Earlier text: The Holy SpiritAre Missionary Meetings Dull?
MISSIONARY meetings dull?—Well, we should say not. Long?—Not half long enough. Wearying?—Rather a tonic, which braces our muscles, and strengthens our spiritual nerves, and sets the blood bounding, and puts us in a glow. “Is life worth living?” asks the woman of the world or the half-hearted Christian. Come out into the kingdom of God and see. When we learn what he is doing with the degraded Filipino, the prejudiced, custom-bound Chinaman, and the darkest African, we want to live to see his work finished. We want to live and work in order to give, to have a hand in this movement. We want to live in order to pray, and so hold up the hands of those heroes and heroines who are doing this magnificent work. We want to live just now and here, to watch with joyful reverence God’s majestic march among the nations, and to see in glorious anticipation the speedy coming of his kingdom. You don’t feel any of this thrill of enthusiasm? Get on your knees, and if you have never got further than being a member of a Baptist church, ask to be baptized by the Holy Spirit into the membership of the kingdom of God. —Helping Hand. What a Medical Mission Did
HERE is one illustration of what is accomplished by medical missions. A wealthy and influential man at Swatow, China, became interested in the medical missionaries’ labors, and he often gave them rice tickets for the benefit of the poor patients. Then his wife became very sick, and the missionaries treated her. The man said, “I should like other women to be treated as my wife has been,” and he gave two thousand dollars to start a hospital for women. Next he saw the advantages of a Western education, and offered the missionaries ten thousand dollars to start a Chinese school where Western learning could be taught. His last step was to destroy his idols, and apply for Christian baptism.—Selected. Keeping Faith and Enthusiasm Up
“ROBERT MOFFAT once said, many years ago, but the truth is as true now as it was in Moffat’s day, ‘It is not keeping expenses down, but keeping faith and enthusiasm up that gives a clear balance sheet.’” A Chain of Missions Across Africa
It was a wonderful thing when Stanley in nine hundred and ninety-nine days crossed the continent of Africa; it is a more wonderful thing that a quarter century later sees a chain of missions across that same road, the last to be established immediately.—Exchange. R. D. HOTTEL
By R. D. Hottel
A LOCAL State meeting was held at New Market, Va., May 15-20, in connection with the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Virginia Conference. Elders H. W. Herrell, Lee S. Wheeler, B. F. Purdham, A. C. Neff, and T. H. Painter were present, and assisted in the services. A number of the brethren from the surrounding counties and the immediate vicinity were in attendance. The meeting was held in the new opera house, and there was a good attendance of those not of our faith, and some interest was manifested. There was preaching every night and on Sabbath and Sunday. Instruction was given in church, Sabbath-school, and health and temperance work. Sister B. F. Purdham, secretary of the Sabbath-school department, read an article on the "Home Department of the Sabbath-school." Mrs. A. M. Neff read a paper on "The Object of the Sabbath-school," and C. D. Zirkle on "The Danger of Formalism." Elder Wheeler gave a talk on the "Consecration of Teachers." A number took part in discussing points brought out in the papers. Bible health and temperance received attention. Scriptures were read, and also extracts from the Testimonies, showing the requirements of the Lord concerning our health—the preservation of our bodies as temples of the Holy Ghost, and how this may be attained by following God's original plan in eating, drinking, and in all that we do. Brother C. V. Woods gave instruction in the preparation of foods. We believe the meetings were all profitable, and that good will result. Although we have been passing through great financial stress, and are still greatly limited in our means, it was arranged to run two tents before the camp-meeting—one at Alexandria and one at Lynchburg. The camp-meeting was appointed to be held from July 31 to August 10, the place to be determined later. As this conference will be assisted the present year in meeting its heavy indebtedness, we believe that our people will rally, and that the work will move forward as never before. To this end we invite the prayers of God's people, and also ask that they help with their means to support the work and carry it forward in all parts of the "Old Dominion." British Honduras
By A. J. Hetherington
BELIZE.—I arrived here last Sunday afternoon, May 17. I had a pleasant voyage. I find Elder Goodrich faithfully at work here, quite alone, yet of good courage and firmly trusting in God. There is quite an interest being awakened in the truths of the third angel’s message. Elder Goodrich is carrying on a series of studies in Bible prophecy, covering the investigative judgment, the cleansing of the sanctuary, and the nearness of Christ’s second coming. The message is given with power. I have never seen more attentive or interested audiences; and the hearty “amens” from many voices tell how eagerly the truths are received.
