Earlier text: Weakness and StrengthHARRY ARMSTRONG
By Harry Armstrong
GLASGOW.— We recently removed our public meetings into a more commodious hall in a very thickly populated part of the city. While we have not had at any time large audiences, we have seen a growing interest in the meetings, and an encouraging attendance. Brother J. Stokes is associated with me here in the work of the gospel ministry, and we have had times of refreshing in the enjoyment of the sweet presence of God. In connection with our meetings we are conducting a series of gospel health meetings. In uniting the two great lines of gospel work, we are simply giving the “right arm” its rightful place in the body, the only place where it can be productive of everlasting good. We are glad to report the interest manifested by the members of our Sabbath school, in the lessons arranged. This quarter we formed four good adult classes, one intermediate class, and three primary classes. We believe the Sabbath school to be a “tower of strength” in the education of our people in the message for this hour. Cottage meetings are also conducted from week to week in Glasgow and the surrounding districts. Brethren E. Aplin and R. M. Lamie, who are engaging in Bible work and canvassing, are also assisting in these meetings. The conducting of cottage meetings, while inexpensive, has proved to be a very efficient means of reaching the people with the truth. Sister M. Lamie, who has been laboring in Liverpool for the last two years, has now joined us in this country, and we are sure the Lord will continue to use her as a means of blessing to this people. We are circulating over three thousand copies of The Present Truth weekly. Something is also being done in the city of Edinburgh. Brother D. P. Miller and his family have recently arrived from New York, and settled in Edinburgh. Brother Miller is doing true missionary work, by going about doing good. He is introducing Present Truth, our pioneer missionary paper, and also carrying the gospel of health for the body through the health magazine. The Lord will bless his labor of love. The Skodsborg (Denmark) Sanatorium
By Ole Andres Olsen
It has been my privilege to spend a few weeks at the Skodsborg Sanatorium; and knowing the deep interest that is felt by all our people in this institution, because of the trying experiences it has been passing through, I have thought that a few lines from a visitor may be appreciated. In the month of May, 1897, a meeting of representative brethren from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway was held at Christiania, and there the organization of the Scandinavian Philanthropic Association was effected. The objects of this association are the same as those of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association in America. The time was ripe for such a move in these countries. Dr. J. C. Ottosen had finished his medical course, and after spending some time in the States, had returned, and was ready for definite work. During this council it was also decided that the most favorable place to begin institutional work would be in Copenhagen, Denmark, by renting suitable rooms for a doctor's office, and place of treatment. Immediately after this Dr. Ottosen with other brethren began to look for a favorable location in the city of Copenhagen, but not seeing anything that seemed suitable in the city, they turned their attention to the suburbs, and finding what to them seemed a suitable place and buildings at Skodsborg, they decided after much prayer and counseling together to purchase this property, and make it the headquarters for their medical missionary work. This was indeed a large venture. The property was bought for fifty thousand kroner, which was regarded as very cheap; but having only a small amount of available funds on hand, the society was obliged to depend largely on borrowed capital with which to make a start. Not only were our funds limited, but our health principles were but little known, and experienced managers to take charge of such an institution were also wanting; thus the outlook from a human standpoint was not very favorable. But the Lord had spoken concerning the importance of this branch of the work, and Dr. Ottosen and the brethren connected with him felt convinced that the time had come to make this beginning. Although there were hindrances in the way, still this seemed to them a providential opening, and they believed that it was the will of God that they should go forward, trusting that he would open the way for means to be supplied as fast as needed. In May, 1898, the sanatorium was in readiness, and was formally opened to receive patients. These soon began to come, and the Lord blessed the work with marked success in many ways. The institution has been in operation a little more than four years, and it must be acknowledged that its success has been much greater than our most sanguine expectations. Beginning, as they did, in a community where our people were few in number, where the principles that underlie our work were but little known, with managers without experience in such an enterprise, and added to all this, with the embarrassment of having to work mostly on borrowed capital, the outlook from the human standpoint was about as unfavorable as it could well be; and it has been up-hill work indeed, for the difficulties have been many and great. But difficulties are no evidence that God is not leading in the work. Indeed, as we look over the past history of God's people, we find that he permits all this for our good. