THE third biennial session of the Southern Union Conference was held in Nashville, Tenn., January 9-19. There was a good attendance from the local conferences and the institutions of this union. A bookmen's convention was held in connection with the conference session, which brought in a large number of the brethren who are giving their lives to the circulation of our literature. The union and local presidents, and the general agents of the Southwestern Union, showed their interest in the publishing department of this work by coming to the bookmen's convention. The presence of these brethren was a source of encouragement to all, and their services were greatly appreciated.
The reports rendered by the conferences and institutions were in most cases very encouraging. The conferences show a steady growth in membership and funds. The attendance at the schools is the best, as regards numbers and the character of students, we have ever had in the South. The sanitarium work in the new and permanent buildings is just getting started. Graysville Sanitarium reported an encouraging gain for the ten months that it had been in full operation. The publishing work has made the most encouraging progress during the last few years. The increase in the manufacture and sale of our literature in the South has been truly remarkable. The Southern Publishing Association, which lost very heavily during the first few years of its operations, has steadily turned the scales, and reported a substantial gain for last year. This is a great victory, for which all feel profoundly grateful.
Owing to the extent of the territory, the population, the lack of laborers and funds, and the difficulties involved in the race problem, it was thought that it would be a benefit to the cause in the South to divide the territory and organize another union conference. This was done, and the conferences of North Carolina, South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida were grouped into a new union, which was given the name of the Southeastern Union. This conference has an area of 223,000 square miles, a population of 7,970,000, a church-membership of 1,670, and a tithe for 1906 of $15,921. The Southern Training-school, located at Graysville, the Graysville Sanitarium, and the Atlanta Sanitarium are located in this new conference. The city of Atlanta, Ga., was selected for the headquarters. Elder K. C. Russell was elected president, with a good strong committee and efficient staff of officers.
The Southern Union retains the conferences of Kentucky, Tennessee River, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, giving it an area of 208,000 square miles, a population of 8,935,000, a church-membership of 1,663, and a tithe for 1906 of $17,935. The Southern Publishing Association, the Nashville Sanitarium, and the Oakwood Manual Training-school for colored workers are located in this union. Besides this, the Madison Agricultural and Normal Institute, established by Brethren Sutherland and Magan, is also located in this territory. Elder George A. Irwin was elected president of this union. It will be seen that the two conferences are about equally divided as to area, population, membership, tithe, and institutions.
This change in the organization was made with the hope that by increasing the staff of management and workers, the various parts of the whole South would receive more laborers, and thus the work be more rapidly developed. For years earnest appeals have been made by the spirit of prophecy to our people to do more in behalf of the South. There is a conviction that the time has come for a strong, earnest campaign to be made in behalf of that field. An appeal is being made to eight of the strongest conferences in the North for each to send a good tent, and a good, capable preacher, and a Bible worker to the South, and support them for at least one year. If this request is granted, eight additional tent companies will be added to the present forces of workers in eight of the different States in the South. This will be a great help; but it will not be more than the field requires.
At this meeting, Elder Geo. I. Butler decided to retire from the official positions he was holding. For many years he carried the responsibilities of the General Conference presidency, besides the chairmanship of the Boards of the Battle Creek College, Review and Herald Publishing Company, and other institutions. Finally he broke down under the strain, and was obliged to retire from active service. Six years ago he was elected president of the Southern Union Conference, and although well advanced in years, he threw his interests and energies into the work with great earnestness. Only those closely associated with the general work in the South can form any just idea of the many perplexing obstacles that have had to be met. But by the blessing of God, through much prayer and never-ceasing energy and effort, a great change for the better has been brought about. The per cent of increase in the membership and funds during the last six years has been greater than in any other union conference in the United States. The increase in the circulation of our literature has far outstripped any other union in America. The whole work has been put on a more substantial basis, and our brethren in the South have come to realize that God has given them a place, a work, and a valuable financial power in this great cause.
It is not a pleasant thing to see our comrades retire from active service in the battle; but when it becomes necessary through ill health or advanced age for them to do so, it is a great satisfaction to see them able to do so with a record of unswerving loyalty to the cause, the whole life having been devoted to earnest, hard work for its advancement.
