Earlier text: Conversion of ChildrenMy Recent Tour in Europe
By Ole Andres Olsen
At the time of our recent General Conference it was arranged for me to accompany Elder L. R. Conradi to some of the meetings in Europe. We accordingly attended the Sweden conference, at Upsala, June 25-27; the Norway conference, at Christiania, June 29 to July 4; the Denmark conference, at Randers, July 7-11; the Swiss-German conference and camp-meeting, at Uster, Switzerland; and the German Union conference, at Friedensau. These were all meetings of much interest and encouragement. We also spent two days at Skodsborg, Denmark, and one day at Gland, Switzerland. The different meetings having been so fully reported by Elder Conradi, I shall refer to only a few features of special interest to myself. Some years ago I was very familiar with the work in all the conferences visited, and it was with feelings of joy and satisfaction that I now could witness the growth and advancement made in every department of the various conferences. It is always a source of deep gratitude to note the rapid advancement of the message throughout the world, for the completion of this work is what we are all eagerly awaiting. The visit to Gland, Switzerland, was very interesting. This is where the sanitarium and school are located. And as far as location is concerned, one could hardly think of a place so richly endowed with what is beautiful and lovely in nature. The lofty, snow-capped Alps in the distance, the sparkling waters of the lake almost immediately in front of the buildings, the grand old trees on the grounds, and the deep woods as a background, all unite to form an ideal place for a sanitarium and a school. Best of all, the rich blessing of the Lord is there, and the work is prosperous. But of still greater interest to me was the situation in Scandinavia, especially in Norway. Many of our people will call to mind the very trying experiences that our work in Scandinavia passed through some ten years ago, caused by the financial crisis that struck Norway so heavily. It might have appeared to the observer at the time as if the cause could never recover and regain its former position. But here we can thank the Lord for the system of organization that he has given us, and the hearty sympathy that runs through all branches of the work. By the prompt aid of the General Conference the financial difficulty was met, the cause saved from disaster, and to-day we all have reason to rejoice in the blessings attending the work. It was a source of much rejoicing at the recent conference in Norway to see how the work has risen and developed, so that there never was a time when the outlook for that field was so promising as at the present. The conference treasury presented a very favorable showing. The publishing and book work had a surplus of about four thousand dollars, and the treatment-rooms a gain for the last eighteen months of over eighteen hundred dollars. Indeed, every department of the work has prospered. Having been in Norway when the outlook was the darkest, I was thankful indeed now to see the changed conditions and the bright prospects. May God continue these blessings, and this he will as surely as the brethren and laborers faithfully follow his counsel. The three Scandinavian conferences are now paying a second tithe to the union conference, and are also furnishing laborers for mission fields, thus contributing both funds and men to advance the work in regions beyond. This is as the Lord would have it. The German Union Conference meeting was also a season of much interest, giving very definite evidence of the rapid growth throughout Europe. The fuller reports will be of special interest to the readers of the REVIEW. August 2 I returned to England, and immediately made preparations for my return to the States, to take up the work assigned me by the General Conference. August 24 Mrs. Olsen and myself arrived at Washington, D. C., where we shall make our home for a time. The North American Foreign Department
Our people generally are acquainted with the fact that such a department has been created, having for its object the extension of a knowledge of present truth to the people of foreign birth and language throughout this entire country. To accomplish this object, we shall need the hearty co-operation, not only of the different nationalities that have already accepted the truth, but of all our people in this country. I shall be pleased to hear from any one who may have matters of interest relative to this branch of the work. All such communications may be addressed to me at Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. O. A. OLSEN. Quebec Camp-Meeting
By W. H. Thurston
