CARDINAL GIBBONS, on the occasion of the celebration, at Baltimore, Md., of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his elevation to the cardinalate, and the fiftieth anniversary of his elevation to the priesthood, in making his response to the speeches of the President, ex-president, and the Speaker of the House, made reference to one of the important incidents in the establishment of this country. He referred to the time when, the Constitution being in process of formation, and it seeming impossible for an agreement to be reached among the representatives of the colonies, Benjamin Franklin arose, and suggested that they seek light from the Father of light to illumine their understanding. The suggestion was complied with, prayers were offered, and the Constitution was formed and adopted. Said Cardinal Gibbons:—
The words of Franklin did not fall on barren soil; they have borne fruit. Our government from its dawn to the present time has been guided by Christian ideals.
These words are true. God did hear prayer at that time when our government was in the making; and the Constitution which was adopted for this government was, beyond question, in harmony with the divine plan for the nation. What can we say, therefore, when we remember the words of the highest official in the Roman hierarchy to the effect that this nation, under the conditions existing at the time the declaration was made, could not be recognized as “any government at all”? If God heard prayer, as the cardinal indicates, in the formation of our national Constitution, why did the Roman hierarchy through its highest official refuse to recognize it as “any government at all”? These things are difficult of explanation.
The cardinal spoke approvingly, also, of the principles of separation of church and state in this country, and in so speaking stated what we must consider the truth. He said:—
The church and state move on parallel lines. They mutually assist one another. The state holds over the spiritual rulers the ægis of its protection without interfering with the sacred and God-given rights of conscience. And the church on her part helps to enforce the civil laws by moral and religious sanctions.
These words are in harmony with the principles of the American government, but how shall their utterance by the highest official of the Catholic Church in the United States be explained when by encyclicals of the popes the idea of freedom of conscience and of separation of church and state have been repeatedly anathematized? Can we believe that Roman Catholicism in the United States is to be conducted under a different régime from that in the Old World? We are hardly warranted in coming to such a conclusion, because of the fact that Cardinal Gibbons himself, in his book, “Faith of Our Fathers,” declares that Rome never changes. We do not desire to misjudge or misrepresent any one, yet we are forced to the conclusion that the cardinal, when he made these statements, knew of the encyclicals which deny the very statements which he was making. And yet we hear of no anathema being hurled from the Vatican at the head of the cardinal in America. We must, therefore, draw our own conclusions as to the reason for this seemingly contradictory policy. That there is a purpose in it we can not but believe; for the officials of the Roman Church do not act thoughtlessly or without definite purpose. By the public declarations of her highest officials in America she would seem to be in harmony with American institutions; judged by the official declarations of the head of the church, she is diametrically opposed to the fundamental principles of the American government. Who speaks the true policy of the Roman hierarchy? Is it the Pope, who denounces American principles? or the cardinal, who seems to advocate them? If we are to judge Rome by the encyclicals of the popes, the cardinal is speaking without authority and against authority. That this is permitted by the Vatican, indicates an understanding between these officials which can mean no good for America.
Note and Comment
The Nation Responsible
The press of the District of Columbia is considerably exercised, on behalf of the people of the District, over the question of hanging a woman for the murder of her husband. The execution of the murderess is set for July 31; but there is quite a sentiment in favor of having the sentence commuted to life imprisonment. It is felt that if the execution of a woman takes place in the national capital, in a city governed by the national legislature, the world at large might take it “as representing the modern idea as held by the nation.” Speaking editorially, the Washington Times of June 1 says:—
Whatever be the attitude of the public toward the just and righteous punishment of the murderer, the Times does not judge that the people of the city of Washington, or the people of the country at large, believe that justice will be best satisfied, and the public welfare best served, by the hanging of a woman in the capital of the country.
