THAT the success of some of the efforts that have been put forth during the past year in California to win souls to the Lord, has been principally due to the publication of sermons and other articles in the newspapers which attracted people to the meetings, was the statement made by workers attending the biennial meeting of the Pacific Union Conference, which was held at Oakland, March 11-22. Two of the brethren who labored in one of the coast cities in that great State during the past tent season, where about fifty accepted the message, declared that they based much of the success they had had in winning souls to this cause, upon what they had done through the daily papers in that particular city.
Both stated that they used the newspapers practically every day. The announcements they had published either in the form of sermons or news events, such as the program for the following week's meetings, helped to fill the tent each night. They had an average attendance of five hundred during the week and a larger audience on Sunday. These brethren stated that not only did people come from the city where the tent was pitched, but some from other places also attended. The regular attendants said that they had come to the services as the result of reading about them in the newspapers.
The members of a very well-to-do family living about nine miles from the location of the tent were attracted to the meetings by the newspaper reports, and they were nightly attendants, driving from their home in their automobile. They are numbered among those who have accepted the truth as the result of this effort.
That a number of the Pacific Coast papers are eager to publish articles about our work, is shown by an experience one of the brethren had with an editor in Los Angeles. The editor publishes a paper in another city, and one day not long ago he and our worker from the same place met in Los Angeles. The editor hurried across the street, and after greeting this brother, urged him to be sure to give him some more articles for his paper.
This same eagerness has also been shown by an editor in one of the big cities in central California. Our worker in this place has taken advantage of the liberality of the editor, and has had large reports on his discourses printed. He said that these articles not only aroused comment but also brought a number of strangers to his meetings. The editor will publish about anything our brother writes. He gives the assurance that he is always glad to get the reports, and says he will publish more.
One of our ministers, who held a series of tent and hall meetings at some of the beach cities in Southern California, made use of the newspapers practically every day of these efforts. In speaking of the success of his meetings, he said that the newspaper reports attracted large crowds, and that the places where the meetings were held were packed every evening. He said that the enemy of souls became quite aroused over the progress the truth was making and the manner in which it was impressing honest hearts, and stirred up men to issue challenges for debates. The straight truth was preached. Extracts of the sermons were published every day, and the truth triumphed to the extent that a number of souls embraced it. This minister declared that the daily reports in the newspapers did much toward attracting persons to the meetings who otherwise would have been ignorant of the fact that gospel services were being held. This publicity kept up the attendance, and some of those who came because of it were among those who took their stand with this people.
Something is being done in Utah, the stronghold of Mormonism, to enlighten the people of that State with the pure gospel truth through the newspapers. The brother located at Ogden, one of the two principal cities in that State, stated that he has articles published in the newspapers. One of the papers is quite friendly, and he finds an advantage in giving reports for publication. He said the account printed about the purchase of two lots on which a church is to be built later helped him and also the work, and gave him an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the people there. This brother realizes the importance of this medium, and intends to use it oftener in the future.
The same may be said about Arizona. Only a short time ago, one of the brethren held an extended effort in Phoenix, the capital city, and made good use of the papers. Some of the sermons he had published ran a column in length, and many of the fundamental truths of the third angel's message were heralded far and wide through these agencies.
Brethren and sisters, the work is still moving forward. The Lord has impressed our hearts with the importance of using the newspapers to proclaim the gospel for these last days, and we ought to persist in our efforts to swell the message to its loud cry, always considering this medium as an important factor to be used of God in helping to bring the gospel to its consummation and causing the fulfillment of the Lord's promise that he will cut his work short in righteousness.
The Pacific Union Conference meeting was widely advertised. The Oakland Tribune, especially, gave excellent accounts. The San Francisco dailies, especially those published in the morning, printed reports, and the associated press sent out articles. During the progress of the convention, clippings of articles dealing with the meetings came from as far south as Los Angeles and as far north as Spokane. It is impossible to learn how far the meetings were really advertised. But with this success, it ought to be realized that we have just touched this newspaper feature with the tips of our fingers, and with each passing day we ought to seize every opportunity to give publicity to one phase or another of this grand and thrilling message which has been committed to us.
WALTER L. BURGAN.
