Earlier text: Our East African MissionVermont Camp-Meeting
By H. W. Cottrell
THE Vermont camp-meeting was held at Hardwick, August 18-28. This is a place of about four thousand inhabitants, located in a thrifty, enterprising part of the State, where the chief industry is the granite quarries. The camp was well situated in close proximity to the people, and the attendance from the city and the surrounding country was excellent. The tent was well filled each evening, and on Sunday and Sunday evening there were perhaps from ten to twelve hundred persons present, which is a good attendance for so conservative a locality as the East. They listened with undivided attention to the presentation of the Sabbath and kindred reforms for the people of this generation, in order that they may be prepared for the coming of Christ. We began at the opening of the meeting to present the Bible truths that make us a people, and the interest increased daily until the close of the series. Laborers will follow up the interest awakened, in the hope of establishing a goodly number of people in the third angel's message. The churches in the conference were well represented by delegates, and there was a good attendance of our people. Several persons gave themselves to the service of God. Nine individuals who had previously made no profession were buried with the Lord in baptism. The presence of the Spirit of God was especially manifest, and made the occasion a blessed one to those who were present. The various phases of conference work were considered, and the people were much encouraged to push forward the work. Special efforts were made to revive the canvassing work for our strictly denominational books and periodicals. The conference still supports Elder W. A. Westworth in Scotland, and the brethren and sisters do not seem to have the least disposition to confine their missionary efforts from this time forward to the boundary lines of their local conference. In the interest of the general work they also support a teacher in the union conference academy. I am sure the Lord will greatly bless the people of this conference in their endeavors to assist the one great work in a broader way than to confine it to the local church or conference. The individual, the church, or the conference that thus views the needs of the cause of God “must increase.” The following-named laborers from outside the conference were present all or a portion of the time: Elder W. H. Thurston, of Canada; Elder M. D. Mattson, Bible instructor in the South Lancaster Academy; F. E. Painter, the Review and Herald's general representative for the Atlantic Union Conference; and Professor Griggs. Each rendered good service. The local conference laborers were present, and also the writer. Elder H. J. Farman, of this conference, will connect with the work in Virginia. The workers and the people return to their homes filled with the love of the truth, and with courage to do their duty, by the help of the Lord. Elder Watt was again chosen president of the conference, and Brother F. M. Dana was elected secretary and treasurer. The other members of the executive committee are Brethren T. H. Purdon, A. W. Boardman, and F. A. Page. The Missouri Camp-Meeting
By R. C. Porter
THE annual conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened at Columbia, Mo., August 11, continuing until the twenty-first. Columbia is a beautiful city of between five and six thousand inhabitants. The State University and some denominational colleges are located in this city, making this an important educational center. A series of tent-meetings had preceded the camp-meeting, and had aroused a good interest and brought a number into the truth. The camp was located in a beautiful grove in the fair ground. The attendance from the city was large during the meetings, and the plain truth spoken was well received. Elders E. W. Farnsworth, E. T. Russell, I. H. Evans, W. H. Anderson, H. Shultz, J. Lipke, Smith Sharp, Prof. C. C. Lewis and wife, and M. E. Kern, Dr. Colloran, and Sister Vaughn, together with the conference laborers, shared in the labor of the meetings. Twelve thousand and seventy-four dollars tithe was received during the year, and the money received from all other sources was between17twelve and thirteen thousand dollars. Four hundred and fifty dollars in cash and pledges was raised for the Washington work, besides fifteen hundred dollars pledged subject to the sale of property, and two acres of corn. One hundred and twenty-five dollars was raised for the colored work in the South, seventy dollars for the educational work in Brazil, and fifty-seven dollars for foreign missionary work. The State was divided into five districts, and a minister placed in charge of each district. The canvassing work received much attention, and interesting meetings were held with church officers, looking toward educating them for a missionary campaign the coming fall and winter. The keynote of this campaign was that each member of the church labor to bring at least one into the truth during the year. If this were done, and it is not a great undertaking, if all would do their best, our numbers would be doubled during the year, and many more of our laborers could be spared for the foreign fields. Brother H. E. Meyer was ordained to the work of the ministry, and three churches were received into the conference. The report showed that sixteen thousand dollars’ worth of books had been sold during the last two years. Four hundred dollars’ worth more were sold during the camp-meeting. Seventeen persons were baptized, and a strong desire was manifested by the young people to attend Union College and prepare for labor in the cause of God. R. C. Porter, H. M. Stewart, H. K. Willis, W. S. Cruzan, and James Cochran were elected as the conference committee. Two ministers were offered to the General Conference for a year, to be supported by the Missouri Conference. The keynote of the message borne was that “time is short,” and our work must be done quickly. All hearts seemed to respond to this cheering message, and all returned to their homes determined to enter with renewed vigor the work of giving the message to the world. The Maine Camp-Meeting
