Earlier text: Forging the Weapons of PeaceA Cheerful Man’s Sermon
By Eben E. Rexford
It's easy to smile and be cheerful
When everything's pleasant and fair;
We never complain of life's hardships
When there are no burdens to bear. But as soon as the blue skies cloud over,
And the way that was smooth has grown rough,
We forget the blithe songs we were singing,
And our faces are doleful enough. But some can be cheerful when shadows
Are thick round the pathways they tread;
They sing in their happiest measures,
With a faith in blue skies overhead;
They face, with a smile that's like sunshine,
The trials that come in their way,
And they always find much to be glad for
In the lonesomest, dreariest day. Thank God for the man who is cheerful
In spite of life's trouble, I say,
Who sings of a brighter to-morrow
Because of the clouds of to-day.
His life is a beautiful sermon,
And this is its lesson to me:
Meet trials with smiles, and they vanish;
Face cares with a song, and they flee. Training Children
By Elizabeth S. Gilchrist
ONE of the most difficult of my tasks, was the studying out of some plan to make the children attend to their lessons and their various duties. As soon as each had attained sufficient age, a certain task was allotted, and this must be performed at an appointed time and in a precise manner, according to instructions. I found that in spite of all my admonitions, they would rush through their tasks, and were given to scamping through their work in the most wretched fashion. Ordinary punishment, and the continued line upon line, and precept upon precept, utterly failed of its purpose. One day an inspiration struck me, and I tried an experiment; I wrote upon a card this proclamation:—
“Be it known to the children of this family, that no pleasures are to be indulged in unless work is thoroughly done, and at the proper time. Delinquents must not ask for privileges of any sort when work is unfinished or badly done.
“MAMA.” This was fastened to the dining-room door. I said nothing, but went about my work as usual. One by one the youngsters studied out the order. Some of them shook their heads and looked over wise; others laughed, and then looked troubled. The next day a drive to a neighboring park was to be taken, and it nearly broke my heart when, at the last moment, I was obliged to forbid two of my children dressing for the drive, because their work had been so grossly neglected. I should have been glad to stay at home with them, but felt that the order must be enforced, and was certain that the lesson would not have to be repeated many times. Two pitiful little faces looked after me as we drove away; but I thought it only just to those who had done their duty to make the day as bright and delightful as possible. We had a glorious time, and got home to find one little curly head asleep on the sofa, with very evident tear-stains covering her face. The other had done her work over, and it was perfectly done, too. Those two required only one additional lesson. For the others the punishment was several times repeated. After a time it came to be understood among the children that conscientiously performed tasks were rewarded by a correspondingly pleasant time in some way. I took pains to keep things in store for such rewards, and it was surprising what an effect it had on those little, untrained minds. I never gave them money, toys, sweets, or tangible rewards—this was too much like “value received” and hiring. But they had a good time, and I never failed to impress upon their minds that much of their pleasure arose from the consciousness of duty well performed. I do not approve of hiring children by the ordinary methods; it seems to have a bad rather than a good effect, upon mine at least; and I find the pleasure-in-store plan very much better, particularly as I can at the same time impress upon their minds that this will be the case all through life. This method I have followed for more than fifteen years, and I think I can confidently say that whatever my children undertake to do is done well.— Elizabeth S. Gilchrist. Looking at the Best Things
By Priscilla Leonard
“My little girl has taught me one thing,” said a young mother the other day. “She picks out the prettiest things she can find to look at, and then she looks at them, and doesn’t notice the ugly things. The Evanses next door keep their porch in a condition that just depresses me—it’s so cluttered up. But they have some fine geraniums growing in tomato cans, and my little Clara thinks they are beautiful. She hangs over the fence and looks at them, and Mrs. Evans is so pleased at the child’s appreciation that she has actually tidied up the porch once or twice, and Mr. Evans has painted the cans green. I never could have gotten them to do that, because I looked at their porch and was depressed. Clara has done it because she looked at their geraniums and was delighted.” There is sound philosophy in this bit of experience. The souls that have power, in this world, are the souls that see the right thing—the key to the situation. And as we see only what we look at, our powers in life are strictly proportioned to the way we look at life, and to the things we fix our eyes upon as we go along. No man or woman is ever a failure who sees clearly the essential things. No soul is ever powerless or discouraged except