Earlier text: More Precious Than RubiesAlabama Conference Proceedings
By Helen McKinnon
The fifth session of the Alabama Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Attalla, Ala., August 16-26. The questions brought before the conference for discussion will be seen in the following resolutions and recommendations:— “Whereas, Realizing the importance of the Watchman in the advancement of the message in the South; therefore,— “1. Resolved, That a strong and continued effort be made to place this paper in the home of every Seventh-day Adventist family and isolated Sabbath-keeper in the State, and that clubs of the Watchman be taken for missionary purposes; also that the conference officers secure as early as possible at least one individual to devote his time to the circulation of the Watchman in each of the large cities of the State; namely, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile. “Whereas, There is at present an almost universal demand for religious legislation, as is shown by the many National Reform conventions, and by the frequency of the introduction of bills favoring such legislation before Congress during the past months, and,— “Whereas, There is need of immediate action on the part of liberty-loving people to save the cause and educate State, municipal, and public officials on this subject, therefore,— “2. Resolved, That this conference supply the State legislators with yearly subscriptions of Liberty, and other State officials as far as is advisable. “3. Resolved, That all our churches as far as consistent, elect each a local religious liberty secretary, whose duties shall be to look after local interests and keep in touch with the State secretary of the Religious Liberty department. “4. Resolved, That our churches as far as is possible and consistent see to it that all county and municipal officers be placed as regular subscribers for Liberty, and that we also use our influence to place it in the hands of other influential persons, such as principals of schools, teachers, ministers, lawyers, justices of the peace, editors, etc. “5. Resolved, That we recommend our churches to hold one or more local religious liberty conventions each year. “6. Resolved, That we urge our people in every church to utilize the public press in advocating the principles of religious liberty. “Whereas, There is a downward tendency on the part of our young people and children in both mind and morals, and,— “Whereas, There is nothing in the public system of education which is designed especially to correct these growing evils; therefore,—17 “7. Resolved, That in our families we give more attention to the principles of Christian education and as far as is consistent assist in maintaining home and church-schools. “8. Resolved, That we heed the instruction given us in the Bible and ‘Testimonies for the Church,’ Vol. V, regarding the training of our children. “Whereas, There is a dearth of earnest, consecrated laborers in this field, and there are young people among us who possess much ability, therefore,— “9. Resolved, That we place as many young people as possible in our training-schools that they may be trained for service. “10. Resolved, That we seek to organize our young people in our churches into working societies, and to enlist the services of those who are isolated, by corresponding with them, and encouraging them to engage in missionary work and to report regularly. “Whereas, The time has come when Satan is seeking to bring doubt into the minds of many with reference to the spirit of prophecy’s being in the church, and the real place it is to occupy; therefore,— “11. Resolved, That as a conference we express our confidence in the Testimonies of the Spirit, and our thankfulness to God for this special gift. “Whereas, The book ‘Ministry of Healing’ has been donated to the medical work,— “12. Resolved, That each member of the conference get this book and sell as many copies of it as he can, in order to build up the medical work in this conference. “Whereas, The General Conference has recommended that our Sabbath-schools set apart the contributions of one or more Sabbaths in each quarter, as may be necessary for the expenses of the school, all the contributions of the remaining Sabbaths to be given to missions; therefore,— “13. We recommend, That we carry out the same plan in our schools in this conference. “Whereas, The profits arising from the sale of the book ‘Story of Joseph’ have been dedicated to the establishment and maintaining of mission schools in the South among the colored people, therefore,— “14. We recommend, That greater efforts be put forth by all our people to increase the sale of this book.” Credentials were granted to A. J. Haysmer, W. S. Cruzan, Sydney Scott; ministerial license to Joseph Lawrence; missionary license to Helen McKinnon, J. J. Evans, R. I. Keate, Dr. Lottie C. Isbell, Mrs. Sydney Scott. The following officers were unanimously elected: President, A. J. Haysmer; Secretary and Treasurer of the Conference, Tract Society, Educational and Sabbath-school and Religious Liberty departments, Helen McKinnon; Secretary of Medical Missionary department, O. R. Staines; Conference Executive Committee, A. J. Haysmer, W. S. Cruzan, W. J. Blake, Sydney Scott, J. H. Berry; Trustees of Conference Association, A. J. Haysmer, W. H. Williams, J. H. Smith, J. F. Dennis, Sydney Scott. HELEN MCKINNON, Sec. and Treas. Interesting Facts Concerning the Work in the South
By George I. Butler
