In harmony with the invitation of the General Conference Committee and the Atlantic Union Conference to make that union conference my field of labor, I disposed of my property at College Place, Wash., and after spending a day at the Spokane (Wash.) camp-meeting, left there the evening of August 10, on the Northern Pacific Railroad, for my new field of labor.
While passing through Montana, my mind was continually called back to the time when, a few years ago, I was laboring in that field. Many were the blessings enjoyed and victories gained during my labors in that conference. We are glad to see the cause of truth prospering in that field, and trust that God may abundantly bless the work and workers.
I spent one Sabbath at Battle Creek, Mich., and preached in the Tabernacle in the afternoon. At the morning service, which had been set apart for the educational work, the auditorium was quite well filled; and while it is true that a good many have left Battle Creek, still there is a large church there yet, which is trying to uphold the standard of present truth in that place.
While in Michigan, I spent a few hours at the East Michigan camp-meeting, at Jackson, where I met Elder A. G. Daniells, and spent a short time in counsel.16This opportunity was greatly appreciated.
Leaving Battle Creek, my next stopping place was Montreal, Canada, where I spent one day. Here is a great, growing city of three hundred thousand people, mostly English and French, among whom there has been comparatively little work done. The Catholic Church has a strong hold here, and its cathedrals, churches, and other institutions seem to be upon every hilltop; but God has in this city a people for his name, and they must be found before the storm breaks. May God give wisdom and grace to the workers who are called to labor in this vast, surging sea of humanity.
Leaving Montreal, I was soon at Richmond, Vt., where the camp-meeting was being held. Forty-four tents were pitched, and some found homes in rooms near by. About one hundred fifty were in attendance at the camp-meeting, which I understand was rather smaller than the annual camp-meetings usually are. Two hundred thirty-eight dollars was raised for the tent and camp-meeting fund, and thirty-four dollars was given as Sabbath-school collections for foreign missions. Youth and children's meetings were held daily, also parents' meetings. Harmony and union were seen in all the sessions of the conference, and the workers enter upon another year's work with courage and good cheer. Elder O. Montgomery was again elected conference president.
Owing to the close times in the financial world, and to other unfavorable conditions, the tithe for 1908 was hardly as much as for 1907, but the brethren feel hopeful that the coming year the balance will be on the right side of the ledger.
Leaving the meeting at its close, I next made my way to Buffalo, to the annual meeting of the Western New York Conference. Recently the people of this conference purchased a church property in this city, obligating themselves for five thousand dollars for the same. It is a very solid, substantial structure, in a good part of the city, and is well worth the money. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city, and will make the work in Buffalo a good center for some years to come. About this church the little camp was pitched; many, however, occupied rooms in the neighborhood. A large tent was erected, but owing to the cool, damp weather, was but little used, the services being held in the church, which afforded an excellent place for the meetings.
Owing to the fact that many from this conference had attended the General Conference, and also the meetings recently held in the city by Sister E. G. White, the attendance at the camp-meeting was not large, probably two hundred being present. But the meeting was a good one, and at times the power of God came upon the congregation in almost pentecostal power. Many confessed their backslidings and carelessness, and turned to God anew for a reconsecration of life to his service. There was a fair outside attendance, and the interest will be followed up by the workers.
The last day of the meeting, six hundred dollars was pledged by the brethren to assist the Buffalo church building fund and the Tunesassa intermediate school. Nine received baptism in the baptistry of the church during the conference. Elder H. W. Carr was re-elected conference president. The conference the past year has been passing through some trying experiences, but God is helping the brethren, and will give victory if we lean wholly on him.
Leaving this camp-meeting, we proceeded to Fonda, to the New York Conference, a small town about forty miles west of Albany, on the New York Central. About sixty tents were pitched, and about three hundred persons were in attendance. Here we had another blessed season of refreshing, and God came near his people. It was indeed a feast to me, and a strength to my heart. Revivals were held at different times during the meeting, and at times God's power was mightily present in the camp. Backsliders were reclaimed, many started in the service of Christ for the first time, and those long in the way were greatly encouraged. It was a good meeting. Elder F. H. DeVinney was again elected president of the conference.
