Earlier text: ALFRED B. OLSEN, M. DISAIAH E. MOORE
By ISAIAH E. MOORE.
HAVANA. — Tomorrow (August 2) I shall begin to work in practically the only bath rooms in the city. I have full charge of the gentlemen's side, but hope to turn the Russian and Turkish part over to some one else soon, which I shall have to do sooner or later, as I am off on Sabbath, which is an important day for them. But I hope to be able to begin giving some of our special treatments as soon as possible, and if the way opens, run regular treatments there, and work in connection with them, at the same time giving an individuality to my line of the work. My wife is teaching a class in English in a private school in the city. She has two other private classes—one with a young Catholic girl who is studying Spanish with her, and the other with a16Catholic girl who is studying English. The private school is Catholic also. This is a Catholic country, and that is the class we have to work with, if we work. My wife is also giving treatments. Another thing perhaps would be of interest, although a small matter. The people who live in the other side of the house where we live are Catholics. The lady speaks some English. She soon noticed that we worked on Sunday, which nearly everybody does in this country, the places of business all being open, and nearly all business going on about the same as on any other day. But she noticed that we did not do anything on Saturday — Sabado, meaning Saturday, or Sabbath. She began to inquire, and borrowed our Spanish Bible, and we were surprised the other day to know how much she had found out simply by reading it the few days she had it. The other day she told my wife that she was not doing anything special on Sabado, because she did not want to interrupt us, but on Sunday she does the work which she had been doing on Sabbath. While she is not keeping the Sabbath, it simply shows that she is drawn to our belief. Others are interested. We are expecting some other self-supporting workers in the field soon. The Ohio Camp-Meeting
By Allen Moon
The Ohio camp-meeting was held, according to appointment, at Marysville, on the beautiful fair-grounds of that place. The meeting opened on Thursday evening, August 11. During the day previous to the first meeting, the citizens of the county of which Marysville is the county seat, had arranged to hold an old settlers' meeting. From all parts of the country they had invited men and women who were born and raised in that county, to spend a few days in that place, and this particular Thursday was the chief day. The brethren in Ohio offered the members of the Board of Trade the use of their pavilion and the grounds, for this meeting. There were probably more than five thousand persons present, thus affording an opportunity for advertising, such as we seldom have in connection with our camp-meetings. The Board of Trade afterward passed a vote of thanks to the Adventist people in the State of Ohio for thus tendering them the use of their place of worship. Many of those assembled upon the ground to attend the old settlers' meeting expressed surprise and wonder at the preparations for a religious meeting. Many were the promises to visit the camp and attend the meetings while in progress. These promises were probably faithfully kept by many; for the attendance of people from the outside was very noticeable at almost every public service. The evening services especially were attended by hundreds not of our faith. Elders Daniells and Farnsworth arrived at an early date in the meeting, and their labors were much appreciated. Elder Prescott arrived later, and remained over one night only, speaking in the evening with manifest acceptance on the part of the people. Elder C. J. Herrmann, of Wisconsin, was in attendance, and took charge of the German services. Only a few Germans were on the ground, but the attendance of German people from Marysville enabled him to hold regular preaching services each evening. The special burden of Elders Daniells and Farnsworth was the work in other lands, and their presentation made a deep impression upon the minds of all present. This was the more acceptable because the missionary spirit had already taken possession of the good people of Ohio, and they were ready to co-operate in any effort for those in the dark places of the earth. From the beginning the meetings grew in interest and spirit. One noticeable feature was the ready attendance of the people. The general services were so arranged as not to crowd one upon another. The people had an opportunity for preparation, and as soon as the time for meeting arrived, the tent filled very quickly. Another feature worthy of notice was the large attendance at the early morning meeting, which began at 5:30. Almost the entire camp attended this early service. The most interesting feature, I believe, of the entire meeting was the large attendance of children and young people. The writer took occasion to visit the services held in the various departments, and found in regular attendance at the youths' meeting more than fifty young people. In the intermediate department there were forty or fifty in regular attendance, while in the kindergarten department there were more than thirty under the care of competent teachers. The services in the youths' and children's department were especially interesting, the majority of the former having accepted Christ as their Saviour. The social meetings in the youths' tent were cheering indeed; also many among the children seemed to have an understanding of the truth, and of what it means to be a Christian. Elder H. H. Burkholder was re-elected president of the conference, in connection with an able committee of counselors. The committee on recommendations reported in favor of placing