The writer of this article is not proposing to give a report of the Nashville meeting. Others will do this. But knowing how much interest many of our people feel in the progress of the work here, I will speak of this meeting, as it is an interesting mile-post in the progress of the work in the Southern Union Conference. Various epochs have occurred in the history of the message in this great Southland. I can well remember what seems to me the first entrance of the truth to the central portion of this great field. Elder C. O. Taylor and his companion visited the South. He was an ordained minister of the New York Conference. They were old '44 Adventists who had come into the message at an early day. This visit must have been nearly forty years ago. They labored several years in different parts of the field. We occasionally meet an old Sabbath-keeper who came out under their labors. Another point of interest was reached when Elder S. Osborn, of the Iowa Conference, accompanied by Elder Jacob Hare, of the same conference, came back to his old home in Kentucky. Brother Osborn stayed, and quite a large number came out under his labors. He was much beloved by those who knew him well. His labors were largely confined to Kentucky. Another point of interest was when Elders E. B. Lane and J. O. Corliss, of Michigan, visited Virginia and other places, and helped to start the work in this neglected land. Others also came. Many of these are sweetly sleeping, awaiting the call of the Master. It was a very important epoch when the Review and Herald established a branch office at Atlanta, Ga. During its occupancy of that field a large number of books filled with present truth were sold all over the South, more indeed than we have ever sold since. The rays of gospel light, like the rays of the sun, penetrated the moral darkness, and the truth of God was advanced. That light has not gone out yet. When the office was moved to Nashville, it was still another advance move. After an experience of nearly five years, I have not a doubt that this move was in the order of God. On the whole, Nashville is the very best place in the South for its leading office to be located. The organization of the Southern Union Conference was an epoch of vast importance to the cause in the South. The preaching of the truth in this field was done in a scattering, desultory manner. There was little system or order about it. Consequently in this Southern field there was very little coherency or connection. The distances were wide, with little communication between them. The organization of the union conference was therefore a necessity. Since that took place, there has been an increasing spirit of unity. The parts are becoming acquainted with one another, and a spirit of oneness is becoming more and more apparent. We are beginning to realize that we are one people. This is a very hopeful feature. We have had a great variety and number of trials, perplexities, discouragements, heartaches poverty, and “what-not” to meet in this field. But we are prepared to say with perfect assurance that there is no going back, but a steady advancement, and the work never looked so hopeful as now. Very valuable help has come here the present year. Permit me to mention four valuable accessions to our workers:— Brother W. A. Wilcox, from New England, has done an invaluable work in reducing to order our financial standing and condition as a conference. He is an excellent counselor. Elder J. S. Washburn, from Washington, D. C., has taken hold especially in the proclamation of the truth in our large cities. Dr. Frank A. Washburn has joined our forces as medical superintendent of our new sanitarium, which will be rapidly fitted up to occupy its position as our Nashville Sanitarium. And last, but not least, Brother L. A. Smith, upon the Watchman editorial staff. His coming is a great relief. It is such a help to have some one qualified to superintend the paper when we are under a special pressure from other responsible duties. How glad the writer is that our dear and lamented brother, Uriah Smith, has left a son to whom he has bequeathed so much editorial ability and good taste that he is well fitted to do the important duties of the editorial work. This is a lengthy preface to the subject-matter of the camp-meeting. Yet these facts concerning this Southern field are well worthy of our consideration. They all have a bearing on the prosperity of this work. The Nashville (Tenn.) Camp-Meeting
The camp-meeting just closed has marked an important mile-post in our progress. It was the largest camp-meeting ever held in the Tennessee River Conference,—yes, it was the largest meeting ever held in the Southern Union Conference or south of the Ohio River. It was conceded by good judges that fully three hundred Sabbath-keepers were in attendance, a wonderful contrast to some camp-meetings held here in the past. Our large sixty-by-eighty-foot tent was beautifully set, well lighted, and tastefully arranged. About thirty family tents were pitched, and there was a large dining tent close by. Able speakers were present. God's plain, convincing truth was spoken with power. Hearts responded. Nearly two hundred came forward for prayers. Two camp-meetings were in progress at the same time, the one I have spoken of, for the whites; another in a distant part of the city, where our colored brethren and sisters were encamped. Elder Sydney Scott, who recently moved from Kansas City to Birmingham, Ala., and who will labor in the Alabama Conference, and Elder Strachan, of the Tennessee River Conference, had charge of that meeting. They had an excellent meeting. Ten or eleven colored persons were baptized in the Tennessee River, and about twenty-two of the white people in our church baptistery. In passing, I would speak