through having looked, momentarily or steadily, at the unessential and misleading things. In every field of vision, one may as well admit, there are extremely ugly things included in the view. No one who has lived to years of discretion but has seen many things which he would be glad to forget. No intelligent man or woman believes that all men can be trusted, all women admired, or any ideal fully carried out in earthly surroundings. Almost every apple is specked, and every family has a skeleton, even if it no longer has a closet. The world is full of evil and pain and defeat. But that is the worst part of the world. That is the trouble with it—its negative side, its dark background. There is always a choice of vision, too, even among pleasant things. “I could not live if it were not for my dog!” said a lonely woman in whose little house a handsome, lively spaniel reigned supreme. The dog was a beautiful thing to look at, and his devotion was beautiful, too, to see. But if that very woman had looked over into the next street, she would have found neglected children into whose eyes the same devotion would have sprung, and the same welcome, if she had looked at them and helped them. It is a pitiful thing to see human beings find intimacy with pets more lovely than intercourse with human souls. They are looking at the second-best things instead of the best; and to look at the best things is the secret of true living—living that is always worth while. As we look at the best things, loving and following them, power enters into us from them—a power not our own, but given to our use. It has been found in even the primary schools that a “gem” of lovely verse taught to a little child keeps that child from temptation and unhappiness in a most surprising way. “I said my gem over, and everything went right,” said one boy to his teacher after an experience of injustice. A noble book kept before the eye of the mind makes life a transformed thing to the soul’s vision. What we look at, that we become. “As seeing Him who is invisible” is the story of that great army of the saints, the martyrs, the heroes, which marches down the ages to the eternal goal—and which we can join if we choose.— Priscilla Leonard. A Voice From the Equator
By DELWIN R. BUCKNER
From palm-girt strands, where briny waters roar,
From snow-clad peaks, that pierce a tropic sky,
A cry from Ecuador sounds, like the cry
That came to Paul from Macedonia’s shore.
Oh, who will bear the message, big with hope,
The message of the coming of the King,—
A message, that, within its path, will bring
Light to a people who in darkness grope?
Their land is full of idols they engrave
From stones, or wood, or metals of more worth,
And yet they bow to them, and bend their knees,
As if an image could have power to save,
And not the One, who made the sky and earth,
The sea, and all the host that dwell in these.
Ambato, Ecuador. The Work in Austria
By Guy Dail
For a long time Austria seemed quite a European Tibet, so far as our work was concerned; for it was very hard to obtain a foothold there. We would send laborers into the kingdom, only to have them deported. Religious meetings, such as we may hold in Germany, were forbidden. It seemed impossible for us to secure permission to sell our publications. In spite of the fact that there was a great away-from-Rome movement, yet, because of its political aspects, this did not help us very much. It is surprising how wide awake the Austrians are for news, especially political news. You do not find the daily paper left in the tram-cars, or thrown into the street; but it is devoured with a keen relish, the people being anxious to know the trend of current events. As one moves about in the country, and comes in contact with the people, he observes that the various political parties and the many racial problems create a condition of alertness not to be found in countries lacking a cosmopolitan population. Unbelief, theosophy, and Spiritualism are live issues here. In many of the cities there is a hearty dislike shown toward the priests and an aversion to the church. But there is no field that is not to be reached by the message for these days, and the Lord reveals methods and means by which the truth may be carried to those who need its divine influence. This is true also of Austria. In the course of time, God has opened the doors for us. It is true that the average reader of the REVIEW might think the manner of conducting our lectures in Austria rather unique, if not somewhat unbecoming; picture to yourself the holding of a Seventh-day Adventist service without an opening song, without an introductory prayer, without the Bible; and without a benediction! Furthermore, the minister himself dare not open the meeting, as we have no ordained minister who is an Austrian citizen; so a citizen of the land must formally open the lecture, and then he may give place to the speaker of the evening, for whose words he has agreed to be responsible to the authorities. Our introductory public work does not assume a religious aspect—it is rather scientific and historical. This brings the worker into contact with the people, giving him opportunity to secure the addresses of those who are really interested, and with them he can carry on Bible study in the home. The second annual meeting of the Austrian Mission was held this year in Prague, the city of Huss and Jerome. November 11-15. Owing to the recent clashes between the Germans and the Czechs, hundreds of gendarmes had been called into the city to preserve peace. The bitterest race feeling is mutually manifested by these two nationalities here. We desired to rent a nice hall for our meetings in Prague. The owner, who is a Czech publisher, said: “If you can assure me that the hall will be used in no way to benefit the Germans, I will gladly let you have it. I do not object to your religion.