The principal objection to the execution of the sentence is that such an act would represent the nation as favoring the hanging of women; and thus it would logically be considered. For the very same reason, advocates of the principles of religious liberty in this country have protested against the enactment of a religious law for the District of Columbia. When such a law is passed, the nation will represent itself as standing for the union of secular and religious things, the union of church and state. When the national Congress commits itself to the passing of such a law, it can no longer be said that the nation stands opposed to a union of church and state.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
UNDER this heading the Washington Post of June 13 summarizes the warlike activities and threatenings which are reported from different parts of the world at the present time. It mentions as centers of disturbances of this nature, Lower California, Central America, Venezuela, Chili, Peru, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Turkey. It also mentions the fact that China is considering the question of sending a war-ship to Mexico to collect ten million dollars indemnity from that country as a reparation for the outrages committed by Mexicans upon Chinese, particularly in the city of Torreon. It might have mentioned, also, that a revolution is in progress in the little republic of Haiti. In addition to this, and of far greater consequence, might have been noted the unprecedented naval and military activities in the larger nations of the world, which are at present at peace with one another; the continual struggle between Germany and England in the matter of the construction of the most powerful warships; the recent decision of Japan to begin at once the construction of five new battle-ships of a greater tonnage than any now afloat; the reorganization and training, under foreign officers, of the Chinese army; and the boy-scout movement in Great Britain and the United States, the purpose of which is to infuse the military spirit into the youth of these countries and prepare them for war when the time shall come to strike. These conditions do not make for peace and safety; they are forebodings of a grim and terrible struggle, which this world is soon to experience; and the very headings which these secular papers use in calling attention to such affairs are themselves a warning to the people of what these things mean, and of what is to follow the culmination of these activities.
General Conference on Moslem Work
By J. L. Shaw
J. L. SHAW
The second world’s conference to consider work among the Moslems was held January 23-28 at Lucknow, a historic stronghold of Mohammedanism in North India. A large delegation of missionaries of different societies, operating in various parts of the Moslem world, was in attendance. One man from Inland China was eighty-one days in reaching the coast, and a month or six weeks by boat from there to the conference.
It was a privilege to see and listen to men who have spent many years in direct work for Mohammedans in countries like Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, Persia, Arabia, India, and China. Those presenting papers at the conference had given much study to the history and literature of Islam, and were able to give a comprehensive survey of the present relations of Christianity to Mohammedanism. In large letters over the rostrum was the motto: “Not by Might, nor by Any Arm, but My Spirit.” This was significant of the attitude of the conference toward that monstrous movement of the false prophet which has gone from one continent to another, making converts by force of arms. A detailed account of the political conditions which obtain in various countries where Mohammedanism is strong, presented a powerful argument for immediate and rapid advance.
Arabia, the cradle of Islam, is being opened with railroads. The people long to learn, and schools are called for. Christians and Mohammedans are granted equality of rights. Soldiers are not compelled to be Moslems, and a much more healthy tone is manifest in public affairs. It was urged that a mission station should be opened at Jiddah on the Red Sea,—the only port on the west side of Arabia, and the door of entrance to Mecca, the sacred city of Islam. It was thought by some that the occupation of this port would be even more important than that of Mecca itself, as it is more in touch with the outside world. A Christian hotel was suggested, the chief aim of which would be to afford accommodations for Moslems, many of whom are put to death for their money by fellow Mohammedans. Multitudes pass through Jiddah annually from Africa, India, and the East, on pilgrimages to Mecca. Such an undertaking would need to be very carefully operated, and would necessarily assume the character of a business enterprise more than of a mission.
In India, where there are sixty-three million Mohammedans, political influences have brought in new conditions. Extended privileges by the government have greatly influenced Mohammedans, and they are showing more loyalty to British rule. They are now in a better condition than ever to make their wants known, and to protect their religion. The All India Moslem League is working continuously to unify all sects of Mohammedans, both Sunnites and Shiahs. In North India the league is conducting schools for the people, so that even the very poor may have the benefit of Mohammedan schools. Urdu is the leading language of the Moslems of India, and a movement is on foot to make it the language of all the Mohammedans of India.