In retiring from the cares and toils of office, Brother Butler does not abandon active, useful work in the cause. He will still give more or less time to preaching and writing. It is expected that he will attend camp-meetings in different parts of the country as the way opens.
The details of this session of the conference will be furnished by the officers. Much more of interest might be written, but space will hardly permit. Every effort made for an advance move calls for the prayers and co-operation of our people.
A. G. DANIELLS.
The Northern Illinois Conference
By Allen Moon
The annual conference for Northern Illinois was held in Chicago, February 6-10, with a fair representation of the churches in that field.
There were evidences of advancement in all lines of work. The gain in membership during the year, over and above the losses by removal, etc., was one hundred. The tithe receipts during the year 1907 were $21,507; the Sabbath-school offerings for missions, $1,461; annual offerings, $2,912. For all purposes, the people had contributed $36,087.75, which had had been distributed to the various interests for which the donors designed it. All this was by a membership of less than thirteen hundred.
The Northern Illinois Academy was reported to be in a fairly prosperous condition, having a good patronage the present season, and a class of students rather above the average. The medical work of the conference is in a prosperous and promising condition. The little sanitarium at Moline, which is under the care of the conference, shows a net gain for 1907 of $2,200, notwithstanding the physical disability, and consequent temporary retirement of the medical superintendent, Dr. S. P. S. Edwards.
The officers of the conference, with Elder Wm. Covert as president, have everything to encourage them to persevere in the work. Plans were entered into by the delegates, for the liquidation of the indebtedness of the conference and tract society during the year 1908. The unity, courage, and zeal manifest on the part of all present, give promise of the success of the above undertaking,20in addition to greatly increased tithes and offerings for the regular work. The cause is onward in Northern Illinois, for the people have a mind to work. Faith in this message seems intensified by the tests the people have endured in recent years.
ALLEN MOON.
Opening Address
By Dr. H. F. Rand
***Medical Day, Pacific Union Conference***
I AM certainly pleased to be present on this occasion, and to have a small part in this great work. We are told that the medical missionary work is the right arm of the message. And, as you know, the right arm has been badly strained during the past few years; in fact, it has been nearly severed from the body. But I am glad to say that the wound was not unto death, and we are now recovering nicely from the shock.
The situation reminds me of an experience which impressed me while I was at Loma Linda attending the medical council there. I saw the immense overland trains tugging and straining to get up the long grade. They had a big Mogul engine ahead, with a “helper” in the middle and a little “pusher” behind. We will let the “pusher” represent our educational work. And we have placed in front of the engine a “pilot” for clearing the way—which would represent our medical work. As we consider the hindrances in certain parts of our field in all branches of the work, I am glad there is a “pusher” that can be placed behind them to help over the hard places. We know the medical work is a pilot for the other branches of our work. It removes obstacles and hindrances and prejudice, and opens doors; and I am glad this is so. We have been told that the way for the work is being hedged up in the cities, and yet this medical work is possible long after other work is hindered or stopped, and it will go right on with the message until the work is finished. I hope the Lord will help us all to realize and appreciate its value, and keep it in its place.
For a number of years I have been in this work, and I am glad to be in it. I am of good courage, and am willing now, as I have always been, to go where the Lord wants me to go; and I will do the best I can wherever I am placed. I have been much interested recently in reading the experience of Elder Bates and others in opening up the medical work. They had the whole message; and when we think of the work of the pioneers, and of the way they carried out the principles of healthful living, it ought to be an inspiration to us. The great principles of healthful living were given in the little books, “How to Live” and “Facts and Faith,” when the medical work was first started. The details and explanations were not there, but the principles were. I remember one statement that was being developed while I was in the medical school,—that electric currents travel through our bodies in the nervous system. We could not understand then how it was, but the great physiologists of to-day have an instrument which will accurately measure these very currents. The statement of this principle was written thirty-eight years ago. And this is but one of the many which God gave first to this people. But the scientific world has had to work them out and give them to the people.