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1: 2-4. As we now take a retrospect over the little more than four years during which this institution has been running, the guiding hand of the Lord is most plainly seen all the way along. The success that the work has achieved not only in the way of relieving physical suffering, but in bringing the great principles of gospel truth before the world, and through these winning the respect of prominent people, is truly a marvel. Persons of high standing in society, and men of science have found themselves compelled to speak in the highest terms of the work done at this institution. To illustrate, at the time of the opening of the sanatorium there was a doctor in Copenhagen by the name of Ottosen. He found it necessary to insert a notice in the leading journals of the country to the effect that his name must not be confounded with that of Dr. Ottosen, the head of the Skodsborg Sanatorium, as he had no sympathy with that fanatical movement. He explained that his name could be distinguished from the other, as it was spelled with an “e.” Well, at the time I was at the sanatorium, this very doctor sent his wife for a short stay at the institution, not because she was ill, but to learn the principles there advocated, and he himself spent as much time there as his duties would allow, and no one showed more interest than he in learning about the preparation of the various dishes that were served on the table. Another instance was that of one of the foremost medical men in Denmark, the head of their medical organization. Meeting Dr. Ottosen one day, he said, “I must compliment and congratulate you on the success that your institution at Skodsborg has achieved in this short time; it is indeed phenomenal. When you first began work here, we all thought that it was one of the wildest fanatical moves we had ever seen, and could only end in a most ignominious failure; but instead of this, you have achieved a most marvelous success, and I hear your work spoken of in the very highest terms all over the country.” The preceding are only a few of many instances that might be cited, and I refer to them as an illustration of the manner in which the Lord has blessed the work undertaken in weakness and amid much difficulty. During my own stay at the sanatorium, I met people daily who spoke most feelingly concerning the spirit that prevailed everywhere about the institution, and they made many inquiries about the principles that underlie this work; “for,” said they, “this is so different from any place that we have been in before.” Then they would call for Bible studies, and we had some very precious seasons answering their queries, and opening to them the word of truth. Now what has contributed most to all this? and who has given the work this character and standing? It is not great and imposing buildings, for the quarters occupied are very humble indeed; neither is it the superior ability and skill of the physicians and nurses above all other people in the country. Not that we would belittle their ability; still this is not the main reason for the success achieved. No, the institution owes what it is to-day to the fact that those connected with it have been sitting low at the feet of the great Teacher; and nothing has been more helpful in bringing this about than the very trials and troubles that have rested so heavily on them from the very first. Had they not been in such financial distress, and other difficulties which followed in the wake of the same, they would in all probability not have felt the need of seeking the Lord so earnestly and so continuously; but being pressed with their troubles, not just for a moment, but days, weeks, months, and years, they have continued at the foot of the cross, and just there, as in the case of Jacob of old, the battle has been fought, and the victory won. This spirit has permeated the whole institution, from the head physician to the most humble helper, and has given it its special character, and caused its phenomenal success. Yes, truly the Lord has led, and to-day, instead of looking with regret over the difficulties that have met us, we give praise, honor, and glory to the name of our God, who is “wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” Sometimes movements are made that look foolish to us, and when we are told that the persons concerned sought the Lord earnestly, and felt that they were divinely guided, we look on with a skeptical mien. And this is not altogether without reason, for many erroneous moves are made under the pretense of divine guidance. But while this is so, it is nevertheless true, as stated by the poet, that— “God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.”
