It is interesting to note, as recorded by the Christian Herald of June 1, the progress which has been made by Christianity according to Sharon Turner, a historian and statistician. He says:—
First century, 500,000 Christians; second century, 2,000,000 Christians; third century, 5,000,000 Christians; fourth century, 10,000,000 Christians; fifth century, 15,000,000 Christians; sixth century, 20,000,000 Christians; seventh century, 24,000,000 Christians; eighth century, 30,000,000 Christians; ninth century, 40,000,000 Christians; tenth century, 50,000,000 Christians; eleventh century, 70,000,000 Christians; twelfth century, 80,000,000 Christians; thirteenth century, 75,000,000 Christians; fourteenth century, 80,000,000 Christians; fifteenth century, 100,000,000 Christians; sixteenth century, 125,000,000 Christians; seventeenth century, 155,000,000 Christians; eighteenth century, 200,000,000 Christians; nineteenth century, at least 450,000,000 Christians. At the present time, according to Fournier de Flaix, the French statistician, there are between 480,000,000 and 500,000,000 Christians, or one third the total population of the world.
An interesting array of figures is presented in this comparison. It would be more encouraging, however, if we could bring ourselves to believe that all who are passed as Christians are such in reality. The editor of the Herald inclines to this view, and says:—
We believe that there is now, and has been for many years, a growing improvement in morals generally, and in true, deep religious feeling. There are probably twice the number of real, right-living Christian men and women to-day that there were twenty years ago.
In proof of this claim he cites some of the great movements in favor of missions, etc. We do not question that some of the great religious movements are accomplishing much good at the present time; yet it can not be denied by even the most casual observer that in the ranks of Christendom throughout the world, there is a sad departure from the right. Christianity to-day, with the bulk of those professing its name, is a matter of profession only. Many in the so-called Christian churches need a new conversion to the basic principles of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. These are the days foretold by the prophet, when men should be lovers of their own selves, covetous, world-loving, having a form of godliness, but in life and character denying the power thereof. The Christianity that is needed for to-day is one that does not manifest itself in spectacular movements, in efforts to bring about so-called civic righteousness, but in simple, gospel living, which affects the individual life and heart.
The Central New England Camp-Meeting
By W. B. White
THIS meeting was held according to the appointment in the city of Worcester, Mass., June 9-19, and was the largest gathering of its kind ever held in the conference. Over one hundred family tents were pitched and occupied, about five hundred persons either camping on the grounds or occupying rooms near by. Two prominent car lines ran to the grounds, which rendered the camp very accessible from all parts of the city. The large, open tract of ground, elevated a little above the street, where the tents were pitched, was nearly an ideal location for a camp-ground. Great care had been exercised in planning the camp, and careful thought had been given to the sanitary arrangements; all in all it was the most carefully arranged camp-meeting that the writer has ever had the privilege of attending.
At the time of the first meeting, Thursday evening, everything on the grounds was in readiness, and the ten-days’ session was opened with a stirring discourse by the conference president, Elder H. C. Hartwell, on the reasons for holding camp-meetings and the way they may be made a success. As the Central New England Conference holds its business session in the winter, no conference business was transacted during the meeting, but all the time was given to religious instruction and departmental work.
We were glad to welcome from the General Conference Elders Geo. I. Butler, N. Z. Town, and Drs. D. H. and Lauretta Kress, who rendered very efficient service in the meeting. Elder Butler is now past seventy-five, and naturally begins to feel the weight of years, but he still has a good amount of vigor left for the work. His sermons and talks on the early experiences in this work, and the place the spirit of prophecy has filled and is filling among this people, were greatly appreciated, and tended to inspire confidence and faith in this message. Elder Butler’s experience in the third angel’s message, and his long connection with the General Conference work, eminently qualify him to bring to our people at this time what is needed to inspire faith, hope, and courage in their hearts with reference to this great advent movement in which we are engaged, and to which we have dedicated our lives.
Some stirring talks on foreign missions were given by Elder Town, who has just returned from an eight months’ trip in Spain and South America.
