Earlier text: The Crusade Against the White PlagueThe Argentina Conference
By Arturo Fulton
Each month sees some advance moves in our work in this field. With such good success attending the efforts put forth by the few workers we have, what might be accomplished if there were only more to lend a hand! Just this morning an agent for one of the Bible societies came in and bought a considerable quantity of our books to circulate with his Bibles. This is the second time he has been here this month. The church to which he belongs ordered six copies of “Steps to Christ” and twelve copies of “Captain of Our Salvation” in Spanish. What we are failing to do the Lord is leading others to do for us. A letter received from Elder E. Balada this morning states that he has arrived safely in Tucuman, that he is nicely located, and ready to begin work. “What a pity,” he writes, “that there are no canvassers to take hold with me. Here it is easy to sell, and money is plenty. I have begun to visit some who know the gospel. They receive me well. Pray for this work. There is a Baptist church here of over one hundred members. Where are the valiant soldiers of the Lord that will come to help me? Who will come?” Surely the calls are many, and the workers few. We can only pass the word on to lands more favored with light and truth than we; here there are none to send. Tucuman is the garden spot of Argentina, and is called the Eden of this land. Beautiful hills and valleys are covered with a tropical vegetation; oranges, lemons, and the vine flourish. Here the spirit of liberty vanquished the tyranny of Spain, but the message of liberty from Catholic tyranny and oppression is still needed. This is our first effort for this province, the most densely populated of all the inland provinces. From Entre Rios comes encouraging news of the advancement of the work there. Elders Gott Block and Jacob Riffel, in the report of their trip through the province, as published in the Revista Adventista say: “In Rosario Tala one sister, who until now sympathized with the Methodists, has joined our little group. In Concordia we were able to add one faithful soul to the church by baptism. Here we celebrated the ordinances. The work of the Lord is firm and prosperous in Concordia. In Urdinarrain one family accepted the truth. Night after night we had good meetings. Truly we can say the Lord is working in Buena Vista. The twenty-seventh of June eleven were baptized. Nearly one hundred persons attended the baptism. There is still a large number who have begun to keep the Sabbath, and are preparing for baptism, while still others are on the point of deciding. Remember us in your prayers.” So the work goes and grows. Soon it will be finished. Now is the time to enter it before it is forever too late. ARTURO FULTON. Western Oregon
By W. F. MARTIN
Soon after the Missoula (Mont.) conference, I closed my work in Montana and came to Oregon. My first work in this conference was at Cottage Grove. The people there have recently erected a small church, which is one of the neatest and best arranged little buildings I have seen. I was there almost a week, but as the outside attendance was small, I thought best to close the meetings. From Cottage Grove, I went to Roseburg. There is a growing company of our people at that place. Soon after I arrived, some people who had recently moved into the neighborhood asked one of the brethren to read a pamphlet written by Wriggles against the Sabbath. He promised, on condition that they would attend a review of the book by myself. I took two evenings for the16review, following it by a short series of cottage meetings. At the close of these meetings six adults took their stand for the truth, among them the man who lent them the book. “We can do nothing against the truth.” From Roseburg I attended the camp-meeting at St. Johns. There I met all the laborers of western Oregon, and by their kind greetings and hospitality I was made to feel welcome. I was asked to take part in the work among the young people, as well as in the other work. We had a blessed meeting. A large number of the young people gave their hearts to God and were baptized. In company with Brother and Sister Pettit, Brother Henry Dicksen, and my family, I went to Falls City for a tent effort. The attendance was fair. Six were added to the church—four by baptism, and two by profession of faith. We are now at Dallas, but intend to close our meeting to-morrow night. The interest has been good. A number of times our thirty-by-fifty-foot tent would scarcely seat the people. The Presbyterian minister and the Catholic priest have spoken against the Sabbath. I reviewed them before good audiences. Thus far seven adults have taken a stand for the truth. Others are deeply interested. Brother Dicksen will remain for a time to carry on the work. This has been a pleasant summer for me. God has blessed my labors. My courage is good, and I am anxious to give my whole life and energy to this message. AT our last conference session in January, it was decided that this conference be divided into five districts, in each of which an ordained minister