Beginning Work in Southern California
By Lewis C. Sheafe
THE closing days of November, 1913, found us preparing to leave Washington, D. C., for our new field of labor in Southern California. Five busy, pleasant, and profitable days were spent in Chicago with the three churches there, also with the friends at Hinsdale, where I spent a short time in service. The trip across the continent was a delightful and helpful experience.
We spent a Sabbath in San Francisco, and were refreshed by the kind hospitality of friends hitherto unknown. We safely arrived in Los Angeles Dec. 7. Had we not known it was winter, we would have called it April or May.
The Furlong church, to which we came directly, is composed of nearly one hundred members, with an interesting Sabbath school of promising young folk. Many friends had heard of our coming and were eager for special services. So after the week of prayer, which proved a refreshing season, we began to look around for a large, centrally located building in which to hold meetings. The Lord directed one of the brethren to an almost ideal hall on the ground floor. This hall was secured, and made ready for meetings, which began Jan. 11, 1914.
Meanwhile I had been privileged to speak with acceptance at the Forum, an organization of progressive colored people, and also at the colored branch of the Y. M. C. A. This helped advertise our work, and gained for the cause some friends.
The attitude of the people in general has been very cordial. The meetings have been faithfully attended by members and friends from the other Adventist churches, whose words of encouragement have helped lighten the strain when strength was needed.
At Long Beach, said to be the most rapidly growing city in the United States, I was privileged to speak by the seaside to hundreds, who listened with interest and courtesy. I was invited there by the Long Beach church.
At Watts, where there are ten or more families of our people, we have organized a three o'clock Sabbath school, which we trust will grow into a monument to Jehovah.
The special services which were conducted at 1207 Central Ave., Los Angeles, closed March 8. Although the weather much of the time has been very unfavorable, the interest has been good, and the attendance excellent. Fifty signed the covenant to keep all God's holy law.
The demand for more meetings is earnest and urgent, and we trust the requests may be granted later this season.
The effect on those whose hearts were in the movement and whose interest has kindled as the meetings progressed, has been good. Many whose faith had grown weak and whose love was growing17cold, have experienced a rich blessing from the Lord.
Brethren and sisters, remember us in your prayers. The harvest is ripe and the laborers are few. My address is 1723 East Fifty-first St., Los Angeles, Cal.
LEWIS C. SHEAFE.
Colored Colporteur Work in North Carolina
By J. W. Siler
IN the past the opinion has prevailed that the colored colporteur could not succeed in placing our literature in the homes of his brethren. It is a pleasure to report that this opinion is erroneous, especially so in the State of North Carolina. The past year has given a practical demonstration of the fact that with a little encouragement the colored colporteur can more than succeed in the canvassing work. A comparison of the work done in this department for the years 1912 and 1913 will be of interest and profit.
During the year 1912, orders to the amount of $1,801.70 were taken, and of these there was $974.94 worth delivered. In 1913, orders to the amount of $2,828.40 were taken, and $2,575.47 worth were delivered. Our increase in orders over 1912 was $1,026.70, and of deliveries, $1,600.53. By these figures it may be seen that there is a healthy increase in orders taken as well as in per cent of delivery. Experience in the work and a determination to do the very best makes the difference. We are determined to make a better record next year.
Last year two of these canvassers reached the thousand-dollar mark. Brother N. G. Grant took orders amounting to $1,050, and delivered $1,014.50 worth of these orders. Brother O. L. Page took $884.50 worth of orders, and delivered $1,000 worth. We are thankful for this record. An institute for the colored was held a few weeks ago, and was well attended. Those present showed their desire to see the work finished by expressing their determination to do more this year than ever before. Our mark for the colored colporteurs this year is $5,000. Pray for us that we may see the desire of our hearts.
J. W. Siler.
Two Good Reports from California
By D. A. Parsons
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH BUILDING RECENTLY ERECTED AT BOWLING GREEN, FLA., THE HOME CHURCH OF ELDER GEO. I. BUTLER
The outpouring of the latter rain has been felt in California during recent months, and shouts of victory have been heard from its mountain summits and from its valleys and plains. Everywhere is heard the tread of a mighty army of men and women seeking for the truth, and many are finding it.