one-half the laborers and fifty per cent of the annual tithe at the disposal of the General Conference and Mission Board, to be used by them in the work in foreign lands. There was some discussion of this recommendation, but no opposition, it being adopted as presented by the committee. This act on the part of the Ohio Conference will surely bring the blessing of the Lord and greater prosperity to that conference. God does not fail to reward the liberal in heart. They had been considering for some time the work in other lands. The presentation of the question of the gospel to the world in this generation was in harmony apparently with the spirit of the people of the conference, and the act already mentioned was certainly one of the heart, and not merely mechanical. Other important recommendations were presented, which received favorable action by the conference. For instance, it was recommended that the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” be immediately taken up by the people of the conference, and pushed forward until the work undertaken by the conference is fully consummated. After the passing of this resolution, pledges were made by those present, to sell more than a thousand copies of the book, the work to begin at once. Notwithstanding the fact that the camp was visited by a severe wind-storm on Friday night before, the last Sabbath of the meeting was one of special interest and profit to all present. Elder Farnsworth spoke at 10:30 A. M. At the close of his discourse an opportunity was given those who desired to seek the Lord to do so. Many took occasion to re-consecrate themselves to God and his service, while many others gave themselves to the Lord for the first time, to serve and obey him. At the close of the praise service in the afternoon, Brother B. L. House was set apart for the work of the ministry, by the laying on of hands. Before the close of the meeting several young people offered themselves for service in specific fields under the direction of the Mission Board. On the whole, the meeting was blessed, and will be a blessing. Two Churches Organized in Wisconsin
By Wm. Covert
THE writer, in connection with Elders H. W. Reed, C. J. Herrmann, and N. P. Neilsen, organized a church of Seventh-day Adventists at Appleton, Wis., Aug. 27, 1904. In the afternoon of the same day the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated with this newly organized band of worshipers. The occasion was one in which the Spirit of the Lord came very near to all who were present. In this meeting every member spoke of the gratitude to God because a church organization had been effected. They also rejoiced17on account of the spiritual blessings they were then receiving. Several efforts have been made by our people to plant the standard of truth in this beautiful city of the Fox River Valley, but for different reasons these efforts have ceased before the work was completed. A church of thirteen members has at last been organized, with the understanding that the efforts to give the message to the inhabitants of this place are to be continued. We hope to see many others accept the testing message in Appleton before the Lord comes. Elder N. P. Neilsen was made elder of the church. Elder Locken and the writer organized a church of twelve members near the town of Bruce, in Gates County, August 20. Probably one other person was baptized and added to this church by Brother Locken before he left the place, as he remained until the twenty-first to hold other meetings. Only one of those received into the church had previously held membership in any church in Wisconsin. Several brethren have bestowed labor in the vicinity of this church, and yet there is a demand for more work to be done there. The members were greatly pleased because of the organization effected. Before we left them, they were planning to build a house of worship this year if possible. We sincerely hope they may be prospered in this laudable undertaking. Wm. Covert. Arkansas Camp-Meeting
By I. H. Evans
It was my privilege to attend the good camp-meeting held at Russellville, Ark., August 11-23. The camp was located in a large, grassy grove, with abundance of shade. About one hundred campers were on the ground, while the attendance from the outside increased till the close. Elders N. P. Nelson, H. Shultz, and J. H. Morrison, Brother Harrison, and the writer were the visiting brethren. The meetings of the conference were all harmonious, and an excellent spirit characterized all the proceedings. Brethren U. Bender and V. B. Watts were ordained to the gospel ministry. The conference showed a commendable growth in all departments of the work. The tract society showed a gain of about six hundred dollars. From the first, the meetings were marked with much earnestness in seeking God, and many hearts were comforted and encouraged. Several began keeping the Sabbath. Brother Watts and others will remain with a tent, at the request of the citizens, and we shall hope for a church to be raised up as the result of the meeting and the continued effort. Brother Bender was elected president of the various organizations for the coming year. We shall never forget the days spent with the brethren in Arkansas. Our souls burned with a strong desire to see the people enjoying a higher plane. There must be brighter days for the work in Arkansas. Surely God was good to us there, and it remains a Bethel to our souls. The British Union Conference
By O. A. Olsen
