The good work is onward in the British field. Nov. 28, 1902. I left London for Belfast, where Dr. Bell and his associates in Ireland had rented a house which had been furnished and fitted up for a sanitarium. The institution is on Antrim Road, in one of the best suburbs of Belfast, from which a penny ride on the tram brings one to the very center of the city. The fittings, furnishings, and general arrangements are favorable in every way, reflecting great credit on Dr. Bell and his faithful assistants. One encouraging feature is that they have been able to do this from the money they have raised in the country, together with the assistance furnished by the Mission Board. The outlook for the medical missionary work in Ireland is bright. At the time I was there, the institution had hardly opened to receive patients, yet a number were coming for treatment, while others were arranging for a longer stay as soon as the place was ready to receive them. May the Lord's special care be over this enterprise, and make it a blessing to many sufferers, as well as an efficient means of illustrating the principles of the gospel of Christ.
From Belfast I went to Glasgow, Scotland, where I remained from December 18 to 29. This was a very interesting occasion. It is now a little more than ten months since Brother H. Armstrong went there with his family to begin aggressive work. For a number of years faithful canvassers have circulated much of our literature in the city, thus preparing the field for the living preacher. The literature and the influence of the colporteurs had also resulted in bringing some souls into the truth. But an effort was needed to develop the work. To this, Brother and Sister Armstrong applied themselves with earnestness, and the Lord has greatly blessed in their labors.
The work in Scotland has also been supplemented and strengthened by several experienced canvassers from America, who came here after the European General Conference in May, last year, and who have had excellent success in their work. As the result of these various efforts, there are now fifty-one adult Sabbath keepers in Glasgow, including Brother and Sister Armstrong, who have been called to17India, we are glad they can go, and they will be followed by our earnest prayers that God will make them a great blessing to the work there.
While we are made sorry by the leaving of Brother and Sister Armstrong, we have also been made glad by the coming of Brother W. A. Westworth and family from America. They have received a hearty welcome from all the friends, whose cheerful and hearty support will be given them in their labors in this needy and important field. Brother Westworth will labor in Edinburgh, where he has secured a pleasant and centrally located hall for Sunday evening meetings. He will be assisted by Brother Miller, lately from New York City.
We are all greatly pleased that the time has come when we can make an aggressive effort in that important and interesting center, and earnestly pray that great blessings may attend the work.
O. A. OLSEN.
Newfoundland
By A. E. Lemon
THE tract campaign is on here in good earnest. As soon as the brethren took hold of the work, the Spirit of God became more manifest in the church. Over three thousand pages of tracts and over eleven thousand pages of other literature were circulated here in the month of January. Besides this, a government daily paper has opened its columns to us for articles on health reform, and we have already had several truth-bearing articles published. The same paper has published an article from us, giving a synopsis of two of Elder Farman's lectures, setting forth the last warning message in no uncertain tone, under the heading, “The Great Event Near,” and taking up half a column. This paper has a circulation of five thousand. The editor of another paper has also asked for articles on health topics. Thus the truth is being placed before the people.
Elder H. J. Farman gives three lectures a week in one of the largest halls in the city, and the interest is good. The members of the church are nobly doing their part to hold up his hands.
In Twillingate, where Elder Farman labored last summer, the interest still continues, even in his absence, and there are prospects for a good work there in the future. Many are being educated in the message by correspondence.
The work of the Newfoundland Health Institute, as shown in the financial report for December 31, shows that in the seven months during which the institution had been running, there had been given 1,619 treatments, the charity work amounting to $327. The net earnings were $1,266.48, and the net gain was $542.14. On account of the low price of fish, the staple product, there is a general financial depression in the island, which is poor enough even in times of prosperity. This depression has kept many from patronizing the institute; and with the additional effect of the long, dull winter season, it is more difficult to make the work successful. However, the young institution is pulling through the crisis, free from debt, and ready to enter on the coming season's work. May it hold up the standard of truth, and lead many to accept the gospel of health.
