The church has been purchased with the blood of the Son of God. It is the one thing upon this sin-cursed earth upon which the Lord bestows his supreme regard. Its members are very dear to him, and those who touch them, touch the apple of his eye.
In his church the Lord has placed system and order. To maintain this order, and carry forward the work for which the church exists, some must be chosen by the church to places of official responsibility.
We greatly fear that the responsibility resting upon an officer in the church has not been so fully realized, either by the church or by the persons chosen by the church as officers, as it should be.
Take, for instance, the office of elder. The elder is the highest officer in the local church, and his work is a sacred and holy responsibility. Paul, when addressing the elders of the church at Miletus, said: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28.
It will be observed that the church is here called a flock, of which the elder is called the “overseer,” or shepherd. In accepting the office of church elder, the one chosen must also accept the responsibility which goes with it,—that of having a watch-care, or oversight, concerning the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made him an overseer. As a shepherd he is to “feed the church of God.”
“Feed the church”! What a responsibility! It can be measured only in eternity. The work to which the Holy Spirit has appointed him is to furnish spiritual food for the flock. And if at any time the church is cold, or spiritually lean, the elder should prayerfully inquire as to the cause. Many churches are cold and lifeless; leanness of soul is felt and greatly deplored. Is it because the church has refused to eat? or is it because the one chosen to oversee the flock has not been wholly consecrated to God, and as a result has failed to “feed the church”? This is a question which all those chosen as leaders in the church should soberly and prayerfully consider.
But let not the church, either individually or collectively, excuse their sins and backsliding by criticising the elder or other officers. Our church elders in their sacred and heavy responsibility have our deepest sympathy and prayers. As they stand Sabbath after Sabbath before the little flock among whom they live, to do the work they have been chosen to do, they need our prayers far more than our criticism. Let those chosen to office seek God for the wisdom they need for their work, and let the church unitedly uphold them by their earnest co-operation and prayers.
G. B. Thompson.
Religious Liberty Campaigns
OUR religious liberty workers in Colorado have published twenty-five thousand copies of a tract entitled, “Are Sunday Laws Religious or Civil Enactments?” and are circulating them throughout the State.
Brother John S. Wightman, secretary of the Central States Religious Liberty Association, who, accompanied by Mrs. Wightman, is making a State-wide tour of Missouri, holding meetings in many of the cities and larger towns, is having a very successful campaign. The local papers give quite full reports of the meetings. The audiences vary in size, there being at times as many as five hundred in attendance.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
Camp-Meetings for 1908
ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE
Maine, Brownville ............ Aug. 20-30
Vermont, Waterbury .......... Aug. 20-30
Western New York, Buffalo .... Sept. 3-13
New York, Norwich ............ Sept. 10-20
CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE
Ontario, Toronto ............. Aug. 20-30
Quebec ....................... Aug. 27 to Sept. 6
Maritime, Williamsdale, N. S., Sept. 10-21
CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE
Kansas, Ottawa ............... Aug. 13-23
Colorado, Pueblo ............. Aug. 20-30
Nebraska, Hastings ........... Aug. 27 to Sept. 7
COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE
Ohio, Mansfield .............. Aug. 13-23
New Jersey, Woodbury ......... Aug. 20-30
West Virginia, Charleston, Aug. 27 to Sept. 6
Virginia (local), Newmarket ... Sept. 8-13
LAKE UNION CONFERENCE
West Michigan, Grand Rapids ... Aug. 13-23
Northern Illinois, Streator ... Aug. 20-30
East Michigan, Lapeer ........ Aug. 20-30
Indiana (local), North Vernon ... Aug. 25-31
North Michigan (conference) Petoskey ............... Aug. 27 to Sept. 6
Wisconsin, Madison ........... Aug. 31 to Sept. 13
NORTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Iowa, Nevada ................. Aug. 27 to Sept. 6
NORTH PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
Montana, Victor .............. Aug. 20-30
Montana, Great Falls ......... Sept. 4-13
SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Tennessee River, Memphis ..... Oct. 1-10
Mississippi, Amory (white) ... Aug. 13-23
Mississippi, Jackson (colored) ............... Aug. 27 to Sept. 6
Alabama, Cullman ............. Sept. 3-13
Kentucky, Moreland ........... Sept. 24 to Oct. 4
Alabama, near Mobile ......... Oct. 8-18
SOUTHEASTERN UNION CONFERENCE
North Carolina, Lexington .... Aug. 14-23
Cumberland, Cleveland, Tenn., ............... Aug. 26 to Sept. 6
Florida, Palatka ............. Oct. 1-12
SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE
Arkansas (State), Fort Smith ... Sept. 3-13
Oklahoma (State), Enid ........ Aug. 20-31
The presidents of the various conferences are requested to forward any information which will enable us to publish a complete and correct list of the camp-meetings appointed for the present season. If any changes are made in either time or place of meetings already appointed, notice should be forwarded at once.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
Notice!
