WHAT are your children reading? Are you acquainted with their favorite books? Do you ever read with them or help them in selecting the good and best in literature?
One is confronted at every turn by a bewildering assortment of books and magazines. It is estimated that the total annual book production of this country alone is eighty million copies. How can our boys and girls be expected to find their way safely through this flood of printers' ink without guidance? Mental development and physical development hold many parallels. Food plays an important part in each, but too often the choice of mental “daily bread” is omitted from the code of parental responsibility, and children and young people are left to select books which suit a passing fancy, when, if their interests were rightly directed, they would just as readily form the habit of purposeful reading, and make friends of authors really worth while.
In the world of literature, as truly as in the world of men, one's character is judged largely by the company he keeps. Any young person would be glad to claim as friends the books outlined in the Missionary Volunteer Reading Courses, and the long winter evenings which will soon be here offer ample opportunity for making their acquaintance. Will you not enlist the interest of your boys and girls, your young men and women, in this rapidly growing reading circle? Missionary Volunteers answer the roll call in German, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Japanese, and Spanish, as well as in English. For the completion of the last Junior and Senior Courses 1,913 certificates were issued; and to parents who are anxious to select interesting and profitable books for their reading tables, we most heartily recommend the Reading Courses for 1915-16, which begin in October.
Junior Course No. 8
Three excellent books are suggested for the boys and girls, at a total cost, in set, of $1.75. “Livingstone the Pathfinder,” by Basil Mathews, is a book brimful of pen and camera pictures of the great missionary-explorer who pioneered the way to the very heart of the Dark Continent. It is vivid with experiences, and throbs with action, yet brings a full realization of the power of a life fully consecrated to God. “Friends and Foes in Field and Forest,” by Mrs. Vesta J. Farnsworth, is just the book to stimulate an interest in nature study, and lead the children who read it to a deeper reverence for nature's God. Stories of Bible boys and girls, told by Mary Steward in “Sketches of Bible Child Life,” have the charm of the long ago in bringing out many practical lessons for the present, and a careful reading cannot fail to create an interest in the study of the Book of books.
Senior Course No. 9
The books selected for the Senior Missionary Volunteers cost only $2.35 per set this year, postpaid. They are intensely interesting, and instructive as well. The first is entitled “Things as They Are,” by Amy Wilson Carmichael, and it gives the reader an insight into “real India.” Most books tell the brighter side of mission life, but here we meet the joys and sorrows of those who labor in a country where sin holds sway. These pages cannot be read with passive interest; they fire the heart with ambition for service, and send the reader to his knees in the making of the consecration.13Part 2 of “The History of the Sabbath,” by Andrews and Conradi, traces the observance of the seventh day from the first five centuries through the Dark Ages and the Reformation period to the present time, and its historical evidences are invaluable. Acquaintance with its contents will be especially prized by the young people who desire to know facts. William Miller is widely known as the “father of Adventism.” The history of his life and work as contained in the third book of the Senior Course shows clearly the power of God in the transformation of character and the use he makes of human agencies in the carrying forward of his work in the earth. The book is a challenge to our young people to more thorough Bible study and a deeper consecration to the service of our King.
How to Join
The names of those who wish to enroll in either course should be sent to the conference Missionary Volunteer secretary. The books may be ordered from your tract society. Weekly assignments for reading circle members appear in the Instructor, and Reading Course certificates are granted to those who read all the books in any course and write satisfactory answers to the review questions. From fifteen minutes to half an hour daily devoted to this systematic reading will make it an easy task to complete the course by next June.
The story is told of a beggar to whom there appeared one day, as he sat discouraged by the roadside, a beautiful being whose outstretched arms were laden with blessings. She passed by slowly, offering treasures he longed to possess, but the man regarded her only with indifference until she finally disappeared. Then suddenly realizing what he had missed, he hurried after her, and meeting a traveler inquired, “Have you seen a beautiful stranger going along this road carrying just what I need?” “Yes,” replied the traveler, “her name is Opportunity, but once offered and once refused, she never returns.” Just now the courses outlined bring opportunity within the grasp of our young people. Will you not, as parents and friends, urge them to seize it?
