p. 20 | Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 27. (7/7/1910)

North Carolina

By W. E. CARTER

ELIZABETH CITY.—It has been some time since I have said anything about our work in eastern North Carolina. On our little boat we have opportunities to meet and talk with men whom we could reach in no other way. Often while lying at anchor in harbor with other vessels, the captains and part of their crews will visit our boat and spend the evening, sometimes staying till late, studying the Bible and listening to its precious truths. They have come to know our boat, and there is hardly an evening that we do not have a company on board. Often the invitation is given from captains of other vessels, “Come on board to-night; we want to hear you talk.” Sometimes I accept, but more often I invite them to come on board my boat. So the crowd gathers, and often the cabin is full, and some are on the deck outside when the weather will permit.

In nearly all the towns where our literature has been sold, offers of places in which to hold meetings have been extended to us. The people are anxious to hear the message. We expect to give our boat entirely to the mission work this fall. W. E. CARTER.

An Important Move for Chicago

By Chas. T. Everson

At the annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Conference, recently held at Sheridan, Ill., considerable time was devoted to a discussion of ways and means to make our work more successful, especially in the large cities. With Chicago, the second largest city in the United States, as an integral part of this conference, the call to warn the large cities of America came home with special force to the delegates at the meeting. The great burden that rests continually upon the messenger of the Lord concerning this city problem was emphasized again and again during the conference. On the last day of the meeting Dr. Paulson presented some definite plans to assist materially in solving this question, as far as Chicago is concerned.

The following resolution was presented, and enthusiastically adopted by the delegates:—

“Whereas, Dr. Paulson and his associates have been especially burdened by the great need of the city of Chicago; and,—

“Whereas, They have taken some definite steps to cope with this city problem, by establishing a medical missionary home in the old training-school at Thirty-third Place, where city missionaries can receive a short, practical nurses’ course, especially fitting them to treat and give Bible instruction to persons in moderate circumstances,—

“Therefore, Resolved that this conference extend its sympathy and co-operation to this work, which is an endeavor to respond to the persistent call made by the servant of the Lord to warn the cities; and, further,— “Resolved, That we recommend that plans be made to put this resolution into effect at a joint meeting of the Northern Illinois Conference Committee and the Hinsdale Sanitarium Board.”

All felt that the adoption of these resolutions was a step in the right direction, and are confident that, if rightly managed, this work will prove a great blessing to the cause in Chicago.

CHAS. T. EVERSON.

North Carolina

By A. W. Spaulding

NAPLES.— This district, upon and behind the mountains that extend toward Hickorynut Gap, is widely known as “the dark corner of Henderson County.” Brother Laursen and I have been going up there, four miles by trail, Sunday after Sunday, to a poor little Sunday-school that the people have been trying to hold. Last Sunday I stayed all day, and by request led their afternoon prayer-meeting. They are all users of tobacco and snuff, many of them live in tiny, dirty log cabins, but they are earnest. In their prayers and testimonies some of them spoke with fervor of God’s answering their prayers to send some one up to help them. Since the first visit or two, they have welcomed us gladly. There are bright faces, bright minds, among them, some precious jewels to be gathered for the Master.

Their school, like most of the country schools here, is held only four months in the year, and sometimes not that long; for there is no compulsory school law, and unless the teacher is a vigorous young man, the school is not likely to continue the full term. But the right kind of school will be welcomed, and we hope to see one established among them soon.

A different class we meet at another Sunday-school nearer us, in the valley, where Prof. S. Brownsberger, Brother Hall, and others have been attending. There we meet our neighbors, mostly a substantial farmer class, and some of the more aristocratic villagers. Everywhere we have been welcomed, and seed is being sown that we trust will bear fruit in due time.

We should be able to respond to the eagerness of many to read. The children and young people need to be given a wider horizon. If we could establish a small circulating library, it would be very helpful. Biographies of missionaries, interesting books of science and travel, nature-story books, and some of our own works, could well be used. By judicious management, such a library may be the means of widely disseminating the truth among those who now have almost no access to reading-matter. Others have started reading-rooms and libraries in parts of this mountain country, in which works of fiction predominate. We should not be behind in our efforts. If there are any who would like to give books to help establish such a work, they may correspond with the writer, at Naples, N. C. Any books sent should be in good condition and have transportation prepaid.