We have been laying plans with reference to the establishment of the medical missionary work and the advancement of other interests in this field. There is a sailing vessel just in from Utilla, which will return about the last of the week. I have seen the captain, and arranged to go with him to the Bay Islands. I am of good courage. I am anxious to see the cause of truth advance in Central America. May the Lord bless the Mission Board in their deliberations at all times, and open the way for them to get more laborers out into the needy fields soon. A. J. HETHERINGTON. Jamaica
By J. H. Strickland
MONTEGO BAY.—For the past three months I have been endeavoring to give the last message of mercy to the people of Montego Bay. From the first, large congregations have attended the meetings. Services were held every night, and we visited and held Bible readings during the day. A lively interest was awakened throughout the town. I sold over seventy-five dollars' worth of books and tracts, and soon some began to obey the blessed present truth. A fierce opposition was aroused. The other churches of the town—seven in number—united in their efforts against our work. A house-to-house canvass was carried on by our opponents, who warned the people not to go near our tent, telling them we were false prophets, preaching from a strange Bible, and that God would visit terrible judgments upon those who came to listen to us. Those who persisted in attending were threatened with excommunication. But the Spirit of God was striving with many, and the people continued to come. The increased interest and the earnestness with which the people searched the Scriptures to find out whether these things were so, enraged the enemies of the third angel's message. A series of union meetings was held for five nights in succession, at which the passions of the people were appealed to, and strong efforts made to excite the people to prejudice against us. Three great anti-Adventist demonstrations were held in the open air, and18the people were urged by the excited and angry clergymen to rid themselves of me. Thursday, May 7, was selected as the day when the final blow was to be struck, and the voice of the Adventist preacher silenced in Montego Bay. But we knew the work was the Lord's, and that “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” We never felt any fear, although excitement ran high for a few days, and many times I was insulted in the streets. We sought the Lord constantly for wisdom, and trusted in his power for safety. And like the church in the time of Peter and John, we said, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may preach the word.” The Lord heard our prayers, and gave us the victory. The great storm raised by the enemies of God's truth spent itself without doing us any harm, and a great calm now follows. The people are more interested than ever. Truly they “can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” Sixteen souls have publicly acknowledged Christ, and taken their stand for the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are just trembling in the balance. A sister has given a good lot upon which to build a church. The little company which has come out amid such bitter opposition can all give a testimony which has a clear ring of love and faith, and I believe each one has his face set Zionward with a determination to go straight through into the kingdom. Praise Jehovah. The End of the Way
By John Spooner
My life is a wearisome journey, I'm sick of the dust and the heat, The rays of the sun beat upon me, The briers are wounding my feet; But the city to which I am journeying Will more than my trials repay; All the toils of the road will seem nothing When I get to the end of the way. There're so many hills to climb upwards, That I'm often longing for rest; But He who appoints me my pathway Knows what is needful and best. I know in his Word he has promised That my strength shall equal my day; And the toils of the road will seem nothing When I get to the end of the way. He loves me too well to forsake me, Or give me one trial too much; All his people have been dearly purchased, And Satan can never claim such. By and by I shall see him and praise him, In the city of unending day; And the toils of the road will seem nothing When I get to the end of the way. When the last feeble steps have been taken, And the gates of the city appear, And the beautiful songs of the angels Float out on my listening ear; When all that now seems so mysterious Will be plain and clear as the day; Yes, the toils of the road will seem nothing When I get to the end of the way. Though now I am footsore and weary, I shall rest when I'm safely at home; I know I'll receive a glad welcome, For the Saviour himself has said “Come.” So when I am weary in body, And sinking in spirit, I say, All the toils of the road will seem nothing When I get to the end of the way. Cooling fountains are there for the thirsty, There are cordials for those who are faint, There are robes that are whiter and purer Than any that fancy can paint; Then let us try to press hopefully onward, Thinking oft through each weary day, The toils of the road will seem nothing When we get to the end of the way. West Coast, Africa
By D. U. Hale