—I rather favor it,—but I fear that if it should become known that I had let a hall which could be used to further the good of the German-speaking people, my business interests would suffer much more harm than would be repaid me through the annual rental of the property in question.” We could not secure the hall. We were glad to see the power of the message manifest here also; for our own people are composed of the German and the Czech nationalities, and they peaceably met together, conducted their business, listened to the proclamation of the message, and united their voices in social worship, where both the German and the Czech language were used. The evening lectures, too, were delivered in German, and translated into the Czech. Intelligent and interested audiences were out each night. An officer sent by the police was present, and made notes of what was said. Brethren Wolfgarten and Makowsky remain to continue the meetings. Four companies were taken into the Austrian Mission—Vienna, Reichenberg, Gablenz, and Aussig. During the last nine months fifty were received, and the net growth of the membership was forty-seven seven, so that the present membership in Austria is one hundred thirty-four. About forty of our people were at the meeting. An Austrian Educational Fund was founded, three hundred fifty-five kronen being pledged toward it, besides seventy-six kronen received in cash. As foreign periodicals may not be sold in the country, it was recommended that we publish an Austrian paper in the German language, in addition to the monthly Bohemian Herald of Truth. Special efforts are to be made in behalf of the health work in Austria. Some of our nurses there are doing real well, and finding excellent openings for the extension of health principles. As the authorities have requested Brother Prillwitz, the former director of the mission, to quit the country, Brother J. Wolfgarten was chosen superintendent of the Austrian field for 1909. Two ordained ministers, one licentiate, six Bible workers, and two colporteurs can not certainly be considered an adequate force for this field, with its nearly twenty-eight millions of people,—Germans, Czechs, Poles, Ruthenians, Slovenes, Italians, Rhenians, Romanics, Servians, Croatians, Rumanians, and Magyars. We hope that this land with its wide-awake peoples, its interesting openings for the truth, and its small band of workers will be continually remembered by our readers in their prayers for the progress of the message of the soon-coming Saviour. The Needs Among the Kavirondo People
By A. A. CARSCALLEN
In writing of the needs of any people in Africa, it is not to tell what they need for this life; for their wants are few, and their needs less. The real need here is the gospel, “which is the power of God unto salvation;” and if there is one place where that is needed more than another, that place is Africa. On entering this country, we find the people ignorant, naked, and living in a very low state of civilization. Their minds are filled with false ideas and superstition. Their customs and laws forbid leaving their old ways for anything new, but do not apparently forbid conforming to anything for the sake of worldly gain. We read that “this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled,” then think of our motto, “The Third Angel’s Message to the World in This Generation,” and then we turn to Africa, with its ignorant millions, and wonder, “How can these things be?” The great need of the Kavirondo people is young men and women who are not afraid of work. When we entered this field about two years ago, the language which is spoken here had not been reduced to writing, and therefore we had no books to help us in acquiring it. The place was entirely devoid of food that we could make use of. There were no houses to rent, so we had to14build some. First we erected a dwelling-house, then a workshop and schoolhouse. In this work we had to be our own masons, carpenters, etc. We have had to make all our furniture, most of our windows and doors, and many other things which we required in the shop and schoolhouse. For all these things, lumber was needed, and this had to be sawed. We had to take men who knew nothing about such work, and teach them to saw. It is, therefore, of great advantage to laborers in this country to have a knowledge of several kinds of trades, for yet, while it is advantageous to know such work, it is not the all-important thing; for we have a much greater work to do. Near the mission there are thousands who are living in heathen darkness, and it is our part to teach them this last message of mercy. The Kavirondos are a friendly tribe, yet many difficulties arise, which keep the work from going as fast as we would like. When we arrived in this part of Africa, we found the people distrustful, and