The Drs. Kress also labored faithfully in bringing before the people the principles of true health and temperance. Their lectures and talks were much appreciated, not only by our people, but also by those who came in from the city, and were widely reported by the daily papers. We have no doubt that our blessed principles of health, temperance, and right living are just what the Lord has styled them,—the “entering wedge” of the message,—and as such should be placed to the front in all these large gatherings. At this meeting, quite a number who became interested first in these principles began to inquire later with reference to other points of our faith, and we hope may be led on to the acceptance of the whole truth. Cooks and nurses were present from the New England Sanitarium, and daily instruction was given in simple treatment of diseases and healthful cookery.
The Central New England Conference has its quota of the $300,000 Fund nearly pledged, and hopes to raise the entire sum during 1910.
At this camp-meeting the “Ministry of Healing” campaign was definitely launched in this conference, and between two hundred fifty and three hundred books were taken by the people to sell for the assistance of the medical missionary work. A good interest was18manifested in this campaign of relief, and we are sure our people in the Central New England Conference will be in line in this good work.
To encourage missionary effort among our neighbors, the New York office, through its manager, Brother L. W. Graham, offered to sell to our people a cloth copy of “Desire of Ages,” “Great Controversy,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and “Heralds of the Morning” for $5, the retail value of these books being $11. About fifty sets of these books were sold, our people buying them to loan among their neighbors and to place in libraries. About $600 was raised on the tent- and camp-meeting fund, and $700 to assist South Lancaster Academy.
The weather for the most part was quite unfavorable. The first Sabbath and Sunday were rainy and cold, and everything without was disagreeable; nevertheless excellent meetings were enjoyed, and the good Spirit was with us. The following week, cloud and sunshine rested upon us, but the last Sabbath, for the most part, was a lovely day, and the great tent was filled to overflowing. After a sermon which showed the danger of heart backsliding and drifting from God, the speaker asked all who felt that such was the case in their lives, to make a new start, and reconsecrate themselves to the service of Christ. At once the convicting, melting power of God seemed to fall upon the congregation, and scores who felt that their lives had been drifting from God pressed to the front, and kneeling at the platform confessed their backslidings, and made a new start for the kingdom. It was a solemn scene. Angels of God were near, and his Spirit worked powerfully upon hearts. Children and young people would come with contrition of heart to the front, stating that they desired to give themselves to God, and wishing the ministers to pray for and with them as they gave themselves to his service. Real victories were gained by many, and it was certainly an hour of turning to God and repentance from sin. The next day about thirty persons followed their Lord in baptism.
The writer left the camp on Sunday afternoon, but learned later that God was with the meeting till the close. The work in the Central New England Conference is onward, and courage and faith are in the hearts of the people.
W. B. WHITE.
J. N. Q
By J. N. Q.
Inexplicable Inconsistency
A SHAM battle was recently held in this city, not between opposing forces of United States troops, but between boys connected with churches calling themselves followers of the Prince of Peace. The Boys’ Brigade of St. Mark’s Episcopal church and that of Christ Church captured two first prizes, having outmaneuvered and defeated the enemy, made up of companies from Waugh M. E. church and Epworth M. E. church. Colonel Randle, in presenting the prizes, said:—
In olden times, soldiers were for war. In modern times they are for peace. Our great thirteen-inch guns are the best peacemakers in the world. There is no doubt that we would all have been savages to-day but for the soldiers. First, there was military rule. Then, under the protection of the soldiers, people were advanced sufficiently to govern themselves.
What a parody on the religion of Jesus Christ! It is sufficiently sad to note the world training its youth in the art of war; angels must weep to witness the church instilling into the boys the spirit of the enemy of righteousness.
J. N. Q
Argentina
By C. E. KNIGHT.
In this conference I see and hear much that gives me courage for the work, and wish to relate a few experiences. Elder H. S. Prener, who passed the week of prayer with the Concordia church, writes that they had some of the best meetings that he ever attended. Elder G. Block was visiting and canvassing in the city of Parana at the same time, and sold two of our large books to the Methodist minister there, one of which was “Patriarchs and Prophets.” He did this upon the recommendation of the general agent of the American Bible Society for South America, who was also there during that week.
A day or two later the latter gentleman was in Buenos Aires again, and called at our office to inquire about our meetings in Buenos Aires. I gave him a copy of the week-of-prayer readings, and the next morning he told me that he had read the first one, and thought it testified of deep spirituality, and that he could not understand why other denominations should criticize our people so strongly, as he could see nothing, so far, to warrant it. I was glad to hear those words, because an unprejudiced person can not fail to see wonderful beauty in everything by the same writer.
