At the recent council in Nashville the colored sanitarium at 447 N. Cherry Street was placed fully under the supervision of the Medical Missionary Department of the Southern Union Conference. A new board of management was elected, and it was decided to operate the institution, for a time at least, as treatment rooms and training school, rather than as a sanitarium. It is hoped that it can thus be made more nearly self-supporting than it has been thus far. It will require some help, however, for a time. Those of our friends who desire to assist in this work, should send their donations to the newly elected treasurer, L. A. Hansen, 717 Church St., Nashville, Tenn.
C. P. BOLLMAN,
President of the Board.
General Notes
SEVENTEEN persons were baptized at Juniata, Ala., at the close of some meetings held with the Juniata church, March 28–31. Five of these united with the Juniata company.
BROTHER G. M. ALWAY, who has been advancing the work in Leadville, Colo., reports the baptism of four persons at that place, April 12. One other joined the church on profession of faith.
A SHORT series of meetings conducted by Brother L. A. Spring and wife at Grand Junction, Colo., brought six souls into the truth, and has created a hopeful outlook for further additions to the Sabbath-keeping company there.
THE company of Sabbath keepers at Oakdale, Neb., has been increased by the addition of six members since the beginning of the year. The church at Curtis received four new members during a recent general meeting, at which time an elder and deacon were chosen and ordained.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
_The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to May 1, is $41,321.24._
NAME
AMOUNT
Thomson Lowery
$ 2 00
C. Squires
1 00
Z. Thorpe
5 00
Harriet Shader
1 00
Mrs. S. Edmunds
35
Sarah Pratt
70
Margaret Dicke
1 00
M. Paterson
2 00
D. B. Swartout
5 00
Lena Ray
25
P. M. Rieber
1 00
Mrs. J. Steinel
2 50
S. McCoy
5 00
G. H. Durrie
1 00
Mrs. S. Isenberg
1 00
H. B. Tefft
1 00
Mrs. L. B. Lewis
1 00
Mrs. P. A. Sorenson
1 00
Mrs. Chas. Smith
1 00
Mrs. John Peightal
2 00
Mrs. A. E. Rogers
1 00
H. L. Horn
3 00
D. A. Knowlton
2 00
Mary King
1 00
Nancy Young
1 00
Mrs. M. A. Freisch
75
J. T. Luyster
1 00
W. W. Voris
5 00
M. Husted
5 00
Mr. & Mrs. R. E. Knowle
4 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Posey
1 00
Arthur Folsom
1 00
Mrs. E. G. Hoffer
1 00
Libbie Allen
1 50
Dr. & Mrs. Eastman
1 25
Wm. Christopher
5 00
Mrs. A. J. Templeton
1 00
W. Thompson
1 00
Mrs. R. E. Fagan
5 00
Mrs. Stark
1 00
C. B. Shaw
3 75
Mrs. E. F. Gruber
1 00
Mrs. E. C. Gray
2 00
R. D. Benham
5 00
J. O. & T. F. Johnson
2 00
Lucy Wilkins
1 00
Mrs. L. Sanger
5 00
K. E. Cole
1 00
A. Carey
5 00
A. J. Cole
2 00
Sister Neirhoff
50
Sister Cashin
50
Mrs. M. E. Perry
1 00
Eliza Swim
25
C. E. Mamsell
2 00
Annie J. Brown
2 00
J. Edgerton
10 00
C. A. Stanford
3 00
F. & V. Clark
5 00
A. Z. Rexford
1 00
Jacob Wooster
5 00
Amos Snyder
100 00
I. N. Wilfong
1 00
Friend (Batavia, N. Y.)
25 00
H. C. Balshough
2 50
John Bigne
5 00
J. J. Bauer
5 00
C. T. Chuyston
50
Mrs. H. S. McFarland
50
Sarah E. Jacobs
1 00
D. & E. Isaac
1 00
A. H. Steiber
100 00
J. M. Kimble
5 00
M. E. Dolson
2 00
Mattie Kimble
2 00
Geo. Kimble
5 00
H. Hansen
5 00
F. Wheeler
3 00
M. E. Hughes
2 50
Mrs. R. Ferguson
2 25
Friend (Oswego, N. Y.)