many were even afraid of us, and would run and hide when they saw us coming. Thus it was only the most daring we could reach at first. Then when the others became more bold, and made our acquaintance, we found they wanted their friendliness repaid in a substantial manner. When we seem to get hold of some, we often find that they become proud, and think themselves above their fellows. In such cases our labor for them for a time is over. Our experience with one case is worth mentioning. A young man who came to work for us the first month we were here, and who was at first rather timid, soon became very friendly, and made a good workman. We taught him to do many things, and, because he was such a help to us, we gave him a larger wage than the others. We were also teaching him the commandments and other portions of the Bible. He would come to the meetings every Sabbath, and would many times explain to the people what we were trying to say. In fact, he was the best all-round man we had. We often thought God had given him to us to assist in this work, and other missionaries spoke of what a help he was to us. Just at this time the head chief began to take notice of him, and at last made him one of the head men of the district. This entirely spoiled the boy. He thought himself above work, and ceased to come to the meetings on Sabbaths. We were compelled to drop him for a time, as we could do nothing more with him. However, we are glad to say he is again turning to us, and we still have hope of him. This illustrates some of our experiences. At times we wonder how the gospel of humility will conquer the hearts of people who are naturally so vain. But it will, and many of these dear souls will learn to love it. In conclusion, I repeat, we need workers,—those who are not afraid of hard work, and who believe this message. We need those who can face trials and disappointments and darkness,—who can look upon these millions who know not the gospel, and who seem to put forth no efforts to learn it,—and still believe that “this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.” Kisumu, British East Africa. Honan, China
By John J. Westrup
“THE Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Ps. 126: 3. The Lord has indeed given us a great opportunity to work for him; and we are confident that he will give us grace and strength to follow up this work. A week ago twenty-three persons were buried with Christ in baptism, and by faith put on Christ, henceforth to walk in newness of life. Others are ready for baptism, although we decided to have them wait until next spring. We have worked for these souls, and they have kept the Sabbath, from one to two and one-half years. They are overcomers, some having had to conquer one of the hardest habits to overcome. We are glad to say that all the sisters who were baptized have unbound their feet; and all who were baptized pay their tithe. This, in view of their very small income, together with the unbinding of the feet, is a greater test to this people than anything else. A woman unbinding her feet is looked upon with scorn, and is subjected to all kinds of slander. This heathenish custom has such a hold on this people that a woman with unbound feet can hardly get a husband. The smaller a woman’s feet are, the better chance she has of marrying well. Our being here would be worth the while even if we could do no more than to be the means of relieving these women of their terrible, life-long pain. But O for the joy of leading these precious souls into a full and free salvation in Christ! In him they are made free from every fetter that binds them, and will shine forever as stars in our Father’s kingdom. We were all greatly blessed by the visit of Elder I. H. Evans. His visit was the means of giving new courage and inspiration to our souls. On Friday we walked about three miles to one of our out-stations, where the chapel was crowded with those who are regularly attending. Elder Evans (myself interpreting), by incidents from the Bible and daily life, made it plain to our brethren that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” O how we all daily need to rest in that truth! In the evening we opened the Sabbath with a preaching service. On Sabbath morning twenty-seven believers partook of the Lord’s supper. This was one of the most solemn and blessed occasions that I have experienced. We wept for joy as we thought of the time, perhaps very soon, when these children of God will stand glorified in his presence. As we washed one another’s feet, some of our brethren were so deeply affected that they wept. At eleven o’clock the church was crowded with people. Our native evangelists preached in the open air to quite a number who could not find room inside. Elder Evans spoke to us about the progress of the third angel’s message, showing plainly that the everlasting gospel is now being preached in almost every country and island in the world, and that the great event that we all look forward to with so much joy may take place very soon. He encouraged our brethren to come to school, that they may quickly learn the whole truth, and lay hold of it by faith. They should do all in their power to give it to the people in their own country. This is much easier for them to do than for foreigners. As some of our brethren had come ten miles to the