A few days after this, while visiting one of our small churches in the interior, a sister bent with age placed in my hands the money to pay for thirty copies of our special centennial number of Senales de los Tiempos. While her husband could well afford to give her the money, he would not; so she husked corn to earn enough to pay for them.
I am now making my first tour among the churches and isolated brethren on the west side of the Parana River. The broad, fertile land, with immense areas of corn and alfalfa, and yellow grain filling the cribs, is a pleasing sight; and as great quantities of earth’s products are gathered, I trust that many precious souls in this land will also be gathered into the garner of God.
C. E. KNIGHT.
Field Notes
ON a recent Sabbath two persons were baptized at Springfield, Mo.
As the result of meetings held at Morrellton, Mo., some desire baptism.
A FEW have accepted the truth as a result of meetings held around Walter, Okla.
BROTHER J. G. WALKER reports the baptism of four young persons at Bella Coola, B. C.
SEVEN have taken a stand for the Sabbath at Libby, Mont., and four were admitted to that church.
SEVERAL have taken their stand for the truth at Villa Heights, Mo., through the efforts of Brother Paul Sampson.
MEETINGS held at Indian Mountain, Tex., have resulted in six persons taking a stand for the Sabbath. Others are expected to take this step soon.
AT Hastings, Okla., several have expressed their desire to accept the truth. There are also a number at Hooker, Okla., who have decided to take their stand with us.
The Self-Denial Box
By A. J. HAYSMER
We desire that all our people read carefully the following from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White:—
“MY DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS EVERYWHERE: I wish to ask if you would not regard it a privilege to lay aside a certain sum weekly for the Southern field? Will you not put in a prominent place in your home a box with the inscription, ‘For the Work Among the Colored People of the South’? Will you not ask your children to put into this box the money that they would otherwise spend for candy and other needless things? When visitors come to your home, they will see the box, and will ask in regard to it. Let the children tell the story of their effort to help a needy mission field by denying self. Every church-member should cherish a spirit of sacrifice. In every home there should be taught lessons of self-denial. Keep in your homes a self-denial box into which you can put the money saved by little acts of self-denial. Many should become interested in placing these boxes in homes. Ask old and young to aid the work for the colored people by placing these boxes in every home possible. A blessing will surely follow the gifts of self-denial thus brought to the Master.”
We have prepared a quantity of neat boxes which we are sending free to all who will use them. We are receiving some orders, but not nearly as many as we should. Will not each of our church elders ascertain how many can be used in his church, and send in an order at once? It is much cheaper to send the boxes in quantities, but we shall be glad to furnish them singly to any who are isolated. Let us hear from you soon.
A. J. HAYSMER.
6 Lindsley Ave., Nashville, Tenn.
CHART USED BY BRETHREN ELLIS AND WHITE IN THEIR CAMPAIGN
The $300,000 Fund in Nebraska
By M. E. Ellis
THE Nebraska Conference is making a vigorous and well-organized effort to raise its share of the $300,000 Fund this year—its apportionment being $12,080. Three plans are being pushed for the accomplishment of this end: (1) Solicitation of cash, nearly $1,000 having been received; (2) pledges to be paid this fall, over $2,000 having been pledged in this way; (3) through the Foreign Missions Investment Fund.
The last may need a word of explanation. The plan is an old idea in new dress, and this is its fourth year of operation in the Nebraska Conference. Each Sabbath-keeper, old and young, is encouraged to set apart something in the spring for the Master's use, and see how large a sum can be realized from the investment by fall. The investments range all the way from “an hour a day” to a “car-load of baled hay,” or “all the eggs the hens lay on the Sabbath” to “all the produce from several acres of ground.” It is a plan the principal beauty of which is that everybody can have a part in it. At the present writing 1,040 investments have been recorded, and a very conservative estimate of the amount to be realized from them would place the figures no lower than $5,000.
The first week in May was spent by Brother G. W. White and myself at College View in the interest of this fund. Seven meetings were held with the different institutions and companies, culminating in a grand meeting at the tabernacle on Sabbath morning, where 268 investments were made, and over $1,400 was pledged, in about seven minutes, in addition to a large cash offering taken up.