A. W. SPAULDING.

Minnesota Camp-Meeting

By K. C. Russell

The Minnesota annual conference and camp-meeting were held at Hutchinson, Minn., June 9-10. The camp was only two blocks from the center of the town, in a beautiful park containing many large trees. The abundant shade was greatly appreciated, as the weather was very hot. About six hundred fifty persons were encamped upon the grounds, and the attendance of the citizens of Hutchinson and vicinity was good, especially in the evenings during the latter part of the meeting.

Besides services in the English language, regular meetings were held for the Scandinavian and German brethren. A number of doctrinal themes were presented during the evening services. At the meetings designed especially for our people, subjects adapted to their needs were presented. Both Sabbaths of the meeting, revival services were held, with excellent results. The needs of the various departments of our work were considered, and plans were laid for more aggressive effort along all lines of missionary endeavor. Five workers were released for other fields, and a number of recruits were added to the home force.

It will be remembered that Hutchinson is the town where the Danish-Norwegian seminary is to be established. We had the pleasure of visiting the fine building which, through the providence of God, our brethren have been able to secure. A liberal response was made to a call for funds for this school, and to help raise the $300,000 Fund. Some

three thousand dollars was taken up in cash and pledges. The book sales amounted to about five hundred dollars.

On the first Sunday of the meeting an interesting and profitable temperance rally was conducted. The mayor of Hutchinson, who is a strong temperance man, participated with our brethren in the program. For two years no liquor has been sold in Hutchinson, and the jail has been empty. On the last Sunday afternoon of the meeting twenty-six persons were baptized, a large company witnessing the rite.

There was one feature connected with this meeting that perhaps contributed more than any other to its success, and that was the district meeting, or family worship. The occupants of three family tents were grouped together in district meetings, and during the hour set apart for these meetings, it was planned that none should wander about the grounds, but every one be in attendance at one of them.

Elder S. E. Jackson, with a strong associate committee, was chosen to superintend the work for another year.

Besides the regular laborers of the conference there were present Elders R. A. Underwood, O. A. Olsen, C. Santee, M. N. Campbell, A. J. Haysmer, L. H. Christian, G. F. Haffner, S. Mortenson, L. A. Hansen, W. L. Manful, Prof. P. T. Magan, Dr. G. H. Heald, and the writer.

K. C. RUSSELL.

Missionary Work in the New Mexico Conference

By J. J. JOBE

SOME say that New Mexico is a hard field in which to work. There are four reasons for this: (1) The meager railroad facilities, which necessitate traveling long distances to get from one side of the territory to the other; (2) the railroad fare is four cents a mile; (3) the drought—in some parts of the country it has not rained for two or three years, and consequently is very dry; (4) the cry of hard times and no money is constantly heard.

But shall we cease missionary operations because of these conditions?—Never. The gospel must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before Jesus comes, no matter what the conditions and environment of the people.

In looking over the summaries of the book and periodical work from month to month, we see that New Mexico is not behind all the other conferences, and we praise the Lord that he has enabled us to do something in this needy field; yet we as a conference are not doing one tenth the missionary work we ought to do.

If we could only enlist all our lay members in even a small amount of active home missionary work, what a mighty work would soon be done in the land! In many instances where your neighbors are too poor to buy books, they would gladly buy a truth-filled magazine for only ten cents. Try it, and make a beginning in this good work by ordering a few copies each month of Life and Health, Watchman, Signs, Protestant Magazine, Liberty, or the Temperance Instructor. Order through the New Mexico Tract Society, Box 114, Albuquerque, N. M.

J. J. JOBE, State Miss. Agent.

The Society Islands

By F. E. LYNDON.

I HAVE been here three weeks with Brother B. J. Cady, and have finished the business necessary to be done in connection with the property of the conference, and also have obtained an insight into the general work going on in the different islands of the group.