Last winter I labored in the wealthy beach towns near Los Angeles; but at the close of our August conference I was asked to follow up the interest aroused by the camp meeting. Elder B. M. Heald, Ernest Morrow, and Sisters Adams and Lester helped to make up the company. A stereopticon outfit, a new 60-x 90-foot tent, and five hundred chairs composed our equipment. The Lord blessed our efforts. Twenty-five accepted the message, making a total of about eighty converts during the year 1913. Of these fifty-seven have been baptized. Some united with us on their former baptism, and others will go forward in the future.
Humbled with a sense of our own unworthiness, our company is seeking grace from the meek and gentle Saviour to proclaim the truth with gentleness and love. Love is power. Instead of hurling anathemas from the pulpit, we have pleaded with the people to prepare for translation, and the subduing Spirit of God has led to a humbling of the heart. Never has the message seemed more precious to us, and never has its final and complete triumph been more certain.
D. A. PARSONS.
The Work in New Orleans
By C. B. Stephenson
I SPENT a week in New Orleans, February 20-27. Elder R. W. Parmele, president of the conference, met me, and study was given to the work of the Negro department in this conference. A meeting of the mission committee was held. One change was made, in the location of a Bible worker.
New Orleans is a great missionary field, and much work is yet to be done in order to bring this message before that large city, which contains many nationalities. The brethren are planning the work as best they can to this end, but with few laborers and small finances, the work must necessarily move slowly. We have one ordained minister and one Bible worker there. Elder Buckner is doing a good work, and the Lord is blessing. I was very much pleased to note the thorough organization of his church for service. They are laboring hard to secure funds to erect a church building, which will cost about $3,000 including lot. The lot is paid for, and we feel confident that sufficient money will be raised to build the church. They decided not to go in debt, but wait until the money is in hand. They must have several hundred dollars before they can go ahead with the building. This is indeed a worthy undertaking, and if the reader of this article feels moved by the Spirit of God to "come over . . . and help us," I am sure your interest will be appreciated.
I held several meetings with the church. On Sunday, after the young people's program had been rendered, which was filled with good things, about twenty minutes was given to receiving cash from the members of the church who had either sold books, magazines, or papers, or had solicited funds for the church building. Some had only a dime, others had dollars, but all seemed to have been faithful in doing what they could. My heart was very much moved as I witnessed their earnestness and determination to reach the goal. The Lord will bless their efforts, and I feel sure that they will soon realize their hope, and will have the privilege of worshiping in a church of their own. They are greatly handicapped in New Orleans, as well as in other cities, because they have no church to which their friends and interested ones can be invited to service. I understand the church is growing in membership. A good class of people are embracing the truth. Tithes and offerings are coming up nicely. I feel confident that the future of the work for the colored people in the Louisiana Conference will show progress.
Leaving New Orleans on the twenty-seventh, I spent two days in Mobile, where I met with the church and spoke to them on our work and message. The company at this place is small, but they are doing all they can to hold up the light of present truth. They have no church building, and meet in the home of Elder Miller.
I spent Sabbath, the twenty-eighth, with the church in Montgomery, and conducted several services while there. Though the weather was quite forbidding, the church was filled Sabbath morning, and the Spirit of the Lord came in as I spoke to them with reference to the power of God. At this place I met Brother Sydney Scott, the union evangelist, who is visiting the different churches in the union. He reports a very encouraging beginning of his work in Nashville, Tenn., where he has been but a short time. He has four mission Sunday schools in operation, and is planning for his spring tent effort. We are looking forward with much interest to the results of these meetings.
It was recommended at the General Conference, last spring, that in the Southeastern, Southwestern, and Southern Union Conferences, the territory which incorporates the majority of the colored race, union evangelists be employed to work the large cities in these unions, under the direction of the union and local conference committees. So far only the Southern Union had been able to comply with the recommendation.
Very encouraging reports come from all over the field. The crying need everywhere is for consecrated workers and means. The hearts of the people are ready for this message.
C. B. STEPHENSON.
New York Harbor
By J. L. Johnson
WHILE visiting the ships and steamers in New York harbor in my rounds a short time ago, I boarded a Queenstown steamer. After calling on the sailors, I paid a visit to the officers' quarters, but received a cool reception from most of them. However, the chief engineer informed me that the captain and his wife were very religious, and it might be profitable to visit them.
