We have now been in this field just one year. As I look back over the year, my heart goes out in gratitude to our Father in heaven for the many benefits and blessings he has permitted us to enjoy. What rejoices our hearts most of all, of course, is the manifest way in which we have seen his divine power operate on the hearts of men and women. During this time I have baptized thirty souls, twenty-eight of whom were Roman Catholics. I have fifteen more candidates for baptism, all but one of whom are from the Catholic Church. At least twenty-seven have embraced the message since our arrival. The number of our companies has grown from three to six.
The progress among Catholics has been an astonishment to the Protestants here, who have never made very much progress among Catholics. I was told by an old native Protestant, a few days ago, that our recent baptism of thirteen was the greatest number he ever heard of receiving the ordinance at one time in Hayti.
A few weeks ago the Baptist minister here at the Cape invited me to occupy his pulpit one Sunday afternoon, and tell his congregation about the progress of our work. This gave me a good opportunity to tell them what we believe to be the real reason for our progress—that God has commissioned us with a special and important message, and gives us a special measure of his Spirit with which to accomplish it. The past week this minister again invited me to talk on a special occasion. We had a large congregation, and the Holy Spirit was present to assist the servant of the Lord, and another victory was won, the results of which we fully expect to see in the kingdom of God.
Our present great need is a French worker, to help us reap the overripe harvest. And as our need is so great, and our General Conference brethren are doing what they can to find some one, we believe there is some one in Europe or America who will soon hear, if he has not already heard, the still small voice giving the call to service in this long-neglected and needy quarter of the harvest-field.
And let no one think that we are thankful only for what we see of the progress of the message in this field. The omens of a general advance all along the line cause our hearts to rejoice more than anything else. Those on the firing line have heard the signal from our Commander to "go forward," and are marching onward; and although the obstacles and difficulties in the way may be numerous, yet if those whose duty it is to supply the munitions of war, and to send forward fresh troops, are faithful, there is no apparent reason why the struggle may not soon be over. It is said that the readiness with which those whose duty it was to furnish and bring up supplies to the army in the field fulfilled all their obligations, contributed in a very important degree to the success of the Japanese in the late war. In short, it was this promptness in furnishing supplies, as much as it was valor, that won the remarkable Japanese victories. And so it will be when all our people in the home land realize and perform their duty toward the work in the regions beyond. We shall then see more decisive victories than we have yet seen.
W. J. TANNER.
International Publishing Association
By F. F. Byington
The third annual meeting of the International Publishing Association convened in College View, Neb., Oct. 16, 1906.
There was present a fairly good representation of the constituency, and all members of the board of trustees except Elder A. T. Robinson, who was absent on account of illness. The following-named General Conference representatives were present: Elders G. A. Irwin, W. C. White, L. R. Conradi, G. F. Haffner, L. H. Christian, and S. Mortenson.
The chairman, Elder E. T. Russell, gave an encouraging outline of the work for which the association was organized, and said that the past year had been the most prosperous one since its organization. Heretofore we have always had a deficit to wrestle with at the annual meeting, but this year the treasurer's report shows a gain on the year's work of a trifle less than one thousand dollars.
Seven meetings were held during the session, all of which were characterized by a spirit of harmony, while there was the utmost freedom in the discussion of all matters brought before the meeting. Following a careful study of the reports presented by the committee on plans, the following preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted:—
“Whereas, The Lord has in many ways graciously prospered the International Publishing Association during the past fiscal year, so that quite a large quantity of literature has been printed, and circulated among the foreigners of this country, and so that instead of a financial loss as in former years, there is this year a gain, therefore,—
“1. Resolved, That we heartily express our sincere gratitude to God for his bountiful blessings and kind watch-care during the year, and that we pledge ourselves to greater zeal and consecration in the printing and spreading of our foreign literature in the year before us.
