THE essential things to learn in getting an education are those which will be used most, and will last longest. The Christian in his life-work will more frequently appeal to the Bible for information, consolation, and admonition than to any other source. His feet are guided by the light of the Bible, from the beginning of his day until he takes the latest tottering steps in the shades of its evening. From the dawning of his morning till the setting of his sun, the divine promises of the sacred oracles furnish him with grace and joy. Should not the Word of God, therefore, be the basis and the stay of his learning? Should he not devoutly study every word on all its leaves, and seriously ponder the bearing of all it says?
Does the reader ask for other reasons why this strong ground is taken? A partial answer is found in the following statements and propositions: From the Bible man learns the origin of himself and the purpose of his existence. In it he is told the truth about the creation of our world, and the place it is destined to fill in the great plan of the universe. Only in the Bible can he learn the foundation truth for all things which he can ever truly know, or safely be, or do.
That which he gets from the Word of God not only serves him here, but its effect abides with him during the eternal ages. Should the student who has made God’s Word the basis of his education in this life, be given a home with the redeemed in the eternal kingdom, he will there proceed with his studies on the same basis that he prosecuted his school work here.
All the error he may have imbibed, from whatever source, must be eliminated before he is in full possession of a true education. It is possible that some of the redeemed of Adam’s race may have to unlearn many things after they have reached the school of Eden restored. If students now would constantly heed the admonition of the Great Teacher which says, “Learn of me,” they would be spared the effort required in trying to learn many things which are not true. They would avoid the danger of being poisoned by drinking from the many polluted pools provided by schools of infidelity. The youth are easily caught in the snares and pitfalls of the enemy. Infidel seeds readily grow in the soil of unconverted hearts, and this makes it altogether unsafe to expose their minds to the planting of tares.
The only safe course for parents and guardians to pursue is to bring up their charge in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The student is unsafe who does not know by personal experience that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” He needs the gift of the Holy Spirit to seal to him the truth of every lesson which finds an abiding-place in his mind. The learner who is not moved upon by the divine Mind can not know the truth.
Many try to maintain a kind of agnosticism, therefore are never certain of anything. With these, all things which they try to know are tested by a baseless philosophy which makes nothing sure. What, then, can they know? How can they believe when their reasonings are constantly increasing their doubts? Can they become Christians without believing? How can they find wisdom when this searching leads them away from the only place of its hiding?
It is true that infidel authors and higher critics (?) give much that would be excellent if placed in its primary relation to truth, but it is quite unsafe to go to these to learn the truth. The angler places the most tempting food before the fish which he wishes to take, but the hungry fish that swallows the coveted morsel, soon feels the barbed point of the cruel hook. Because of the hook in the food, some of the wary among the finny tribe have learned to swim shy of the allurements when hunting for food. So should the seeker after truth be very circumspect as to the setting in which he receives a choice thought.
When asked to locate the place of wisdom, the patriarch Job said that he could not find it in the rivers, nor the rock, nor the floods. It was not concealed in the seas, nor found in the ocean’s depths. It could not be secured with merchandise, nor bought with gold or precious stones. But “God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.” “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28: 23, 28. As stated by David, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” Ps. 111:10. God’s servant Moses said, “Keep therefore and do them [the commandments of God]: for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
These are the things to be taught to our sons and daughters. “Teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all22the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.” Deut. 4: 9, 10. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6: 6, 7.
Paul, in speaking to Timothy of the excellencies of the Bible, said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” It was upon this Word that the mother of Timothy found a basis for her education in the days of her childhood, and being brought up in this way, she felt it best to train her son to follow in the path which she had trod. His early education placed him in the way of the Lord, so that in him the great apostle found most excellent help for the Christian ministry.
Thousands of young people in this generation, trained in Bible lore from their infancy, are needed to give the third angel’s message to the world. Our schools exist for the purpose of doing this kind of work. The Lord wants it done thoroughly, and done quickly.