THE annual conference and camp-meeting of Quebec was held in the village of South Stukely, September 2-12. The attendance was not large, but the meeting was characterized by the Holy Spirit's presence day by day. Special efforts were made for the young people, and they themselves took quite an active part in the well-arranged program. The preaching was both practical and doctrinal, and all were encouraged by prayer and the study of the Word. The outside attendance was friendly and appreciative; and some became much interested in the truth; a few accepted for the first time the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The business part of the conference session was conducted in a pleasing manner, and all passed off harmoniously. About two hundred fifty dollars was raised for the purchase of new tents, which are much needed in the conference. Over twelve hundred copies of the Dominion Sentinel, our new Canadian paper, were sold, and the book sales were the largest we have had for years. Quite a goodly number of subscriptions were taken for our papers generally, and a spirit of missionary work seemed to impress the people. Elder Wm. Guthrie was re-elected president of the conference. Prof. F. Griggs, Elder B. B. Noftsger, and Brother I. S. Jones were present and rendered valuable service. A few of the young people are preparing for active service in the conference, and others will later on. The meeting closed with the song of victory, and all returned to their homes feeling that it had been good to be there. As all abide in faith and hope and charity, the work will go forward, and gratifying results will be realized the ensuing year. So may it be. The Arkansas Camp-Meeting for the Colored Believers
By J. W. Dancer
THIS meeting was held at Little Rock, September 2-12. The location was regarded by all as a good one from every standpoint, being in the suburbs of the city and on an elevation, with plenty of shade. The settlement is mostly colored people of the better class, who preferred to buy homes and settle in the suburbs rather than live in rented houses in the heart of the city, where it would be impossible for them to buy homes on account of the exorbitant prices. There were over thirty, including children, in attendance. These came from six or seven different places, and included at least four fifths of our entire membership in the State. The work for the colored people in Arkansas is weak. We trust that instead of standing aloof and pitying us, some will hear the Macedonian cry when they read this. By order of the conference I came here, pitched the tent, and began meetings about two weeks before the camp-meeting, so when the camp-meeting convened, a good interest had been developed among the outside people, which lasted till the end of the camp-meeting. At nearly all the night services there was an overflow. The evening services have continued since the camp-meeting closed; but as might be expected, a reaction has taken place, owing to the breaking up of the camp, and the outside attendance has fallen off considerably. But those who are really interested are still attending the services, and from these we hope to see results. There was over one hundred fifty dollars in cash and pledges contributed by the believers toward different branches of our work. Considering the financial condition of the colored believers of Arkansas, this was remarkably good. On the last Sunday of the meeting the writer buried five dear souls in the watery grave, and they were raised, we trust, to walk in newness of life. A local camp-meeting for the white believers of this part of the State was held at the same time and in the same city as the one for the colored. This gave opportunity for some of the white laborers to preach and render other necessary help at the colored people's camp. Elder W. A. Hennig's lessons on liberty were much enjoyed by all. Elder J. W. Norwood, the newly elected president of this conference, also gave much valuable help during our camp-meeting. Elders J. S. Rouse and A. P. Heacock, and Brother Kinzer preached one sermon17each at our tent. Elder W. W. Eastman and Brethren Dart and Tucker held some meetings with us in the interest of the canvassing work. Near the close of the camp-meeting a fast was proclaimed, and the believers formed themselves into groups of three or four and spent a portion of the day in visiting the people in the vicinity of the camp. This was a most blessed day. We had been having testimony meetings once a day, but there was none like the one following this day of fasting and prayer and visiting the people in their homes. Each one had a fresh experience to relate. All returned home with new courage and hope in the message, and a determination to finish the work the Lord has given us to do, and thus hasten his coming and his kingdom. The Cleveland (Tenn.) Camp-Meeting
By J. W. Christian