shall reside and devote his time to the development of the work, both in the churches and among those who are not of our faith. The writer was appointed to labor in district No. 1. This district is composed of three parishes, and has an area of seven hundred nine square miles, and a population of one hundred thirty-eight thousand. We have twelve companies and churches in this district. Most of these are of eight and eleven years’ standing. There are only two respectable and substantial church buildings. The other companies meet in sheds and very close rooms, some not larger than ten feet square. Many have been trying to build for years, while others wish to start now, but because of the hard times in this island, it seems like a hopeless undertaking unless we get help from outside. Many of the old companies were in a weak condition spiritually, hence I have been trying to help them reach a higher plane, and to the glory of God alone, marked results are to be seen in many places; backsliders are being reclaimed, and many weak hands strengthened. At Bigwoods, where a suitable house was built some five years ago, the company was almost broken up. Seeing the condition, I sent notice through their leader that special evangelistic meetings would be conducted for a week. I went at the time appointed, and in spite of rain almost every day, we had good gatherings from the outside, and best of all, the Lord came graciously near. Hearts were broken, and some asked for prayers and instruction, while sixteen signed the covenant. The news of the revival spread for miles around, and many came from other villages. I continued the meetings for nearly two weeks, and it is marvelous to hear from the lips of many how the message reached their hearts. Some are from other religious denominations, and only a few days before were bitter enemies of the truth. Backsliders are coming back like prodigals. O the glad times we had while showers of the latter rain fell! If we could get help to build places of worship where these little companies are, how soon we could give the message to17the people of this island. Elder J. A. Strickland, who is now in Washington, D. C., raised up a little company at Montego Bay, through great perils, shortly after landing here five years ago; but as he was taken away soon after, no permanence was given to the work. The company since that time has been meeting in a small room, while they have been trying to raise funds for a building, but only one hundred dollars has been raised. The world looks down with contempt upon this cause, although many promise to attend our services if we get a better place of worship. Our abject poverty and our few numbers offer nothing but discouragement. Dear brethren, pray for us in this island, that God may give us wisdom to follow his leadings to a triumphant finish. God Hears and Answers Prayer
By Wm. J. Young.
SHORTLY after the beginning of the Boer war, while aboard the “Terrible,” lying at Simonstown, South Africa, awaiting orders to land and proceed to the front, I prayed that the Lord would spare me from taking any one’s life, and that he would send me to look after a number of Boer prisoners. Some hours later, having retired for the night, I was suddenly called to get ready to go on board another ship, to assist in looking after the very people I had asked the Lord to send me to—a remarkable answer to prayer, seeing I had not mentioned my desire to any one but the Lord. On another occasion, quite a number of the brethren met at the usual place for prayer and reading of the Word. The place was in total darkness. Being in the vicinity of the magazine, it was contrary to the law to light a candle, as no naked lights are ever allowed in or near any magazine. In an instant the electric light came on, and we read a psalm, verse by verse, then got on our knees for prayer, when the light went out. The Lord knows our wants, even before we ask him. Many of those dear brethren are still in the Master’s service, proclaiming the last great message to a dying world. While the “Terrible” was in Hong-kong harbor, it was Brother LaRue who ministered to the little company which the Lord had used me to form on that ship. Seeing his picture the other day, I thought that many might like to get a glimpse of this aged warrior and pioneer worker in China. He is now resting from his labors, but of a truth his works follow him. Wm. J. Young. The Philippines
By Mrs. M. S. Caldwell
