The past four years have witnessed a steady increase in the enrollment of the college. In 1898-99 the enrollment was 213; in 1899-1900 it was 237; 1900-01, 254; and this year it is 298. There is no reason why this college should not be full and running over from year to year. There are between two and three thousand young people in Healdsburg College district who are of proper age to attend college. Of course some of these are hindered from doing so by a lack of means, but as the college comes upon a proper basis in the carrying forward of industrial work, many students will be enabled to pay at least a part of their expenses by work. As has been already stated, the enrollment for the present year is 298; 185 of these are in the college department, above and including the eighth grade; 130 are in the primary and intermediate department, which this year has been under the direction of the church, and is properly called the Healdsburg College Church School. The average attendance of the entire school is about 230; while the average attendance in the college proper has been 130.
Class of Students
On the whole, Healdsburg College has had a better class of students this year than for several years past. It is true that the older class of students who used to be in attendance in our schools and colleges is now absent, and the work being done in our institutions is largely of a primary and intermediate order. This year the average age of our students is about twenty.
Spiritual Condition
There has been a good degree of spirituality in the school this year. Although there have been no extraordinary spiritual revivals, there has been a willingness on the part of the students to take hold of missionary enterprises and do whatever work has been placed before them, with a hearty, cheerful spirit. The college missionary society has been attended by the majority of the students; about three hundred of our periodicals have been taken and sent out to those who it was thought would be interested in reading our papers. Some medical missionary work has been done, the nurses' department of the college having fitted some of our young people to do Christian Help work in the homes of the needy. About one hundred and twenty-five students have expressed a desire to prepare for the Lord's work.
In the recent effort made by the college in the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons,” the school made a hearty response. One hundred and fifteen or twenty students were in attendance at that time, and one hundred teachers and students responded to the call, going into different portions of the field to engage in canvassing for three days. This effort has brought a missionary spirit into the school, and many of our students desire to canvass during the summer.
Discipline of the School
On the whole, the discipline of the school during the past year has been good. Out of the one hundred and eighty-five students who entered the college department, only six or eight have left the school on account of not harmonizing with its principles.
Industrial Features of the School
The industrial phase of our educational work is on the advance. Previously to this year, printing, tent making, and broom making were being carried on; printing this year, and painting, sewing, and blacksmithing, cooking, and dressmaking have been added. The teachers have been asked to take up the industrial work as a part of their regular duties. The intellectual studies are carried on at the college in the forenoon, while the industrial work is carried on in the afternoon in the different shops and on the farm and school ground. A store has also been started, which has been demonstrated to be a very necessary adjunct to our school. This will be continued.
The following data will give some idea of the work that the students have been carrying on during the year: 148 have been pursuing a regular course of Bible study, 10 are studying for the ministry, 15 to become Bible workers, and 36 have handed in their names to take the canvassers' drill; 30 students are preparing for the church-school work, 38 to become physicians and nurses, and 12 for Christian business lines; 10 students have been taking instruction in printing, 10 in cooking, 25 in dressmaking, 8 in broom making, 8 in painting, 5 in tent making, 2 in blacksmithing, and 25 in nursing.
Class Work
The students have manifested a good degree of interest in their regular class work. The teachers have been endeavoring to bring their work into harmony with the principles the Lord has laid down for the teaching of different studies; a greater effort has been made to make the Bible the basis of all study, but we are persuaded that we have but begun to see what the Lord has for us in presenting to the students all the legitimate lines of work from a Bible view-point. It will take faith and perseverance on the part of the teachers to meet the Lord's mind in this matter, but it will be done; for the Lord has told us that there shall be delay no longer. He has set his hand the second time to bring the schools up to the standard that he has raised for them. “Christ's Object Lessons” contains the principles of Christian education which the Lord is earnestly longing to see brought into his schools.