A CAMP-MEETING for the colored people of the Cumberland River Conference was held at Cleveland, September 10-20. While the attendance was not large, a fair representation was present from all the Negro churches and companies in the conference, and much interest was taken in the subjects presented. Elder M. C. Strachan, field secretary of the Southeastern Union Negro Mission, and Brother W. H. Maynor were present the entire time. Elder W. A. Westworth spent one day at the camp. His instruction was much appreciated. The writer gave two lessons each day during the last five days of the meeting. An excellent spirit was manifested during the entire meeting. Our colored brethren and sisters appreciate and love this truth, which is so dear to every heart that receives it. The last Sunday we gave considerable attention, between the hours of public services, to the work among the colored people and the relation of each individual member to the work of the organized body. It was quite evident that the enemy has not been idle in sowing doubt and discord among this people. Some had received word not to forward their tithe or offerings to the Seventh-day Adventist work, but to certain parties who have left the body, and who seek to draw away disciples after them. At the close of the study, the opportunity was given to express their minds regarding the proposed plan for the Negro work. With tears, one after another rose and told of his experiences, and pledged himself to the work of giving the third angel's message to the people of his own race. It was an interesting and blessed occasion to all present. This annual gathering will prove a great blessing to the work among the colored people in the Cumberland Conference. Danish West Indies
By H. C. J. Walleker
ST. THOMAS.—Since returning home from General Conference I have visited the islands of Antigua, St. Kitts, and St. Croix. I was at Antigua from August 6-16, and visited all the different companies on the island, and met with many of our brethren in their homes. The last Sabbath and Sunday we held a Sabbath-school convention in the church at St. Johns. Many of our brethren from the country came in, and we had a profitable time together. Early Sabbath morning I baptized twelve dear souls, who we hope have arisen to walk in newness of life. We also celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and the Spirit of God came very near with a rich blessing. At St. Kitts we have a small church building and a few believers, but for a number of years they have been left by themselves, having had no ministerial help. A good work could be done there, if we had a faithful man to place in charge of that island and Nevis. On many of the islands in our field we have a few lonely Sabbath-keepers who are calling for help, but it is almost impossible to reach them, because of poor traveling facilities. We are much in need of a boat of our own, that we may reach these different islands, and thus keep in touch with our brethren, and start work in other places. We sincerely hope that the time is not far distant when this plan can be carried into effect, and the work be pushed into these practically inaccessible places. At St. Croix we have a good work started, which will soon languish unless we can get some one to come and locate there to look after it. We are of good courage in the Lord, and wish to see the work carried on to a glorious finish. The Nebraska Camp-Meeting
By Ole A. Olsen
This meeting was held at Hastings, Sept. 2-12, 1909. Hastings is the State conference headquarters, and besides the conference offices, they have a sanitarium and an intermediate school located here. The location is quite central for the State. There was a large attendance, though hardly as large as at some meetings in the past. There was much rain during the first part of the meeting. This no doubt hindered some from coming, and also proved somewhat unfavorable to the best interest of the meeting. For two days the meetings were crowded into the church, as the large pavilion was old and leaked badly. Besides the English-speaking people, there was a good representation of Germans and Scandinavians, and regular meetings were held every day in all three languages. The laborers present from abroad were Prof. P. T. Magan, Dr. and Mrs. A. C. Selmon, Elders G. F. Haffner, H. Votaw, S. Mortenson, L. H. Christian, and the writer. The business of the conference passed very harmoniously. Elder A. T. Robinson was again elected president of the conference. The various interests of the cause received special consideration. It is to be said of the Nebraska Conference that it has been very faithful in its support of the missions abroad. The statistics show that last year they contributed an average of fourteen cents a week for the entire membership. This was certainly very good, so that all that could be said on that matter was to encourage them to continue in well-doing. This we certainly hope they will do, and thus sustain their prestige. During the meeting something more than six thousand dollars was raised in cash and pledges for the various lines18of missionary work abroad, and also for various home interests. During the later part of the meeting the weather was favorable, and this proved a great blessing. During Friday and Sabbath a special effort was put forth for the congregation, and many responded to a special effort to seek the Lord and attain an advanced experience. On First day nineteen souls followed their Lord in baptism. Thus closed another camp-meeting. May it tell for a decided and rapid forward move both in personal experience and in the advancement of the work in our earnest prayer. Louisiana
