[From a personal letter we are permitted to gather the following interesting items concerning our tract society office and reading room in a prominent section of Shanghai, China.]
Our sales have been increasing month by month, and we have a very good class of customers. Besides the people who come to buy, there are hundreds who come in to read, and we always try to improve the opportunity to give them the gospel. This we manage all right with the Chinese and English, but quite often we have men of other nationalities, and then the best we can do is to give them a paper or a tract. Shanghai is such a cosmopolitan place that we have visitors from nearly every quarter of the globe.
On our reading table we have our own periodicals in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Malay, German, French, Spanish, Swedish, and Norwegian, and also a small supply of tracts in all these languages. One day a Turkish man came and bought a copy of the English Signs monthly. Another time a Portuguese bought a copy of “Daniel and the Revelation.” Quite often the Chinese buy English books. A few days ago a wealthy Chinese who is a Confucianist, but whose wife and daughter are Congregationalists, came in and stayed quite a while, and finally bought a copy of “Christ Our Saviour” and an English copy of “Steps to Christ.” He was on his way to Peking.
We try to keep in touch with all our customers as far as possible, and have a visitors’ register, in which all who are willing are requested to write their names and addresses. This list forms a basis for missionary work, the members of our Shanghai church missionary society making use of it. They meet the third Tuesday night in every month and send out a club of the Signs, and also other tracts and books, to interested persons. Letters are read, the various committees report, and often we have interesting meetings. We have a committee on distribution of literature, a visiting committee, and a finance committee.
Our Shanghai church is beginning to take some of the responsibility of preaching the gospel. A definite amount is pledged every month for church expense, and a part of this is turned over to the mission to help pay the rent of the chapel. Our native tithe is increasing, so that it will soon be sufficient to support our native evangelist. Thus we hope soon to have a good, strong, self-supporting church here, which can not only take care of itself, but reach out and help many of the outstations of this province. When you consider that there are 40,000,000 people in this one province, and so far only two foreign families,—Brother Wood’s and mine,—besides a Bible woman, Sister B. Miller, you see there is yet a great work to be done here.
We have been enabled this year to open two new outstations,—one at Ying Ziang Kong, and the other at Nanxiang. At the last place we conducted a successful tent effort, the first of the kind in this province. We are so well pleased with the results that we purpose to carry out this policy in every city and town of the province as soon as we can secure native workers to man the stations.16
We had erected what is called a mat shed; that is, a shed of mats placed on a bamboo framework. The mats are made of reeds, and on the roof we had them doubled with a sheet of oilpaper between, and then lapped in the same manner as shingles, thus making the tent waterproof. The structure was forty feet square, with windows that could be raised and lowered on three sides, thus securing plenty of light and ventilation. Above the doorway, which was built in true Chinese style, we had a big glass sign which could be illuminated at night. It read, “The Great Warning Meetings.” On either side were strips of cloth about twenty feet long, hung up in the style of Chinese scrolls, upon which characters were painted, giving a cordial welcome to all the people to come inside and quietly listen to the words of the message.
Photo by F. E. Stafford
THE MAT AND BAMBOO TABERNACLE AT NANZIANG, CHINA. USED FOR A SERIES OF MEETINGS
The room was filled from the start, and we carried on the effort a month, with three meetings a day. One was held for the women at two o’clock. The three-o’clock meeting was devoted to the study of the life and work of Christ, with parables and easy doctrines. Many of the country people attended this service. Then at seven-thirty we had our main meeting, in which we took up a series of subjects on the prophecies and the second coming of Christ, the judgment, etc.
An excellent interest was manifested in the study of the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, and one of the wonderful things about the meetings which especially appealed to us workers, was the way in which the people who had never heard any of these things seemed to understand the prophecies and to grasp the meaning of the great events taking place in the world today.
