FROM every evidence the Word of God demands, I am inclined to believe that the South African colonies, and especially Natal and the Transvaal, are fully developed for the closing scenes of earth's history.
Sunday legislation is a very strong factor in the program of every ruling body in the land; while the hold which the ministers of the united denominations have upon the people makes it easy for them to force the governments into the enactment of oppressive measures. Already the cordon has been drawn very tightly around the liberties God has given his people.
The Militia bill recently passed by the Natal Legislature—“militia” being simply a cloak-name for “conscription”—makes every man eligible for compulsory service on the battle-field; compels every man, at the discretion of the government, to attend so many field practises per annum; and turns the government schools into military training-schools. Saluting the flag begins the program of the school day, and the text of all history and of most geography is empire building.
Our schools might take a lesson from Natal education, and study history and geography on the basis of Matt. 24:14. If our youth could have as much ambition for the empire of Prince Immanuel weaved into their studies as Natal children have of “our empire,” the Lord would soon come. Lord Roberts was in Natal a short while ago, and when he saw the wonderfully precise drill of a thousand boys from the school, he exclaimed with emotion, “Upon such skill and training as I have witnessed to-day, depends the future greatness of our noble empire. Natal has taken the lead, and when all the dependencies of the king's vast domains follow her example, there will be no limit to England's power.” So it must be with our own youth. The building of the empire of Christ calls for trained and courageous young people, in whose hearts the Spirit of the rule of grace has been planted, and who are anxious to see the scepter of Christ prevail.
The outlook among the natives is dark indeed. Conditions now exist which indicate the fulfilment of Joel 3:12. As I read this morning the letter of Brother J. J. Westrup, showing the state of unrest in China, I could not help thinking it is much the same in this country. Most of the white people hate the native beyond expression. It is only the strong prevailing sympathy of the people in England for the natives that keeps the government from permitting a condition equal to slavery. They are gradually being deprived of their territory. Their educational ambitions are constantly thwarted and discouraged, and they are being forced to work at lowest wages, by taxation—the natives do not like to work—until they feel that death is more acceptable than submission; and so they are fighting, not with the hope of gaining anything, but simply for revenge. If statements which I have heard from reliable sources are correct, we are on the threshold of a more bloody combat than any that has ever stained the soil of this Dark Continent. May the good angels hold, hold, and avert such a calamity!
NEW CHURCH-SCHOOL AND OFFICE BUILDING AT MARITZBURG
In the Transvaal, where I am now staying, the rebellion of the natives, added to the crimes and wickedness of the fifty thousand Chinese that have been imported to annoy the people, has greatly embittered the anti-native feeling. How it will end, I can not say. As in China, so here we know not what a day may bring forth. We are not safe anywhere. But that is nothing to us. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” So that phase of the question does not trouble us.
The question of the hour is, however, Here we are with a little handful of workers; many more are ready to enter the work when called upon, but where are the means? How is this great work to be done? When I look at the vastness of our responsibility, I feel thankful for the words of Zech. 4:6, 7. They comfort me. In this field, each year's delay is making the work harder. Various religious bodies are urging their way upon the people, binding them in companies secure to keep out the message of present truth. The motto of some of these has been such as to incite rebellion against the governments, until they begin to treat with suspicion any new religion that may be brought to light. They already blame the “last-day religions” for the disloyalty of the natives. If Satan succeeds in strengthening this sentiment, we may be sure that when we make a start, we shall feel it more than any other denomination. It will be represented that we are teaching disloyalty; and the Sabbath question will cause them to feel like Pharaoh, when he charged Moses with making the people lazy. Ex. 5:5. O my brother, how important it is that this people shall rise en masse, and press in now! Surely the King's business, at this late hour of the last generation, demands haste.
