 2:5, John in 1 John 5:7, Christ in John 10:9; 14:6. Over and over again have I had occasion to explain to Mariolaters that while we do not believe in her, we believe like her when she said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” And since Jesus saves from sin and he is Mary’s Saviour, then she must have been a sinner, saved like others who yield their souls to Christ. They finally advised me not to visit them, especially on feast-days to Mary.
Leaving them, I sold several books, scattered some tracts, and spoke to several persons of Christ’s soon return.15
Spiritualism fills this land. It seems as if everybody dabbles in it. Think of its influence in Bible Protestant lands, then imagine what it must be here where that Book is only now being introduced. A few Sundays ago I met a man under the spell. He looked like an insane man. With eyes wild, looking downward, his body swaying both ways, he muttered something, then said, “Listen to me.” I replied, “No, it is my time to speak. You listen.” I told him the nature of the spirit that possessed him, and urged him to separate from its control before it should work his ruin. There were three women who looked the very picture of misery, in the house, but they said nothing. Those who understand, tell me the women are the mediums and the man the operator. The latter is sometimes taken possession of by the spirit, and if not dispossessed, goes crazy. I have ordered some tracts on “Spiritualism as Exposed by the Bible” to scatter here. An intelligent and influential man of this town who is a firm believer in this cult claims he has been in correspondence with the late Wm. T. Stead, and has shown me a typewritten letter from him on Borderland. As he reads English as well as French, I have lent him the book “Spiritualism,” by Uriah Smith.
The two sisters who have cast in their lot with us are happy for the light of truth shining on their pathway. One of them, before I had spoken on the tithe, had her tithe laid aside and paid it to me, saying her father had always paid tithe and had taught them that that was the honest thing to do. Her husband has joined us in the Sabbath-school for three weeks consecutively. We are praying that he may have faith to yield entirely to God.
The Noon-Hour Prayer
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.”
Answered Prayer
WRITING from Canon City, Colo., Sister Caroline Randolph says: “My husband came here with consumption ten years ago. We prayed earnestly for his recovery, and persevered in following all the light that came to us, especially regarding health reform. To-day he is in excellent health, and we praise the Lord for his merciful kindness. Two years ago I had a stroke of paralysis and three doctors gave me up to die. My husband and children united in prayer for my restoration, and the Lord answered their petition.”
Mrs. P. K. Miller, of Milwaukee, Oregon, sends the following helpful letter, which we quote entire:—
“I have been called, in company with two or three others, to pray for the sick many times, and have seen some wonderful cases of healing by the power of God. I have also experienced his healing power in my own body several times, and relief from suffering many times. But I have endured for many years frequent spells of intense suffering, the cause of which my Father did not remove, although I prayed earnestly that this might be done. Then I came to know that he must have something better for me than the healing of the body, and so that
I prayed accordingly. The book “Desire of Ages” was my constant companion. Through the truths it brought home to my heart the Holy Spirit came into my life. It softened my nature and made my heart tender. As I look back over my past experience, my gratitude to God for physical healing is great indeed, but for removing defects of character, which I did not know I possessed until he revealed them to me, I feel to give him unbounded praise. So, dear ones, do not be sad nor discouraged. God is love. You can not believe this too strongly. That which he permits to come to his praying, trusting children is for their eternal good.
“One of the most blessed answers to prayer I have ever received in all my life has been granted of late. My oldest child, a daughter, was converted at the age of nine years. A few years later she became discouraged, and when seventeen gave up the truth and went completely into the world. For twenty-one years I have constantly held her before the throne of grace. Sometimes I have almost despaired, for she gave me no hope. During the last week of prayer (1911) I laid her case before our little church, and they joined with me in praying for her conversion. I asked the Lord that if it was not too late I might have the encouragement of a letter from her. Our prayer week was scarcely over before she wrote me that she was surfeited with the things of the world, and longed for something better. Then I knew the Lord was at work. I tried in everything to show forth the spirit of Christ. You know we must do our part toward answering the prayers we offer. About two weeks ago I received a letter of deep repentance, the outpouring of a broken and contrite heart, asking me if I was sure that it was not too late for her to receive mercy. I was so happy I could not sleep that night.”
Requests for Prayer
187. “I earnestly desire the prayers of God’s people for the conversion of my husband, two children, and all my relatives. They are strict Catholics, of which church I was a member until about two years ago,” writes a California sister. “I rejoice in the truth, and my joy would be complete if I could only have a part in giving the message to others. For ten years I have been an invalid. Human help avails me nothing. The Lord is my only refuge, and I ask you to join with me in praying that if it is his will I may be restored to health.”