Our schooner, the “Tiare,” makes periodical trips to Pitcairn Island, taking food and clothing, and bringing back in payment island produce for the Tahiti market. Without this visit of the schooner to Pitcairn Island, there would be no exit for the produce of the island, and no means by which the islanders could pay their tithe for the support of the work, as nearly all their tithe comes to us in the form of fungus, curios, arrowroot, etc.

On the island of Tahiti we have three churches, two of which are native, while the third is for the Pitcairn islanders. Since the “Tiare” has been running to and from Pitcairn, quite a number of our people from the island have come to Tahiti and Raiatea, so accommodation had to be made for a place of worship for them in Papeete, Tahiti. Bora-bora, an island close to Raiatea, has a church building for our native brethren. There is also a church building on Raiatea for Europeans and natives.

I was pleased to meet our native brethren in the different churches. It is good to see how the truth is spreading among all the islands of the sea. Before the end all the small islands must be visited, and the people given an opportunity to receive the message.

Our papers are sent out every month into every opening that appears among the many islets about here. But this is not enough: living witnesses must be raised up to confirm the printed page.

We are looking for workers among our Pitcairn brethren. They readily learn the native language, and can better adapt themselves to the rough island life which usually accompanies all aggressive missionary effort in this part of the field. Then again they like sea life, with its varying changes of storm and calm. Seasickness is hardly known among them.

While in conversation recently with a brother from Pitcairn about the missionary work on a small island in the Cook Islands, I told him that if he went there, he would need to take a bag of rice with him, as there were only mummy apples and coconuts on the island. He replied it was not necessary, as he could put up with boiled coconut leaves in times of need. These are the men who seem to be by nature qualified to enter some of the parts of the broad Pacific-island field, where sailing boats seldom call.

To the east of us lie the Tuamotu Islands, about one hundred in number, of which fifty are inhabited. Little has been done so far for these people, yet we must plan to have the gospel go to them all. F. E. LYNDON.

Eastern Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting

By B. G. Wilkinson

FAVORED by a large attendance if not by the most propitious weather, the annual session of the Eastern Pennsylvania conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting, June 2-12, at Allentown, Pa. This was by far the largest camp-meeting ever held in Eastern Pennsylvania. Nearly every cottage was filled, some having as many as nine occupants; at least three of the farmhouses near by were filled with our people; and others secured accommodations in a neighboring town. Had the weather been favorable, it would have been impossible to accommodate the large attendance.

There was a decidedly deep spiritual movement from the very beginning of the meeting. Revivals were held during the week, and on each Sabbath many precious souls gave their hearts to God, some for the first time. Deep gratitude and praise filled the hearts of many parents and relatives as they saw these young people surrender themselves to the service of the Master.

As there were spiritual blessings received, so was there a liberal spirit on the part of the people to respond with temporal gifts. The $300,000 Fund was presented one evening, and the response was so hearty that practically one third of the entire quota for the conference was raised. When the “Ministry of Healing” campaign, also called “the sanitarium relief campaign,” was presented, it was an inspiring sight to see the members of the congregation come forward and secure their six copies of this book, which has been set apart as a means of securing relief for our health institutions in financial distress. A large general donation in behalf of foreign missions was also given, in order to relieve the pressure which is always felt by the Foreign Mission Board at this season in sending out the usual appropriations.

There was an excellent spirit of service and consecration on the part of the young people. At one meeting nearly thirty of the youth signified their desire to enter school this coming fall, that they might prepare themselves to work in the cause. The brethren in attendance from outside the conference were Elders K. C. Russell, W. T. Knox, and A. G. Daniells, Dr. D. H. Kress and Prof. S. M. Butler, besides the laborers directly connected with the departments of the union conference. The present officers were unanimously elected to serve for the ensuing year.

It was the unanimous feeling that this camp-meeting will contribute greatly toward the advancement and progress of the truth in this conference the coming year.

B. G. WILKINSON.

Field Notes

Seven persons have been baptized at Ketchum, Okla., recently.

Two persons have recently begun to keep the Sabbath at Leavenworth, Kan.

Elder D. U. Hale reports the baptism of four persons at Oxly, Mo., recently.

Four additions have been made to the church at Muncie, Ind., during the winter.

A letter from Elder A. R. Bell states that six persons are ready for baptism at Carlisle, Pa.

