THE largest and best meeting ever held in the Alta Parana Mission was the one at Posadas, March 30 to April 5. The regular attendance of brethren (adults) was about eighty-five, and on Sabbath about one hundred and twenty. Besides the local laborers, Dr. G. B. Replogle and the writer were present. The prayer week came at the time of this meeting, which doubtless added to its blessings. Dr. Replogle gave some studies on healthful living, which were well received.
As the meeting was composed of natives and Germans, all but the evening discourses were translated. The special themes of the meetings were the nearness13of the end, our preparation for it, and our work in view of it. To all this there was a hearty response. Plans laid by the union conference in regard to home missionary work and other important questions, were discussed and approved. The clear ring of the message, that we are almost home, and that we must now arise and finish the work, is bringing new hope and life into the hearts of our brethren everywhere in our field. Surely our people will arise to finish the work in the little time still left us.
Never before in that field have we had such a large attendance of those not of our faith. Evening after evening the tent was crowded, and many were outside. The attention was good. The authorities took special pains to insure quiet. The local laborers are continuing the meeting.
The brethren at Posadas had bought a lot and begun the erection of a small meetinghouse. But as it was beyond their ability to complete it, contributions to the amount of about $265 were secured from the brethren at the meeting. Owing to poverty, the annual offering was small.
To me the meeting was one of great blessing. Seven presented themselves for baptism, but the ceremony was deferred.
SOLOMON ISLANDERS
Entering Solomon Islands
By G. F. Jones
G. F. JONES
Before this gets into print we trust we shall have reached the Solomon Islands, to which event we are looking forward with joy. To the people of these islands, as to all other tongues, the glad tidings of the gospel message that prepares a people for the coming of the Lord will be proclaimed.
The British resident commissioner says in his handbook: "The group of the Solomon Islands is undoubtedly the most important group in the Pacific south of the equator, both on account of the size, fertility, and future possibilities. Very little has been known about the Solomons by the outside public up to the present time, but they are rapidly growing in importance."
Another writer, the latest, says: "Until recently very little has been known about them, and even today exploration has not been pushed through the interior of the major islands. The islands are of great beauty. The mountains are densely wooded, and the shore is of gleaming white. Deep natural harbors abound.
. . . We are all amazed at the beautiful scene which presented itself to our gaze.
. . . The people are a small, sturdy race, about four feet and four inches in average height, and well proportioned. . . . They possess a degree of intelligence surprising in a people so savage and barbarous. They are the most inveterate head-hunters of the western Pacific, and fighting and butchering is the main business of their life."
"It is only necessary to move a few miles, and there will be found people who speak an entirely different tongue. The population is difficult to estimate. The census enumerator has too high a value of his own life to venture into the interior."
On account of the wet, malarial, and sickly season that is now prevailing there, we have postponed our arrival until the drier season begins, as we need the best of weather in which to pioneer so dangerous and difficult a field.
Asmara, Abyssinia
By H. Steiner
H. STEINER
WE are thankful to our Heavenly Father for his protection and his many blessings, notwithstanding our difficulties here, which are not few. The religious conditions in this country show that the Bible is greatly needed. The priests are numerous, and the people have a blind faith in them. They are guided by them about the same as in Roman Catholic countries. Their religion is more a matter of works than of heart and deeds. They believe in saints, and have their different national saints, about whom they tell the most strange and naïve stories. The people have very little education. The priests read and write, but only a few others can do so. In this way these men have full control of the people.
In approaching the Abyssinians, one is inclined to think that they are very pious. Their greetings consist largely of religious terms. In answering salutations, they may say, "The Lord be praised." They use the term Lord for almost every other word. Really it is pitiful to see so much form of godliness, while truth is undermined by their idolatrous beliefs. All this naturally causes us to look up to God. He is able to help us. His words are, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." We try to stand with the Lord here, knowing that from no other can we expect help. He used his servants of old in the greatest difficulties. He can also use us when we stand in the right relation to him. Naturally it demands patience, much patience. We expect some results in the future. We very much need the prayers of God's people in our behalf. We do not feel strong enough to attack such fortresses as these. We need much of the Spirit from above.