By E. L. Maxwell
The work in Louisiana is onward. We have but two hundred eighty members, yet, with some assistance from the North, we have been able to keep two tent companies in the field for nearly two years. As the needs of the neglected South have been pressed home to us, we have sometimes felt that the work could not be done before Jesus comes, but God has raised up men and means to carry it forward, and we believe that he will still supply all our need. The recent storm, which extended all over the South, damaged our two field tents beyond repair. We shall continue to use what is left of them to finish the meetings already begun, but they can hardly be pitched again. This leaves us without meeting tents for another season. Good results have attended the efforts put forth thus far. Since the close of our camp-meeting, August 1, thirty-three have decided to keep all the commandments. We are praying that they may continue faithful. We need your prayers. E. L. Maxwell. Porto Rico
By Millie E. Steele
MAYAGUEZ.—We arrived in San Juan, Porto Rico, August 7. We remained there until August 11, then came on to Mayaguez, where we are now located. This place is said to contain about twenty-five thousand people, but the way it is laid out makes it difficult to find them. There is nothing nice here, not even a small park. In San Juan we stopped in a hotel in front of the Plaza Cristobal Colon. On Saturday evening several wheelbarrow loads of rocking-chairs were placed there for the accommodation of the public. Some of the old houses, like Moro Castle, are quite interesting. San Juan is the capital of the island, though not the largest city. Although we have spoken the Spanish language for several years, we have a little difficulty in understanding these people, as their way of speaking is different from that of the people of South America. Things also have different names. We have not seen one Adventist as yet, in fact, there are none here in Mayaguez, and very few in all the island. Mr. Steele is anticipating a trip to Arecibo soon. Two women there are keeping the Sabbath, and holding a Sabbath-school of four members. We have not been able to do much yet, having been not quite a month in the island; but we hope, with God's help, not only to cultivate the seed that has already been sown, but to sow much more. It means labor, and it is only by the help of the Lord that it can be done. There are many Spiritualists and freethinkers here. It is difficult to find a house suitable for holding meetings. Rents are quite high. The house we have rented has a room large enough to accommodate about fifty people. If we can succeed in filling it, we shall be happy. We have held two Sabbath-schools; the first time we had four persons besides ourselves, the second time six were in attendance. We earnestly pray that the number may increase, and that we may be given wisdom to teach them the right way. We are not here just for the crowds, but by the help of the Lord to teach the truth; better that only one soul be saved than that thousands be deceived. Our Periodical Work and Workers
By A. J. S. Bourdeau
ELDER M. C. ISRAEL, over seventy years of age, is still actively engaged in the sale of our ten-cent magazines and in other house-to-house work. The September number of Watson's Jeffersonian Magazine contains three illustrations taken from Life and Health, and mentions our magazine editorially in a very complimentary manner. A young sister in Idaho recently sold nineteen of our ten-cent magazines in the city of Boise, in twenty-five minutes. Her parents bitterly oppose the truth, but she writes: “I am doing all the missionary work I can at home, with good courage. How I love this beautiful message!” Brother D. K. Royer, secretary of the New Jersey Tract Society, writes that two young men, both from Elizabeth, N. J., have just finished earning their scholarships, and are now on their way to the Foreign Mission Seminary, Washington, D. C. In conclusion he says: “These brethren have sold over six thousand magazines, including the Signs of the Times Monthly and the Watchman.” Scores of others have also been successful in earning their scholarships through the sale of our ten-cent magazines. The physician in charge of one of our large sanitariums informs us that the nurses and helpers are planning to go out with large quantities of Life and Health and sell them in adjoining towns and cities. Incidentally they will mention the principles of the sanitarium in connection with their canvass, and leave in each home visited a neat booklet telling more about the institution and our health principles. This would be a wise plan for all of our sanitariums to follow, as it gives publicity to our principles in both a dignified and an effective manner. Try to get your newsdealer interested in one or two or more of our attractive ten-cent magazines. He can sell them if he will, and make a handsome profit of fifty per cent on his sales. By ordering twenty-five copies you can secure them at four cents each, and sell to him at five cents. If you