By R. W. PARMELE
A CANVASSERS’ institute will be held in Palatka, Fla., at the close of the annual camp-meeting. The institute will begin October 12, and continue as long as is deemed best.
The ranks of our canvassers will be heavily drawn upon at this camp-meeting. It seems almost imperative to call two canvassers into the ministry, one to church-school teaching, and three or four to positions in our new sanitarium. Shall there not be many volunteers to fill up the ranks? Excellent help is promised us for this institute, so come to camp-meeting prepared to stay.
R. W. PARMELE.
Signs of the Times Monthly
By Editor
September Number Ready August 20
ONE of the leading features of the September number of the Signs of the Times Monthly will be an article by Elder A. O. Tait on the wonderful increase of destructive insects during the last few years, as spoken of in the prophecy of Joel.
Few persons realize the fearful ravages now being made by these pests, and the vast amount of money expended to combat the evil. All this is shown in this article, and it can not fail to impress the reader as being a marked fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel. Not only will the article itself be illustrated by photographs of the various insects, but the cover will be brilliant with suggestive designs of crops and fruits of various kinds in their natural colors, showing the insects at work.
It is a very striking and impressive design, telling the story at a glance.
As usual the first department in the magazine will be Notes on Current Topics, calling attention to the leading events of the month in the social, political, and religious worlds, and the bearing they have on the fulfilment of prophecy. Following this will be articles entitled,—
Human Failure and God's Grace: A most excellent sermon by the Rev. E. Guy Talbott, Methodist Episcopal pastor at Estella, Cal., showing that there is no hope of the world's growing better until the Lord Jesus Christ shall come.
Baptism: An article by Elder Wm. Covert, which not only teaches the truth, but which makes an earnest appeal to those who desire to be Christians.
Will All Men Live Forever? or Immortality in Christ, showing that our only hope of life is in Jesus our Lord, by Elder Geo. A. Snyder.
Signs of the Second Coming of Christ, by Prof. G. W. Rine. This article deals with the assurances God has given us, and the promises he has made concerning the second coming of Christ.
A European Letter by a regular correspondent, dealing with two special topics: (1) The Military Spirit in Switzerland; and (2) Italy's Schemes in the Balkan States.
Mr. C. E. Milton, correspondent in Rome, gives an account of the Jubilee of Pius X, and the anti-clerical demonstrations which have threatened the peace of Italy.
The Missions Department will have an illustrated article on the always interesting field of Burma, by Prof. J. L. Shaw, superintendent of missions in India.
The Temperance Department will be up to date, especially in view of what has been done in the way of prohibition the last year. Its subject is, The Liquor Traffic: Should It Be Prohibited?
The Home Department has a little story entitled, A Mother's Prayer, by Florence Booth Miller; also an article on the Origin and History of Fashions, which will delight our lady readers, by Dr. Margaret Evans, of Palo Alto, Cal.
Many of these articles will be illustrated with drawings and splendid photo engravings. All those who have placed study upon it think this number will far surpass the first issue in August.
Prices
Single copy .......10 cents.