In spite of our difficulties, some rays of hope have already begun to reach us. Some are becoming interested in the truth. In our nearest village is a man who seems to have a thirst after truth. As he lives but ten or fifteen minutes' walk from us, he often comes to visit us. He seems quite interested, and asks if he may hear more of our teaching. He knows the Bible to some extent, and seems humble, sincere, and childlike. He reads and writes three languages.
We are in the beginning of a school season. It isn't the easiest matter to conduct a good school here. It depends much on the sort of pupils we get.
Our Master called us here, and we should rejoice could we go into the interior instead of remaining upon the borders of Abyssinia.
A New Field Opened
By D. C. Babcock
D. C. BABCOCK
For many years the Mission Board has looked forward with anxiety to the entering of Nigeria, West Africa, with the message, but until the present year no steps have been taken in opening this great field. At a meeting held in December, at Freetown, Sierra Leone, it was arranged that two foreign and four native workers should go to that field and plant the first mission station representing the third angel's message. The company left Sierra Leone the latter part of February, and arrived at Lagos, the port of entry, March 7, 1914.
Some of the workers secured materials at once, and began preparation for a building by making doors and windows, while the writer started out in search of a suitable location. During my trip in the hinterland, I traveled as far north as Kabba, on the Niger River, about four hundred miles from its mouth.
It is an interesting country. From the fifth to the eighth degree north latitude it is strictly a farming country. The Yoruba people are agriculturists, and14raise vast fields of cotton, corn, yams, and other products.
North of Offa, there is a decided change in the country. Instead of fertile fields, there are vast grazing lands; and here the Fulahs, a people of altogether different type and race, herd their sheep, cattle, goats, and donkeys. Passing down the western slope of the great Niger basin, we found the country again changed into market gardens, and hundreds of people came out of Kabba each morning, trading in yams, onions, fowls, and eggs.
It looks strange to one visiting Nigeria to find such large towns, or cities. I find there are over twenty-five towns that range from 10,000 to 180,000 in population, and many of these places have some good buildings. I noticed especially in passing Abeokuta that all the houses were covered with corrugated iron.
With 18,000,000 souls to warn of the soon-coming judgments, we earnestly appeal to you for your prayers, your men, and your means, to sound the last cry of mercy to this part of dark Africa. While there are many dialects and languages spoken, yet there are only three prevailing languages, the Yoruba, the Fulah, and the Hausa.
This field, which is six hundred and fifty miles from north to south, and seven hundred miles from east to west, we are entering with courage, believing that we shall reap a harvest for the coming King.
Lagos.
A Present-Day Work
By W. H. Sebastian
Under the heading "A Present-Day Work," in "Testimonies for the Church," the servant of the Lord calls our attention to the judgments that are to be visited upon this world in "fire and flood and earthquake," and seeks to arouse us to immediate action:—
"The mercy of God is shown in his long forbearance. He is holding back his judgments, waiting for the message of warning to be sounded to all. O, if our people would feel as they should the responsibility resting upon them to give the last message of mercy to the world, what a wonderful work would be done!" — Vol. IX, page 97.
Christ's methods must be employed for a more far-reaching work. There must be a getting into line by every individual member of our churches. Dissension must cease. Love must be the ruling element. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" Isa. 58:6, 7.
The spirit of the 1844 movement must be revived. Then we shall see greater results than we see now. Such a work is to be carried on among the colored people generally as was carried on some years ago throughout the State of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. This work told. It had effect. Results were seen. Souls united with the church as the mission schools were opened. Children of other denominations came to our borders. Taught by our teachers, they entered our school at Oakwood. And where do we see them now? — In the fields laboring for souls. Some are canvassers, some Bible workers, some teachers, and some ministers.
Let every branch of the work be encouraged by all. May the Lord impress our brethren and sisters with the needs of this field. W. H. Sebastian.
Western Oregon Camp Meeting
By C. S. Longacre
THE Western Oregon camp meeting was held at Forest Grove, May 21-31. The camp was located in one of the most beautiful fir tree groves in the State of Oregon. The weather was ideal. There were about twelve hundred campers on the grounds. On Sabbaths and Sundays about two thousand people were present. An excellent interest was developed in the town of Forest Grove, and a tent effort will follow the camp meeting to bind it off.