meeting, arrangements had been made for them to stay to dinner. After we finished our dinner, we brought down our little organ into the yard. Elder Evans played, and we sang. At 3 P. M. we had our Sabbath-school. We were glad to have Brother Miller with us, who instructed the men, and Mrs. Westrup the women, as usual. It would, perhaps, interest many to know that our Sabbath-school collection amounted to one dollar, gold. In the evening we closed the Sabbath with songs and prayer. The next Sabbath our church was again crowded to overflowing, although we had meetings in three different stations. That evening Elder Evans and Brother Miller took a boat, going on to visit our brethren in Cheo Chia K’o. Being alone with all these believers and inquirers, we are kept very busy in the Lord’s work, for which we praise him. We finished our church just two days before Elder Evans arrived. Before that we often held our meetings in the open air. Now we are putting up another cheap building, to accommodate the believers who wish to attend a school in order to become established in the whole truth. In the women’s school we have seventeen pupils in attendance, and in the men’s twenty-two. We have little time to sit down and study the language, although we do take a little time each day to do that; but in teaching these dear brethren the truth we are continually learning the language. Thus we learn by doing. Elder Evans is placing before us high ideals in regard to our future work in China. We believe that God is going to help us realize these plans in the near future. If our dear brethren at home could only realize that just now is the right time to give this closing message to this people, I know that many would quickly consecrate themselves for the finishing of the work in China. The Spirit of the Lord seems to move upon the hearts of this people, and many are coming of their own accord, asking for the truth. Every country seems to have its day of visitation, and this is surely such a time for these almost numberless millions. Who will come to the help of the Lord against the mighty? Hsiao Iao, via Cheo Chia K’o. Guatemala, Central America
By E. L. CARDEY
A NUMBER of months have passed since we sent our last report of the work in this country. During this time we have had no cause for complaint or discouragement, although we have met with many trials and difficulties. Sickness and death have claimed one of our faithful workers. December 19 Sister C. A. Nowlen died at the Graysville Sanitarium, Tenn. The news of her death came as a sudden shock to all of us, including her two adopted children. Sister Nowlen had been a faithful worker in this field for the past two years, and was elected at our conference meeting last March as secretary and treasurer. She had much interest in helping to establish the work in Guatemala. It was here that she contracted one of the tropical diseases, from which she never recovered. We greatly mourn this loss, but look up with faith to the Lord of the harvest, and say, "Thy will be done." Our school here has been in progress two weeks. This new term started January 4. The Lord has sent us plenty of students, and the evidences are that we shall soon have an overflow. At this writing (January 19) there are sixty enrolled, and about forty applications for entry the first of February. This will fill our present building to its utmost capacity, and will be all our teachers can handle. Had we more teachers, we could no doubt have a large school here. It requires a great deal of labor, as well as money, to operate a school like this. At least two thirds of the students can not speak a word of English when entering the school. We can say with a certainty that the school will be self-supporting, and we trust more than self-supporting this year. For this we truly thank the Lord. We walked by faith, and he has verified his promises to us. A few days ago I received a very complimentary letter from the president of this republic. He would be glad to see us establish other such schools in this country. I am convinced that much can be accomplished in this and other republics of Central America through school work. Other denominations have gotten great prestige in Catholic countries by establishing schools and colleges. Why should not we take advantage of the great demand for schools in these countries? It would mean much to this cause to have hundreds of youth and children under the influence of the truth. I have received many letters from our brethren in different parts of the States, asking about the conditions of this country for making a living, and if it would be advisable for them to come and settle here. We would be glad to see some of our good brethren come here and settle, and in this way come in contact with the people, and teach the truth. So far as the natural resources are concerned, Guatemala is hard to surpass. The ground is very productive, raising in abundance every kind of temperate and tropical fruit and grain. The higher altitudes, where most of the people live, are very healthful and cool, even reaching the freezing-point in some places. Just what could be made in farming here I can hardly say. Much of the republic is under cultivation. The market prices are fairly good, but the way the people have of selling their produce is poor. However, I think this could be overcome in time. I believe something could be made in the canning business here; in fact, I know there could if one raised his own fruit and corn. Tomatoes grow well, and in the lower countries sell at a high price. The country affords a fairly good railroad service. Americans are investing much capital in these republics. We shall be glad to write to any of our brethren who wish for more particulars. Address the writer, Buzon 218, Guatemala City, Central America. We are trying to press the battle to the very gates of the enemy, and ask your prayers that we may be able to find those who shall be heirs of the kingdom. Council of Missionary Volunteer Secretaries