The next Sabbath the plan was presented to the Hastings church, where fifty-eight investments were made, and $169 was pledged. Three other churches in the eastern part of the conference were visited by Brother White and the writer, over one hundred investments being secured and several hundred dollars pledged.
Everywhere we find a hearty response to the effort to give our missionaries better facilities and support, and to do it soon, our rallying motto being, “We can if we will,” which is invariably changed, as the enthusiasm kindles, to “We can, and we will.” God grant it may be so.
M. E. ELLIS,Missionary Secretary.
Sanitarium Relief Campaign
By L. A. Hansen
In the Northern Union
REPORT has already been made of the way in which the brethren took up the relief campaign work at the camp-meeting at Sigourney, Iowa. This matter was taken up at the other meetings in this union conference with a fair degree of interest.
The Minnesota Meeting
At this meeting the campaign work for the English-speaking people was taken up altogether in conference session, in the form of discussion on a recommendation favoring it. There was indicated a reluctance on the part of some to take hold of it heartily, as it seemed to them a proposition that was rather foreign to home interests, and one that might conflict with them. The recommendation was passed, however, without a dissenting vote, and a number of books were ordered at once by the congregation.
A separate meeting was held with the Scandinavians, a regular hour being given to it. A good interest was shown, with a disposition and willingness to have a part in this work, which should appeal to every member of our denomination. Here also a number of books were ordered, those in the foreign languages to be used when available.
As the workers and people of this large and strong conference do their share of this work, there will be a proportionate result of blessing and help to the conference interests in the development of a missionary spirit and greater faithfulness to all departments of the work. Every conference will profit by responding to calls for help in movements of general interest.
At South Dakota
At the South Dakota meeting special time was given for the presentation of the relief work, several taking part. The union conference president, Elder R. A. Underwood, and the local conference president, Elder C. M. Babcock, urged the matter as a legitimate part of the conference work. Prof. P. T. Magan emphasized the importance of responding to calls for help in the advancement of this cause in any of its branches. Dr. C. P. Farnsworth spoke from experience as he presented some of the difficulties with which our sanitariums have to contend in making ends meet. He indicated his interest in their relief by ordering fifty books. A number of books were ordered by the congregation. With the interest shown by both officers and people, we may expect good results from this conference.
At North Dakota
A good start for the campaign work in this conference had been made by the executive committee at one of its recent meetings, when the seven members pledged themselves to sell 132 books. Some of the members had already visited churches, and started the work. Provision was made at the camp-meeting for a full presentation and consideration of the work. Several languages being represented, it was necessary to hold separate meetings and to have translators.
The Germans were in the majority, nearly filling the large tent. They showed a deep interest as they listened to a presentation of facts concerning our health work and its growth. It was evident that some erroneous views had been held concerning it, but there were also an evident appreciation of learning the truth about it and a willingness to help in its advancement.
The Russians seemed much impressed as they heard of the development of the sanitarium work. These people have not been long in the truth, so much of our work is new to them. When the plan of relief was presented, it was stated by them that if we would supply the book in the Russian language, they would sell twenty each, instead of six. As it was, a number ordered books in other languages.
A separate meeting was held in the English tent, and then a recommendation was brought before the conference in session, where all were present. A very full discussion was given to it, and it was passed unanimously. Orders for the book in various languages were given at once.
L. A. HANSEN.
Camp-Meetings and Our Publications
In connection with our camp-meetings in past years, God's servants have improved many precious opportunities for instructing our people in practical methods of presenting the saving truths of the third angel's message to their friends and acquaintances. Many have been taught how to labor as self-supporting missionaries in their home communities. Many have returned from these annual gatherings, to labor with greater zeal and intelligence than hitherto.
It would be pleasing to God if far more of this practical instruction were given the church-members who attend our camp-meetings, than has usually been given in years past. Our general workers and our brethren and sisters in every conference should remember that one of the objects of our annual gatherings is that all may gain a knowledge of practical methods of personal missionary work. . . .
Properly conducted, the camp-meeting is a school where pastors, elders, and deacons can learn to do more perfect work for the Master. It should be a school where the members of the church, old and young, are given opportunity to learn the way of the Lord more perfectly, a place where believers can receive an education that will help them to help others. . . .