SEKONDI.— All are well at present, but this week all have been sick except myself and the baby. But though we have been away from Cape Coast Castle only six days, I can see a difference for the better in the general condition of the family. This evening I was talking with a black man who is with the principal chief of this country, and he tells me that the chief is very anxious to have a school and mission at his village, which is the principal native town on the new railroad. The king lives about eight miles away, but the chief seems to be the business manager of the native government. I shall see him soon, and will know his mind better, but the man said the chief was exceedingly anxious for the school. If the Lord opens the way to enter, I hope we shall be able to do so. This place to which we have moved is about five hours’ walk from that village. This mission trip has been the hardest fight with the devil, since the day I left home in Keene, that I ever made. And the battle is not nearly over yet. The battle is so long and worrying that I almost despair; but I remember that the battle is not mine, but the Lord’s, so I say, “Lord, I am ready to go on.” Pray for us. D. U. HALE. EMERY P. AUGER
By Emery P. Auger
MONTREAL.— Returning home from a trip of one hundred and fifty miles, visiting isolated and lonely French Seventh-day Adventists, I have only words of courage and cheer to write. Personally, the truth is more real and glorious to our souls than ever. The good reports from the General Conference and through the REVIEW, of the progress of the message, have given us much comfort. I am seeking always to have that daily experience with God which will give the right ring to my testimony. I was much blessed in my work here this winter. Not so much has been done in the way of selling books, as in Bible readings and health lectures. I met bitter opposition from some ministers. There are many people who acknowledge the truth, but it seems as if French Protestants are in as deep ignorance of the Bible as the Catholics are. In many Catholic homes I am received as well as among Protestants, and with no more prejudice. A year ago the husband of one of our French sisters was working very hard to discourage her from attending the services and from keeping the Sabbath. I went to see him many times, but never discussed doctrinal points, but talked of the passing events fulfilling the prophecies and confirming the truthfulness of the Scriptures. I loaned his wife "Great Controversy," and now he likes to have her read it to him. He is not the same man. Among Catholics there are some who are reading in spite of the priests' protests. There are many perplexing phases to the work here. We have no hall to which to invite people to attend meetings, and it seems like only a drop in the bucket, going from house to house, giving tracts. I tried very hard to sell large books, but without success, on account of the high price of coal, the strikes, etc., but mostly on account of the priests. Elder Ostrander and two English-speaking Bible workers were with us till the first of March, but now only two lady workers and myself do house-to-house work. One lady and two girls, sixteen and eighteen years of age, have taken their stand for the truth. Many are convicted, and some of them are seeking to arrange their business so as to keep the Sabbath. How much is being done only God knows. We hold meetings Sabbaths and Sundays, and also give Bible readings to interested parties, so it leaves very little time to canvass. My wife is doing some nursing, but her strength will not permit her to do much. I love the people and the work here. Some who keep the Sabbath are suffering great persecution and trials, and need encouragement. Some of these who have recently accepted the truth need our special care and instruction, that they may be established. A COUNCIL meeting of the ministers and conference committee of the West Michigan Conference was held in Berrien Springs, May 12-14, to consider the work of the coming summer. The advisability of holding a general camp-meeting was fully considered, the consensus of opinion being that it would be better to expend the necessary money and energy needed properly to equip a large camp-meeting in this conference in opening up the work in new fields by tent work. Different localities were mentioned where there appear to be good openings. W. E. Videto, who has been holding meetings in Big Rapids, with some interest, thought it would be a help to the work in that place if a tent could be located there. After some consideration of the subject, it was decided to have a local camp-meeting held there from June 12-21. Brother Fred Brink then spoke of Barryton being a favorable opening for a tent. He has been laboring there, and some have taken their stand for the truth, and he thought the work should be carried forward through the summer by a tent effort. Brother W. D. Parkhurst mentioned several places in his district, among them being Union City, Cassopolis, and Niles, which are favorable openings. It was thought a tent company should consist of two ministers and an organist, and two small tents be given to each company. The tent companies consist of the following persons:— - Fred Brink and R. E. Tefft.
- W. D. Parkhurst and W. H. Heckman.
- M. B. Miller and W. C. Hebner.
- R. E. Harter and W. E. Videto.