By M. E. Ellis
An enthusiastic council for the discussion of Missionary Volunteer work met in College View, Neb., January 19-25. The time was spent very profitably in talking over the work that had been done, the further development of plans already laid, and the needs of the work. Those who planned the council were fortunate in their choice of a time in which to hold it. The presidents of the local conferences in the Central and Northern unions were meeting in the annual session of the Union College Board, and we enjoyed their presence in many of the meetings of the Missionary Volunteer Council. Each conference in these unions has a Missionary Volunteer secretary, and with one exception all were present. The council held five sessions a day, and every session was crowded full with plans, experiences, and discussions by the officers, who come in close touch with our young people throughout the field, and many excellent ideas were passed on for broader use. The needs of the foreign mission fields, and the plans that can be developed among our young people to help fill these needs, were a prominent feature of the council. The sermon Sabbath morning, by Prof. M. E. Kern, on the home training of children for usefulness in the Lord’s work, was a masterful presentation of the importance of the first institution established on earth for the training of our youth. Four committees were appointed to place before the convention, in the form of resolutions, the most vital features to be considered and developed in the work the coming year. These committees were almost entirely made up of conference Missionary Volunteer secretaries, and brought in the following resolutions. which were passed after interesting discussions:— “1. We recommend, That we urge upon all our Missionary Volunteer Societies the importance of using the weekly lessons given in the Youth’s Instructor. “2. We recommend, That a series of pointed, pithy leaflets be prepared and published, by the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department, on Temptation, Faith, Prayer, Bible Study, Consecration, Doubt, Testifying in Meetings, and Personal Work. “3. We recommend, That two leaflets be prepared on Adolescence, one to circulate among parents and workers, and the other for the young people. “4. We recommend, That a pledge be gotten out against pernicious literature. “5. We recommend, That the Missionary Volunteer secretaries be encouraged to make a special study of the junior conditions in their respective States, and, with the local leaders, to plan methods of engaging the juniors in Christian work, and, where the number of juniors is not large enough for regular junior meetings, of interesting them in the regular meetings of the Missionary Volunteer Society, and, where there are but two or three, to organize them into a band for prayer and service under the direction of an older member of the society. “6. We recommend, That the local secretary of our Missionary Volunteer work report only that work which is done as missionary work by the young people, not including reports of paid workers or regular canvassers. “7. We recommend, That each conference secretary urge the churches (a) to educate capable leaders in the Missionary Volunteer work; and (b) to discourage the too frequent changing of officers. “Whereas, There is a great need of thoroughly qualified Missionary Volunteer leaders and workers in our churches, therefore,— “8. We recommend, That institutes be held in each conference for the instruction of leaders and Missionary Volunteer workers at such times and places as may seem best, and, if necessary, assist them in defraying their expenses.” "Intramuros"
By R. A. CALDWELL
INTERPRETED, this means, "within the walls." In canvassing Manila I left till last the section thus named. It is almost entirely church property, and colleges and churches are numerous. Very few business places are located here. Before American occupation, the people were prohibited from coming within such sacred precincts. Most of the residents of Manila are, of course, Catholics. The people are of the poorer classes generally. A great number of students from the provinces reside here while attending the higher schools. Some of them are of wealthy parents, though only a very few. One house accommodates almost two hundred. Its board rate is ten dollars a month. The place is controlled by the Catholic Church. On the whole, we have sold only a few books to students. But these will be taken into their home towns, and will thus widen the influence of the truth. Some orders were lost when I informed16them that the book was not Catholic. However, one of the better class, conversant with English, ordered it, although he possesses a “sacred” shrine of no mean equipment in his home. Last Sunday I called at two homes where a priest was visiting. A few weeks were necessary to finish the canvass, and more than one hundred orders were secured. A number of government offices are within the walls of this section of the city, and many orders were secured from the clerks, who usually draw good salaries, and are not very narrow in their religious views, and are somewhat inclined to investigate. The New Jersey Conference
