The brief interpretation given of the vision by “one of them that stood by” simply stated that the four beasts represented four kings, or kingdoms, which would arise one after the other, and that it would all end in the kingdom being given to the saints of the Most High. But the terrible appearance of the fourth beast, its destructive character, and the sight of its ten horns, and the coming up of the little horn with its human eyes and blasphemous mouth, had made such an impression upon the mind of the prophet that he desired more “accurate information” as to its significance.
“Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was diverse from all of them, exceeding terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; and concerning the ten horns that were on his head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell; even that horn that had eyes and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And as for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise; and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings. And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the11end. And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Here is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my thoughts much troubled me, and my countenance was changed in me; but I kept the matter in my heart.” (R. V.)
The fourth beast was “diverse from all of them.” The distinguishing characteristic was its strength, and with this strength it “brake in pieces.” The facts of history point to Rome as fulfilling to the letter these specifications. “There was not a single organized people in the world that did not either feel or fear the power of Rome.” The “arms of the republic, sometimes vanquished in battle, but always victorious in war, advanced with rapid steps to the Euphrates, the Danube, the Rhine, and the ocean; and the images of gold, or silver, or brass that might serve to represent the nations and their kings, were successively broken by the iron monarchy of Rome.” Thus was fulfilled the declaration of the prophecy, which said, “The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.”
But the most important symbol in the prophecy was not yet reached, and so the interpretation proceeded a step further toward it. The ten horns on the head of the fourth beast signified that “out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise.” Thus in one brief sentence is stated the result of that long struggle which ended in the downfall of the Roman Empire, and the establishment of ten kings, or kingdoms, in its place. This breaking up of the Roman Empire, an event of such magnitude that it would be sure to be definitely fixed in the current of history, is mentioned here in order to locate the rise and work of the little horn, whose career it is the chief purpose of this prophecy to set forth. It is therefore important to note the time when the last of these ten kings arose, and the ruin of the Roman Empire was accomplished, as it is definitely stated that this little horn “shall arise after them.”
Trustworthy history furnishes the desired information. “Thus by the establishment of the Herulian kingdom of Italy, A. D. 476, the final destruction of the Western Empire was accomplished.” This makes it clear that the king who arose “after them,” and who was represented by the little horn, “came up” after A. D. 476.
It was furthermore predicted of this power that he should “put down three kings.” This work of conquest was shown in the vision by the fact that before this little horn “were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots.” This language would indicate the utter extinction of these three kingdoms as the method of establishing the new power, and the time when the last of them was overthrown would mark the time of the establishment of the kingdom of the little horn.
“Now the three that were plucked up by the roots were the Heruli, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths; and the date of the plucking up of the first of the three is March 5, A. D. 493, and of the last, March, A. D. 538.” These easily authenticated facts of history mark the year A. D. 538 as the time from which to reckon the supremacy of that power designated by the little horn.
A consideration of the nature and the work of this power, as declared in this prophecy and in other prophecies which manifestly deal with the same subject, forces upon every candid mind the conviction that ecclesiastical Rome, the papacy, in its long-continued warfare against the kingdom of God in the earth, is here described. With the time and manner of its rise so exactly determined, and its blasphemous utterances, and its merciless persecution of those loyal to the word of God, its presumptuous efforts to overthrow the very foundation of the government of God by tampering with his law, all pictured so plainly, and the exact duration of its divinely permitted supremacy so clearly stated, there can be no mistake in applying these divine descriptions to that religio-political power, whose history in complete fulfillment of the prophecy might be written in the blood of the martyrs, and punctuated with groans from the Inquisition—the papacy, modern Babylon.
“Blasphemy against God,” “Drunken with the blood of the saints,” “The mystery of lawlessness,”—this is the threefold indictment which a divine hand has written upon the triple crown of the Roman pontiff. W. W. P.
(This study to be concluded next week.)
OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING IN CHICAGO.
By David Paulson
SEVERAL years ago the Chicago Medical Training School was organized, in connection with the Chicago Medical Mission, to furnish an opportunity for those who volunteer to engage in various lines of missionary work in this great city, at the same time to enjoy the benefits of class work, akin to that which has been carried on for many years at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. During the last year this training-school has been more thoroughly organized, has been fully equipped with a corps of teachers and instructors; and the same line of class work is pursued during the first year as that of the first year of the regular nurses’ course at Battle Creek, Mich.
In addition, there are unparalleled opportunities for laboring with all classes of humanity. During the last year our classes have averaged about fifty members. Almost without exception all have been blessed with health, and have otherwise enjoyed wonderful opportunities. Another class will be organized the first of November, although students can be admitted at any time between now and then, and those possessing the necessary qualifications can begin real, substantial missionary effort upon the day of their arrival.