“Whereas, It is our belief that aside from such literature as can be obtained to good advantage from our foreign publishing houses, the burden of supplying Seventh-day Adventist literature for the foreign-reading people of the United States rests primarily with the International Publishing Association, so far at least as it pertains to periodicals, tracts, pamphlets, and trade books, therefore,—
“2. Resolved, That the directors be authorized to improve the binding facilities so as to do muslin work, the investment for the year in binding machinery not to exceed one thousand dollars.
“3. That we encourage the Pacific Press Publishing Company to go forward in the publication of the larger subscription books until such time as other plans shall be proposed by the publishing committee of the General Conference.
“4. That exception to the above be made in the case of such individual books or classes of books as shall be assigned for good reasons to other publishing houses by our Publishing Department.
“5. That we approve of the assignment of the Spanish work to the Pacific Press.
“6. That in all of the foregoing we recognize the work of our publishing houses in Europe, and especially the Hamburg Publishing House, which is doing pioneer work in many languages, and that as far as consistent with the interests of the people, we shall purchase from them the literature which they publish, thus assisting them and lightening the burden of the International Publishing Association.
“Whereas, There is a large German and Scandinavian population in this country to whom our literature on present truth must be brought, and,—
“Whereas, There is need of greater missionary zeal and a more systematic plan of work in the circulation of this literature among our Scandinavian and German brethren, therefore,—
“7. Resolved, That a decided effort be made this fall and winter to revive and systematize the tract and missionary work in the churches and among the scattered brethren by the following means:—
“(1) That the superintendents of the German and Scandinavian work give special attention to reviving and developing the missionary work all over the field, and that the different State conferences be asked to give them the fullest liberty to work up the subscription lists of the foreign papers and to get the tracts and other publications out among the people.
“(2) That all our foreign ministers and Bible workers be urged to do far more than they heretofore have done in circulating the literature themselves and getting our lay brethren to circulate it.
“(3) That three foreign corresponding secretaries, one German, one Swedish, and one Danish-Norwegian, be appointed for the office of the International Publishing Association, (a) to assist the editors of the respective languages; (b) to receive the mail of those languages, and to assist in filling all orders in their respective languages, as far as found practicable by the Board; (c) to increase the circulation of the foreign literature by corresponding with the church librarians, and by such other work as will stir up the people to missionary effort.
“(4) That a general missionary letter be prepared to send out to all our foreign churches and isolated brethren on the importance of distributing our foreign literature.
“(5) That a well-planned tract and missionary work be organized and revived in every foreign church in this country, and in every other church where there are many foreigners.
“(6) That the Scandinavian and German church librarians report once a18quarter to the corresponding secretary of the International Publishing Association, and that a tabulated statement of work done all over the country be published in the foreign papers once a quarter.
“(7) That we ask our foreign brethren to hold a missionary meeting the fourth Sabbath of every month, and that aside from this other missionary meetings be held.
“(8) That the German and Scandinavian brethren make a special effort to circulate our literature in other foreign languages in this country, and that each of these three make a special effort for one particular nationality; the Germans to take the Bohemians and Russians; the Swedes, the Finns; and the Danes, the Icelanders and Greenlanders.
“(9) That the chairman of the International Board, the foreign superintendents, and the foreign corresponding secretaries constitute an advisory missionary committee.
“8. Resolved, That we request the Central and Lake Union Conferences to pay half of the salary of the three foreign corresponding secretaries, the International to pay the other half.
“9. Resolved, That Resolution No. 6 be translated and published in full in the three foreign papers; and further, that it, together with several short, spicy articles on the foreign work in America, be published in the REVIEW.
“Whereas, At a recent meeting of the Publishing Department of the General Conference action was taken regarding a polyglot book depository in New York City, and,—
“Whereas, The executive committee of the Greater New York Conference has expressed its willingness to undertake the establishment of such a depository, if satisfactory arrangements can be agreed upon, therefore,—
“10. Resolved, That we recommend for their consideration the following propositions:—
“(1) That the International Publishing Association will supply this depository with a full line of such of its publications as the depository can handle, on consignment, laid down at its door free of transportation expenses.