For years this work has seemed to stand still. Many of the people are careless, and do not appreciate what it means to us. We do not realize what an impetus these truths gave to the work then, or what they would do for us now. Many of our people are blind to the great things health reform has done, not only for us, but for the entire human race. God intended that these principles should be given to the world by this people, but because they have not done so, we see the scientific men developing these great truths and giving them to the world. But you will see, when that mighty angel comes down to lighten the world during this closing gospel work in this generation, every one will be a true health reformer.
In our medical work we have had our upset, and have not completely recovered our equilibrium yet. Now we are getting directions as to what we should do. The spirit of prophecy is trying to show us where we were wrong, and what we should do in the future; and I am very thankful that after the experiences we have had, we are more willing to follow the directions given. I think that such trouble will never come to us as a people again; I am sure it will not if we follow the directions given us. Time is short. More trouble of this kind would mean far greater loss than at any time before. This work means everything to this people. We should realize what an important part health reform has to fill. We are told in the Testimonies what this work should mean to us, and what it will do for us. These things were written several years ago. You will remember what the Testimonies say of this medical missionary work,—that there should be many new sanitariums and training-schools established; that there should be a hundred workers where now there is one; that it should be enlarged and developed; and that the Lord expects it to do a far greater work than is now being done for sin-sick souls.
In my experience in this work I have had some opportunity to know what this means. I have known what it means to go into the presence of the suffering and relieve pain. This is an experience common to this work, and we all know that where this is done, we have the confidence of that household. If we were to go into such a home, and simply offer to pray for its members, especially for the sufferer, they would probably pay no attention to us, and certainly we would not have the influence we gain in the other way. After the pain has been relieved, then it is right to have prayer, and to point the household to the Great Physician. This kind of work will remove prejudice as nothing else will. The Lord has begun this work for that purpose, and if we do it according to his plan, many souls will be won for the kingdom. Our work should be done as unto him, and the tenderest sympathy should be combined with the skill which he gives to his workers.21
Should we not be thankful for the trust? It has always been a matter of perplexity that we did not see a greater harvest from our work, and yet we know that the Lord opens our eyes to see but little. Many times we have seen the work start in some place in a very small way, and then gradually develop. How careful we should be to take advantage of every opportunity, for we can not tell which will prosper, this or that. We can not expect to see a sanitarium start up full fledged. It must grow gradually. In many cases we have seen one or perhaps two nurses start a work in some city, and the work would gradually enlarge until it resulted in the building of a flourishing institution. This was the case at Boulder, Colo. Work was begun there by two nurses in a very humble way. At first they had only a little home. But to-day a great institution is flourishing there, and no one can estimate the good that has come as a result of it. The St. Helena Sanitarium was started in the same way. You have doubtless noticed the various additions which, from time to time, have been made to the main building. This is typical of the development of the work.
There is another feature of the work in institutions which is different from field work. We have here a great training-school. And we have a Great Teacher at the head of it. The entire work is a training center for us all; and not only for the workers, but for the patients and guests who come to us. In 1906 we had about eight hundred patients and guests in the St. Helena Sanitarium; in 1907 we had more than eleven hundred. These people are representative of the entire State. Many of them we would never have been able to reach with this message in any other way. Last year we had with us three of the State senators, four or five of the most influential judges, and many other prominent men and women. Many times I have seen these persons go up to the tract rack which we keep well filled in the front hall, and taking out some tracts, slip them into their pockets. Sometimes I have known them to take the Signs and other papers to their rooms, and even ask permission to take them to their homes.
We teach religious liberty here, and have often been asked for literature on that subject. These people are always glad to take the Signs and religious liberty literature. Probably some of these very men will be in the legislative halls when these subjects are brought up for discussion and action. The Lord is undoubtedly preparing them so they will be informed on these subjects when the crisis comes. It is really remarkable to see the interest these people manifest in the truth contained in our literature.
We have often heard the remark that people do not have time to read. Here they have ample time. They are away from their business and social cares, away from the cities with their distractions, out here in the quiet country where they have time to sit down and read in peace.
We had with us recently one of the leading judges of the State. He saw on a table that copy of the Signs of the Times that showed a man in minister’s clothing, casting overboard from the stern of the ship a combination Bible and compass. That is the kind of sermon men can read while they are running. He thought it was the best thing he had ever seen. He said, “That picture speaks volumes.” He wanted to know if he could take it home with him, and of course we were glad to have him take it.