The Lord came very near to his people and blessed greatly in the meetings. Stirring revival services were held each Sabbath. At the last Sabbath service about two hundred came forward to15seek the Lord for the forgiveness of their sins and for a new baptism of his Spirit for service. More than a score of back-sliders were reclaimed. Some had been in a backslidden condition for more than twenty years. They stated that the Lord impressed them to come to the camp meeting. This is one of the evidences that the Lord's work is rapidly closing.
A large number of young people were present, and the Lord worked mightily among them. Elders Howe and St. John were in charge of this branch of the work. Many took their stand for the truth for the first time. Some interested ones accepted the Sabbath during the camp meeting. On the last Sunday of the meeting fifty-three were baptized.
A good missionary spirit was manifest. More than $750 was raised in cash and $682 in pledges for foreign missions. Besides this, a considerable amount of jewelry was surrendered for this work. About $200 was given in cash for the local expenses. The bookstand sold $184 worth of the Berean Library sets at one meeting. At another meeting $85 worth of tracts was sold for free distribution. Between $700 and $800 worth of other literature was sold from the bookstand during the camp meeting. The total amount of tithe paid by the conference during 1913 was over $33,000.
A number of ministers from other conferences were present during a portion of the meetings. Elder H. W. Cottrell was unanimously reelected president for another year, and all other officers were reelected, with the exception of a few changes in the conference executive committee. An excellent spirit of courage and enthusiasm seemed to characterize the whole encampment. A determination to work for souls and to finish the work took possession of nearly every one.
There are two questions which are stirring the whole State of Oregon at the present time,—the State-wide prohibition, and the invoking of the referendum upon the Sunday laws of the State. Our people are planning to take advantage of these great issues and place themselves favorably on record on prohibition, and at the same time oppose the Sunday laws by presenting the true principles of religious liberty.
Over two hundred new Sabbath keepers were reported by the conference workers as the result of last year's work. Most of these were reported by the workers in the city of Portland. Each member is determined to bring at least one soul into the truth the coming year.
Our prayer is that this determination may be realized, and that God's rich blessing may attend every faithful effort.
C. S. LONGACRE.
A Difficult Question for a Business Man to Settle
An English manufacturer in the Midlands was showing a lady over his factory, of which he had reason to be proud. The building was substantial, the machinery was up-to-date, and the output of manufactured goods was growing greater year by year.
The lady had called to plead for his interest in foreign missions, but he had smilingly put aside her persuasive pleadings. A business man, he said, had no business with foreign missions. Besides, he had already subscribed annually to foreign missions—five shillings (!)—because it made it possible for him to refuse to discuss missions with people who thought he ought to give more.
The lady was intensely interested in the intricate processes of manufacture, and the manufacturer was exultant that he had something worth seeing to show.
"Where does your raw material come from?" asked the lady.
"All from China," answered the manufacturer.
"And to where do you export your products?"
"Mainly to West Africa. The Negroes are my best customers; they buy these cheap silk handkerchiefs by the thousand."
"And you, who buy in pagan China and sell in heathen Africa, think you have no business with foreign missions?"—Selected.
The Song I Heard in the Night
By MRS. I. M. HOBER
MRS. I. M. HOBER
I HAVE no jewels, rich and rare,
That I may call mine own;
But my little children, if polished fair,
May shine in God's bright crown.
I hold no title to house or land,
Mine is a humble lot;
But the home prepared in the better
land,
The heart of man knows not.
I have no promise of length of days —
My life is but a span;
But I have no fear, for in weary ways
God leads me by the hand.
And I need not fear the tempest,
With the haven just in sight.
So I'll sing with faith undaunted
This song I heard in the night.
Firvale, British Columbia.
The Assurance of Faith
By Mrs. R. A. Jeys
I HAVE just been reading the dear old REVIEW, and the articles and reports are so soul inspiring and encouraging that I am praising God for the progress of the work.
It is now more than fifty years since my husband and I accepted the truths of the third angel's message through the labors of a kind neighbor who came to our house and read and studied the Bible with us. And I have been thinking of the wonderful changes that have taken place in these years.