While stopping over at McCook, Neb., Elder A. T. Robinson baptized a new convert.

Elder F. B. Grant has been spending a few days in Farmington, Maine, and reports two new Sabbath-keepers.

At Elliott, Cal., ten are now keeping the Sabbath, and others are showing a deep interest in the message.

Eight persons were baptized recently at Thayer, Kans.

Three have decided to obey the Lord at Ishpeming, Mich.

At Tuscumbia, Ala., three persons were recently baptized.

Four new converts were baptized at Marshfield, Ore., recently.

Elder U. S. Anderson reports one new convert at Greentown, Ind.

Two families have taken a firm stand for the truth at Clam Falls, Wis.

Three new converts have begun to keep the Sabbath at Frederic, Wis.

Brother D. U. Hale reports the baptism of three persons at Cabool, Mo.

Elder C. A. Hansen recently baptized three persons at Trufant, Mich.

At Ford City, Pa., five persons have begun the observance of the Sabbath.

At the annual outing of the church at Harrisburg, Pa., recently, nine persons were baptized by Elder A. R. Bell.

At Hugo, Manitoba, several persons have taken their stand for God and his commandments, and desire baptism.

Twenty-one persons have taken a stand for the truth at Simcoe, Ontario, as a result of meetings held at that place.

Brother Hans Bonde reports two new Sabbath-keepers at Islay, Alberta, Canada, and some interested ones at Vegreville.

As the result of meetings held recently in Algona, Iowa, fourteen have been added to the church there, eleven by baptism.

Nine persons, eight in Milltown, Ind., and one at Marengo, Ind., have begun the observance of the Sabbath during the last few weeks.

An interesting service was conducted at Aurora, Ill., recently, when four new converts were baptized, Elder C. R. Magoon performing the rite.

Recently six persons were baptized, and added to the church at Grand Island, Neb. Others are keeping the Sabbath who will be baptized later.

A letter from Elder B. Post reports that one or two have accepted the truth at Frederic, Wis., since the meetings were begun there; others are interested.

Three of the students at the academy at Lacombe, Alberta, were recently baptized by Elder C. A. Burman. Seven students in all have now taken this step since last fall.

Word just received from Brother W. F. Kilmer, of Carbondale, Pa., says that several are keeping the Sabbath in West Clifford, Pa., as the result of meetings held there by Elder C. S. Weist.

Brother C. H. Miller reports the baptism of six adults at Hartington, Neb.

Elder W. E. Bidwell recently baptized two young people at Pleasant Hill, Ohio.

At Mason City, Iowa, fourteen persons have been added to the church, eleven by baptism.

As the result of meetings held at Gay, W. Va., five persons have accepted the Sabbath and been baptized.

Five of the students of Bethel (Wis.) Academy were baptized recently by the principal, Elder C. L. Stone.

As a result of the labors of Brother R. L. Bradford, at Ottawa, Kan., four persons have accepted the truth.

As the result of meetings held at Cartersville, Ga., recently, three adults have begun the observance of the Sabbath.

Elder C. A. Wyman baptized fourteen students at the Laurelwood Academy, Gaston, Ore., shortly before the close of the year’s work.

On a recent Sabbath a baptismal service was held in the English church at Minneapolis, Minn., when two candidates were baptized. Elder A. W. Kuehl officiated. Others will be baptized soon.

Baptismal services were held at Maple Grove, N. C., recently, when Elder R. T. Nash baptized seven persons. Twenty-two were taken into the church, all but three of this number being new converts.

West Pennsylvania

By I. G. BIGELOW

THE past year has been a busy one for our canvassers in West Pennsylvania. Beginning with June, 1909, and ending with May, 1910, and with sixteen names enrolled, four working the year through, five about six months, and the remaining seven a few weeks each, God helped us to take orders to the value of $10,491.98, a gain of $3,932.66 over the same time for the previous year. The first five months of 1910 show orders taken to the value of $4,532.47, a gain of $1,295.74 over the corresponding period for 1909. We closed the year 1909 with a gain over 1908 of about $5,000.