As in all British fields, the people here take hold of the truth slowly. But we have been careful to present the message in a way calculated to lead them gently, and not stir them up to prejudice and opposition. In this way the prejudice that once existed has largely melted away, and the people are more easily approached. The Spirit of God is working with both laborers and people. The last warning message is being carried to all parts of the colony, and this field is getting ready for the coming of the great King. The headquarters of the work here is at 282 Duckworth St., St. Johns, Newfoundland. A. E. LEMON.
New York City
By E. E. Franke
THE work in this city (Manhattan District) is progressing as never before. Perfect unity exists in the churches, and all have a desire to do what they can for the advancement of the work.
A union meeting was held in the First Church, Jan. 24, 1903. The different churches in the city were well represented, and the church was crowded to its utmost capacity. A good spirit prevailed. Part of the time was devoted to the consideration of the Sabbath-school work. Brother S. N. Curtiss, our conference Sabbath-school secretary, presided at this part of the meeting. Interesting papers were read on various topics by the members of the different churches, after which an opportunity was given for questions and interchange of thought.
The meeting was so successful that I have appointed another general meeting for Feb. 21, 1903, when papers will be read on the following subjects: General City Missionary Work, Foreign Missionary Work, The Spirit of Prophecy, The Tithe, Special Offerings, Church Schools, The Gospel of Health, and many other subjects. This is to be an all-day meeting, and those who come from down-town will bring their lunches with them. The meeting opens at 9:30 A. M., and after several sessions closes at sunset.
The work in Carnegie Lyceum is progressing as never before. The straight, pointed truths are doing their work. We have already presented the message in all its bearings, including the spirit of prophecy and kindred subjects. God has greatly blessed our work, and we expect to see many souls accept the truth as a result. Even now we see fruits of our labors.
A number have recently begun to attend our Sabbath meetings in the different churches. About eight weeks ago the colored people who had accepted the truth through the mission conducted by Elder S. N. Haskell, were organized into a church by Elder H. W. Cottrell and the writer. Six members joined. The next Sabbath five others joined the church; two of these, however, were Sabbath-keepers from other churches; nine had accepted the message through the labor of Brother Uchtman and the mission workers. We found the work among the colored people to be almost at a standstill, and in great danger of disorganization; hence we thought that it was advisable to ask Brother C. H. Carroll, who accepted the truth in this city four years ago at our tent effort, and who came to us from the Roman Catholic Church, to connect himself with this work.
Brother Carroll's labor has proved successful beyond our most ardent expectations. In the few weeks that he has been working for the conference a large interest has been aroused, and his time is all occupied in visiting, holding Bible readings, and preaching. He has gained admission to the Methodist and Baptist colored churches, and as a result of his labors thus far, seven souls have accepted the truth and united with the church, among them an ordained Baptist minister. Many others are interested, and the prospects for the work among the colored people in this city are much brighter.
A night-school has been started for the colored people, and some of the brethren and sisters of the Second Church are giving instructions in reading, writing, Bible, history, grammar, and other studies. A young people's society has been started also, and is making good progress. It is our intention to open a church school as soon as possible. No part of the work is to be neglected. I feel thankful for the support that I am receiving from the members of the different churches. The work in New York City is rising to the praise and glory of God.
E. E. FRANKE.
Superintendent of Manhattan Dist.,Greater New York Conf.
Canada
By W. H. Thurston
I SPENT the week of prayer in the Quebec Conference, and while storm and sickness prevented some from attending the meetings, yet those who did attend were much encouraged by the readings. Some cheering reports have come in from other parts of the field. I am not able to say at this writing what the offerings were, but if all would give themselves to God, to serve with no reserve, it would be the best offering that could be made. All would be consecrated to the Lord, and not only greater blessings would be experienced, but means would be forthcoming to supply every demand.
“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.” All that we have and are belongs to the Lord, and we are his, for he has bought us. It is for us to say whether he shall have us, or whether we will withhold from him that which he has purchased. The question is life, not a form, a pretention, but substance; a real experience. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If not hindered, this life will be manifest in us, and this is salvation. It is the privilege of every one to experience salvation to the uttermost; and then it is that we can go to the unsaved and proclaim, in spirit and in truth, the life-saving power.