(To be concluded)
Field Notes and Gleanings
FROM Willow Creek, Mont., where Brother Stewart Kime is holding meetings, he reports the reclamation of two former Sabbath-keepers, and three others have joined in Sabbath-keeping.
BROTHER H. CLAY GRIFFIN reports a good interest in the meeting at Mena, Ark., which he closed temporarily to attend the union conference. Four or five had already begun the observance of the Sabbath, and he hoped for still other decisions as he should resume the meetings.
BRETHREN V. W. Robb and W. A. Easley have been conducting a series of meetings at North Cedar, Kan. After about three weeks of meetings they report that two families had taken their stand, and several others gave hope of doing so, while there was a good general interest in the meetings.
FROM Osceola, Iowa, Brother T. Godfrey writes: “The Lord has blessed me here, where I have held a series of meetings, and at their close baptized ten precious souls, who were received into fellowship. Eleven in all united with the church. So the cause of God moves onward in spite of the opposition.”
“BROTHER R. E. BURKE is holding meetings at Sharpsburg, Iowa, with a good attendance. He has spoken the truth very plainly, and some have signed the covenant, while others seem much interested. The church seems to be much encouraged, and five of the young people of Seventh-day Adventist parents desire baptism as son as the opportunity is afforded.”
BROTHER D. E. HUFFMAN, writing from Pleasanton, Kan., says: “We are in the best meeting I have ever had anything to do with. The power of God is working in a marked degree. Our audience has never been large, but the Spirit’s presence has been felt by all. A few families have taken their stand against the truth, and some for it. Others are still undecided. Our organist, a music teacher, is almost persuaded. Her mother has taken her stand with us.”
FROM Colorado Brother C. H. Bates writes: “Sabbath, February 1, I finished my series of meetings at Cline. As a result of the four weeks’ effort twelve signed the covenant, and two others are keeping the Sabbath. Some of those who signed the covenant have been baptized, and others have requested baptism, but owing to scarcity of water we shall have to delay baptism for some time. I have organized a church with eight members, and a Sabbath-school with twenty-two members; others will be added as they receive baptism.”
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
W. A. GEORGE, M. D., . . . Chairman
W. A. RUBLE, M. D., . . . Secretary
Current Mention
— A man and his wife in Chicago were recently sentenced to thirty and twenty-five years respectively in the penitentiary for kidnapping a little girl.
— The United States troops that have been in Goldfield, Nev., for three months left the camp March 7. The district is peaceful, as the strike has been practically declared off.
— Railroad engineers have completed plans for a $20,000,000 union transportation terminal, to be built at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street, San Francisco, Cal. All railroads, interurban lines, and subways will converge into the station.
— The originator of the tobacco growers’ pooling movement has issued a card to all tobacco growers of one section of Kentucky warning them of their probable fate if they disobey the ultimatum of the society which says that no crop shall be planted in 1908.
— Internal revenue collectors and agents have been furnished by the commissioner with a list of fifty-four preparations now being sold as medicines, which are in reality beverages. These will hereafter be subject to special tax, like other alcoholic beverages. This list does not comprise all ‘medicines’ which are subject to like taxation, but only such ones as have been analyzed by the department, and are found to contain but very little that is of a medicinal nature.
— February 29 King Manuel of Portugal issued a decree fixing March 5 as the date of the next general election, and another convoking the regular Cortes on April 29. At the same time decrees of the former Premier Franco in reference to the Cortes and the advances from the treasury to the royal house were revoked. These decrees of the new king have produced a good impression, but the final effect is still uncertain.
— During one week the papers have reported serious fires in school buildings in New York City, Philadelphia, Pa., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Cleveland, Ohio. The fire drill practised by the pupils of all these schools prevented any loss of life in each of the three first-mentioned cases. But a panic in attempting to escape from the building at North Collinwood, a suburb of Cleveland, resulted in the death of 171 children and two teachers, on March 4.