MANILA.—At the time of our arrival here, we found several numbers of the club of five hundred Signs from America. These had to be attended to at once. It meant constant work to get caught up, as they were continually coming. This has rested upon me, as my husband can not afford to take the time from his canvassing, though he has had to do so a few times, to help me out. The few letters we received were answered by hand, as we have no typewriter. Continually we received postal notices, giving information that papers were refused. These were addressed to American teachers. Some personal letters were sent by them, refusing the paper. We considered the matter, feeling we might do more for the Filipinos, who seemed to value the paper, at any rate liked to receive such literature. So after obtaining a mailing list, we discontinued sending to American teachers, except those who had by correspondence or in some other way expressed their pleasure, and used the Filipino list. We were still doing so when the papers ceased coming. The work was almost too much for me to keep up alone. It is a good work, and has my interest; for it is seed-sowing, and we know not the results. It has brought some, even Filipinos, to visit us. Since the non-arrival of the Signs, we have begun the study of the language, which we could not attempt before. We take four lessons a week. We have a good teacher, and desire to become more capable. Now that a monthly edition of the Signs is printed, we think we could use five hundred of these easily, and also attend to the other work. Maritime Conference
By W. H. THURSTON
The annual session of the Maritime Conference was held at Williamsdale Academy, Nova Scotia, September 10-20, in connection with the fourth session of the Canadian Union Conference. The weather was pleasant during the entire time of the meeting, and the attendance was good. The meetings during the day were held in the academy chapel, and the evening and Sunday services were held in a Latter-day Saints church, about half a mile from the academy. Laborers present from outside the conference were Elders E. R. Palmer, Eugene Leland, G. H. Skinner, C. H. Keslake, and B. B. Noftger. All departments of the work were given careful study, and plans were formulated for a forward movement. The first Sunday afternoon was devoted to a temperance rally, and much interest was manifested in this important subject. Elder Palmer’s talks on missionary work, and especially on the publishing work, were greatly appreciated, and resulted in moving the people to action, and confirmed all in the possibilities of greater things. He also joined us in our committee work, representing the General Conference, and gave timely suggestions and counsel. The evening and Sunday services were planned largely for the general public, that all might get a clear understanding of our work and of our mission in this world, and of the message that we are giving in all lands. Those present listened attentively, and seemed to understand their duty, and some were quite persuaded. The business of the conference was carefully dealt with in facts and figures, and $1,035 was raised in cash and pledges toward liquidating the indebtedness on the school buildings. With an effort among those who were not at the meeting, and with the amount appropriated by the General Conference for this purpose, the indebtedness will be paid, and the jubilee song will be sung. A resolution was passed, asking for a thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” to be handled in the conference to supply money for further improvements at the school from time to time. Elder J. O. Miller was elected president of the conference, Elder E. E. Gardner treasurer, and the members of the executive committee elected were J. O. Miller, E. E. Gardner, W. H. Cook, James Hannah, and Ira Galt. Miss Beatrice Hisler was chosen secretary of the conference; Miss Mabel Dimock, field missionary secretary; A. A. Livingston, religious liberty secretary; G. W. Miller, of South Dakota, field missionary agent, provided he can be secured; and Ira Galt, auditor. The new board held several meetings, and planned the work for the coming year. The Sabbath days of the meeting were exceptionally good days, and the Holy Spirit was especially manifested. The last Sabbath afternoon we repaired to the beautiful water flowing by the academy, and five souls were buried with their Lord in baptism, Elder Wm. Guthrie officiating. The last Sunday we had a religious liberty rally, the time being divided among three speakers. The church was well filled, and the best attention given to this important question. Some of the brethren there have been notified by the secretary of the Lord’s Day Alliance that they must stop working on Sunday, and that if they do not, they will be prosecuted. One of these letters was read to the audience, and the subject was discussed on its merits. The last Sunday night the church was packed to the doors, and Elder Palmer spoke on “the home of the saved.” He had freedom; and at the close of the service, some expressed themselves, with tears in their eyes, as desirous of having a part in that home. The conference closed with a shout of victory, and all went home with a deeper sense of the importance of the work and the times in which we are living, and of the privilege of having some active part in spreading the truth. Elder Gardner and wife will continue in the educational work in the academy, and the outlook for the year in this department of the work is very encouraging. May prosperity attend every effort, and the result be an ingathering of souls. The Arkansas Camp-Meeting
By G. B. Thompson