By W. C. White
It was my privilege, in company with Dr. G. A. Hare, of Washington, D. C., to spend five days at the Caribou, Maine, camp-meeting. Caribou is one of the most northerly cities of Aroostook County, which constitutes a large part of the great hunting and fishing grounds of northern Maine. Parts of this great northern county are very fertile, and are being rapidly converted into farms. The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad has built two lines through the most fertile sections to the Canadian border, and along these lines are growing up thrifty villages and cities. All along the line for more than a hundred miles we noticed numerous large storehouses at each station, and upon inquiry learned that they were potato storehouses. On each side of the line there were large potato fields, and in the machinery sheds potato planters and potato harvesters. Two hundred and fifty bushels to the acre, we are told, is not an unusual yield. Over seven million dollars was brought into Aroostook County last year in return for its crop of potatoes. But large portions of this and adjoining counties of northern Maine are yet but little else than a wild, rocky, beautiful forest, dotted with lakes and lumber camps. Of these great northern hunting grounds it is said, “There are nearly fifteen thousand square miles of hunting and fishing country in northern Maine, a territory the size of the State of Massachusetts. More than ten thousand non-resident sportsmen visit this section annually.” During 1902 there were shipped from this section two hundred and forty-four moose and four thousand four hundred and ninety-five deer. This northland of the Atlantic coast is becoming more and more a popular summer resort, and we hope that small sanitariums may take the place of some of the hunting camps, and that the good fruits, grains, and potatoes of the settlements may be eaten instead of the beautiful deer and noble moose of the forest. Caribou, where the camp-meeting was held, is a thrifty city of about three thousand people. It is the center of trade for a large and prosperous farming district. Here Elders P. F. Bicknell and F. C. Gilbert had been holding a tent-meeting for about ten weeks. Their large tent was conveniently located and nicely fitted up, and there was a good attendance, and a deep interest manifested in the truths presented. The good people attending the meetings, although much interested, and acknowledging the correctness of the doctrines presented, were slow to decide to obey. The camp-meeting, as we hoped, has influenced some to decide fully to obey. About twenty-five tents, and many rooms in the neighborhood, were occupied by our people at the meeting. I think there were one hundred and fifty in attendance. On Sabbath, August 27, solemn appeals were made to our people that they renew their consecration to the Lord. On Sunday the camp-ground was thronged all day. Hundreds from the surrounding country drove in with their teams, and the railroads, running special trains, brought eight hundred to the meeting. Although naturally there were many curious and restless elements in the throng, yet their attention was held by a clear and forceful presentation of truth by Elders H. W. Cottrell and F. C. Gilbert. On Monday and Tuesday Dr. G. A. Hare, of Washington, D. C., gave several helpful and practical talks on healthful living. These health talks were greatly appreciated by the people. The business of the conference was transacted quickly, and the campers were invited to organize into a band of Christian visitors. Wednesday morning a large number went out to visit the people of Caribou, telling them of the blessings received at the meetings, and inviting them to attend. The experience meeting held Friday morning, when the visitors related their experiences, was an hour full of thanksgiving and praise, and a meeting long to be remembered. The conference committee requested Elders Gilbert and Bicknell to continue their labors in Caribou, and invited Elders Goodrich and Hersum to join them. The interest aroused by the tent-meetings extends for miles into the country, and much visiting needs to be done. W. C. WHITE. Camp-Meeting Labors
By E. W. Farnsworth
DURING the past few weeks I have attended a number of camp-meetings, but at most of them have been present only part of the time, and am therefore unprepared to give such complete reports as might be desirable. An account of the business proceedings and other items of interest will no doubt be found in the reports sent by the secretaries of the different conferences, and so I will attempt to write only concerning some of the general features of each meeting. This meeting was held at Keene. The camp was pitched on the school grounds, which furnished a beautiful and convenient place. The weather during most of the meeting was delightful. About eight hundred and fifty persons attended this convocation. They came from all parts of the State. We are glad to report a good meeting in Texas this year. A spirit of union prevailed, notwithstanding many perplexing things came up for consideration. The educational work and the Keene Academy received considerable attention, and the medical work received still more consideration. The brethren were anxious to do that which would be wisest and best for that phase of the work. One of the freest discussions I ever listened to was carried on by the delegates in reference