of the advantages of holding the camp-meetings of the different races at the same time, though in different places in the city. The necessity of separate meetings is18because of the race feeling existing in portions of the South. Because of this fact, separate churches and separate meetings are found to be preferable to both classes. The state of society makes this necessary. Yet the white ministers can go and speak to the colored people without offense. This plan has been tried, and seems to work well. Both can have the advantages of reduced fare, and a feeling of mutual kindness and Christian fellowship can be exercised. Both have the same God and Saviour, and both believe the same grand system of truth, and if faithful will go to the same heaven. Both tents were left standing, and the meetings continued after the camp broke up. Many in the closing services expressed their gratitude for the blessings of the meeting, and returned to their homes joyful in the Lord. This camp-meeting marked an important point in the progress of our work in the South. The work is certainly onward in the Southland. The Tennessee River Conference has now become the strongest, largest conference in the Southern Union. The Cumberland Conference was in the lead a few years ago. The growth has been more rapid of late in the former. Elder N. W. Allee's labors have been blessed of God. His health has failed, and for a year past he has been unable to work. He has hoped to regain his health in the climate of Texas, and has been at Keene for many months. Upward of two hundred have been added to the Tennessee River Conference in the last two years. At the meeting Elder W. R. Burrow was elected president, and Brother Strachan was ordained to the ministry. The tent will doubtless be pitched again in Nashville, and the effort will be continued until cold weather comes. The progress of the work is, on the whole, encouraging, and all are hopeful of the final results. The following is a translation of a letter recently received here in Cuba, from a native Baptist pastor to whom copies of our Spanish papers and some tracts had been sent. He is one of the ablest workers in the Baptist church on the island, having raised up large churches in many places and baptized hundreds of souls. The letter is as follows:— “My dear brother in the cause of the Saviour: After saluting you and desiring that the Lord will pour out his richest blessings upon you and your work, I desire to manifest it that I opportunely received your postal-card, and also the literature that you so kindly sent to me, for which I give you thanks, and wish to say that I am much pleased. “I have not replied before, because I desired to read and study the tracts that you sent me. You have awakened in my soul something that I can not explain. You speak of the day to be observed, or the day of rest. This impressively drew my attention, because I have always noticed that when it speaks of this day, it says Sabbath, and not Sunday. Not understanding the dead languages in which are found the eternal truths, it is clear that I could give it no other interpretation than that it was a lie calling Sunday the Sabbath, but the Lord well knows that the fault is not mine, but that of the men who have preferred a piece of metal to a piece of spiritual bread. I preach my Lord for a true vocation. I am a Baptist because I have believed that to be the only church that taught the purest truth, and I still think so; but not because of this do I shut myself up in a vicious circle, but I believe in the divine word, “Search the Scriptures,” and, “Hold fast that which is good.” This is what I am doing to find the truth in all its purity, and for this reason I turn to you that represent another denomination, that in fulfilling the sacred duty that you have to proclaim the most pure truths [Italics his] you help me with your advice and with the works that you have that will help me to save not only my own soul, but also that of others. I beg of you to send me all the proofs that you can submit that I may not have my soul in suspense. [Italics his.] “I desire to serve the cause of my Master; I desire also to preach the message of salvation to men, and not to look at the name of the church. I seek only the truth, and if you have it, you must give it to me. Consider yourself Paul and me Timothy. Perhaps, my dear brother, the Lord sent you to my church that you might give to me the direction to find the true way of salvation. I hope that in obedience to him, you will do all in your power to aid me in reaching a more elevated grade of spiritual knowledge. “I am not an ordained minister of a theological seminary. My faith and perseverance in the Holy Scriptures are what have enabled me to reach the little knowledge of so sacred a subject that I have. I have had no one to teach me, but my Lord has been my Master, and the experience of twenty-six years that has been accepted by him. “So great has been my desire to verify the truth, that I procured a Portuguese dictionary, and I have seen with surprise that they count the first day of the week as Sunday, and call it such. This will prove that I have been much occupied with this, to me, very important subject. I trust that you will write to me, and I retire from you with all sincerity. “Your faithful brother in the Lord, “J. R. O. HALLORAN.” British Guiana
By O. E. Davis