It is, therefore, plain from the present political conditions in India, and from the increased energy of Mohammedan leaders, that the work of Christian missions for Moslems is more difficult than it was a few years ago. Owing to the difficulties to be met, many missions have chosen the line of least resistance, and are devoting their efforts largely to Hindus and the animistic tribes; especially is this true in Bengal. And no missionary has been set apart exclusively for work among the Moslems of that vast province, where there are to be found one third of the Mohammedans of India. There are two hundred mosques in Calcutta alone.
Islam is making progress in the islands of Australasia. In Java it is the predominating religion, as is also the case in the southern two thirds of Sumatra. The Koran has been translated into the Fijian language. In the South Sea islands there are fifty million Mohammedans. It was a matter of regret that at so important a conference no representative was in attendance from these islands. Before another Moslem conference is held, it is very probable that a commission will be appointed to obtain, as nearly as possible, the status of Mohammedanism in the island world.
In Turkey the policy of the Young Turk party is making a holy war for Islam apparently impossible. More liberty is conferred by the government to Christian missions. The Bible is being freely distributed; nine thousand New Testaments were either sold or given away last year. Special favor is shown by the government to medical missionary work. Last year one Turk was converted to Christ.
Persia has not, so far, granted religious liberty, though there is evidence of laxity in fanatical zeal. Now and then Mohammedan fanaticism breaks out. Political changes are weakening the hand of Islam, and schools are welcomed, though Christian missions must work cautiously; for the political condition of the country is critical.
In China, Islam is making progress, though organization is wanting. Mollahs from Arabia and India are visiting the mosques of China, and are teaching the doctrine of the false prophet. The Mohammedan population of China is in the small minority, numbering only about ten million. In Russia there are twenty million Mohammedans, and but little is being done to reach them with the gospel.
Mohammedanism in Africa is growing rapidly, numbering at the present time fifty-nine million adherents. The method of propagation is through literature and pilgrimages. The most threatening of mission problems is the advance of Islam in Africa. One hundred twenty missionaries bore testimony at the Edinburgh conference last year that the greatest problem for Christians is the growth of Mohammedanism in Central Africa.
The urgency of the Mohammedan problem was expressed in the following resolution:—
“That this conference, in view of the steady advance of Islam, not only among various animistic tribes and other peoples, but also to some extent among historic Christian churches and recently Christianized pagans, expresses the conviction that it is absolutely necessary that Christendom at large, and more especially the missionary boards and committees of the churches, which we represent, should forthwith take practical measures for a more comprehensive and systematic prosecution of the work among Moslems.”
Other resolutions, showing the need of literature especially prepared for Moslems, for training colleges for missionaries to Moslems, and for workers among women, were passed; and last, though not least, an earnest call of the Christian church to prayer. And surely every believer, knowing the conditions which obtain in the Moslem world, should urgently pray that the light of truth may shine forth with strong rays in the high places of Islam.
Whether or not Christian missions can stay the advance of Mohammedanism, God alone knows; certain it is that the believer of present truth can never enter the citadels of Islam, and proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ save by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Seventh-day Adventist Church should be crying to God for the outpouring of the latter rain; then there will be boldness, and we shall see heralds of the message crying out the warning words of truth in the very sanctuaries of the false prophet.
Lucknow, India.
The Slowness of God
“It is unwise for us to try to hurry God. We ask for guidance; and because it does not come before we have ceased asking, we distrust God. That is not wise. The slowness of God is the safety of men.”
In South America’s Union Mission Field
By J. W. Westphal
J. W. WESTPHAL
The Indian work promises to be one of the most interesting fields of operation this denomination has ever entered. A few days ago I received from Brother F. A. Stahl a letter that is touching indeed. As he is a nurse, he has undertaken to help these Indians physically as well as spiritually. People came on a two days’ journey to be treated. He was so besieged with sufferers that he hardly had time either to sleep or to eat. He feels that a plain, cheap building should be provided, into which patients can be taken and treated. If we can have the liberty to carry on this work among them, there are certainly great possibilities before us.