En route to the meeting from Buffalo, in company with Elder F. J. Piper, I spent one night in the city of Rochester, N. Y. In this city, in the year 1852, the third angel's message began to take shape, and here, May 6 of that year, the first number of Volume III of the REVIEW AND HERALD was published. Rochester for three years was the headquarters of this denomination, till the publishing work, in 1855, was moved to Battle Creek, Mich. Here, too, about the same time Satan began to show forth his mighty signs and wonders in modern Spiritualism. This is a great city of two hundred thousand souls, in which, as yet, but little has been done to bring the truth before the people. Our people should have a church building in Rochester, and there is one which can be bought for about five thousand five hundred dollars, well located, and in good condition. It is almost impossible in these great cities to make a rally for the truth unless there is a church home where people may come and hear the word. There is a small church in the city, composed mostly of those who have not much means; they are not able to carry such a burden alone, and should have assistance. Would not those who read this article like to assist in planting a memorial in this city where Elder and Mrs. White, Elder Uriah Smith, Elder Loughborough, and other faithful workers so bravely raised the standard of truth in early days? I should be glad to hear from those who would like to assist. The Western New York Conference is now putting workers into the city, and with a rallying point, something can be accomplished.
Leaving the camp-meeting at Fonda, I passed down the historic and beautiful Hudson River to New York City, and made a quick change there for Bridgeport, Conn., where the Southern New England camp-meeting was in progress. About forty tents were pitched, and about two hundred persons were in attendance. Here again another good camp-meeting was enjoyed. On the last Sabbath, after a sermon by Prof. C. S. Longacre, a good move was made, and God's Spirit came in in power. Many pressed forward for reconsecration, and some started for the first time. On Sunday twenty received baptism at Steeple Chase Beach. The outside interest here and at the Fonda meeting was excellent, and the conference brethren are planning to follow it up.
On Sunday, the last day of the meeting, in company with a band of singers, the writer held a service in the Bridgeport County jail, with one hundred seventy-five prisoners, mostly men. The Spirit of God was present as we endeavored to hold up Christ, the light of the world, before them. After the service, I had the privilege of visiting Miss Fannie Crosby, the great hymn writer, who lives only a block from the camp-ground. She is now eighty-nine years old, totally blind, but a more beautiful Christian character I never have seen. The hymns, “Rescue the Perishing,” “Saved by Grace,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “Victory Through Faith,” were composed by her. As she related to me the circumstances under which these hymns were written, I was much interested.
At all these camp-meetings all phases of the work have been considered and carefully planned for. Those who attended the meetings from the union conferences and from the General Conference were Elder E. W. Farnsworth, Prof. C. S. Longacre (principal of the South Lancaster Academy), Prof. M. E. Kern, F. M. Dana (union conference young people's and missionary secretary), and Miss May Cole (educational secretary for the union). Elder H. F. Graff, of the Ohio Conference, visited the meeting at Buffalo in the interests of the German work, and Elder R. J. Bryant attended the one in the New York Conference.
In Southern New England no business session was held in connection with the camp-meeting, as their conference was to be held later in the season.
We regard these meetings as very profitable to the work in the Atlantic Union Conference; and personally I have been glad that so early in my labors in this union conference I could form the acquaintance of so many of the workers and brethren and sisters of the field. Pray for the work among these thirteen million souls.
W. B. WHITE.
The Collection for the Work Among the Colored People
By W. A. Westworth
NEVER before in the history of the third angel’s message was there so great a demand, so great a need, that the annual collection for the work among the colored people meet with a hearty response as now. The action of the late General Conference establishing a special department to care for this work, and the hearty indorsement this action received by the Southeastern and Southern unions, have opened before us possibilities for pressing forward in this work as never before in the history of this people.
