p. 22 | Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 61. (12/9/1915)

The Tent Effort in Oakland, Cal.

By J. W. McCord.

About one hundred persons have accepted the truth in Oakland, Cal., as a result of the tent effort which Elder R. S. Fries and the writer conducted there this summer.

It was a good series from start to finish. We had a new tent seventy by one hundred feet, a fine location in the heart of the city, splendid weather, and faithful, hard-working Bible workers. We also received considerable help from the churches near by, and the cordial support of Elder C. E. Ford, the pastor of the Oakland church.

This splendid team work, with the blessing of the Lord, brought success, and for this blessing we humbly thank the Lord of the harvest. We are now binding off the work, and the prospects are bright for a large ingathering.

Up to the time of writing this report, fifty-four persons have been received into the church—fifty-two by baptism and two on former baptism. However, by the time this report is in print, the number added to the church will be somewhat larger, as we have fifteen candidates who are now ready for baptism, which will be administered November 20.

Of course it will take a few months longer to properly bind off this work; for in addition to the Sabbath keepers yet to be baptized, there are more than fifty others who are interested. The expenses of this series of meetings were rather large, but then the attendance was also large, and we are glad to say that the donations more than covered the expenses.

The meetings continued for fifteen weeks, and the attendance averaged about six hundred each night. The Saturday night attendance averaged eight hundred, and on Sunday the average attendance was fully one thousand. The expenses amounted to $1,760, and the donations amounted to $1,813.17, thus leaving us a small surplus. We also gave away thousands of tracts, and sold $180 worth of small books.

The Exposition gave us a splendid opportunity to sow the seed among thousands of visitors from the different States, and eternity alone will disclose what the full harvest will be. Those who have accepted the truth seem to be good. forth substantial persons, and all but four of them are adults.

What a wonderful privilege is ours to have a part in such a work at such a time!

J. W. McCORD.

Editors Friendly to Our Message

By W. L. BURGAN

The message proclaiming the soon coming of the Lord is still being published over broad fields through the newspapers of this and other countries. A large corps of our brethren and sisters are taking advantage of the opportunities before them to enlighten their communities through this medium. Many of our lay members are asking for material to give to their home editors, while others are preparing articles explaining from a Biblical standpoint the reasons for the terrible conditions that now exist in the earth, and are making plain the fact that these conditions foretell the return of the Saviour.

Many editors, when presented with sermons or articles in the form of interviews or letters dealing with the unrest now in the world as foretold in the Sacred Word, express their interest in such accounts, and gladly consent to publish them. It has been stated repeatedly that the vast majority of editors are unacquainted with the truths of the Bible; and when articles dealing with the great war or other events of the day are prepared properly, they are received with thankfulness. On a number of occasions the presentation of such articles has been the means of throwing open the columns of newspapers for a series of articles, with the result that some have accepted present truth who obtained their first knowledge of it through this agency.

A worker in Michigan has been having some interesting experiences in writing for the papers. He says:—

“The editors here seem to be very friendly, and since I have furnished them with articles a number of times, they have requested items. One of the editors told me that he considered them good news, and that he enjoyed reading them. They have helped in bringing the truth before the busy class of people. They are also a help in increasing the attendance at our services. As I meet the people, they often speak of the articles, and if a week goes by without something in the papers, some one is sure to remind me of it. I know that it counts in souls saved in the kingdom of God.”

One sister in California volunteers the following encouraging testimony concerning the newspaper work:—

“For a number of years I have been supplying the local papers with articles in regard to our message for these last days. When there are lectures or sermons by our visiting ministers, one paper, especially, has always published synopses of them. We had the statistical reports published, and some of the other articles were also accepted. One of the editors who had favored the ‘newspaper bills’ before Congress last winter, published in full our article on the subject, and gave the matter his personal investigation, saying he would sign the petition against the bills, and send it to Washington.”

This sister says she is glad to co-operate with the movement to give the message through the newspapers, and she has met with excellent success in her efforts. Her idea of supplying extracts of the lectures and sermons given by the visiting ministers is one that should be followed all over the country. Editors are generally willing to give publicity to the visiting ministers’ remarks, as well as to the remarks of others, and no opportunity should be lost to herald the truth through this agency.