Having met the captain and his wife before, it was not my intention to pass them by, as I had sold them a copy of "Daniel and the Revelation" the last time the steamer was in port. I received a warm welcome from them, but the captain's wife raised some objection about the book they had purchased, saying that it condemned Sunday as the Sabbath. Many other things she thought were far-fetched. I had some talk with her on the Sabbath question. I visited them again before they left, and sold them a copy of "Great Controversy." On both visits I had a very enjoyable time with them.
We are glad that the third angel's message will soon accomplish the work it is sent forth to do, and the earth will be lightened with the glory of God. Num. 14:21. This is what all the prophets looked forward to. We are to see the finishing of the gospel in our day, and truly our hearts begin to cry out, "Come, Lord Jesus."
J. L. JOHNSON, Captain Mission boat "Liberty."
Canvassing Work in North Carolina
By Stewart Kime
IN January of this year we held a most enthusiastic institute for the colporteurs of our State. It was a season of refreshing and encouragement. The idea that we are workers together with God, and are dependent on him for success, was the thought kept before the institute constantly. The canvassing work was not spoken of as a mercenary calling, but as a missionary work. A personal experience in the things of God and the18reception of the Holy Spirit for power in service was the standard set for qualification. The examination question was the same as that asked of Peter by the Master, "Lovest thou me?"
A daily Bible study was conducted by one of the ministers of the conference early in the morning. General instruction followed during the forenoon. In the afternoon, class work was carried on. The institute proved a great blessing, as may be seen from the results that have followed. February is one of our dullest months, yet our canvassers took $2,700 worth of orders. Every one expressed the determination to see some soul saved by personal effort, as well as to leave the truth to find its way into the hearts from the printed page.
This was the best institute that was ever held in North Carolina. The canvassers are nearly all adults, men who are settled in life and have declared their intention of making this their life work. Others will join the force soon. From the present prospects, this year will be by far the most successful North Carolina has ever had. The accompanying picture is a portion of the canvassing force that we now have in the field.
STEWART KIME.
COLPORTEURS IN NORTH CAROLINA
The Chesapeake Colporteurs' Institute
By I. A. Ford
THE institute for the colporteurs of the Chesapeake Conference was held at Baltimore, March 1-15. The new church building afforded a splendid place for the meetings, and also a pleasant dining room in the basement. Some of the sisters looked after the cooking, and furnished a menu that was both wholesome and palatable. The conference president and tract society secretary were present to lend their influence and assistance, as well as other workers whose presence and help were greatly appreciated. Brother I. D. Richardson, union field agent, was in attendance throughout the meeting and gave valuable instruction. There were eighteen colporteurs in attendance, the majority of whom were new recruits. This fine class of young people gives promise of success to the colporteur work in the Chesapeake Conference.
As instructions were given at the beginning of the institute regarding the character and qualifications of those who should engage in the sacred work of selling our literature, all felt the need of a deeper and more thorough consecration to God, and special victories were gained by some.
Regular Bible studies were given, besides the usual instruction in book study and drills, the science of salesmanship, and simple treatments. The workers went to their territory full of courage, and with a determination to do their part in quickly finishing the work.
I. A. FORD.
Colorado
By G. W. Anglebarger
DENVER.—We are glad to report that the work of the Lord is onward in Denver. Our church members are "pressing on the upward way" and also pressing together. A number are preparing for the Bible work, and all seem determined to reach the goal set for all our people—the winning of one soul for Christ by every church member during 1914. There is a marked improvement in attendance at our church services. Many strangers come to the Sabbath and Sunday meetings. Our midweek prayer meetings are growing in interest and attendance. The outlook is indeed bright.
On Sabbath, February 28, eight new believers were baptized and received into fellowship with us. For one of these, a lady, we have worked and prayed some twenty years.
The people seem hungering for truth. Many more calls come for Bible readings and cottage meetings than we can answer. In a number of cases prayers offered in behalf of the sick have been remarkably answered in their restoration.
We wish to invite all our people who have friends or relatives in the city of Denver to send us their names and addresses. We will visit them and help them into the truth if possible. We ask that you pray earnestly while an effort is being made to interest them in the things of God. We know that only the Heavenly Father can give the increase. Our part is to plant, water, and work together with him.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER.