The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others. Help all to see that, as receivers of the grace of Christ, they are under obligation to work for him. And let all be taught how to work. Especially should those who are newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God. If set to work, the despondent will soon forget their despondency, the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They will find an unfailing helper in him who has promised to save all that come unto him.
In some of our conferences, the leaders have hesitated to introduce these practical methods of instruction. Some are naturally inclined to sermonize rather than to teach. But on such occasions as our annual camp-meetings, we must never lose sight of the opportunities afforded for teaching the believers how to do practical missionary work in the place where they may live. In many instances it would be well to set apart certain men to carry the burden of different lines of educational work at these meetings. Let some help the people to learn how to give Bible readings and to conduct cottage meetings. Let others bear the burden of teaching the people how to practise the principles of health and temperance, and how to give treatments to the sick. Still others may labor in the interests of our periodical and book work. And let chosen workers take a special interest in teaching many how to handle “Christ's Object Lessons” and “Ministry of Healing.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, pages 81-83.
Whose Debts?
By L. A. HANSEN
A NOTICEABLE feature in the consideration of our sanitarium relief campaign among our German brethren is the inclination to look at the matter from what they believe to be a practical view-point. This was seen at the North Dakota meeting; when one brother arose with the statement that he believed that “those who made the debts should pay them,—that is the way farmers have to do.”
An excellent answer was given by Elder G. F. Hafner, superintendent of the German Department, giving principles suitable for general application. He said: “I agree with the brother. It is right that those who have made debts should pay them. That is something that every Seventh-day Adventist believes in doing. That is what we did in the case of our Christiania work. When not one of the other denominations involved offered to meet any of their obligations, we paid every dollar of ours, and that very thing gained for us a reputation, a standing, in that country that is invaluable. It is this same thing that we are proposing to do now; for these sanitarium liabilities are ours; they belong to the denomination. They do not belong to some individual, and individuals were not responsible for them. They are the result of the establishment and conduct of work that has been and is being done by us as a denomination, under conference direction. These institutions that we are helping are not private concerns; they are ours, yours and mine, and their debts are ours. Will you now say, ‘Well, I did not know there were these debts when I joined the denomination; I did not know that it meant I would be called upon to help pay obligations’? Suppose you did not count the cost, would you now prefer to give up your part in this work rather than to bear your share of the responsibilities?”
L. A. HANSEN.
Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
“Watchman, tell us of the night,
What its signs of promise are.
Traveler, o’er yon mountain’s height,
See that glory-beaming star.
“Watchman, does its beauteous ray
Aught of hope or joy foretell?
Traveler, yes; it brings the day,
Promised day of Israel.”
Lincoln on Liberty
By K. C. R.
THE following is an extract from a speech delivered in Springfield, Ill., in 1854, by Abraham Lincoln: “Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in us; our defense is in the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands everywhere. Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under a just God can not long retain it.”
These words ought to be burned into the hearts of men and women everywhere, especially those who are so persistently trying to secure legislation that will deprive a certain class of citizens of their freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. Please note again the words: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and under a just God can not long retain it.”
The truthfulness of these words has not only been illustrated in the lives of individuals, but in the history of nations that have denied freedom of conscience to their subjects. The same principle is voiced in these words of Jesus: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” How frequently we see persons experiencing the same hardships that they have at some time ruthlessly imposed upon others; there seems to be a fixed law that, in the course of human events, whatever unkind and evil treatment we may have subjected others to, the same treatment is sure to return upon our own heads. One of the most forcible illustrations of this principle recorded in the Bible is the case of Haman. The wicked plot he laid for the destruction of Mordecai was speedily executed upon himself.
It would be well for those who are scheming and working in every way to secure laws that will result in hardship upon those who will not subscribe to their evil and intolerant demands, to heed the warning given in these words of Abraham Lincoln. Of those who do right, and seek to bless humanity, it is equally true that they will be the recipients of blessings in this present life, and receive an eternal reward in the life to come.
The Saviour said: “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in nowise lose his reward.” Let us heed the warning of Lincoln, and ever seek to imitate the example of the great Author of freedom, who “went about doing good,” and who declared that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, “to preach deliverance to the captives, and . . . to set at liberty them that are bruised.” K. C. R.
