Earlier text: Child - SavingEcuador, South America
By Thomas H. Davis
SINCE the first of the year we have moved to Ambato nearly two hundred miles from Guayaquil, in the mountains. Here the climate is much cooler and there is no fever. The people generally in the interior are much more fanatical than those on the coast. Monday is dia de feria, or market day here in Ambato. On that day thousands of people, mostly Indians, bring in their produce. On one of these days I was out selling our books and papers. Several said they would like to burn them. One woman took the New Testament away from her husband who was going to buy it, and threw it on the ground. Another day when I was out, a man threw my book into the street, and said he would like to kill me. One woman spat at me because I was not a Christian, so she said. While the lower class are very fanatical, some of the more intelligent ones are buying the books and papers to investigate the truth. Yesterday I made a trip by horse to Pilileo, a town some twelve miles from here where the Lord gave me favor with the people, and I was able to put into their hands three copies of “Christ Our Saviour,” three “Gospel Primers,” three Testaments, and sixty Senales. We are sending for a thousand Senales a month this year to use in missionary work. Elder Casebeer has begun a small English school for children in Ambato. We were hoping by the time the school started some one would come from the States to take charge of it, but as yet no one has come, so Brother Casebeer will be somewhat tied down until relief comes, and he has a chance to go from place to place as an interest is awakened. My intentions are to work the surrounding towns from here this winter while the hot weather lasts on the coast, then go back there to follow up the work. While up here this winter I want to take present truth into the capital, Quito. Let us pray the Lord to send more laborers into the needy field. Cumberland Conference Proceedings
THE sixth annual session of the Cumberland Conference was held at Graysville, Tenn., Jan. 8-14, 1907. Over fifty delegates were present and participated in the work of the conference. The following were among the resolutions and recommendations passed:— “Resolved, That we express our heartfelt gratitude to our Heavenly Father for his mercies and blessings during the past year; for sparing the lives of our workers and granting them a measure of success in their work; and for the manifestation of his presence in this conference. “Resolved, That the conference committee be empowered to form a legal association to hold property in this conference whenever they deem it advisable. “Whereas, The almost universal demand for Sunday laws and the agitation for national reform in this country along lines which are unwise and un-American are certain signs that we have reached the times of persecution spoken of by the prophetic word as well as by the Testimonies, and,— “Whereas, We are counseled to make known to all the world the principles of civil and religious liberty in order to give warning and information, therefore,— “Resolved, That our churches and laborers in general be counseled to take up a diligent and careful study of the principles of civil and religious liberty, and that in the prosecution of the study, the secretary of the department of religious liberty, in connection with the Southern Union Conference religious liberty department be asked to assist by preparing programs and studies, as well as to plan for one or more religious liberty conventions within the conference during this year. “Resolved, That throughout the conference we manifest our interest in, and our loyalty to, the cause of present truth by liberally and continually contributing to the $150,000 fund until the required sum is raised. “Whereas, In the providence of God, a book filled with light concerning the principles of health reform, beautifully presented, entitled, “Ministry of Healing,” has been offered to us as a people to aid us in teaching the world the principles of truth, the profits on the sale of which are to be devoted to the use of our medical institutions, therefore,—18“Resolved, That we encourage our people everywhere to use and aid in the circulation of this most valuable book. “Whereas, The executive committee of the Southern Union Conference has authorized the holding of an educational convention at some convenient point in the vicinity of Chattanooga, early in the coming summer, therefore— “We recommend, That the conference committee assist in every way possible in the carrying on of this meeting, and suggest that as many of the tents of the conference as are not at that time in use be loaned to the convention, and a capable man be provided to care for such tents, and also,— “We recommend, That the teachers of the conference, who are engaged in the work, be invited to attend the convention, their railroad expenses to be paid pro rata; and further,— “We recommend, That for the carrying out of the above recommendation an educational fund be raised. “Resolved, That we urge upon our churches the advisability of subscribing for Liberty as far as possible, in order that all may be constantly informed of the rapidly developing features affecting civil and religious liberty.” The reports of the secretaries of the different departments and of the various conference laborers showed an encouraging degree of success and growth. The tithe per capita in the different churches ranged from $1.31 to $56.65, averaging $12.18 per member throughout the conference. All seemed to feel that in the average growth of