Ilorin, Nigeria, West Africa
IN a personal letter dated May 31, Brother D. C. Babcock gives a glimpse of recent experiences in pioneering the way in Nigeria:—
“Since I received your last letter, many things have crept in to delay replying. We have moved twice, and have been down to Lagos, on the coast, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, to visit the doctor. We are all quite well now, and are enjoying our work.
“Last Sabbath I held my first meeting. By actual count over two hundred were present. The Mohammedan governor assembled the people, and is taking quite an interest in our work. Most of the people are pagans, including the real chief of the town. They are a very kind people.
“All other missions have been barred out of Ilorin; but in my last interview with the head commissioners of Ilorin-Kabba Province, he suggested our opening school work in the city of Ilorin. We shall first get well established at Shav, eight miles from Ilorin, and then enter this stronghold of Mohammedanism. It takes courage to enter such a place.”
Conducted by Mrs. I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington D. C
By Mrs. I. H. Evans; Miss Lora E. Clement
Assisted by Miss Lora E. Clement
Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,—their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.
Somebody Cares
By Fanny Edna Stafford
SOMEBODY knows when your heart aches,
And everything seems to go wrong;
Somebody knows when the shadows
Need chasing away with a song;
Somebody knows when you're lonely,
Tired, discouraged, and blue;
Somebody wants you to know him,
And know that he dearly loves you.
Somebody cares when you're tempted,
And the world grows dizzy and dim;
Somebody cares when you're weakest,
And farthest away from him;
Somebody grieves when you've fallen,
Though you are not lost from his sight;
Somebody waits for your coming,
Taking the gloom from your night.
Somebody loves you when weary;
Somebody loves you when strong;
Always is waiting to help you,
Watches you, one of the throng
Needing his friendship so holy,
Needing his watch care so true.
His name? We call his name Jesus.
His people?—Just I and just you.
—Fanny Edna Stafford.
To Get Rid of Ants
THE tiny red ant that gets into pantry or kitchen is perhaps the most difficult to fight. It builds in or on the foundation usually, and not outside in the ground. Hence it is difficult to find or destroy the nest. For these saturate a sponge in sweetened water and put it where the ants run. From time to time pick up the sponge, and plunge it in hot water to kill the ants that have collected there. Saturate sponge in sweetened water and repeat. Keep this up several days, and you will get nearly all of them, and will so weaken the colony that the young will perish.
Other ants build their nests out of doors. A little patience will trail them to the nest, which may be destroyed with hot water, kerosene, or gasoline. Or the ant colonies may be destroyed by pouring an ounce of carbon bisulphide in a saucer, setting it down quickly beside the nest entrance, and covering all with a tight tub. Throw dirt around the edges of the tub to make it tight. Do not let sparks or any kind of fire near the carbon bisulphide. It is highly inflammable and will explode. The liquid carbon bisulphide evaporates quickly, and its gas, being heavier than air, penetrates the nest, and asphyxiates the insects.
Cloves, ground or whole, sprinkled on pantry shelves or where ants run in the house, are said to drive them away. Oil of lemon, sprinkled about, is said to have the same effect.
The writer had a four days’ tussle with red ants. They were winged, and were about one-fourth inch long. They had a nest under the porch. Boiling water was the cheapest and handiest thing the house afforded. So, at sundown each day, several buckets of boiling water were poured on the nest. The fourth day chloride of lime was sprinkled over the nest, and boiling water then poured on. That finished the colony. But the first two applications of water didn’t seem to diminish their numbers very much.
To the foregoing suggestions add a little patience and determination. It’s easy to get rid of ants if you don’t expect to do it all in ten minutes.—Kansas City Star.