WILLIAM COVERT.
Christian Education
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
L. A. Hoopes, Chairman;
Frederick Griggs, Secretary.
Laborers Together
It may be well again to call the attention of our teachers to the importance of their writing for the Educational Department of the REVIEW. As workers in educational lines, we must help one another. Every one who has a good experience in any feature of school work, no matter of what grade, should not hesitate to tell of it; for it will certainly be of benefit to others. Our teachers should also be free to ask for help and suggestions where they feel in need. These reports and inquiries will certainly produce good results, and will often help where most needed. In addition to these matters, many of our teachers and ministers will often have most excellent thoughts upon educational matters while engaged in study; these should be given to others. A little time spent in preparing and writing out these for the benefit of others will be a help not only to those who read them, but also to the writer. But be brief. The articles for this department of the REVIEW ought not to exceed two type-written pages. If they are longer, they should be divided, and properly this should be the work of the writer. So help to keep this department of the REVIEW full of valuable matter for all our educational workers.
Send all matter for the Educational Department to Frederick Griggs, South Lancaster, Mass.
Current Mention
— Dispatches from Geneva, Switzerland, report a recent severe storm in the Alps, during which twenty-four persons lost their lives, fourteen of these being in the St. Bernard Pass.
— A dispatch from Berlin states that nearly 100,000 miners of the Westphalian district have struck. A meeting of union leaders will be held to determine whether the strike shall be made general.
— The members of the Danish cabinet have resigned, and King Christian has requested the ministers to carry on business until their successors are selected. The king has invited M. J. Christensen, late minister of public instruction, to form a new cabinet.
— A dispatch from Tangier, Morocco, reports that fierce fighting has occurred between Kabyle tribes in the neighborhood of Alcazar, whence burning villages are visible. Refugees report that many tribesmen have been killed or wounded. There are grave fears at Alcazar that the victors may attempt to sack that town.
— Private advices received from missionary sources, state that an uprising of natives has occurred in the Kongo Free State. The focus of the troubles is in the upper reaches of the Kongo River, where it is reported all the whites have been murdered. Catholic missionaries and missions are said to have suffered especially.
— A case is pending in the United States Supreme Court which will determine whether the Isle of Pines, near the southern coast of Cuba, is the property of Cuba or of the United States. Parties having property interests in the island are bringing strong pressure to bear on the government to retain it as United States territory.
— An attempt of the State of Iowa to prevent the introduction of liquor from other States by declaring it a local transaction, where the express company which transported it collected the charges therefor on C. O. D. orders, was recently overruled by the Supreme Court, which held the Iowa law to be an infringement by the State of the power over interstate commerce possessed by Congress alone.
— A bill to incorporate the American National Red Cross was passed by Congress, December 19. The present charter of the Red Cross is repealed by the bill, and the new society is given the sole right to use the emblem of the order, the Greek cross. The body is to be governed by a central committee of eighteen members, and the president of the United States is given authority to appoint the chairman. Clara Barton, former head of the society, is among the incorporators. The departments of State, the Navy, War, Treasury, and Justice are also represented by one man from each department selected by President Roosevelt.
— A telegram dated at New Orleans, January 4, says: “It is announced from places in Texas and Louisiana that plans have been perfected for the reduction of the cotton acreage for next year and future years. The plans are the result of conferences between the farmers and the bankers and merchants. The farmers will agree to reduce acreage, the understanding being that those who do not will receive no financial assistance from the banks or merchants, without which few farmers can carry on their operations successfully. The reduction proposed is fifteen per cent under the acreage of 1903. There will be a large increase in the acreage in wheat, corn, and oats in northern Texas, and a boom in the truck business.”