to the medical work. A good spirit and feeling were maintained through it all, and though not all was accomplished that some might have desired, yet it could be seen that progress was made. About one thousand dollars was promised to assist in that work. Dr. Haskell, and his father, Elder C. P. Haskell, have labored the best they could during the past year to build it up, and all were glad to see that considerable improvement had been made. The conference has erected quite a commodious building for a sanitarium. It needs a better equipment, and the money that was raised is to be used for this purpose. We were sorry to find a disposition on the part of many of the brethren and sisters to move to Keene. I was informed that nearly one half of the church-membership in the conference, and nearly all the ministers, live in Keene. We regard this as an unfavorable omen; and if this policy is continued, it will surely bring calamitous results to the conference. To those who have a clear perception of the nature of our work it is evident that we must work on the opposite plan. We must scatter, not colonize. We must go to all parts of the earth, not locate in one place. Those who adopted that policy in ancient times founded a Babylon, and those who follow their example will reap confusion and loss. To go to all nations is God’s plan. To colonize is the plan of another being who has no love for this closing message. There is no wisdom in our18people gathering in this way. All confess that it is an evil, but continue to do that which they condemn. Thirty-two were baptized during the camp-meeting. Elder N. P. Nelson was again chosen to act as conference president. Other members of the committee, and officers of different branches of the work, remain nearly the same as last year. The conference voted to hold four of its laborers subject to the call of the General Conference, and to furnish funds to support them in some needy field. We believe that God will greatly bless in carrying out this resolution. The tithe in the Texas Conference has increased quite materially the past year. Obligations to the amount of several thousand dollars have been met, and the conference seems to have been quite prosperous in every way. The one thing needful in Texas, as in all the conferences I have visited, is that the people go to work. Many are “weak and sickly” because of a lack of spiritual exercise. We believe this state of things will change, and may God hasten the day. The camp-meeting in this State was held on the fair ground at Marysville, according to appointment. There was a fair attendance of our own people, and in some of its features it was the best meeting we have yet attended. It was so thoroughly organized that the hurry and confusion so noticeable at many meetings were avoided. There was sufficient time between the services so that the people did not become weary of them. This is an important factor in a good meeting. Elder A. G. Daniells attended the first part of the meeting, and presented very clearly the duty of this people to give the truth to the whole world. More than seventy persons under forty years of age signified their willingness to go wherever the Lord might call them, or to do anything he might wish them to do. Besides this, the Ohio Conference voted to place at the disposal of the General Conference one half of its laborers and one half its tithe to be used in foreign fields. This recommendation was unanimously passed by a rising vote of the congregation. We feel sure this action will mark the beginning of a new era in the work in Ohio. Before the camp-meeting closed, there were those who made definite plans in reference to going to India and other fields outside of the United States. There should be scores who should go from Ohio to all parts of the world carrying the light God has given them. The educational and young people’s work received due attention. The meetings of the conference were harmonious, and the brethren were united in all the measures adopted. Elder H. H. Burkholder was again elected president, and there was but little change in the officers chosen for the coming year. The financial report was an encouraging one. There is a debt on the Mount Vernon Academy of about five thousand dollars, but we are confident that the brethren will soon raise this, and provide additional funds for needed repairs on the building. The school is an important factor in the work of the Ohio Conference, and it is there that workers must be trained both for home and for foreign fields. We see no reason why the cause in Ohio should not make marked advancement the coming year. The outside attendance at the camp-meeting was not large, but it was thought there was sufficient interest to warrant a tent effort in the city, and it was advertised that this would follow. The Indiana camp-meeting was held at Martinsville, a city about thirty miles from Indianapolis. The camp was located where the people could reach it without difficulty, it being within five minutes’ walk of the business part of the town. There were one hundred and fifteen tents pitched, and about five hundred of our people in attendance. Quite a number rented rooms in the city, and the people manifested great kindness in entertaining them, even expressing regret when the time came for them to leave. The associations thus formed resulted in many becoming interested in the truth. During the first part of the meeting a storm came, and most of the tents on the encampment were blown down, but they were soon erected again, but little damage being done. Elders A. G. Daniells and W. W. Prescott were present the first part of the meeting. After the clear presentation by Elder Daniells of the needs in foreign fields, a resolution was unanimously adopted to hold one half of the laborers and one half of the