Home Missionary Meetings
By Edith M. Graham
EDITH M. GRAHAM
The children who are connected with churches and who attend church schools, have privileges of which the children of our isolated members are deprived. In our churches children's meetings are held, plans are laid for joint action, and missionary work is encouraged.
Why should not the isolated families have little home missionary meetings? The father or the mother may act as missionary leader, and one of the children as missionary secretary. The programs may be made up from the Church Officers' Gazette, either those for the adults being used and modified, or those for the Senior or the Junior Missionary Volunteers. The parents can go through the programs which are given for the month, and select such as they think best suited to their plans and circumstances. The foreign mission studies given in the Missionary Volunteer section are usually very interesting for the children.
Sabbath afternoon is a suitable time for this missionary meeting, or it may be held on Sabbath morning, after the Sabbath school. The meeting should be opened with singing some well-known hymn, and with prayer, in which the children should be encouraged to take part. They should be taught to ask God's blessing on their missionary gardens, their missionary chickens, their missionary work of any and every sort. A little girl once set out some tomatoes for the Lord; and just as they were beginning to grow, there came a plague of wireworms all over the neighborhood. A man living next door told her the worms were killing his plants, and would kill hers. She replied, “No, they will not.” He asked why, and she said, “Because I ask Jesus every night to take care of my tomatoes.” The worms did not destroy them, and the child's trust in God was strengthened through her prayers for her missionary tomatoes.
One item in the program should be missionary reports. Parents and children should unite in telling what they have done during the past week to help God's work. The secretary should keep a record of what is reported, and send a summary at the close of the quarter to the conference office. This will help the children to realize that their work is important, and the letters from the conference secretary in reply will please them.
As far as possible, it is well to let the children take part in giving the study. Sometimes they may recite a short poem on the subject. This will be a training for the children that they may find useful later on.
These little meetings are especially beneficial when the father is not in the truth, as they help the children to realize that they belong to something important. Experiences in foreign lands, taken from the REVIEW, Youth's Instructor, and Little Friend, may be used to vary the programs, and impress upon the children the rapid growth of the message. Missionary stories should be brought in for the benefit of the very little ones.
The mother will need to devote some time and thought to these meetings, but hard work is better than a sore heart. She can use the older children to good advantage in helping her to look up articles and stories to be read, and in arranging the program.
Many families have testified to the value of these home missionary meetings, and persons now in the work look back to them with pleasure.
Takoma Park, D. C.
More Laundry Hints
By Mrs. J. H. E.
SINCE white corduroy is so much used for children's coats and daughters' skirts, a proper method of washing this material will be appreciated. A contributor to the “Discoveries” column of a recent number of Good Housekeeping says: “Wash in warm, soapy water until clean, then boil one-half hour in clean, soapy water. Rinse in clean water, changing the water three times, and rinsing again in cold bluing water. Don't wring or squeeze, but hang to drip dry, in the open air if possible. Do not iron.” If a good quality of white soap is used, and these directions are carefully followed, success is assured.
A great deal of the trouble that comes from starch “sticking” arises because it is not cooked long enough. One domestic science authority declares that starch should be boiled from half an14hour to an hour. This is certainly a contrast to the five-minute boiling which starch often receives; but it is safe to say that time spent in making the starch will save time in ironing later on.
For boiled starch the right proportion is half a cupful of the dry starch to a quart of boiling water. The starch should first be dissolved in a little cold water, and the boiling water then poured slowly over it, stirring all the time. Just before taking the starch from the stove, a teaspoonful of granulated sugar may be stirred into the starch, or a little paraffin or butter may be added.
For cold starch use one rounded tablespoon of starch to one third of a quart of lukewarm water, delicately blued. Some authorities recommend stirring the starch, after it is dissolved, with a piece of good white soap until a little suds is formed. Articles to be cold-starched should be dipped in boiled starch, thoroughly dried, then dipped in the cold starch, rolled up tightly, and allowed to stand at least half an hour before ironing.