— By the capture of Port Arthur, Japan has come into possession of a large amount of property for military uses, notwithstanding the destruction wrought by the siege. A list of such property taken includes the following: permanent forts, 50; guns, 546, of which 54 are of large caliber, 149 of medium caliber, and 343 of small caliber; cannon balls, 82,670; powder, 30,000 kilos; rifles, 35,252; horses, 1,920; battle-ships, 4 except “Sevastopol,” which is entirely sunk; cruisers, 2; gunboats and destroyers, 14; steamers, 10, etc., besides small steamers, 35 of which will be serviceable after little repairs. The Japanese army facing General Kuropatkin’s forces has been re-enforced by 368 siege guns recently used in the investment of Port Arthur, and also by 32,000 infantry, making a total of 388,000 men, with 1,245 guns. Reports from St. Petersburg state that the Russian government seemingly is about to make the irrevocable decision that prestige abroad and the situation at home necessitate the continuation of the war till peace with dignity is possible. Beyond this point, however, confusion exists, especially regarding the immediate development of the interior situation. Emperor Nicholas is still apparently vacillating as to whether he shall allow M. Witte full sway, in the meantime declining to permit Prince Sviatopolk-Mirski to retire. Conflicting reports continue to be received relative to the recall of the Russian Baltic fleet.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
By JOHN F. MORSE
Notice!
THE annual meeting of the members of the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association will be held at Battle Creek, Mich., in the chapel of the college building on North Washington Avenue, Feb. 2, 1905, at 10 A. M., the time designated by the board of trustees for such meetings, for the transaction of such business as may be brought before said meeting.
By order of the board of trustees.
JOHN F. MORSE, Secretary.
Business Notices!
BRIEF business notices will be published in this department subject to the discretion of the publishers. A charge of one dollar for one insertion of six lines, or less, and of twenty cents for every line over six, will be made, though in the case of the poor who wish employment, the charge may be remitted. Persons unknown to the managers of the publishing house must furnish good references.
For SALE.— Several desirable small farms near Franklin, county seat of Simpson Co., Ky. Fine country. We desire that a few families of consecrated Adventists settle here to live the truth and help build up the church. For particulars, address J. H. Foster, Franklin, Ky.
WANTED.— Man with family, to work a 160-acre farm and nursery in central Minnesota, on shares or for wages. Must be Sabbath-keeper; must have two large boys who can work; must know how to farm. References required. Address C. Pelmulder, Grant City, Iowa.
For SALE.— General store at Franklin, Ky. Would take good property for part payment. This store has been doing good business for three years. Good reasons for selling. New Seventh-day Adventist church building in city. For particulars, address Miss Verna Stone, Franklin, Ky.
For SALE.— 40 A. good land, 3 mi. from Charlotte, Mich., near S. D. A. church and school; excellent orchard, also pears and small fruits; three A. of timber; fair buildings. Price, $2,000; $300 down, rest on long time at six per cent int. Address M. Taylor, Charlotte, Mich., R. F. D. 8.
For SALE.— On Waldrous Ridge, 3 mi. from Southern Training School, Graysville, Tenn., 57 A., 22 A. cleared, fenced, and cross-fenced; 500 fruit-trees in bearing; 5-room house, new barn, etc.; good water; church-school privileges. Terms, $450 cash. Reason for selling, a desire to give all my time to the canvassing work. Address J. C. Rice, Brayton, Tenn.
Publications Wanted
THE following persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, postpaid:—
Addie B. Hodapp, 524 North Ewing St., Seymour, Ind., REVIEW, Instructor, Signs, Watchman, etc., tracts.
Esther Wilkerson, R. F. D. No. 1, Lowry, Va., Signs, Life Boat, Instructor, Little Friend, tracts.
Obituaries
By W. M. Robbins; John O. Stow; E. W. Catlin; William H. Brown; O. Montgomery; G. C. Tenney; B. Franklin Richards; C. W. Olds
MARTIN.—Died Dec. 13, 1904, Alfred Martin, aged 52 years, 11 months, and 10 days. Brother Martin was a member of the Connellsville (Pa.) church, and is greatly missed by that little company. His life was a living witness for the truth. At the funeral comforting words were spoken by Pastor Burgess (Lutheran), from Romans 8.