2 to 25 copies .... 5 cents a copy.
25 to 500 copies ... 4 cents a copy.
Special rates on orders of 500 or more. 10 or more copies, one year, to one address, one order, 25 cents each.
Foreign subscriptions, $1.25 a year.
Agents wanted in every city and town.
Address Signs of the Times, Mountain View, Cal.
Cumberland Conference and Camp-Meeting
By J. F. Pogue
The annual session of the Cumberland Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Cleveland, Tenn., August 26 to September 6. The first two days will be devoted to the business of the conference. Officers for the coming year will be elected, and such plans will be laid for future work, as can properly come before this body. The first session will be held August 26 at 2:30 P. M. We trust that all the churches have elected a full quota of delegates, and that their credentials will be promptly forwarded to the conference secretary, Mrs. J. F. Pogue, at Byington, Tenn. Tents will be rented at the usual rate, and22orders for the same should be promptly sent to A. D. West, Cleveland, Tenn.
Come aside, brethren, from the busy toils of life, and let us seek the Lord together, that he may pour out his Spirit upon us, that we may receive the refreshing he has in store for those who seek him.
J. F. POGUE, President.
Notice!
By L. F. STARR
THE office of the Chesapeake Conference and Tract Society will hereafter be located at 26 Wesley St., Baltimore, Md., instead of 1909 Lansdown. Those wishing to address this office please note the change of address.
L. F. STARR, President.
Notice!
By L. A. HANSEN
MEDICAL WORKERS WANTED. There are openings in the Southern field for consecrated physicians and nurses. Correspondence with persons desiring to locate is hereby solicited. Address the undersigned at Graysville, Tenn.
L. A. HANSEN, Medical Secretary.
Notice!
By J. F. Pogue
THE second session of the legal association of the Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Cleveland, Tenn., Aug. 27, 1908, at 2:30 P. M. Two trustees will be elected for the coming year, and such other business as may properly come before the association will be transacted.
J. F. Pogue, President.
Notice!
By R. W. Parmele
THE second annual meeting of the Florida Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists is hereby called to convene at the camp-ground at Palatka, Fla., October 2, 1908, at 10 A. M., to elect officers, and transact any other business which may legally come before this meeting.
R. W. PARMELE,
President.
Notice!
By M. N. CAMPBELL
THE annual session of the Iowa Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Nevada, Iowa, August 27 to September 6, for the election of officers and the transaction of legal business pertaining to this association. The first meeting will be called on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1908, at 9:15 A. M.
M. N. CAMPBELL, President.
Announcement
By C. McREYNOLDS
THE annual meeting of the Wisconsin Conference Association will be held on the camp-ground at Madison, Wis., in connection with the meeting of the conference, August 31 to September 4. Delegates to the conference are delegates for the transaction of the business of the conference association.
C. McREYNOLDS, President.
A Section of Land and Other Properties for Sale
THE Wisconsin Conference has for sale a section of land in Douglas County, Wis., the northwest part of the State, about sixteen miles from the combined city of Superior and Duluth, one of the best markets in the North. There is a station on the Northwestern main line, on the corner of the section. The Wisconsin Central railway runs across the opposite corner. Market and shipping facilities are excellent. The land is a mixture of clay and sand loam, making an excellent soil. It is uncleared hardwood land, the clearing is not difficult, no stone to any amount upon it. We will sell this land off in lots of any size ranging from five acres to the whole section on easy terms. This section lies within one mile of the Walderly School, and the church maintains a church-school. Almost all small fruits, vegetables, and root crops grow in abundance. Irish potatoes, oats, barley, timothy, and clover hay are the leading products.
We also have for sale a large double store, brick building, in Rice Lake, Wis., located next door from the post-office, the best location in the city for business; property brings in rent about $100 a month; also a single store frame building in the same city, which rents for thirty dollars a month. Both these buildings have suites of rooms above for families. They can be purchased at very reasonable prices, so that the rents pay a good interest on the investment. We shall be able to make terms to suit the purchaser. For prices address C. McReynolds, Box 57, Grand Rapids, Wis.