MRS. J. H. E.
The New Jersey Camp Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
The annual camp meeting, at which was held the annual conference session of the New Jersey Conference, was held this year in a new locality, Burlington, N. J. This place lies on the Delaware River, a short distance north of Camden. The attendance at the camp meeting was very good, the number present being 450, or about one third more than at the camp meeting the previous year.
The Spirit of the Lord was present at all the meetings from the very beginning, and every one went away from the camp ground well satisfied with the meetings, and thankful for what he had seen and heard.
The report of the president of the conference showed a good increase in tithe and offerings. The amount of tithe for 1913 was $18,511; for 1914, $19,557, or an increase of $1,046. The amount given for foreign missions in 1913 was $5,414; for 1914, $7,973, or an increase of about $2,500. The number baptized in 1914 was 143, which gave an increased membership to the conference of 96.
There was also one beautiful new church building dedicated, the worth of which is about $5,000. Thus we see that the cause is progressing in New Jersey, where all the workers are earnestly giving themselves to the work of the message. The number baptized at the camp meeting was eighteen.
One special feature of the camp was the devoting of the eleven-o'clock hour to personal work by the conference laborers among the people of the camp, visiting them in their tents, praying with them, and helping in every way possible. The campers remained in their tents during this hour, and it was a most profitable season for all. They felt this to such an extent that in the closing meeting the conference recommended that this same plan be followed the coming year. The outlook is good for the tent companies in the field, six different tent efforts being carried on throughout the State at the present time.
The year previous witnessed at different times the selling of magazines, books, and different forms of literature from the pulpit. This year, however, the New Jersey committee decided to eliminate that feature, keeping the pulpit as far as possible for the ministry of the word and the labor for souls. Book sales and literature sales did not suffer on account of this, for about $1,000 worth of these was disposed of at the book tent, which was more than had been sold in any year previous.
The call for foreign missions, both in the Sabbath school and in a separate call, was responded to by $1,735. Home work also was not neglected, and $532 was given for the tent and camp meeting fund.
As this camp meeting was held at the same time as that of the Chesapeake Conference, and these two in turn overlapped the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference camp meeting, it was not possible for the laborers of the union to be with the brethren at the New Jersey camp meeting a very long time. However, the meeting was favored with short visits from such missionaries as Brother Prieger, Sister Burroway, and Professor Shaw. The Lord blessed in all the services, and the brethren left rejoicing in the blessings received.
B. G. WILKINSON.
Minnesota Camp Meeting
By Chas. Thompson
THE fifty-fourth annual conference and camp meeting of the Minnesota Conference was held in the village of Anoka, June 3-13. There was present one of the largest companies of believers composing the local membership of the churches, that has assembled upon like occasions in this conference since I have been connected with the work in the Northern Union.
While from the human viewpoint the weather was most unfavorable, yet the universal testimony was that the meeting was the most spiritual and uplifting enjoyed for many years.
The reports read by the president, treasurer, and departmental secretaries showed that substantial gains had been made in all lines of the work. All were encouraged to learn that about two hundred persons had been led from darkness to light during the year, as a result of the evangelistic and other missionary endeavor.
The tithe of the conference for 1914 was $40,939, an increase of $3,500 over the previous year. The offerings for the past year amounted to $46,990, an increase of $4,000 over 1913. At the time of this meeting the record showed that the conference was more than $2,000 ahead on her twenty-cent-a-week offering for 1915. Of this surplus fund they voted to give $1,000 to the mission fields, in addition to the regular per cent they gave.
The record of the output of literature in this conference showed that Minnesota led the entire Pacific Press territory, its sales amounting to about twenty thousand dollars.
The Sabbath School Department showed its regular annual increase of schools organized, membership gained, and offerings received. The offerings for the year amounted to $9,321.74, an increase of about two thousand dollars over the year before.