One of our lay brethren in Illinois, who is a physician by profession, says he is using the newspapers to speed on the message. He says, “I can see that the Lord is moving upon editors to lend their powerful influence in this, the day of his power.”

A minister in Minnesota, who has been meeting with excellent success in his newspaper work, tells of a recent effort in one of the large cities of that State:—

“During our ‘Bible Chautauqua Tent’ series, more than forty articles on present truth appeared. My Sunday sermon reports always appear, and I know they are read far and wide. I learn from others in many Minnesota towns that these reports are closely followed. . . . Our workers need to be educated to this thing, and then to keep steadily at it.”

This brother’s suggestion that our workers should “keep steadily at it” in giving the message through the newspapers is a good one. This kind of endeavor requires just as much perseverance as any other in the Lord’s work, and should always be reckoned as a large factor in our efforts to reach every nation, kindred, tongue, and people with the gospel in this generation.

W. L. BURGAN.

Northern California Conference

By Clarence Santee

WHILE it is always difficult to get the exact figures on church missionary work, the results in general are shown in the following report:—

Since the opening of the tent season, one hundred and seventeen have accepted present truth, and, including camp meetings, one hundred and thirty-six have been baptized. Our Sabbath school membership has increased by two hundred and fifty since January 1. These encouraging results cheer our hearts, but as we see many too deeply engrossed with the cares of this life to have time for spiritual advancement in carrying the light in some way to those who do not know it, we many times think, What grand results might have been achieved if all were awake and lifting! The Lord does not call every one to go out among the people, but he has made it possible for every one to have a part in the work and in the reward.

The omens that the coming of the Lord is near, and that probation is about to close, are so apparent that many who do not know the meaning of the present conditions are seeking for light from those who are studying the prophecies. This makes the present a most favorable time to interest the public in the third angel's message.

We are of good courage, and the truth never seemed more convincing.

CLARENCE SANTEE.

Our Northwestern Sanitariums

By L. A. HANSEN

THE encouraging features attending the sanitarium work in the Northwest are not a few. Progress is being made out of conditions that at one time looked unpromising. It has meant and will mean hard work and considerable perplexity to those in charge, but sound principles and good management will continue to win out.

Walla Walla Sanitarium, College Place, Wash.

This sanitarium was literally full, so much so that a guest room at the college had to be secured for the visitor. A patient applying at the same time had to share accommodations with another patient. A good class of patients is coming, and the local support is strong.

Not only has the sanitarium been self-supporting, but an appreciable inroad is being made on the former indebtedness. The confidence of the community has been gained, and the standing of the institution is most creditable.

Much has been done in adding facilities and in making repairs and improvements. A balky horse, the only means of transportation, has given place to an automobile; and an unsightly barn and cow shed, to a neat but inexpensive garage. The heating system has been changed, at a cost of $600. New carpets and linoleum have been secured. A new sterilizer has been purchased. The interior of the building has been refinished, and some outside painting has been done. The bathrooms have been remodeled.

The superintendent, Dr. John Reith, has in a conservative way developed his surgery until he is now prepared to take care of practically all who come, for operations. Confidence in the professional work is freely expressed. A happy family of capable nurses and other workers help to maintain the high standards of the institution. The manager of the sanitarium, F. W. Peterson, carries also the business management of the Walla Walla College. His labors are appreciated, and the relation of the two institutions is helpful.

Portland (Oregon) Sanitarium

Here, too, the sanitarium work has had to meet a handicap of original indebtedness. There was a time, not many years ago, when the cash on hand was but little more than one hundred dollars, while the outstanding bills and accounts were in the thousands. Now the feeling of business men toward the sanitarium is one of confidence. Bills are met so as to secure discounts, and the sanitarium account is desirable. The payment of interest on notes is anticipated; interest has been reduced, and creditors feel satisfied. City improvements added $7,000 to the sanitarium indebtedness, but half of this has been met. No further increase of indebtedness has been made, and no money is being borrowed to pay interest or expenses.

The superintendent, Dr. W. B. Holden, has a reputation for surgery that has brought considerable work of this class.