2 00
Mr. & Mrs. L. Powelson
2 00
Helen Reynolds
1 00
L. B. Lane
2 00
Mrs. R. Weatherby
50
D. E. Weymouth
1 00
J. C. Jorgensen
2 00
Mrs. L. Smith
1 00
R. J. Mills
11 00
G. H. Wood
1 00
A. C. Handley
25
Mrs. E. J. Morse
1 00
Mrs. Sarah Prosper
2 00
Mrs. M. Tucker
1 00
Mrs. N. B. Dray
10 00
Mary A. Warner
5 00
Simon Mosser
1 00
W. & L. Showres
2 00
Nelia Dudley
50
Mrs. E. B. Bray
3 00
W. F. Caldwell
5 00
Friend (Batavia, N. Y.)
8 00
W. & M. Brain
2 50
All to Co-operate
By Ellen G. White
A GOOD beginning has been made in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” What is needed now is an earnest, united effort to complete the work that has been so well begun. In the Scriptures we read, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Rom. 12:11. Every branch of God’s cause is worthy of diligence; but nothing could be more deserving than this enterprise at this time. A decided work is to be done in accomplishing God’s plan. Let every stroke tell for the Master in the selling of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Let all who possibly can, join the workers.
From the success of the efforts already made, we see that it is far better to obey God’s requirements to-day than to wait for what we might think a more favorable season. We must become men and women of God’s opportunity, for great responsibilities and possibilities are within the reach of all who have enlisted for life service under Christ’s banner.
God calls us to action, that our educational institutions may be freed from debt. Let God’s plan be worked out after his own order.
The present is an opportunity which we cannot afford to lose. We call upon all our people to help to the utmost of their ability just now. We call upon them to do a work that will be pleasing to God in purchasing the book. We ask that every available means be used to assist in its circulation. We call upon the presidents of our conferences to consider how they can forward this enterprise. We call upon our ministers, as they visit the churches, to encourage men and women to go out as canvassers, and to make a decided forward movement in the path of self-denial by giving a part of their earnings for the help of our schools.24
A general movement is needed, and this must begin with individual movements. In every church let every member of every family make determined efforts to deny self, and to help forward the work. Let the children act a part. Let all co-operate. Let us do our best at this time to render to God our offering, to carry out his specified will, and thus make an occasion for witnessing for him and his truth in a world of darkness. The lamp is in our hands. Let its light shine forth brightly.
Young men, you who think of entering the ministry, take up this work. The handling of the book placed in your hands by the Lord is to be your educator. In improving this opportunity you will certainly advance in a knowledge of God and of the best methods for reaching the people.
The Lord calls for young men and women to enter his service. The youth are receptive, fresh, ardent, hopeful. When once they have tasted the blessedness of self-sacrifice, they will not be satisfied unless they are constantly learning of the Great Teacher. The Lord will open ways before those who will respond to his call.
Bring into the work an earnest desire to learn how to bear responsibilities. With strong arms and brave hearts go forth into the conflict which all must enter, a conflict that will grow more and more severe as we approach the closing struggle. MRS. E. G. WHITE.
How “Christ’s Object Lessons” Prepares the Way for Other Work
By Byron Post
THE little church here is actively engaged in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Our quota is one hundred and fifty-two books, and we have disposed of about eighty. Our courage is good. Previously to this campaign we sold about thirty-five copies. Many of us have had rich experiences in this work, and have found many openings for the holding of Bible readings. We now hold meetings four nights of the week, but it is wearing to do that after working all day. We hope that the time will come when we can devote all our time to the work of saving souls.
BYRON POST.
J. C. ROGERS
By J. C. Rogers
ARE you fearful and afraid? Remember that “ministering angels will be round about” you as you undertake this work.
NEXT to the direct help of God, remember that nothing will help you so much in selling books as to read for yourself a few pages every day in the book.
IT has been proved that our brethren and sisters can sell more of these books among their neighbors, friends, and business acquaintances than a stranger can. It has been done by a busy business man among our brethren.
LET the librarian, in each company where the members take books to sell, manifest a personal interest in every one, seeking to encourage and help each. Here is an opportunity for the librarian to become educated for more efficient service, and remember that the best way to encourage and help another is to do some of that same work yourself.
LIBRARIANS should also feel under obligations to see that all the books are paid for, and that the money is in the hands of the conference treasurer before camp meeting. It is wiser to spend five cents sending money than to run the risk of losing it. Above all things let us all be careful not to incur debt in this effort to cancel debts and raise money for the Lord’s work.