QUALIFICATIONS.
The essential qualification is thorough-going consecration to the Master’s work. They should possess a real experience in the things of God, and know that they have a faith that enters into that within the veil. They should be at least twenty years old. This training school is particularly adapted to those who have already had some experience in various phases of missionary effort, although those with willing hands and willing hearts may begin their first experience here, provided they are content to sit at the feet of the Master, and thus speedily acquire some of those fundamental principles necessary wherever we attempt to work for human souls.
The course of study includes daily class work in the Bible, and thorough study of physiology and hygiene, practical experience in the preparation of food for both the sick and well, general nursing, physical culture, and the use of rational remedies in the treatment of disease, as well as instruction in the principles and methods of carrying on mission work, conducting meetings in city work, personal work, rescue work, and how to introduce these principles into the homes of the higher classes.
EXPENSES.
The average cost for board and room is about $1.75 a week. Energetic and successful students—and none others ought to apply—will, in most cases, be able to earn this sum. Slight incidental expenses, such as are necessary to secure clothing, the few books required for study, etc., must be assumed by the student, as this training school is entirely self-supporting, and therefore has no funds whatever to meet the expenses of anyone.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
No student should come without previous arrangements by correspondence. In the first letter give the names of several prominent workers in the cause of God, to whom we can write for recommendations. Begin at once to make this a matter of earnest prayer; and, if God is impressing you strongly to enter into this training, correspond at once; but to seek for divine directions for entering one of these institutions of training simply as an experiment is generally unsatisfactory.
Address all communications to the Chicago Medical Training School, 1926 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. DAVID PAULSON.
A VOICE FROM THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.
By John McCarthy
For some time we have been concentrating our efforts in the Chaco Santafecino. The field is hard, Satan is very angry with God’s people, and consequently the work progresses slowly. In these South American fields one meets difficulties at every step, many of which are unknown to our brethren of the northern hemisphere. But man’s extremity is God’s opportunity, and so we have lately realized much of the cheering presence of our Heavenly Father.
Since moving to the Chaco with my family, we have visited the principal places, preaching the gospel; and the seed that has been sown gives promise of quickly producing abundant fruit, when watered with the heavenly dew.
Last Sabbath we had the blessed privilege of meeting with our brethren in Villa Ocampo, to commemorate the supper of the Lord, and participate in his holy ordinances. I also had baptized a brother who had recently accepted the Third Angel’s Message. With his acceptance of the truth, all his family, seven persons, are happy in keeping the commandments of God.
My wife has established a school in Las Garzas, and many of those who formerly were declared enemies of the gospel are now sending their children to the school, where the seeds of righteousness are daily sown in their youthful minds and hearts.
For some time our director, Brother F. H. Westphal, has been suffering intensely from a sickness in the head, and thus the work has been somewhat retarded. Now, however, thanks be to God, he is fully restored to health, and is contemplating an advance into a new field. May the Lord bless his efforts.
We regret that Sister Westphal is compelled to take a rest, and also that the physical condition of her little boy Charles is precarious. Our sincere prayers follow her, that the gracious hand of the Lord may be laid upon her and her boy, and restore them to perfect health, during her stay in the United States.
We were glad to see the article by Brother Baber in the REVIEW, in which he called attention to the necessity of preparing Spanish-speaking laborers for the South American, Mexican, and Spanish fields, in our denominational schools, since it is absolutely requisite to success for our workers to speak Spanish in these countries. I hope that the suggestion will be acted upon, and that a school of modern languages will be established, to supply the needy fields with laborers speaking the language of the country, as demands for such laborers are forthcoming.
Now is the time to enter these fields; delay may mean a closed door to the messengers of the truth in the near future. Let us, then, by the help of God now fill up the gaps as they present themselves.
JOHN MCCARTHY.
GENERAL CAMP-MEETINGS IN DISTRICT 6.
By George A. Irwin
California.
LEAVING Walla Walla the evening after the Sabbath, June 2, we went to Portland, where we spent a pleasant day with the friends at the sanitarium. In the evening of the same day we left for San Jose, Cal., where we arrived at noon, June 5, and went at once to the camp, which was situated along a street-car line in the northeastern part of the city. The large pavilion and most of the family tents were pitched in the sun, only a few being fortunate enough to secure quarters under the protecting branches of the large oak trees scattered here and there over the ground.12
The neatness and taste displayed in the seating and arrangement of the large pavilion made it so attractive that the lack of shade trees was not so much noticed. I think it only just to say that in the matter of the general arrangement of a camp, thus making the place of service attractive, the California brethren excel. While I do not believe in what might be termed “putting on style,” or going to expense for superfluous ornamentation, yet I do believe that the Lord is pleased when loving hearts and hands make use of the talent God has given them, to make his place of worship attractive, so that the people may not be repelled, or heavenly visitants grieved away, by the lack of order and the general untidiness of the place.