Among the white people the work is very hard and disappointing. Some laborers who have found this so have left the field, discouraged; but others remain, and are loyally lifting the banner of our Prince, expecting that we shall soon see triumph ahead. John saw the victory; it was an accomplished fact. The scene is portrayed by the pen of unerring inspiration. We look through the sad trail of the late Boer war, which has left ruin, bankruptcy, and sorrow everywhere, and we see the silver lining of the day that shall dawn; and notwithstanding the cry of distress around us, we seem to hear the music of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, as they sing, “Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty: just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”
The Work in the General European Conference
By L. R. CONRADI
L. R. CONRADI
WE are thankful to God that while our general organization in Europe began in a small way a few years ago, and we even required for its general management some appropriations from the States, the time is now here when our regular income to the General European Conference is not only sufficient to pay the president and the secretary, and the small expense connected with the treasurer's office in London, but we have a slight surplus left, to apply toward supporting our missions in the field beyond.
It will be of interest to our brethren to know that during the first six months of 1906 we have baptized in Europe131,249 persons, and received 220 by vote, making the total additions 1,469. This is the highest number we have yet been able to add in so short a time. Our tithe has also shown a good increase, as it has been $64,126 the first two quarters of 1906, against $101,300 for the twelve months of 1905. Our present membership in the European field is 12,888. We are also pleased that we can for the first time report more than 300 evangelical laborers, as we had 303 at the end of June. Our schools are educating more workers, so we hope this number may steadily increase. Seven men have been ordained to the ministry during our summer meetings, and we expect several others will be ready for ordination at the winter conferences.
PETER NYAMBO
One thing gives us special pleasure, and that is that not only have we been able to increase our work in Europe, but we are able to strengthen our missions to the Dark Continent. The accompanying illustration is evidence of this. To the right is Elder A. A. Carscallen, of Great Britain, and next to him is Peter Nyambo, originally of Nyassaland, both of whom have been at the Duncombe Hall College in London several years, and they now go to open up the British Union Mission in British East Africa and Uganda. The other brother is one of our Friedensau students, Brother G. Sander, who will strengthen our force in the German East African Mission, and have make it possible for Brother A. C. Enns, who has just opened a new station at Vuasu, to accompany Brother Carscallen and spend a few months with him and Brother Peter Nyambo, until they get a site selected and buildings erected on British territory. The three brethren shown in the picture left Hamburg on the German East African liner “Markgraf,” September 1. We feel assured that the prayers of God's people will accompany them on their long journey. Toward the support of the work in British East Africa, our brethren in Great Britain have pledged their First-day offerings, but as this does not suffice for the present, the General European Conference was able to vote nine hundred dollars of its surplus last year, which it had saved above its operating expenses, toward beginning the new mission.
We are also glad that arrangements are now being made for the opening of a mission in Abyssinia, by the Scandinavian Union Conference. Elder Jensen and his wife, of London, have accepted the call, and we hope they may be off by the late summer or autumn of 1907.
Brother Salatzkat, a nurse of Friedensau, has also accepted an invitation to connect with the work conducted by Dr. A. W. George, in Constantinople.
Thus the Lord is opening the doors into Asia and Africa, and we desire to follow his providences as rapidly as possible. Never have we had better general meetings throughout Europe than this year. There was no disunion or lack of harmony in any of them, and the great burden of all our people seemed to be: The third angel's message to the regions beyond in this generation. The prospect never was brighter for an advance all along the line. For this we feel truly grateful. We shall appreciate it if our brethren in the States will assist all they can to accomplish the task set before us, by supplying liberally of their men and means, and remembering these vast fields and the workers, in their prayers.
In Portugal
By C. E. RENTFRO
C. E. RENTFRO
Our hearts burn within us as we see the woeful ignorance of this people. I have been thinking how to make this country speak for itself. Surely a country with over five million people, four million of whom can not read, ought to be great enough cry to call for the last warning message. This country has not recovered from the effects of the Spanish Inquisition. Ignorance is a drawback to the successful combating of disease, as well as to the teaching of the truth.
Recently I read in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, that “our books are to be translated and published in many different languages.” And following this statement are the names of a few, among them the Portuguese. We have a monthly sixteen-page paper published in Brazil, but we are in need of more than this. Then, too, it is a long distance from Brazil to Portugal. Seeing this people’s need of education on health subjects, we would be glad to publish a sixteen-page health tract. But I am told, “Go slowly,” for the money does not come in fast enough. How can we go slowly, when Jesus is coming soon, and five million people in this corner are unwarned?