A few weeks after we had accepted present truth, our oldest son was born. We then and there consecrated his young life to the Lord, and trained him up with this thought in mind. Today he is connected with one of our institutions in the South as Bible teacher.
Then there were but a handful of those who were able to carry the message, and their names seemed like household words, so familiar were they as we read their articles week by week in the REVIEW, which has been a constant visitor. (How could we do without it?) But one by one they have been called to rest, and their names have disappeared. But their works remain. Other hands grasp the banner and lift the standard of truth before the world.
Last August my dear companion was laid to rest, and I am left to finish life's journey alone; but thank the Lord, it is not far to the end. Soon the work will be finished, and we shall go home to our Father's house. O, for a fresh baptism of his Spirit to enable us to endure to the end!
MRS. R. A. JEYS.
Blair, Nebr.
Work for Colored People in El Paso
By Methuselah Jones
IN the fall of 1912, we were separated from the North Texas Conference to take up work in the New Mexico Conference, with the city of El Paso for our starting point. This is largely a Mexican city, as the majority of its population is made up of that race, the colored people coming last numerically. They are here because of advantage in labor; and when this object fails, then there is an exodus, which is often seen.
Through the effort put forth by the white brethren to reach their own race with the closing gospel message, a few of the colored people had their attention called to the important question, and as a result we found on our arrival here two sisters keeping the Sabbath. We labored that these and others might be led to accept all points of our faith. The Lord blessed our efforts, and today eleven are rejoicing in "the blessed hope" of the Lord's return.
Situated on the very border of the Mexican Republic, which has Roman Catholicism for its national religion, El Paso has no small tincture of the evils which follow in the wake of this system. This adds incalculable difficulty to the work of warning and preparing a people for the day of the Lord's coming.
Circumstances are still pressing multitudes into this already overcrowded center, adding greatly to the complexity of the conditions already existing here. Because the homes of our people are rented instead of owned, fears are at times expressed for the future safety of our little company. The refugees from the war zone, anxious to find a place of safety, purchase and rent at prices disadvantageous to our people, and this is causing us a continual change of location. Our mind is bent, however, not only on holding our ground, but on gaining some footing—enough to erect a standing and permanent memorial which will help to show forth the praise of the Creator, and to establish confidence in and give prestige to our work.
Our total sum of money raised during the year ending March 31, 1914, was $205.85—tithe $142.32, and offerings $63.53. This small beginning, as prompted by the Spirit and met with a response from cheerful hearts, is meritorious and praiseworthy. We believe that, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the rising tide will press the honest-hearted into the path of obedience and duty. METHUSELAH JONES.
COLPORTEURS FROM THE SOUTHERN TRAINING SCHOOL
The Book Work in the South
By V. O. COLE.
THE accompanying picture shows a group of student colporteurs from the Southern Training School, at Graysville, Tenn., who will canvass for a scholarship in the Southern and Southeastern Union Conferences this summer.
The Lord is greatly blessing the colporteur work in this part of the field, and we believe that conditions are favorable for a healthy growth of this work during the present year.
There is yet much virgin soil for our book work throughout the Southern States, and we believe that when these students, and about twenty-five who are going out from the Oakwood Manual Training School to canvass for scholarships, get down to real business, even greater developments will be seen.
V. O. COLE.
The Bible’s Brilliancy
“THE brilliancy of the Bible depends upon the setting we give it in our own lives.”
Report of Missionary Work of the General Conference for Quarter Ending17Dec. 31, 1913
By W. B. White
Unions
Membership
No. Reporting
Letters Written
Letters Received
Missionary Visits
Bible Readings or Cottage Meetings Held
Subscriptions Taken for Periodicals
Papers Sold
Papers Mailed, Lent, or Given Away
Books Sold
Books Lent or Given Away
Tracts Sold
Tracts Lent or Given Away
Hours of Christian Help Work
Articles of Clothing Given Away
No. of Meals Provided
Treatments Given
Signers to Temperance Pledge
Offerings to Home Missionary Work
No. of Conversions
ATLANTIC
Maine
449
65
333
4
142
21
18
114
1798
206
64
22
2038
54
27
5
4
...