Sabbath-keepers and of the tithe the conference had been much blessed, there now being over six hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers in this conference, although not all have been organized into churches. The excess of this year’s tithe over that of last year is about fifteen hundred dollars; and there has been an addition of 113 Sabbath-keepers who have remained firm in the same time. The secretary reported that all the churches seemed eager to take hold and do all in their power to advance this message. There have been in the field during the past year five regular ministers and three Bible workers, besides those who have helped in the tent-meetings. The following officers were unanimously elected: President, J. F. Pogue; Vice-president, W. W. Williams; Secretary, E. B. Melendy; Associate Secretary, Mrs. E. B. Melendy; Treasurer, S. M. Jacobs. Executive Committee, J. F. Pogue, W. W. Williams, W. L. Bird, Cyrus Simmons, A. F. Harrison, and H. U. Jacobs. Conference Agent, E. B. Melendy; Sabbath-school Secretary, Mrs. A. F. Harrison; Religious Liberty Secretary, W. L. Bird; Medical Secretary, Dr. M. M. Martinson; Educational Secretary, L. A. Jacobs. Ministerial credentials were granted to J. F. Pogue, W. W. Williams, W. L. Bird, Smith Sharp, J. E. Caldwell, R. M. Kilgore, J. E. Tenney, W. W. Woodford, T. M. Stewart, G. H. Baber, and H. W. Pierce. C. G. Howell and J. F. Brice were ordained and granted credentials. Ministerial licenses were granted to M. B. Van Kirk, Milo E. Emmerson, H. S. Miller, Cyrus Simmons, Dr. M. M. Martinson, A. F. Harrison, and W. E. Haskell. Missionary licenses were given to Misses Clara Jacobs, Maude Dortch, Minnie Hildebrand, Verna Crandall, and Janie David, and to L. A. Jacobs, Mrs. A. F. Harrison, Mrs. Anna Agee Hall, Mrs. L. Whitman, E. B. Melendy, Arthur Caldwell, Geo. N. Powell, Albert Minnie, J. W. Franklin, C. L. Kilgore, and Mrs. W. W. WILLIAMS. The Work in British Columbia
By E. L. STEWART.
PORT HAMMOND.—We have every reason for believing that the recent annual meeting of the British Columbia Conference has marked a new era in the progress of the work in this field. The delegation was the largest ever held, and all the delegates but one were present at the first meeting. Every plan was unanimously carried. The Holy Spirit was present from first to last, and the spirit of unity characterized all the meetings. It was decided to establish one or more Indian missions in the north, and to carry on some simple industries. Elder T. H. Watson, of the Western Washington Conference, will have the immediate charge. That conference has donated liberally toward his support. Everything accomplished in this line will have to be done by donations. The North Pacific Union Conference has given money to purchase two hundred and forty acres of land near Port Simpson. Buildings must next go up. As there are no roads or means of travel except by water in all that country, a boat is necessary. This will cost eleven or twelve hundred dollars. We hope and pray that our brethren may give liberally to this worthy enterprise. Action was also taken to move forward with the school at Port Hammond. It was placed upon an academic basis, and fifteen hundred dollars was voted and partly pledged to start the necessary buildings. It is understood, however, that it may take several hundred more before the buildings are completed. We have over two hundred acres of rich land situated twenty-five miles from Vancouver, in the quiet country, with beautiful mountain scenery near by. The attendance in this school at present consists of twenty-two bright children, ranging from the primary to the eighth grade. The work on the new building will begin as soon as the weather will permit. We shall soon begin a systematic effort to raise money to complete the undertaking. Let us all help in this enterprise, and thus show that we are taking an interest in preparing workers for the field. Nearly all our workers pledged their second tithe to this work. Some pledged more. Our working force must be increased this year, and the evangelical work pushed forward greatly. One new church of believers was raised up and added to the conference this year. Two or more should be added the coming season. But the increase of workers means an increase of funds to meet the expense. Let us be faithful in rendering unto God the tithe, which is his for carrying on this work. Our tithe has greatly increased the past few months, but our membership in this field is small, and unless all our brethren are faithful, we shall fall short of meeting the needs. We have all reason to rejoice over the special blessing of God the past year, and renew our courage for the future. Pray for the work and workers. BROOKLYN.—Assisted by my brother and his wife, I have been conducting a series of lectures in a hall three blocks from a beautiful park in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., among the better class of people. This hall rents regularly for ten dollars a night, but we have secured it for Sunday nights for three dollars, light and heat included. We believe God's hand has guided in these meetings, giving us the hall at so reasonable a figure, and filling it, every night except when very stormy, with honest-hearted people, mostly Christians of other denominations, who have left their own Sunday-night services to attend our meetings from the first. Nearly all who have attended are middle-aged and aged people, several of whom saw the stars fall in 1833, and who were also connected with the 1844 movement. To illustrate the subjects presented, I have used a dissolving-view stereopticon with good results. Twenty lectures have been given, and now the Sabbath question is being presented. Fifteen persons have already promised to keep the Sabbath. The donations have averaged from $2.75 to $8 a night. The lectures will doubtless continue until tent-meeting season. As the judgments of God are fast visiting our large cities, and as so many of these cities have not as yet heard God's message to them, will you not pray that God may clothe his servants with the power of the Holy Spirit, that these cities may soon hear the warning, and the honest ones be gathered into this blessed truth, and be saved with an everlasting salvation? The Fiji Mission Field