The geographical position of Portugal, with other causes, has kept even other denominations from entering this country more rapidly. We as people with the last warning message should not delay longer. We are glad to know of some hearts that are burning to come to the aid of this people. These desire to move intelligently in entering a new field.
For this reason, I have tried to find a few statistics outside of my own observations. Portugal is slow in publishing these, so the most that I can do is to give some of the year 1892, with a few comparisons.
The number of deaths by disease: General diseases, 34,611; nervous diseases, 3,817; diseases of the organs of circulation, 3,985; of the respiratory organs, 10,050; of the digestive organs, 5,943; children, different diseases, 4,150; accidents, 669; voluntary, 161; criminal, 100; not classified, 41,282; total, 104,768. This is over one fiftieth of the population of that date. But the ranks are filled up with the birth of 146,541, of which 19,288 were illegitimate.
Of those who can neither read nor write, 1,762,842 are males, and 2,238,115 are females. It is evident that the women are secondary in the affairs of Portugal; they are more the slaves of mankind. We see many women and girls doing the hardest and the dirtiest work. The boy is trained for the shop, for commercial work, for the life of a soldier, or for a place in the standing army.
The educational figures have improved by probably two per cent, but those of disease run the downward way. In 1903, reports were called for on the cases of tuberculosis, and only a few physicians responded. There was in this count 3,379 cases; but as the majority of the doctors did not report, a conservative guess was made of ten thousand cases. This is about one in every five hundred persons in the kingdom. We can see, nevertheless, from the figures given above, that a great army of people is dying every year. There is no doubt in my mind that for the time we have been here, an army of over one hundred thousand persons has died, without knowing the real virtue of the cross of Christ.
Another interesting thing to me is the number of emigrations every year. During 1892 there was a total of 21,325, and there must have been nearly the same number every year since. Of these, 2,141 went to the United States of America, and 17,321 to Brazil. Why can not we send the truth with these people? Right at the source of the outflow is the place to start the work of preparing people who in emigrating will carry the truth wherever they go. I hope some dear Christian friends will see something forcible in some of these figures and suggestions.
To combat the diseases already mentioned, are quite a number of institutions, or sanatoriums. But many who can not afford a doctor must die. Although it is very difficult for a foreign doctor to begin practise, yet one of our physicians could, by judicious managing with some native doctor, gain a prestige which would carry him through. Nurses can, without much trouble, find plenty to do without the doctor; and with a doctor they could do very well. We know this by experience.
Some of the habits of this people are14not inclined to benefit the health. As there are many vineyards, they have sufficient wine, which is cheap. For the country people, some wine with coarse bread is the chief diet. Every village has its wine shop, and on the feast days, of which there are many, the people congregate, the men carrying a long staff; and when enough wine is imbibed, a general fight ensues, and these clubs come in good play when one defends himself from the attacks of another.
A great variety of fruit abounds here; but either because there is not sufficient to supply the demand, or because of a tax to be paid on going through Lisbon, it is quite expensive, with the exception of grapes in their season. The people lack the glass jars, or even the tin cans, to preserve fruit properly. If we had such, we might live quite cheaply. Of coarser products, there is no lack. Fish is a favorite article of diet, as many of the men living along the coast are fishermen. Dried codfish and sardines are used by many.
Not wishing to disparage the work in other fields, I wish to compare Portugal with China, where, with their companions, are my wife’s sister and my own. If I am not mistaken, almost everywhere there the Bible may be freely circulated. The truth flies like fire in dry grass, among people who have not been deceived by a mock religion. Counting the different Protestant denominations, there are more missionaries in China, to the same number of people, than there are in Portugal. Here, we must contend against the laws; there, they are free. Here is a mock religion of Christ; there is heathenism. Without the real truth, both are lost. But, as is said by many, a professor of religion is harder to reach than an out-and-out heathen. It is true that we have daily papers, railways, and many facilities that might be used; yet the government watches “heretics.” Truly Portugal is needy.