The laborers present from abroad who assisted the regular local and union conference workers were: Elders M. C. Wilcox, C. L. Taylor, P. E. Brodersen, and S. Mortenson. All of these brethren did what they could for the spiritual uplift of the people.
Elder G. W. Wells, who has stood at the head of this conference for the past three years, and under whose wise management15the conference has developed such encouraging increase, was reelected president, with practically the same staff of secretaries and executive committee men as last year.
About fifty souls were baptized. Two were ordained to the gospel ministry, and before the camp closed plans were laid for an aggressive campaign for souls during the summer months.
We are glad for the growth of this conference, and the strength it can be to our world-wide missionary endeavor. We trust it may continue to be blessed to this end. CHAS. THOMPSON.
Faithfulness
FAITHFULNESS in the humblest heart Is better at last than proud success; And patience and love in a chastened heart Are pearls more precious than happiness.”
Beet or Cane Sugar — Which?
THE statement is frequently met, in recent months, that beet sugar is inferior to cane sugar for jelly making. Many claim the failure of their fruit juice to jelly properly can be traced to this cause.
On this point Dr. H. W. Wiley says:— “This theory that beet sugar is inferior for preserving and jelly making is a very persistent one, but no reason is known for such an effect. Jelly-making properties depend upon the acidity of the juice and upon certain pectin bodies, found in the apple and quince especially, which are gumlike and viscous, and promote the jelly making. The sugar could have no bearing on the problem unless alkalies which counteracted the acids were left in it, and this is highly improbable in a refined product. We cannot but feel that these variations have been due to some other cause. Fruits vary in their jellying power from year to year, and from time to time, with the season, degree of ripeness, and the like, and it is not safe to jump at a conclusion of this kind. Also, only the best quality of beet sugar, the thoroughly refined article, is to be compared with the cane sugar. In Farmers’ Bulletin 329, issued by the Department of Agriculture, there is a résumé of tests made at the California Experiment Station, using beet sugar and cane sugar for canning, preserving, and jelly making. The results of this carefully conducted experiment showed conclusively that the two sugars gave equally satisfactory results. The report states that ‘the jelly in each case was as clear as it is possible for jelly to be, and not the slightest difficulty was experienced in the making of it.’”
The South Carolina Camp Meeting
By O. Montgomery
THIS meeting was held at Spartanburg, S. C., in a beautiful oak grove quite centrally located in a splendid part of the city. It was by far the best and largest camp meeting ever held in the State by this people. The night services were all attended by people of the city, several hundred being present each night. The preaching was forceful and clear, and altogether the camp meeting was a very fitting close to the successful tent effort which Elder C. B. Haynes, and Elder J. L. Shuler, the president of the conference, had been conducting in the city for several weeks.
In addition to those who had taken their stand during the tent effort, several were brought to a decision for the truth during the camp meeting. Both the Sabbath services of the meeting were a great blessing, and the splendid revival services were marked by a spirit of deep consecration which touched every heart.
The interest and blessing continued from day to day to the very close. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon his people. The proceedings of the conference passed off harmoniously. Practically the same officers were reëlected for the ensuing year.
The visiting brethren who attended the meeting from other conferences were, Elders J. O. Corliss, Chas. Thompson, and C. B. Haynes; Brethren D. W. Dillen, W. H. Hayes, and W. H. Williams; Prof. A. N. Atteberry; and the writer. The labors of these brethren were greatly appreciated by all. At the baptismal service held in connection with this camp meeting twenty-one persons were baptized. Three churches composed of colored believers were taken into the conference. The president's report showed about one hundred and twenty-five new Sabbath keepers. The treasurer's report showed a healthy increase in the tithe for the first six months of 1915.
We feel much encouraged concerning the work in South Carolina, and are glad to note the spirit of confidence and good cheer manifested. We expect to see a splendid growth in this conference during the coming year, and feel confident that God will greatly bless the earnest, consecrated efforts of those who are laboring in this State. All went home with a determination to live out the truth in their homes and neighborhoods, and to put forth every effort to make known this blessed message to those about them, and to be faithful in all the obligations that the Lord has placed upon them.