— The text of the new Kongo annexation treaty was submitted to the Belgian Parliament March 5. By its terms King Leopold proposes to abandon the crown domain and the crown foundation to Belgium, but the proposition requires that the state shall not only assume all the Kongo obligations, but shall continue the king’s usufruct in the Kongo revenues during his lifetime. It is generally thought that these terms make annexation of the Kongo to Belgium possible.
— Following an attack by an anarchist upon the chief of police of Chicago, on March 2, in which the would-be assassin was killed, Secretary Straus, of the Department of Commerce and Labor, issued orders to all immigration officials to consult the police in their respective jurisdictions with a view to ridding the country of alien anarchists and criminals whom the laws make it possible to deport. Since then threats of assassination have been made against the chief of police and a judge of Cincinnati; and the little town of Wawaka, Ind., is threatened with extermination if $750 is not sent to a certain place in New York City.
— There are certain causes of friction between China and Japan which give some students of world politics reason to think that ultimately a clash between these two governments is inevitable. Most prominent among these are the claim of Japan to certain islands at the mouth of the Yalu, the dispute over the timber district on the upper Yalu, and the effort of China to build railroads in Manchuria that would compete with the roads under Japanese control. At present there seems to be a crisis over still another affair. On February 7 Chinese officials seized the Japanese steamer ‘Tatsu Maru,’ suspected of smuggling arms and ammunition to Chinese insurgents. Although it has been impossible for China to prove that the cargo was either smuggled or intended for the insurgents, she has refused to release the ship, and Japan, after refusing the plan of arbitrating the differences proposed by China, has sent a practical ultimatum that unless her demands for restoration of the steamer and cargo and the payment of full indemnity are acceded to by China within a ‘reasonable time,’ she will take immediate action. Statesmen, however, incline to the belief that there will be no clash of arms at present.
Findings
Dr. H. B. Knapp and wife, Dr. Nettie Knapp, write from Wisconisco, Pa., saying that they are engaged in a good practise in that place.
The managers of several of our schools and academies are desirous of securing the services of physicians in connection with the schools, for the purpose of giving the students the needed training in health principles. Every foreign missionary, and, in fact, every missionary, should be educated in health principles, that he may preserve his own health and aid others in keeping their health.
The first number of a series of leaflets entitled “The Medical Missionary Counselor,” has just come to hand. It is published by the Medical Missionary Department of the East Michigan Conference, and is edited by Mr. L. G. Wagner, superintendent. It contains an excellent classification of foods, and promises a series of eight studies on the following important subjects: Diet and Health; Food Elements, Their Combinations and Digestion; Practical Dietetics; Water; Air and Sunshine; Intemperance; Alcohol and Patent Medicines; Exercise, Rest, and Sleep.
A Word to the Boards of Management of Our Church and Intermediate Schools
By F. G.
WE have noticed with some concern the tendency on the part of the boards of management of our church and intermediate schools to change the teachers in these schools very often. It appears to be much more manifest than in our advanced schools. This is probably due to the fact that the teachers in these grades of schools are brought more closely in contact with the patrons than are the teachers in our advanced schools. It can but follow that there will arise various matters in connection with the teacher's work with which patrons from time to time may disagree, and it may often occur that the patrons who take issue with the work the teacher is doing have influence enough in the church and on the Board to secure the removal of the teacher. They do this, of course, from the purest motives, truly believing that they are benefiting the school, and without doubt in some instances the school is benefited.
But the constant change of teachers does not result in the up-building of the schools. Would it not be better, where teachers have failings, to use every possible means to have these failings corrected, than to secure their removal? These same teachers carry on successful work in other places, and it would seem that they might make those corrections and there might be those adjustments of conditions or misunderstandings which would enable the teacher to continue his work, and so give that continuity to the work which is so necessary to the highest success. We must seek by every possible means to establish our school work on a very solid foundation, and it is almost impossible to do this if we are frequently changing our teachers. We recognize that these changes are not all brought about by the Board. Oftentimes teachers themselves are not willing to remain in situations where they might do good work. Where this is true, these principles must apply with equal force to them, but it would appear to be the duty of the managers of the schools to seek to adjust and make those changes in the teacher's work which would be for the betterment of the school, rather than to make an exchange of teachers.
F. G.
Informing of Misconduct
By C. C. L.