An Opportunity to Help Some One
By W. A. WESTWORTH
A New "Christ's Object Lessons" Campaign
FROM observation and information at hand from several sources we are convinced that there are a number of "Christ's Object Lessons" out in the field of the Southeastern Union Conference. These are lying unused, and the purpose for which they were given is not being realized. Individuals as well as churches have these books on hand, and but little effort has been made recently to dispose of them.
Now we have a suggestion to make to all who have these books on hand. Of you that own books that you have not been able to sell, we ask that they be given to the work of education outright; that is, send to Prof. M. V. Van Kirk, Graysville, Tenn., the number of books that you have, that you are willing to donate, and the management of the school will see that they are used in a special arrangement which is calling for a large number of these precious truth-bearers. If you have books that are simply charged to you, return them to Professor Van Kirk, freight or express paid, and we will cancel your indebtedness and use the books.
An arrangement has been made, and is being set before the camp-meetings of this union conference, whereby we believe that a fourfold blessing will be obtained,—to the seller, to the school, to the student whose expense is furnished by the sale, and to the buyer of the book.
Now we trust that those who have these books on hand will attend to this matter at once, so discharging the obligation, and at the same time helping the school management to do effective service in the education of workers for the Master's vineyard.
W. A. WESTWORTH,
President Southeastern Union Conference.
A Special Short Course at the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute
By E. A. SUTHERLAND
THERE will be held at the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute, at Madison, Tenn., a six weeks’ institute beginning September 2 and closing October 13. This six weeks will be spent in a prayerful study of problems to be met by the self-supporting worker in the South, with a view to preparing a number of persons to engage in such work.
Outline of Work Offered
1. A Bible and Testimony study on self-supporting missionary work.
2. The South—its climatic conditions; the soil and productions; natural resources; means of self-support in this section.
3. Social conditions—the spirit of hospitality to be met; adaptability required; diet; manner of life in different localities.
4. The need of workers—among the colored people; among the Highlanders; in the cities; in factory districts.
5. Kinds of work required—medical missionary, teaching, evangelical, canvassing.
6. Some mission stations already in operation.
7. Testimonies relating to the South.
We have been told that many schools after the order of the Madison School should be started in the South. A rich harvest of souls awaits the earnest, self-sacrificing workers in this section. Spend six weeks studying the situation, and you may find there is a place awaiting you.
How to Reach Madison.— Madison is on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad seven miles from Nashville. On reaching Nashville, telephone the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute, and we will arrange for23a conveyance to meet you at Madison station.
What to Bring.— Students are required to provide sheets, all bedclothes, pillows and cases, towels, napkins, and whatever they may desire in the way of curtains, table scarfs, and rugs. For the institute bring also the Testimonies and any books you may have on the South.
Expense.— Board is served on the European plan, and costs the average student from $5 to $7 a month.
Rooms rent for $2 a month.
The six weeks’ course will cost a student about $15.
Each student works two hours a day. Those desiring to work in part payment of expenses should mention this fact in their correspondence.
This six-weeks’ course will be followed by the first conference of self-supporting workers of the South, a two-weeks’ meeting which promises to be one of the most interesting occasions in the history of the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute. The school will be prepared to accommodate twenty-five or thirty young men and women. All who attend the special six-weeks’ course and the conference should be mature in mind, possessed of a fair education, and desirous of entering a needy field. Consider the matter carefully and prepare to come. Address the undersigned at Madison, Tenn.
E. A. SUTHERLAND.
The Florida Camp-Meeting
By R. W. Parmele
THE annual camp-meeting and conference session of the Seventh-day Adventists of Florida will be held at Palatka, Fla., October 1-12. The conference business will be transacted at that time. The first meeting of the conference will be held at 9 A. M., Friday, Oct. 2, 1908. Let all delegates be present at this meeting, that the work may be begun promptly.
R. W. PARMELE,
President.