A girl about eighteen years of age came some distance to receive help. She had been to a physician, but he had given her little attention; this is usual, as the Indians are very dirty. When her face was uncovered, even the Indians shrank back in horror. Brother Stahl cleaned and treated her face, using such simple remedies as he had with him, and in two days she went home well.
He says that these people yield very readily to treatment, and that ninety per cent can be cured. They do not know how to wash themselves, so he had evening classes to teach them how to bathe. They were willing to receive instruction, and apparently profited by it.
The Indians brought the priests’ horses, using them for several days to take him out to see the sick. I should judge from the letter that this was done against the priests’ will. But the Indians would bring the horses, and he could not help himself. In connection with this work, he taught them the gospel, and this they gladly received. Fifteen have already been baptized, and thirty others are awaiting baptism. The Sabbath truth appeals to them.
A GROUP OF INDIANS. BROTHER STAHL AT THE RIGHT
A few days ago I received a letter from M. Z. Camacho, the Indian schoolteacher, through whom the work was started among them, and he earnestly appeals for help. Among other things, he asks that Brother Stahl be permitted to remain and labor among them. Brother Stahl is anxious to do this, and few would be better adapted to this work than he. He knows how to help the people where they are. But in order to do anything for them, we must have money. Brother Stahl must have a place in which to live; for it will not do for him to live in the city, and he can not live in the Indians’ huts. He does not ask for anything large, but he must have something. Land must be secured. There should also be a place where the sick can be cared for. A school should be started at once. We must teach the young men, and in this way develop other teachers and laborers from among them.
Brother Stahl and his wife can not do this work alone, nor is it safe for him to be alone. Naturally, the priests are not in harmony with this work; they will do all they can against it, and they will find instruments through whom to work.
We need the money on the $300,000 Fund coming to South America,—not in driblets, so that we can not do anything with it, but a goodly amount in a lump. Our plans for the Indians and other work can do little good if we do not have the means with which to carry them out.
In the same letter from Brother Stahl, he tells about securing permission to hold open-air meetings for the Indians in La Paz, Bolivia. He went to the intendant, who is a Catholic, and asked permission. This official told him that such a thing is not allowed. Brother Stahl gave him the name of a prominent man in the place, whom he had formerly treated, and who was a very good friend, as reference. The official promised to see him, but day after day passed, and nothing was done. Finally Brother Stahl went to him again, and told him he had a right to hold such meetings, and that it was only through courtesy that he had asked his permission to hold them.
The officials then asked Brother Stahl to wait a little, and at once called in the man whose name he had given for reference. Brother Stahl says that it would have done any one good to hear this man explain our work to the intendant. The result of this explanation was that Brother Stahl received a written permission with full police protection to hold such meetings. This is thought to be the first instance where such permission has been given to a Protestant. Good results are expected from this effort. Brother I. Kalbermatten will speak to the people through an interpreter.
Thus the work in these fields is bidding us go forward. We are of good courage in the Lord, and the prospects for the advancement of the message were never brighter than they are now, nor workers more urgently needed.
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Message
By William Brickey
WILLIAM BRICKEY
The third angel's message is going,
The lightning and steam give it flight.
Like a huge tidal wave, overflowing
The land with a great flood of light,
It has deluged the earth with its papers,
Is flooding the world with its books,
That shine in the darkness like tapers,
And stream through the earth like the brooks.
There is nothing on earth can suppress it,
For God gives it power from above;
The humble find words to express it,
With hearts all aglow with its love.
Like a hurricane crossing the ocean,
It storms the dark centers of sin,
And sets the whole world in commotion,
Yet gives peace and sweet comfort within.
No other work ever was equal,
Since the day Adam first saw the sun;
For this is the finish and sequel
To all that has ever been done.
Like the sun marching on in its splendor,
Its glory enlightens the world;
And thousands of hearts are made tender
Where its banner of love is unfurled.
Heaven-born and world-wide in its nature,
It speeds on its mission of love,
And testifies, like its Creator,
That men must be born from above.