Within the past few months those actively engaged in the work in the South have had their attention called to their responsibilities to the Negro race by a number of special Testimonies from the spirit of prophecy, and every one who has heard and studied these calls can not but realize that now is the time for us to put forth every possible effort to advance this department of our work. We have many times wondered why it was that the work in the South for the white people has not progressed as it should, but may it not be that our backwardness in heeding the calls of God for greater17activity among the colored race has delayed the blessing of God upon the work for the white people? At any rate, the avenues for this work for the Negro are fast closing, and the tendency of certain elements in the South is against the prosecution of this endeavor.
The attitude of certain legislative bodies is a witness to the truthfulness of this statement, and the most conservative students are ready to admit that the conditions under which such work is now carried forward are rapidly being narrowed.
We trust, however, that none will think that the question is a one-sided one. The most careful of both races who, from the standpoint of God’s Word, are studying the situation, are ready to admit that the increase of crime and the stirring of racial prejudices are elements which must be considered. The violent prejudices are not confined to one side, but everywhere Satan’s rule is stirring hearts to deeds of violence and opposition to the well-defined demands of law.
With these conditions existing, and they can not be understood in the fulness by those who have not been very closely associated with them, it behooves Seventh-day Adventists to arouse to the great demands that are placed upon them by the great commission and by the special calls from God which have come to us so recently. Soon it will be too late to do the work; soon the calls from the neglected South will be no more; soon we shall not be able to do this work which God for years has been urging us to perform. Since the work must be done ere the Master comes, let us arouse and show our faith in the calls of God, and in this annual collection for the poor, despised, and forsaken Negro make it possible for the newly organized departments of both General and union conferences to accomplish the work committed to them. Already by faith we in the Southeast are reaching out to greater spheres of activity than ever before, confident that in this crisis our brethren will not forsake us.
W. A. WESTWORTH.
Greenwood Camp-Meeting
By THOS. MURPHY
The grandest camp-meeting ever held in the State of Mississippi for colored people, was held at Greenwood, August 19-29. The tents were pitched on the most commodious, picturesque, and salubrious site in the city. The weather was propitious throughout the meeting. The attendance of outside people was so large that the tent could not accommodate them.
Of our own people, there were present upon the ground from forty to forty-five. Among our white brethren were present, Profs. F. R. Rogers, W. J. Blake, and O. R. Staines. Truly their presence and help were invaluable. Brother H. G. Miller, the State canvassing agent, gave some good instruction in that branch of the work.
The Spirit of the Lord was present in all of our meetings, both day and evening. There was no note of discord among us, but love, joy, peace, happiness, and the spirit of harmony were felt by each one present.
On Sabbath, August 28, Brother N. B. King was set apart by the laying on of hands for the ministry. On Sunday ten souls were buried with their Lord by baptism. Sunday night, at the close of the meeting, an appeal was made to those who desired to keep all the commandments of God and walk in his statutes to arise, and in response to the appeal, five stood up. We can count on three of these as strong Sabbath-keepers.
Our free-will offering was $2.55; the Sabbath-school donation was $7; the general donation was $20.80; and the tithes were $53.55. From these figures you can see that the Spirit of the Lord is moving upon the hearts of the colored people to push from now until the end.
Now let all who were present at that meeting plan to be at the next camp-meeting. It matters not where the Spirit directs it to be, just plan to be there; and begin now.
I am quite sure each one who was present at the meeting went home much better prepared to labor for the salvation of souls than he has been in the past.
That the Spirit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may watch and guide each one who was present at that meeting until we meet again, is my prayer.
THOS. MURPHY
Camp-Meetings in the South-western Union Conference
By Clarence Santee
AFTER the good camp-meeting in Arkansas, we came directly to the Texas meeting, which was held at Alvarado. We had one day to rest between meetings, which some of the visiting brethren spent in a trip to Keene, where the union conference school is located. The large attendance at the Texas camp-meeting was a surprise, as drought had seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle to some. Another good feature was the large attendance from the outside.