This book is the greatest contribution to the cause of Christian education that has yet been made. It leads the way; it marks out the road, leading directly opposite to that in which worldly educators are traveling; it shows us the road that we must take if we would be the head and not the tail. There are those among us who will read “Christ's Object Lessons,” adopt its principles, and the Lord will move upon them to write books for our schools which will be in harmony with the principles therein set forth; and the day is not far distant when Seventh-day Adventists will have an educational system founded upon Christian principles which will be more complete than any worldly system of education. We should not hold back, but step into the path of God's opening providences, and enjoy the experiences and blessings which will come as the sure result of hearty co-operation with our great Leader.
Finances
The college has been able to make all its running expenses the past year, and also to pay the interest on its interest-bearing notes. If the Healdsburg College debts were lifted, there is no reason why the institution should not be able to make its way, and do a great work in educating our young people to become standard bearers in the cause of God.
Future Plans
It is now planned to hold a three-weeks teachers' institute, beginning about the first of July. It is expected that all the teachers who will be engaged in teaching in our church schools the coming year will attend this institute. It is also expected that the Union Conference Educational Committee will be present at this institute to carry out the work of providing a uniform course of study, and of selecting the text-books to be used in all the church schools in the Pacific Union Conference. Following the teachers' institute will19be a summer school for teachers; this will continue about ten weeks. Those teachers who are deficient in any of the common branches, or who are desirous of taking some advanced work, will find in the summer school a good opportunity. It is now expected that the college will be open the year round for school work. There will be a vacation of about three weeks in the month of June, during which time the annual camp meeting is generally held. Between thirty and forty of the students in school at present are planning to attend the summer school. As the industrial phase of the school is developed, it will be necessary to have more student help in order to carry it on properly. Several of the departments of work can be carried on more profitably during the summer months than at any other time.
As we review the work of the year, we feel grateful to the Lord for the success that has attended the school, and with courage we enter the broader fields of blessing and opportunity that the Lord is opening before us.
The School in Bridgetown, Barbados
By Mrs. W. A. Sweaney
MRS. W. A. SWEANEY
We began school at this place, October 14. Had you entered the schoolroom with me that morning, you would doubtless have felt very much as I did, that some changes were necessary before much could be accomplished. There was a shelf around the room, and in front of this the children sat on a bench without a back, with their backs, of course, to the teacher.
When the hour for opening arrived, they all came in and scrambled over the bench and over one another, and then looked over their shoulders to see what I was doing. I assigned books as best I could from the scanty supply at hand, but from their variety, it seemed as if it would be necessary to have as many classes as there were pupils. I now experienced something entirely new to me,—many of the children studying their lessons aloud! I tried to make them understand that there was a better way than that to prepare their lessons; but they simply could not grasp the idea of silent study. Not even whisper? How they laughed!
We have a nice, quiet school now. It seems to me I never saw children develop so rapidly, nor take such a deep interest in their work. I have thirty pupils enrolled, ranging in age from six to thirty-five. We have a class of young ladies, as nice, bright, intelligent girls as one would wish to meet. They are fitting themselves to become teachers, canvassers, Bible workers, etc. They are having a good experience in the things of God. Before school opened, they were scarcely able to bear testimony in social meeting, but now they review the Sabbath school or lead a Bible study in church or elsewhere without any hesitancy. They were all members of the church; at our quarterly meeting four more went forward in baptism, and since that time three others have made a start. Their parents and guardians tell us that they are sure they understand the step they are taking, as there is a marked change in their everyday experience in the home life.
December 20 we closed school for a two weeks' vacation. The last week was spent in review and written examination. I think in all my experience as a teacher I never saw such earnestness, anxiety, and desire for success, as that manifested by the pupils during that week's work. As I looked over and marked their papers, I felt repaid for my ten weeks of hard work. God had indeed richly blessed us.
During the vacation, Mr. Sweeney reseated the house, making seats large enough to hold two, with backs and desks. This has made my work much easier, as well as being more comfortable for the pupils. He also painted several blackboards.