In the trying experiences in connection with the Skodsborg Sanatorium, there have been many wonderful answers to prayer. Never once has the Lord failed to help in times of need; and the brethren and friends in America and elsewhere who have come to the rescue from time to time by sending financial aid and encouragement, may have the joy of knowing that although they did not realize it at the time, they were nevertheless doing what they did in answer to earnest and continual prayer; for many a time when the outlook was dark and threatening, the workers in this institution have fasted and prayed for days. They would continue all night waiting on the Lord till they knew their request was answered, and God did hear and deliver. Yes, these are the experiences that have entered into the very heart of the institution, and have been the real cause of its success. We give praise to God for it all, and we earnestly pray that his special blessing may continue to rest upon this institution. This will undoubtedly be the case as long as the work is carried on in the spirit that has characterized it hitherto. May this be so to the glory of God. O. A. OLSEN. A Personal Experience
By P. L. Hoen
THIRTY-ONE years ago the Lord led my steps one evening to a chapel, or church, at 269 W. Erie St., Chicago, where Elder J. G. Matteson gave his first lecture in the city. I was then an unconverted man. The second chapter of Daniel was the subject for the evening; and I never shall forget that meeting; and17when the Lord opened my eyes and touched my heart as that God-fearing man read of the great image, and pointed to the chart upon the wall, the truth of God became precious to me, and has been all these years. I helped carry the first number of our good Danish-Norwegian paper to the homes of my countrymen in Chicago, and for the last twenty-seven years I have taken it to hundreds of homes in Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New York City, Brooklyn, and in the States of Maine and Michigan. The good REVIEW has also been a welcome visitor to me all these years. Opening Exercises of the American Medical Missionary College
By Mrs. E. H. Whitney
These exercises were held Sept. 25, 1902, in the temporary chapel at South Hall. Dr. J. H. Kellogg, president of the college, was in the chair. The program was opened by the hymns, “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” and “Blessed Assurance,” and prayer by Elder W. W. Prescott. The chairman then made a brief introduction, in which he remarked that this was the eighth annual opening, and welcomed the new students and those returning to their work. The senior class was already in Chicago, where the greater part of their work for the year will be done. Of the faculty present Drs. Paulson, Holden, Thomason, Morse, Dryden, Eggleston, Evans, and Otis addressed the students. The following is but a brief outline of these addresses:— Dr. Paulson referred to his first acquaintance with the medical work at the Sanitarium while he was a student at Battle Creek College. There was then but a handful of medical students, and Dr. Kellogg was urging upon the young people the importance of preparing for medical work. Within a few weeks thirteen students, most of them in their last year at Battle Creek College, decided to study medicine. That this decision was divinely guided needed no clearer proof than that every one of those who took up medical missionary work twelve years ago has been true to it. Several of them have laid down their lives in it, but those who are living are actively engaged in the work to-day. Most of the class of 1892 pursued their studies at the University of Michigan. Drs. Paulson and Dow went to New York, where they were connected during the last year of their studies with Dr. Dowkott’s medical missionary work in that city. Dr. Kellogg had said, “We shall want you to do such work in some of our cities in the future.” The declaration was prophetic. Since then, our medical missionary work in Chicago has far outdistanced the work then carried on in New York. But that was their initiation. For the first time they knelt and prayed with drunkards and criminals, leaving them with a new song in their mouths. Dr. Dowkott was working earnestly for the establishment of a medical missionary college in New York, but circumstances were against him, and he did not succeed. Dr. Paulson, with others, used to pray earnestly for the success of the enterprise; but it came to him one day while they were praying, that it was we who should have the college, as we represented larger ideas and more truth. The idea clung to him after he came back from New York, and when, one evening, Dr. Kellogg asked him, “What do you suppose the board did last night?” he replied, promptly, “They voted to establish a medical missionary college.” “How came you to think of that?”—“Because I have been looking for it.” “Well, that is just what they did.” Everything had to go by faith, but from the start there were special providences attending the work. The Lord helped, and men helped; and to-night, looking back, we can say, “Thus far the Lord hath led us.” Noble men have been graduated from our school, and are laboring in this and other countries,—trained men, with the love of God and humanity. Dr. Holden, who had hastened from the Pacific Coast to be present on this occasion, spoke of the encouragement in regard to the Medical Missionary College he had found in the fact that in his travels through the West he had found its graduates carrying on sanitariums there. The college is represented in nearly all the sanitariums on the Coast. Dr. Whitelock has started a successful work in San Diego, Cal., with very favorable surroundings. The Portland Sanitarium is prosperous in every respect. They are putting up a new building there. They have a good nurses’ class, and