By C. H. Parker
The Fiji Mission field comprises those islands known as the Fijian group. There are over two hundred islands, of which number there are about one hundred inhabited, and the total area is 7,500 square miles. The group is divided into sixteen provinces, fourteen of which are ruled over by a roko (native governor). The population in 1901 was estimated at 117,870, comprising 91,019 native Fijians, 2,447 Europeans, 1,504 half-castes, 17,105 Indians, and the remaining 5,795 are Polynesians and Solomon Islanders. We have organized eight churches and one company in the group. There are about one hundred and fifteen adult native and ten European Sabbath-keepers. A little over a year ago, three hundred acres of very fertile land on the island of Ovalau, which is situated in the center of the group, was leased, and an industrial school was located on it. It has been a success from the very start, and it is well spoken of as far as it is known. Brother and Sister Carr have charge, and they are doing excellent work. Their influence is of the very best. There are sixteen students in attendance, one of whom is a son of a leading chief and roko. One European and eight native houses have been erected, one of which is used for the printing-office and another for a storehouse. The other six are occupied by the students. As numbers are increasing, two more are being built, and also a fifty-foot school building. Bananas and pineapples are being planted for the market, with the hope that this school can be placed on a self-supporting basis after a short time. We should have another teacher to assist Brother Carr, as his work is becoming very heavy, and will constantly increase. The printing-press is located at the school. Sister Carr is our printer, and is doing good, faithful work. I do not know what we should do without her assistance. Our printing work is of primary importance to our work in Fiji, and we should strengthen it all we can. We print twelve hundred copies of our native paper, the Rarama, monthly, and scatter them throughout the group. Some tracts and our Sabbath-school Lesson Quarterly are printed periodically. We have interested our brethren in four districts to take five-dollar clubs of our papers, and do missionary work with them, thus helping out in the expense. The mission has three books printed in the Fijian,—“Nai Tukutuku-ni-Veigaura,” which is a partial translation of Volume IV of the “Great Controversy,” “Nai Balebale-ni-Parofisai,” a small book of Bible readings which cover the main points of our faith, and a small hymn-book, containing one hundred hymns and tunes. As a general thing, the people seem anxious for our reading-matter. We would much like to have a young man in training for this work, so that if Sister Carr’s health fails, we would have some one to take her place. Then again we expect that the printing work will enlarge as New Guinea and other islands are entered. The mission has six mission houses—three European and three native. It has three boats—one twelve-foot rowing and sailing boat, which is used on the Ra Coast of Viti Levu; one five-ton cutter, formerly used in Lau, but now used at Buresala; and our new boat, a ten-ton schooner-yacht, by which we can reach all parts of this group. There are five native laborers in the employ of the mission. Fiji at the present time has her arms wide-open to us, but we know not how long these favorable circumstances will continue. Now, just now, is the time to work, before the night comes, when no man can work. In Behalf of the Aged and Orphans
By George I. Butler
An annual offering for the relief of these two very important and needy classes is to be taken Sabbath, April 6. At the last council of the General Conference Committee it was decided that each union conference should look after the welfare of those in its own territory rather than to have the work carried on at any central point. We think that the plan is a wise one. It will save expense in transportation, and bring the people closer to needy cases, and the responsibility will be brought closer home. We have needy ones who have a claim upon us in the Southern Union Conference. Let all the churches throughout this union conference remember the collection of April 6. There is nothing that is made more plain in the Scriptures than the duty of God's people to care for the aged and the orphans. There is nothing that should appeal to our sympathies more than the condition of those who by misfortune have been brought to a condition of helplessness and poverty. The blessed Golden Rule teaches that we should do unto others as we would that they should do unto us. We may be well supplied with the necessaries of life, and well able to care for our own children and give them all that they need, but some one's children are being left as orphans. These are children of Christ, and as such God regards them highly, and