We have three Bible classes, and all seem to enjoy the work. Next to this they enjoy physiology and hygiene, and best of all, they put into practice what they learn. They tell me of their trials in giving up certain things, and of victories gained. We pray together over them, and then rejoice together when the enemy is defeated.
Many of the people here regard domestic work as a disgrace, to be done only by a servant. We have been seeking God earnestly to help us overcome this evil. In our school we teach sewing, scrubbing, sweeping, etc. At first some were rather reluctant to attempt such a thing as scrubbing. I did not urge them, but took the pail of water and a mop, and went to work. When more water was needed, I took the pail and went to the nearest standpipe to get it. They were astonished. But this did not last long. Young people give up such ideas more readily than people who have clung to them for years. Now there is no day that they enjoy more than scrubbing day.
Hard work is required, but we are glad for the privilege of working. God has given us many precious promises concerning this work, and we are daily realizing his willingness to verify them. We are earnestly seeking God to help us that our schoolroom may represent the order and government of heaven. And need a teacher be discouraged, since the Lord promises to be present, and by his Holy Spirit impress the lessons upon the hearts and minds of the children? God has indeed richly blessed our efforts thus far, and we are seeking him earnestly, and trusting him for victory and for further guidance.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to June 7, 1902, is $43,733.84.
NAME
AMOUNT
Mrs. M. L. Weller
$1 00
I. B. Palmer
1 00
Mrs. Mary A. Stamp
5 00
J. D. Brownley
1 00
Mrs. C. Hutchinson
1 50
Hannah Swadling
2 50
C. T. Kirk
1 50
Mr. & Mrs. A. W. Fox
5 00
M. McFarran
1 00
Louis Keuster
1 00
Mrs. A. M. Slocum
50
E. Richter
5 00
E. Estet
20
Almeda Alcord
1 00
Mrs. J. M. Sampson
5 00
M. W. Blue
5 00
Mabel Blue
50
John P. Hannon
1 00
A sister (Miami)
3 00
Mrs. E. Stych
4 75
Mrs. S. Harding
10 00
H. J. Thomson
2 00
Fritz Guy
4 50
Mrs. M. J. Hayes
5 00
Mrs. E. J. Kinney
1 00
Mrs. C. M. Atwood
3 75
Mrs. H. O. Waldron
2 00
J. B. Brown
1 00
C. H. Gober
1 00
Eva M. Davis
1 00
M. Rickman
1 00
Agnes Swanson
10 00
C. H. Drown
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Ginley
2 00
Mr. & Mrs. R. Vickery
5 00
A friend (Gaylord)
5 00
Mrs. E. Farnsworth
1 00
M. H. Moore
5 00
Oklahoma
1 00
H. W. Jordan
50
Celia Hackett
1 00
Mrs. M. E. Cason
2 50
Mrs. S. A. Wheeler
1 00
Mrs. M. B. Hall
3 50
L. Anderson
1 00
Alice M. Cook
5 00
Rex Strom
50
W. S. Soden
5 00
A friend (Arizona)
60
P. Prefitt
1 00
M. M. Penwarden
1 00
J. F. Archibald
2 00
Mrs. F. C. Montgomery
1 00
M. & O. Andre
2 00
L. Winch & Rosa Carey
1 00
W. A. Gosmer
1 00
Mrs. E. R. Hoyt
50
Mrs. E. L. Seward
1 00
G. H. Smith
3 00
Mrs. M. Lamont & sister
10 00
Mrs. L. W. Rinker
5 00
Mrs. J. C. Lewis
1 00
Mrs. F. Noyes
5 00
Nellie Shoemaker
5 00
Mr. & Mrs. W. A. Collins
2 00
Mrs. E. L. Frakes
2 50
F. H. Apel
3 50
Three sisters (Iowa)
1 15
J. H. Kraft
25 00
Mrs. Nina Boggs
2 00
Mrs. J. G. Foster
1 00
Mrs. P. Worth
1 00
Marie Johnson
2 00
Edgar Cauer
5 00
Mrs. Carrie Johnson
5 00
G. Swahn
1 00
Mrs. C. Shinkle
1 00
Lizzie Andrew
25
Winfield Nary
1 25
Mrs. L. E. Conraz
50
Mr. & Mrs. J. Whetstone
3 00
Mrs. B. F. Locke
25
Lee Crockett
1 00
C. Byers
20
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Wilcox
1 00
Mrs. L. J. Sage
50
D. B. Staples
2 00
Tubac (Arizona)
3 00
G. D. Sweet
1 00
Mrs. Eggleston
1 00
E. M. Pierce
2 00
Mrs. H. E. Francisco
2 00
Mrs. S. L. Manhart
1 00
R. L. Simpson
10 00
A. Larson
1 00
Jessie Morelock
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. Buckley
1 50
M. Pruett
50
J. F. Klostermyer
2 50
A believer (Hebron, Wis.)