The two tent companies consisting of Fred Brink, R. E. Tefft, R. E. Harter, and W. E. Videto are to make all arrangements for, and have charge of, the local camp-meeting at Big Rapids. The school work is to receive special attention by the superintendent, and a good summer’s work is planned for. JAMES A. MORROW
By James A. Morrow
HAMILTON.— Your hearts will be cheered, as ours have been, when you learn that we had a new Sabbath-keeper last Sabbath—the lady mentioned in my last letter. She rejoices in her new-found truth. It seems that she has long been praying for God to send her light. She has taken a firm and decided stand for the Sabbath truth, for which I feel to praise the Lord. It is only his power that will enable people to cut loose from the world, and take their stand for the truth of God. Mrs. Morrow’s health seems to be returning. We both feel to praise God many times each day for this delightful climate; and at the same time for the privilege of doing something to advance his cause in the earth while regaining our health. The following recommendations relating to the progress of the cause in the Empire State were passed at a meeting of the State conference committee in Buffalo, May 20:— “That Brother O. L. Stillman’s request for a general meeting at his home be granted, to be held June 13 and 14. “Much time was used in considering the question of the location of the intermediate school of which Brother Carr is to have charge, and it was finally referred to a sub-committee, with power to act, consisting of the following persons: S. H. Lane, H. W. Carr, A. O. Burrill, F. H. Hicks, O. F. Bowen, and H. D. Bowen. “That the request of Elder Meleen for an assistant of his own nationality in caring for the tent, etc., be granted, and meetings begin as soon as the weather will permit in Jamestown, as providence may indicate. “That Elder L. T. Nicola be assisted by his family in a tent effort in the vicinity of his present field of labor, according to his request. “That Elders Raymond and Hyatt unite in a short tent effort in Elmira, and for a second effort they locate farther east in unworked territory, either in Delaware or Otsego Counties. “That we consider favorably the advisability of holding a camp-meeting at Binghamton the present summer. “That a general appeal be made for the fund to assist worthy persons in obtaining medical and surgical assistance at our sanitarium, and that some Sabbath about July 4 be set apart for such offering. “That Elders De Vinney and Cottrell labor in a new field south of Albany. “That Elder Ball, assisted by Brother E. A. Raymond, continue the work at Gloversville. “Dr. Satterlee gave a very encouraging report of the workings of the Buffalo Sanitarium. Since January 1 the institution had been operating upon a self-supporting basis. Two nurses are in training, and doing very acceptable work. The financial standing was reported as follows: Receipts. Donations, $803.21; total earnings, $1,420.01; miscellaneous, $130.31; total, $2,452.53. Expenditures. Property, $1,016.87; rent, $215; expenses, $1,134.24; cash on hand, $86.42; total, $2,452.53. There are no debts contracted. A new electric-light bath is being constructed. This report pleased the committee much.” Dedication of the New Sanitarium
By Alonzo T. Jones
The dedication of the new sanitarium at Battle Creek was celebrated in interesting and appropriate services, Sabbath, Sunday afternoon and evening, and Monday afternoon and evening, May 30 to June 1. The first service of the series was held Sabbath at eleven o'clock. It was a meeting of the whole Sanitarium family for the purpose of, first of all, dedicating themselves anew to the Lord in the service to which he has called them in the medical missionary work. Elder G. C. Tenney preached the sermon. The sermon was followed by a consecration meeting, in which physicians, nurses, and helpers, with confession and devotion, solemnly and feelingly dedicated themselves anew to the service of the Lord. It was recognized by all that this was in reality the most important part of the dedication of the institution; that the dedication of the building would be a very small thing without the truer and more vital dedication of the lives of the workers in the building. This was a good meeting. Sunday afternoon was the time of the dedication of the building. The leading men of the State of Michigan had taken a deep interest in the matter for weeks before. The governor of the State had sent personal invitations, over his official signature, to the governors of the other States, to be present and participate in the exercises. The auditor-general of the State of Michigan had personally written, and published in a number of the papers of the State, an excellent account of the Sanitarium and its work, and an announcement of the dedication. The railroads gave a four days' excursion rate. The day was ideal for the occasion. The services were held in the open air, in front of the building. A platform had been erected on the broad driveway in front of the main entrance, which was occupied by the speakers. The driveway on each side was occupied by the Sanitarium family; the first floor of the columned front was occupied by the singers; and the broad approach, with all the lawn in the front, to the street, and even across the street, was crowded with the thousands of visitors. The governor of the State could not be present himself, but sent one of his secretaries to speak for him. The auditor-general was present and presided. Congressman Gardner was present and spoke. The mayor and leading citizens of Battle Creek were present and took part. Professor O'Shea, of Wisconsin University, and Professor Scott, of Michigan University, were present and spoke. These all counted themselves glad to honor the principles and the work that are represented in the building that was being dedicated. Letters or telegrams of good will, or of regret that they could not be present, were received from the president of the United States and members of his cabinet, from governors of States, and many others. Sunday evening was a union service of the churches of Battle Creek, in the Tabernacle. The pastors of the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches were present and spoke. The pastor of the Baptist church, being prevented from coming, sent a good letter. Professor Barnes's trained chorus and musicians rendered excellent selections