“(2) That a commission of ten per cent be allowed the depository on tract society rates.
“(3) That this stock shall be fully insured by the depository against loss by fire.
“(4) That the stock be well cared for, and in case of the return of damaged books, that the loss be divided equally between the depository and the International Publishing Association.
“(5) That uniform prices and discount be established by a council of the representatives of the International Publishing Association, the Hamburg and Christiania Publishing Associations, and the Pacific Press Publishing Company.
“(6) That the territory to be supplied by the depository shall be the Atlantic Union Conference, the State of Ohio, and Canada east of Manitoba.
“(7) That the International Publishing Association and the depository protect each other's territory, as is customary by our publishing houses.
“(8) If at any time the Greater New York Conference finds it necessary to close out its depository, it shall give the International Publishing Association notice in sufficient time to make disposition of its stock.
“(9) Reports of stock on hand and payment for stock sold shall be made quarterly.
“Whereas, There is great need of the closest co-operation between the American and European houses in producing suitable foreign literature, therefore,—
“11. Resolved, That as far as possible there be a previous well-understood arrangement between the publishing committee of the International Publishing Association and the European houses concerning new works to be gotten out in the German and Scandinavian languages.
“12. That we urge our editors on both sides to have all reference to moneys, weights, and measures so arranged that they can be definitely understood in both continents.
“13. That all translations which are designed for use in both countries be either translated in Europe or else be previously submitted to competent editors in Europe before they are printed here; and that when desired, the manuscript of books to be printed in Europe be first read in America.
“14. That in order to further this co-operation, a committee of seven be appointed, consisting of one German, one Swede, and one Danish-Norwegian from Europe, and one from each of the same nationalities of America, with Elder Conradi as chairman of the committee; the three American members to be chosen by the International Publishing Association, the three European members to be selected by the Scandinavian and German Union Conferences; the office of the committee to be at Hamburg.
“15. Resolved, That we recommend the International Publishing Association to order a full supply of such trade books and other books as are published in Europe, and which it has not already on hand, the three literature committees to select the books in their respective languages.
“16. Resolved, That an edition of two thousand copies of the Danish ‘Early Writings’ be published during the present year.”
With slight alterations the report of the nominating committee was adopted, and resulted as follows: Board of Trustees, E. T. Russell, A. T. Robinson, F. F. Byington, G. A. Grauer, August Anderson, O. F. Schwedrat, Lewis Johnson; Counselors, A. Voth, O. E. Reinke, S. Mortenson, L. H. Christian, Henry Shultz, Valentine Leer, Theo. Valentiner, J. F. Staby, C. A. Thorp, H. R. Johnson, M. S. Reece, A. Swedberg, S. F. Svensson, J. F. Anderson, Carl Leer, R. A. Underwood, N. P. Neilsen; German Literary Committee, G. F. Haffner, G. A. Grauer, O. E. Reinke, O. F. Schwedrat, Theo. Valentiner; Swedish Literary Committee, S. Mortenson, S. F. Svensson, August Anderson, A. Vermelin, A. Swedberg; Danish-Norwegian Literary Committee, L. Johnson, L. H. Christian, P. E. Berthelsen, M. L. Andreason, C. A. Thorp.
At various times during the session there was free discussion concerning the best plans of co-operation between our larger publishing houses and the work of the International. This discussion was along the line of plans outlined at the recent publishers' convention held at Washington, D. C., assigning the International Publishing Association its legitimate field as one of our recognized publishing houses in North America. Upon this institution rests primarily the burden of supplying Seventh-day Adventist literature for the foreign-reading people of this country.
The meetings were characterized throughout by a spirit of courage and good cheer, and at the close all felt that the International Publishing Association never had a brighter prospect for its future work than it has at the present time.
F. F. BYINGTON,
Secretary.