THE annual camp-meeting of this conference was held September 13 at Fort Smith, a prosperous city of about twenty-five thousand inhabitants. The camp was a pleasant one, located in a fine oak grove in the suburbs of the city, with good street-car service. The evening meetings were devoted especially to a presentation of the Bible reasons of our faith. Those who attended from the city seemed much interested, and some of these, I understand, began to keep the Sabbath. The attendance of our own people was quite good, about two hundred camping on the ground. A deep interest was manifested in all plans presented for the extension of the work both at home and abroad, and a desire for a greater consecration to his service was seen throughout the meeting. Unity prevailed in all business matters brought before the conference. Elder V. B. Watts has the confidence of all, and was unanimously reelected president. Other officers elected were about the same as last year. The reports rendered indicated a healthy growth in the various departments of the work in the State during the year. Two new churches were admitted to the conference. Including those baptized at this meeting, one hundred twenty-three believers were baptized by the laborers during the year. This is a very encouraging showing for a small conference. Many of the weaker churches have been strengthened by the addition of believers. The report of the Sabbath-school secretary showed an increase of nine Sabbath-schools during the year. There was an increase in the tithes of about fourteen hundred dollars. The offerings to missions also showed an increase. During the meeting two hundred dollars was raised for the local work, and about eight hundred dollars in cash and pledges for foreign missions. The conference voted to raise a sum for missions equal to ten cents a week a member. All were enthusiastic over the Thanksgiving Ingathering service, and at least five thousand copies of this REVIEW special will be ordered to begin the work. The various lines of work received attention during the meeting. Elder C. Santee, the union conference president; Prof. C. Sorensen, of Keene Academy; Elder W. W. Eastman; Brother C. N. Woodard; and the writer were present during some part of the meeting, and united with the local laborers in the burdens of the occasion. Those attending the meeting left for their homes, planning to be real home missionaries during the coming year, and thus bring before those nearest them a knowledge of the message for this time. If all do this, their faith and courage will grow stronger day by day. The Dedication of the Church
By Philip Gibbings
The dedication of The Gospelry, which took place on Sunday, August 23, was an all-round success. Elder L. E. Wellman, who was with us to lay the foundation last August, returned just in time to help us with the painting and calcimining. For two weeks previous to the dedication, we sought for a special consecration. This preparation drew us near the Lord, and his blessing rested upon us. At the dedication Elder W. D. Forde and Sister Simmons, of St. Lucia; Elder F. G. Lane, of Antigua; Elder Wellman, and the writer took part. The building has a capacity for seating one hundred fifty comfortably, but over two hundred crowded in, with as many in the yard. We had an interesting program, in which outside friends rendered assistance. Elder Wellman spoke on the subject of the world-wide work of Seventh-day Adventists, and its meaning. The attention was excellent, and the speaker gave the audience no uncertain sound of that climax of the ages—the thrilling event which we look for in this generation. The judge of the supreme court was present, and said that it was inspiring to see a people who are looking for Christ's second advent. He himself is a Bible student, and has spent years in Cyprus, and retraced many of the places of Paul's journeys. His talk was both interesting and instructive. In conclusion, he remarked that as we have no bell yet, if we would promise him to get a sweet-toned one, we might call for his donation. The Catholic editor of the Dominican Guardian was also present, and spoke in very congratulatory terms of our work and people, wishing us God-speed and continued prosperity. We have baptized six recently, and18another is preparing for the rite. There are now among us four schoolmistresses. Of these one was formerly a Methodist, one a Catholic, and two were Anglicans. We take this occasion to thank our kind friends in America and elsewhere who have helped us to build, and we now ask their prayers that God will continue to add to our numbers faithful witnesses of this last warning message to the world. Sister Simmons and Elder Lane spent a few days here after the others had left, and their services, both in the open air and in the church, were much appreciated by all. Both in finance and in numbers, our conference is on the upward move. Notwithstanding the fact that St. Thomas is disconnected from this conference, and therefore its tithes are paid elsewhere, our tithes are ahead of what they were at the corresponding time when St. Thomas was with us. At Montserrat there is a class of four; at St. Lucia, three; at Barbados, eight or nine, and some at St. Vincent, preparing for baptism. PHILIP GIBBINGS.