Some of the books sold have been placed in city homes, while hundreds have gone into the mountains and valleys, thus reaching those who may never have another opportunity to become acquainted with the truth. No fewer than twelve thousand homes have been entered by these faithful canvassers, and with many families prayer has been offered and Bible instruction given. In hundreds of homes where the canvassers have stayed overnight, the truth has been given more fully. Many families have said farewell with tears, and have given an earnest invitation to the worker to return. During the last year some have begun to keep the Sabbath as a result of the efforts of these canvassers.

I. G. BIGELOW, Missionary Secretary.

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

The Business Side of Sanitarium Work

That there is a business side to our sanitarium work should not be ignored. It is essential that we recognize it fully, and give due consideration to its requirements. At the same time we must remember that our sanitariums are not commercial enterprises, and their work is not to be conducted on a merely money-making basis. Nothing could be more detrimental to the spirit and life of any missionary work than to perform it for the sake of money. It is a veritable contradiction of profession and works. If our sanitariums are not really and truly missionary enterprises, real factors for the extension of the work of God in the earth, they should not be reckoned as a part of his cause, and they have no excuse for existence.

There are a number of things that must be taken into account in considering the earning capacity of these institutions. Many workers are needed in order successfully to conduct the work of an institution where the sick are its special care. This force of workers can not be readily or easily reduced with the occasional drop in patronage, as it is made up mostly of responsible heads of the departments and workers in training, who either can not be spared or are dependent upon the institution for their support. A salary and wage list is necessary in order to pay this company of workers.

There must be a store of provisions, suitable and sufficient for the varied needs of patients, guests, and workers. The entire building must be kept well heated most of the year, and this makes a fuel bill of unusual size. Expensive medical supplies must be provided. The ever-growing interest account is often more than equivalent to a large rental bill. Countless other expenses swell the list, and make it necessary, under the most favorable conditions, to plan carefully in order to make the income meet the outlay.

Conservative estimates have been made of the average cost of caring for patients, based upon normal patronage. In an institution in one part of the country it is $16.25 a week; and in one in another, $23.50. With others it will range between these figures or lower, depending somewhat upon local conditions; but in all it is more than one would estimate it to be if he figured on the basis of his own home living expenses.

The regular rates of some of our sanitariums run as low as $12 a week, or even less, for board, room, general treatment, and medical attention. These rates are usually subject to a liberal discount to physicians, clergymen, missionaries, and all Seventh-day Adventists. Special concessions on prices are often made for cases requiring it. The general care and treatment are the same, regardless of rates. We therefore can not judge the earning capacity of a sanitarium on the basis of the highest rates given in its catalogue.

Business Methods Essential

With the many interests involved, careful attention must be given to the business management. The institution would be recreant to its own interests, and to those of the people and cause it represents, if it did not do its utmost to follow consistent business principles. It would be subject to reprimand for poor management.

The institution must guard carefully its rate standard, its source of material existence: indifference or carelessness in this respect will be disastrous to its income. It must protect itself against abuse of its discount privileges; it must see carefully to collection of accounts for services rendered; in general, it must look after its business in a businesslike manner. This part of its work may sometimes seem contradictory to its profession as a missionary enterprise; but as long as it is done in a Christian manner, it is consistent with that profession in every way.

It is probable that at no time would we have had large sums of money to give outright to the relief of our sanitarium work, and at the same time do what we have done in other lines. And the call now made is not for donations of cash. In the present plan of relief there is given us a simple means of rendering efficient help. Without drawing on our own resources we can, with only a little effort on our part, bring to this work the financial assistance that perhaps we could never give to it directly.

L. A. HANSEN.

_Educational Convention_

By H. R. S.

The educational convention, held at Berrien Springs, Mich., June 10-20, in every way exceeded the expectations of those who came. The attendance was larger than any of us had dared to hope, there being about one hundred fifty delegates, representing all our training-schools throughout the United States and Canada. From the very beginning, it was evident that the teachers had come for one purpose—to study the needs of the hour, and plan their work to meet those needs. Perfect harmony marked the work of each day, and when the convention adjourned, and the teachers scattered again to every part of the United States, it was with the feeling that the session had been a great blessing, both spiritually and in bringing about closer harmony and greater unity in our educational work in all its departments.