By G. B. Thompson
THE seventh annual session of the New Jersey Conference was held at Jersey City, Jan. 20-24, 1909. The various churches of the conference were represented by over sixty delegates. A spirit of harmony and brotherly love characterized the deliberations of the conference throughout, and this feature of the meeting was thoroughly enjoyed. The reports rendered in the various departments of the work showed progress. About one hundred believers have been added to the ranks as a result of the labor put forth during the year. Eight tent efforts were conducted the past summer, and several companies are being prepared for church organization. One new church was admitted to the conference. The tithe fund showed an increase over the previous year of more than two thousand dollars. A substantial increase was also seen in the amount given to missions. The efforts put forth to build up and develop the canvassing work have been attended with excellent results. The sale of our subscription books during the year was about eight thousand dollars. The conference was preceded by a canvassers' drill, conducted by Brother R. French, the canvassing agent for the conference, and Brother I. D. Richardson, the union conference canvassing agent; and the outlook for the book work during the coming year is good. The institute and conference were held in Phillips Hall, which was quite centrally located, and a strong effort was made to bring the truths of the message before the people. The evening discourses were thoroughly advertised, and some of the services were well attended. The city papers sent reporters, and published some favorable reports of our meetings and work. I recommend this aggressive spirit in connection with our meetings. I believe we should advertise our meetings in an interesting and attractive way, and stir the people with the living truths of this message. Elders K. C. Russell and W. H. Heckman and Dr. W. H. Smith each spent a short time at the meeting. Their labors were much appreciated by all. The writer was also present during the conference. All the conference workers shared in the labors of the meeting. The officers elected were about the same as last year. Elder B. F. Kneeland was unanimously re-elected president. A spirit of courage and hope was seen in the conference, and the delegates returned to their homes with a renewed determination to be faithful. How to reach the people of the populous cities is a great problem, but with faith in God it will in some way be solved. The Western Canadian Union Conference
By E. L. STEWART.
THIS vast territory (extending from Manitoba to British Columbia, and as far north as inhabited) is rapidly being settled, and the third angel's message is finding its way among all classes. It has been but a few years since our first missionaries came here. Now we have a union conference with three organized conferences and one organized mission field, three academies, six church-schools, and one sanitarium. The Pacific Press Publishing Association has a branch at Regina, and our canvassers have sold more than sixteen thousand dollars' worth of our books the past year. Our first annual council was held the last of November, and plans were laid for carrying forward the work in 1909. We have just returned from the annual meeting of the British Columbia Conference. This meeting was held at Port Hammond, in the new academy building, and the conference headquarters are also located at this place. The building referred to is a well-built, four-story structure, costing about six thousand dollars. Most of this amount is to be raised by the sale of a portion of the large school farm, which consists of one hundred eighty-seven acres. The building can accommodate about fifty students in the home. One hundred sixteen persons were in attendance at this meeting. By invitation Elder W. B. White, president of the North Pacific Union Conference, was present, and rendered valuable assistance and counsel. There were thirty delegates, representing twelve churches. One church was not represented by delegates. One new church was added to the conference. Our Indian elder was also present, and gave an interesting account of his work at Port Simpson. There were but few changes made in the conference officers. On my way to this conference I attended a small meeting in southern Alberta. Owing to the bitter cold at this time, only a few could attend; but the Spirit of God was present, and those who came were encouraged. On my return I spent a Sabbath in Saskatchewan, and one day at our Portage Plains Academy in Manitoba. This school has about twenty young men and women in the home who are preparing for the work. I thank God for the victories gained on this trip, and for the prospect of so many workers preparing for service.