From night to night hundreds came from a distance of from six to eight miles, and gave the best of attention. Three years ago the meeting was held on the same grounds, with a very small outside attendance. The last night of the meeting Robert French and G. A. Lagrone were ordained to the gospel ministry. Elder L. W. Terry was again unanimously elected president of the conference. Elder E. R. Palmer was with us the first few days of this meeting, but could not remain until the close. His labors were a great help.
The West Texas camp-meeting was held at Abilene. At this time a West Texas Conference was organized, Elder T. W. Field was elected president. A goodly sum was subscribed toward the expense of getting conference supplies and a stock of literature for the tract society. This young conference starts out with a courageous corps of workers.
Elders W. A. Hennig and W. W. Eastman remained with the local laborers over the last Sabbath and Sunday, while Elder F. W. Spies went to the Kansas meeting, and Elders Sorenson and French, Brother Woodward, and the writer went to the New Mexico meeting at Alamogordo.
The trip through southwestern Texas and southern New Mexico was extremely uncomfortable because of heat and dust. This, no doubt, made the surroundings at Alamogordo more highly appreciated. We found the camp located in a beautiful park filled with large trees, carpeted with green grass, and having a fine supply of mountain water, which was carried through the park and along the principal streets in prepared ditches. I have never attended but one other camp that was so beautiful and restful.
A New Mexico Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was organized at this meeting. Elder H. L. Hoover, who has been the superintendent of the New Mexico Mission field, was elected president; W. A. T. Miller was ordained to the gospel ministry. The attendance was good, considering the difficulties that must be encountered in traveling in New Mexico. Some who attended traveled by team for five or six days to reach the place of meeting.
We feel confident that the work in these new conferences will advance more rapidly, as the local responsibility is felt by a greater number, and they have taken hold with renewed vigor to occupy their places of responsibility.
The meeting in New Mexico extended over the first Sabbath of the Oklahoma camp-meeting. Because of this Elder Sorenson and I had to leave before the close. We reached Enid, Okla., in time to spend the Sabbath there. This meeting was also largely attended. I was told that about fourteen hundred fifty were camped on the grounds. The German brethren had a large tent pitched toward the western part of the grounds, and the English toward the eastern part.
We were pleased to have the labors of Elder W. A. Spicer during the first days of the meeting. His lessons were highly appreciated, and were a help in molding the meeting all the way through. Elder David Voth was elected president of the conference.
The spiritual character of these camp-meetings was excellent. There has been a quiet determination manifested to advance, and real victories were gained. A spirit of loyalty to the message, and to organized effort, was quite marked in all these gatherings, being more prominent than I have before seen.
Elders Hennig and Spies labored faithfully in all these meetings, and their efforts added much to the good results that were seen. We have enjoyed their labors with us. Other laborers from outside of the State attended the Oklahoma meeting a part of the time, giving instruction and general help.
The first Sabbath of this meeting, at183:20 P. M., a dust-storm came from the north, which for a time tested the tents quite severely. The last Sabbath, about one hour later, another storm—this time a rain-storm—came with such violence that the large tents all went down. The rain came for a short time with great violence; as soon as it abated, the brethren raised the large pavilion, and although things were somewhat wet, the bell rang for the night service on time.
Neither elements nor inconveniences can hinder this work, because God is at the helm. We are told that another camp-meeting near us at that time, conducted by the Free Methodists, was completely demolished.
The means raised at these meetings, and the objects for which they were raised, will be reported by others.
CLARENCE SANTEE,
Pres. Southwestern Union Conf.
Wyoming
By E. A. Curtis
HAVING been invited by this conference to take up labor, I came here, July 4. The camp-meeting had just closed, but I had the privilege of meeting most of the laborers before they left for their fields.
Three tent companies went out this season. One company failed to get a hearing, another had quite an interesting series of meetings, and we hope that some definite fruit will result from the effort. The other company were in the city of Cheyenne. They have had many hindrances, but have some interest, and are still laboring, hoping to be rewarded by seeing souls accept the truth.