there is an excellent spirit among the helpers. The same may be said of the institution at Spokane. Dr. Dunlap has been there, but has returned to his work at Walla Walla, and Dr. Yarnell is at Spokane. They scarcely have room for all their patients. At Tacoma Dr. Allen is conducting a self-supporting work. Dr. Shryock’s work at Seattle is progressing finely. They have nice treatment rooms. The sanitarium at Des Moines, Iowa, is conducted entirely by our graduates, also those at Moline, Ill., and Madison, Wis. At College View it is practically the same. It is a great satisfaction to see in these institutions the results of the training in our medical missionary school. Its students are successful in their work, and have the confidence of the medical profession. Dr. Kellogg added that the Battle Creek Sanitarium might be included in the list, as quite a number of the physicians here are also graduates of the A. M. M. C. Dr. Stewart said that the success of the graduates of the school is due to the fact that they have espoused correct principles. The future greatness and success of the college depend upon the graduates who shall go out from it, and that success depends upon their adherence to these principles. His conception of medical missionary work had grown with the years of his connection with it. It is a solemn thing to engage in this work. The medical man really stands between the patient and his Maker. It is his work not only to help nature in her curative work, but to point the patient to Him who is the real healer. If we do not always recognize this fact, we shall fail in our purpose. Dr. Thomason spoke of the testimony of Dr. Kellogg, and other pioneers in the work to whom he had recently listened, and was reminded of Paul’s testimony in reference to the results of a Christian life. Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.” So to Dr. Thomason these few years’ experience in connection with these principles meant more than all the rest of the years of his life. He had the honor of being a member of the first class of the college. If any were tempted to wait till the close of college life before expecting to do much with these principles, he would refer them to what Christ said to his disciples: “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest?” God has given us abundant opportunity to manifest these principles in our lives while passing through our medical course. “We cannot, in one sense, give our lives for these principles; for they are our life. Christ said, ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,’ and that is what God has given us in these principles, and for this I am very grateful.” Dr. Morse spoke of the word “truth,” so often used in speaking of our work. “Professor Bell once said to his class, ‘The most difficult thing I know of is to tell the truth.’ I have had as many as five patients tell me in one week that they came to the Sanitarium because they knew the doctors here would tell them the truth. That is what we stand for. We are not playing with our patients; we are telling them, as nearly as we can, the truth as God has shown it to us. We cannot teach others that which has not become a part of ourselves. It must be a living thing in us, or we cannot tell the truth in regard to it. If it is not a part of our lives, we have told an untruth somewhere.” The speakers who followed mentioned the desire of many of the patients for a better life physically and spiritually, and urged the students to begin to carry on their missionary work with their studies. Others spoke of the exceptional advantages afforded by the college. Professor Prescott emphasized the thought that it is worth a great deal to be able to recognize truth early in life, and to accept it regardless of outward circumstances. In this time in which we are living he looked for a greater revelation of truth than has been made in the earth since Christ was here in person,—truth that will enlighten the whole earth,—truth that pertains to the well-being of the whole man. To have an opportunity for a preparation for such a work is one of the greatest privileges that ever comes to a young man or woman. Mr. Ossig, who had successfully combated a deadly disease with health principles, and has returned to take his medical course here, said that if he were not connected with this work, he would not consider his life worth living. When he first came here, he knew nothing of this people, except that they were vegetarians and practiced bathing. He was glad that he had found it a Christian institution. Dr. Kellogg said he trusted that it was the love of the truth that had brought the students here. This was not a mill where doctors could be ground out; and while there was no charge for instruction, the students were asked to give more than the students of any other school; for they were asked to give their whole life to spreading these principles and this truth. Referring to the first suggestions regarding a medical school in connection with the sanitarium work, he said that it was suggested thirty-five years ago by Dr. Trall, when on a visit to Battle Creek, and ten years later by Elder Haskell. He then spoke at some length of the conditions which made such a school necessary, the perplexities attending the18first few years of its existence, and the triumphs the Lord had wrought in giving it a standing among the medical schools of the country. His recent visit to Europe had given him opportunity to compare the facilities of the A. M. M. C. with those of the best schools in the world, and he was gratified to find that there were very few superior to it in its facilities, advantages, and instruction. The laboratories of some of the noted scientists of Europe are not better equipped than ours,—some not so well. He found a wonderful increase in interest in physiological