Read the "Review"
By Editor
SISTER MINNIE EMBREE PARKER writes as follows of the benefit she received from reading the REVIEW of Nov. 27, 1913:—
"I have been especially impressed with the food for our people contained in last week's REVIEW. I do not know that it was any better than every other number has been, but it impressed me because I read more in it than I have in many numbers. My husband read quite a little to me after he came in from work, while I was about my household duties.
"There was the first article by dear Elder Loughborough, 'Fruitless Confessions.' He is one who has done so much by pen and voice to build up the denomination. Then Elder Haskell's article on 'Bible Readings' shows that the 'rank and file of the people should be instructed to enter homes and teach the people the truth of God.' The article 'The Destruction of Sin' is surely present truth for this time when we need all the help we can get in order to be prepared to 'live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor.' Then comes an interesting explanation of the puzzling question, 'Did Jephthah Sacrifice His Daughter?' Surely no one could read and grasp the thoughts in the next article without being determined never to doubt the fact that 'God will provide a living for commandment keepers, that with the Sabbath he will give the bread.'
"The author of 'Gospel Finance' shows that the nearness of the end, and the fact that we should cut loose from the world, do not mean 'that we are to become neglectful of the responsibility to do with our might the work that God's providence provides for us.'
The editorial pages are full of good things which our people should think of,—special deliverance in time of trouble, the wrong kind of social gatherings for Christians, the blindness and folly of bigotry, and a very interesting report of the work in the European Division. But time and space forbid my telling of all the good things under Note and Comment, The World-Wide Field, Home and Health, The Field Work, and the different departments—Missionary Volunteer, Publishing, and Religious Liberty. As I consider all the help given in this one issue alone, I think, If Satan can keep our people too busy to read the REVIEW, he can rest well satisfied."
"Do Something"
By Horace Mann
WHY?—Because the occasion demands it. There never was a time when greater opportunities for service presented themselves. The times are ominous, and many are anxious for light on vital subjects, that they may be warned of approaching danger. There is within our reach a wealth of valuable publications awaiting distribution. If these were placed in the hands of the people, they would be the means of giving much additional light and instruction. I am sure none of us will be without condemnation if, knowing the things which threaten this nation and the world (and if we believe God's Word and the Testimonies, we must know), we fail to respond to the call to do what we can to place these pages of truth-filled literature in the hands of the people.
What publications?—Why, those which treat upon the coming events in earth's history. All ministers, and as many of the laity as it is possible to reach, should have a copy of the Protestant Magazine, especially the number which contains the widely advertised speech of Dr. McKim. The magazine Liberty, and also such tracts as "Why Sunday Laws Are Wrong," should be widely circulated.
Some may say that they have no means with which to purchase this literature. If this is the case, make known your desire. Perhaps your need may be supplied by some who are not so situated that they can engage in the active work of distribution.
Others may say that this literature will do no good. They have not the taste nor the ability for such work. Remember that was the excuse of the man who hid his one talent in a napkin—"I was afraid." This literature will do good. You will be surprised that the majority of people who do not know what present events mean are so willing to listen to you, and more than that, when they once understand, are fully in sympathy with the principles of religious liberty.
Horace Mann.
From a Wandering Sheep
By Roy M. Truman
I HAVE in my possession one of the Apples of Gold tracts, No. 53, entitled "The Winning of Margaret." I have read this tract with no small degree of interest. It has made a great impression on my mind and has put a new determination in my heart. I was reared in a Seventh-day Adventist Christian home, and was once a member of that church, but have since drifted into the world, and am at present located far from that or any other church. I have taken up forestry as a profession, and have been employed on the Pike National Forest for the past four years. I am still interested in the great truth which was so dear to my good mother, who is now waiting for the great resurrection day described in 2 Thess. 4: 16, 17. I trust that mother will not be disappointed on that great day, but be able to say, "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me"—twelve in number. I know that this was mother's only desire, and that she worked faithfully toward that end while she was with us.
Pray for me and my wife, that we may be on the side with the righteous at the great resurrection morning, and join the hosts above in singing his everlasting praise. What a grand reunion that will be!