can not interest him in any other way, subscribe through him for as many of our magazines as you would care to take, and call around once each month or (if it be Liberty or the Protestant Magazine) once a quarter, for your copy. In this way he will become well acquainted with the publication, and have it on display with his other magazines until you call for it. This plan works well, and at the same time accomplishes a double missionary work,—for the newsdealer, and for his buying public who see the magazines. Try it. One dear old sister up in Maine, over seventy years of age, has just finished selling one thousand copies of Life and Health. She writes: “I sold the last copy in the forenoon of the fourteenth. Sold them all in this city. I am now laid up with rheumatism, but hope it will not be long before I can send in another order.” She is, indeed, entitled to subscribe herself, “Yours in the work.” God often chooses the weakest instruments to accomplish his mighty work. Speaking of the work of selling our magazines, Mrs. S. N. Haskell, of the California Conference, writes: “It is the work for the cities, and will be more and more from now on.” She reports a sale of 2,587 ten-cent magazines during the small Santa Cruz camp-meeting, valued at $258.75, besides $104 worth of Bibles, $602.85 worth of subscription books, $94.50 worth of trade books, $117.50 worth of tracts and other literature, the total sale of literature amounting to $1,188.10. One reason for the heavy camp-meeting sales of literature in that conference is that the tract society department always maintains an attractive and well-equipped book tent. We predict a large sale for the beautiful October Capital and Labor number of the Signs of the Times Monthly. One sister who has just completed the sale of twenty-two hundred copies of this magazine in Sacramento, Cal., writes: “I sold one to the mayor, and he persuaded two other men standing near to buy also. He told them the paper would do them good. Have just gone through the capitol building the third time, and sold thirty copies, about half of the men being away on their vacations. Some of the men at the capitol seem quite interested, and have asked me questions. I sold one copy at the governor’s home, and quite a few at the court-house.” The very title of this magazine has become almost a household phrase throughout America. A rather curious coincidence is related by one of our ministers who was holding a missionary meeting in Nova Scotia. He had been telling the church about a family that had accepted the truth through reading pages of the Signs of the Times that had been pasted on the walls of their dwelling by the previous occupants. As soon as he had finished the story, a brother arose and said: “I too accepted the truth in a very similar manner,—through reading the pages of the Signs that had been pasted upon the walls of our milk-house.” What part are you taking in the special effort now being made to secure a large list of subscribers for the twenty-five special numbers of the Signs of the Times—the “Home Bible Study Series”? Have you not at least five or ten friends to whom you would like to have these twenty-five papers sent, week by week, for the small sum of sixty cents each? Order through your tract society. The writer recalls another incident almost exactly like the two just mentioned,—of a lone farmer living in the Soledad Mountains, in California, who read pages of the Signs that had been used as wallpaper by the previous occupants of his house. These papers had been left with the family by a brother who was leaving the neighborhood after an effort of six years to show them the truth. We little know what God can do through even one torn page of his truth.19 During the recent Christian Citizenship Institute held at Winona Lake, Ind. (August 9-20), one of the prominent speakers quoted at length from the Protestant Magazine, to substantiate statements made in his public address. Our magazines are truly wielding a large influence among thinking people everywhere. “Being eighty-one years of age,” writes a brother in the West, “I occupy not more than four hours a day in selling, and four or five days a week. My sales from January 1 to August 1, if maintained at the present rate, will amount to two thousand copies.” This aged ex-soldier of the Civil War sells the Signs of the Times Monthly and the Protestant Magazine. One dear old sister who attended the late General Conference and was a regular attendant at our daily meeting of the periodical workers, is now selling our magazines in the State of New York. She writes: “I am sixty-four years old, and although God gives me wonderful strength for my age, I can not do as much as if I were younger. But my heart is all in the message.” She says that she worked six and one-half hours, made twenty-nine calls, and sold fifteen magazines. On another occasion she worked four and one-half hours, and sold twelve copies. She recently raised a club of fourteen subscriptions for Liberty, and another for one hundred copies of the Signs of the Times. Her orders