$ 9.95
3
Northern New England
520
...
156
85
234
223
36
405
2018
102
168
8
1376
202
88
140
15
10
36.10
1
Western New York
71
37
189
71
987
195
66
1001
2264
181
86
36
1402
421
254
188
4
1
182.82
...
CENTRAL
Colorado
1743
...
229
110
500
160
243
761
2007
186
111
1373
6068
193
409
74
20
...
79.88
27
Nebraska
2103
...
583
410
1271
251
93
2534
5939
321
565
15555
113276
1003
326
168
...
...
165.25
57
COLUMBIA
Chesapeake
600
17
5
8
29
12
13
5
117
1
5
...
498
38
6
...
...
...
...
...
East Pennsylvania
1125
...
75
14
583
22
35
2906
1771
431
79
81
2342
215
121
43
7
...
146.75
...
Ohio
2000
989
406
134
1521
439
148
2290
77520
556
260
546
2865
1014
670
474
68
...
549.27
54
LAKE
East Michigan
1756
58
121
39
1457
85
55
277
939
225
181
8
1138
280
89
62
29
...
12.47
4
Northern Illinois
1454
357
438
217
1479
617
108
2595
2305
168
124
117
7814
15458
310
260
2324
25
24.36
18
NORTHERN
Minnesota
1600
400
505
417
701
607
172
923
76724
300
700
12971
92415
342
172
47
...
...
...
...
North Dakota
1227
...
156
58
213
61
259
45
2832
150
5
1530
141061
10
...
877
5
...
74.35
...
South Dakota
900
227
4396
90
319
250
102
5433
1430
267
251
...
7529
1298
897
8
5039
14
173.58
5
NORTH PACIFIC
Montana
403
...
20
10
171
14
6
55
444
77
26
...
595
190
15
54
5
...
19.20
...
Southern Idaho
697
125
197
59
201
168
70
602
3653
112
764
42
1965
215
364
110
17
...
56.83
4
Southern Oregon
600
102
227
68
437
59
89
1536
1950
124
78
3
1826
423
131
96
38
...
23.64
1
Western Washington
1700
49
58
9
93
30
11
1810
1636
...
140
...
1848
305
52
285
10
...
...
...
PACIFIC
California
2710
235
888
289
2210
891
549
8221
27960
316
250
...
34403
2792
4046
...
126
2
287.17
1
Central California
1228
...
55
5
...
47
11
1563
...
...
17555
...
694
...
...
189
...
...
...
...
Northern California
1500
514
350
117
399
225
102
1912
5618
154
336
52
14615
396
5
18
38
13
67.10
32
SOUTHEASTERN
Cumberland
616
...
83
10
47
8
25
481
1000
15
...
...
450
34
5
170
...
...
21.00
...
Florida
743
...
386
285
274
111
66
269
3720
323
44
64
1129
125
53
266
23
...
402.06
2
Georgia
557
369
887
703
2905
1038
22
1822
2676
1340
630
253
4089
1771
801
...
189
6
199.61
6
SOUTHWESTERN
North Texas
316
...
84
21
454
72
83
577
1441
49
105
30
2143
436
126
61
35
...
3.50
...
Oklahoma
1860
113
134
53
312
106
39
326
3072
242
206
114
2214
808
263
95
35
2
45.65
10
West Texas
238
...
58
42
12
11
...
91
235
23
24
...
450
15
4
...
12
...
1.08
...
WESTERN CANADIAN
Alberta
606
73
358
46
1005
108
137
...
2557
202
78
...
2835
537
110
10
34
21
104.45
...
Saskatchewan
375
62
85
43
128
34
39
1102
1350
59
47
...
1878
327
22
22
25
2
15.95
1
3 EUROPEAN DIVISION CONFERENCE
East German Union
6500
...
80828
3519
39249
28214
969
256663
82571
...
...
1148473
164315
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
West German Union
5516
1979
4115
1982
21568
18277
940
225393
88240
...
...
584184
152536
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Russian Union
4569
2222
1167
780
4828
4205
543
23094
8038
...
...
669228
59545
...
...
...
...
...