tithe of the Indiana Conference subject to the call of the General Conference during the coming year. Elder W. J. Stone was again elected president of the conference, and but few changes were made in the executive committee. The treasurer’s report showed that a debt of four thousand dollars had been canceled the past year, and that the tithe paid has increased about five hundred dollars. At this meeting about five hundred dollars was pledged to the school at Boggstown, and the brethren will doubtless lift the debt of five thousand dollars on that institution during the year. This can be done if they will. Considerable attention was given to the canvassing work, and it is expected that the force of workers will be largely increased. The State was divided into four districts, and a secretary appointed to take charge of this work in each. Special attention was given to the educational and young people’s work. The Sabbath-school donations for two Sabbaths amounted to over thirty dollars, which was given to the work in Africa. Thirty-seven persons were baptized. There were some very interesting features connected with the camp-meeting in Indiana: (1) it was located in a new place where such meetings had never been held; (2) its location made it accessible from all parts of the city; (3) it was used as a means of interesting the people in the truths of the third angel’s message; (4) a daily paper of four pages was issued, containing reports of the sermons preached; and each day our brethren and sisters went with these papers to the homes of the people, giving them personal invitations to attend the meetings. This was a great blessing to our brethren, as well as to those residing in Martinsville, and this personal effort resulted in a large outside interest being awakened. Not only did people in the city attend the meetings, but we learned of some who came four or five miles evening after evening, saying they could not afford to remain away. It was an inspiration to see the large congregations which more than filled the large tent each evening. The subjects of discourse were the main points of our faith,—the coming of the Lord, the signs of the times, the Sabbath, and kindred truths. There was the best of order, and the people listened with the greatest respect and interest. At the close of the regular camp-meeting quite a force of workers remained to follow up the interest, and we see no reason why a strong church should not be raised up in Martinsville. We sincerely hope that our brethren in charge of the work in all our conferences will profit by the example of the brethren in Indiana, and that they will carefully study and heed the instruction the Lord has given concerning the manner of conducting camp-meetings, in “Testimonies for the Church,” Volume VI. This instruction is clear and definite. We do well to heed it. We were glad to see the brethren in Indiana carry it out so fully, and God blessed them greatly in doing so. At the close of the Indiana camp-meeting I attended the first part of the meeting of the North Michigan Conference, which was held at Mancelona. These few days were really enjoyable. The camp was thoroughly organized, the weather was delightful, and the people were of good courage. The business of the conference was harmoniously transacted. The officers elected were about the same as last year, Elder Wight being retained as president. The finances of the conference have greatly improved during the year just closed. Every enterprise that came before the brethren for action was entered upon with alacrity and zeal. The attendance from without was not large, but some became interested. We were glad to find that the brethren in North Michigan had no institutions to support, and better still, they did not seem to want any, and hence all their time, their energy, and strength were devoted to the promulgation of the truth in new fields. This is the one feature of our work which gives complete satisfaction, and no worry or perplexity. We greatly enjoyed the part of the meeting we were permitted to attend, but being obliged to leave before it was half concluded, we are unable to report definitely as to the final results. We were glad indeed to meet many former acquaintances at the Wisconsin meeting, which was held at Oshkosh. The camp was located near the shore of beautiful Lake Winnebago, on the same ground as last year. The attendance was not large, either of our own people or of those from the city. There were about seven hundred of the former, and very few of the latter. I was unable to reach the meeting till its closing days, and so the business was about completed, and the routine work done. The meeting19had been rather uneventful. But few changes were made in the election of conference officers. As there was but little interest in the city, the brethren labored for those encamped on the ground. Forty-eight were baptized during the meeting. The brethren in Wisconsin manifested a practical interest in certain phases of the foreign mission work. Sister Ida Thompson, who is engaged in teaching a mission school in China, is from Wisconsin, and the brethren and sisters gave liberally for its support. Other phases of missionary work also received liberal consideration. We did not learn the particulars, and so must leave that for those to report who are able to give the details. We will only say that we found the brethren and sisters in Wisconsin not only willing, but anxious to support every advance move for the extension of the work in new fields. Every time this part of the work was referred to, a ready response was made. Brother R. T. Dowsett and Brother Sufficool were ordained to the work of the ministry. God graciously blessed in all the meetings that were held while I was present, and the word was spoken with great freedom and liberty. I greatly enjoyed my labors with Elder William Covert, who has labored here so long for the upbuilding of the work. The great need in Wisconsin, as elsewhere, is a consecration to the work of the Lord, a dedication of ourselves and our all to his service. Quebec Conference and Camp-Meeting