Salvation is present, a present experience now and all the time, and it is by the power of the word that we are kept continually from the evil of the world. We are living in a world of sin, but sin should not have dominion over us. There is a world to be warned of the great day of God, and the success of this work depends upon the loyalty and zeal of every member of the denomination.
The work in Canada is steadily onward, and while there was not as much accomplished during the past year as we had hoped for, we are thankful for the progress made, and the workers are all of good courage. The churches are responding well, and all seem willing to do to the extent of their ability in helping to advance the message. We are planning to start two industrial schools this year,—one in the Ontario Conference18and one in the Maritime Conference. Several churches are under construction, and we are planning to start the medical work in the Quebec Conference the first of May.
When the whole people say, “Let us rise up and build,” the God of heaven will prosper the work, and the thing will be accomplished. When every Christian becomes as deeply interested in the building up of the work of God and in finishing the gospel work as he is in personal and temporal matters, the work will go much faster everywhere.
May the Lord give us a greater burden for souls, and grace to stand for the right and to proclaim the message clearly and distinctly to all the world.
The following is a report of the Newfoundland Health Institute, from June 4, 1902, to Jan. 1, 1903, as rendered by Dr. Lemon:—
The institute opened for patients, June 4, 1902. Total number of treatments given, 1,619. Value of charity work, at regular rates, $327. Total net earnings, $1,266.48. Total running expenses, including plumbing, gas fitting, rent, and wages of nurses and other helpers (except doctors), $662.34. Total assets, $812.14. Total liabilities, $70. Present worth, $742.14. Capital, $200. Net gain, $542.14.
W. H. THURSTON.
New York
By A. O. Burrill
THE city of Rochester and about twenty churches west of that city are in the territory assigned to me. The church records call for four hundred and sixty members, but the real membership is about three hundred and fifty. Our quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons” was about 2,760 copies. In this territory about 1,776 copies have been taken, and all but a very few sold. During the last conference year two mortgages on church property have been cleared; one church has been organized; and the money for a sanitarium, which is located at 868 Niagara St., Buffalo, has been raised. This little plant is filled with patients. All bills are paid, and it is not in debt. It is a branch of the conference work. Dr. A. R. Satterlee is in charge.
At West Salamanca, Brother H. W. Carr is in his second year’s school work, and has about forty students. This is all he can accommodate. One thousand dollars has been pledged to put up buildings, and other donations are in sight. When spring opens, we hope the work of building can be begun.
At Buffalo the work is advancing. Recently several began to keep the Sabbath. Last Sabbath four heads of families offered themselves for baptism. A sister sixty years of age has sold more than sixty copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and has begun work with The Signs of the Times. Although unaccustomed to city life, she is taking orders for the Signs, and some days sells over twenty-five copies. She expects soon to be able to handle one hundred each week.
At the last State conference, just closed, resolutions were passed looking to the opening of cafés and the health food business in the large cities, also for a summer school at the Buffalo Sanitarium for our church-school teachers. The instructions in Volume VII of the Testimonies relative to city work are bringing new life to our workers. We intend to prosecute the work in the interests of “Christ’s Object Lessons” until our quota is completed. We are greatly encouraged to continue in this message until the well done shall be said. A. O. BURRILL.
Receipts of the Mission Board Treasurer for the Quarter Ending Dec. 31, 1902
By H. M. Mitchell
ANNUAL OFFERINGS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $40.80; Central Union Conference, $21.58; Lake Union Conference, $1,376.22; Northern Union Conference, $.50; Pacific Union Conference, $32.50; Porto Rico, $7.30. Total, $1,478.90.
FIRST-DAY OFFERINGS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $973.54; Canadian Union Conference, $3.84; Central Union Conference, $887.06; Lake Union Conference, $731.81; Northern Union Conference, $116.21; Pacific Union Conference, $903.48; Southern Union Conference, $39.63; Southwestern Union Conference, $123.98. Total, $3,779.55.