W. M. ROBBINS.
KEISER.—Died in Prattville, Dec. 23, 1904, Herma Zene Keiser, son of John and Mina Keiser. The deceased was born in Prattville, Sept. 4, 1890, and met his death in an accident while working in a sawmill. He was baptized and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church when he was nine years of age. He was laid to rest with the hope that, when the Life-giver comes, he will rise in immortal beauty. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from John 11:25.
JOHN O. STOW.
MARSHALL.—Fell asleep in Jesus at Fair Haven, Minn., Mrs. Lilly Marshall, aged 33 years, 8 months, and 2 days. At the age of fourteen she gave herself to the Lord, and soon after united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was always a faithful servant of the Master, and fell asleep in full assurance of awakening in the first resurrection to meet faithful loved ones. The last words to her husband were, “Be faithful in the work; for all that you do will hasten the day when I can awake.”
E. W. CATLIN.
HORTON.—Died Dec. 17, 1904, of cancer, L. C. Horton, aged 57 years and 4 days. About six years ago, at Guthrie, Kan., under the labors of Elders Knight and Russell, he and his wife became interested in present truth. Later they united with the Jerome Seventh-day Adventist church, of which he was ever a faithful member. He leaves two sons, two daughters, and several grandchildren to mourn their loss. Funeral services was held in the M. E. church at Healy, Kan., words of comfort being spoken by the writer.
WILLIAM H. BROWN.
TRIMBLE.—Died in Jackson, Mich., Dec. 12, 1904, Sister Franna B. Trimble, aged 39 years, 5 months, and 23 days. Her death was the result of a nervous shock due to a surgical operation. Sister Trimble was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, an exemplary and conscientious Christian. Her kindred mourn their loss, as do also the household of faith, who miss her helpful presence, but expect to meet her at the resurrection of the just. Words of comfort and hope were spoken by the writer, from John 11:25.
JOHN O. STOW.
COLE.—Died at Omer, Mich., Dec. 17, 1904, Mrs. Samantha U. Maxson Cole, aged 79 years, 6 months, and 7 days. Sister Cole was converted at the age of sixteen, and united with the Seventh-day Baptists. In 1866 she accepted the truths of the third angel’s message, uniting with the Seventh-day Adventist church of Mile Hill, N. Y., later becoming a member of the Battle Creek church, to which she belonged at the time of her death. She fell asleep with a strong unyielding faith. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from 2 Sam. 14:14.
O. MONTGOMERY.
SCOTT.—Died in Marshall, Mich., Dec. 21, 1904, Mary A. Scott, aged 83 years. She was born in Oxfordshire, England, but came to this country while a child. She accepted present truth under the labors of Elder Frisbie forty-six years ago, and remained a faithful adherent to the faith. Her husband and two sons and their families are left to mourn her death. The church at Convis was well filled at the funeral service by loving friends and neighbors anxious to pay a last act of respect to one whom they all esteemed for her Christian character and worth.
G. C. TENNEY.
FULTON.—Died in San Diego, Cal., Nov. 22, 1904, of tuberculosis, George Fulton, aged 73 years, 4 months, and 11 days. About twenty-six years ago Brother Fulton became established in the third angel’s message under the labors of Elder A. T. Jones, in the State of Oregon. He remained true to his early convictions, and fell asleep in Jesus. He leaves a companion, three sons, and one daughter. Words of comfort and hope were spoken by the writer, from Isa. 25:7-9.
B. FRANKLIN RICHARDS.
CAPMAN.—Died near Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 23, 1904, Sister Flora Capman, aged 48 years, 4 months, and 7 days. She had kept the Sabbath from her childhood, and at the time of her death was a member of the Milton Junction (Wis.) church. After a sickness of only a few hours, she peacefully fell asleep. She was brought to her mother’s home in Whitewater where we laid her to rest in Oakhill Cemetery. She leaves a husband, daughter, mother, brother, and sister, besides many friends and relatives, to mourn their loss. Words of comfort were spoken from John 14:1-3.