IN a certain city of Ontario it had been said that these books could not be sold. In that very city more were sold in a short time than in any other place I have heard of in the conference. One brother sold and took orders for seven books in one day, before, after, and during business hours; and I think his business did not suffer either. The writer sold as high as eight in one day, in that same city.
J. C. ROGERS
A General Movement Needed
By Ellen G. White
THE world is in need of a stirring work for souls. “A general movement is needed, and this must begin with individual movements. In every church let every member of every family make determined efforts to deny self, and to help forward the work. . . . Let us do our best at this time to render to God our offering.” In my study of Leviticus 7, this morning, I noticed that every man had a work to do that nobody could do for him. “His own hands shall bring the offerings of the Lord.” Read verses 29, 30. This makes plain to me the expressions from the Lord which call every one to act a part in the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” This work cannot be done by proxy. “God calls upon his people to do their part in placing this book before the world. In this he is testing his people . . . to see if they will work together and be of one mind in self-denial and self-sacrifice.” I often find families of our people who have not yet procured one of these books for themselves. They certainly cannot realize the need and the blessing of selling it to others. May the Lord help every one to be willing to deny self if necessary, to get one, and then to wear it out in learning its soul-saving lessons and in reading them to his friends and neighbors. Here is a way we can deny self: “Albums filled with photographs of the family and their friends are placed where they will attract the attention of visitors. . . . Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have been used to bless humanity? . . . To all intents and purposes it is idolatry. He who searches the heart desires to win his people from every species of idolatry.”—Review and Herald, May 14, 1901.
Let us be won, brethren and sisters, by God’s seeking love, and practice this idolatry no more. “Love will be revealed in sacrifice. . . . If we love Jesus, . . . we shall love to labor for him. The very labor will be light. For his sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice.”—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” page 49. Many of us can deny self by stopping the buying of things that we do not need. Thus we may start a stream of love flowing toward souls hungering for the bread of life. Please read “Christ’s Object Lessons,” pages 191 and 418.
The Work in All Lands
By Ellen G. White
The work for the relief of our schools should be taken up by our people in all countries. Let it be entered upon by our churches in Australasia. Our school there is in need of help, and if our people will take hold of the work unitedly, they can do much toward lifting the burden of debt; they can encourage the hearts of those who are laboring to build up this, the Lord’s instrumentality; and they can aid in extending its influence of blessing to far heathen lands and to the islands of the sea.
We trust that our publishing house in Australia will make liberal terms in the publication of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The Lord has greatly blessed this institution, and it should present to him a thank offering by making no stinted donation toward freeing the school from debt. We feel sure that it will take up the work and act its part nobly. And this co-operation with God will prove to the Australian publishing house as great a blessing as it has proved to our institutions in America.
Move out in this work, my brethren in Australasia. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1. Have we not proved this in the past? As we have moved out, trusting God’s promise, things unseen, except by the eye of faith, have become things seen. As we have walked and worked by faith, God has fulfilled to us every word he has spoken. The evidence we have of the faithfulness of his promises should check every thought of unbelief. It is a sin to doubt, and we do not believe that our brethren in Australasia will be guilty of this.
The Lord has done much for you all through your borders. Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, already white for the harvest. Praise God that his word has been verified beyond all our conception.
I call upon our people to enter earnestly and disinterestedly upon the work of freeing the school from debt. Let the publishing house do its part in the publication of the book. Let our people throughout Australasia take hold of the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” God will bless them in this work.
The workers in England should make every possible effort in the sale of this book, that a school may be established in that country. My brethren in England, Germany, and all other European countries where the light of truth is shining, take hold of this work. Let this book be translated into the different languages, and circulated in the different countries of Europe. Let our canvassers in all parts of Europe be encouraged to help in its sale. The sale of this book will do much more than to aid in freeing our institutions from debt. It will open the way for our larger books to find a ready market. Thus the truth will reach many who otherwise would not receive it.
I appeal especially to our brethren in Scandinavia. Will you not take hold of the work which God has given you? Will you not labor to the utmost of your ability to relieve the embarrassed institutions in your field? Do not look on in despair, saying, “We can do nothing.” Cease to talk discouragement. Take hold of the arm of Infinite Power. Remember that your brethren in other lands are uniting to give you help. Do not fail nor be discouraged. The Lord will uphold his workers in Scandinavia if they will act their part in faith, in prayer, in hopefulness, doing all they can to advance his cause and hasten his coming.