SHOULD a student ever tell the teacher of the misconduct of a fellow student? This is a practical question of great importance to both students and teachers—to students, because out of their answers will grow habits of thought and action which will affect vitally for good or evil their characters as men; to teachers, because upon its answer depends the nature and character of the government of the school.
A “tell-tale,” who informs the teacher of trifling misconduct to hide his own transgressions, to get revenge upon a fellow student, or to gain favor with the teacher, is universally and justly despised by teachers as well as by students. But when wrong conduct is so serious or so frequent as to imperil the welfare of the school, or when the teacher asks a student directly what he knows in regard to any matter, the question is far different. Let us consider somewhat carefully each of these conditions.
Here is a student who repeatedly violates the rules of the school. He does things which are immoral and vicious. He is leading others to do wrong. His influence is demoralizing, and his conduct, if extended to many others, would ruin young men and women and overthrow the school. But he is sly and cunning. He covers his tracks so skilfully that he is seldom caught, the extent of his work is unknown to the teacher, and his evil influence continues.
Here is a fellow student, however, who knows all about his wicked course. Again and again he has seen him in transgression. What is the duty of such a student? Should he quietly hold his peace and let the disorder go on when he might stop it by giving information to the proper authorities?—Surely not. By saying nothing he becomes responsible for the wrong he might have prevented. In the eyes of the civil law it is a crime to conceal a crime, and shall the moral obligations of a school, especially of a Christian school, be less binding than those of the state?
Suppose now the teacher, desiring to find out who has committed an offense against the government of the school, asks a student what he knows about the matter. Should the student refuse to tell?—Certainly not. The teacher is doing just what the grand jury does when it meets to inquire if crimes have been committed within its jurisdiction. It has a right to inquire, for it represents the people. It calls on persons who may have knowledge of offenses, places them under oath, and compels them to tell what they know. If they refuse to tell, they are classed with the criminals, and are held responsible for the crimes they conceal.
So it is in school life. The teacher has a right to ask a student what he knows about disorderly conduct. He should use good judgment, however, in the exercise of this right. He should not employ it in trifling matters, nor if he can obtain the desired information in another way. But he has the right, and every student should recognize that fact, and should respect the teacher’s authority, giving truthfully such information as he may possess. If he does not, he is training for a position on the side of the criminal against organized society.
The noble way to do in these matters is to remonstrate kindly with the wrong-doer, and tell him if he does not cease,23it will be your duty to inform the proper authorities. He may mock you, and dare you, and threaten you; but if you refuse to do your duty on that account, you are a moral coward, and are not a true friend to the wrong-doer.
C. C. L.
The Christian Teacher’s Opportunities
THE Christian teacher's opportunities for doing good are almost without limit, and are not curtailed by any circumstances. The very attitude assumed by a pupil in presenting himself before a teacher is one of reception. He is ready to exercise faith, to accept and utilize the instruction given him. This receptive, teachable mind is the basis of all other opportunities. In this attitude of mind it is fully as easy to teach truth as error. The wonderful stories of the Old and the New Testament are received and absorbed with even more avidity than the myths of the ancients. Through the medium of this simple faith, the pupil may come to know God as the author of truth and as a personal Saviour. This knowledge is all that makes life pleasant and truly desirable. The Christian teacher has the opportunity and privilege of bringing to his pupils the sweetness of life.
The Educational Missionary Movement
By D. E. LINDSEY
Press On
There never was a time when there was a greater demand for thoroughly educated men than now. The magazines and other periodicals from every quarter are calling for well-educated men. The demands come from every department of science, literature, mechanics, etc. At the same time the work of God is demanding the best talent. While God has in all ages called men in a crisis, from the plow, the bench, and other ordinary walks of life, he has also made it incumbent upon his children to qualify themselves to the best of their ability, measuring as nearly as possible to the high ideal of perfection.
The world is flooded with second- and third-rate men, but first-class men are at a premium. As I look back over fifty years of life, I can call to mind many bright youth, who, for a lack of thoroughness in their work, have been a sad disappointment both to themselves and to those who were most deeply interested in their welfare. However, in securing an education for the work of the Lord, there must be a thorough education of the heart as well as of the head; otherwise there will be a constant tendency to lean on one's own understanding, and not on the wisdom that cometh from above. Our young people should be encouraged by every possible means to qualify themselves speedily and thoroughly for the great and final conflict which is now pending.