C. W. OLDS.
BOWLES.—Died at his home in Redlands, Cal., Dec. 4, 1904, J. A. Bowles, aged 78 years and 10 months. Brother Bowles was born in St. Louis County, Mo. In middle life he gave his heart to the Lord, and about six years ago he heard present truth, and accepted it with all his heart. He was a very faithful man, and we can truly say that he held his property ready at all times for the service of the Lord. All that was not a necessity for home use, went freely into some branch of the cause. He wished his funeral to be simple and without formality, as had been his life.
CLARENCE SANTEE.
RAINEY.—Fell asleep in Jesus, at Danville, Va., Dec. 7, 1904, Dollie Rainey, aged 34 years, 6 months, and 27 days. She received present truth about seven years ago under the labors of Elder M. S. Wooding, and became a faithful worker in the truth, and also clerk of the church. She did all she could to advance the Lord’s work. A husband, six children, and three sisters are left to mourn their loss. She died with a firm hope of a part in the first resurrection. Words of comfort were spoken by Brother Charles Wooding, from Job 19:25, 26.
M. S. WOODING.
KELLOGG.—Nancy J. Kellogg, nee Chappel, died Dec. 8, 1904, aged 58 years, 7 months, and 27 days. She was born in Sutton, Canada, and in childhood united with the Christian Church. She and her husband, Edward B. Kellogg, soon after their marriage, in Richford, Vt., were baptized, and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in the fellowship of which she remained throughout life. In 1880 they moved to Dakota Territory. About seven years ago she was afflicted with internal cancer. Medical skill prolonged her life for some time, but after extreme suffering she fell asleep in Jesus. She ever rejoiced in the Christian’s hope, and in her affliction it was especially dear to her. Hers was a life full of faith, love, and good works. She leaves a companion and four children. Funeral services were conducted by the writer.
F. L. PERRY.
STREET.—Died at the home of her son, Capt. H. L. Street, in Washington, D. C., Nov. 19, 1904, Mrs. Phoebe Street, aged 82 years and 11 days. She was baptized at the age of eleven, and was for forty-three years an earnest, faithful member of the Baptist Church. She was married in 1845, and went with her husband to California with the early settlers of that State. Mr. Street was for many years a well-known lawyer in the town of Sonora. The family moved to Washington in 1886. In the summer of 1890, through the efforts of Sister Julia Parmele and the writer, Sister Street, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, now the wife of Elder Volney H. Lucas, accepted the truth as taught by Seventh-day Adventists, and united with the church in Washington. She died very suddenly and unexpectedly, but we have the most perfect assurance that she has fallen asleep in Jesus. She leaves one son, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, and many friends to mourn their loss. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer at the Memorial church, from Job 5:26.
J. S. WASHBURN.
WAGNER.—Sister Wagner, nee Wildschmitt, fell asleep in Jesus, in Hildebran, N. C., Dec. 8, 1904. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 29, 1834, and came to America in 1851. The following year she was married to F. W. Knoll, and removed from New York City to Wilmington, N. C. Three children, by this marriage, sleep with their father in Wilmington, and one remains to mourn her loss. In 1867 she was married to Dr. Herman Wagner, of New York City, whose death, sixteen years later, again left her a widow. Having suffered from bronchial catarrh for many years, she came to Hildebran with her daughter, seeking a milder climate. She was born and raised in the Catholic Church, but attended Protestant services after her marriage. Eight years ago she heard and accepted the truths of the third angel’s message. Though she never joined the church on earth, yet her quiet, peaceful, honest life testified of a heart that trusted in God. Funeral services were conducted by the writer.
ALBERT CAREY.