of music. Monday afternoon there was a reunion of old patients in the sanitarium parlor. Many words of heartfelt gratitude and praise to God for health restored, and for knowledge of how to live so as to retain it, were spoken by those who had enjoyed the benefits of the institution in the old buildings; and hearty Godspeed to the same blessed work in the new and better building. The exercises were brought to a close Monday night with a health banquet, in which not less than two thousand visitors participated. From beginning to end, though there were such crowded assemblies, the services and exercises of the three days proceeded without a single accident, or a single annoying or even unpleasant incident of any kind. Everything passed off smoothly and most pleasantly, and was quietly but thoroughly enjoyed by all, as a Christian service; and a most excellent impression was made upon all, as to what a Christian celebration can be. A full report of the details of the dedication, description of the building, etc., will be published in the August number of Good Health, of which an edition of two hundred and fifty thousand will be printed. It is hoped that our people throughout the United States will help to place it in the hands of the people. And when the leading officials of the State take such an interest in the principles and work committed to us, as has been done in this matter, surely all of us who are of the church itself, and who stand for these principles and this work in the world,—surely we of all people can with good heart take an interest and do all that is possible to spread abroad the knowledge of it to all people. Please let orders be sent in by the thousands for the August number of Good Health. Dedication at Bethel, Wisconsin
By Alonzo T. Jones
Sunday, May 24, the new meeting-house at Bethel, Wis., was dedicated. About three hundred and fifty people were comfortably seated in the new house, and enjoyed the services. There was a general meeting of the conference workers at Bethel, May 21-26, so about all the ministers and other conference workers were present at the dedication; and of General Conference workers there were present P. T. Magan and A. T. Jones. As the Woodland Academy is at Bethel, and as the school was still in session, the students of the school had the benefit of the services of evenings and Sabbath and Sunday; and also had the benefit of the visits, in the school exercises, of the conference and general workers. The educational work, as well as the other branches of our work, was considered in the meetings. Woodland Academy is a success, and is another excellent demonstration of the wisdom of getting our schools far away from the cities in country places where students and teachers can till the ground and engage in mechanical and other industries. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder A. T. Jones, and the prayer was offered by Elder Wm. Covert. For the average meeting-house, this house is the best arranged for room, convenience, ease of speaking, etc., that I have ever seen. It is built in the form of a Greek cross, the spaces 50 x 60 feet the longest way. It has two wide entrances, and an ante-room. It has also what I have never seen before in any of our average meeting-houses—a neat little room connected with the pulpit platform, in which are a mirror, washstand, bowl, pitcher, and water, and hooks for coat, hat, etc., for the use of the minister; a place where the minister before standing in the pulpit can arrange his toilet. Every minister can recollect many occasions when he has arrived at the place of meeting only after a long trip, with soiled hands, disarranged hair, and dusty face; and for lack of conveniences for washing was compelled to stand and speak and conduct services in the name of the Lord, in this uncomfortable and unbecoming condition. How refreshingly welcome at such times would have been just such a dainty little place as is this minister’s room in the Bethel meeting-house! May its number be mightily increased in the land! The house is well built, with a high basement, and is furnace heated. It cost, complete, $2,500. And the work was so economically done that a practical builder present, said that he would not want to take a contract to duplicate it for less than $3,200. The same plan can easily be adopted on a smaller scale. And I would recommend to all our churches that are contemplating building, that they communicate with Elder Wm. Covert, Bethel, Wis., with reference to the plan of this house that they have built at Bethel. I am sure that for economy of space, material, and expenditure, and for excellence of arrangement, this plan will be found well worthy of consideration by all. The meetings in connection with the dedication of the Bethel house of worship were a blessing to the church, to the school, and to all visitors present. The blessing attending this meeting was only a part of that which is attending the work throughout the whole State. At the general meeting there were presented calls for baptisms to be attended to in twenty-six separate localities in the conference. And the number of persons waiting for baptism in these places is about one hundred. And many of these in places where the ministers have not been especially working. From this meeting the ministers go to visit these localities and baptize these waiting ones before the tent work begins; as the tent season is late this year on account of wet and cold weather. In the conference this year there will be five tents operated, besides considerable work to be done in halls and schoolhouses in localities where there are now good interests, and from which there are urgent calls. Thus may it be in all conferences in the United States and the whole world. Additions to the Lincklaen Center Church
THREE additions were recently received by the church at Lincklaen Center, N. Y. Ten Souls Added at Highmore
TEN souls, of whom seven are heads of families, have been added to the Sabbath-keeping company at Highmore, S. D., under the recent labors of Brother E. G. Hayes. Literature Order from Cape Town
The International Tract Society office in Cape Town recently received an order from a native up-country for sixty copies of “Steps to Christ” in Kaffir, and the same number in Sesuto, and sixty copies of “Coming of the Lord” in both Kaffir and Sesuto. This native had used our literature before, and knew what it was.