generally call for fifty copies of Life and Health at a time. Surely the Lord blesses such missionary efforts. We very much desire to publish in this department the many interesting stories and experiences connected with the summer’s work of our magazine agents. Did you succeed in earning a half-year’s or a year’s scholarship? If so, you met many people, answered many questions, had some new experiences, and enjoyed many rich blessings. We want you to pass these interesting stories, through these columns, to others, for their profit and encouragement. You do not know how to write, you say? Never mind! Just tell the simple story of your experiences, the discouraging ones along with the others. It may be that we can be of help to you. We can at least help you to be a help to others who shall read your interesting experiences. Please address your letter to A. J. S. Bourdeau, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. We trust that all our periodical agents will consecrate their labors during the Harvest Ingathering campaign week (November 1-6) to the cause of foreign missions. The experience you have gained in selling our magazines fits you for most efficient service in soliciting gifts for our foreign missions as you give the people copies of the beautiful and instructive Harvest Ingathering number of the REVIEW AND HERALD. Order a liberal supply of the papers from your conference tract society secretary to-day, and plan to do aggressive work for the needy mission fields during campaign week and longer, if possible. Please be on hand, at the special preparation meeting to be held in your church, Sunday, October 31. Co-operate with your church officers in the assignment of territory, drilling on the printed canvass, and the giving of other needed instruction to the members to make them more efficient in the campaign work. During our recent camp-meeting at Santa Cruz, Cal., a brother testified that he had accepted present truth through reading Our Little Friend several years ago. This is a clean little weekly to place in the hands of your children, or your neighbor’s. Brother S. B. Horton, circulation manager of the Watchman magazine, reports an increase in the number of agents selling that excellent monthly. We have seldom seen a better-edited magazine than the Watchman, and judging from the October number, just received, it should prove an easy number to sell. Are there not scores of our people who could dispose of thousands of copies in the large cities of the Southland and elsewhere? Tuesday, September 7, Miss N. Rosella Smith sold two hundred fifty copies of one of our ten-cent magazines in one of the large cities of the Central States. She writes: “I earned my Union College scholarship in a short time, and have made a good start on a second one. With the exception of one day, my work has all been done in ——. My experiences have been many, and the Lord has blessed me wonderfully.” This breaks all previous records for one day’s sale, and we shall now gladly revise the first item on page 3 of our little leaflet entitled “How to Sell Our Magazines,” which reads as follows: “Largest sale in one single day, made by a tall, bashful girl in the city of San Jose, Cal. Copies sold, 230. Street sales. Worked some after supper. First week’s work. Day’s profit, $16.10.” The Minnesota REVIEW campaign is still on. Brother C. M. Everest, the missionary secretary of that conference, is actively engaged in an effort to place our church paper in every Sabbath-keeping family in the State. In a recent communication he states: “The campaign is going steadily forward. The missionary secretary of the Crow Wing church sent in five subscriptions a few days ago. He wrote that all resident members of the church are provided with the REVIEW except one sister, who reads the Swedish paper. This makes five churches in the State whose members are provided with the REVIEW. The elder from one church reports that he has secured subscriptions until all but two families are supplied. Another church has also been fully supplied, with the exception of two members, and they are to be arranged for soon. Thus far about seventy subscriptions have been taken for the REVIEW since July 1.” May this good work go on, and its influence spread to other conferences. A. J. S. B. Cumberland Conference Camp-Meeting
By W. H. Maynor