SABBATH-SCHOOL DONATIONS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $1,308.36; Canadian Union Conference, $51.93; Central Union Conference, $1,066.61; Lake Union Conference, $1,013.42; Northern Union Conference, $184.08; Pacific Union Conference, $607.65; Southern Union Conference, $32.60; Southwestern Union Conference, $92.83. Total, $4,357.48.
SECOND TITHE.—Central Union Conference, $659.36; Lake Union Conference, $463.85; Northern Union Conference, $645.37. Total, $1,768.58.
GENERAL FUND FOR MISSIONS.—Atlantic Union Conference, $368.82; Canadian Union Conference, $1; Central Union Conference, $3,255.18; Lake Union Conference, $3,563.55; Northern Union Conference, $2,130.84; Pacific Union Conference, $4,310.49; Southern Union Conference, $30.95; Southwestern Union Conference, $141.61. Total, $13,802.44.
SCANDINAVIAN RELIEF FUND.—Atlantic Union Conference, $785.18; Central Union Conference, $468.48; Lake Union Conference, $173.63; Northern Union Conference, $410.84; Pacific Union Conference, $260.61; Southern Union Conference, $46; Southwestern Union Conference, $53.78; Matabeland, $35.55; Tonga, $9.74. Total, $2,243.81.
LONDON MEDICAL TREATMENT ROOMS.—Central Union Conference, $76.72; Pacific Union Conference, $5. Total, $81.72.
SKODSBORG SANITARIUM.—Atlantic Union Conference, $1.65; Central Union Conference, $552; Lake Union Conference, $33.65; Pacific Union Conference, $40. Total, $627.30.
AFRICAN FIELD.—Atlantic Union Conference, $35.46; Central Union Conference, $367.75; Lake Union Conference, $92.90; Northern Union Conference, $108; Pacific Union Conference, $1.20; Southern Union Conference, $5. Total, $610.31.
CANADIAN FIELD.—Northern Union Conference, $1.79.
JAPANESE FIELD.—Lake Union Conference, $5.75.
CHINESE FIELD.—Atlantic Union Conference, $1; Central Union Conference, $35; Lake Union Conference, $49.22; Northern Union Conference, $42.95; Pacific Union Conference, $19; Southern Union Conference, $1; Southwestern Union Conference, $6; Germany, $4.71. Total, $158.88.
EUROPEAN FIELD.—Central Union Conference, $65.59; Lake Union Conference, $41.50; Northern Union Conference, $35.52. Total, $142.61.
INDIAN FIELD.—Atlantic Union Conference, $204.75; Central Union Conference, $21.07; Lake Union Conference, $169.91; Northern Union Conference, $37.85; Pacific Union Conference, $19; Southwestern Union Conference, $3.60. Total, $456.18.
MEXICAN FIELD.—Lake Union Conference, $2.25.
SOUTH AMERICAN FIELD.—Central Union Conference, $18.72; Lake Union Conference, $20.32; Southwestern Union Conference, $10. Total, $49.04.
POLYNESIAN FIELD.—Central Union Conference, $10; Lake Union Conference, $14.17; Pacific Union Conference, $10; Southern Union Conference, $19.82. Total, $53.99.
WEST INDIAN FIELD.—Central Union Conference, $27; Lake Union Conference, $79.84; Northern Union Conference, $111; Pacific Union Conference, $19.65; Southern Union Conference, $2.50. Total, $239.99.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Annual offering ............ $ 1,478 90
First-day offering .......... 3,779 55
Sabbath-school donations ... 4,357 48
Second tithe ................ 1,768 58
General fund for missions ... 13,802 44
Scandinavian Relief Fund ... 2,243 81
Skodsborg Sanitarium ........ 627 30
London medical treatment
rooms .................... 81 72
African field ............... 610 31
Canadian field .............. 1 79
Chinese field ............... 158 88
European field .............. 142 61
Indian field ................ 456 18
Japanese field .............. 5 75
Mexican field ............... 8 25
Polynesian field ............ 53 99
South American field ........ 49 04
West Indian field ........... 239 99
---
Total ....................... $29,866 59
ANNUAL SUMMARY
Annual offerings .......... $ 35,440 35
First-day offerings ........ 14,146 30
General fund ............... 25,276 23
Sabbath-school donations ... 17,921 68
Second tithe ............... 10,551 92
Scandinavian Relief Fund .. 17,054 87
Skodsborg Sanitarium ....... 2,245 86
Specified donations ........ 22,126 43
---
Total ...................... $144,763 64
Total for 1901 ............. 127,337 11
---
Increase over 1901 ........ $ 17,426 53
H. M. MITCHELL,
Treas. of Mission Board.