We were most hospitably entertained by the management of the Emmanuel Missionary College, and with perfect weather every day, and the pleasant surroundings of the college, nothing was left to be desired.

To give one a better idea of the work of the convention, it should be stated that the program was divided into two parts: (1) the forenoon, given to general work, as outlined in the program below; (2) the afternoon from two to five forty-five, when the convention was divided into sixteen sections, each section spending the time in close study of those matters pertaining to its interests. Each morning from six thirty to seven o'clock, the teachers observed the morning watch, following the texts of the Morning Watch Calendar. The following general program was then carried out:—

_PROGRAM_

_Friday, June 10_

11:30 Devotional Service 2:30 Address: “The Convention and Its Work” — H. R. Salisbury Meeting and Organizing of Sections 7:15 Vesper Service: “The Education of the Heart” — C. C. Lewis

_Sabbath, June 11_

9:45 Sabbath-school 11:00 Sermon: “The Holy Spirit, the Teacher” — H. R. Salisbury 3:00 Bible Study — F. Burg 8:00 Social Hour:—

Reception by the Department of Education, and the faculty of Emmanuel Missionary College.
Solo — Mrs. S. A. Smith
Greetings — O. J. Graf
Response — E. R. Palmer
Solo — Frederick Griggs
Symposium on Social Education (five-minute talks): (a) Value of Social Education, M. E. Kern; (b) Social Gatherings, Mrs. Sheperd; (c) Table Etiquette, Myrta M. Kellogg; (d) Social Forms and Usages, Mrs. F. D. Chase.
Solo — Gerard Geritsen

_Sunday, June 12_

8:30 Devotional Service: “The Morning Watch” — C. L. Benson 9:00-10:30 “Maintaining the Balance in Educational Effort” — C. W. Irwin “The Use and Abuse of the Academical Degree” — C. C. Lewis Discussion, led by J. L. Shaw 11:00-12:30 “Qualification and Training of Teachers for College Work” — O. J. Graf “The Preparation of Students for Specific Lines of Gospel Work” — M. E. Kern 7:45 Address: “Our Times, Our Message, Our Schools” — Frederick Griggs

_Monday, June 13_

8:30 Devotional Service: “Feeding on the Word” — W. E. Videto 9:00-10:30 “Thoroughness in Preparatory Work” — C. L. Stone Discussion, led by M. E. Olsen “The Home—Its Relation to the School” — Mrs. C. C. Lewis Discussion, led by F. M. Burg 11:00-12:30 “School Regulations” — C. B. Hughes Discussion, led by C. S. Longacre “Games and Recreations” — C. C. Lewis Discussion, led by O. J. Graf 7:45 Symposium: School Homes

_Tuesday, June 14_

8:30 Devotional Service: “Spiritual Reform” — M. E. Kern 9:00-10:30 “The Place of Industries in the College Curriculum” — E. A. Sutherland “The Financial Features of Industrial Education” — B. M. Emerson Discussion, led by C. W. Irwin 11:00-12:30 “Reports of Progress in Industrial Education” — Presidents of Schools and Heads of Industrial Departments 7:45 Bible Study — A. G. Daniells

_Wednesday, June 15_

8:30 Devotional Service: “Power of Example” — W. J. Blake 9:00-10:30 “How Colleges Can Promote the Foreign Mission Spirit” — C. L. Benson “The Place of the Foreign Mission Seminary in Our System of Schools” — A. G. Daniells 11:00-12:30 “The Fireside Correspondence School” — W. E. Howell Discussion, led by E. R. Palmer “How to Fill Our Schools With Students” — M. E. Kern Discussion, led by M. E. Cady 7:45 Bible Study — A. G. Daniells

_Thursday, June 16_

8:30 Devotional Service: “Personal Work” — M. B. Van Kirk 9:00-10:30 “The School Home” — Alma J. Graf Discussion, led by H. G. Lucas “The Mission of the Educational Magazine” — Frederick Griggs Discussion, led by C. W. Irwin 11:00-12:30 “What Should Be Taught in Our Schools?” — M. E. Cady “Education of Bible Workers and the Needs of the Cities” — Mrs. A. T. Robinson Discussion, led by A. G. Daniells 7:45 Bible Study — A. G. Daniells