With our limited resources, we are doing what we can. It does not seem practicable to begin selling literature until I have a good conversational use of the language. For a few months I had five hours a week with a teacher, and one month ten hours a week. During this time I translated twenty numbers of The Family Bible Teacher. I should like to have the twenty-eight numbers in a small book, later on. In the meantime, we have made friends with many Portuguese, who are reading the papers. Last week a girl of fifteen years bought a Bible, and is eagerly reading it. Who will help us, by gifts of lives and means for Portugal? May God bless the great cause.
Quebec Camp-Meeting
By I. H. Evans
THIS meeting was held according to appointment, September 6-16, at Ayre's Cliff, Quebec, where about fifty of our people were assembled. Other camp-meetings had been held in the same place in previous years, and so it was no new thing for the community to have an Adventist camp-meeting. Besides this, the First-day Adventists have an organized church at this place, and did what they could to keep the people away by holding services each night during the first part of our meeting.
The grounds were beautiful; and the accommodations, including sheds for the horses and commodious buildings for other purposes, made the location quite desirable.
The conference laborers, together with Elders Thurston, D. E. Lindsey, C. H. Keslake, Wm. Guthrie, and the writer, were present during all or a part of the meeting. Brother Rickard, the president of the conference, could be present during only a part of the meeting, owing to the state of his health.
Owing to Brother Rickard's ill health, Elder Thurston, the president of the union conference, acted as presiding officer through the session of the conference, and for the same cause it seemed necessary to elect another man as president of the Quebec Conference. Brother D. E. Lindsey, of Ohio, was elected by a unanimous vote of the conference to fill this important position, and he will enter at once upon the duties of his office. It is hoped that the Ohio Conference will continue Brother Lindsey's support for the coming year, and thus enable the Quebec Conference to put another laborer into the field.
The financial condition of the Quebec Conference is quite encouraging. They have sufficient funds with which to pay all laborers, and a remainder of eleven hundred dollars in the treasury. This is encouraging to the incoming administration.
The attendance from the outside steadily increased during the meeting, and there was some interest awakened on the part of the citizens to hear further in regard to present truth.
The Sabbath question, the mark of the beast, and the lines of prophecy were plainly presented during the meeting. It is hoped that one of the conference laborers will remain in the vicinity during the fall and winter, and thus by earnest efforts persuade some of the people to obey the truth.
During the day services, God came especially near his people and spoke to their hearts. Confidence and unity came in, and nearly the whole company of believers sought a new experience in the things of God. It made our hearts rejoice to see the cloud lifted from many a soul, to see hope, courage, and faith take the place of doubt and fear. If the conference will continue to pull together in unity and sympathetic co-operation, there is no question but there are brighter days in store for the Quebec Conference.
The meeting closed with a song of victory from nearly every heart. All in all, it was a good meeting, and it was indeed good to be there. We hope for prosperity and growth in the Quebec Conference in days to come.
I. H. EVANS.
Texas Conference Proceedings
By Clarence Santee; E. Harris
The twenty-ninth annual session of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in connection with the annual camp-meeting at Alvarado, Tex., Aug. 2-12, 1906.
At the opening meeting of the conference the president, Elder C. Santee, read his address to the delegates, rehearsing the progress of the message in the home field, and also touching upon events of general interest which show the rapid fulfilment of prophecy. The address was listened to with much interest.
According to the conference treasurer's report there had been received during the year, for all purposes, $18,316.49; the tithe amounted to $14,504.21, an increase over the previous year of $3,538. The annual offering came to $588.67, the offering for foreign missions to $603.73. Sabbath-school offerings to $639.62; and the total amount raised during the year for purposes outside the conference was $2,350.43. During the year the Lord has blessed us financially as well as otherwise. The labors of the workers have been accompanied with a measure of success; but we hope for much greater success during the coming year. Over two hundred have embraced the message during the past year.
The annual report and financial statement of the Texas Tract Society showed that during the year there had been a gross gain of $1,369.18; net gain, $415.52; present worth, $6,629.04. The sales of books, Bibles, stationery, and periodicals amounted to $15,000.