A stereopticon lecture on the signs of the end was attempted, but the crowd was so great that it had to be shut off in order to save the tent from injury. As the people were so anxious to see it, we determined to go through with it; and so the next day we secured the use of a large parade ground used by the soldiers, at the back of which was a high building. This wall we had white-washed, which served admirably for a curtain, and then hastily throwing up a bamboo fence to separate the children and the women from the men, so the women, with their tiny feet, would not get crushed in the dark, we took the lantern out of doors, and there gave the lecture before a vast multitude. Probably this was as large an audience as has ever had the privilege of listening
to the third angel’s message at one time in China. I spoke through a megaphone in order to make the people hear, and then had the evangelist explain to those who were near, as they could not hear when I used the megaphone. After showing pictures of the San Francisco earthquake, and of floods, famines, and wars in China, we showed some of the industrial conditions prevailing in all the great countries today, as well as the mighty preparations for war. We finished by showing pictures of the last great earthquake and of Christ’s second coming. While the last picture was on the screen, all united in singing “When he cometh,” after which we closed the meeting. A profound impression was made on all who attended, and no doubt the pictures and the words of exhortation will influence many to prepare to meet the Saviour, who will soon come in the clouds of heaven. We have rented a small chapel in the center of the city, and left two native workers there to look after the work, and they report that there is an excellent interest. There are about twenty who meet together to worship the Creator on the true Sabbath day.
I am inclosing a few photographs, and trust you may find them interesting as well as novel, as this mat shed is the first thing of the kind to be used here in China. We believe it to be more serviceable than a tent, as a tent will mildew and rot in this climate in a short time. Besides, it is hard to get it up so it will stand the severe wind- and rain-storms which we have here. It would also be very hot in the spring months. The mat shed, which, by the way, is put up complete without the use of any lumber or a single nail, is both strong and well ventilated, and will stand heavy wind and rain without being damaged to any great extent. We rented the one we used, paying $30 gold for the month. We could have bought it for $50, but did not think it a wise investment; for when the mats are exposed to the sun and weather, they soon dry out, and crack to pieces when taken down.
Lightless Bulbs
By T. E. BOWEN
T. E. BOWEN
STRUNG upon a wire about a large pavilion were numerous electric light bulbs. The current was on, yet several bulbs were lightless. The keeper appeared, and from his high stepladder, screwed up these bulbs a little tighter, and how quickly they, too, became as radiant with light as were the others!
What a lesson to lightless Christians! Attached to the wire with the current of God's power, perhaps only a fractional thousandth of an inch away, and yet as lightless and powerless as if a thousand miles distant.
The remedy: Press up to the current by prayer. Eliminate the little sin that cuts off from God's heavenly current. One little sin will do it as effectually as a sheet of paper in an electric light bulb. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see.” The letting is our part—always. Prayer alone presses the human light bulb up against the Infinite, and invariably the heavenly current of light and love and power is found to be operative. Like the woman of old, we must touch him, at least the hem of his garment. Prayer removes the obstruction; prayer makes the connection, while God produces the light.
The Advancing Work in China
Reports from the far fields cannot keep pace with the advancing work. The Ingathering REVIEW was put early to press, owing to the enormous number required to supply the demand. By the time it reached China, some of the reports in it were far behind. Elder R. C. Porter writes: “I have just noticed the report I made in the Ingathering REVIEW. At that time the Chinese Signs of the Times had a circulation of 55,000 monthly. When the REVIEW came to us with the report, its circulation had reached the 90,000 mark.”
A Starved Soul Sees the Worst
“ONLY a starved soul sees the worst side of people. If we find ourselves constantly noting the unworthiness of people we meet, we may well take alarm—not over their condition, but over our own.”
From the Conference Presidents
A NOTE of progress is being sounded from every part of the home field. From letters recently received from some of our conference presidents we quote the following words of good cheer:—
Elder W. M. Adams writes from Utah: “I am thankful to say that we are making progress here in the work of the Lord, but we hope for more marked results in the future. The Lord is helping, and we are trying not to get in his way.”
From Western Colorado Elder E. A. Curtis sends this word: “We love the truth, and have unbounded confidence in the third angel’s message. We rejoice greatly in its successes, and are looking for its speedy triumph. I have been pressing on the upward way for forty years, and have no thought of turning back now. We are of good courage, and are trying to do our part in this great, world-wide work. The financial situation in Colorado is particularly distressing just now, but we hope to meet the standard in offerings and tithes.”