Let a most earnest effort be made by our people in England to inspire their brethren in Scandinavia with faith and courage. Brethren, we must come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.
Remember that the nearer we approach the time of Christ’s coming, the more earnestly and firmly we are to work; for we are opposed by the whole synagogue of Satan. We do not need feverish excitement, but that courage which is born of genuine faith.
MRS. E. G. WHITE.
War with Unbelief
“THE way to war with all other sins is to war with unbelief, for the life of every sin is hid in unbelief, and if you slay this last, you slay all.”
Current Mention
— Four hundred and sixteen persons are reported killed in and around Dacca, India, by a cyclone which swept over that district near the end of April.
— The papal “apostolic delegate” to the United States, Cardinal Martinelli, has been recalled to Rome. Mgr. Falconio, the papal delegate to Canada, is announced as his successor.
— Archbishop Corrigan, the leading Catholic prelate in New York City, died at his home, May 5, of pneumonia. Other deaths of the week include Bret Harte, the novelist, and Rear-Admiral Sampson of the U. S. Navy.
— The naval bill now before Congress calls for the building of four ships larger than any now in the American navy, two battle ships of about 16,000 tons each, and two armored cruisers of 14,500 tons each, and two gunboats. The estimated cost of the six vessels is $19,500,000.
— A recent press dispatch from Berlin comments on the efficacy of the serum treatment for diphtheria, as shown by statistics gathered in that city. The annual death rate from this malady has been reduced to less than five hundred, which is hardly one quarter of the rate which prevailed before the serum treatment was introduced.
— News of what seems to be one of the greatest calamities ever caused by convulsions of nature, comes by the morning papers of May 9. St. Pierre, the principal city of Martinique, an island in the French West Indies, is reported to have been totally destroyed by a volcanic eruption or by earthquakes, or both, the exact cause not being known here at this writing. The city contained 25,000 inhabitants, nearly all of whom are thought to have been killed. Every vessel in the harbor, which was crowded with shipping, was either destroyed or badly damaged. News from the scene of the disaster was brought by steamer. It is probable that adjacent islands have also suffered, and how great the damage and loss of life may be can only be conjectured. The submarine cable to Martinique suddenly ceased working on May 7, which is the probable date of the catastrophe.
— “There are gloomy prophecies as to the outlook in India,” says a dispatch dated at London, May 3. “Both the plague and the famine,” it continues, “appear to be worse than ever, and the unfortunate country is threatened with even greater horrors than during the recent famine and disease. The plague has now spread over upper India in an alarming manner, and is peculiarly virulent in the Punjab. Efforts in the earlier stages to stamp it out by measures involving coercion were entirely ineffectual, besides rousing popular discontent, which threatened to become so serious that the supreme government was forced to interfere with the local authorities.”
— A bill to prohibit all kinds of games on Sunday in the District of Columbia was introduced in the Senate at Washington, May 1, by Senator Dillingham, of Vermont, and in the House at the same time by Representative Allen, of Maine. The opinion is expressed at the capital that the bill is not likely to pass, on account of the enthusiasm for golf shown by senators, representatives, cabinet officers, justices of the Supreme Court, and other influential men. The reappearance of this District Sunday bill, after repeated attempts to get through Congress some years ago, shows the persistence of the parties who are bent on getting Congress committed to Sunday legislation and the union of church and state. This latest effort will certainly bear watching.