Burma
By Herbert H. Votaw
INSEIN.—We are glad to be able to report advancement in the message. Yesterday, August 23, it was my privilege to baptize three more souls. These were a soldier from the regiment stationed here, Brother Hansen's daughter Florence, and a lady who lives near us here in Insein.
Our soldier brother has had some interesting experiences. About one year ago he came to Rangoon. Soon after coming, he stopped in front of our hall one evening, and was reading the announcements. I invited him to come in. He did so, and ever since has attended our services regularly. After he saw the faith as we teach it, he made a written request to the commanding officer for permission to observe the Sabbath. The major in charge signed this permit, evidently without reading it. But the adjutant read it, and sent for Brother Parker at once.
For about two hours our brother was questioned in regard to his belief. The officer said, “Sunday is the seventh day.” Brother Parker replied, “Look at your calendar, sir.” The officer turned to another, and said, “That’s right.” Later he said to Brother Parker, “How do you know that Saturday is the seventh day? The whole world keeps Sunday. It must be the seventh day.” Brother Parker asked, “Why do you observe Good Friday?” He replied, “Because our Lord was crucified upon Friday.” Then our brother pointed him to the last verses of Luke 23, and said, “Our Lord was crucified on Friday, and the Bible says, ‘The Sabbath drew on.’ Now, what day draws on after Friday?” The officer replied, “Saturday.” Finally he said, “You may get off every Saturday. I wouldn’t lay a straw in the way of any man who wishes to be a Christian.”
The lady who was baptized yesterday received her first knowledge of the truth by reading “Great Controversy,” which her little daughter had drawn by some sort of lottery arrangement. Later, Brother I. D. Richardson sold her “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “Steps to Christ.” Some two years ago she moved to Rangoon, and located in Insein a little later. Mrs. Hansen called upon her first, then Mrs. Votaw, and still later Brother Hansen and I. She is with us fully, and is laboring as much as she can among her friends.
We had expected to baptize a young Burmese woman; but her Buddhist parents brought such an influence to bear that she promised to wait a little. This young woman is a noble soul, and we expect to see her fully established yet. Her mother used a peculiar way of19reaching her. One of her sisters had recently married against the parents' wishes, and another is quite ill, so the mother said: “I am worried on account of your sister who is ill. Your other sister has gone contrary to my wishes, and this worries me. Now you have been taught in a Christian school to honor your parents. Will you go contrary to my desires, and add to my worries?”
We have other interested ones, whom we hope to see fully identified with us erelong.
Brother Maung Maung has a good interest among some Karens, and we expect fruits from these. One of the Rangoon papers is giving us some attention, though not very favorable. A minister in Insein is to preach upon the Sabbath question, on September 9. We are planning to distribute tracts at the close of the sermon. HERBERT H. VOTAW.
Report from Elder Loughborough
By John Norton Loughborough
At the time of my last report I was journeying from California to Michigan. From September 28 to October 21 I was in Battle Creek. During this time I spoke seven times to large audiences in the Tabernacle, once in the Old People’s Home, and two Monday mornings I spoke to the church-school at the opening-hour service.
In the Tabernacle three of my talks were upon the great second advent movement, three upon the gift of prophecy, in which twenty-two points of comparison were made of the Scripture gift of prophecy and the manifestation through Sister White. On Sabbath, the twentieth,—in my closing discourse,—reference was made to the parties who in the past have arisen to oppose this gift, and how they have all failed in what they proposed to do, thus demonstrating the truthfulness of the word, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.” Isa. 54: 17.
It was my privilege, while in Battle Creek, to make many visits. Of these some were with persons with whom I have been acquainted for forty or fifty years. Some are “shut in,” no longer able to assemble with the Lord’s people in the house of prayer, but yet full of hope and courage in the Lord’s service, and pressing forward in the same “old way” they have so long followed.
While in the place, my own mind was especially impressed in reference to the past history of our cause in Battle Creek. How many opportunities were given the older members to know the mighty power that has accompanied the “open visions” of Sister White which they have witnessed! What an amount of counsel has the Lord given that people! Satan would indeed delight to defeat what has already been gained in the battles for right in Battle Creek. Let it be the sincere prayer of the Lord’s people everywhere that Satan’s plans shall fail, and the right prevail.