therapeutics. The Imperial University in Berlin has now a chair in hydrotherapy, and also one in massage. Some of our methods are in use there. There is much interest in “Light Therapy,” as they call it; and the “Kelloggische Lichtbad,” as they call it, has helped to make our work known. There is no particular credit due us; it is because of the principles which the Lord has given us that we have been able to build up a work in rational treatment which is a little ahead of anything else in the world. But we have only begun to lay the foundation. There is a vast work still to be done. Speaking of the progress of health principles, he read an extract from an article of Dr. Wathen’s, in a recent medical journal, commending vegetarian principles. Dr. Wathen has been a patient at the Sanitarium. This college was not established to prepare men and women to be doctors simply, but to be reformers. Calls are coming from every side. Elder Conradi is asking for help. Egypt is waiting. A lady physician is wanted in the Orient. Two physicians are wanted for Germany, three for Denmark, three for New Zealand, and two for Canada. In our own country we need men and women who are Christian physicians, Christian reformers. If we are truly this, we may be sure there is work awaiting us. Emmanuel Missionary College
By M. Bessie Degraw
“My brothers, what is the good of a man’s saying that he has faith if he does not prove it by actions? Can such faith save him?” Christian education, or in other words, reform in education, is an acceptance of the wisdom of Christ by faith, just as one accepts his righteousness by faith. Those who surrender themselves to the cause of Christian education commit themselves to certain principles which are a constant test of their ability to take God at his word. One of the most trying experiences passed through in the history of Emmanuel Missionary College came with the word to move out of Battle Creek. It was like the command for Peter to walk on the waves. We had no place to go, and in vacating the buildings at Battle Creek the school was actually burning the bridges behind it. The summer school of 1901, held in an oak grove near Berrien Springs, was a continuation of the test. After the opening of that term the present college farm was purchased, and the furniture and school belongings were shipped from Battle Creek. One year ago the school was conducted in rented buildings in the village of Berrien Springs. We regarded ourselves most fortunate in obtaining those buildings, but they could not be considered permanent. When the spring term of school closed, some well-meaning friends questioned if it would not be advisable to retain those buildings in the village, for fear we should have no buildings ready for the fall opening. By faith, and faith alone, the court buildings were given over, and the school furniture stored, except such as was needed in the camp for the summer-school students. The institution was again literally without a home. Then began the building on the college farm. The summer was wet. It rained nearly every day throughout the months of May and June, and July was not much better. The summer-school students were in tents: the only available room for serving meals was in the basement of the carpenter shop. Many days those church-school teachers ate dinner with the noise of a buzz saw drowning their voices, and the basement floor much too damp for comfort. But through it all there was manifested a spirit of courage and determination. The idea of employing inexperienced help on the buildings was a new and untried one. Nevertheless the management felt that this involved one of the fundamental principles of a training school, and in harmony with the Lord’s instruction the plan was adopted. This required faith. About forty young men worked on the buildings. Brother Baird, the overseer, worked with them day after day. Gradually Domestic Arts Building developed. More than once a halt was called because material was lacking, and there was no money to buy more. This, too, required a constant exercise of faith. The brethren in the field had promised to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons” in sufficient numbers to provide the necessary means. But money came in slowly. No debt should be incurred, and yet to stop in the midst of the building meant defeat. At such times teachers and students met together for prayer and consultation. Young men offered to donate labor rather than have the work cease. At such times it seemed that the Spirit moved upon other hearts also, and the situation was relieved. The fall term of school opened October 15. Just before that time everybody joined the working force in order to have rooms ready for new students. Perhaps our friends can imagine the present situation. The young men have sleeping quarters in the carpentry building and on the second floor of the printing office. Young ladies occupy the garret of Domestic Arts Building. Individual rooms are an unknown luxury. And yet with it all there is happiness and an earnest spirit to work. Why this is true can be explained in but one way. The students now in attendance are Christians; they have caught the spirit of Christian education, and they believe in co-operating with the faculty in making this a real training school. The spirit of co-operation is, in fact, a characteristic feature of the present year’s work. Burdens are borne by students which have heretofore been borne by the faculty. The Lord has said, “It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.” As burdens are laid upon students, they rise to the occasion. This becomes a test of their fitness for a training school. If not qualified to stand alone, and even to help others stand, they should seek admittance to a preparatory school, where they may be treated as children. Here they are men