With victory perched on its banner,
It marches through jungles untrod,
To restore to mankind, in some manner,
The Spirit and image of God.
Kamiah, Idaho.
The Great Moral Antiseptic
“WE must carry them the Bible, the great moral antiseptic.” Thus said Miss Sally McCorkle, as she wrote from Kaul’s lumber camp down in Alabama, where she is circulating Bibles and New Testaments. She thanked God for the privilege of visiting in the mills among white-plague victims, and of putting into their hands the Word of God, and bowing by the bedside of the sick in prayer. In summing up her recent experiences, she says: “If I could put in print the sorrowful tales I have listened to,—stories of wrecked lives, of ruined characters, of broken hearts, and of family ties shattered,—I would paint a picture that would shock the church; but my hand shrinks from the task.” This is all because God’s Holy Word has been forsaken, its principles not interwoven into the daily life. It indeed is the “moral antiseptic.”
Trusting God’s Guidance
God’s guidance is good guidance. We can not understand it, nor always see its wisdom at the moment, but the fact that it is God who guides should be sufficient assurance. “I do not know the way I take, but well I know my Guide.” That is enough.—Baptist Commonwealth.
A Baptism in Panama
By B. E. Connerly
WE are glad for the privilege of devoting a portion of our time to evangelical work in so needy a place as Panama City, one of the oldest of the New World towns, and now the capital of the Isthmian republic. While our efforts have not been crowned with the degree of success for which we had hoped, we appreciate the evidence of some fruit in the baptism of a number of those for whom we have labored.
Sabbath, April 29, at sunrise, our little company, a few friends, and some curious onlookers gathered on the shore of the beautiful bay, about a mile outside the city, to see the sacred rite administered. It was a beautiful morning, such as ushers in our ideal days in the tropics. The sunrise glory tinted the sky, and the freshness of the new-born day was in the air. The melody of the hymns floating out over the placid waters while we buried these willing souls in the likeness of Christ’s death, and raised them to go forth in the likeness of his resurrection, made a deep impression upon all present.
As these converts went their way rejoicing, and as the crowd dispersed, and we returned to the city with its thousands of people still the captives of sin, our hearts were drawn out toward them. O that they might be saved from the darkness which has so long cursed this fair land! A line of history will tell the wrong beginning that has resulted in Panama’s unhappy career.
It is only a few miles farther down this same sandy beach to the historic place where, 398 years ago, Balboa planted in these same placid waters the ensign of Spain,—a standard that represented a powerful but despotic nation,—and an accompanying priest—a friar, gray-cowled and in flowing robes—placed beside that banner the insignia of the Roman Church, an emblem that meant the Papacy and the Papacy only.
The church had a free hand in this little country “beyond the western seas,” and four long centuries have fully demonstrated that the principles represented by the banner unfurled by Balboa, and by the cross erected by Anders Vara, retarded progress, restricted liberty, and sanctioned a régime hostile to both civil and religious enlightenment.
History intimates that in those early days the ambitious Balboa, who knew so much of European oppression, desired better things for the people of the New World. Just yonder, beyond the foothills only a few short leagues away, stands the towering Perri, from whose stony crest the great explorer not only gazed out on the glorious expanse of the broad Pacific, but, looking on the fertile, tree-clad plains at his feet, they dreamed of forming here a democratic government, with religious freedom for all. This boon was never realized. Tyranny gained the day, and Balboa’s dream perished with Panama’s hero.
But, thank God, a new era dawned. Freedom’s voice was heard; on these same western shores arose a nation that did respect men’s rights, and from the midst of that liberty-loving people began to be proclaimed the great advent message, which brings, not only to Panama, but to all the people of all the nations, freedom in Christ.
B. E. CONNERLY.
Among the Last Letters Written by Elder J. C. Little to His Wife
[Elder J. C. Little died suddenly while touring East Bengal, India, in a boat, visiting among the believers. His wife is now in the home land, but these letters will be of interest to all.—Ed.]
CHARKULLI, July 30, 1910.