On October 26 I arrived safely in Mountain View again, though detained several hours by a freight wreck ahead of us in Kansas, and another delay by a breakdown of our engine on the Mojave Desert. This made our arrival in San Francisco twelve hours and forty minutes after the scheduled time. After a brief period of rest I expect to spend a few weeks with our people in the Southern California Conference, complying with the request of the president of that conference.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Bombay, India
By C. A. Hansen
ONCE more through the Lord's grace we have been spared to write you from far-off India,—the land of heathenism, darkness, misery, sickness, and tears,—the land that has forgotten God through its sins, and yet feels a longing for something, but does not know what. These people have great faith in their gods, and often, when spoken to about religion, will say, “How do we know which religion is right? No one has ever come back from the burning ghats to tell us how it is.” All the Hindus are burned instead of being buried, which, though it seems cruel, is really a prevention against the spreading of disease.
India has just been blessed with a very heavy rainfall, which we are assured will ward off the famine for another year in many districts. At present three hundred and ninety thousand people are fed by the government in order to prevent death by starvation. This is the plan that is followed: The government begins to build railroads, reservoirs, roads, etc., and pays these people from six to eight pice, which is three or four cents, a day, and thereby the country is improved, and the people are kept from hunger.
These natives are a great deal like children; ninety-five out of every hundred can not read their names, hence are not enlightened, and they refuse to work unless there are several of them together; and then it takes a boss to get them started. When once they start, they plod patiently along day by day, and I never yet have heard one word of complaint. That is one thing remarked about a great deal, that the native is so completely reconciled to his lot. They serve us a lifetime, but they never sit on one of our chairs, nor do they eat of our dishes, but when their duties are finished at night, they huddle together in some small, dark hut, where a candle is scattering a part of the darkness, cook their rice, and eat it with their fingers, and tell what wonders the sahib (master) and mem-sahib (master's wife) have done that day.
It is very hard to get the truth to these people; they can understand only the clearest part of the gospel, and this they do not believe. Their priest has given them permission to practise many things contrary to Christ's teaching, which appeals to their carnal hearts. The other day I saw about fifty thousand people running about the city dressed in gay colors, led by their priests. They seemed to be trying to catch something. Upon inquiry I found that they were trying to catch the Holy Spirit.
Our work of late has been for the Europeans mostly, and we hope soon to baptize some, and organize the first church in India west of Calcutta. It is over a thousand miles to the nearest Seventh-day Adventists, so we have no trouble about territory.
Pray for us that we may not fail in planting the banner of the third angel's message in the land of burning sands.
C. A. HANSEN.
Rarotonga
By A. H. Piper
OUR work in this field is onward. Our industrial training-school has now an attendance of eighteen, and is doing well. The boys especially are making progress in the “narrow way.” Everything is ready to make a short work in this group of islands. We are heart and soul in harmony with the General Conference. May God bless its president and his co-laborers in their conflict with the powers of darkness that are seeking the ascendancy among us. A. H. PIPER.
Central America
By A. N. Allen
LA CEIBA, SPANISH HONDURAS.—We are struggling ahead, and God is blessing, in spite of fever.
In the past year we have received twenty-four cases of Bibles, and also have a very good stock of our books, in both Spanish and English. We have a large young saddle mule, and have money on hand for another, for pack, as soon as we can find one.
Much less has been done in the book work than I expected to do. Much more could have been done if I had had my health, but since April I have not felt really well for a whole week at a time, having fever every few days. Pneumonia also laid me by for about a week, while I was in Utilla. But, thanks to God and a German physician, it was broken without the usual run.
We are expecting Brother Goodrich here any day now, as the governor of this place gave me a written permission for him to enter.