and women who have put away childish things. This is the spirit of a training school, and it is here that burden bearers are prepared for the harvest field. The instruction of the Lord is that our schools should not pattern after schools of the world. It has been our experience that when teachers grasp the object of a training school, it becomes an impossibility to follow worldly institutions. “A training school for missionaries,” says one educator, “is expected to give what it is not in the province of any college or university to furnish, . . . a technical education.” It is this technical training, which “prepares students for the specific work of bringing men to Christ and raising the degraded to the Christian plan of living,” that Emmanuel Missionary College offers. The winter term, which is a school for evangelistic laborers, opens Jan. 8, 1903. “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good.” The School at Bethel, Wisconsin
By William Covert
It was my privilege to be present at the chapel service in the Bethel school this morning, December 4. As nearly as could be estimated, one hundred and twelve students attended chapel, and twenty-eight were at the same hour in the primary department. I was told by Professor Washburn that he enrolled one hundred and forty-one students yesterday, December 3, which was the opening day for the winter term. Counting the full enrollment since the fall term began, the number has reached one hundred and sixty-three. The attendance is surely encouraging, and there is no question but that the students will learn many valuable things in this school. The manual arts are receiving a large share of attention. The effort on the part of the faculty is to make these a part of the school work, more than a matter of mercantile interest or drudgery. The domestic arts are receiving a good share of attention also, so that Bethel is approaching the true ideal of an industrial school. In addition to the work upon the farm and garden, the class in carpentry is erecting a fourteen-room cottage upon the premises, which is to be occupied by members of the faculty and their families. More than forty acres of ground have been cleared since the school opened, and much of the same is being utilized for the growing of fruit and garden stuff. All the work required to accomplish this is done by the faculty and the students working together. Included in this work is the laying of stone and brick, the installing of heating plants, the placing of radiators, and plumbing work. No hired help apart from the school is employed. The great desire is to have students receive a Christian education. Such a training will fit them for a complete fulfillment of the practical duties of life while they are receiving the essentials of a literary education as far as they can be secured in a preparatory school. Bethel does not claim to be a finishing school for missionary workers, but a preparatory school for this work. A NEW church building has been erected at Galt, Ontario, and will be dedicated near the beginning of the year. A CHURCH building is in process of erection at Erin, Tenn., and the brethren there hope to have it completed by Jan. 1, 1903. SEVERAL persons have taken a stand for the truth at Carbon, Iowa, under the recent labors of Brethren A. McClintock and A. Rhoads. THERE are now, says, the Ontario Messenger, over five hundred and fifty Sabbath keepers in Ontario, including scattered Sabbath keepers, but exclusive of children. THE company at Fruita, Colo., will soon have a new church building, located in the central part of the town. Nine persons have recently signed the covenant at this place. A NEW church building was dedicated free from debt, at Williamstown, N. Y., November 16. The occasion was one of great blessing to that company, and to others present from neighboring towns. THE new Iowa Industrial Academy at Stuart, was opened December 1. At the close of the first week the enrollment of students was twenty-seven, and others were planning to enter the following week. THE church at Anderson, Ind., has secured a new place for public worship, and has received four additions to its membership. This change in its circumstances, which for some time had been of a discouraging nature, will be greatly appreciated. THE company at Brantford, Ontario, which now numbers sixty-eight adults, have secured a new place of worship by purchasing a church building formerly used by the Presbyterians. This, after being repainted and decorated, was dedicated with appropriate services by the president of the Ontario Conference, Elder J. W. Collie, assisted by Elders Huntington and Leland. THE Lord is especially blessing the efforts of our brethren in Chile in the circulation of their paper, Los Senales. They are now printing eight thousand copies a month, and besides the increase in the sale of the single copies, the subscription list is growing. Two brethren who recently labored in Bolivia for a month report the sale of about one thousand copies of the paper, besides securing two hundred paid subscriptions. Minnesota Conference
By Fred Johnson; H. F. Phelps
Devotion and Business Combined