GEORGETOWN.—Several months have passed since I left Seattle, Wash., for this field, and many of our friends are anxiously watching the columns of the REVIEW for a word respecting our arrival and work here. Perhaps, owing to some error on the part of the mails, my notice of our safe arrival has failed to reach the office. Leaving Seattle, I went directly to Chicago, where I remained several weeks gathering some information on treatment work which I believe will be very useful to me here. While in the city it was my privilege to obtain some valuable experiences in city mission work. Leaving Chicago, we passed on to Washington, D. C., where we spent a few days. Here we were encouraged to see the progress of the work and buildings under construction. Every one was busy at his work; there are no idle hands here. In fact, some of our brethren are overburdened and weighed down with the heavy responsibilities placed upon them. The prayers of God's people should arise for these men. As the hour came for us to depart, we were greatly strengthened and encouraged by the prayers in our behalf, offered by a few of the General Conference officers assembled in the office of the president. Continuing our journey, we went to New York, and sailed from there May 5, on the steamship "Trinidad," for Bridgetown, Barbados, which we reached at the end of the seventh day, it being the first stop our boat made after leaving port. Here we rested a few days, waiting for Elder Enoch to return from his visit among the islands. While here I addressed our people twice, and held two Sunday evening services, which were well attended by the people from the city; and in the absence of Elder Enoch I was called upon to conduct a funeral service. Sailing by schooner from this place, we reached our destination after a six-days' voyage, our progress being much delayed by storms and calm. Arriving at Georgetown, we were soon made comfortable at the home of Elder19W. G. Kneeland. He was away visiting various churches of the colony. On his return we took a trip up the west coast among the Indians, staying two nights with our Indian brethren on Tapicooma Creek. This place and people have been quite fully described by others, so I shall make no further mention of them except that they are very anxious for a teacher, and need one very much. We were the first of our workers to enter some of the streams, and here we found the aborigines scattered along the route, a few in a place. As in my experience with the Indians of British Columbia and the Northwest, so here I have found them to be very kind, warm hearted, and ever ready to do all in their power for the comfort of the missionary when once their confidence has been gained and they realize he is indeed their friend. We purposed to push into the interior to investigate conditions there, but being unable to secure boat-pullers for the trip, this plan was abandoned. We then planned a trip for the east coast, but Elder Kneeland's health being poor, this plan also failed. As Elder Kneeland was confined to the house most of the time, I endeavored to fill his appointments and render such assistance as I was able until the East Caribbean conference. At this conference I was requested to make the city of Georgetown my field of labor until the development of the work should otherwise direct. Accordingly we returned to this city, and began to consider the situation and needs of this locality. Of these we shall be able to speak more fully later. Thus far we have enjoyed fairly good health, although the heat is very oppressive. We are becoming somewhat acquainted with the peculiar conditions of this colony, and hope to be able to adjust ourselves to the place to which our Heavenly Father has directed us. This newly organized conference is a needy field. There are only two ordained ministers and three missionary workers, and including its mission field, it covers an area equal to that of the States of Washington, Oregon, and New Jersey. Many of the inhabitants of this field are scattered along the rivers and streams, and have to be reached by boat, and some of them by rowboat only. Our earnest desire and hope is that our coming to this needy field may result in many souls being gathered into the fold of our blessed Lord and Saviour at his soon appearing. We earnestly solicit the prayers of the brethren. St. Andrews Island
By Carrie Stuyvesant
It has been nearly two years since we came to this mission field. We have nothing to regret except that we could not do more. But we have given our all. I have found it hard to give up teaching, but my strength will not permit me to continue that work. Our labor is not in vain. Since we came here, one church has been organized on St. Andrews, and the work has been opened in Providence, the island near us. Neither has our school work been in vain. Our older children have been converted, and a number are in the church. We have given every one a chance to hear the message who wished to hear, for we have had meetings in several parts of the island, and in Providence. Mr. Stuyvesant has canvassed both islands. There is but one house in both islands that he has not entered with the truth on the printed page. I think most of these homes have been visited several times. We are of good courage. MRS. E. W. SNYDER
By Mrs. E. W. Snyder
These same tracts and papers are being sent weekly to thirty-five native pastors on the island. This is the first of the reply we have received, but may we not believe that the Spirit of God is working on other hearts, and that at least a few will accept the truth for this time, and become instruments in God's hands to give it to the people they have already brought out of the darkness of Catholicism? Cuba has been entered none too soon. The other churches have divided up the island among themselves, and no one will infringe on the rights of others; and while for the present we are most cordially treated by all the leaders of the other denominations, yet we know that the time is not distant when we shall be regarded differently, for the third angel's message knows no geographical limits, but must go to “every nation, kindred, and tongue, and people.” Pray for the work in Cuba. JAMES A. MORROW