O. MONTGOMERY.
New Church Formed in the Philippine Islands
By L. V. Finster
ABOUT eighteen months ago our canvassers entered the town of Baliwag with our books. After they had finished their delivery, they reported that a large number desired us to hold some meetings in Baliwag, and promised an attendance of one hundred if we would send a worker, but nearly a year passed before we were able to enter the place.
A tent was then erected, with Bibiano Panis in charge, and two Bible workers as assistants. Their attendance was soon four to six hundred every night. At this time Brother Bibiano Panis was ever taken ill with appendicitis, and Brother Emilio Manalaysay was called to carry on the interest. The Lord greatly blessed him in his work; and on our return from Shanghai, we found about fifty keeping the Sabbath. A baptismal class had been held every night for three weeks. Brother Bibiano Panis then united with the tent effort, and a week ago Sabbath we held our baptismal service. Thirty-seven were baptized, and many others will be baptized at a later date. The workers are holding meetings in several of the barrios, and are still having a splendid interest. Our baptism was held at six o'clock on Sabbath morning. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, and a church was organized and officers were elected. It is a marvel to many of the people of Baliwag to see the great changes that have been made in the lives of these people. They have left their tobacco, gambling, and other vices, and are now earnest Bible students. Men may convince their fellow men of the truthfulness of doctrine, but it is the power of the Spirit of God that transforms the lives of men; and the Spirit of God works the same on all hearts. We pray that God's blessing may continue to rest with this new church at Baliwag.
This following Sabbath we baptized thirteen at Norzagaray. The church there now has a membership of sixty-five. It was at this place that about a year ago I baptized a woman one hundred and five years old, and I was glad to see her at this meeting, still faithful and rejoicing in the present truth.
We have just received word from one of our canvassers in Batangas, where our books have been sold in time past, that there are now fifteen keeping the Sabbath, and they are calling for some one to come to help further enlighten them. Our great lack is trained workers to fill the many calls that are opened for work here at the present time.
L. V. FINSTER.
The Ohio Camp Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
THE camp meeting at Mount Vernon (August 12-22) was one of the largest ever held in Ohio. The last Sabbath of the camp meeting 1,017 persons were present at the Sabbath school. The camp was pitched on the beautiful campus of the academy, the place where the meeting was held last year.
From the beginning, the Spirit of the Lord was present in great power. At a call to ascertain how many were attending camp meeting for the first time, forty persons arose. There was a splendid attendance at every service, and a hearty response to all the propositions and resolutions presented.
The reports of the president and treasurer of the conference were encouraging. While there was a slight decrease during the past year in tithe, there was an increase in the amount given to the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund. There was also an increase of about thirteen per cent in book sales for 1914 over the preceding16year. Mount Vernon Academy was this year able to declare itself free from debt. Five years ago the indebtedness of the college was $33,000. The prospects are bright for a good attendance at the institution this coming year.
Elder A. G. Daniells was present the first few days of the meeting, and rendered excellent help. In response to his last talk on foreign mission work a donation of about $10,000 in cash and pledges was received. Also at the last Sabbath school a call made for foreign missions brought $1,100 as a response.
Some strong tent efforts have been put forth throughout the State the past year, which resulted in creating great interest in the truth and in bringing many new souls into the church. The effort at Columbus, Ohio, where Elder Votaw, of Burma, conducted a tent meeting, and also one in Cleveland, Ohio, under the direction of Elder R. S. Lindsay, who has recently come to the Ohio Conference, are especially worthy of mention. Every one felt that the Lord was graciously present at this camp meeting. The general workers present were Elders W. T. Knox and G. B. Thompson, Prof. J. L. Shaw, and the usual laborers from the union. Elder E. K. Slade was reelected president, with practically the same corps of officers as last year. The outlook for the work in Ohio for the future is very bright. B. G. WILKINSON.