The canvassing work has been quite successful. I have been laboring most of the time in the interest of our intermediate school at Hemingford, Neb. We are hoping for a successful year's work. Brother Marshall J. Rockwell is the principal. School opens October 4.
Our conference headquarters is located at Crawford, Neb., instead of Hemingford as stated in the Year Book, and all mail that is intended for the Wyoming Conference should be sent to Crawford. Please note this. E. A. CURTIS.
MATT. J. ALLEN
By Matt J. Allen
Ontario.
SIMCOE.— On 'Sabbath, September 11, ten precious souls signed the covenant to keep all of God's commandments. This is the result of a tent effort here from July 2 to August 25. Our message had never been heard in this town before. Besides those who have taken their stand, there are forty or fifty more who are interested.
I feel to rejoice to see how the Lord blessed in this, my first effort in public work. I recently came out of the Catholic Church, yet God can use me to bring this message to the hungering souls. May the Lord send forth other laborers into this needy field.
I also had the privilege of speaking to the people on Labor day on the great labor question. This I feel was not only a great privilege, but a good opportunity to proclaim the truth.
MATT. J. ALLEN
Self-Supporting Workers' Convention
By W. R. Burrows; M. B. Van Kirk
At the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute, which is situated at Madison, Tenn., on August 28, 29, was held a convention for self-supporting workers who are conducting small school farms tributary to the mother institution at Madison. On Friday night, August 27, a number of these workers, with their wives and other representatives from their schools, were present at the opening meeting, which was held on the lawn in front of Gotzian Hall.
Sabbath morning a large number of visitors from Edgefield Junction and Nashville came to spend the day. The Sabbath-school services were in the nature of a convention, in which the discussion of opportunities for work among hill people through the medium of the Sunday-school was quite thoroughly canvassed. Later, Elder W. R. Burrows gave a discourse on the theme of self-supporting work.
The afternoon was taken up by a meeting in which Prof. E. A. Sutherland related some experiences, and gave an interesting talk on the value of definite effort in this field. He also read a number of selections from the Bible and the Testimonies. His talk was followed by an interesting social meeting, in which every worker expressed gladness at being here in this needy field. All regretted the absence of Prof. P. T. Magan, who was called away to attend camp-meetings in the North.
Evening after the Sabbath the regular business of the convention was introduced. Upon motion, Professor Sutherland was elected chairman of the convention, and Miss Bessie DeGraw secretary. The business of the meeting was pushed forward with despatch, and a great deal was accomplished in the remaining hours of the evening and on Sunday. Reports were rendered in person and by letter from the various schools. One from Cuba was read by Miss Kinsman, who has been assisting her brother in that field during the past year. As we listened to the interesting reports of work done, our hearts were made glad; for we believe that God is directing in this work, and is reaching many souls with this truth through this medium.
It is interesting to note that two churches were organized at places where two of these highland schools are located. These churches form a nucleus; and as the highland people are convinced of the truth, they will have a home church to unite with. The churches were admitted to the conference at its last session, August 12-22.
The great burden of the convention was to instil into the minds of the workers and of those in attendance the need of consecrated lives and careful example, the influence of which will tell in the neighborhood where these workers reside.
During the day, Sunday, the committee on resolutions presented several plans for future work, which will no doubt be given to the public in due time by the institution.
For ourselves, we can say that the convention was a pleasant gathering. We enjoyed the spirit of consecration and loyalty manifested for the cause of truth. We believe that the plans laid for future work were wise, and by the grace of God can be carried out in this field to the advancement of the special truths for which this school stands. We trust that each succeeding convention will show a constant upward trend.