_Friday, June 17_

8:30 Devotional Service: “Let Us Not Be Weary in Well Doing” — H. A. Morrison 9:00-12:30 Reports of Committees 2:30-4:30 Reports of Committees Vesper Service — Frederick Griggs 8:30 Bible Study — A. G. Daniells

_Sabbath, June 18_

9:45 Sabbath-school 11:00 Sermon: “The Presence of the Holy Spirit for Efficient Service” — A. G. Daniells 3:00 Social Service 8:30 Bible Study — A. G. Daniells

_Sunday, June 19_

8:30 Devotional Service — B. L. Howe 9:00-12:30 Reports of Committees 2:30-5:30 Reports of Committees 7:45 Stereopticon: “Our Schools” — Frederick Griggs

_Monday, June 20_

8:30 Devotional Service: “The Consummation of Our Hope” — F. M. Burg 9:00-12:00 Reports of Committees.

In the afternoon, from two to five forty-five, departmental meetings were held. These sections, numbering sixteen, each in charge of a secretary, were as follows:— (1) Administration; (2) School Homes and Domestic Science; (3) Bible; (4) History; (5) English; (6) Ancient and Modern Languages; (7) Physiological and Physical Science; (8) Mathematics; (9) Industrial Training; (10) Commercial Training; (11) Public Speaking; (12) Normal Training; (13) Medical Education; (14) Music; (15) Art; (16) Foreign. These departments met every afternoon for six days; then the convention spent the remaining three days in discussing resolutions and plans which had been formed in these different sections during their six days’ study.

These sections were permanently formed, and secretaries were appointed by the Educational Department to have charge of them. This will greatly unify and strengthen the departmental work in all our training-schools.

It had been planned that Prof. W. W. Prescott give a Bible study each evening; but as he was kept away by the illness and death of Mrs. Prescott, Elder A. G. Daniells, who was present during half of the session, gave a Bible study each evening while he was with us.

It was voted at the convention that a full report of this meeting be published, including not only the general papers which have been mentioned above, but also many of the papers which were read in the various sections during the afternoon sessions. This report will also contain the resolutions, and many of the discussions growing out of them. As soon as it is prepared, due notice will be given in the REVIEW and conference papers, as doubtless not only all the teachers and ministers will desire a copy, but a large number of our people in America and in other fields will wish to avail themselves of the opportunity to study more deeply the plans set forth by this convention.

At no time since the beginning of the educational work in this denomination has the outlook seemed so bright as at the present. As we separated, it was with the united prayer that as teachers we might make the educational work the power that God would have it in the closing of this grand message, that the students passing through our schools would have only that training which in the mind of God would be essential for making them efficient workers in his cause, and fit them for translation into the soon-coming kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. H. R. S.

Christian Education

By H. R. Salisbury

Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference

H. R. SALISBURY - - - - - Secretary

Quarterly Meetings

By John Norton Loughborough

THE idea of quarterly meetings, as held by Seventh-day Adventists, was first suggested by Elder James White and his wife, about the year 1864. At first the ordinances were celebrated in connection with the regular monthly meeting, when every church was expected to have all its members together, or to know the spiritual standing of each. Then once in three months, groups of churches within thirty or forty miles of one another met, about the closing Sabbath and First-day of the quarter, for preaching and social services, and for the transaction of any business of the cause that should be considered. It was made a point to have, if possible, all members assemble, or to know the standing of every member in that district. Sometimes the communion service was administered.

Some years later, by vote of the General Conference, it was recommended that the communion service be attended the first Sabbath in the regular quarter of the year.

At first, and for several years, when most of our churches were much smaller than now, the list of members was read, and a personal response made. A written testimony was expected from absent members. Such a course tended to preserve a live membership, and was a great aid to the spiritual condition. When persons absented themselves, the reason was sought out.