The Arkansas Camp Meeting
By H. H. Hamilton
FOR the second time we held our annual encampment at Hot Springs, the city of vapors, in a pleasant grove. During the entire meeting the weather was unusually good, and for ten days we had a most profitable time together seeking the Lord.
Hot Springs is a very beautiful little city nestling in the mountains, about sixty miles from Little Rock, the center of the State. It is famed for its springs of very hot water, which have marked medicinal properties. These springs are under the control of the government, and are annually visited by more than one hundred and fifty thousand health seekers.
Most excellent services were conducted by the local and union conference workers, and by Elder Paap, who represented the General Conference.
About two hundred and fifty were encamped on the ground and in near-by rooms, while we had an average evening attendance of about five hundred. We leave workers here to take care of a good interest.
After Elder Paap’s home missionary talks, many books and tracts were sold at the book tent. More than one thousand and forty copies of “The World’s Crisis” and many dollars’ worth of tracts were disposed of at one meeting. An interesting feature of the meeting was a practical demonstration of the home missionary work by organizing the campers into bands to visit the people in their homes, which they did, leaving a personal invitation to attend the meetings, and also tracts and periodicals in great numbers. The newspapers have been very liberal with space.
At the close of the meeting twelve were baptized. H. H. HAMILTON.
British Columbia
VANCOUVER.—On Friday, July 30, at Vancouver, British Columbia, Elder Luther Warren baptized fifteen, and on Sunday, August 1, he baptized fourteen more at that place, as a partial result of his work there. Others had been baptized by him from time to time during recent months. On Monday, August 2, he visited Mission City, a small town near by, where he baptized seven.
In concluding his labors in Vancouver, Elder Warren conducted a most instructive series of studies. About fifty persons were in daily attendance, a larger number being present at the evening sessions. The study period was from 2 to 9 P. M., with intermissions and recess. The instruction given was intended to firmly anchor in the truth those who had publicly accepted the message under his preaching, and to qualify for more definite work those who were carrying the message to the people.
Having left Vancouver, Elder Warren now takes up work in Southern California.
The Virginia Camp Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
We are pleased to report what proved to be perhaps the best camp meeting ever held in the Virginia Conference. The camp meeting was held this year at Charlottesville, August 5-15. This beautiful little city lies only five miles away from “Monticello,” the home of Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and of the constitution of Virginia. Charlottesville is also the city in which is located the University of Virginia.
From the very first the Spirit of God was present in great power in the meetings. There was a good attendance of those not of our faith. Every indication goes to show that the Lord will bless the tent effort in this place this summer by giving us a new company of believers.
The attendance of our own brethren was the best we have ever had. A spirit of unity and harmony pervades the whole conference. It was the deep impression of all who were present that the work of in Virginia is about to start forward on a new era of development.
The report of the president, Elder W. C. Moffett, showed that in 1914 one hundred and twenty-six souls were added to the membership. Of these, thirty were added during the first eight months, and ninety-six during the last four months. During the first seven months of 1915 eighty-six precious souls have accepted the message. Elder Gordon, of Republican Grove, presented a new church of twenty-five members, the work of the tent effort in that place immediately prior to the pitching of the camp.
The year 1915 shows a splendid increase of tithe for the first part of the year over the first part of the year 1914. A call for foreign mission offerings was made at the camp meeting, and was met with a goodly response to the amount of $2,000. If everything continues as the prospects now indicate, Virginia is entering on the most prosperous year in her free work as a conference.
The Shenandoah Valley Training Academy has had a most prosperous year, and the prospects for the coming year are very encouraging.
Elder Moffett was again elected president, with practically the same corps of officers. We were favored with the presence of a number of General Conference laborers as well as officers of the union conference. Elder Charles Thompson, president of the Northern Union, was with us part of the time, while Elder George B. Thompson assisted throughout the meeting.