3 00
Sarah M. Moore
2 00
Fritz Guy
4 00
Mrs. J. H. Bennett
2 00
Mrs. M. McDowell
1 00
Mrs. Sarah Healey
1 50
W. H. Sanders
5 00
A. M. Procter
10 00
G. F. Evans
5 00
A. M. Dalton
25
W. Greenleaf
5 00
Mrs. E. J. Vine
1 00
Ella McMannus
1 00
Mary E. Rogers
50
Mrs. A. G. Warner
1 00
Mrs. J. A. Howell
1 00
Joseph Dayton
1 00
N. J. Ross
25
Mrs. H. P. McConnell
1 00
Mary Beach
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Trovillo
5 00
Mrs. C. C. West
1 00
A. Jones
3 30
M. F. Ingold
2 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Watt
1 00
Rebecca Ake
1 00
G. W. Rogers
65
Maggie King
2 50
Mrs. Warren West
1 00
E. Burnie
4 00
W. Brigham
5 00
J. D. Miracle
2 00
D. L. Reinhart
2 00
E. J. McIntyre
5 00
Elizabeth Dunham
2 50
E. E. Sander
5 00
Mrs. F. Beck
1 00
Albert Beck
50
H. H. Forbes
50
F. W. Hyser
20 00
Atha Davis
35
Alice Anderson
1 00
Mrs. E. H. Ewell
50
J. P. Yates
25
J. Ghering
2 00
J. H. Davis
5 00
Mrs. M. E. Hine
1 00
M. S. & I. Cantrell
25
Susan Noland
3 60
Eugenia M. Douglass
5 00
Fritz Guy
6 50
Milton Harlan
50 00
Sarah E. Harlan
50 00
Mrs. L. J. Spencer
1 50
L. S. Lane
2 50
A Silvery Light for Every Cloud
“For every cloud a silv’ry light—
God wills it so.
For every vale a shining height;
A glorious morn for every night;
A birth for labor’s throe;
For snow’s white wing, a verdant field;
A gain for loss;
For buried seed, the harvest yield!
For pain a strength, a joy revealed;
A crown for every cross.”
Do Not Weary in Welldoing
By Ellen G. White
I AM glad that there has been such harmonious effort to carry out the purpose of God and to make the most of his providence. This effort to circulate “Christ’s Object Lessons” is demonstrating what can be done in the canvassing field. To ministers, students, fathers, mothers, young men, and young women who have engaged in this work I would say: Let not your interest flag. Let this good work go forward steadily, perseveringly, grandly, till the last debt is removed from all our schools, and a fund is created for the establishment of schools in important fields where there is great need of educational work.
As the ministers and Bible workers are called to other labors, let the members of our churches say to them, “Go forward with your appointed work, and we will continue to labor for the circulation of ‘Object Lessons,’ and for the freedom of our schools.” Let no one feel that this work should stop with the special effort of 1900 and 1901. The field is never exhausted, and this book should be sold for the help of our schools for years to come.