The field missionary rendered a report of the subscription book work for the first seven months of the present year, which is as follows: 11,241 hours; 5,759 orders; value, $15,142.50; number delivered, 828; value of books delivered, $2,007.50; helps, $1,061.70. The increase during the present year over the two previous years is as follows: orders, 1,570; value, $4,494.50. Special effort has been made to persuade the agents to put in more time in the work, and to get them to remain in the field from nine to ten months in the year.
The report of the secretary of the Sabbath-school Department was very encouraging. There was a healthy growth during the year. The present standing of the Sabbath-school work is as follows: Number of schools, 47; number added, 15; number dropped, 5; average membership, 1,168; membership last quarter, 1,266. The total contributions received by the schools during the year was $822.24; of this amount there15was sent to foreign missions, $639.62.
We were glad of the labors of Elders G. A. Irwin and J. N. Loughborough. Their daily studies were very valuable at this time, and were highly appreciated by the brethren and sisters. The attendance at these studies was good, and a great many heard Elder Loughborough for the first time. Elder Haffner and Brother O. R. Staines, of the Huntsville school, were also present and rendered valuable help.
The committee on plans submitted the following report:—
“1. We recommend, That this conference agree to raise two hundred dollars toward a fund of five hundred dollars to be placed in the hands of the Southwestern Union Conference, to be used in developing the work among the Spanish-speaking people among us.
“2. We recommend, That a fund of one thousand dollars be raised with which to purchase a new pavilion, needed family tents, and to pay for the tent seats already purchased.
“Whereas, It seems necessary for the best interests of the cause, and particularly for the welfare and advancement of our people in the message, that they be kept in close touch with its progress, both at home and in other fields, therefore,—
“3. We recommend, That our laborers make an earnest and determined effort to place the REVIEW AND HERALD, Watchman, and the Southwestern Union Record in the home of every Sabbath-keeping family in the State, and that our churches be urged to take clubs of the Watchman and Signs of the Times for use in aggressive missionary work.
“4. We recommend, That our brethren and sisters constantly endeavor to interest our young people to attend Keene Academy to prepare themselves for usefulness in the closing work for this generation.
“Whereas, We are told that ‘in evangelistic canvassing young men may become better prepared for ministerial labor than by spending many years in school,’ and ‘those who are fitting for the ministry can engage in no other occupation that will give them so large an experience as will the canvassing work,’ therefore,—
“5. We recommend, That young men aspiring to the ministry be encouraged to enter the canvassing work and obtain that schooling and experience that will better fit them for the ministry, rather than spend too much time in school.
“Whereas, The importance of circulating our literature as found in our books and periodicals is being continually urged upon us by the Lord, therefore,—
“6. Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to greater diligence in seeking out and encouraging suitable persons to engage in this work, and that we co-operate with the field agent to this end.
“Whereas, We recognize in the Canvassing Fund a valuable aid to the canvassing work, therefore,—
“7. Resolved, That we encourage our people to contribute to this fund.
“In view of the fact that a large proportion of the population of the State is in its cities and larger towns, and further, that we have been repeatedly admonished to get out of the cities,—
“8. We recommend, That a special effort be made the coming year to give the message in such cities as Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Waco, Houston, Austin, and many others.
“Whereas, We believe there is not always sufficient caution observed by church officers in receiving members into their fellowship, especially where the candidate has at some previous time been a member of one of our churches, and has been dropped for some cause; and, believing this to be a frequent source of trouble, therefore,—
“9. We recommend, That more care be exercised in this respect, and that where the applicant is known to have formerly been a member of one of our churches, he be required to bring from that church a statement that harmony now exists between him and that church, and that they know of no reason why he should not now be received into fellowship.
“Believing the Sabbath School Worker to be a very valuable help to all engaged in the Sabbath-school work,—
“10. We recommend, That the officers and teachers of all our schools be urged to supply themselves with this excellent journal.
“Realizing the perils and temptations which surround and threaten our youth in this last time, from which we should do all in our power to shield them,—
“11. We recommend, That parents co-operate with their church officers in organizing Young People's Societies in every church where possible, and by their counsel and suggestions assist in making them both interesting and profitable, and the means of holding the young people firm in their allegiance to the truth.