While there are several hospitals in the city and there has been some falling off in their patronage, our institution has held a full share of business. The surgical cases for the past year numbered 331. Regular medical work is not neglected, the year recording 288 cases of this kind.

The chaplain, C. J. Cummings, finds many opportunities for Bible study and prayer with patients. Several have accepted present truth since leaving. The nurses manifest a good interest in missionary effort.

L. A. HANSEN.

Field Notes

THE church in Rutland, Vt., received twelve new members recently.

EIGHT persons have been baptized at Mosheim, in northern Texas.

THE baptism of five adults is reported near Winslow, N. J.

THE church at Creston, Iowa, received ten new members on a recent Sabbath.

SIX persons have been added to the membership of the Yale, Va., church.

THE baptism of nine new believers is reported from Catalina, Newfoundland Mission.

A NEW Sabbath school was recently organized near Montrose, in western Colorado.

A SABBATH school with a membership of twenty has been organized at Garland, Kans.

ELDER G. M. ALWAY reports a Sabbath school of twenty-two members at Granada, Colo.

ELDER D. T. SHIREMAN writes of the organization of a company of six adult members at Morganton, N. C.

A NEW church has been organized at Fortville, Ind. Seventeen signed the covenant as charter members.

ELDER J. P. GAEDE baptized six persons in Pittsburgh, Pa., not long ago, and four others will unite with the church soon.

AS a result of the tent effort conducted by Elder J. K. Jones, a company of twenty-nine members has been organized at Lawrence, Mass.

ON a recent Sabbath a church with a charter membership of fifteen was organized at Foxcroft, Maine. The next week four members were added.

SEVEN adults recently took their stand for present truth at Sunnyside, Wash., and Elder B. J. Cady reports the baptism of three persons at Prosser.

THE new church building at Sheyenne, N. Dak., was dedicated to the service of God a few weeks ago. Elder H. Shultz preached the dedicatory sermon.

ELDER A. J. CLARK has organized a church at Astoria, Ill.; and as the result of a tent effort held at Moline, twenty-two converts have received baptism.

A CHURCH has been organized at Watertown, S. Dak. Fifteen united by letter, and thirteen by baptism, making a total membership of twenty-eight.

MORE than forty-five persons in Lincoln, Nebr., are now observing the Sabbath as a direct result of the tent effort conducted last summer by Elder O. O. Bernstein.

ELDER B. L. POST writes of four persons who recently united with the church at Lansing, Mich. Several weeks ago ten adults began the observance of the Sabbath at Saginaw.

BEWARE how you regard as trifling faults which appear of but little consequence. You weigh them, and think them nothing; but count them, and you would be frightened at their number.—St. Augustine.

Medical Missionary Department

W. A. RUBLE, M. D. — General Secretary

L. A. HANSEN — Assistant Secretary

H. W. MILLER, M. D. — N. Am. Div. Secretary

The Wabash Valley Sanitarium

By L. A. HANSEN

The sanitarium at La Fayette, Ind., shows improvement over our visit of last January, both in appearance and in financial outlook. The patronage of the past season has been about all that could be desired, a part of the time all but one room being occupied.

The constituency of the sanitarium responded nobly to the call for help, and is showing its confidence in the institution in a substantial way. The earnings have been increased and the expenditures controlled so that operating expenses have been fully met, interest paid, and some months a gain has been shown.

Conservative progress has been made in repairs and improvements. Most of the interior has been repainted. It was demonstrated that patrons are not slow to appreciate repairs. In fact, some would not have remained had not certain improvements been made. A few guest rooms are yet to be refinished, as the income will permit. The management plans to continue to operate on the pay-as-you-go policy, as it has been doing.

The practically complete elimination of flies by a very simple and economical method has been accomplished. All kitchen garbage is put in a can kept in a screened inclosure. Empty tin cans from the kitchen also go there. The garbage is removed daily. Thus by starving the flies there are very few to 'swat.'

The idea of cleaning up in general is one that can be practiced to advantage anywhere and by anybody. Keeping clean costs nothing. Expense is found in not doing so. Above all places, our sanitariums should be models of cleanliness.

The city branch makes a very presentable appearance in its nice location, and is proving a success financially. Dr. F. A. Loop, the sanitarium superintendent, has an office in connection with the city branch. An encouraging feature of the work is the friendly manner in which the physicians of the city and near-by towns are relating themselves to the work of the sanitarium.