— The topic of chief interest in Congress the past week has been the situation in the Philippine Archipelago and the duty of the government in the matter, in view of the methods of warfare adopted by some commanders of the American forces. It is admitted that General Jacob Smith gave orders to a force sent to subjugate the island of Samar, to “kill and burn,” to make Samar “a howling wilderness,” and to shoot all males over ten years of age, whether armed or not. General Smith is being tried by court martial at Manila for his conduct in this respect, and is being vigorously defended, not only before the court, but by the Army and Navy Journal in this country, by senators in Congress, and by leading newspapers. This justification of the action of American commanders in copying the barbarities of the savage people they were sent to civilize, is perhaps the most significant feature of the present aspect of the Philippine problem. The language of Jacob Schurman, president of Cornell University and president of the first Philippine commission, is pertinent: “Most truly was it said in 1898 that the question was not, What shall we do with the Philippines? but, What shall the Philippines do with us? This question we are now seeing answered. On the other side of the globe, irritated by a bad climate, confronted by great difficulties, and exposed to great temptations without the home restraints that keep men steady, galled and exasperated by the machinations of an elusive foe, whose color and stature make it impossible for the Anglo-Saxon to treat him with respect, some Americans at least have been guilty of conduct which evokes the horror and detestation of mankind. But if . . . our hearts quiver with moral indignation, let the bolt strike not only the unhappy individuals, but the system and policy of which they have been the victims.”
— From indications which appear in Japan, China, and other Asiatic countries, the belief seems justified that the whole world is destined to adopt the Roman alphabet.
— According to the latest reports from Russia, it appears that one of the chief causes of the rioting in the southern provinces was a bogus proclamation purporting to come from the czar, abolishing serfdom, and directing the peasants to confiscate the lands of the nobles and divide them among themselves. The circulation of this pretended royal ukase among the peasants is ascribed to the revolutionary propaganda now so active in that country.
— An international conference on the subject of wireless telegraphy, is being discussed as a probable necessity of advancing science and commercial conditions which such a means of communication must naturally affect. The New York Sun believes that “it is a subject of the first importance, with the certainty of tremendous conflict over patents and the possibility of perplexing international complications. So an international conference, sooner or later, is pretty clearly indicated.”
“Christ’s Object Lessons” Again
By J. W. Watt
THE sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is the work for the present hour among this people. The Lord has spoken. Let us heed his call. May 22 has been appointed for another special sale of this good book in Vermont. We hope all our people in the State will be prepared to go out that day and do earnest work for the Master.
One sister over fifty years of age has sold twenty-six copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and is planning to sell still more. This sister does not have good health. She lives a number of miles from any village, and has no team to drive. Her work shows what can be accomplished by the blessing of God when one is really interested in this work, and goes forward trusting in the Lord.
May the Lord help us to sense the importance of this work, that we may engage in it with all our hearts.
J. W. WATT.
The Summer Assembly at Berrien Springs, Mich.
By E. A. Sutherland
THE summer assembly at Berrien Springs, Mich., from June 12 to August 20, offers unusual advantages to every person who desires to join the corps of laborers who are working for the salvation of children and youth, in the day school and in the Sabbath school.
Two thousand teachers ought to be in the field this coming year. We are told that there are persons to fill every position as soon as the way is prepared for them. The summer school is the means offered to prepare these teachers. Not only is the opportunity offered by the summer assembly at Berrien Springs for teachers to become more efficient in their work, but the beautiful surroundings will enable them to pursue their studies, at the same time obtaining rest and renewed vigor for another year.
The expense of the summer training is often a heavy burden to teachers, who feel that they can ill afford to spend the money required. But this difficulty is largely removed for all qualified students who wish to take the training offered at Berrien Springs this summer. The Educational Department of the General Conference, the Lake Union Conference, and Emmanuel Missionary College have united in bearing the financial burdens of a thorough training for ten weeks. Tuition and tents, with furniture, are offered free. Board will be served on the European plan.
Associated with the course for teachers, will be an excellent course for Christian business men and stenographers. There is a great dearth at present of earnest, consecrated persons to work in these two branches of God’s cause. The General Conference has arranged for a strong course of instruction that will speedily and thoroughly prepare the right kind of persons to do efficient work in these lines. The advantages offered to the teachers are also extended to the last-named class of students.
Write for announcement giving details. Address the writer at Berrien Springs, Mich. E. A. SUTHERLAND.
An Opportunity for Patriarchs and Prophets
By Editor
WE note with interest that many of the State agents are calling the special attention of the people in their States to the providential opening for the immediate sale of that excellent book, “Patriarchs and Prophets.” They cite the fact that on July 6 of the present year the International Sunday School Lessons take up the study of the Exodus, and continue through the remainder of the year on the study of the Sanctuary, and the general history of the Children of Israel, and that inasmuch as “Patriarchs and Prophets” is especially helpful on these subjects, and can be easily introduced as an excellent commentary on the International Lessons, the present circumstances render this time very favorable to the placing of this book in the homes of the Bible-studying people of this age.