“Since the Lord has spoken so plainly in regard to the importance of our medical missionary work, calling it the right arm of the message, and has stated that treatment rooms and cafés should be established in the cities, therefore,—
“12. Resolved, That at this critical stage in its progress, we give to this important branch of the work of God our full and united support, when conducted in harmony with the principles set forth by the spirit of prophecy.”
The preceding resolutions were passed unanimously; and the following funds were raised in cash and pledges: for the Tent Fund, $780.15; for the Spanish work, $82.35; for the work for the blind, $148.25; Sabbath-school offerings, $38.08; First-day offerings, $49.76. Toward operating a tent factory $150 was pledged.
The officers elected for the coming year are as follows: Conference President, Clarence Santee; Conference Secretary and Treasurer, E. Harris; Field Missionary, W. W. Eastman; Secretary of Sabbath-school Department, Mrs. Grace Corwin; Field Secretary of Young People's Societies, E. S. Taylor; Transportation Agent, C. N. Woodward; Superintendent of Church-schools, Lottie Farrell; Tract Society Secretary and Treasurer, appointment to be made by conference committee; Executive Committee, Clarence Santee, D. U. Hale, W. M. Cubley, C. W. Miller, E. B. Hopkins, W. W. Eastman, T. W. Field.
Credentials were issued to Clarence Santee, C. W. Miller, E. B. Hopkins, T. W. Field, H. B. French, W. W. Eastman, D. U. Hale, W. A. McCutchen, W. M. Cubley, N. V. Willess, A. W. Jenson, N. J. Etheridge; ministerial license to E. L. Neff, W. L. Brandon, J. I. Taylor, E. S. Taylor, Henry Schmidt, G. A. Lagrone, W. F. Field, W. R. French; missionary license to E. Harris, Lottie White, Jessie Hunter, Mrs. E. L. Neff, Mrs. Ella E. Hughes, Mrs. J. I. Taylor, Isora Watts, Berta Taylor, Mrs. W. M. Cubley, Ava Hopkins, Mrs. N. V. Willess.
This was the largest camp-meeting that we have had in Texas. We sincerely hope that it will prove a lasting blessing to all the believers in Texas, and that between now and the time of the next camp-meeting there will be seen greater diligence on the part of all to make known to the inhabitants of the “Lone Star” State the great things of God; for they have made void his law. The majority of the campers stayed until the close. We are hoping for greater things than we have yet seen in the work here.
CLARENCE SANTEE, President,
E. HARRIS, Secretary.
British Bible Society Appeals for Gifts
During the last eight years, the British Bible Society's expenditures have exceeded the income by over half a million dollars. Drafts upon its reserve capital have enabled it to avoid heavy debts, but the Society is appealing for increased gifts to meet increasing demands.
The New York Camp-Meeting
By G. B. Thompson
The forty-fifth annual session of the New York Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Phelps, September 6-16. The camp was located in a small park in the village. The attendance of our people was quite good, most of the churches being represented by delegates. Besides the conference laborers present, Elders A. G. Daniells, W. A. Spicer, E. W. Farnsworth, O. E. Reinke, Prof. F. Griggs, Brother F. E. Painter, and the writer were present during some part of the meeting.
The death of Elder S. H. Lane, president of the conference, having occurred but a short time before the opening of the meeting, the conference was left without a presiding officer. The committee, however, made all the necessary arrangements for the meeting; and Elder E. W. Farnsworth, president of the Atlantic Union Conference, was invited to act as chairman during the session.