Elder G. E. Langdon, of Northern Illinois, says: “I trust the Lord is richly blessing you in your work. We are anxious to see the good old REVIEW as soon as it comes each week. I assure you that we shall do all we can to increase its circulation, that its cheering message may bring hope and comfort and light to many hearts.”
“We truly appreciate the good old REVIEW,” writes Elder E. K. Slade, of Ohio. “It is difficult to estimate its value properly in connection with this cause, as we think of our various agencies, institutions, and instrumentalities in connection with the work. However, I feel that the REVIEW is a mighty factor in this closing message, and know that our people who are not enjoying its weekly visits are sustaining a great loss.”
This word comes from Elder G. W. Wells of Minnesota: “I am much interested in the good old REVIEW, and do not fail to speak a word in its favor from time to time. I am much pleased with the new cover design. We trust that the workers in the Review and Herald Office are enjoying much of the blessing of the Lord.”
“The REVIEW should be in the hands of every Seventh-day Adventist,” says Elder R. W. Parmele, president of the Louisiana Conference. “I have often observed in visiting our people that the isolated Sabbath keeper who takes and reads the REVIEW is much more nearly abreast with the message than the Sabbath keeper in the church who does not take the REVIEW, be his church privileges ever so good. I regret that more of our people are not subscribers, and shall do my utmost to enlist their interest along this line.”
The president of the Western Oregon Conference, Elder H. W. Cottrell, writes: “Be assured that I shall do all in my power to assist you in increasing the circulation of the REVIEW AND HERALD. We endeavor to keep this matter constantly before our ministers, that they may stir up our brethren and sisters in the churches.”
Elder Lewis Johnson, of Western Washington, says: “I have been a reader of our dear REVIEW for nearly forty years. I have always appreciated its weekly visits, and gladly speak a word in favor of it as opportunity is offered. I think it should be in every Seventh-day Adventist home. I am glad to say that the Lord does bless our efforts. We have many perplexities, but God gives us victories through Jesus Christ. It is less than three years since I became president of this conference. During that time we have organized seventeen churches, and the work in all branches shows a healthy growth. For this I am indeed thankful.”
From the president of the Alabama Conference, Elder A. L. Miller, we have this word: “The Lord has been with us and blessed our labors. We can see advancement in every branch of the work, but this gain is not made without earnest effort. The enemy is still alive, and contests every advance move. But difficulties and opposition need not discourage, neither dismay us; for our God is all-wise and all-powerful, and has never lost a battle. We are all of good courage.”
The work in British Columbia is onward. Elder J. G. Walker writes: “While a number are leaving our conference, yet new believers are constantly accepting the truth. At one place the local elder has been conducting meetings with the result that ten members have been added to his church. He now conducts meetings once each week in the town hall, and has a good attendance. There seems to be an interest in the message everywhere. Surely we are in the time of a great religious awakening.”
Of the work in North Texas, Elder J. I. Taylor says: “I am sorry to say that, owing to the present financial crisis in the cotton belt, we are hard pressed, and it has been necessary to reduce the wages of our workers quite materially for the present. They are all of good courage, however, and are pressing forward in the work. Throughout the conference a number of persons have recently taken their stand for the truth. We are all trying to do our duty.”
Elder M. C. Kirkendall sends this word from Ontario: “The work in this conference is moving nicely. We are a little perplexed just now because of the European war. Canada, of course, belongs to the British Empire, and the calling of men for the army is having its effect upon industries. Quite a number of our brethren have been thrown out of work. This cuts down our tithes and offerings. Last month we had to ask all our laborers to canvass for ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ and support themselves until we could get on our feet again. They entered into this plan heartily, and seemed glad to help out in this way. This action on the part of the workers encouraged our people, and they rallied to our support with a good tithe.”
“Our brethren and sisters are entering into the Harvest Ingathering campaign with new vim, and they are meeting with very good success. We hope by this means if possible to reach our twenty-cent-a-week goal. I hope that the Lord will overrule conditions to this end, for Ontario has not failed in meeting its quota of mission funds for the last five years.