with interest and tender affection. Pure religion before God is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. This does not mean to look in upon them and say a few words occasionally. It means to minister to their wants and necessities. That is one of the high claims of God upon us that we can not disown without demonstrating that we have not the pure and undefiled religion; and we are sure that no religion but this will stand the test of the great day before us. No denomination is worthy of the confidence of man or the blessing of God that passes by with indifference the claims of the orphans and the aged. Their claims call loudly, even upon the world, and those who do not profess any form of religion. Shall we as a people who are looking for the coming of the Lord, in any wise neglect this great and important duty? But, we would not place it merely upon the standpoint of duty. We should realize that it is a blessed privilege to care for those whom God regards with affection and love. We have in mind persons who have no19hope in God and no expectation of salvation, yet for the mere privilege and pleasure of doing good, are liberal souls and glad to show sympathy, and love and mercy to those who are more needy than they are. I plead with the churches in our own Southern Union Conference to be very careful about this collection and deal with it liberally. We plead with any who may care to read this article to take an interest in the object set before us in this collection. We hope that our people will make this the largest collection ever taken for these purposes. It is a new departure in some respects, bringing the needy ones under the circle of our own influence. Seventh-day Adventists ought to be the most liberal people in this world. We claim to be those who believe the Bible, and one of the duties most clearly set forth therein is the care of the unfortunate, the suffering, and the needy. GEO. I. BUTLER,
Pres. Southern Union Conference. Georgia's Need
By H. H. Johnson
EYES kindled and hearts warmed as the canvassing work was discussed at the late council held at Graysville, Tenn. It is the consensus of opinion that this work is of paramount importance just now, and our brethren all over this field are planning enthusiastically on reviving it. The Southern field is a hard field, yet our agents do exceedingly well here. Where consecrated canvassers do thorough work, it is nearly always true that an interest is awakened, and calls are made for meetings. We need many, many more agents just now. Sixty-four counties have never been worked. This State has a population of 2,216,321. It is the empire State of the South, and while there is much illiteracy and poverty here, there is also much wealth and culture. Fifty needy agents could find continual employment in this State alone. There are only about one hundred Seventh-day Adventists in the State. Few of these can engage in the work, so we need help from the North. I have been in this field over three years, and have never had any desire to leave it. The blessing of God rests upon his workers in this field. It is a good place for all who wish to help where help is most needed. We believe that God is impressing the hearts of many in the North to come South to labor. We would like to come in touch with all such, and will gladly impart such knowledge of the field as we are able. Those who wish to make further inquiries may write to Elder G. W. Wells, Alpharetta, or to the writer, at Griffin, Ga. H. H. JOHNSON, State Agent. How to Get a Minister
By Editor
“CAN’T we have a minister here? My neighbors, friends, and relatives must be told the meaning of these terrible earthquakes, storms, famines, and floods. They must also know the whole system of truth of which the second coming of Christ is one part.” No doubt these oft-repeated petitions for help voice the longings of your own heart as they have thousands of others. But for lack of men and means the larger share of these pleas have been refused. But we are going to refuse them no longer. A minister has been secured for you. A minister of more than thirty years of experience in successful work, who has raised up whole churches without an assistant; who has the record in one conference where he has worked of having brought one out of every twenty of the entire membership to a knowledge of the third angel’s message; one who not only speaks the message with power in public, but who goes to the homes and, by the aid of photographs, Bible studies, charts, and stories, makes it clear to every member of the family. This minister delights in pioneer work, no matter how difficult the field. There is nothing he loves better than to take some great event about which people are talking and show its meaning, and then to lead the inquirer to the consideration of connected truth. He is a great worker in places where there are few, if any, opportunities for public preaching. With an assistant or two he often makes one hundred, two hundred, three hundred, and sometimes four hundred visits in a single week in one locality, and he has kept it up for a year at a stretch. Perhaps you have begun to wonder who this remarkable minister is, and if he is not beginning to break down under such labors. Answering the last question first, will say, No, indeed, he is not breaking down. He never looked better in his life. In fact, he told us recently that he would never feel satisfied until he was preaching A Hundred Thousand Sermons
and making a like number of missionary visits And now you have recognized his name. You well know that no flesh-and-blood minister, nor any group of such ministers, could do such work, and that we are talking about Our Pioneer Missionary Periodical