The forty-second annual conference of the Seventh-day Adventists of Minnesota was held at Anoka, November 19-30. The first five days were devoted to a consideration of the following themes: our spiritual needs, church organization, qualifications and duties of church officers, and church discipline. These subjects had been previously assigned to different speakers. It can truly be said that this was a spiritual, devotional conference,—spiritual needs and business combined. The business sessions were characterized by the gentle, molding influence of the Holy Spirit. Such expressions as, “These are good meetings,” “Excellent,” “The best conference I ever attended,” were frequently heard. Thirty churches were represented by fifty-three delegates. As a question of privilege, the licentiates acted as delegates. All members in good standing were invited to enter into a careful and prayerful consideration of all business that should come before the conference, and to take part in the discussion of the same. Elder C. W. Flaiz was present during the business portion of the conference, and occupied the chair. The usual working committees were selected by a committee of eleven men, six of whom were lay members, chosen from the floor, acting with the conference committee. Ten business sessions were held, at the second of which the committee already mentioned rendered its report, which was as follows:— Committee on Credentials: C. L. Emmerson, H. S. Shaw, Fred Johnson, A. D. Ewert, and George Budd. Committee on Nominations: E. W. Catlin, John F. Anderson, A. Mead, C. M. Chapman, and Gust Freeman. Committee on Plans: F. A. Detamore, C. M. Everest, P. A. Hanson, Ella E. Merickel, and O. O. Bernstein. This report of the committee was confirmed by the conference. The Committee on Nominations rendered their report after much prayerful consideration, stating that the result of their work was as much of a surprise to themselves as it possibly could be to others. The Spirit of God was present, and the election of the following conference officers was unanimous:— President, Fred Johnson; Vice-President, F. A. Detamore; Treasurer, C. M. Everest; Secretary, H. F. Phelps; Executive Committee, Fred Johnson, F. A. Detamore, C. M. Everest, O. O. Bernstein, and E. W. Catlin; State Canvassing Agent, F. A. Detamore; Assistant, V. W. Ruble; State Sabbath-school Secretary, Ella E. Merickel; Educational Secretary, E. W. Catlin; Transportation Agent, C. M. Everest. The following persons received credentials, as recommended by the committee: F. Phelps, A. Mead, A. J. Stone, H. Rein, W. W. Stebbins, O. O. Bernstein, C. Christenson, A. W. Kuehl, J. F. Bogue, H. S. Shaw, Fred Johnson, and L. Emmerson. Ministerial license is given to John F. Anderson, Charles Bock, E. W. Catlin, F. A. Detamore, Francis, E. H. Huntley, P. A. Hanson, Moon, J. O. Peet, W. W. Ruble, S. E. Nelson, George Budd, and A. D. Ewert. Missionary license was given to Mrs. H. Huntley, Ella E. Merickel, Lena Nichols, F. E. Rew, H. E. Shelstad, Gust Freeman, James Bellinger, James M. Matt, E. M. Chapman, C. M. Everest, William Asp, Amos Ritchey, and W. H. Wild. Some of these are to work as self-supporting missionaries. The Committee on Plans presented quite a list of recommendations, the first of which suggested returning thanks to God for the numerous blessings received since our last conference; especially that death had not been permitted to enter our ranks. This was adopted by all the congregation rising to their feet, and engaging in a moment of silent prayer, then singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” One recommendation counseled all our experienced laborers to hold themselves in readiness to enter distant fields whenever the providence of God should direct. The Committee on Nominations departed from the usual plan, and presented a recommendation to the effect that four men should at once go to some other field, and that this conference should support them for one year. This also called for volunteers. Brother A. W. Kuehl, in response to a call already received, said that he would go to South Africa. He also read a letter from his wife, saying that she would stand by his side, Brother Arthur Moon expressed his convictions that South America was yet to be his field of labor. Brother Hyatt offered himself for the Gold Coast of Africa. Brother A. Mead responded to a call from North Dakota. Among the recommendations tending to advance the work in the home field may be mentioned the following:— That the conference take immediate steps to raise eight thousand dollars for an industrial school. (Nearly fifteen hundred dollars was pledged at this meeting.) That our young people be encouraged to secure an education to enter the work. That earnest, consecrated persons be encouraged to devote themselves to the various departments of work, especially that of the gospel ministry. That the same instructions given at this conference pertaining to organization, etc., be given at the general meeting of the winter, and in the churches. That proper persons be encouraged to attend the Scandinavian Bible Training School at Minneapolis the coming winter, conducted by Elder Lewis Johnson. That scattered Sabbath keepers in good standing be invited to unite with the church nearest to them. That the canvassing work be encouraged. That the sending in of quarterly reports be encouraged. That we labor for the furtherance of the Sabbath-school work. That we encourage the circulation of the special issue of the Scandinavian paper. That efforts be made to get the light of truth before the thousands of Finns and Bohemians in this State. (At this point a letter from Elder John Hoffman, our missionary in Finland, was read, which emphasized the need of this work.) That teachers for church schools attend our State institute, hold certificates, and be acquainted with the system of grading. That the medical missionary work be encouraged, and that all our people be expected to inform themselves, and so become workers in their own homes and among their neighbors, and scatter health and temperance literature. That faithful instruction be given in regard to the tithing system. That a proper person be sent to Alberta to labor in the interest of religious liberty. That our next State conference be held in connection with the spring camp meeting, and that the questions of the time for future sessions of the conference and the location of the industrial school be decided at that time. Four hundred dollars of the tithe fund was voted to Manitoba.