While our numbers are small on this coast, the per cent of income is much greater here than in the islands of Belize, and I believe that if we could get a good Spanish laborer, this would become a very productive field. We are of good courage, and expect to work here as long as God continues to bless us.
A. N. ALLEN.
Western Pennsylvania
By W. H. Green
PITTSBURG.—The second church in this city is still struggling for a more perfect knowledge of the truth, and also to render much service in pushing this cause to its triumph in this generation.
This work was started here in July, 1905, in a tent effort. It took definite shape the first of November, 1905, as a mission, which was later organized—Jan. 21, 1906—into the Second Seventh-day Adventist church, with a good Sabbath-school. Since then the church has increased from ten members to twenty-one members.
We have collected in cash $863.57; of this amount $473.63 was tithe; $366.94 was for church expenses, and $18 for missions. We have sold and given away about 133,221 pages of books and tracts and about 8,650 copies of The Signs of the Times, since Nov. 1, 1905.
Some of the members rendered good service in selling books and papers, and also in giving away literature. The writer has sold quite a number of books and papers, and has given away many pages of literature; he has also given more than seven hundred special and general Bible readings, aside from regular church and tent work. Pray for us, and for the peace of Jerusalem.
W. H. GREEN.
Field Notes
Brother H. Block, at work among the Germans, reports three additions at Calgary, and four at Innisfail, Alberta.
Brethren A. V. Cotton and J. F. Piper report that four have taken their stand for the truth at Garden Grove, Iowa.
Thirteen have begun to keep the Sabbath as the result of the work of Brother George L. Budd at Orange, Minn.
From the interest developed at De Witt, Neb., by Brethren O. E. Jones and G. Mathiesen six or eight have accepted the truth.
From Paris, Ontario, Brother P. M. Howe reports ten adults keeping the Sabbath; five have been baptized, and the others will be baptized soon.
Meetings were continued three weeks after the close of the camp-meeting at Cushing, Tex., by Brethren W. M. Cubley and J. J. Taylor, during which time four began to keep the Sabbath.
Ten men took their stand with the commandment-keeping remnant, and seven of them have been baptized at Regina, Saskatchewan, where Brother Paul Curtis held tent-meetings about twelve weeks.21
Four were added to the membership of the church at Bridgetown, N. J., by baptism on September 22.
Brother J. H. Kraft reports the baptism of six persons at Fairfield, Iowa, and one at Muscatine.
Ten are awaiting baptism at Peoria, Ill., as a result of the active missionary work of the members of the church there.
At the close of tent-meetings held by Brother J. M. Rees at Kokomo, Ind., six persons presented themselves for baptism.
The meetings recently held at Galesburg, Ill., have brought five into the ranks of those who are keeping the commandments of God.
At Belle Fourche, S. D., nine have begun keeping the Sabbath, and about an equal number are interested in the truths of the message.
At Hartford City, Ind., nineteen have embraced the truth, and two have been reclaimed, as the result of tent-meetings held since September 9 by Brother U. S.
Brother B. Hagle reports three additions to the church at Lafayette, Ind., and four others have promised to keep the Sabbath, as a result of a three weeks' tent-meeting.
The West Michigan Sanitarium is being transferred from Grand Rapids to Berrien Springs. The sanitarium will be operated by the Emmanuel Missionary College, supported by the Lake Union Conference.
The result of the work at Natchez, Miss., is encouraging. Eleven new accessions to the truth are reported, making a company of twenty-six all told. Others are interested, and are expected to take their stand later.
A report in the Wyoming Enterprise states that two years ago there were in that field four churches and sixty members; but the work has grown so rapidly there that we now have fourteen churches and about three hundred Sabbath-keepers.
Four have taken their stand for the truth as a result of the tent effort at Kansas City, Kan., and others are expected to follow their example. The tent has been removed to Rosedale, where a good attendance and encouraging interest are reported.
At Arecibo, Porto Rico, a church of twelve members was recently organized. Reports from Porto Rico indicate that there is quite an extensive circulation of our papers and tracts throughout the island, and that generally these are being heartily received by the people.