The Inconsistency of Religious Legislation
By T. H. Starbuck
THE state has no legitimate right to assume jurisdiction in matters pertaining to obedience to God; and the reason is obvious: it does not lie within the power of any human tribunal to pass judgment in spiritual things; for the Great Teacher has authoritatively said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” For this present life, Jesus sets forth the following: “If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” The time of salvation is now; the judgment is to come at the appointed day. Where Christ withholds sentence until the appointed day, why should the civil power essay to inflict penalties prematurely? Self-constituted conservators of “civic righteousness” can attempt to climb into the judgment-seat of God, calling their fellow men in question for violations of civil sabbath laws; but those who make such serious mistakes will have to stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, and give an answer to the question, “Who hath required this at your hand?”
To illustrate further the inconsistency of Sunday legislation, let us look at another feature of the case. If legislation upon one Christian duty is a benefit to the people, why not have similar laws relative to other essentials of salvation? Sabbath observance, baptism, faith, prayer, repentance, and confession are all “good for the soul,” as every true Christian can testify. If one is a legitimate subject for legislation, all are equally so. Our friends who are so strenuous for Sunday legislation would doubtless wince a little at similar laws requiring everybody to pray, repent, or be baptized; but if so-called sabbath laws come within the limits of human legislation, so do all the others. Why select just one from the foregoing list, and expend all our legislative force upon that? The reason is obvious: people intuitively discern the fact that only the power of God can lead men to believe, repent, or pray effectually. Why can not men of good reasoning abilities see that the same is true of Sabbath observance? Coerced obedience is a positive detriment to the individual, the community, and the civil power which demands it. The service of God, to be availing, must be free and voluntary; and the golden rule forbids any other kind of service.
But Sunday-law advocates have a habit of contending that such things are not enforced as religious duties, but as civil regulations, in order that people may not be disturbed in their worship on that day. All this, however, is but an evasion of the point at issue. A Sunday law as a mere civil regulation is illogical. In the last analysis it will always appear that there are only about two reasons for such legislation,—the Sunday institution is connected with religion in the human mind, and its friends desire to have things come their way in the community.—T. H. Starbuck.
Selling Our Periodicals in Great Britain
By A. J. S. B.
Brother W. R. White, secretary of the International Tract Society, Ltd., of Watford, England, reports the sale of 153,221 periodicals during the month of May, by the five local conferences in the British Union Conference. The total retail value of these periodicals is $3,109.11. Of these periodicals 9,274 were sold through news agents.
Subtracting the 1,934 periodicals sold outside of Great Britain, we have 151,287 disposed of by our people in the four conferences and the Irish Mission, which compose the British Union Conference. This means an average sale of 84 periodicals (value, $1.70) during May, by each of the 1,811 Sabbath-keepers in the British Union Conference.
According to these statistics our people in Great Britain are selling nearly as many periodicals as our 67,203 Sabbath-keepers in the United States and Canada sell of the ten-cent magazines. The21retail value of the papers handled by our British periodical agents (Present Truth and Good Health), however, is only two cents, as compared with ten cents, the price of our American magazines. This makes it necessary for our British agents to sell many more copies in order to make a living profit. One of our agents reported a sale of over 400 of these two-cent periodicals in one day.
A. J. S. B.
The Missionary and Publishing Work
Notes, Plans, Reports, Statistics and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature.
Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference.
E. R. PALMER — Secretary
N. Z. TOWN — Assistant Secretary
A. J. S. BOURDEAU — Missionary Secretary
Periodical Sales in Spain
By A. J. S. B.
DURING the four months of February, March, April, and May, 1910, our six native colporteurs in Spain sold 13,150 periodicals and magazines, besides many other publications. The following itemized list of their four months’ sales is kindly furnished by Elder Walter G. Bond, Superintendent of the Spanish Mission:—
Number of colporteurs .......... 6
Hours of work .................. 5325
Number of books sold ........... 194
Number of Bibles sold .......... 115
Religious periodicals sold ..... 12382
Periodical subscriptions taken . 160
Number of Spanish Health and Life magazines sold .......... 768
Total value of literature sales.. $431.39
The Spanish name of our health magazine is Salud y Vida. The Lord is greatly blessing the efforts of our faithful Spanish canvassers to carry the printed page of truth to the millions in that Catholic land. A. J. S. B.