188. From the same State (California) another sister sends the request that prayer be offered for the conversion16of her husband and two sons; also for an old gentleman who is deeply interested in the truth, but has not yet seen his way clear to accept it fully.
189. Another California sister asks our united prayers for the conversion of four brothers and a sister; and for herself that she may be healed from a seemingly incurable disease, which has unfitted her for active work in the cause of God.
190. From Iowa an afflicted sister writes asking that prayer be offered for her healing. She has suffered for fifty years, and earnestly desires to have a part in this closing work.
191. A sister writing from the southern part of the same State (Iowa), requests prayer for the conversion and healing of her husband. She earnestly desires the power of God, that she may set the right example in her home life.
192. A Tennessee mother asks that prayer be offered for the healing of her daughter, who is dangerously ill. She is not rejoicing in the truth, and her five little children sadly need her care.
193. From the same State (Tennessee) a sister writes requesting that we pray for the conversion of her husband.
194. An Ohio sister writes: “I humbly ask an interest in your prayers for my husband, who has become discouraged and is slowly drifting into the world.”
195. A sister in Texas who was baptized about a year and a half ago has been suffering more or less persecution from her husband since that time. She earnestly desires his conversion, and asks that we also pray for the salvation of her father and brothers and sisters.
196. A Texas sister who is suffering from a serious trouble in the glands of her throat asks that prayer be offered for her restoration to health.
197. An anxious wife and mother asks us to pray that her husband’s heart may be softened, so that he will allow her to take their children to Sabbath services and place them in church-school. She earnestly desires his conversion.
198. “Please remember my two sisters and three brothers at the noon-hour prayer. They are outside of the ark of safety. I also ask prayer that two sisters may be restored to health if it is the good Lord’s will,” writes a Kansas sister.
199. From Washington a burdened mother sends the request that we pray with her for the conversion of her only child, a daughter, who has married an unbeliever and given up the truth entirely.
200. Another sister writing from the same State (Washington), asks that prayer be offered for her healing, and for the conversion of her husband.
201. A brother residing in Washington sends this request: “My sister wishes to be remembered at the noon-hour prayer. She is blind and desires to be healed from this affliction if it is God’s will to restore her sight.”
202. A burdened sister writes from Alabama, requesting prayer for the conversion of her husband who is very much prejudiced against the truth; for her daughter who is under the influence of her father; and for herself, that she may stand steadfastly for the right in the face of persecution.
203. Several weeks ago a sister in Louisiana asked prayer for her son who was addicted to the use of strong drink. She writes encouragingly of the progress he is making in breaking this evil habit, and begs that we continue to pray earnestly for his conversion.
204. The following request comes from Arizona: “A dear sister in the church here, who has tuberculosis of the kidneys and has just been taken to the hospital, desires the prayers of God’s people that if it is his will she may receive healing. Her two little girls need her care.”
205. A father and a mother in Illinois ask that their little daughter be remembered as we bow before the Lord in prayer. She had an attack of cerebrospinal meningitis some time ago, and has made only a partial recovery.
206. From the same State (Illinois) a sister sends the request that prayer be offered for the healing of a friend who is afflicted with hardening of the arteries, and for herself, that she may overcome a hasty temper.
207. A deaf-mute brother in New Hampshire earnestly desires the united prayers of this people, that he may overcome a very peculiar disposition, and be truly converted to God. He also asks prayer for the conversion of his deaf sister-in-law.
Hope
By MRS. M. K. EMERSON
MRS. M. K. EMERSON
O star of hope, diffuse thy rays,
So gentle, kindly, bright;
Dispel the gloomy mists that rise,
With thy transcendent light.
O quicken into living flame
The fading, dying spark,
Oft trembling in the human breast,
And struggling in the dark!
And may thy beams bring back to
life—
The icy, chilling thought—
All efforts vain, unrecognized,
And sinking into naught.
Though oft depressed by pang and
care,
Illumined by thy ray,
I catch the music of the spheres,
And follow in thy way.
O star celestial, born of heaven!
Blest anchor of the soul!
Secure, undaunted, may I rest
In thy sublime control.
Philadelphia, Pa.
A Bulgarian Worker Needed in Macedonia
Just before the war broke out along the Turkish-Balkan border, Brother Scior, of the Grecian Mission, wrote the European Division of the General Conference thus: “I am compelled to call to you to-day from Macedonia, Come over into Macedonia and help us. In Stromnitz many are interested, and there are seven Sabbath-keepers there; six hours by foot farther on is a larger village, where fifteen persons are ready for baptism; then fifteen minutes farther on from this village is another, where ten families very urgently beseech us to teach them; and another Sabbath-keeper, on account of the illness of his father, went over to the Servian border, where there was another of like faith. I am quite sure that the number of believers will at least double if we can only get some one who can speak to the Bulgarians. There are more Bulgarians in Macedonia than Greek-speaking people. I could speak only by having what I said translated into the Turkish, for the men all understand Turkish, whereas only a few understand Greek; and if women were present, it had to be translated again into Bulgarian. A Bulgarian worker is badly needed here to labor among these people.”