As I have studied the biographies of great and good men and women of all ages, I have been impressed with the fact that in early life they developed right habits, had high ideals, and embraced correct principles. The trifler, the careless, the thoughtless, the forgetful youth seldom or never attains to a high standard of excellence. It is the careful, painstaking, persevering, energetic, faithful, honest efforts that succeed. We have seen many brilliant minds, like dazzling light, allow themselves to be snuffed out, when a little more application, a little more self-denial, would have brought them happy results and high callings for good.
In my student days there came a poor boy to the university, ill clad, uncouth in his ways, and unpolished in his manners, but with a great desire for an education. As is usually the case, the sons and daughters of those more prosperous made him the butt of their sport. He took it good naturedly, and secured the job of ringing the college bell and doing other chores, living in a small room in the belfry. Every moment was wisely utilized. He hesitated at nothing that would help honestly to pay his way through school. Night and day he wrought, and soon took his place at the head of his classes, and was recognized as a leader in debate in our literary societies, and when he was graduated, it was with highest class honors. Later he became an ambassador to Germany. Many of those who laughed the youth to scorn would, in after years, gladly have become his most humble servant. There are hundreds of our youth who feel that they can not attend our schools to secure an education. Strong faith, mingled with constant effort, will remove seemingly impossible barriers, and God will second their endeavor by divine agencies when their lives have been consecrated to his service.
D. E. LINDSEY.
J. W. WESTPHAL
By J. W. Westphal
WE have had ninety-three names enrolled in our Argentine schools this year. This is an increase of nearly thirty over last year, while last year we had about twenty more than the year before. Thus the prospects for our school from this standpoint are good. We, however, lack room for students' quarters and school-room and recitation rooms. Teachers have had to conduct regular recitations in dining and other rooms, and students have been packed in till there have been seven or eight in one room. Thus one of our great needs is more room. We are erecting a building fifteen meters square, which we are trying to finish for the next school year, but I am not sure that it will be done. It is to be two stories high. But even then we shall not have as much room as we need to properly carry on the school.
In our teaching force we are sadly deficient. We have had a German and an English teacher, the latter of whom taught Spanish. This year Dr. Habenicht, who was principal, has been compelled to devote much time to his medical work. Brother Lude has had triple work, as the only father in the home, teacher, and the one in charge of the farm. ‘We are in great need of a Spanish teacher, one who can really teach the language. While there are Indians and others who can not read in South America, there are as intelligent people as one will find anywhere. There are probably more than a million emigrants coming every year, the larger number to Argentina.
J. W. WESTPHAL
Experiences in Teaching in China
(Concluded)
From Foochow, Fukien, comes the news that a Chinese evangelist visited an Anglo-Chinese college there. He suggested that they should begin study with a confession of their sins one to another. There was no preaching that night; but more than forty students went their way to the cross, and have lived consistent lives since.
Calls for Teachers
By C. H. PARKER
[We present herewith three calls for teachers from other lands. They are made by Brother C. H. Parker, of the Fiji Islands, Elder J. W. Westphal, of South America, and Kuro, of the Cook Islands. All these calls are so urgent that they should appeal immediately to some to offer their services. In each of these lands there are many consecrated souls. This is witnessed by the intelligent letter which Kuro addressed to Sister Waugh. This letter is a translation. It reveals an intelligent, devoted mind, and the earnest appeal for help is most touching. Where are the well-qualified teachers? and where is the means to send them? In all these lands there are hungry souls waiting for the truth. Our schools in these lands are designed to qualify men and women to give this precious truth. May God lead the right persons to offer themselves, and lead all to be liberal for the proper support of those who go.—ED.]
OUR teachers have now left again for their different appointments. The one great need is for more teachers. We have picked from our school until there is no one else that we can pick at present. Our resolution that we made in our council in June, to have an intermediate school for Lau, can not be carried into effect, as we have no teacher whom we can recommend. We are encouraging more of mature age to enter the school here at Buresala, so that they can quickly prepare for the work.