This letter was begun last night, while the people gathered for meeting. The meeting did not begin till nine o’clock, and closed about twelve or later. It was very interesting. About half of those present were Hindus. Brethren Podar and Sircar both gave good talks. Brother Watson began with a talk on Daniel 2, and then threw the meeting open for Hindus and Christians to express themselves. It revealed quite an interest on the part of the Hindus, who did not seem at all prejudiced. We had three meetings yesterday.
CHARKULLI, July 31, 1910.
We have had a good time to-day. A family of Hindus invited us to come and see them. After we came, they made a dinner for us, and asked many questions about the Bible and our faith. They are certainly very favorable to our work. The pastor of the Church of England here, a Bengali man, believes the truth, and brought a man from his congregation to see us this evening. A woman invited us to her home. We went, and found her husband, also several other people, with this minister, waiting for us. After opening the church prayer-book where it quotes the fourth commandment, and the people are expected to respond, “O Lord, incline our hearts to keep this commandment,” they asked many questions about how to keep the Sabbath. A great many things might happen in this old world, and we know nothing about it for days, as we get no news of the outside world. To-morrow we are going to Dighulia, where Brethren Gyan and Halder live.
DHAMSHAR, Aug. 3, 1910.
We stopped all day with our people in Dighulia, and celebrated the ordinances with them Tuesday morning, and then came on straight to Dhamshar, where we arrived this morning. Here is where they put up the little building for a school and meeting-place with the money we gave them out of that sixty rupees. You remember we gave them thirty-five rupees. They have up a nice little building and it is serving their purpose well. I am going to write Miss Camp when we get to Barisal about how the money has been used thus far,—thirty-five rupees for this house; five rupees for that poor sick brother (he is now dead); and now they are needing a little boat to take around to gather up the children for the school, and that will take another five rupees. Then there will be fifteen rupees left of what Brother Gyan got from us to be used as seems best in the work. I think that sixty rupees is doing well in the work. Twenty-five rupees of it helped Brother Gyan over a hard place, and now is coming back to be used again where there seems to be a need. I will tell her what each part has been used for, and it will encourage her to know that the money she sent has been well used, and maybe she will feel like sending more. We had planned to meet with the brethren here, celebrate the ordinances, and dedicate the little building they have erected; but Brother Simon Halder did not get word of our coming, and is away at Barisal, so we are going on there to-day. We shall get there some time to-night, and will stay there to-morrow, and then return here Friday, so as to dedicate the house and celebrate the ordinances on the Sabbath.
With My Brethren in the East
By Daniel Nettleton
For many years my field of labor has been in the Middle West and on the Pacific Coast. In former years we held many ministerial institutes and tract and missionary conventions; but in late years, this kind of meetings has been discontinued. I am glad, however, that we are going back to some of the good old ways; for those meetings were blessed seasons of instruction and encouragement to us as ministers, and a great help to our cause and people.
When I read in the REVIEW the announcement of the ministerial institute at Philadelphia, Pa., there came into my heart a desire to attend this assembly of the Lord's ministers. It seemed to me I could hear a voice saying to me, as Jacob said to Joseph: “Go, . . . see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks.” So, following what I believe was the leading of the Lord, at my own expense I have come to visit my brethren in the East, and to see their flocks. I find my brethren few in numbers, but their flocks are very great. O where are the shepherds for these multitudes of lost sheep? So many people, and so few to preach the word!
Others have written of our good meeting at Philadelphia, and I will only say it was much like our institutes and general conferences of twenty or thirty years ago, when our numbers were much smaller, and our ministers and institutions were few. We did not have much business to discuss at this meeting, or many conference matters to take our time and attention; so we could “give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” As a result we had a season of great refreshing, showers of the latter rain. God visited and redeemed his people. The children of Zion were made glad by the presence of the Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, granting forgiveness and saving from sin. It was an “Ebenezer,” and many could say, with Israel of old, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” O16may the Lord make us all “able ministers . . . of the spirit: for . . . the spirit giveth life.”