Let us have faith in God. In his name let us carry forward his work without flinching. The work he has called us to do he will make a blessing to us. And when his plan for the relief of our schools has been vindicated, when the work pointed out has been fully accomplished, he will indicate to us what to do next.
As long as the message of mercy is to be given to the world, there will be a call for effort in behalf of other institutions and enterprises similar to that for the relief of our schools. And as long as probation continues, there will be opportunity for the canvasser to work. When the religious denominations unite with the papacy to oppress God’s people, places where there is religious freedom will be opened by evangelistic canvassing. If in one place the persecution becomes severe, let the workers do as Christ has directed: “When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.” Matt. 10:23. If persecution comes there, go to still another place. God will lead his people, making them a blessing in many places. Were it not for persecution, they would not be so widely scattered abroad to proclaim the truth. And Christ declares, “Ye’ shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” Until in heaven is spoken the word, “It is finished,” there will always be places for labor and hearts to receive the message.
Wherefore “let us not be weary in welldoing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9.
MRS. E. G. WHITE.
Willing Service
By A. R. SANDBORN
“Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chron. 29:13, 14. These words should be upon the lips, and should come from the heart, of every one of God’s people to-day; for the call has been made for material to build the house of God, not only these houses on earth, our colleges, but the greater house that is in building, in which is neither sound of hammer nor saw.
My dear brethren, are we responding with the willingness of David and his people? Can the decree soon come forth, “It is enough”? If so, then we shall be ready for any work God calls us to do, but we must remember that all we do must be willing service.
My brethren in the ministry, as we go to the people, asking them to join in the campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” do they see in us that joyful, willing service and life and energy that were in David? If this be so, then I believe that the same hearty response will be made. Our people will not get the idea that they are forced to do this, nor will they take the required number of books in order to get rid of the worker.
We are living in the testing time, not the test of how many books we can sell, but of how many we willingly sell. This test is far-reaching; for God is laying the foundation for greater and more severe trials of our faith. So, for our soul’s salvation, and the salvation of others, let us surrender ourselves willingly, but firmly, to the work of placing our beloved schools where God would have them, and thus stand this test. Then, with David, we can say, “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.” 1 Chron. 29:17.
A. R. SANDBORN.
To the Young People
By W. S. Sadler
THE providence of God is calling his people to put forth united effort in giving the book, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” to the world. They need the book. As a people, we need the experience of giving them the book; and our educational institutions, to which the book has been dedicated, need the means with which to liquidate their indebtedness. I sincerely believe that the young people have a part to act in this matter. There are a goodly number of young people’s societies organized, and there are scores of other isolated youth who are not members of these organized societies. All these should unite in one grand effort to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons.” In the Northern California Conference alone, we have over five hundred young people on our list, who should take part in this work. In the Pacific Union Conference, there are, undoubtedly, one thousand young men and women who are competent and qualified to do something in this direction. If every one of these young people should dispose of six copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,”—and it could be done easily,—this would make a total of six thousand copies21of the book. Just think of it! What a help that would be! This army of young people could easily do more; surely they can expect to do nothing less.
I learned from Professor Cady that the young people at Healdsburg are engaging in the work enthusiastically, and in San Francisco we are preparing—young people and all—to take hold of the matter earnestly; and last evening as I was meditating on our work here, the thought came forcibly to me, I must appeal to all our young people to take a hand in this matter. I would like to write a personal letter to every one, but this I cannot do.
The trumpet call has sounded. The work is before us; now let all our young people rally around the banner of service. To lay hold of this present opportunity in the fear of God may mean an experience that will turn the tide of influence in other souls, and prove the means of making them successful workers in the cause of God.
Let the leaders of our young people’s societies bring this matter up at their first meeting, and let there be united action all along the line.