Christian Liberty
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary
C. M. SNOW — Corresponding Secretary
Spain, the Vatican, and Religious Liberty
MATTERS between Spain and the Vatican are taking a serious turn; for even Spain is found making advances toward religious liberty. The liberal ministry, now in power in that country, is endeavoring to extend to non-Catholic congregations in Spain some, at least, of the privileges of the state church; that is, they are to be allowed to advertise their services, put up bulletins, indulge in processions if they choose, preach openly, make converts, etc. But the Vatican is as strongly opposed to such propositions as to the purpose of the French government concerning the dissolution of the concordat. The controversy has reached a place where the breaking off of diplomatic relations may be expected at any time. While France and Spain are, so far as the governments are concerned, turning their backs upon the Vatican, Rome is putting forth stronger efforts than ever before in the United States and England.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
Camp-Meetings for 1910
ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
Northern, New England, Burlington...... Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
New York, Syracuse ............ Sept. 1-10
Western New York, Rochester.... Sept. 9-
CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Maritime, Fredericton .......... Aug. 18-28
Quebec, Fitch Bay ........ Aug. 25 to Sept. 5
Ontario ........................ Sept. 15-25
CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE
North Missouri, Hamilton, July 28 to Aug. 8
Southern Missouri, Springfield.... Aug. 4-14
Kansas, Ottawa .............. Aug. 18-28
Colorado ..................... Aug. 18-28
Nebraska, York .............. Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Western Colorado, Grand Junction..... Sept. 15-25
COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE
Virginia, New Market ........ Aug. 4-14
Ohio, Marion ................. Aug. 11-21
West Virginia ............... Aug. 18-28
LAKE UNION CONFERENCE
East Michigan, Jackson ........ Aug. 11-21
West Michigan ................. Aug. 18-29
North Michigan, Traverse City ........ Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Indiana, Indianapolis ........ Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Wisconsin ..................... Sept. 1-11
Southern Illinois ............. Sept. 8-18
NORTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
North Dakota, Dickinson (local), July 13-18
PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
California, Humboldt County (local).....
....................... July 21-31
Southern California, San Diego (general)
........................ Aug. 4-14
California, About the Bay (general).....
........................ Aug. 18-28
California, Visalia (local), Sept. 29 to Oct. 9
Utah, Salt Lake City (conference only)...
........................ Oct. 4-9
Arizona, Phoenix (conference only).. Nov.
SOUTHEASTERN UNION CONFERENCE
Georgia, Griffin .............. July 21-31
South Carolina, Union ........ Aug. 4-14
North Carolina ............... Aug. 18-28
Cumberland, Chattanooga, Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Florida ........................ Oct. 13-23
SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Louisiana, Alexandria ......... July 21-31
Alabama, Calera ............... Aug. 4-14
Tennessee River ............... Aug. 18-28
Kentucky ............... Aug. 25 to Sept. 3
Mississippi, Enterprise ....... Sept. 1-10
SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE
South Texas ................... July 7-17
Texas, Fort Worth ............ July 21-31
West Texas ................... Aug. 4-14
Arkansas (local), Ravenden.... July 20-24
New Mexico, Roswell .......... Aug. 18-28
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Aug. 25 to Sept. 4
Arkansas ..................... Sept. 1-11
WESTERN CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Alberta, Lacombe ............. July 15-24
Saskatchewan (North) .... July 26 to Aug. 1
British Columbia (Western) .... Aug. 12-21
British Columbia (Eastern), Vernon.....
........................ Aug. 24-31
European Division
BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE
British Union, Watford.... July 28 to Aug. 2
Wales ..................... Sept. 29 to Oct. 2
North England ............. Oct. 6-9
EAST GERMAN UNION CONFERENCE
East German Union Committee, Friedensau ....................... July 25, 2622
WEST GERMAN UNION CONFERENCE
West German Union, Friedensau.. July 15-24
Holland ......................... Aug. 4-7
LATIN UNION CONFERENCE
French-Swiss Conference, Gland.. Aug. 10-15
Southern France ................. Aug. 17-21