W. R. Burrows,
M. B. Van Kirk.
The Cumberland Camp-Meeting
By W. A. Westworth
This annual gathering was held at Athens, Tenn., and in some respects was the most remarkable gathering of its kind in the history of the conference. At first there seemed to be decided opposition to the holding of the camp-meeting in the town, and no place was available; but when the committee was about to look elsewhere for a favorable location, the way was opened. From the first, the attendance from the outside was good, and it steadily increased till the close of the meeting, when all available seating room was in use, and many were unable to find accommodations. Several became much interested in the truth as the result of the meetings.
At the beginning of the meeting it was necessary for Elder J. F. Pogue, the president of the conference, to leave for the Graysville Sanitarium on account of illness, and the brethren asked the writer to take charge of conference matters in the president's inability to act. Elders K. C. Russell and J. W. Christian, with the writer, took the public work chiefly, and Elder R. T. Dowsett led out in a successful work for the youth.
Elder Pogue, with practically the same committee, was elected to serve another year. The conference is in a prosperous condition, and is pressing forward in the cause of God. Between six and seven hundred dollars was pledged to the foreign mission field, besides a goodly sum for home enterprises.
By urgent request of the brethren here, the writer will remain for a limited time to follow up the interest awakened by the camp-meeting, and the attendance and interest manifested seem to indicate a goodly harvest to the praise of God. The cause is onward in the Cumberland Conference. W. A. WESTWORTH.
Time to Help
By J. K. Humphrey
The time for the annual offering for the colored people in the United States is at hand, and the opportunity will be given to all our people to help in this most needy cause. A good work has begun among the colored people through the North American Negro Department. The good that this department can and will do, can not be estimated; but it calls for much more money than has been handled in the past; and that it may not be hindered in its work, we must show a conscientious zeal that has not heretofore characterized our donations for this work. The needs of the work for the colored people in the North also emphasize the appeal for a larger offering this year than has been made any previous year.
I think the time has come when the nearly four million Negroes in the North should receive some consideration. These souls migrate largely from the South, and as a rule do not belong to the better class; indeed, a very small percentage of these immigrants read and write, which increases the difficulty in teaching them the truth.
For the last four winters I have conducted a night school to help those who had a desire to learn to read and write, and have also given studies in the Bible and physiology; and although I have had as good results as may be expected under the circumstances in which I labored, much more could have been done had I had the means; so I believe that when the brethren and sisters know the real condition of things, they will be able to give intelligently and willingly.
Many efforts are awaiting this offering; let us not disappoint these workers, but as the Lord blesses us, let every one give cheerfully and unsparingly. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver.”
J. K. HUMPHREY.
Texas
By J. A. Leland
SAN ANTONIO.—We came here from New Mexico on July 7, and began work for the Mexican people. Since that time five adults have taken a firm stand for the truth, and several more are very much interested. We are expecting to open a series of meetings in another part of the city soon, and trust that the Lord will give us souls there also.
In the American work there are several families who are very much interested, one of them keeping the Sabbath, and we hope soon to see them unite with the church. J. A. LELAND.
The Harvest Ingathering Campaign
By A. J. S. B.
What the Conference Presidents Say of It
Every letter received thus far from our union and local conference presidents breathes a spirit of courage and enthusiasm in regard to the forthcoming Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions. Note the sound ring in these communications:—
“The Ingathering in 1908 was certainly worth the effort, besides the good that was accomplished by distributing the papers. I shall be glad to co-operate with you this year in trying to make this campaign much more of a success than it was last year. I am sure the people in our conference will heartily indorse the plan and take it up with real earnestness. We shall lay our plans to do everything we can to make it a success.”
E. F. Andross,
President Southern California Conf.
“I assure you that we will do what we can to push forward the Harvest Ingathering campaign in the Indiana Conference. We will have a meeting of our conference committee in a few days, and will lay some plans. In regard to districting the State so as to get all of our churches to work, will say that I believe it will be a great help to the churches, as well as a financial help to the Mission Board.”
Morris Lukens,
President Indiana Conference.