While there is plenty of hard work, as well as many problems, in making this sanitarium what it may be, the outlook is hopeful. Progress in the right direction is evidently being made. Patronage is coming. The doctor holds the confidence of the public. The manager, C. M. Christiansen, a man of Christian business experience, is getting a good hold on his work. There are capable helpers in various capacities to aid in making the work of the institution a success.

L. A. HANSEN.

How the Message Is Making Its Way

By Edith M. Graham

The message is rapidly speeding its way to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. We hear only a few of the results. Here are some of them:—

“A timid sister, after some urging, gained courage to go out with some tracts to give away. One of these she handed to a woman on the street. The result was that this woman and her husband accepted the truth, the husband presented it to all his workmen in the business he was conducting, and some of them also are now Sabbath keepers. There are other honest-hearted people everywhere, waiting for our people to take them the truth.”

Here is a soul seeking for truth. She lives in a State where there are hundreds of Sabbath keepers, and surely she might have been found had our members all been hunting for souls:—

“Review and Herald Publishing Assn., Washington, D. C.

“Can you please tell me how and where I can learn about the true Sabbath (Saturday). I received a copy of the ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD through the mail, and have read it over and over.

“I have never had a chance to meet or talk with an Adventist, or any one believing Saturday to be the rest day. I was reared in a Christian home, but always observed Sunday as the Lord’s day. It has always been my belief that Saturday was the real Sabbath.

“I never heard of Adventist churches and ministers until I saw your paper. I will inclose a self-addressed envelope, and shall be exceedingly glad if you can give me some way of finding out more about the Sabbath. My neighbor also is much interested in learning more about it.”

Here is a man who believes in active soul-winning work:—

“The other day I met a man in the conference who is subscribing for forty-five of the weekly Signs, as a result of a business transaction, the proceeds of which he promised to the Lord for subscriptions to the Signs, if the Lord would help him make the deal. The man firmly believes that the Signs brings people into the truth. He interested one man and his family by sending them the paper each week. Finally they wanted him to give them Bible studies, which he did, and as a result this man and his family have joined the church. They, in turn, are planning to prepare for some part in the work.”

The following tells how a woman, though not a Sabbath keeper, is helping to spread the message, and she herself is learning more of it:—

“I have been exceedingly pleased with your Extra ‘The Bible the Word of God.’ For sixty-five years the Bible has been a lamp unto my feet and a light on my pathway. What a blessing if this copy of your paper could be distributed among the Roman Catholics! How the Bible would dissipate all their false and erroneous teachings! Perhaps the Lord may lead you to publish it in the form of a booklet. How many pamphlets containing this kind of teaching were issued forty years ago by H. L. Hastings, of Boston! I wish his mantle might fall on you. God bless you in all your work. Please send me twenty-five cents’ worth of this copy of your HERALD, ‘The Bible the Word of God.’”

Here is another woman who has been impressed to do this same work:—

“Your Extra was handed to me by a lady in the street car, and it is according to my belief and religion, so I should like to carry on the good work and give out copies of ‘Approaching Armageddon.’ Inclosed you will find money; please send the Extras as soon as possible. Also please let me know where your assemblies are held here in Chicago.”

It seems as if God’s people were too slow for him, so he is pressing others into service.

A woman to whom the Signs of the Times has been sent each week, writes:—

“I cannot thank you as I should for

the kindly interest you have taken in me and mine. I thank you so much for the printed matter you have sent, and now I am receiving and simply devouring the Signs of the Times. It is fine, and I shall try to apply its teachings to my own life.”

This woman is evidently hungering for truth, and is ready to walk in it.

“Some one left a few copies of the Watchman on a railroad car. These were picked up by the inspector, who perused them with increasing interest. A short while afterwards this gentleman handed a dollar to one of our workers in the city where he resides, for a year’s subscription to the Watchman, beginning with the June issue. He said, ‘It is certainly a very live little magazine.’ Who can tell what the result will be?”

These are a few experiences out of the great number our people are having. The Lord is working with all his people who will cooperate with him, but he wants many more colaborers. The time has come when we must rush our work. There are signs that doors now wide open will soon close. Let us press in rapidly while we can.