We have just closed our second annual session of the British Union Conference, which was held at Leicester in connection with the regular annual meeting of the North England Conference, July 29 to August 7. The weather has been very favorable, and the attendance, both of our own people and from the city of Leicester, has been very encouraging. The presence and labors of Elders W. A. Spicer and L. R. Conradi were greatly appreciated. Brother Spicer spent considerable time in England some years ago, and it is a great pleasure for our brethren and sisters to meet him again, and to hear his encouraging testimony for the truth and the message for this time. His instruction has been very helpful, and just what was needed for the work in its present stage in this field. As we look over the past year and its experiences, we have the greatest reason for gratitude and thankfulness to God. While it has been, in some respects, a year of peculiar experiences, and we have been made sad by the apostasy of some who have been connected with the work, still it has been a year of success. The Lord has greatly blessed and prospered the work in every part of the British field. The faith and courage of our people have been strengthened, and the outlook for the work in the British field was never more encouraging than at the present time. For this we feel thankful. The business proceedings of the conference were characterized by perfect unity and harmony throughout the progress of the meeting. The first session was devoted to the usual preliminary business, and hearing reports from the various divisions of the conference. The general reports revealed the substantial prosperity of the past year. The total membership has increased from 1,106 to 1,243, and the tithe from $12,636.49 to $15,000.81, an increase of $2,364.32. There has also been an encouraging increase in the offerings. We have had the privilege of baptizing two hundred and six persons during the year, and eight churches have been organized. There are at present fourteen active efforts in progress in various parts of Great Britain, and the prospects for their success are very encouraging. The second session being devoted to the educational work, Professor Salisbury gave a report of the Duncombe Hall College. This institution has prospered from the beginning, and with the opening of a home for students this year, its prospects for the future are brighter than ever before. The need of a library for the school was presented to the conference, and it was voted to raise about three hundred dollars in various parts of the British Union Conferences for this purpose. During the year, the first church-school in this country was started at Kettering by Sister Castle, and the effort was very successful. This department of the educational work will be developed as rapidly as circumstances will permit. The publishing work occupied the third session of the conference. The balance sheet of the International Tract Society, presented by Brother W. C. Sisley, showed a net gain of £927 0s. 3d. ($4,514.55) for the year. The total sales had aggregated £17,396 0s. 4d. ($84,718.60). The tract society employs twenty-eight persons in the office, and one hundred and seventy-two in the field. The facilities of the plant have been increased by the addition of a new gas engine, two new presses, and a large amount of type and furniture during the year. The whole plant is devoted to the printing of our own literature, no outside commercial work whatever being done. The following recommendations were presented:— “Whereas, Our American brethren for years have contributed most generously of their men and means to assist in the establishment of the work in this field, our balance sheet showing that the International Tract Society alone had received eight thousand pounds, therefore,— “Resolved, As a recognition of their co-operation, and as a small expression of our heartfelt gratitude for what has been done for us, that we donate to the building fund at Washington, D. C. [U. S. A.], the sum of one thousand dollars. “Whereas, The reports of all our conferences and mission fields, tract societies, and individual workers show the past year to have been one of great success in the publishing work, therefore,— “Resolved, That above all, we thank the Lord for his prospering hand that has guided the work, and, that we also express our appreciation of the faithful efforts of our canvassers and other workers, recognizing the great extent to which we are indebted to them for the results obtained.” Other resolutions were presented with reference to increasing the circulation of Present Truth, the British Good Health, Our Day, and the book “Coming King.” It was also advised that special holiday numbers of Present Truth and Good Health be printed. These resolutions were all unanimously adopted. The next session was devoted to the health work. Brother S. S. Barnard, secretary of the International Health Association, read his report for the year, and also presented the balance sheet of the Birmingham health food factory, which showed a net gain for the year of over six hundred pounds (three thousand dollars). This plant has had trying experiences in the past, but the present outlook is very encouraging, and the prospects for the future are more promising. Dr. A. B. Olsen then presented the report of the Good Health Association, speaking most encouragingly of the work done at the Caterham and Leicester sanitariums, and Dr. Bell reported for the Belfast sanitarium. The blessing of the Lord has attended the beginning of our health work in a marked manner, both spiritually and financially. The sanitarium at Caterham has been full to its utmost capacity almost from the very beginning of its work. The next session being devoted to the regular business of the British Union Conference, the reports of the various committees were considered. The following names were presented for credentials and licenses: Ministerial credentials, O. A. Olsen; ordination and credentials, H. R. Salisbury; ministerial licenses, W. T. Bartlett, and M. E. Olsen. The