By S. A. Farnsworth
THIS meeting was held at Knowlton, September 1-11. A good representation from all parts of the conference was on the grounds ready for the first meeting. The camp was pitched on a beautiful spot in full view of Brome Lake, in whose clear and sparkling waters sixteen willing souls were buried in baptism, and arose, we trust, to walk in newness of life. Nearly all seemed ready to enter into the spirit of the meeting, and as the stirring message came from the servants of God, giving us new views of the work to be done in this generation, we trust that the minds of all were able more fully to sense the obligations resting upon them. Two tent companies have been in the field this summer. The Knowlton Sanitarium made its first annual report. This institution was opened July 22, 1903. It has been a success from the start, and at present finds itself unable to meet the demands made upon it for suitable accommodations. As this is the only institution of its kind in the Dominion, and as it will be a training-school for nurses to carry forward the work in other parts of the Dominion, it was evident that better facilities should be provided. Acting under the advice of the leading brethren, it was voted to raise four thousand dollars to equip the institution and provide a home for nurses. This conference, though small in numbers, its entire membership being only about two hundred, took it upon themselves to raise one thousand dollars, and then to ask their brethren across the border to help them with the remainder. In the time past both men and means have gone from this conference to help build up nearly all the older institutions, and now as the work in this field is taking a new start and assuming new responsibilities, will this be as bread upon the waters, which shall return after many days? Are there not those who will feel it a privilege to help just at this time? Over four hundred dollars was subscribed at this meeting. All returned to their homes feeling well paid for the effort made, and looking forward to that great meeting when all shall meet around the throne of God. An Important Step for the Colored Work in the South
By George I. Butler
At the recent council of the General Conference Committee at College View, Neb., September 15-25, an important action was taken. A unanimous vote of all the members of the committee present was passed, setting apart the first Sabbath in November each year for the taking up of a collection for the benefit of the colored work in the South. The importance of this step can hardly be overestimated. This unfortunate race is quite poor. Many are without homes of their own. Large numbers are dependent upon small wages for a living. Comparatively few have much education. Having a generation or two ago come from the condition of slavery, it would be unreasonable to expect as much from them as from the white race, who have for many ages been free and living in the enjoyment of all the blessings of civilization. It is positively certain that it is possible for many of the negro race to become intelligent, useful citizens. With a fair chance, many of them have become respectable physicians, eloquent speakers, successful business men, and useful members of society. Multitudes more of them might succeed in the affairs of life had they the proper instruction. When we consider the religious aspect of this race question, a vastly greater responsibility rests upon us. No sane, honest man can deny the moral accountability of the negro race. There are too many facts attesting the ability of various members of this race to deny their moral sense. Instances of great heroism, faithfulness, mechanical skill, religious fervor, and integrity abound among individuals of this race. The evidence is plain that this people need the blessed truths of the Bible for these last days. Large numbers are already receiving them, and profiting thereby. A great duty rests upon our people to give to this despised, unfortunate race the glorious, precious truths of God's Word for this time. We have been making some efforts in this direction; but these efforts ought to be increased a hundredfold. And if the Lord is coming in this generation, there is no time for delay. There are upward of nine millions of the colored race in the United States of America. Probably three fourths of these are within the bounds of the Southern Union Conference. The Southern States must confront this problem; and they must do it immediately. There has been a great lack of means with which to carry on this branch of the work. The problem has been a very serious one. Many perplexities have had to be met. The support of the cause among the white population in the South has been one of much difficulty. The constituency among the whites has been small and comparatively poor. It has been demonstrated beyond question that the white population in the South can not carry on their own work and that of the colored people, with any such vigor as the importance of the work demands. Under these circumstances, the union conference committee drew up a petition addressed to the General Conference Committee, earnestly pleading with that committee to appoint a day once each year when all our people, in the North and in the South, should be urged to donate of their means liberally for the support of the work among the colored people. This petition came up for consideration at the recent meeting in College View, Neb. The committee unanimously endorsed the petition, and appointed the first Sabbath in