For the Next One
“Why, auntie, I thought you were through!”
“So I am with my work,” returned Aunt Carrie, as with a smile she went on threading her needle. “I am only trying to smooth the way for the next one.”
“Who, for instance?” questioned Will, curiously.
“Well, suppose that just as papa is starting for business to-morrow morning, he discovers that he is about to lose a button from his coat, and he can spare only about two minutes in which to have it sewed on. Don’t you think it would be quite a relief to mama to find her needle already threaded?”
“Of course, for I shouldn’t think one could find that little bit of an eye at all if he were in a hurry. I had a dreadful time the other day when I wanted to mend my ball. I should have been glad to have found a threaded needle then.”
“Suppose, again, Will, that whoever dropped that piece of wood upon the cellar stairs had stopped to pick it up, remembering that some one else would be coming that way soon. Wouldn’t it have been worth while? Think how Bridget has suffered from her fall, and how the household has been inconvenienced.”
“Yes, auntie; and if I had wiped up the water I spilled this noon, sister wouldn’t have been obliged to change her dress when she was in such a hurry to get back to school; but a fellow will have to keep pretty wide-awake to remember every time.” And with a thoughtful expression on his boyish face, Will passed out of the house and toward the front gate, leisurely munching a banana as he went, but apparently engaged in deep thought. Reaching the sidewalk, he threw down the banana skin, and proceeded on his way; but presently he turned and looked hard at the yellow object lying on the pavement, and then, quickly retracing his steps, he picked it up and flung it far out into the street, where no one would be likely to slip upon it.— Morning Star.
An Unhygienic Practise
By E. R. ALLEN
E. R. ALLEN
It has long seemed that some warning voice should be raised against the common practise of wetting the fingers with saliva in turning the pages of a book. This unclean and unhealthful habit seems to be on the increase. No doubt it is a very convenient way for the minister to find his texts, but we fear that the good effect of the word is often lost on his sensitive hearers by the unpleasant suggestiveness of the deft movement from the lips to the pages of the Sacred Volume. This habit seems to be fostered by the extremely thin paper used in the best Bibles. However, it should not be overlooked in the minister’s efforts to present the word in a fitting manner.
In a lecture delivered at the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. William Reinick vigorously attacked this “vulgar habit of wetting the fingers in turning the pages.” We quote from a review of this lecture which appeared in Hearst’s Magazine for August:—
“The author points out that the danger of contracting disease by the fingers dampened by saliva, is especially great when the book has previously been used by some one suffering from tuberculosis. He asserts that many other diseases, especially skin diseases, are without doubt frequently transmitted by this means, and he cautions the reader on these hygienic grounds. . . . Indeed, in all public libraries he thinks the practise should be specifically prohibited. . . . These precautions, he asserts, will help decrease the spread of tuberculosis and other diseases, and will do away with the grease stains on the paper, which are breeding-grounds for germs and attractive feeding-places for insects.”
It may take some time to overcome the habit, but the result is worth the effort. If the same person always used the same books, it would not be quite so bad; but even then it is decidedly unclean, to say the least. Children should be carefully cautioned against forming be relegated to the unenlightened past, this unfortunate habit, which should along with the public drinking-cup.
Port Hope, Ontario.
The Streams of Small Pleasures
THE streams of small pleasures fill the lake of happiness, and the deepest wretchedness of life is the continuance of petty pains.—Fielding.
Colorado
By G. W. ANGLEBARGER
DENVER.—We are glad to report that the work is onward in this city. Our conference committee requested Elder G. M. Alway and myself to follow the camp-meeting here with a series of meetings in a large tent. These continued for about two weeks, and as a result seven have accepted the truth, and expect soon to unite with the church.
Since we closed the meetings in the tent, we have been conducting Sunday evening services in the church on Kalamath Street. Our meetings in the church have been growing in interest and attendance from the first. Every Sunday evening a few more are present. Last Sunday evening, November 3, our church was filled. It was estimated that over three hundred were present to hear the subject "The Fall of the Turkish Nation." Much has been said in our city papers and from the pulpits, of late, about the second coming of Christ, and we feel that this is indeed an opportune time to give the great message of present truth to the people. Our own dear people in both the First Church and Capitol Hill Church are taking hold together with us, are attending the services, and bringing friends and strangers with them. Also our notices in the city papers are bringing many others. We are hoping and praying for a good harvest of souls, and earnestly desire the prayers of our people, especially in this conference, for the success of the work here.