By James A. Morrow
HAMILTON.—We have our hands more than full, holding cottage Bible readings with our Portuguese friends. Invitations are coming to us to visit them in at least five parishes. One brother who began to keep the Sabbath is meeting very strong opposition. He lives on rented land, and is under contract to oversee men to plant a part of the ground for his landlord. His landlord now says that his work must be done on the Sabbath. This has caused him to waver a little, but he says that as soon as this season is over, he will make different arrangements. The landowner says he will have to leave the place. He has been on the farm eight years, and has given the best of satisfaction, up to the present. He has cleared the timber from most of the land. Our brother says he will leave, if the owner still insists that he must break the Sabbath. The crop season here ends in May. We are praying earnestly that the long-suffering God will keep this brother's heart tender, and increase his faith, so that he will come out boldly for the Lord. Our next need is a church-school. How I wish we had a good school-teacher to start a church-school, as we have so many children here. HUBERT FLETCHER
By Hubert Fletcher
STARTING from Linstead in the parish of St. Catherine, I reached Bird's Hill in Clarendon, thirty-seven miles away, on the evening of the Sabbath, July 6. Sabbath was a happy day. I buried five dear souls in baptism, and the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. After a profitable business meeting the next day, I left for Four Paths, eighteen miles distant. This is a young company of believers, the result of Brethren Durant and Mullings' labor with the tent. Monday morning we went about three miles to the river, where I baptized six. The next day I went to Race Course in Vere, twenty-four miles away, and had profitable meetings. Here my horse got lame, but by the good providence of God and the use of remedies, I was detained only one day; and by traveling carefully I filled my appointment for Grove Town, in Manchester, seventeen miles farther on. Sunday morning, the fifteenth, I traveled eleven miles to Providence. This is a branch of the Grove Town church. I found the believers full of courage, and after very profitable meetings passed on to Waterloo, twenty-two miles farther north, then across to Mahogany Grove. The roads over these mountains are rugged and precipitous. One can not venture to ride on horseback. I reached the latter place on the evening of the seventeenth. From then until the next day we had very profitable meetings. The church was crowded, many visitors being in attendance. The Lord's presence was with us as the message for the hour was proclaimed. One sister was reclaimed, and five requested baptism. The nineteenth found me in Christiania, fifteen miles distant. Here we have a few faithful Sabbath-keepers endeavoring to hold up the light and let it shine on the hilltops. The truth has many enemies at this place, but if this company is faithful, a good work can be done. This is a very important business center, and if a church building could be erected, it would give prominence to the work. Early next morning with three candidates from this place, we traveled four miles to the north, and meeting one other candidate from Dobson's Run, I baptized the four in the river. This service was orderly and impressive, after which I proceeded to Carter, where the brethren had a booth in preparation for a public meeting. The place was crowded at night. Meetings are held here three times a week by Brother C. B. Mead. As a result of these meetings two requests were presented for baptism. This company being a branch of the Warsop church six miles away, we crossed the border early next morning into the parish of Trelawney, for Warsop, where all met for the celebration of the ordinances. Early Sunday morning we went two miles to the Hectors River, where I baptized the two candidates from Carter. We found a large gathering at the riverside intent on disturbing the service, but they were held in check by the heavenly visitants, and the Spirit of God led in the services. At four o'clock we had a very interesting business meeting in the church, and much important business was disposed of, among other items being the reorganization of the church-school conducted by Brother T. Kennedy. At seven o'clock I preached to a crowded church. The Lord led in this meeting; hearts were touched. To the Lord be the glory. Here again my horse became very lame, being pricked by a man who shod him a few days before. Again the Lord interposed, and I was able to meet with the Sabbath-keepers at German Town, although a day late. Wednesday morning, the twenty-fifth, I baptized five Germans. The riverside was thronged with a mixed multitude, which became very excited and unruly. Many were, nevertheless, favorably impressed, and showed us kindness. The people had planned to do us violence, but they were held in check by the good angels who ever surround the people of God. Leaving this place, I reached Devon, twenty-five miles away, in the parish of St. Ann, the evening of the twenty-fifth. This is the oldest country company on the island. Although few, they are holding aloft the banner of the third angel's message. I spent a pleasant time with them, and started for Golden Grove, twenty-eight miles distant. Although my horse was still lame, I was providentially helped, and met my appointments. The time spent at the last-mentioned place was very profitable, and all determined to press forward for the kingdom. On the thirtieth I reached home, where I found all well. I am now preparing for another trip on the eastern route. Calls are coming from all sides for me to come and help, also to send workers. GEORGE W. CASEBEER