Camp-Meeting for the Colored People
By J. F. POGUE
A CAMP-MEETING for the colored people will be held at Cleveland, Tenn., immediately following the camp-meeting for the white people, which closes September 6. We trust that all our colored brethren will take notice, and make a special effort to be present at this meeting. We are endeavoring to secure good help, and we hope that there will be a full attendance at this meeting.
We are desirous that this gathering shall give a new impetus to the work for the colored people in our conference.
J. F. POGUE.
Important Notice!
By M. B. VAN KIRK
AFTER publishing the announcements of the Southern Training-School, it has been decided, on account of conflict with the canvassers' delivery and with the Cumberland camp-meeting, to postpone the opening of the school until September 16. The full nine months' work will be given by an occasional extra class session in the afternoon, but the student will be charged with only eight and one-half months' tuition and board.
We are hoping for a full attendance. A number of last year's graduates will return for further work in different courses.
Remember the date,—September 16, at 9 A. M.
M. B. VAN KIRK,
Principal.
The Wisconsin Conference
By C. McREYNOLDS
The annual meeting of the Wisconsin Seventh-day Adventist Conference will be held on the camp-ground at Madison, Wis., just prior to the annual camp-meeting. The first meeting of the conference will be called at 11 A. M., Monday, August 31. Four days are allotted for the conference business. The camp-meeting is to open on Friday, September 4.
Delegates must plan to be present, so that the business may be done, and all things made ready for the camp-meeting. There will be evening services, and one Bible study each day, during the conference session.
C. McREYNOLDS, President.
International Publishing Association
By William Asp
The next annual meeting of the constituency of the International Publishing Association will be held at the office of the International Publishing Association at College View, Neb., September 8-10, inclusive. The meeting will be held for the purpose of electing a board of trustees and counselors, and for the transaction of all other business which may properly come before the meeting. The constituency of this corporation includes the executive committees of the General Conference, Central Union Conference, Northern Union Conference, and the Southwestern Union Conference.
WILLIAM ASP, Secretary.
The New York Conference
The New York Conference
THE next session of the New York Conference will be held in connection with the annual camp-meeting at Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., September 10-20, for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year, and transacting any other business which may properly come before the conference. All churches should attend immediately to the election of delegates to the conference, and send their credentials to F. N. Johnson, 317 West Bloomfield St., Rome, N. Y.
Also the first meeting of the fourth annual session of the New York Conference Association will be called Monday, Sept. 14, 1908, at 9 A. M., on the Norwich, N. Y., camp-ground.
F. H. DEVINNEY, President.
Address
THE address of Elder J. S. Washburn is 665 Decatur St., Memphis, Tenn.
Loma Linda Sanitarium and College of Evangelists
By G. K. Abbott, M. D.
The nurses' course opens September 3. Twenty-five or thirty consecrated young men and women are wanted to take up this work. Those interested should write at once for application blanks and information.
The medical evangelistic course of three years opens October 1. This course combines ministerial, evangelistic, and missionary training with a medical education. Such a course is offered in no other school.
The special one-year course for gospel workers opens October 1. More practical medical work combined with gospel field training is crowded into this year than can be secured by any other one year of training offered to young people.
Another course of one year is designed for those who wish to become hygienic cooks and bakers.
Those interested should write at once to the undersigned at Loma Linda, via Redlands, Cal.
G. K. ABBOTT, M. D.
Notice!
By M. N. CAMPBELL
THE fifteenth annual session of the Iowa Seventh-day Adventist Association will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Nevada, Iowa, August 27 to September 6. Officers will be elected, and all business of a legal nature transacted. The first meeting is called for Monday, Aug. 31, 1908, at 9:15 A. M.
M. N. CAMPBELL, President.
Business Notices
THIS department is conducted especially for the accommodation of the Seventh-day Adventist readers of this paper.
Brief business notices will be published subject to the discretion of the publishers, and on compliance with the following—
Conditions
Any person unknown to the managers of this paper must send with his advertisement satisfactory written recommendation. Such recommendation should come from one of our ministers, or from the elder of a Seventh-day Adventist church. It is not enough to refer to some individual by name. Secure his recommendation in writing and send it.