HALL.—Died at Graysville, Tenn., Nov. 14, 1904, Elder C. A. Hall, aged 57 years. He was born in Vermont in 1847. At nine years of age he went West, and his boyhood days were spent in Michigan and Wisconsin. In 1870 he married Miss Emma Fairfield. To them were born six children, all of whom survive their parents. Soon after their marriage, Brother and Sister Hall united with the Congregational Church. About 1883 they accepted the views of Seventh-day Adventists. He served his home church as elder for several years, and in 1888 he was elected president of the Kansas Conference, in which capacity he served the cause for five years, when he was obliged to lay down some of his burdens on account of ill health; nevertheless his ministerial work was continued. In 1896 the Mission Board sent him as a missionary to Jamaica, where, six months later, his companion was laid to rest. In 1898 he married Miss Anna Agee, who for years had been a Bible worker and teacher. To them two children were born. Eighteen months later, after nearly five years of service in the foreign field, he returned to America, partly on account of declining health, and partly to attend to the education of his children. Subsequently he served as president of the Georgia Conference. In 1870 he and a fellow workman fell from a church steeple, the scaffold giving away. His companion was instantly killed, and his ill health dated from that accident. Finally, after thirty-four years of suffering from physical weakness, he gave up his public ministry, and settled on a fruit farm near Graysville. Last February his illness was aggravated by an attack of la grippe, from the effects of which he never recovered. In April he took to his bed for the last time. During the months of his final illness his sufferings were far more intense than men are generally called upon to bear, yet he was singularly patient. Owing to his long-continued suffering, he welcomed the final rest, which seemed like heaven’s benediction. The autopsy showed unusual cause for suffering, disclosing a cancer which had spread until it had involved nearly all the vital organs of the body. The loss to the cause by the death of this dear brother is not less severe because it was long expected. The funeral service was held in the Graysville church, November 15, and was attended by a large number of friends and neighbors. Four of Brother Hall’s children have served the cause of truth in various capacities, and his bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of all who know them.
J. E. CALDWELL.
Practical Primer for Home and School
FROM the publishers, the Southern Missionary Society, there comes a copy of an attractive little book, “Practical Primer for Home and School.” It combines the word method and the sentence method in reading and writing, with the addition of “Busy Work” for every lesson, and so leads the little child along pleasant paths of knowledge, rather than over the old rough road. The subject-matter of the lessons does not simply furnish combinations of words for practise in reading, but it teaches Bible truths, and thus connects the reading lesson with Bible study. The book is fully illustrated, including many colored pictures and outline copies for drawing. It will doubtless find a place in many homes and church-schools.
Growth in the British Field
DURING the last year the British field added twelve churches, four each in north and south England, and two each in Scotland and Wales.
A Gift to Missions
ONE reader sends fifty dollars for the annual offering, saying: “I do not belong to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and do not know of any one that does. I never felt more the privilege of sending a donation to your Mission Board.”
Progress in the Turkish Field
ELDER L. R. CONRADI has returned to Europe from his visit to Turkey. He reports progress in the work of Dr. George, superintendent of the field, but our leading Armenian worker is still under arrest. Pray for the work in Asia Minor, the field of ancient apostolic labor.
Industrial School in New York
A TRACT of land containing two hundred acres, lying twelve miles southwest of Salamanca, in Cattaraugus County, has been secured by the brethren of the New York Conference, upon which they will erect buildings for an industrial school. “The school building will be planned to accommodate not less than forty. The dormitories will be small, planned on the cottage idea.” Work on the buildings will be begun as soon as the funds are provided.
Holiday Cards for Missions
REPORTS from those who have used the holiday collecting cards for missions are beginning to come in. Some who have used the cards among neighbors, and even strangers, report from a few cents to two, five, eight, or ten dollars collected on a single card. Men of the world have expressed thankfulness for the privilege of giving to missions. One church officer writes: “To be plain, I did not know what to do with the cards. But I gave them out, and one young sister brought in $8.55. I was surprised indeed. Now speed the good work.”