By George W. Casebeer
AMBATO.—The work here seems to go slowly, but there are some encouraging features. Brother Davis reports some interest on the coast. In Posorja, the town where we stayed during the bad weather, a barber is ‘keeping the Sabbath,’ and others are interested. In Guayaquil, also, there is some interest. We are now located in a healthful climate, in about the center of the country, so we can easily reach all parts—that is, under South American conditions. There is some interest here in Ambato, but we have not been here long enough to see any definite results, and have also spent considerable time in getting settled. Several lines of work seem to be opening up and pushing themselves upon us. Several families are urging us to take their children and give them a Christian education in English. I do not feel that it would be best for me to tie myself20down to this work, while already calls are coming from other places; but my wife has decided to do the best she can until a trained teacher can be had. There is also a great demand among the leading young men of the town for the English language. Just now we are the only ones here who can do this work, and I am sure a large permanent class could be formed, giving us great opportunities to make their acquaintance, and to present the message in various ways. I have decided to start a class, with the hope that by the time I am prepared to do public work, some one else will be ready to step in. May the Lord richly bless in the work at home, that the places of those whose lights are going out may soon be filled with consecrated laborers, and the work move forward unimpeded. Loma Linda (Cal.) School
By S. N. Haskell
ABOUT one year ago a call was made through the columns of the REVIEW for help in selling twenty thousand copies of The Help for India number of the Bible Training School. The brethren and sisters responded heartily, and in about three months twenty-five thousand of the papers were sold, and Brother and Sister Burgess were on their way to India. They are now in India, working faithfully to hold up the light. God has greatly blessed them in giving them favor with the natives, and souls have taken their stand to keep the commandments of God. They were the first Seventh-day Adventist workers among eighty million Hindustani people. Many thousand pages of literature have been printed and circulated among that people since they went among them. The money received from the sale of the twenty-five thousand ten-cent papers is still supporting them in that needy field. Another call now comes to us. The spirit of prophecy has said that a school should be established at Loma Linda, Cal., to educate gospel medical missionary evangelists. There is a need of funds to establish this school. We have printed twenty thousand of the Special Bible Training School to raise funds to help this school at Loma Linda. Some eight or nine thousand have already been sold; but there are yet more than ten thousand to be sold. We thought that many of our brethren and sisters scattered throughout the country would gladly help in this good work. Sisters Ida Lackey and Edith McDonald, who were members of our Bible training-school in Nashville, Tenn., are doing all they can to sell the papers. The papers sell for ten cents a copy. Those wishing to help are invited to send for as many as they wish, paying the price, ten cents a copy, and then selling the papers to their neighbors, thus getting all the money back they have paid out, and at the same time placing the truth in many homes, besides helping to establish this school which the Lord says should be founded. Shall we not come up to the help of the Lord, brethren? Send for a hundred or more of these papers, and go to work doing missionary work among your neighbors. This special number of the Training School is filled with the message. It will be a threefold missionary work: the money you pay for the papers will help to establish the Loma Linda school; you will be blessed in your own soul as you do the work; and you will place the truth in the hands of those to whom you sell the papers. Send for any number from one to one thousand, and your order will be promptly filled. The price is ten cents a copy. Send all orders direct to the Bible Training School, South Lancaster, Mass. Funds are greatly needed to build cottages and provide the necessary facilities for the school. The Lord is soon coming, and we need to do all in our power to give the light of the truth to our neighbors. By helping to sell the papers you can do this, and also help to open the school, where we trust many workers will be educated to bear a part in the closing work. I thank the Lord that he permits me, after passing threescore and ten years, over half a century in the third angel's message, still to have a part in his work. Where help is most needed is where I wish to be found. S. N. HASKELL. The Vermont Camp-Meeting
By Wm. A. Westworth