EDITH M. GRAHAM.

A Commendable Work

By L. A. HANSEN.

It was my privilege to visit Dr. J. E. Froom, at Boise, Idaho, and make some personal observations of the work he is carrying on there. Besides a regular medical practice, he is operating treatment rooms. Several features are worthy of special mention.

It is about eight years since Dr. Froom settled in Boise. It was a new field for our medical work, nothing in that line having been done before. Little money was at hand, and whatever was done would need to be self-supporting.

Neat and convenient rooms on the third floor of a good office building afford a waiting room, office, and treatment rooms. The furnishings are good, everything is clean, and there prevails an air of orderliness that is pleasing. The equipment is not expensive, but is serviceable. Quite a number of arrangements for comfort and convenience are of home invention, having been made by the doctor and his son Leroy. I secured a promise that some of these would be presented in an article for Life and Health.

Several of our books and papers are in evidence among the literature on the table in the waiting room. A considerable amount of literature is lent to patients, a record being kept of this, with careful follow-up work of inquiry and further supply. Papers, pamphlets, and bound books receive quite extensive circulation.

The doctor and his wife have taken an active interest in church and Sabbath school work, as well as engaging in outside missionary efforts. This has not seemed to affect unfavorably his professional work, and the spiritual results have been more than gratifying.

The treatment room work is done by young people trained to it by the doctor and his wife. Liberal remuneration is given, besides offering a home with Christian influences and security, and an opportunity for acceptable school privileges.

Such a work as this might well be carried on by other physicians. There is no question that such enterprises would be a blessing to the people, to the workers, and to the cause of God.

L. A. HANSEN.

Home Missionary Department

E. M. GRAHAM -- General Secretary F. W. PAAP -- N. Am. Div. Secretary

Another War Number

By Editor

Yes, the Signs Magazine for January is a war number in the sense that every issue for the past year and a half has been.

War on sin.

War on the purgatory idea.

Attacks, not on individuals, but on the erroneous teachings of Spiritualism, papal principles, and other false doctrines of the day.

Nine current topics with a bearing on the war.

Constantinople’s fate in prophecy.

War cover.

People are thinking and talking about these things, aren’t they? It is our blessed privilege to give them the light.

1916

What will it bring to you? What has it in store for your neighbors? If “blessing” is your answer to the first question, and “truth” is the answer to the second, then consider what a great aid the Signs Magazine would be to you. It gives the message, you know.

Contents for January

The Purpose of Scientific Attainments; The Sabbath of the Apostles; Constantinople, the Goal of the Ages; Religious Tyranny; The Messiah of Prophecy; The Prophecy of Revelation XVII; The Tragic Story of Liberty; Spiritualism; Turkey and the East; The Beginning of Sin; Purgatory Precedes Death.

Why not give yearly subscriptions to relatives and friends? One dollar is the regular rate; but if you send five or more names at one time, you get a sixty-cent rate. The publishers will send a neatly printed card to recipients if desired, informing them of the fact that the subscription is a remembrance from you, and that they are in no way obligated for it.

Usual rates in quantities: 5 to 40 copies, 5 cents each; 50 or more, 4 cents each.

Your tract society will give prompt attention to orders routed through them.

Requests for Prayer

A SISTER in Oklahoma asks our earnest prayers that she may be restored to health. Another Oklahoma sister desires prayer for the healing of herself, and a friend who is seriously afflicted.

South Texas Conference

By J. A. LELAND; C. C. MATTISON

THE South Texas Conference is hereby called to convene in the Seventh-day Adventist church in San Antonio, Tex., at 9 A. M., Thursday, Dec. 23, 1915, for the election of officers and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Let all delegates be present at the first meeting.