Everything being in readiness, the meeting opened promptly on time the evening of June 5. A general program had been arranged for future meetings, which was quite closely adhered to, not because of any special effort upon the part of those having the matter in charge, but because it was well adapted to the best interests of all departments of the work. All through the meeting the service at half-past five in the morning was devoted to the reading of the Testimonies, which were well received. The Conference was called the first morning at 9:30, and continued to hold its sessions at this hour each day until the business was completed.
Reports from the various societies were given in concise form by the proper officers, and were listened to with interest. The tithe for the last year was $43,574.71. This is the largest tithe paid in any one year in the history of the Conference. Less than four years ago the Conference was owing the General Conference eight thousand dollars in back tithe. Now this is all paid up, and they have a surplus in the treasury of several thousand dollars, after paying all their laborers a liberal allowance. Over $10,000 was raised during the year for the general home and foreign work. An appropriation of $6,000 was made from their surplus tithe fund, divided as follows: foreign missions, $3,000; Australia, $2,000; work in the South, $1,000. Besides this, there was taken in collections during the Conference: for foreign missions, $136.27; Australian field, $252.55 in money and $47 in pledges; Southern work, $186.57 in money and $86.25 in pledges; India famine fund, $56.70. The sales from the bookstand were over $700.
While the financial reports were good, the report of visible results in addition of members to the Conference, considering the large number of paid laborers and the amount expended, was not so encouraging, as an actual gain of only a little over three hundred was reported. This would be, on a general average, about four persons to each worker. When so little is accomplished, there must be something radically wrong either with some of the laborers or with the methods used. Surely a different principle should be adopted in many of our Conferences. Persons who are simply consumers and not producers should be advised to take up canvassing or some other self-supporting work.
Elder S. N. Haskell was warmly welcomed by many old friends and acquaintances formed during the time he was president of the Conference. He and his wife rendered valuable service in the meetings, he by his stirring discourses upon the cardinal points of the message and what constitutes true Christian experience; while Mrs. Haskell gave daily studies upon methods of giving Bible readings, illustrating her instruction by practical readings written upon the blackboard. The lessons that she drew from the sanctuary were a source of surprise to many, and revealed how little this important subject, which is the center of the whole remedial system, is studied or understood by the masses of our people.
Dr. David Paulson, at present manager of the Medical Missionary Training School in Chicago, was present during most of the meeting, and rendered acceptable service, not only in preaching to the public congregation, but by laboring in the young people's meetings, and in special meetings in the interests of healthful living, medical missionary work, etc. Elders J. O. Corliss, A. O. Tait, R. S. Owen, and G. A. Snyder each took part in the public preaching. Elder Corliss speaking several times with his usual freedom and power. Elder M. C. Wilcox, editor of the Signs of the Times, could be present only one day, but he made good use of the time in speaking in the interests of the paper and the general missionary work carried on by the Pacific Press Pub. Co.
Elder Clarence Santee, formerly president of the Iowa Conference, arrived on the grounds the fourth day of the meeting, in harmony with a recommendation from the General Conference Committee that he connect with the California Conference. He was warmly welcomed by the brethren, and at once entered into active labor, taking part wherever an opening presented itself. When the time came for the election of officers, he was unanimously elected president of the Conference, to relieve Elder W. T. Knox, who some time before had been called to fill the vacancy on the General Conference Committee occasioned by the resignation of Elder J. N. Loughborough.
Quite a lively interest was manifested in Sister E. G. White's forthcoming book, “Parables of Jesus,” given by her for the benefit of our schools. Thirteen hundred and sixty-two copies were sold on the grounds, and one hundred dollars was given for the material fund.
It being sixteen years since a camp-meeting was held in San Jose, the meeting attracted the attention of the citizens, so that there was a good outside attendance each evening to listen attentively to such themes as the signs of the times, the second coming of Christ, the Sabbath question, the judgment, etc. Arrangements were made to leave a good company of workers to develop the interest, with the hope that many precious souls will be gathered out, of such as shall finally be saved in the eternal kingdom.
It was estimated that fully fifteen hundred of our people were encamped on the grounds. Twenty-seven persons were given ministerial credentials; fifteen, ministerial license; and thirty-seven, missionary license,—a grand total of seventy-nine paid laborers in the Conference.