“I have just returned from a visit to the western part of our field, where I had the privilege of baptizing nine new believers. A goodly number expect to take this step soon. Our four tent companies have been very successful, and three of these will raise up new churches. The London church has just received six new members; the West Toronto Church will have its membership increased by eighteen; in Peterborough twenty have accepted the truth. In all, I think about one hundred believers will be added to our churches this year. This fills us with courage, and we are determined to press on.
“Our school is doing well. We have a fine class of students, and they are all deeply in earnest. We believe that God’s hand is guiding these young men and women, and pray that he will send out from this company many workers to give the light of truth in the dark corners of earth.”
Election of Sabbath School Officers
THE North American Division Conference Committee at the fall council, held in Washington, Oct. 25 to Nov. 4, 1914, passed the following recommendation:—
“Whereas, Progressive plans for the improvement of our Sabbath schools are often hindered by the frequent changes of officers; therefore,—
“We recommend, That beginning with the year 1915, the term of office in our Sabbath schools be one year, instead of six months as heretofore.”
All churches in the North American Division should comply with this recommendation. Sabbath school officers should be elected by the church, and at the same time, and in the same way, and for the same length of term as the regular church officers. Sabbath school officers elected the last of this year will serve during the entire year of 1915.
Those who are chosen to nominate Sabbath school officers should heed the instruction given in “Testimonies on Sabbath School Work,” pages 84, 91, 92, and 94. Note especially the following quotations:—
“The leaders in our schools should be men and women of quick intuitions, who have the Spirit of God to aid them in reading character, who have managing ability, who can understand different phases of character, and display tact and wisdom in dealing with varied minds. There are many who can fill the place of superintendent in name, but what is needed are men who can fill the place in every sense of the word. There are many who can go through the form cleverly enough; but they fail to impart courage and hope, to inspire thought, to quicken energy, and to impart such life that the school shall become a living, growing power for good.”
“In selecting officers from time to time, be sure that personal preferences do not rule, but place in positions of18trust those whom you are convinced love and fear God, and who will make God their counselor. Without the love and fear of God, however brilliant the intellect may be, there will be failure. . . . Above everything else, select those who, in the simplicity of their souls, are walking in the truth, who love and fear God, and take their lessons in his school.”
May the year 1915 be the best year in the history of the Sabbath school work.
MRS. L. F. PLUMMER.
North American Division Sabbath School Secretary.
Western Colorado Camp Meeting
By G. B. Thompson
The annual conference and camp meeting of the Western Colorado Conference was held September 15-22. Although the meeting was not a large one, it was well attended in view of the small constituency of the conference and the difficulties to be experienced by many in reaching the meeting. Much of the blessing of the Lord was present throughout. All lines of work received careful attention. The home missionary work found a warm response in the hearts of all. In proportion to the number present, the amount of literature sold was fully as great as at any meeting I attended during the camp meeting season. The literature purchased by those who attended is to be either sold, lent, or given away to neighbors and friends.
A very hearty response was made to the needs of the work in regions beyond. On Sabbath followed a consecration of ourselves and all we had to the Lord. About $2,500 in cash and pledges was given for the work of foreign missions, and to meet any emergencies that may arise because of the disastrous and calamitous contest being waged in Europe.
All reports rendered at the meeting indicated progress in the various departments. Elder E. A. Curtis has the confidence of all in the conference, and was unanimously reelected president for the coming year. A change was made in some of the other officers.
In addition to the local workers, Elder A. T. Robinson, Prof. M. B. Van Kirk, and the writer were present from outside the conference, and shared in the burdens and blessings of the meeting.
Those in attendance returned to their homes with renewed courage and determination to press the battle to the gate, and triumph finally with the people of God. We feel sure that a new spirit of determination to labor for and win souls to Christ was experienced at this meeting. Our prayer is that the coming year may be the most prosperous in the history of this conference, and see a large ingathering of souls for the message. G. B. THOMPSON.
Alabama
By A. L. Miller
EVERY Seventh-day Adventist is interested in the third angel's message and its progress. Our hearts are made to rejoice when we hear of the victories gained for the truth in distant fields; and when we read of the faith, hope, and courage of the missionary, we sometimes wonder why more is not accomplished in the homeland. Our work is all one, and the same Lord is over all; the message must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before the Lord can come, and this means America as well as other lands.