You also know that all we have said is true, in fact that we have referred to only a few of the characteristics of that wonderful paper whose very name, The Signs of the Times, is sufficient to arrest the attention of every thinking man and woman who hears it pronounced. And however good it has been in the past, it is going to be still better in the future. Beginning May 1 and continuing for at least six months, every number will be a special number, for each will contain a Bible study, an article, or a short sermon, making absolutely clear and plain some vital phase of the third angel’s message. This series will be connected, so that those who follow them will have the advantage of a regular tent effort. Yet each article will be so complete in itself that even the person reading them out of their order can not fail to see their truth and beauty. Surely this is the time for us all to greatly increase the weekly visits of our able, veteran minister. Let us look over the names of our friends and relatives and see that they receive his visits for at least the six months mentioned? And would it not be better yet to send him for a year? Here is the cost:—
Five or more to one address
for one year...............Each $1.00
Five or more to one address
for six months.............“ .50
Four or more to single names
and addresses for six months........“ 1.00
One or more to single names
and addresses for six months........“ .75 The following are some of the topics that will be considered in the twenty-six special numbers of the Signs of the Times beginning May 1, 1907: The Bible, Prophecy, The Coming of the Lord, Our Sacrifice and Priest, The Signs of the Times, The Law and the Gospel, Man and His Destiny, Spiritual Gifts, Election, Predestination and Free Will, The Great Threefold Message, The Church, Bible Temperance, The Sabbath the Test of the Ages, The Great Federation Movement, Religious Liberty, The Outpouring of the Spirit. The regular departments of the paper will be kept up during this period the same as usual, and special attention will be given to the “Outlook Department,” calling attention to current events and20what they mean in the light of prophecy. As the time for these special numbers to begin is almost here, we earnestly hope you will send in your order at once. Let us concentrate upon this item of missionary work, and see that our every neighbor, friend, and relative has the opportunity of listening to a first-class course of lectures from our experienced pioneer minister, the Signs of the Times. Address your tract society, or the Signs of the Times, Mountain View, Cal. Philippine Islands
By E. H. Gates
MANILA.—We are certain that our people in America have not forgotten that these islands are United States territory, and that, though connected with the Australian Union Conference, they are closely united with the home field. In the different parts of this great archipelago, with its almost eight million inhabitants, there are hundreds of intelligent and well-educated American teachers. Most of these are living in isolated places, away from the cities, where there is little excitement, and not much to occupy their time outside of school hours. Probably they will never be in a more favorable situation to listen to the truth. We now have a mission here in Manila, under the charge of Elder J. L. McElhaney. He has the names and addresses of all the teachers, and as far as he has literature, is sending it to these teachers, accompanied by a letter. If any of our people in America have clean literature that would be proper to send such persons—Signs, tracts on the second advent, Sabbath, and kindred subjects, health journals, etc.—it would be gladly received by Brother McElhaney. The postage to this place is the same as to the different parts of America. The address of our mission is 15 Calle E., Ermita, Manila, Philippine Islands. This is a new mission which we have just opened in a pleasant and healthful part of the city. The Canal Zone
By Hubert Fletcher
December 26 we left Bocas for Kingston via Colon to attend the Union Conference. We had a very stormy voyage all the way, especially between Bocas and Colon. The stay at the latter place was pleasant, and the time very profitably spent. I found all of the little church faithful. Sabbath was a happy day for them. Early Sunday morning four precious souls followed their Lord in baptism, after which the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. Many of our friends attended our night service. There is still a growing interest here; and we are anxious to have some place where we can accommodate the people. Central America
By F. Edwin Cary
BONACCA.— I am comfortably located in a two-room mission on the island of Bonacca at a place called Northeast Bight, where we have a church of over thirty, including children. Elder Goodrich asked me to teach a church-school here, and one is in operation now. We have twenty pupils, all of whom are anxious to learn. The school is held in our church for the present. This is surely a fruitful field in which to labor. The people, who are mostly of English descent, are kind and susceptible to the truth, as they have not been hardened by the continual preaching of various denominations, as in some places. Jesus tells us to carry the message to every nation and then he will come. Let us go quickly. I am thankful for a humble place in his work, and ask your prayers that the efforts put forth here may redound to his glory.