At the close of the meeting, it was universally expressed that it had been the best camp-meeting ever held in the State, not because of any excitement or particularly happy flight of feeling, but because of the good instruction received from the Testimonies and other sources, which had built them up in the most holy faith, and fortified them against the delusions of the enemy.
Lack of space forbids the mention in detail of the many interesting features of the meeting, in the consideration of the sanitarium and health food interests, the canvassing work, Sabbath-school work, tract and missionary work, woman's work, and other interests that go to make up the work of the message in all its phases; but I trust that enough has been said to inspire the reader with a desire to have part in the closing message, as it is rapidly hastening on to completion. May God abundantly bless the labor and laborers of the California Conference the coming year.
GEO. A. IRWIN.
CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS.
By K. C. Russell; Chas. D. Zirkle
The Chesapeake Conference, which was organized a year ago last April, held its first annual Conference and camp-meeting in the city of Baltimore, Md., June 21 to July 1, 1900. The eight churches composing the Conference were well represented. As the result of the labor bestowed during the year, one new church (East Baltimore) was organized, and at the opening session of the Conference was received into the sisterhood of churches composing this Conference. Through a part or the whole of the meeting the following persons from outside of the Conference were present: H. W. Cottrell, R. A. Underwood, A. E. Place, Allen Moon, R. D. Hottel, S. M. Cobb, W. A. Westworth, S. N. Curtiss.
The report of labor showed that during the fourteen months, 764 sermons had been delivered, 1,382 Bible readings held, 7,225 missionary visits made, 104,461 pages of literature distributed, 8,586 periodicals distributed, 858 subscriptions for periodicals taken, and 60 persons baptized.
Financially the Conference has prospered. Beginning with no funds in the treasury, and no property, the Conference has attained the following results: Tithe, $5,882.43; First-day offering, $223.90; tent fund, $302.08; contributions, $302.11; sundry, $385.86. Total, $7,096.38.
After settling in full with all our laborers, and meeting all our liabilities, there was $313.01 in the treasury. Besides carrying on the regular work in the Conference, our different churches have, by voluntary contributions, supported seven church schools.
At the Conference sessions resolutions were passed encouraging faithful and consecrated men and women to engage in work with the Signs of the Times; also resolutions to the effect that the publication of our Conference paper be discontinued at the expiration of the year; that we indorse the plan proposed by the Foreign Mission Board of encouraging each member to contribute ten cents a week to foreign missions; that we pay five dollars a week toward the support of a teacher in South Lancaster Academy; that suitable persons be encouraged to enter the canvassing work; that we encourage the church-school work, in harmony with the Testimonies, and that these schools be supported by voluntary contributions.
The following officers were chosen: President, O. O. Farnsworth; Secretary and Treasurer, Chas. D. Zirkle. Executive Committee: O. O. Farnsworth, A. Kalstrom, Dr. J. H. Neal, T. M. Bradford, Charles Judefind. The following persons received credentials: O. O. Farnsworth, K. C. Russell, J. F. Jones. Ministerial Licenses: H. W. Herrell, Chas. D. Zirkle. Missionary Licenses: C. T. Shaffer, Fred H. Seeney, L. M. Slocum, M. A. Cornwell, M. A. Baker.
There is no tract society organization in this Conference, but the following persons were elected as the Missionary Committee: O. O. Farnsworth, Chas. D. Zirkle, Sister Westworth. The office of the corresponding secretary, Chas. D. Zirkle, is situated at 903 Woodley St., Baltimore, Md.
K. C. RUSSELL, Chairman,
CHAS. D. ZIRKLE, Sec.
THE PENNSYLVANIA ANNUAL CAMP-MEETING AND CONFERENCE.
By L. T. Nicola
The camp-meeting and Conference of Pennsylvania were held during the month of June, in Philadelphia. The camp was in the northern outskirts of the city, on an open site, accessible and sanitary. Adjacent were springs of excellent water, which, with the cleanly condition of the grounds, contributed materially to the comfort and health of the campers.
The attendance from the Conference was nearly as large as usual, although the meeting was held on a border of the State. Also, there were present representations from several churches of the Atlantic Conference525particularly those in the southern part of New Jersey.
The public speakers present from outside the Conference, and sharing prominently in the labors of the meeting, were Elders Cottrell, Place, Russell, Ballenger, Professor Griggs, and Dr. Nicola.