J. A. LELAND, President; C. C. MATTISON, Secretary.

South Texas Conference Association

By J. A. Leland; C. C. Mattison

THE South Texas Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists is hereby called to convene in the Seventh-day Adventist church in San Antonio, Tex., at 10 A. M., Monday, Dec. 27, 1915, for the election of officers and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

J. A. LELAND, President; C. C. MATTISON, Secretary.

FREE WITH 1916 INSTRUCTOR SUBSCRIPTIONS

This beautiful 1916 Scripture Text Calendar, nine and one-fourth by sixteen and one-half inches in size and printed in harmonious colors, is given free with every single full-year Instructor subscription ($1.25), and will be sent, as long as stock lasts, for 15 cents extra for every calendar ordered with any six or twelve months' Instructor club. In order to be sure of securing this handsome and most helpful calendar, it will be necessary to order early, the supply being limited. Order through the conference tract society.

Obituaries

LARSEN.—Marie Larsen was born in Denmark, on April 25, 1889, and died at the home of Brother Henry Hansen, in Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 12, 1915. She came to this country about eighteen months before her death, and was taken ill while working in Chicago. She was fully resigned to the will of God, and left a message urging her parents and brothers and sisters to be faithful to God. G. E. LANGDON.

TRUITT.—Died in Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 24, 1915, Samuel Truitt, aged 67 years and 7 months. He was born in Ohio, but later moved West, and was married to Miss Julia Welch, at Wichita, Kans., thirty-two years ago. She and five of their seven children survive. Brother Truitt accepted present truth about nineteen years ago, and at the time of his death was a member of the church at Guthrie, Okla. N. CLAUSEN.

DICKERSON.—Mrs. A. E. Dickerson was born near Nashville, Tenn., March 1, 1850, and died at her home, in Temple, Tex., Oct. 25, 1915. From 1855 until her death her home was in Texas, and for more than thirty years she was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During most of this time she was isolated from those of like faith, but her family and friends bore witness to her faithfulness and Christian integrity. Her husband and a daughter survive. W. A. SWEANY.

BERGH.—Christene G. Thorsen was born in Holden, Norway, Dec. 9, 1856. When thirteen years of age, she came with her parents to America, settling at Mount Morris, Wis. In February, 1896, she was married to Charles Bergh, to whom she bore two children, both of whom survive. About eighteen years ago she received the message of the soon-coming Saviour through Elder T. B. Snow, and united with the Milwaukee Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her death occurred at her home, near Mattawan, Mich., Oct. 23, 1915. C. F. McVAGH.

GOODMAN.—Caroline Goodman, of the First Seventh-day Adventist Church of Washington, D. C., fell asleep June 14, 1915, in the seventy-ninth year of her age, having been born in 1837, of slave parents, at Newbern, N. C. Sister Goodman enjoyed a rich Christian experience. Removing to Washington after the Civil War, she became a practical nurse, and in 1894 accepted present truth under the labors of Elder J. S. Washburn. Funeral services were conducted by the writer, assisted by Brethren L. A. Hansen and J. M. Campbell. S. B. HORTON.

SHULTZ.—John Wesley Shultz was born near Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 2, 1848, and died Oct. 28, 1915. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in Company F, Regiment 191, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and creditably served his country as a soldier until the close of the Civil War, when he was honorably discharged. In 1868 he united in marriage with Orpha Lippencott. To this union were born eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Four daughters preceded their parents to the grave, and on Feb. 5, 1905, the mother was summoned to her final rest. Seven children survive. Among these are John W., a missionary at Fort Limon, Costa Rica; and James E., editor and secretary at Shanghai, China. Aug. 15, 1907, Brother Shultz was married to Miss Laura Jones, who died at Bowman, N. Dak., Aug. 22, 1908. After the death of his second wife he made his permanent home with his daughter, at Castalia, Ohio, where he died. Funeral services were conducted by the writer, in the Congregational church, assisted by the pastor, Rev. J. W. Overmyer. The house was well filled with attentive listeners. A brief service was conducted at the grave, under the auspices of the G. A. R. H. H. BURKHOLDER

Publications Wanted

THE following-named persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, sent post-paid, for use in missionary work:—

A. G. Peart, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies.

Mrs. Katy Taylor, 8102 Platt Ave., Cleveland, Ohio.

Wagner and Lindsey, McKenzie, Tenn. Only magazines and tracts.

J. M. Lucie, Sandusky, N. Y. Signs, Life and Health, Liberty, and Instructor.

Stewart Rogers, 86 Evans Ave., Noblesville, Ind. Temperance Instructor, Signs (weekly or monthly), and Watchman.

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