Washington, D. C.
By H. W. Cottrell
You will notice from the REVIEW of Jan. 13, 1903, that the General Conference Committee have thought it wise to make Washington, D. C., an exception to other cities in the United States. It is the capital of the nation. The National Reformers are making the capital city a stronghold for their work, which is to influence the minds of leading men of the nation to make laws which must necessarily, when enforced, bring oppression upon true Christians, thus upon the cause of Christ. It was deemed advisable to render Washington some financial assistance by way of general19donations, so that at as early a date as possible the work of the last message may be permanently established in the capital of this great nation. An effort was made by the General Conference several years ago to bestow the necessary help the work demanded in this city. Several thousand dollars of General Conference funds was invested, a church building was purchased by the local church, and two or three thousand dollars of general funds was invested in it.
The work of extending the message in a broader way to the different races in Washington has been very successfully carried on, especially in the last few years, which has resulted in creating a demand for two congregations. In forming another organization, with Elder J. S. Washburn at its head, under Christ, the church house was left in the charge of Elder L. C. Sheafe and his congregation. This congregation has increased its numbers very rapidly of late, but it was not able to render financial assistance to the new congregation in obtaining a house of worship, and still carry the obligation that rests upon the former building. In forming the new congregation, it became necessary for the members of the Second Church to contribute their investments in the building to the First Church. An appeal was made by the Washington brethren to the Union and General Conferences in the interests of their peculiar need of immediate help at this time. A donors' column is opened in the REVIEW AND HERALD for each one in the denomination to contribute to this interest. I am aware that the method herein adopted to secure money is not that usually followed, but the General Conference Committee thought the circumstances surrounding the work in Washington, D. C., demanded that this should be made an exception to the general plan. Will not each reader lay this needy situation before the Lord in prayer, and ask him from whom all wisdom comes, what the Lord will have him do in this matter? Contributions may be sent to H. M. Mitchell, Battle Creek, Mich. State clearly what the money is for.
H. W. COTTRELL.
The Relief of the Schools
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The total cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to Jan. 26, 1903, is $51,080.72.
NAME
AMOUNT
Ellen Fredericks.
$ 5 00
Edward Sanders.
1 00
L. F. Gustin.
1 00
J. H. Broeker.
1 00
H. E. Warner.
1 00
A friend.
1 00
M. H. Brown.
1 00
Mrs. E. J. Laplant.
1 10
Mrs. Alfred Boynton.
1 75
Nora Prince.
2 00
Mrs. Phoebe Cush.
4 00
Mrs. R. F. Locke.
25
J. P. Ferguson.
1 00
J. W. White.
5 00
Hannah Hanson.
5 00
M. W. Lewis.
10 00
Addie Nichols.
50
Sister White (Pa.).
1 00
G. C. Coleman.
10 00
Mrs. Julia E. Churchill.
2 00
Mrs. Geo. Goddard.
1 00
C. A. Graves.
2 50
J. M. Spooner.
2 00
Marion Pepple.
50
G. W. Masters.
2 00
Mrs. E. E. Bacon.
2 50
Mrs. Abbie Teifel.
25
Mrs. J. E. Kipp.
1 00
G. E. Davis.
5 00
Mrs. May Swahn.
1 00
Mrs. Margaret Frost.
1 00
Geo. W. Spies.
5 00
Jane E. Buck.
1 00
S. T. Couey.
1 00
Philip Trefitt.
1 00
Mac E. Avery.
1 75
Dr. M. A. Eastman.
1 00
Donation.
1 00
Mrs. S. J. Brake.
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Harris.
5 00
Mary Blood.