THE Vermont camp-meeting was held in Windsor, August 23 to September 3. The camp was located on nice grounds, very convenient to the town and the railway, the only objection being its close proximity to the railroad, which caused some annoyance during the services. The attendance of our people was not large, but what we lacked in attendance, seemingly was made up by the good spirit that pervaded the camp. The laborers present from without the conference were Elder E. W. Farnsworth, Prof. F. Griggs, Brother F. E. Painter, and the writer, the latter being in attendance throughout the meeting, the others for a few days each. The conference proceedings passed off harmoniously, and we were pleased to note the spirit of accord and desire to support the force in charge of the conference. The conference assumed for another year its obligations for the support of Dr. Law Keem in China, and also decided to contribute toward the support of the teachers in South Lancaster to the same extent as in past years. Several recommendations were passed with reference to carrying forward aggressive work, and also in support of the general administration, and expressive of their staunch adherence to the spirit of prophecy. The spiritual tone of the meeting was excellent, and on the last Sabbath the Spirit of the Lord came especially near, and many hearts were touched as they yielded themselves in full surrender to the claims of their Maker. Between fifty and sixty came forward for special prayers and to seek God, and we believe that the surrenders made will mark in many lives a great advance toward eternal life. On the last Sunday an impressive baptismal service took place in the Connecticut River, which flowed by one side of the camp, several candidates following their Lord in this ordinance. The same officers were elected to continue the work throughout the ensuing year, and we trust that the work in this conference will progress in a marked manner, and we believe that if the young people in this field are properly trained and utilized, much good can be accomplished in hastening the coming of our Lord and Master. The Seymour (Ind.) Camp-Meeting
By F. C. Gilbert
The second camp-meeting of the Indiana Conference was held at Seymour, Ind., August 8-16. As two camp-meetings were held in the State, one in the northern part and the other in the southern, each was held only eight days, and both were followed with tent efforts. The camp was located in a central part of the city, the use of the city park being given for the purpose. It was a very interesting meeting, and a great blessing to our own people as well as to others. This meeting came so soon after the South Bend meeting that the goods which were shipped from there did not arrive in time for the opening of this meeting. This naturally was a great perplexity; but the dear people appreciated the fact that not only do all things work together for good to them that love God, but that Rev. 14:12 is a good text for the people of God to-day when it is needed. How much we need to appropriate the word of God at the time when it is due! This is one way of appreciating the blessed practical nature of the Word of God, and of the precious present truth. There was a good representation of our people present, and it certainly seemed as if there must have been as many there on the Sabbath as there were last year, with one camp-meeting for the whole State. The blessing of the Lord was present all through the meeting, and the Lord gave his servants power in presenting the truth. The interest of the citizens was very encouraging. At the afternoon meetings the tent was almost full, and as the truth of God was proclaimed with clearness and power, many acknowledged that God was with this people, and that they were proclaiming the truth. There were from five hundred to eight hundred of the citizens at the camp nearly every evening; and on Sunday evening there must have been fully a thousand persons present. They gave good attention as the peculiar truths were presented, and we feel sure that the blessing of the Lord will bring forth good results from the work done there. The Sabbath was a blessed day. The Lord came near by his Spirit, and as opportunity was given for those who were discouraged to renew their consecration to the Lord, a goodly number came forward, and many heartfelt confessions were made to one another, and to the Lord. The Lord did certainly work, and sinners were converted to him. How precious it is to know that our great High Priest is still pleading his blood before the Father, and in response to the cries of his children, in his mercy he still sends forth the Holy Spirit to convict and to convert hearts. Bless the Lord for his power and for his great grace. Several of the local ministering brethren21were in attendance, and there were present from outside the conference Elder J. G. Lamson and Professor Stone, from the South, who had charge of the music. The writer was also present during the first part of the meeting; toward the close Elders Evans, Enoch, and Warren came, and stayed until the end. There was no business transacted. This left the ministers free to help the people. This is as it should be. The Testimonies have spoken explicitly upon this point, and the closer they are followed, the greater the blessings must be to the people of God. A good work was done for the young people, and many of them determined by the grace of God to secure an education and receive a fitting up for the work of the Lord. The different departments of the work were represented, and the hearty co-operation of the people was enlisted in the different branches of the work of God. May the Lord bless the work in this conference, and may the camp-meetings from year to year become more powerful, that the truth may spread rapidly and triumph gloriously. F. C. GILBERT.