3969.06
...
Scandinavian Union
3686
...
1292
96
4595
1139
262
22609
495785
...
...
158369
888943
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Central European Union
3373
1561
2483
1091
28241
13563
500
265562
86464
300
...
4900
400
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
British Union
2422
190
445
...
624
239
...
14151
2830
115
137
...
11786
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Latin Union
1398
174
803
299
2234
1690
238
18605
17707
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Siberian Mission
1246
697
343
267
1421
1454
129
3187
3354
...
...
52067
23782
...
...
...
...
...
5.00
...
Danube Union
1999
...
1336
771
18418
20478
219
42116
22808
...
...
523300
23566
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
ASIATIC DIVISION CONFERENCE
Singapore Mission
87
...
...
...
53
...
...
...
778
2
6
594
57
2755
50
33
141
...
234.91
...
AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE
New South Wales
1318
...
587
117
1712
248
17
7775
28334
81
306
2981
183204
750
50
36
67
3688
109.12
...
New Zealand
645
...
434
189
1635
155
47
7775
5930
213
600
271
54756
295
28
...
28
28
440.60
...
Queensland
372
...
233
83
1045
332
...
802
2779
20
100
182
17811
637
16
16
7
...
50.68
...
South Australia
421
...
142
65
591
235
35
6646
5629
1075
242
1311
17498
3774
200
61
74
...
27.51
...
Victoria-Tasmania
1154
...
705
275
4578
435
79
9175
26790
279
465
6801
104076
1507
40
20
79
...
3.00
...
West Australia
471
...
210
48
838
159
45
4653
5599
140
154
500
43772
...
3
4
64
...
...
...
Tonga
6
...
...
...
9
...
3
...
89
3
1
...
1400
66
...
4
6
...
3.37
...
Lord Howe Island
15
...
25
...
41
1
...
...
60
1
17
...
12418
...
...
...
23
...
...
...
New Hebrides Mission
4
...
96
65
255
5
...
...
244
1
8
...
1141
50
26
...
58
...
...
...
2 Pitcairn Island
75
...
16
3
106
110
...
877
...
...
92
...
1194
...
...
...
...
...
5.00
...
Totals
64983
10615
106522
13071
170125
96804
6641
940964
1119005
8363
19510
3184966
2100156
38735
9779
4706
3605
3812
$7773.97
226
We note with pleasure the healthful tone of the reports. While there are a very few local fields which report no missionary work, America as a whole has entered this new year with prospects bright, the faithful few of the churches were never more active. We note with pleasure that the reports from unions outside of North America show a steady growth in earnest, faithful endeavor. In this connection it is encouraging to read the following extract from a letter just received from Elder G. F. Jones, who is laboring in the Solomon Islands:—
“We are glad to report that the work is onward here. The membership is increasing, and our plans for enlarging our operations are meeting with success. There are workers now asking permission to visit other islands.”
“Captain Voyles writes that the number of believers at Lord Howe Island is increasing, and it is reported that all the publications sold by the brethren are read by the entire population. This in part accounts for the interest which takes hold of the people.”
The reports from the European Division for the year 1913 show a very large gain over the previous year. While some of the countries reporting are suffering from the awful scourge of war, yet the reports as a whole show a marked increase in the amount of literature distributed, and in souls being brought to the truth.
The reports from the Asiatic Division and Singapore Mission, though small in comparison with larger fields, are nevertheless encouraging. The workers are pressing forward, and souls are being added to the remnant church from time to time. Although the Singapore Mission is small, it has a very large and wide field. Recently a call came from Sumatra for a missionary, and one of our native brethren was enlisted to go to the help of those who are crying for the light.
South Australia writes: ‘Many of those who have embraced the truth, especially at Adelaide, and at Pitcairn Island, are faithful tithe payers, and are doing much more than usually seen in helping to sustain and dispense the printed page. Almost all of our members are active in some way, keeping up systematic missionary correspondence, making missionary visits, holding Bible readings, or giving away literature.’
The Australasian Union Conference points out that the brethren in that field have given special attention to the work of agencies at the camp-meetings and institutes, where women are taking a prominent part in the full or part-time work of the canvasser.