The Washington Fund
THE Washington fund, which was mentioned in our last Eastern Tidings, has reached rupees 1,100 ($352). This is very encouraging. There is still opportunity to give. One of the three lacs to be raised has been collected; two more yet remain. [A lac is one hundred thousand rupees. Three lacs make one hundred thousand dollars]. Our people in all parts of the world are giving liberally to build up the work in Washington.—Eastern Tidings (India), October, 1904.
Avondale School’s Financial Progress
In the “Ninth Annual Announcement,” just received from the Avondale School for Christian Workers, located in Cooranbong, New South Wales, we find the following paragraph: “Since the beginning of the campaign for the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ £3,026 15s. 11d. (about fifteen thousand dollars) has been received, and applied on the indebtedness. For several years past, the school has come out with a credit balance, which is represented by the enlargement of the industrial departments, and the increase of facilities for conducting the regular class work. A good financial gain has been made during the year just closed.” The Avondale School is to be congratulated on its financial record, as well as upon the fact that during the last school year it has had “the largest attendance in the history of the institution.” It is interesting to learn how the students are spending their vacation. Here are the facts: “Out of one hundred and twenty of the more mature students, forty-five are working in the different departments of the school during the vacation, with the view of gaining a credit for further schooling. Thirty-five have gone to their homes, most of whom expect to return. Seventeen are engaged in the canvassing work. Three will teach church-schools. Three have gone as island missionaries. Five have entered the nurses’ course at the Sydney Sanitarium. Two young men have entered conference work, and will assist in tent-meetings. One has taken up accountant and stenographic work. The few remaining have entered various unclassified departments of our work.” This report indicates that the institution is true to its name,—a training-school for Christian workers. The usual general information is contained in this announcement, and its typographical appearance is a credit to the “Avondale School Press,” whose imprint it bears.
Washington, D. C.
The agitation in Washington on the subject of the Sabbath continues. The meeting Sunday evening, January 8, in Pythian Temple was in some respects the most encouraging I ever attended in this city. Elders George B. Thompson and Luther Warren were the speakers, and with unusual freedom and earnestness they sent home the glorious yet terrible truth of the Sabbath and of the United States in prophecy. A meeting was also held at the Memorial church, Wednesday night, and the church was well filled. The address was on the subject of the signs of the nearness of Christ’s coming. The glorious old truths of the advent are coming with fresh light and power.
We are thankful to see that we have received $53,495.27, leaving but $46,504.73 to be supplied before the eleventh of May, when the General Conference will meet here. Shall we not make a determined and a united effort to close up this work by that time? There are donations of one thousand dollars, we feel certain, which will be sent to effect this purpose. Many now are giving a stated amount each week or month, and promise to continue regularly until the whole fund is raised. Will you not join this number of regular contributors? If so, please send me your names at once, stating amount.
The following letter from an aged brother in Manitoba, who sent two hundred dollars, will be read with deep interest:—
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MANITOBA,
Dec. 22, 1904.
DEAR BROTHER: I duly received yours of the eleventh in reply to my note of the first, in regard to contributors to the fund for the Lord’s work in Washington. . . . I do hope that every one of our brethren will do his very best to give what he can, and as soon as he can. The message is to the world, and we are not to leave it all to the more immediate worker, whom the Lord has so wonderfully raised up, and to whom he has given the assurance, “Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the age.” May he give us grace to do our part. . . . I wish I could do more, but I am old and lame, and have little strength to be of service. I am nearly eighty-three, yet I hope to see a mighty work. Surely it is the time of the latter rain, and the prayers of God’s people, I believe, will bring answers that will gladden the hearts of all his waiting ones. I have not the means of doing more at present, but my heart is with you all. My prayers for the workers and the prosperity of the work everywhere go up daily, and I give my sincere thanks for the many tokens we have that our God is doing a mighty work, and for the evidences that the Lord is at hand. May we be ready.