Later on, the first idea of grouping churches for quarterly meeting was dispensed with. Then the larger churches adopted a plan of dividing the members present into groups, with a leader in each to call the names for responses. Still later, it would seem that some, by dropping the idea of ascertaining the actual condition of each member at least once in three months, failed to realize the responsibility the church should feel for its members. At the present time, when the quarterly meeting is held, many have simply a brief service for the ordinance of humility and the communion, hardly taking time even for testimonies. It has seemed to me that, while it may not be convenient to carry out the plan of dividing the church into groups, it would be a wonderful uplift in this cause to make more of these occasions, by learning the spiritual condition of every member, and enlisting all to take some active part, either in personal effort or with their means, in spreading the light of present truth.

Two important cautions are given to the people of the Lord in these times: "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be "overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness ["stupefied with gluttony," Syriac Version], and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34. "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Heb. 10:24, 25. May the Lord give to us all in responsible places in the churches that wisdom, zeal, and love for souls which will lead to the accomplishment of the original plan in establishing quarterly meetings; namely, a special uplift for all the members of the church once in three months.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Notes

By A. J. S. B.

FROM South America Brother C. D. Lude writes: “Lately Zeichen der Zeit came to hand. I was astonished at the interesting and impressive contents of the same, and to see that we have something like that in the German language.” He is using the magazine in missionary correspondence.

SISTER HULDA EKLUND, of Washington, who recently ordered one hundred copies of Tidens Tecken, our Swedish magazine, says: “I can sell it to all who bought the magazine of me before. Many speak highly of the magazine, and my prayer is that it may be a blessing to those who read it.”

SISTER MARIE BEERMAN, of Washington, says: “I must say that Zeichen der Zeit pleases me very much. It is a fine periodical for missionary work, as it proclaims the truth in a clear, interesting way, and in a pleasing form. After reading it, one regrets the necessity of waiting a whole quarter of a year for the next number. It ought to be a monthly.”

BROTHER J. R. FERREN, missionary secretary of the Pacific Union Conference, and Brother W. H. Covell, field periodical agent of the California Conference, are just beginning a campaign among the leading churches in northern California, in behalf of the periodical and home missionary work. They plan to spend Sabbath, Sunday, and Monday of each week with the larger churches, visiting the smaller ones during the week.

A. J. S. B.

Thus far 70,000 copies of the July number of Life and Health have been printed. Up to June 28 over one half of the total edition had been sold, and large orders were still coming in.

ONE of our agents handling the Signs Monthly writes: “I decided to try canvassing with the Signs Monthly. I went to Martinsville, Va., and first began work in the best-looking part of the place. Here I met a man who had been in Atlanta, Ga. As soon as he saw the paper, he recognized it as the same publication he had bought on the street there. He liked it so well that he subscribed for one year. I could not but think how wonderfully God cares for these little seeds of truth, and how tenderly they are looked after when growing in the precious soil of the human heart.”

BROTHER E. L. SPENCER, secretary of the North Dakota Tract Society, reports 1,909 ten-cent magazines sold in that conference in one month. He says: “With practically no effort, the work has been built up until we have almost reached the 2,000 mark. And this does not include the various weekly and church papers, but only the ten-cent magazines. Having such a cosmopolitan population, it is hard to plan for the work, especially since most of our faithful workers live from ten to twenty miles away from the railroad. However, we look to see good results from this summer’s work.”

THE following recommendation of our Danish-Norwegian health journal, Lys over Landet, by the Norwegian weekly, Reform, is well worth reading: “Lys over Landet is the name of a beautifully gotten up and well-edited quarterly, published at College View, Neb. The subscription price is 35 cents a year. Its mission is to promote temperance and health. Nothing seems to have been spared in giving the paper a good appearance and good contents. The Adventists are well up on health questions, although one may otherwise object to their doctrine.” Brother F. F. Byington, manager of the International Publishing Association, sends the following opinion of the same journal, written by E. N. Bergen, a prominent gentleman of Norway: “It affords me great pleasure to tell you that I am in receipt of the first number of your new magazine, and I rejoice that some one will take up the fight against all injurious luxuries, especially tobacco and strong drinks. Your new paper will certainly aid us materially, and I pray you: Give the nicotin god and King Alcohol heavy blows; neither does coffee deserve any mercy.”

A. J. S. B.

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