Four persons who had accepted the truth as a result of Bible readings, were baptized by Elder Wm. Covert at the South Side church, Chicago, on October 13. Two weeks later six persons were baptized who had lately embraced the truth there, and as many more are expecting soon to go forward in this ordinance.
Williamsdale Academy
By William Guthrie
As but little has ever been said of this school, it may be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW AND HERALD to read a short history of its purpose and work. No other field has been worked so long without the advantage of “home institutions” as has eastern Canada. As the result of this neglect, her progress has been very slow, and to some a little discouraging.
For the past four years we have sensed keenly the great need of a good school where our young people could be trained for service in the home land. All who have labored in Canada know full well that we have as good talent as the world possesses. All that is needed to man this field with home talent, and have a supply for other parts of the great wide world, is to provide facilities for the training of our young people. Accordingly, in the spring of 1903, a farm with some timber was donated by Brother D. W. Dimock, and a school was started on a small scale, and continued so for two years. This experience taught us that we must make the school larger if we were to receive the benefits we had expected. We must have more land in order to supply our own milk and raise our own vegetables. The land was soon secured on our present beautiful site. We began at once to erect a building twenty-six by fifty-one feet, to consist of sixteen rooms, a bath-room, and furnace room.
School was opened in this building Nov. 15, 1905, with an enrolment of nineteen students. These, for the most part, were earnest, and devoted to their work. At the close of the year it was evident that we must have more room in order to accommodate those who would want to attend the coming year, and also to insure us sufficient income to operate without loss at our low rate of tuition. A root cellar and a laundry were also found to be among the necessary conveniences. These have been supplied, and an addition, twenty-six by forty-eight feet, has been made to the main building. We are now prepared to take care of from thirty to thirty-five students in the home.
Our present outlook is encouraging indeed. We opened school for the second year October 3, and at this writing, November 1, we have twenty-four students, twenty-two of whom are in the home. Others are to come within a few days. All our rooms bid fair to be occupied by the first of December.
Our aim is to prepare our students for service in the Master's cause. In this matter the Lord is greatly blessing our work. Two of our young ladies were out in the Bible work during the vacation, and did well. Some of the young men are preparing for the ministry, while others are fitting themselves for positions in different departments of the work.
We now have our buildings nearly finished, and our farm implements have been purchased, also some cattle and horses, at a cost, in all, of about sixty-five hundred dollars, thirty-five hundred dollars of which has been paid, and three thousand dollars yet remains to be paid. One thousand dollars of this latter amount is current accounts, and must be met very soon. We are unable to make plain to you how difficult it is in this field to raise such a sum of money, either as a loan or in donations; but we feel sure that the Master will touch your hearts with our great need, so that our needs may be supplied. Are there not somewhere three families whom the Lord has blessed who would count it a pleasure to assist a weak conference and set free from debt the only institution it has? It will cost you only one thousand dollars each to do this kindness. You who have been blessed of God, pray; and while you pray, think of the young people now in this school, training for service. Think of those whom they will lead to the Master; think of the price paid for their salvation; think of the dark years of waiting and praying for this blessed truth, while we have lived in the very sunlight of God's presence; think of the many and well-equipped schools in the home land, and the great help they have been in preparing your sons and daughters to fill places of trust and usefulness. Then think of this great Canadian field with but three small and poorly equipped schools in which to train the youth of all this country. I am sure your hearts are too full of this truth to allow this condition to continue longer.
The school is our greatest factor to give permanency to the work in this field. We can not bear to think of closing its doors, and yet we shall be forced to do so unless we can get at least one thousand dollars. We do not ask for help on our running expenses, merely help to meet the cost of construction.
Send your offerings to I. H. Evans, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C., with the instruction that they are for the Williamsdale Academy, and they will be sent to us promptly, and your State will be given credit to that amount on the $150,000 fund. Such is our arrangement with the General Conference.