November each year for this purpose. The object of this article is to notify our people generally of this action of the committee. The time is comparatively short this year in which to put forth a proper appeal, and get the matter before all our people. We request that all our papers and periodicals give notice of the appointment of this day for the purpose mentioned. We greatly need this year a large donation of many thousands of dollars for the Southern Colored Training School at Huntsville, Ala., and the colored sanitarium, and the support of various colored schools in different States and conferences. The money raised on this appointed day will be apportioned to various institutions and objects connected with the colored work, by a large committee appointed by the General Conference Committee, so that each object shall have proper consideration. Let our brethren and sisters everywhere take this matter into careful consideration, and prepare to deal liberally with this very needy cause. Much more will be said on this subject in the future in our various periodicals. GEO. I. BUTLER,
Pres. of Southern Union Conf. The Haskell and James White Homes
By E. H. Whitney
WE gladly accept the kind invitation of the president of the General Conference to make, through the columns of the REVIEW, a statement of the needs and circumstances of the Homes at Battle Creek for the aged and the children. For some time the donations, once so freely given by our people for the support of the Homes, have perceptibly diminished, owing, we have supposed, to the many important calls from other needy branches of the work. We have adjusted ourselves as best we could to the circumstances, our work growing in spite of its restrictions. But in April, a year ago, the building which contained our heating plant and laundry was destroyed by fire. We20waited all summer, hoping that in some way money would come in, which, with the insurance, would enable us to replace the building. The time for the October donation drew near, and winter also was approaching. Our boilers had to be protected before cold weather, so we had the building re-erected, studying to save expense in design, in material, and in work, but the donations for the year were scarcely more than half what they had been in the days of more liberal giving to the Home, and the severe winter added considerably to our expenses, so we have yet most of our bills for the building unpaid, and our fuel and other supplies for the winter to provide. At the Old People's Home the boilers have been patched and repaired for several years, and ought to be replaced, both for safety and for economy. Meantime the appeals for us to take children and feeble old people are coming almost daily from all parts of the country,—North, South, East, and West. We shall be glad to do our part in helping them to the utmost capacity of the Homes by the closest economy consistent with the health of the old people and children. We have been greatly cheered by the words of sympathy and encouragement that have come to us from time to time from various sources. As a member of the General Conference Committee said to us not long ago, “These are the only institutions of the kind our people have, and they surely must support them.” A great encouragement to us was a recent visit of Sister White to both the Homes. She was not strong enough, with all else she had planned for the day, to go through the buildings, but the children, teachers, and caretakers at the Haskell Home came out on the veranda to greet her, gathering around the carriage while she spoke a few words to such as were near. Then, as she observed the size of the family gathered on the veranda, and saw that she could not speak to each individual, she addressed to them a few words of counsel, urging them to follow the instructions that were given them that they might become useful members of the Lord's family. At the James White Home, as there were so many feeble ones, she came into the sitting-room, where were gathered all who were able to get there. I have rarely been more touched than by the way these white-haired pilgrims, many of them near their journey's end, gathered about the dear aged servant of the Lord, eager to take her hand, and hanging on her words. Many of them had listened to her voice years in the past, and all of them were familiar with the work of her pen, and they will carry to the end the memory of that brief interview; for not one was missed, except those who were confined to their rooms. Her parting words, as she withdrew from the group, seemed inspired in their adaptation to the time and place, as she pointed them to the mansions above which Christ has gone to prepare for them. We were all grateful, both for ourselves and for our dear old people, that they had this privilege of meeting Sister White. As to the work the Homes are doing, we refer the reader to the little sheet, the Haskell Home Appeal, issued every three months in behalf of our work. As through the courtesy of the publishers of the REVIEW we are permitted to send it twice a year to its subscribers, we will not trespass upon its columns to repeat what we have said in the Appeal. No one is more conscious of our failures than ourselves, but we are striving to make each day's work better than the last. We have a group of earnest Christian workers, who are conscientiously endeavoring to mother the children committed to their care, but we need more such to do justice to the increasing number that are asking entrance. We wish to assure the friends of the Homes that we have appreciated their assistance through all these years, both in money and clothing and in the sympathy so often expressed in our work, and we are glad to believe that they will still stand by us in our efforts for these who so need our help and sympathy.