5 00
J. W. Shield.
5 00
Adam Ebel.
15 00
E. E. Barden.
22 50
Eva M. Davis.
5 00
Sylvia F. Kinney.
1 00
M. Balden.
1 00
Mrs. Sarah Ballard.
1 00
F. P. Marshall.
2 00
Mrs. Emma Knapp.
1 25
Alice Carman.
1 00
B. J. Blinn.
1 00
M. A. Green.
25
John Gilford.
1 00
J. R. Rose.
10 00
Donations for the Washington (D. C.) Church
MRS. MYRTLE OWENS, .25; Moses Hunt, $5; M. Phillis, $1; Rue Aton, .85; J. W. Cope, $1; Mrs. J. W. Yost, $5; Lottie M. Tew, $5; Mrs. W. H. Wright, .50; Kate Monroe, .25; R. G. Cowles, .50; A. J. Harris, $1; Mrs. F. E. Scovell, $1; D. W. McNett, $2; Susanah Warick, $1; A. J. Thompson, $1; Mrs. Mary Lewis, $1.60; Mrs. R. Turner, .50; Mrs. J. A. Burdoin, $10; a brother and wife, $5; Mrs. Wm. Martin, $1; Mrs. Lucinda Evans, $1; Mrs. M. E. Van Deusen, $2; S. J. Townsend, $1; R. B. Stevenson, .70; Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Harris, $2; Ole T. Bue, $2.25; C. C. and M. C. Rathbun, $5; Emma David, $1; Wm. E. Caviness, $2.50; Samuel Thompson, $2; Wm. H. Mills, $1; E. Hayes, .25; Mrs. M. M. Ames, .25; Mr. and Mrs. G. Morehouse, $1; Ernest Morehouse, .25; Sister Mahaffy, $1; Sister Booth, $1; Sister Utley, $1; Mrs. Thomas Williams, $1; a friend, .50; Henry Ferrett, $40; Bertha J. Record, .50; Corsica (O.) church, $2; Mrs. W. Jones, .50; A. W. Bell, .50; H. B. Moore, .25; Mrs. M. D. Spears, .25; Ellen Harris, $1; Harrison McConnock, $1; W. D. Bowen, $1; Mrs. Mary J. Spencer, $1; Mrs. Emma Knapp, .25; a friend, .25; Estella G. Norman, $1; Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Welch, $1; Crow Wing church, $5; E. D. Hall, .25; Mrs. E. W. Peck, .50; F. Ditts, $1.50; Grove Lake church, $3.20; New York Mills church, $2.85; Mary Emery, $1.25; Brainerd church, $5; Mrs. E. Redoubt, $1; C. Waterman, $2.50; Catherine Waterman, $2.50; Faribault church, $5.50; Chas. Rich, .50; Nora Harvey, .25; Ruth Harvey, .05; Mrs. P. McNamara, $2; Mrs. Agnes H. Duncan, $1; Elsie Scott, .50; a friend, $1; Cottage Home church, $1.80; Mr. and Mrs. B. E. Gurvey, $2; E. A. Curtis, $1; D. A. Hamilton, .50; Mrs. A. C. Campbell, $2; Mrs. M. E. Graves, $1; Mrs. R. W. Springer, .50; J. S. Moore, $1; Emily A. Goff, $10; Mrs. A. D. Walker, $1; a friend, .50; H. Hansen, $5; Andrew Sems, .25; Willet Reynolds, $1; Estella Howes, $1; E. M. Hutchins, $1; Mrs. O. E. Cummings, $2; F. S. Clarke, .50; A. J. Barrett, $1; Mrs. Mabel E. Messenger, .50; D. H. Pickering & family, $1; Mrs. M. A. Whalen, $5; S. W. Harris, $3; E. L. Richmond, $1; Mrs. R. E. Stewart, $1; Mr. & Mrs. E. L. Chappell, $2; Mrs. Anna Clay, $1; Lake View (Mich.) church, $3.35; H. D. Keenon, $1; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tregauga, $2; C. M. & A. T. Blake, $1; D. W. Van Eman, $5; O. W. Burnell, $5; J. W. Smith, $1; Lydia Nelson, .25; Ruth Johnson, .25; Mrs. Nomie Johnson, $2; a friend, $1.50; Southern Union Conference, .50.