Our work in Alabama has been greatly prospered the last two years. During the conference year ended at the time of our annual camp meeting, in August, 1913, ninety-five new believers were added to our churches—fifty-five white and forty colored. For the year ended in August, 1914, there were one hundred and ten additions—seventy-five white and thirty-five colored. In 1913 our only ordained colored minister was transferred to North Carolina, and this accounts in some measure for fewer additions to the churches of colored believers than in 1913.
The tithe of Alabama for 1912 was, in round figures, $3,700; for 1913, $4,800; and for 1914 it bids fair to reach $5,800. We are out of debt, and have a small working capital. The conference has paid its quota of the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the last two years.
The colporteur work is also making a fair gain. For a time, this department was without a field man, and the sales dropped from a yearly total of $15,000 to $6,000. A field man was secured in August, 1912, and during 1913 orders taken amounted to $11,000. We believe that during 1914 we shall reach the $16,000 mark. Although there is a financial crisis in the South just now, because of the closing of the cotton market, our deliveries are running up to between sixty and seventy per cent of the orders.
Last year we had six schools—four for white students and two for colored. Two of the schools for white children were what is known as “hill schools.” This year we have eight schools.
We are grateful indeed for the gains which we are able to report, and we desire to thank our workers and the constituency for their hearty support and cooperation.
At this writing we are holding meetings in Elkwood. During our stay here five have already united with the church, among them the grandson of William Miller, who was so prominent in the 1844 movement. We are thankful indeed for this. Remember us and our work at the throne of grace.
A. L. MILLER.
Methods of Publicity
By WALTER L. BURGAN
A HIGHLY interesting paper on methods of publicity and our need of keeping our work before the world was one of the features of a discussion held in connection with the annual meeting of the Chesapeake Conference, recently held in Baltimore. This paper was compiled and read by Dr. H. N. Sisco, and there are many valuable facts contained in it, which ought to furnish some good food for thought. It reads in part as follows:—
“And now another feature of organization also demands attention, and that is methods of publicity. This people is already accomplishing much through pulpit effort, literature distribution, lay missionary work, religious liberty work, health work, etc., but we must never rest. We live in an age of unparalleled advertising activity. Advertising has nowadays reached the status of a science, and all enterprising social, moral, and religious reform movements are advertising extensively. The purpose of advertising is to mold public opinion. Its watchword is, ‘If you want people to come to you, you must first go to them.’ Dignified publicity measures are therefore essential to the success of any modern propaganda.
“For examples of recent advertising, notice the following: Street meetings are now popular with the evangelical churches in all our large cities. One numerically strong religious denomination at its last annual convention presented a drama of the Reformation, taking care to preface it with remarks concerning its own principles and the growth of its work. Another has recently given itself publicity by a mammoth street parade. One semireligious organization last year spent $65,000 in placing three large posters advocating its principles in each of about four hundred of the largest cities in the land. Another sect has, during the past summer, been making public its views in a large, well-filled auditorium by means of stereopticon slides, moving picture films, and the phonograph. Newspapers in several of our large cities are running every Saturday, with their church notices, a quarter- or a half-page advertisement, stating in a catchy way the principles of some live sociological or religious question.
“But further examples are unnecessary. These have been cited not with the thought of approving or disapproving all or any of them, but with the sole purpose of emphasizing the present wide use of advertising, and the possibilities in this publicity work.
“And this denomination also should be very much alive to every means afforded by modern methods for calling attention to the truths it holds sacred and essential to salvation. It certainly would not be amiss to have what might19be called a publicity committee at many of the centers of our work, whose duty it should be to originate, unify, and correlate proper methods of publicity, so that the denomination might everywhere constitute a mighty, scientifically organized force for the proclamation of truth to the world. Let us organize, then, for the use of modern, dignified, and ever-increasingly efficient methods of publicity — and all for the finishing of the work.”