From the meeting at Philadelphia I went to Washington, D. C., and visited our institutions at that place. I found them all busy in the work for which they were established. Our school, Sanitarium, and publishing-house, all urged on to earnest effort by the demands of the hour, are doing consecrated, effectual work to seek and save the lost.
Sabbath, April 29, I spoke in Memorial Church, Washington. It was a pleasure to see this monument for present truth which our people all over the country had helped to secure for our work in this beautiful city. After the sermon, several responded to a call to consecrate themselves more fully to God. Not only the church, but the meeting with the believers in Washington, will long be a memorial to me.
From Washington I went to New York City, the great modern Babylon of business and sinful pleasure. I had a blessed season of prayer and study with the mission workers. It gave me much joy to spend a few days with these strong young men, with whom I have labored in the West, and whom God has now sent to this city as he sent Daniel to Babylon of old. New York City is a magnificent monument of the skill, power, pride, and wisdom of man. Men are saying what Nebuchadnezzar said of his city: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?” But the awful fate which overtook Babylon awaits this great city. After spending a few hours looking at the mansions on Fifth Avenue, Brother R. D. Quinn and I sought a retired place in Central Park, and there we prayed that God would give his missionaries in New York City the wisdom and the “excellent spirit” that he gave to Daniel and his companions for their work in ancient Babylon. As we wept and prayed in secret, we thanked God that we could be, like Abraham, pilgrims and strangers on earth, looking for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. I would rather have my place with the Lord's dear ministers than have the mansions and luxuries of those who do not know the riches of his grace.
From New York City, in company with Elder W. H. Holden, I came to New England, visiting several churches in Vermont and New Hampshire. These visits were seasons of refreshing and revival. While in Vermont, I had the pleasure of visiting an aged sister who saw the stars fall in 1833. She was sixteen years old at that time. I also had the pleasure of assisting in the dedication of the White Memorial Church in Portland, Maine. In company with Elder W. B. White, I reached Portland, May 25. Our meetings began Thursday night, and closed Sunday night. There was a good attendance of our people from adjoining churches, and several of the ministers of the Maine Conference were with us. We now have a beautiful monument for present truth in this city. I am glad that all our people can have the privilege of helping to establish this memorial of the present truth in this city.
The church building contains a room for church-school and one for prayer-meetings, besides the main auditorium. The building is neat, comfortable, and an honor to the cause of God. Our meetings were seasons of blessing. Sabbath was a good day for us all, especially our praise service on Sabbath afternoon. We wished that the old pioneers of our work in this city could have been with us. I am sure they would have been happy to have united with us in praise to God. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder W. B. White, on Sunday at 3 P. M., to a large and attentive congregation, the text of the discourse being, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Ex. 25:8.
I was very deeply impressed as I visited some of the old landmarks of our message in Portland,—the place where, in 1840-43, William Miller delivered his lectures on the coming of the Lord; the Methodist Episcopal church from which Sister E. G. White was expelled for believing and talking about the second coming of Christ; the old schoolhouse where she attended school; and the ground where she was injured on her way from school. All these places seem like sacred ground to me, and I thank the Lord that I have a part and a place in this message. The work of the advent message has had a wonderful growth since those days, and we know that it will continue to go on with great power to final victory.
I now go to attend the Southern New England camp-meeting.
DANIEL NETTLESON.
German East Africa
By H. Drangmeister
KIHURIO.— While the aged are hard to reach with the gospel, because they stick so closely to their heathen customs, yet almost without exception they allow their children to be instructed in our mission schools. God's Word exercises a saving power over the youth, and already many of these young people have taken their stand for the truth, and have been baptized.
I believe this is the most favorable time we shall ever have in this land to preach the gospel. The German East African government preserves peace among the various native tribes, so that there are no wars, no insurrections, and no political difficulties in this territory. Order and peace prevail.
Six months ago we opened an out-school at Vunta, up in the mountains. We began with forty boys, and now have 170 enrolled. We certainly can advance, but only as men and means are at hand for the work. H. DRANGMEISTER.