“Christ’s Object Lessons”
ALL great enterprises are marked with simplicity. It was Christ’s gentleness that made him great. What a simple thing to mark the character of the humble man of Nazareth with the stamp of greatness above all men that have lived upon the earth.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” What a simple method of letting “all men” know that we are disciples of Christ!—so simple that we stagger at the thought of its possibility. Yet after the ascension a few fishermen and other common men who had been associated with Christ, with sincere love for him and for one another, proved that simple statement, and to their surprise saw the only great Pentecost of which the world has any record. It did not cease with the gift of tongues and the conversion of three thousand souls that day. The sick were healed; the prison doors were opened; and the world, even “all the world,” heard the gladsome sound of what was done, and said, They have been with Jesus and learned of him. All men knew they were his disciples, by applying the rule of the Master, Love one another. It was simple; but it worked.
In building the ancient tabernacle, the Lord called for offerings from all the people. “Of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.” It was to consist of different materials, from gold to goat’s hair, according to the ability of the donor. No urging was to be done. It left the man shut in with God to make his offering. He made it to the Lord, and not to man. He made it to please God, and not to please man. What a simple plan! It looks too simple to amount to much. But it succeeded, and the people had to be restrained from giving because they brought too much.
God’s plans are always simple. His method is always to distribute the work among all his people, that all may share in it, and not some be eased and others burdened. He distributes so that the yoke is easy and the burden light. When the heart of his people is so linked with him that all hear his voice, and unitedly respond to his direction, his work always moves steadily on to triumph. “All things are possible to him that believeth.” He thus tests his people and accomplishes his work. Those who do not heed his voice in the field of training will not be permitted to hear him welcome the laborers from the field when the harvest is gathered. The “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” is not spoken to a denomination, but to individuals. All who are gathered with that throng come from fields of labor to enter with a hearty welcome into rest. “To every man his work.” Not one idler is called. My brother, my sister, what are you doing? Do you say, “No man hath hired us”? The Master says, “Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” The eleventh-hour call is sounding. Will you respond?
Do you inquire what definite work the Master has called upon you to perform at this time? I would answer: There has been a direct call upon all this people to arise as one man and sell “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The plan is simple. All are to bear a part in it. The object is threefold. First, to train
The Sure Result of Seed Sowing
Brother R. A. Underwood sends us the following encouraging incident, which should inspire every worker to renewed diligence. Bread cast upon the waters will of a surety be found after many days, perhaps in eternity, for God's word will not return unto him void:—
“I have just learned of a very interesting case of a man and his wife, who accepted this message from the reading of one copy of the Signs thrown upon the street here in Erie, Pa., about sixteen or eighteen years ago. They were here visiting friends, and picked up the paper from State Street. They read it, and on returning to their home at Charlestown, W. Va., wrote back here to their friends that that one paper had changed their whole lives, and that they would devote their talents of time and means to the work of carrying this truth. They were wealthy people. Only about one month from the time they accepted the truth, they were both drowned in a terrible flood at Charlestown. Their friend, who recently told me the experience, received the news of their coming into the truth, by personal letters from them at about the same time that the sad account of their death by the flood was reported. This illustrates the importance of circulating the Signs. The lady who gave me the information is not a Sabbath-keeper. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry. So far as I know, I am the first one of our people to learn of these facts. The copy of the Signs had been sent to Mr. B. F. Henry, of Erie, Pa., by Brother Moser, the father-in-law of Dr. E. J. Waggoner, of California. He probably will never know until he meets them in the kingdom, that two dear souls accepted the truth and went to rest firm in the faith as the result of his sending that paper to Mr. Henry.”
An Encouraging Letter
THE following interesting letter shows how one of the State agents is laboring to make the canvassing work a success. Shall we not all hold up the hands of these laborers, and bid them God-speed?