F. EDWIN CARY. THREE adults recently united with the Twenty-third Street church at Indianapolis, Ind., where Brother E. J. Van Horn is having interesting meetings. An encouraging report comes from Michigan City, Ind., where, as a result of work done by Brother C. J. Buhalts, seven have recently taken their stand for the truth. They, with the eight already there, will soon be organized into a church. AT a recent meeting held in our church at Eureka, Iowa, Brother A. V. Rhoads reports that the Lord worked mightily, and when the invitation was given to seek him, seven came forward, confessing their sins and promising obedience. They expect soon to be baptized. BEING unable to secure a hall for meetings in Concordia, Kans., Brethren W. A. Easley and B. W. Brown held several cottage meetings during January and February, with increasing interest. Five persons took a firm stand to obey all God's commandments, and are rejoicing in the newly found light. AGAIN Brother J. M. Rees reports additions to the Indiana churches where he has been laboring of late. Four persons joined at Rocklane, during a ten days' meeting; and at Wolf Lake, where he followed the canvassers' institute by a three weeks' meeting, thirteen souls gave themselves to the Lord and joined the church. AT Canon City, Colo., Brother Meade Mac Guire recently had a good interest, especially helpful to the young people. He was joined by Brother L. A. Spring, and as a result of their united efforts for about two weeks, seven were buried with their Lord in baptism, and eight united with the church, while still others are deeply interested. MEETINGS were held in a schoolhouse near Springbrook, Wis., by Brother Samuel Shadel, for about two weeks, when, on account of opposition to the Sabbath truth, the building was closed. But homes were opened, and the interest is good. Eight are keeping the Sabbath, and a Sabbath-school of thirteen members was organized January 26. BROTHER I. G. KNIGHT closed a series of meetings in Ozawkie, Kan., February 24. He reports an excellent interest on the part of the people of the place, and a spiritual awakening among our own people. One lady who had been keeping the Sabbath and two young daughters of our brethren united with the church, and one lady and two men took their stand for the truth, and expect to be baptized and unite later. BROTHER PAUL CURTIS and wife, at work in Saskatchewan, report that their work the past winter has not been of a most pleasant nature, as they have obtained all their water by melting snow, and have endured many privations, but they have sold two hundred dollars' worth of books and papers in their visits among the people, and eight adults and two children have begun keeping the Sabbath at Yorkton, where meetings have been held. A Personal Experience
By M. Leatherman
I HAVE often thought that a short sketch of my experience as an invalid at Phoenix, Ariz., might be an encouragement and help to those who are broken in health. My first arrival at Phoenix was early on the morning of Nov. 23, 1904. Weary, lonesome, and sick I made my way to the Arizona Sanitarium, then and still under the medical care of Dr. E. C. Bond. Pulmonary tuberculosis had reduced me much, and as I presented myself for admission the doctor said to me: “Brother Leatherman, I am glad you21are here,” and I knew at once that he meant it. Our kind Heavenly Father had guided me to a haven of rest where I could study the lesson he had in the trial for me, and at the same time apply the healing balm of warm and usually dry and pleasant weather. For a time it seemed that I would go down, but as I sought him he graciously added his blessing to sunshine, air, and medical attention given; and to his eternal praise, I made a rapid recovery, so much so that when I returned to my home, near the city of Mankato, Minn., I was hailed with such expressions as this: “Well, Brother Leatherman, is that you? We never expected to see you alive.” And thank God, I could say, “Well, I am here.” From the time the dear Lord saw fit to remove the terrible cough nearly two years ago, I have never been troubled with it since, and the doctor here has repeatedly examined my lungs with the remark, “I can detect no irregularity in the respiratory sounds.” My home physician at Mankato, Minn., last summer asked me if I was not troubled at all with a cough, and my answer was, “No more than I ever have been from childhood, when I take a cold. This is not often.” With surprise he said, “Wonderful!” Last winter I gave most of the treatments in the bath-room, but as it was too confining for me I took other work. I have been engaged in general work around the sanitarium most of the time this winter. I was not weighed when the disease had reduced me the most, but after I had begun to gain I weighed one hundred and twenty-eight pounds. I now weigh one hundred and fifty-nine pounds, and indications are that I will be heavier than that. To any one who may be suffering as I was, let me say: Do not wait until you are down. Face the probabilities in the case, learn the facts though they be disagreeable and serious; then without delay combat the disease by taking advantage of every natural element our kind Father has given in sunshine, air, water, and food, at the same time remembering that the proper use of natural remedies is no denial of the faith we profess. When you have done this you have only done your duty, and you may expect God’s mighty help in your behalf, as you yield yourself to be rightly exercised