While workers in various parts of the world are using the newspapers in connection with their efforts, much more ought to be done. There is enough news in our denomination for every one of our union conferences to have its own press bureau, with some one as its head to lead out in a systematic publicity campaign. It is encouraging to learn that new recruits are being added to our corps of reporters, and the message is being heralded over a wide area; yet there are some who would more readily engage in this work if they had some one to visit them and help them in preparing their articles and to give them other assistance.
WALTER L. BURGAN.
Texas
By Methuselah Jones
EL PASO.—We are glad to report progress in the work among the colored people of this city. Our hearts go out in gratitude to God as we see indications that his Spirit is working among us in directing his closing work in the earth.
On September 19 seven persons gave their names as candidates for baptism. We went out some distance in the country, to an ideal place, which we are free to use for baptism at any time. We are of good courage in spite of adversity, for “hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
For the quarter ended September 30, our little company of fifteen gave $19.60 for foreign missions, while the tithe amounted to $53.87, making a total of $73.47. All our people have not yet learned to give, but we are hoping much for the future, and trust that the quarter soon to close will show a substantial gain in this matter.
We have been doing much in house-to-house work, holding Bible readings, and distributing literature, but the way is closing up for this. Now is the time to work for the colored people in the South, for the field is becoming more difficult each day. Send us help, for doors are closing, our hands are full, our hearts are anxious, and we are handicapped in many ways. We should have a church school, for our young people are slipping away from us; but this seems impossible financially. However, we are praying that the way may open, and that God will gather out from among the honest-hearted a remnant people to call the Redeemer blessed.
METHUSELAH JONES.
Western Washington
By L. JOHNSON
AFTER our good camp meeting, which was reported in the REVIEW by Elder O. A. Olsen, plans were laid for the fall missionary campaign. This was to begin with the Temperance number of the Signs, then the Harvest Ingathering REVIEW, followed by general work with the papers and tracts.
First the conference committee divided our territory into districts. Seventeen districts were formed, and a minister was placed in charge of each. The most of these districts have several churches, and each averages about one hundred members. The minister in charge was instructed to help the brethren in every way he could, also to do personal work when time permitted, holding meetings as the way opened, etc.
We have found our brethren willing to engage in this work. About twenty thousand copies of the Temperance Signs have been used in our conference. Many have been benefited by reading them, and some speak very highly of the paper. Of course we do not definitely know what this good paper has accomplished, but we do know that our labor “is not in vain in the Lord.”20
The Harvest Ingathering work has started well. Although many complain of hard times, some have done very well. Even our new members started with a praiseworthy zeal, and have already gained splendid experiences. Some older brethren also, who never before had courage to begin, have this year had good success.
In this city (Seattle), twenty-one persons have been baptized since camp meeting, and the writer has baptized four at Everett, and also organized a church at Eden. The good work is onward in our conference, for which we praise the Lord.
Kindest regards to all the readers of our dear old REVIEW. I hope that the work in Western Washington will be remembered by them before the throne of grace.
L. JOHNSON.
The Italian Work in Chicago
By R. Calderone
THREE more adults were baptized and received into fellowship with the First Italian Seventh-day Adventist Church last Sabbath, November 7. Six others are ready for baptism, and we hope they will soon follow their Master in this ordinance.
Our church school is doing well. It opened on September 15, with an attendance of eleven. Miss H. Berg is the teacher. At present we have twenty children enrolled. These are practically all we can accommodate. We regret that we have not been able to admit several other applicants. Children as well as parents are proud of their own school, where a Christian education is given for Christian children. The results so far have been encouraging.
We give thanks to God for the school he gave to our children, and we pray for the assistance and guidance of his Holy Spirit. We are thankful for the help that has come to us from a brother of the Rockford church in getting the school started. The Swedish church in Chicago has also pledged to help our school. While we are doing our utmost to support it, still we are not able to meet all its expenses. Therefore this assistance is greatly appreciated.
Tuesday and Thursday, from 3:30 to 4:30 P. M., an evening school is conducted by our Bible worker, Miss Vesta Cash, for Italians who want to learn English. We give the opportunity also to the children above the fourth grade to learn the Italian language. Through this school we try to get many interested in the message.