ROY M. TRUMAN.
Triumphs in the Canvassing Work
By Walter Harper
I LEFT California the latter part of September, and by the first of October was busy in eastern Nevada, where the altitude is about 6,500 feet. The Lord signally blessed my efforts as I tried to place a combination of religious and medical books in the homes of the people. This plan is surely ordained of heaven.
I made a short delivery of nine days in November, placing between three and four hundred dollars' worth of books, aside from helps. My January delivery brought in over one thousand dollars for books and helps. I handled the relief edition of "Ministry of Healing," and the trip yielded one hundred and thirty dollars for the Loma Linda Medical College. However, my leading books were "Practical Guide to Health," and "Daniel and the Revelation." These most excellent volumes sell readily. The world is perishing for the living manna they contain. I pray that a host of precious souls may be won for Christ's kingdom as the result of the circulation of these truth-filled pages. On this trip I saw many evidences of God's love, and experienced his sustaining power. For all these blessings, and for my success, I thank and praise him.
The middle of January I returned to California for a much-needed rest at Loma Linda.
Walter Harper.
Our Scattered Young People
By C. L. Benson
About twenty-five thousand of our boys and girls are in our denominational schools receiving a Christian education through association with Christian teachers and students, and through studying the principles of Christian education in the classroom. God is recognized as the real author of every subject in the curriculum. His word reveals the fundamental principles underlying each subject. We rejoice in the large number attending our schools and in the splendid results attained.
But have you ever stopped to consider that from fifty to sixty per cent of our young people do not have the privilege of attending our educational institutions? We have invested $2,231,737 in grounds, buildings, and equipment. We maintain yearly 1,164 teachers in church schools, academies, and colleges. Of this number 490 are teaching in our State and union schools. These men and women have received years of training in order to hold these positions. If they sever their connection with one school, they usually connect with another. It is gratifying to see such a large number of consecrated, educated workers giving their lives to the work of properly educating the youth—but not all our youth, only about one half, or less.
What about the other fifty or sixty per cent of the boys and girls of Seventh-day Adventists? Where are they receiving their education?—Some in the State schools, some on the farm, others in the shop. Thousands who desire to attend our schools, are prevented by circumstances.
For the twenty-five thousand who are not in our schools, our Missionary Volunteer Department is attempting to establish local training schools in every church where there are six or more young people. These are known as Missionary Volunteer societies. To organize and maintain these schools for twenty-five thousand of our boys and girls, only one hundred men and women are employed. But sadder still, less than five of this number devote their entire time to teaching and training one half or more of the precious lambs of the flock. And the picture grows still darker: During the past year ninety per cent of our conferences have changed their young people's secretaries from one to three times.
Do you wonder that when just any inexperienced youth, man, or woman is selected to have charge of the destinies of our boys and girls, we pay an awful price for such experiments? Think of the precious souls that might have been saved to this cause if, during the years of the past, we had invested more in our boys and girls.
Our teachers give instruction in the same subjects year after year. Their work is to teach. No board would employ instructors who could meet their classes only from one-fourth to one-half time. But in looking after the spiritual training of twenty-five thousand of our young people, who associate with worldly companions six days in the week, and can meet with those of like faith only two or three hours on Sabbath, more than ninety-five per cent of our conferences will place the Missionary Volunteer work on the president, president's wife, some union conference officer, or some minister that is holding a regular series of meetings.
We spend over four hundred thousand dollars a year to save the black boys and girls of Africa, and the brown and yellow youth of Asia, and the rest of the world. This is a splendid work, and we all wish we could give more. We give many of our brightest and best young men and young women to the regions beyond, and we are glad to do it. But very often we take the shepherd of a flock of from one hundred to five hundred boys and girls, leaving them without any one who knows them or understands them, and they scatter, many leaving the fold forever. On the other hand, if we had left their shepherd with them a few years longer, he might have gone to the heathen countries taking one hundred or more recruits with him.
The camp meeting season is just before us. Cannot more attention be given to the young people in your conference? Before me is a letter received from one of our elders. He states that twenty-three young people have left his church and gone into the world the past ten years.
Shall we not work and pray more earnestly, not only for the young people in our schools, but also for the twenty-five thousand who are not attending our schools?