“I can assure you that North Dakota will do her part to interest her people to take an active and energetic part in this Missions Review campaign. You will remember that our constituency is largely German. The Germans are located in settlements, and they read very little English. They will not be able to do very much with the Review, but I know that they will do all they can. Personally, I will set about it at once to get myself and the people stirred up, and I know that all of our workers will do likewise. I want to assure you that we feel deeply in regard to the Mission Board treasury. North Dakota will do her part.”
C. J. Kunkel,
President North Dakota Conference.
“I believe that this year plans can be made much more effective, and will yield greater net results than the campaign of last year. I agree fully with the sentiments of your letter, and proceeded at once to prepare an article which is being published in our conference paper this week, concerning this effort and what should be expected from it this year.”
C. McReynolds,
President Wisconsin Conference.
“Will say that we shall do all in our power to make up our share of the annual offering to missions.”
E. L. Maxwell,
President Louisiana Conference.20
“Was glad to receive your letter relative to the Harvest Ingathering campaign. We shall do all that we can to make the campaign a success. You may count upon us as a conference to work to that end, that we may be able to bring in a considerable amount of money for the mission fields.”
H. W. Herrell,
President Virginia Conference.
“I think our conference last year did about as well as any conference in the United States. I not only wish to duplicate this record this year, but to surpass it. We shall undoubtedly want between 12,000 and 14,000 copies of the special Review.”
W. H. Heckman,
President Eastern Pennsylvania Conf.
“I am heartily in favor of the Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions, and shall do my utmost to secure the co-operation of our church officers in this effort.”
A. G. Haughey,
President West Michigan Conference.
“We hope to enter most heartily into the Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions, to begin November 1, and trust that a good work may be accomplished in our midst. I believe it is a profitable line of work, and that we may hope for good results.”
E. K. Slade,
President East Michigan Conference.
Elder Charles Thompson, president of the Kansas Conference, and Brother J. A. Westermeyer, the secretary-treasurer, have sent out warm and inspiring letters to the church officers and isolated Sabbath-keepers in their territory. Elder W. C. Boynton, of the Iowa Conference, sends the following words of cheer:—
“I am well pleased with the plans for the Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions, to begin November 1. You can count on me to help to the extent of my ability. This plan originated here in my district. I have tried it and proved it to be a success, and take quite a little fatherly pride in it. I presented the matter here (at Rutland, Iowa) yesterday, and there seems to be a fixed determination on the part of those who took part last year, to get larger offerings this year, and more of them, than last year. I hope we may reach at least the $100,000 mark this year.”
“Montana stands ready to do all within her power to advance this work. Our people took hold of the plan for raising thanksgiving funds last year with considerable zeal, and I believe that by thoroughly organizing this year much more will be accomplished than last year. I wish this movement much success and blessing.”
R. D. Quinn,
President Montana Conference.
Our Missionary Volunteer and Sabbath-school secretaries are also working to make the campaign a success. Note the following words, written by Sister S. Lela Hoover, of the Western Washington Conference:—
“As secretary of the Missionary Volunteer and Sabbath-school departments I shall do all I can to encourage the young people and the children to join heartily and enthusiastically in this good work. I shall do all I can in harmony with the suggestions and plans laid for this campaign.”
Shall we not lay better and broader plans for the forthcoming campaign, that it may be a blessing to the mission fields, to those upon whom we shall call, and to our own souls?
A. J. S. B.
Diamante (Argentina) School
By Walton C. John
THE school still progresses, and we are encouraged by an increasing enrolment, which now amounts to one hundred four. Very few students have left this year, and we find our large new building taxed to the uttermost to meet the demands. Our missionary society is very active, and mails five or six hundred papers every month. In a one-day campaign, in which we worked only two and a half hours, thirty students sold about seven hundred papers, at ten cents each, and took sixty subscriptions for La Verdad Presente. It has had a good effect on the spiritual life of the school.
WALTON C. JOHN.