“You say that you are glad to see our State coming to the front in the book work. We are glad if this is true, but it did not seem so to me, there is so much yet to be done. I have only one consolation in the matter, and that is, I have done the best I could. I fully expect to do all I can as long as I remain in the work, and I expect to remain as long as probation lasts. The work never seemed so near my heart as it does now. The God of heaven knows that I love it. I know he has called me to it, and I feel as never before that I must be faithful, and, if possible, redeem the time because the days are evil.
“We have a good interest in our institute. There are ten in the class. I think all are good material. One boy has taken ‘Heralds of the Morning,’ and all the others will canvass for large books,—‘Home Hand-Book,’ ‘Desire of Ages,’ ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ ‘Great Controversy,’ and ‘Daniel and the Revelation.’ We are pushing the books that God has said we should push. I believe that when we do this, and work as he directs, he becomes responsible for the results. One man whom I met when I first came here, was traveling for a manufacturing firm in Chicago. I induced him to canvass for ‘Patriarchs and Prophets.’ He is doing excellent22work, and says he fully expects to remain in the work till Jesus comes. We now have three good canvassers in one of the largest cities in our State, besides the work I am doing. I think we shall send out ten from this institute.
“Recently I found a home where one brother had sold ‘Home Hand-Book,’ ‘Desire of Ages,’ ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ ‘Heralds of the Morning,’ ‘Coming King,’ and some small books; and I sold in the same house ‘Great Controversy’ and ‘Daniel and the Revelation.’ I shall not be satisfied until we have canvassers located in all parts of the State. What we need here is not money, but men,—men who, like Gideon, have been called of God, and have a sound experience,—men who know what God wants them to do, and who go at it with the determination to win,—men who will work without having their way smoothed, and every obstacle removed,—men who will stand in their places even though the battle does go hard. I am reminded of the experience of the bugler whose captain told him to blow a retreat when his men were being mowed down by the enemy. The boy replied, ‘I don’t know how. I have only learned how to blow the charge.’ ‘Then,’ said the captain, ‘blow a charge,’ and he did, and they gained the victory. Our canvassers are being mowed down by the enemy, but the time has come to blow a charge. God forbid that I should ever blow a retreat. My heart is full of praise to my loving Father for his boundless mercy.”
Silent Messengers
By Editor
Our Books, Tracts, and Periodicals
E. R. PALMER . . . Editor
Where the Saviour Leads
By F. J. Crosby
If in the valley where the bright waters flow,
Jesus my Saviour leads me, gladly I'll go;
If, by his hand directed o'er ocean's wave,
Gladly I'll bear his message, lost ones to save.
Out on the barren mountains, dreary and cold,
Seeking the sheep that wander far from the fold;
Storm-clouds may frown above me, fierce winds may blow;
Yet if my Saviour leads me, onward I'll go.
Where'er the Saviour leads me, I'll follow still,
Patient in joy or sorrow, biding his will;
He knows the path of safety, he knows the way
Home to the many mansions bright, bright as day.
— F. J. Crosby.
Living in Accountability to Jesus
“It will make us very watchful all day if we remember that we report to Jesus all we say, or do, or fail to do; it will keep us in more intimate relations with him.”
South Africa
By J. H. Camp
WE are glad to report progress in this far-off field. Each month shows a marked improvement on the previous one; and while the effects of the late war are being severely felt, and will be for some time to come, yet some of our agents are having remarkable success. One of them, who has been out of the work for several years, has taken hold again, and in nineteen days of last month he took orders to the value of $1,262.40. He was working with “Home Hand-book.” Another, working on “Great Controversy,” sold $808.12 worth in the same length of time, and yet another in fourteen days sold $425.84 worth.
Our great need is men. For some years our canvassing work has been languishing in this field, and very many have become discouraged; but we hope soon to see some of the “old” canvassers and many others engaging in the work. We would be glad to welcome any of our American brethren who would pay their own expenses, and come and give us a hand.
The field is a good one; but here, as elsewhere, it takes good, hard digging. There are many disadvantages in climate and home comforts, but the reward is sure. We are of good courage, and hope soon to see South Africa taking her place up toward the top of our summary, and not at the bottom.