This opportunity seems providential, and we hope that our people will not allow it to pass unimproved. Canvassers need not stop their regular work to take up this book, but our lay members can place it in the hands of the Sunday-school superintendents and teachers in their respective communities, with but little effort. A copy of the International Lessons should be secured and studied in connection with “Patriarchs and Prophets,” so that we may easily and clearly show wherein the book is especially helpful in the study of the Sunday-school lessons. A copy of these lessons may be secured from T. B. Arnold, 104 Franklin St., Chicago, Ill., for twenty-five cents, postpaid. This is an important opening, and every member of every church should improve it to the extent of his God-given ability, and should begin to do it now.
Let Us Remember
By J. S. James
WE are constantly forgetting things we should remember, and remembering things that we should forget. It is a blessed thing for us to rehearse the promises of God, and renew them in our remembrance. It is a fatal thing for us to retain in our minds those things that should be forgotten. By doing the former, we are enabled to establish ourselves against temptation, and to discern evil. By doing the latter, we weaken the mind by burdening it with useless trash, thereby lessening its power to grasp divine truth.
No one has greater need of calling to remembrance the sure promises of God than does the canvasser. In his work he is surrounded with circumstances far different from those of his brethren. No one can fully appreciate his place unless he has had an experience in that work. Daily and hourly he comes face to face with problems that would puzzle the best of minds.
It takes more than human wisdom to meet the things that have to be met in the canvassing field. The Lord must be sought earnestly to go before and prepare the way for the truth to enter.
I wish to mention a few things that have come to me by way of remembrance since engaging in the canvassing work, that have been a great help to me, as well as an encouragement. I would like to have you follow me as I relate them.
Let us remember that “the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.” Luke 10:2. Let us remember to read the rest of that verse and practice it every day.
Let us remember that the Lord has said, “There should be one hundred canvassers in the field where there is one.”
Let us remember that our dropping out of this work will not increase the number.
Let us remember to place ourselves in a position where we can truthfully say, “Here am I; send me.”
Let us remember that the Lord has said, “Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” Matt. 20:7.
Let us remember, “There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” Luke 18:29, 30.
After we have spent the entire week toiling over hot and dusty roads under a broiling sun, or through winter’s blast of snow and wind, without seeing any apparent result, let us remember, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:6.
Let us remember, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isa. 32:20.
When we are told that the man in the next house is not a Christian, and would not be interested in our book, let us remember, “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.
When the door is shut in our face, let us remember, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Isa. 53:3.
When we are called a “set of religious tramps” and an “abominable horde of proselyters,” let us remember to read the record given in the fourth chapter of first Corinthians beginning with the tenth verse: “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”
When the bed in which we sleep seems hard, cold, and damp, let us remember, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Luke 9:58.
When the food we have to eat does not taste as good as it might, let us remember, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”27John 4:34. To “keep the commandments of his lips,” and to esteem the words of his mouth is more than my necessary food. Job 23:12; also see John 17:18.
Let us remember that we should be “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Eph. 5:16.
Let us remember that if we are faithful to our trust, “when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4.
“Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance.” 2 Tim. 2:10–14.
J. S. JAMES.
Decatur, Ill.
Living to God
By Mrs. E. S. Armitage
O LORD of life and love and power,
How joyful life might be
If in thy service every hour
We lived and moved with thee!
If youth in all its bloom and might
By thee were sanctified,
And manhood found its chief delight
In working at thy side!
'Tis ne'er too late while life shall last
A new life to begin;
'Tis ne'er too late to leave the past
And break with self and sin.
And we this day, both young and old,
Would earnestly aspire
For hearts to nobler purpose strung
And purified desire.
Nor for ourselves alone we plead,
But for all faithful souls
Who serve thy cause by word or deed,
Whose names thy book enrolls;
O speed thy work, victorious King,
And give thy workers might,
That through the world thy truth may ring,
And all men see the light.
—Mrs. E. S. Armitage, in Missionary Visitor.
Personal Effort and Prayer
THROUGH personal effort joined with the prayer of faith the soul is trained.
The Religion of Christ
The religion of Christ is not what many think it is, nor what their lives represent it to be.
Victory Through Full Surrender
· WE shall not gain the victory through numbers, but through the full surrender of the soul to Jesus.