Emmanuel Missionary College
By O. J. Graf
Our school opened very encouragingly, with nearly double the enrollment we had at the opening last year. The students are earnest, and seem to have come for a purpose, nearly all of them having a large work in mind. Our courage is good. We believe the Lord will give us a successful school year. O. J. Graf.
The Hazel (Ky.) Academy
By Thomas D. Rowe
School opened yesterday, September 18, with an enrolment of thirty-eight; and with the best class of students we have ever had. We have better facilities for teaching and caring for the students than ever before. We do not intend our to have more than thirty-six boarding students. When that number has come, we expect to start another small school.
THOMAS D. ROWE.
Stuart (Iowa) Academy
By H. B. Allen
STUART ACADEMY opened its doors to students on September 8, and on September 9 there were enrolled sixty-two students. This number will increase somewhat as the year goes on. This is the largest number that has ever been here on an opening day of school. The academy is endeavoring to fully incorporate the industrial features as a fundamental part of its work, and to give to them the prominence called for by the Testimonies which their importance demands. A beautiful Christian spirit pervades the school, and teachers and students are working together for the advancement of individual character and the cause of God. H. B. ALLEN.
The Mercenary Versus the Father
By John L. Cowan
The Cushite, who bore to David the news of Absalom's death, was a hired soldier, and could not for an instant interpret the fine feelings of the father. He was speaking to a king who had been opposed and driven into exile. He thought his speech would please, and he would get a reward for his run.
How fine and lovely a thing sympathy is! how delicate an instrument it is in dealing with human nature! Here was a man blurting out words for which he expected to be paid so much a word. That was as far as his concern went, except for a certain savage satisfaction that the king was avenged in so bloody a way. He had not the slightest conception of the fine-nerved instrument upon which he was playing—the strings of a father's heart, and the exquisite joy or the unutterable agony that his words might elicit from the heart of the tensely keyed instrument.
How that is like some of our perfunctory, mechanical Christian work! A coarse-grained evangelist preaches damnation with a sort of gusto, little recking that he may be turning sensitive souls into rebellion against the loving, pitiful Christ. The teacher angrily rebukes the boy for his thoughtlessness, telling him that he will never amount to anything, but must come to something bad. The child reddens, and becomes sullen and hardened. O ministers, teachers, parents, what delicate instruments are these human hearts! Shall we play them with the rough Cushite touch, or try to get the sympathetic fingering of the Master?—John L. Cowan.
Field Notes
FIFTEEN adults were organized into a church recently at Plainfield, Wis. Others await baptism.
IN Wisconsin, six have been added to the church at Green Bay, and seven to the church in Deerfield.
AT Cambridge, Md., September 4, Elder John F. Jones baptized three persons. Others will be baptized later.
A REPORT from L. J. Burgess, of India, states that three of their Hindustani students have been baptized, also three other native men.
A CHURCH of isolated Sabbath-keepers and several new converts was recently organized at Valentine, Neb., as the result of a tent effort.
S. D. SHADEL says in regard to the work in Savannah, Ga.: “The outlook is very encouraging at the present. Some intelligent people are accepting the truth as a result of work done with the Family Bible Teacher by myself for the past six months. We expect to pitch a large tent in the heart of the city soon.”
Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference
FREDERICK GRIGGS . . . . Secretary
South Lancaster (Mass.) Academy
By F. G.
I was privileged to be present at the opening of the twenty-eighth year's work of South Lancaster Academy, September 15. The largest number of students present at the opening of any year in the history of the school, greeted the faculty as they came onto the rostrum. Every seat was filled, and in many seats there were two, besides some fifty students in chairs. There were also a goodly number of visitors present. Prof. C. S. Longacre, who succeeds Prof. B. F. Machlan as principal, is taking up the work with courage. There have been a number of changes in the faculty during the summer.
After short talks by many of the teachers, visitors, and students, an hour was spent by all in greeting and becoming acquainted with one another. After this the school again convened and the classification of students was undertaken. The work of the students was quite easily arranged. All look forward to a very successful year's work. F. G.