Expressive of the sorrow and loss occasioned by the death of Elder S. H. Lane, who for many years has been an active laborer in the work of the denomination and for a number of years president of the conference; also for the death of Elder D. A. Ball, who for many years was a devoted and highly esteemed laborer, the following resolution was passed:—
“Whereas, Death has removed from our midst, during the last conference year, two of our esteemed laborers, Elder S. H. Lane, who for many years served as president in our conference, also filling leading official positions in the cause elsewhere; and Elder D. A. Ball, for many years a laborer in our midst, therefore,—
“Resolved, That while we humbly bow in submission to the will of our Heavenly Father, we desire, hereby, to express our appreciation of the long and faithful labors of these brethren, and our sorrow occasioned by their removal; and further, that we extend to the bereaved companions and relatives of the deceased our Christian sympathy and love in this hour of their sorrow and great loss.”16
The chief item of business was the division of the conference territory. After mature and prayerful deliberation, the delegates voted that the territory of the New York Conference be divided into two conferences on a line running along the eastern borders of Cayuga, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties, the territory thus divided to be known as the New York Conference. As soon as arrangements can be made concerning the name of the legal association, it will be known as the Eastern New York Conference, and the Western New York Conference. This makes almost an exact division as to population, number of churches, and amount of tithe paid, and each of the conferences is sufficiently strong to do aggressive work. As far as we were able to discern, all the arrangements were perfectly satisfactory.
The business of the session was carried on with the utmost dispatch, and the greatest unity possible was seen in all the deliberations. The special blessing of the Lord was manifest in the meeting from beginning to end, and it was evident to all that the Holy Spirit was present, directing in a most marked manner in all the proceedings. We have never attended a meeting where this was more evident. The Lord blessed in presenting the truths of the message, and the last day of the meeting twenty-nine were baptized. Many said it was the best camp-meeting they have attended for a long time. Most of the laborers have been working in new fields during the past year, and three churches were admitted to the conference at this meeting.
Elder F. H. De Vinney was chosen president of the eastern conference, and Elder H. W. Carr of the western. A strong committee was elected in each conference, and such departmental secretaries as are necessary to fully organize and carry forward the work. There is no doubt but the step taken in the organization of two conferences will place a new mold upon the work of God in this field, and mark a new era in its progress.
The third angel’s message was forcibly and clearly presented from the desk. Special studies were given regarding the subject of the spirit of prophecy. The following resolution, which was passed unanimously, expresses the attitude of the delegates present regarding the apostasy which has developed among us:—
“Whereas, The prospering hand of the Lord has been over us for good during the past year in preserving and extending our work, and,—
“Whereas, This care has been the more manifest in view of the fact that by means of leaflets sent out from Battle Creek, an effort has been made, the tendency of which has been to discredit the work of the spirit of prophecy, and the General Conference management, therefore,—
“Resolved, That we hereby express our deepest gratitude to God for his loving watch-care over us, and further, that we anew express our confidence in the integrity and reliability of the spirit of prophecy which has been manifested among us from the rise of the message, and that we pledge greater faithfulness to the instruction which comes thus to us from the Lord, and that we further express our confidence in our General Conference organization and management, and that we extend to them our hearty support in the work of advancing the third angel’s message throughout the world.”
Steps were taken at the meeting to strengthen and develop the industrial school which has been started at Tunesassa. A local board of management was elected, and about nine hundred dollars was raised to complete the building which has been in course of construction during the summer. It was also voted to move the Buffalo Sanitarium to some favorable location in the country, in harmony with the instruction of the Testimonies that our health institutions should be located in the country. About seven hundred dollars was raised for this purpose.
Much interest was manifested in the progress of the message in the regions beyond. The stirring talks of Elders A. G. Daniells and W. A. Spicer regarding the rapid advancement of the message in foreign fields brought cheer and courage to every heart. A large number of young people were present at the meeting, and from these we trust many capable workers will be raised up to help spread the message in these needy fields.
I enjoyed, personally, the privilege of attending this meeting and once more seeing those whose association I was permitted to enjoy during the years I was laboring in the conference. I was also glad to meet some who have recently embraced the truth. The spirit which characterized this meeting was certainly encouraging, and I believe it is a token that the power of God is to be especially manifested in his work in this field in the future. We are in a crisis in the work; we have reached the shaking time to which we have looked forward. But the days of final victory are just ahead, and while the enemy may enter our ranks and cut down our laborers, and otherwise seek to hinder our work, our duty is to fill up the ranks and march on to victory.