W. S. SADLER.
A Blessed Experience
By E. E. Gardner
While canvassing for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” a lady of refinement and affluence, whose people are mostly united Catholics, purchased my book, and engaged with me in conversation as to what constitutes true Christianity. She requested me to call when I had any good, practical reading matter to sell. This I have done, furnishing her with The Signs of the Times and the Good Health. Finally I left a copy of “Great Controversy” for her perusal and examination. She had just finished reading “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and, unsolicited, bore the following remarkable testimony: “That is the most wonderful book I ever read. It tells the straight truth. I would not have missed reading it for one thousand dollars.” Her eyes were moist, and I said to myself, What a privilege to minister when one here and there is so refreshed by the life-giving truths of this great message.
This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. God has his eye on honest hearts. Our literature, laden with the truth for this time, is a credit to all who carry it. May the Lord call many to this work, for of such it is written: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.” Isa. 52:7.
E. E. GARDNER.
Current Mention
—A railway wreck at Black River, Mich., June 8, resulted in death or fatal injuries to five, and serious injury to about forty others.
—Five persons who were sleeping in the Arcade building at Saratoga, N. Y., in the early morning of June 9, perished in a fire which destroyed the building.
—In the June issue of the Sentinel of Christian Liberty report is made of sixty-seven towns and cities in this country where an agitation exists for the enforcement of the Sunday laws. And this report doubtless comes far short of covering every instance of this kind.
—King Edward of England recently showed an unprecedented mark of favor to the United States by dining, accompanied by the queen and Princess Victoria, at the residence of the American ambassador, Mr. Choate. This is the first time that a British sovereign has ever dined with the ambassador of a foreign power.
—It is believed the volcanoes in Martinique and St. Vincent have passed their period of violent activity, and the islands will now be left to recover as far as they can from the effects of the recent eruptions. It is estimated that 32,000 lives were lost by these eruptions, and that the value of property destroyed was between $10,000,000 and $15,000,000.
—The lower house of Congress has prepared and passed an anti-anarchist bill, the principal features of which are that any person in this country advocating or justifying the killing of the president or other officers of the government or the ruler of any other civilized land, because of his or her official capacity, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both; and that all persons who disbelieve in, or are opposed to, organized government are prohibited from entering this country.
—The exact present status of Cuba as regards independence, the theory and forms of which are now set up in the Cuban government, is well defined in this paragraph from a recent speech by Senator Beveridge, dealing with the Cuban situation: “Congress has decreed perpetual American guardianship to Cuba’s foreign relations, finance, sanitation, naval stations, and, over all, the right of the United States to send its soldiers there at any time to preserve order, property, life, and law; and this American suzerainty has been adopted in the constitution of Cuba itself.”
—A tornado swept a path through the richest agricultural section of Illinois, June 11, destroying property of every kind, and causing an unknown number of fatalities, eleven deaths being reported up to the following morning. The path of the storm extended from Macoupin County on the south to Livingston County on the north, taking in the towns of Merna, Morton, Champaign, Urbana, Lincoln, and the cities of Bloomington and Peoria. The full force of the storm was felt at Bloomington, and the damage there was very heavy. From $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 is the estimated property loss.
—Six persons were drowned by the capsizing of rowboats on Long Island Sound, during a fierce gale, June 8. Nine persons were drowned June 7 by the sinking of a steamer outside of Duluth harbor, Minn., due to a collision.
—President Palma, of the Cuban republic, has signed an amnesty bill, which extends a pardon to all Americans convicted of crime in Cuba during the period of American occupation, among these being Neely and Rathbone, who figured in the Cuban post-office scandal. This amnesty bill is intended, according to President Palma, as an “evidence of our gratitude and good will toward the United States and the American people,” though it certainly does not appear how the freeing of convicted American criminals can be regarded as a favor to the American people.