La Verita, our sixteen-page Italian quarterly magazine, will now be published as an eight-page monthly. It will contain the message for today, printed in the Italian language, for the Italians. The printed page in other languages is doing great good, and I firmly believe it will be equally effective in the Italian language. In your neighborhood there are Italians who are indifferent to religious matters. Will you not subscribe for a copy of La Verita (The Truth), and give them a monthly waking up?
The life of La Verita lies in its circulation, and you could easily help by subscribing. Single copy, 35 cents a year; 6 copies, $1.50 a year. Send all orders for subscriptions for La Verita to the Northern Illinois Tract Society, 3645 Ogden Ave., Chicago, Ill.
R. CALDERONE.
The Work for Colored People in North Texas
By M. G. NUNES
SINCE early last spring I have been in the field. The first meeting was held at Chireno, in eastern Texas. I baptized a number, and organized a company of believers before returning to Corsicana. After spending a week at the latter place, working in the interests of the church, I left for Guthrie, Okla., where, in company with Elders Lightner and Bradford, I carried on a union tent meeting, which proved very successful. Several new members were added to the Guthrie church.
Leaving Guthrie, I went to Waco, Tex., for the North Texas camp meeting. The union conference president, Elder G. F. Watson, was with us, and the gathering was very profitable to all who attended. At the close of the camp meeting, night meetings were continued for one week, in charge of P. H. Banknight, as it was necessary for me to return to eastern Texas.
I next went to Pine Bluff, Ark., to assist in the camp meeting held there. At this meeting, fifteen decided to obey the truth. Elder Charles Lightner, of Oklahoma, was present, and rendered valuable help.
Having been invited to return to Guthrie, Okla., I went there from Arkansas, and held four night meetings. A prominent woman took her stand for the present truth. We believe that she will make a valuable worker. We found the believers who accepted the truth during our tent meeting rejoicing in the message.
I next went to Corsicana. After caring for the work there, and conducting the funeral service of one of our members, I left for Jefferson, Tex., beginning a series of meetings on October 2. The services were held in the Masonic Hall, as this was the only place I was able to secure. The attendance is not large, but those who do come are good, substantial persons. Ten have signed the covenant since the Sabbath question was presented.
Four miles from Jefferson I have conducted a few meetings, and two families have begun the observance of the Sabbath. These meetings have been held in the daytime, as I had night services at Jefferson. We trust that those who have shown a desire to obey the commandments of God will stand firm to the end. Remember the work at this place when you seek the Lord in prayer.
M. G. NUNES.
Self-Supporting Work
By T. H. PAINTER
FOR several years I have been engaged in self-supporting missionary work; and as it has been some time since I reported through the dear old REVIEW, I thought my friends might be glad to know that I am of good courage in the Lord, and still pressing onward in his service.
I have been elder of the Stanley (Va.) church for three years, and in connection with this work and home duties, have held Sunday evening meetings in near-by schoolhouses as opportunity offered. In a number of places there is quite an interest in the truth, and some have accepted the message.
I have just returned from Manaus River. I was called there by telephone last August to preach a funeral sermon, and the people urged me to stay overnight and hold a meeting. I consented to do this, and from that time there has been a steadily increasing interest in the truth of God. I was called back the latter part of October and remained several days. Two families are keeping the Sabbath, and others will doubtless soon join them in its observance. I hope to visit this company again in a few weeks, and also hold some meetings at Port Republic, where the people are calling for a worker.
I praise God for a part in this message. I am glad to be busy. God has helped me to sell some of our good books and to take a number of subscriptions for periodicals. Remember me in your prayers. T. H. PAINTER.
Colorado
By G. W. ANGLEBARGER
DENVER.—We have been having good experiences in our work here since my last report. The people are greatly stirred over the meaning of the things which are taking place in the earth, and our services have never been so well attended. Fifty-two were baptized at our camp meeting held here in August, a large number of them new converts from the Denver tent effort. The camp meeting accomplished much good, and since that time eight have accepted the truth, and united with us through baptism.
We have more calls for visits and Bible readings than we can possibly answer, but we are glad to be busy, and we praise the Lord for the prosperity which is attending the preaching of his word. The churches are helping in every way they can.