by the trial of your faith. Do you love the Lord? If so, then remember that “All things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28. As we recognize God’s hand in affliction and seek to learn the lesson he has in it for us, then shall we “discern mercy in misery, gain in the loss of all things. . . . When the Light of the world passes by, privileges appear in all hardships, order in confusion, the success and wisdom of God in that which has seemed failure.” —“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 272. I trust that I have learned at least a goodly part of the lesson for me in affliction, and though not entirely well in every particular, I see more fully than ever before the hand of God in all his blessed providences, and though I see indistinctly, as the blind man who saw men as trees walking, yet I trust the Master’s hand for a few more kindly touches that I may see all his instrumentalities and providences for the salvation of souls as they are, and thus be qualified to witness for him effectually and faithfully at all times and in every place. In conclusion I wish to say, Should any one wish to inquire of the doctor as to his success in the treatment of invalids of every kind, I feel confident that he will cheerfully and conscientiously respond to your inquiry. There are special treatments and diet given that have, with the blessing of God, produced remarkable results in diseases usually regarded as incurable. M. LEATHERMAN.
Phoenix, Ariz. Reading the Review
By Emilie Isaak
I FEEL like writing a word of praise for the REVIEW. It is so good in all its departments that we hardly know which to read first when it arrives. Our hearts are strengthened every time we read it. It gives us such a good glimpse of how the great work is rapidly broadening out all over the great harvest-field, that it spurs us on to greater activity. I suppose that we in the foreign fields enjoy it much more, perhaps, than those at home; yet I do not see how any one can get along without it. I think that a careful reader of the REVIEW will never fall from the truth, no matter what his business may be, or where he may live. If the isolated members, or those whose work throws them in constant contact with the many temptations of the world, would take time each week to read the REVIEW, their eyes would be kept open to detect the many snares of the evil one, and they could stand as firm, good lights amid a world of sin. Such ones as our nurses, public-school teachers, dressmakers, etc., ought to take the admonition and provide themselves with the REVIEW, so as to be able to read the good things its pages contain. We are living in the time when we must cling closely to eternal principles, as well as closely to one another. The REVIEW is surely instrumental in keeping us all more closely united, making us stronger to stand against the evil forces. Then it also points out continually any error, which the cunning deceiver tries to tangle up with the truth, and set forth the true gospel so clearly that none of its readers can be misled. Therefore let us all, old and young, at home and abroad, read the REVIEW. I know from experience that God does bless this effort. MRS. EMILIE ISAAK.
Alexandrovsk, South Russia. Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference W. A. GEORGE, M. D., - - - - Chairman W. A. RUBLE, M. D., - - - - Secretary Medical Examinations
By W. A. R.
The relating of two recent experiences with those who formulate the rules pertaining to medical examinations, may be of interest to our people in general; and to those who are desirous of securing medical registration in the District of Columbia or Maryland, it might be of particular interest. Reference to the medical laws of these sections shows that the medical examinations heretofore have been held partly on the Sabbath. This had made it impossible for Seventh-day Adventists to secure recognition in either place, which has been a great hardship to us on account of our institutions in the District and in Maryland. Having met this difficulty, and been unable to take the examination on this account, the writer determined to make an effort to secure a change in the days on which the examinations were held. The president of the medical board of Maryland was approached at the January meeting, and he was of the opinion that the ruling was a law of the State. Upon request, however, he investigated, and found it to be a ruling of the medical board. He promised to present the matter to the board and secure a change of days, if possible. He did so that evening, and reported immediately that a change was made so that the examination would begin on Tuesday. Investigation of the matter in the District revealed the fact that the time of the examination was fixed by law enacted by the Congress of the United States. Undaunted, an effort was made to secure a change making the examination begin on Tuesday instead of Thursday. This necessitated the passage of a law by Congress. Through the kindness and untiring efforts of Senator Burkett, of Nebraska, the bill was introduced in the Senate, referred to the District Committee, and passed by these and the House of Representatives, and became a law when signed by the President. These changes make it possible for our physicians to enter for the examinations in the District and in Maryland, as they have been able to do in other States, and the change is very much appreciated. We recognize the help of Providence in securing these favors. W. A. R.