In connection with the meetings of the Conference, tract society, and Sabbath-School Association were brought out many interesting features of the work of the last year, and important plans were laid for the coming year. Elder R. A. Underwood was re-elected president. The increase of membership of the Conference for the year was two hundred, and five new churches were added; while the increase of the tithe for the year amounted to sixteen hundred dollars. The financial outlook of the Conference and tract society was shown to have greatly improved. A teacher at South Lancaster, and a missionary in a foreign land, were supported from the tithe, in addition to the maintenance of the work in the home field, and in addition to the usual First-day, and other special offerings raised for missionary enterprises in the general work.
Among the resolutions adopted were those recommending the laying aside of ten cents a week by each member, for foreign missions; the continued support, from the tithe, of a worker for a foreign field, and of a teacher at South Lancaster; the establishment of church schools and the selection of proper teachers; hearty co-operation in the plan for relieving the indebtedness of the South Lancaster Academy by the generous circulation of Sister White's new book on the parables of Christ; the holding of general meetings in the Conference, to begin in the early autumn; the raising of a fund to meet the present growing need for assistance of the poor; the hearty indorsement of the Reading Circle, and an urgent invitation to all to assist in extending the influence of this important work; a general, earnest, and prayerful effort in soliciting subscriptions for our periodicals, and in the free distribution, loaning, and selling of our publications; the devoting of at least one day, in all general meetings, to the Sabbath-school interests, and frequent similar efforts on the part of single schools, inaccessible for assistance from other schools.
Seven tents will be run the present summer, including one for the Germans and one for the Scandinavians; and a special tent effort will be made in Philadelphia, under the direction of Elders Wheeler and Fitzgerald.
The outside attendance was not large, and many were kept away the last Sunday on account of heavy rains. A number, however, became deeply interested, and were present at most of the regular services.
Twenty-eight persons received baptism. The last Sabbath was a day long to be remembered on account of the special presence of the Holy Spirit; it wrought with mighty power. Confession of sin, and a close union in the work, marked the attitude of ministers and laymen. May the deep impressions made that day never be forgotten.
The meeting was a successful one. Its influence will doubtless be felt throughout the Conference in increased home piety, and in more energetic effort in extending the Third Angel's Message. Let the Lord be praised for such precious assemblies of the saints. L. T. NICOLA.
SOUTH DAKOTA CAMP-MEETING.
By L. A. Hoopes
This meeting was held at Sioux Falls, on the same site where the Conference was organized about twelve years ago. The grounds were in a beautiful grove, and were of easy access to the city. Services were held in the English, German, Swedish, and Danish languages. Meetings were also held for the children and youth.
The principal part of the business of the Conference was done during the workers' meeting; so that when the general workers arrived, there was no perplexing business to be in the way of the religious part of the meeting. From the first, the meetings were of a revival nature; that is, of a personal nature, for those who felt their need of a deeper work of grace in their hearts. An opportunity was given for the expression of desire for the special prayers of God's people. At all the camp-meetings I have attended, an effort has been made to not unduly urge anyone by getting up an excitement, thus working on the feelings, but rather to let the deep moving of the Spirit of God do its work in every heart.
The interest to hear on the part of the citizens of the place was good. The evenings were usually devoted to the presentation of subjects bearing upon special features of the Third Angel's Message.
The Lord greatly blessed in the ministration of the Word in every language spoken. It was reported that in the German meetings, every unconverted person camped on the grounds, except one, yielded to the gentle entreaties of the Spirit of God.
Baptismal services were held frequently during the meetings. The place of baptism was in the Sioux River, which flowed right by the camp. Fifty-six persons followed their Lord in baptism.
The president's report showed some gains. The tithe increased over the previous year three thousand dollars. The Conference is entirely out of debt; has recently bought one new field tent; is supporting one missionary in a foreign field; has added four new laborers to its list of workers; has twenty-seven regular canvassers, whereas two years ago it had none. Two new churches have also been added to the Conference. Every branch of our work received attention.
The book enterprise for the liquidation of debts was taken hold of even more enthusiastically than at any other camp-meeting that I have attended. Nearly a thousand books were sold, and pledges for about sixteen hundred dollars were taken to help along the enterprise. Time was given to the consideration of the foreign mission work, and at such camp-meeting the regular First-day offerings and collections were taken up each First-day.
The laborers present, in addition to the Conference laborers, were J. H. Morrison, L. Johnson, H. Shultz, P. T. Magan, H. J. Dirksen, E. E. Miles, B. G. Wilkinson, A. Swedburg, and the writer.
At the close of the Sabbath afternoon preaching service, Brother Charles A. Burman was set apart for the gospel ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands. It was an impressive ceremony. The Spirit of God wrought on many hearts.
For one, I felt that we were beginning to realize more and more what the blessing of God is, which he has in store for his people at this time. The true secret of it all is found in our often seeking God alone in prayer.