THE camp-meeting for the colored believers in the Cumberland Conference was held at Cleveland, Tenn., September 10-20, and was well attended. Many not of our faith were present at the evening meetings. There were six religious services held each day. The early morning prayer-meetings were seasons when the Holy Spirit came very near to all present. Elders J. W. Christian, W. A. Westworth, and M. C. Strachan were present, and rendered valuable aid, giving instruction regarding church organization, the work of the Holy Spirit, tithing, etc. Brother S. F. Reeder gave instruction in the canvassing work. All the speakers were filled with the spirit of the work, and those in the camp seemed inspired with the same spirit. The work among the colored people in this conference is still growing. Cleveland has seven Sabbath-keepers, Chattanooga seventeen, Knoxville twenty-seven, and Morristown four, making a total of fifty-five. We desire an earnest interest in your prayers for the work here. Many are interested in the study of God's Word, as a result of the sermons they have already heard. Our meeting was peaceful and quiet. All on the grounds seemed to realize the presence of the Holy Spirit. The singing of our religious songs was the means of bringing many to the evening service. After the song service, which lasted for thirty minutes, the truth was proclaimed in all its fulness. W. H. MAYNOR. SIX honest souls have accepted the truth at Rumford Falls, Maine. AT LOS GATOS, Cal., Sabbath, August 21, three persons were baptized. J. J. IRWIN reports that about thirty of them were baptized at the north Michigan camp-meeting. IT is reported by Elder H. W. Herrell that two went forward in baptism at the Bethel church, at Hebron, Va. As a result of the efforts of Brother and Sister Weaver in Port Huron, Mich., three have been baptized. BAPTISMAL services were held in connection with the recent tent effort at Portland, Maine. Three willing souls followed their Lord’s example in this important rite. The Missionary and Publishing Work
Notes, Plans, Reports Statistics, and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature. Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference E. R. PALMER - - - - Secretary
N. Z. TOWN - - - - Assistant Secretary
A. J. S. BOURDEAU - - - - Missionary Secretary Extract of a Letter From Elder R. C. Porter
By R. C. Porter
“THE Basutoland Mission, under the direction of Brother M. E. Emmerson, is doing a most effectual work in carrying our books to the natives. The books are selling rapidly. One bright young man, a head man of a village, has accepted the truth, and entered the canvassing work. Two other intelligent young men, who recently came into the truth by reading, have joined Brother Emmerson in selling books. He, with his three native helpers, is setting all Basutoland on fire with the truth. “I am much pleased with the outlook for that field. The other missionaries have become exasperated because the people keep coming to them and asking them about different points of our faith. They have told Brother Emmerson that he would either have to stop selling that literature or leave the country; but the native chiefs say, ‘No, he is doing good20work to educate our people, and he is free to go on as long as he wishes.’ It appears that the devil behaves in this country about the same as in any other when he sees something good being done. “Claremont, South Africa.” Busy Days at the Nashville (Tenn.) Office
Reports From Foremen of the Southern Publishing Association
“THE work is surely prospering. The orders for supplies come in thick and fast, and at times we are rushed to get the boxes of books out on time. We expect, however, to keep up with the demand.” “For some weeks in the past our Fort Worth branch has been giving us warning that they were going to give us something unusual in the way of ‘business, but we were hardly prepared for the ‘shock’ they did give us when an order came in for nearly eleven thousand books, all but 250 of which were our large books. Some of the items may be of interest: ‘Bible Readings,’ 3,500; ‘Daniel and the Revelation,’ 5,000; ‘Great Controversy,’ 1,625. The rest of the order was for ‘Home and Health’ and ‘Bible Footlights.’ Of these about twenty-five hundred were for morocco and library bindings.” “It will take about one hundred boxes of our largest size, with an average weight of 450 pounds, to ship the order. The railroad companies have heard of the order, and several of the agents have called, soliciting the business. The retail value of the order is $32,868.75.” “We are rushing an order through the pressroom for 5,500 ‘Great Controversy,’ 6,250 ‘Bible Readings for the Home Circle,’ and have just finished a run of 10,300 copies of ‘The Coming King.’ “In the bindery there are twenty-four workers employed, and they are working many hours overtime every week. Our bindery orders for the present include 37,742 books, nearly a third of which are large subscription books.” “The battle is on. These ever-increasing orders tell of advance movements along the firing line. We are with the field workers, heart and soul.” UNION-CASTLE LINE,
OFF WEST COAST SOUTH AFRICA,
Aug. 20, 1909. We are having a delightful voyage—good sea, cool breezes, pleasant associates, and best of all, heavenly care and communion. Have been well all the way on my journey from Baltimore, for which I praise God. Yours for finishing the work,
G. H. CLARK. The wisdom of conducting our canvassing work on a self-supporting, commission basis is again illustrated and emphasized. Elder R. C. Porter, writing from South Africa, says: “During the first six months of this year we have sold more books on the self-supporting plan than had been sold during any previous six months of the past three years when the canvassers were paid a salary.”