Zeal and Order in Religious Life
THE same zeal and energy, tact and order, that are exercised in counting-rooms and shops and in the fine arts, should be brought into the religious life, and exercised in the work of God.
Trials That Lead Us Nearer to Christ
The very trials that test our faith most severely, and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are designed to lead us nearer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at his feet, and receive the peace he will give us in exchange.
Laboring to Save Souls
THERE are men who never gave a discourse in their lives who ought to be laboring to save souls. Neither great talent nor high position is required. But there is urgent need of men and women who are acquainted with Jesus, and familiar with the story of his life and death.
PUBLISHERS’ BOOK DEPARTMENT
By E. R. Palmer
ISSUED MONTHLY IN BEHALF OF THE
CIRCULATION OF OUR DENOMINATIONAL LITERATURE
E. R. PALMER — EDITOR
Our Banner Day
By E. E. Miles
OUR banner day is the day when we reach the highest point, when we accomplish the most, when we excel. Which day in the week shall we choose for our banner day? The apostle Paul says, “When I am weak, then am I strong.” Through the spirit of prophecy we are told that, in point of character, our weakest points may be made our strongest points. Unquestionably our weak day is Monday, not because it is wash day, nor because there are great obstacles in the way of meeting the people on Monday, but because of the little, simple matter of dread, disinclination, lack of enthusiasm. The canvasser has been out of the field for two days, and by relaxation has come to feel timid and weak; he needs a tonic, such as would be afforded by fixing upon Monday as the banner day of all the week. Why not work more hours and with more intense activity on this day than on any other day? You have just had two days and three nights of rest. All you have to do is to overcome a little mental difficulty; you are physically rested and physically strong; now let the mind be braced for business by a settled, fixed, determined purpose to be at the place to begin canvassing just a little earlier on Monday than on other days (go to your field on Sunday if the distance is great), and to make this day count for success at every turn. Do this, and your success as a canvasser is assured; banner Mondays make28banner weeks. The ice must be broken every week, and if it is not done on Monday, it remains to be broken on Tuesday, after another day’s freezing. Unless we get it thoroughly broken up and cleared away by a genuine thaw on the first day out, it will be drifting around on our little sea of operations all the week, to block our way, and to keep us from having clear sailing at any time. How many of our canvassers will make Monday their banner day for the spring and summer of 1902? — E. E. Miles, in Keystone Gleaner.
An Interesting Letter
By T. E. Bowen
ROME, N. Y., April 11, 1902.
Prof. P. T. Magan,
Berrien Springs, Mich.
DEAR BROTHER: For some time I have been thinking of writing you a few lines regarding the work with “Christ's Object Lessons” in New York. Just before the special effort in the Lake Union Conference, and before Elder Daniells's article appeared in the REVIEW, Brother Thompson and I had been specially impressed with the necessity of engaging in this work anew. We had materialized plans, which we were about to execute. I mention this simply because it seemed to us an evidence that God was impressing hearts alike in this work. With vigor the matter was undertaken. The conference committee was called together and plans laid. All began work together and in earnest. Our district superintendents began in their territory. The ministers were asked to spend the whole month of March in working for the book from house to house, and in helping the district men among the churches as they were needed. Brother Thompson and I also assisted what we could. The brethren caught the spirit and went to work. As one since expressed it, they saw that we meant business, that we had taken off our coats, rolled up our sleeves, and gone to work.
Up to Feb. 1, 1902, we had shipped from this office into our conference territory 1,579 books. During February but few books were sent out, so the principal part was accomplished in March. During March we shipped out in actual orders 1,359 books, or only 220 less than during the entire sixteen months previous. Had we done as much each month during this time, we would have sold during the sixteen months 21,744 books, or over twice the amount of our quota.
We have encouraged our churches to order in small quantities, and work them off as quickly as possible, rather than load up too heavily.
Of course this may not sound very booming to you, as you may have had the pleasure of reading larger figures from States in the West, but there is certainly a vast difference between this Eastern territory and the Western. People are harder to move, even among our own denomination, as well as among the book-buying public.
We feel grateful to God indeed for his blessing which is attending the work, and all the glory of the success attained is his. With the good hand of our God upon us, we expect to do our part in this work. We meet obstacles, trials, etc., but these are good for our spiritual muscle. Let us have your prayers.