We open no accounts for advertising, and cash must accompany each order.
A charge of one dollar will be made for each insertion of forty words or less. Each additional word, initial, or group of figures in excess of forty, will cost three cents.
No discount for several insertions.
WANTED.—A first-class baker. One who is capable of handling general health-food line. Applications should be accompanied by references and recommendations. Address Sanitarium Food Co., Sanitarium, Cal.
FOR SALE.—Sanitarium Cooking Oil, pure and healthful; no odor; keeps indefinitely; 5-gal. can, $3.50; 10-gal. can, $7; 64 cents a gal. in ½ bbl. and bbl. lots; 30 gal. and 50 gal. Address Sanitarium Cooking Oil Co., Louisville, Ky.
FOR SALE.—Eighty acres, fruit and vineyard, land one-half mile from church-school, three-fourths mile from food factory, one mile from sanitarium. Two houses. Barn. Over one thousand cords wood on place; good water. Price, $3,000. Address, J. F. Fenner, Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal.
FOR SALE.—Property in College View, Neb. Two lots on corner block in very desirable location. Only two blocks from college and sanitarium; three blocks from street-car line. Seven rooms and cellar. Cistern, well, apples, peaches, small fruit. Price very reasonable. Address M. E. Kern, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.
FOR SALE.—A small medical missionary institution equipped for treatment-rooms and sanitarium purposes, with electric-light cabinet, solar lamp, Fort Wayne vibrator, good heating-plant, etc., in rented nine-room cottage in a good location. Terms, $800 cash. Failing health is the reason for disposal. Only persons in sympathy with the organized work of God need inquire. Address Sanitarium, South Haven, Mich.
FOR SALE.—Vegetarian Café and Pure Food Store. Established nearly three years. Just the place for man and wife. Value, about $900. Reason for selling, I desire to enter another branch of the work. Address M. A. Hollister, San Diego, Cal.
FOR SALE.—Peanut Butter, 10 cents a pound; Olive-Oil $2.50 a gallon; 50 pounds Cocoanut Oil, $7; 54 pounds Vegetable Cooking Oil in 6 cans, $6. Cash with order. All guaranteed absolutely pure. Address Vegetarian Meat Company, Washington, D. C.
FOR SALE.—Ten acres in vines, peaches, and prunes; five-room house; barn, mill, and tank; one and one-half miles to Adventist church and intermediate and church-school; one and one-half miles to market; five miles to county-seat. Address Wm. Steinman, Lemoore, Cal.
FOR SALE.—A new five-room house, with basement and cellar; one and one-half acres land; few minutes’ walk from Colorado Sanitarium; good graded church-school, excellent church privileges. State university. Mountain water. Street-car service. Price, $2,500. Address M. N. Jenkins, Boulder, Colo.
FOR SALE.—Farm, 150 acres, northeast Beaver County, Okla. One and one-half miles north of Sands City. Ninety acres cultivated; about one hundred forty-five acres tillable, rest rolling; excellent pasture; 1,000 growing trees. Write for details and photographs. Cash before September 1, $1,650. Address Dr. Cyrus W. Jamison, Knowles Post-office, Okla.
FOR SALE.—Beautiful Imported Bible Mottoes. Special, 100 Bible cards, $3; 100 of our heavy 12 x 16 paper mottoes, $6. 27,000 sold in April and half of May. We have four languages,—English, Danish, Swedish, and German. The more you buy, the less they cost. 15 for $1 by mail. Address, with stamp, Hampton Art Co., Lock Box 257, Hampton, Iowa.
FOR SALE.—If you are at all interested in Battle Creek foods, write us quick. We have a very special offer to make you for a short time. Vigorous, energetic, ambitious, hopeful health is better than wealth. Battle Creek foods are conducive to health. They don’t cost much if you buy of us. Our shipments go North, South, East, and West. Address Sanitarium Supply Co., Nashville, Tenn.