—Professor Heilprin, president of the Philadelphia Geographical Society, at great risk of his life, recently ascended to the top of Mount Pelée, and took observations of the conditions existing within the crater, so far as they were visible from the summit. It is positively known, he says, that there has been no overflow of molten matter from the crater. He further affirms that there has been no subsidence of the mountain, and that the height of Mount Pelée is unchanged; that the crater does not contain a cinder cone; and that there has been no cataclysm and no topographical alteration of the country. Professor Heilprin believes the period of violent eruption has now passed.
—Satisfactory progress, from the Roman Catholic point of view, is being made in promoting the establishment of political relations between this government and the papacy, through the Taft mission to Rome, devised by Archbishop Ireland. Soon after his arrival in Rome, Governor Taft was invited to a reception given by the pope, at which he was accorded “special honors,” and according to report was greatly impressed by the occasion; and particularly with the personal qualities displayed by the pontiff, with whom he conversed through a French interpreter. The latest news tells of Governor Taft’s presence at a papal “consistory,” which is described as having been “a brilliant diplomatic event.” We are struck with this paragraph in the cable report from Rome: “The master of ceremonies asked the secretaries of the several foreign embassies present to make room for Governor Taft. They at first objected, not knowing who the governor was. They moved readily enough when informed that Governor Taft was the special envoy of the United States, and entitled to a place among the ambassadors of the European powers.” (Italics ours.) And now that the United States government has sent to the Vatican a “special envoy,” who is “entitled to a place among the ambassadors of the European powers,” is it not fitting that a papal “special envoy,” who likewise shall be “entitled to a place among the ambassadors of the European powers,” should be received at Washington? The United States government is being brought into a position where the acceptance of such an envoy can be strongly urged on the grounds of consistency and courtesy, and ere long, from present indications it will be hopelessly entangled in the web of papal diplomacy. For this Rome is studiously working.22
—The Naval Appropriation bill, calling for an outlay of $78,000,000, has been passed by the Senate.
—Nine girls were killed and fifteen others injured by a fire in the central part of London, England, June 9.
—A cyclone near Ulen, Minn., June 10, destroyed property for a distance of twenty miles, and killed a number of people, no definite report on the latter point being at hand.
—The contest over the question of allowing a tariff concession to Cuba has ended in Congress in a victory for the concession. A bill providing for this will be framed shortly.
—The St. Luke’s Society Sanitarium in Chicago was destroyed by fire, June 9, ten of the inmates being burned to death. The president of the society is held on a charge of manslaughter.
The Highest Aim
“There is a divine alchemy in a high purpose. A great ambition can make a dull man sharp and a timid man brave. A man grows with his growing purposes. The higher the aim, the stronger the influence it exerts. The highest aim of all is the kingdom of God on earth. When a man sets his will steadfastly toward that, he is lifted beyond himself.”
“I Can’t Canvass”
By I. J. Hankins
Of course you can’t, for you can’t do any good work. But, brother, stop a moment and consider. Why do you excuse yourself? It was the men who were called to the supper who excused themselves. Does your statement, “I can’t canvass,” reveal the fact that you have been impressed that you ought to canvass? If so, who impressed you? If it was the Lord, do you think he made a mistake? If he has called you to be an instrument in his hands, does he not know where he can use you to the best advantage?
If your own mind has been surrendered, and you are letting the mind of Christ be in you, will you ask to be excused from any work to which he may call you?—Surely not!
Since there ought to be one hundred men in the canvassing field where there is now one, it is evident that the Lord is calling men. Those who are called will know it, do know it. But won’t the Lord excuse them? Ask him. Sometimes we excuse ourselves from duty, and think that the Lord excused us. Do not make this mistake. Christ said he could do nothing; but he also said that the Father who dwelt in him did the work. If Christ dwells in us, he will use us as canvassers, if he chooses to do so, and if we are willing, and we shall be willing. He does not use men against their will. I am writing to those whom God is calling. You know, brother, sister, if he is calling you. If he is, do not be afraid to say, “I am ready, Lord; use me as thou wilt.” Who will respond to his convictions, and trust God for success? I. J. HANKINS.