Elder Alway and the writer are having more calls for Bible readings than they can fill, besides other opportunities for labor. This morning one of the city clergymen called at our house and requested that I speak in his church next Sunday morning on the second coming of Christ and the prophecies of Daniel. This I have consented to do. In many18of our Bible readings in the homes of the people we have from fifteen to twenty-seven present.
Sabbath, September 14, we baptized five in the Capitol Hill Church; Sabbath, October 26, six more; Thursday evening at the prayer-meeting three others were baptized; in all, fourteen. These have all united with the church. They are some of the fruits of our united efforts. Six others have united in Capitol Hill by letter, making twenty, in all, since camp-meeting. Many others are almost ready for baptism, some of whom will unite with the First Church and some with the Capitol Hill Church.
If any of our people, anywhere, have friends or relatives living in Denver, on whom they would like to have us call, we shall be pleased to do so if their names and addresses are sent, with any information that can be given us concerning them; we will do all we can, with the blessing of the Lord, to give them the light. My address is 531 Santa Fe Drive.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER.
Dedication of the Kansas City Branch of the Pacific Press Publishing Association
By C. H. JONES
THE dedicatory exercises of the Kansas City Branch of the Pacific Press Publishing Association were held in the Seventh-day Adventist church, and at the branch office, 1224 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 9, 1912.
The office was thrown open for inspection and the reception of visitors, from 3 to 7 P. M. Invitations had been sent out to leading brethren in the Central and Northern Union Conferences (the territory in which this branch operates), also to near-by churches, and there was an unbroken line coming and going all the afternoon. Two or three hundred must have visited the office.
The dedicatory services proper were held in the Seventh-day Adventist church, just two blocks from the office. Brother S. N. Curtiss, the manager, acted as chairman, and in his opening remarks called attention to the difficulties encountered in establishing this branch nineteen years ago, and the wonderful changes that had taken place since that time. Brother Curtiss was the one whom the board had selected to find a location for this branch, and to act as its first manager.
Following his remarks, the writer gave a brief history of the Pacific Press from its incorporation in 1875 down to the present time. It was shown that from a very small beginning the office has grown to be one of the largest and most complete printing and publishing houses west of Chicago. The volume of business has been constantly increasing, until last year it amounted to nearly half a million dollars.
Three branches are now operated by this association, one at Kansas City, Mo., one at Portland, Oregon, and one at Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and at each one of these places we own our office building and warehouse, thus giving stability to the work as well as being much more convenient and satisfactory.
PACIFIC PRESS BRANCH OFFICE
Elder E. E. Farnsworth, president of the North Missouri Conference, gave a very stirring and impressive address on the importance of the publishing work and our relation to it.
Following this Brother C. G. Bellah, union missionary agent for the Central Union Conference, told of the progress of the work in that union, giving a comparative statement of sales.
Brother F. E. Painter, union missionary agent of the Northern Union Conference, spoke of the progress of the work in that union, and showed that during the first eight months of this year the sales amounted to over $8,000 more than the sales for the entire year of 1911. This is certainly a very encouraging report.
Brother James Cochran spoke of the sales of the Kansas City Branch, cost of the new building, etc., giving the following statistics:—
Sales of the Branch Since Established
1893 to 1903
$450,000.00
1903 to 1912
710,193.41
Total
$1,160,193.41
The new building is of brick, thirty-five feet wide and seventy feet long, one story, with a good basement. It is light and airy, and a credit to the denomination.
Elder W. A. Hennig offered the dedicatory prayer, setting apart this building to the purpose for which it is intended.
After the close of the meeting, the office was again opened, and a large number availed themselves of the privilege of inspecting the new building. We kept open house until nearly 11 P. M.
This new building marks another step in the development of our rapidly growing work, and we feel profoundly grateful for the hearty cooperation of our people, which has made it possible to take this advance step.
C. H. JONES.
Wiser Than the Wise
“Three kings went upon their way
To find a mightier king than they.
“Three wise men with heaven-taught eyes
Looked for the Wisest of the wise.
“The mighty ones to their Mightier
Brought gold and frankincense and myrrh.
“The wise knelt to the Wisest One:
The star had led them to the Sun.
“The grown kings had their joy complete
Low at a little Child-King’s feet.”
“All the way the kings had trod,
Seeking a King and finding a God.
“Little King, greatest King,
Unto thee our hearts we bring!”