nominating committee’s report was as follows: President, O. A. Olsen; Vice-President, E. E. Andross; Secretary and Treasurer, A. Bacon; Executive Committee, O. A. Olsen, E. E. Andross, W. A. Westworth, A. F. Ballenger, W. Hutchinson, W. C. Sisley, H. R. Salisbury, and A. B. Olsen; Auditor, S. S. Barnard. These reports were unanimously adopted, and the officers nominated were elected. As a whole, the meeting was encouraging and profitable. The business sessions were characterized with the fullest union and harmony, and the brethren and sisters returned to their homes with increased faith and confidence, and a determined purpose to be more active in the work of the message. The speakers enjoyed much freedom in presenting the message of the Lord for this time. If there ever was one time more than another when the gospel trumpet should give a very certain sound, it is now. Times are perilous, for now Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved. But God will have a people prepared and made ready for his coming and kingdom, and while the long-suffering of God has borne with us, God is not slack concerning his promises, and now we have reached the time when there shall be delay no longer. The closing work will soon be accomplished. May it now be ours to be found faithful at our post of duty, and finally to receive the Master’s welcome. The meeting closed with an excellent interest. The attendance from the city18was large, and reveals a growing interest. The meetings in the tent are being continued, and we look for a large ingathering of souls for the truth of God. In company with Brethren W. A. Spicer and E. E. Andross, the writer went on to Scotland, to attend the general meeting for that field. Our Mission Receipts for the Quarter Ending June 30
By W. T. Bland
We submit herewith an itemized statement of the receipts of funds at our general office for the second quarter of the present year. It is from these remittances that come in from all parts of our country that we are enabled to supply our missions in the various parts of the world with funds with which to keep their work going. This is the great work of the denomination to-day—the carrying of the message of truth to all parts of the earth. It is a work that all may have a part in, though all may not go to these distant lands. Those who do must necessarily make great sacrifice, but this entire work is one of sacrifice, and will be to the end. Last week we published a list of the mission fields that are being helped this year, together with the appropriations made to each field and the amounts paid on the appropriations during the first half of the year. The table submitted this week will be of special interest to all whose hearts are drawn out to the great mission fields of the world—and this should certainly include every Seventh-day Adventist to-day. It will be noticed that the Atlantic Union Conference has made the largest total offerings during the quarter, with the Pacific Union Conference a close second. The showing of the Canadian and Southern Union Conferences is quite small, but in all probability full reports of remittances have not been received from either of these conferences. In the weekly offerings to missions the Central Union Conference leads all others in the amount reported, while the Lake Union makes the largest donation from the Sabbath-school funds to the foreign mission work. Union College
By M. E. Kern
THIRTEEN years ago this fall, on the morning of September 30, seventy-three young persons assembled in the chapel of Union College at the opening of the institution. To-day many of this number are actively engaged in the Lord's work in various parts of the earth. Year by year during the history of the institution there has gone forth a company of young people whose hearts were filled with a desire to do something toward the proclamation of the advent message. Within this institution, dedicated to the cause of God, many spiritual battles have been fought, and won. Some have been lost. But there are many to-day who look back to the days spent in Union College with joy, because here they received a new conception of life and its possibilities, and a development of mind and heart. The success of a Christian school is to be judged by the degree of spiritual life pervading it, and the standard of moral, religious, and intellectual culture upheld. This year the Union College board and faculty have spent more time than usual in studying some of the great problems pertaining to our work. That the Lord is calling for his institutions to come upon higher ground is evident. “All our institutions—our sanitariums, publishing houses, and schools—are to reach a higher standard. Then the workers sent to foreign fields will reach a higher standard. They will be more earnest, more spiritual, and their labors will be more effective.” At the regular meeting of the board in March, it was decided to hold a joint meeting of the board and faculty to study the principles of Christian education, and outline the policy of Union College for the coming year. Such a meeting was held May 25-31, and was a great blessing to all who attended it. The following is a list of the subjects discussed at this meeting:— 1. The true object to be reached by our schools. Scope of curriculum. 2. Work in Union College: (a) Bible teaching. Work to be adapted to the various grades of students, considering age, literary qualifications, and experience; (b) personal work and revival effort; (c) missionary efforts of teachers and students during the school year. 3. The college homes: importance of the home life. 4. Discipline: (a) positive and negative sides to question. Work to prevent discipline, and the administration of discipline when necessary to both home and resident students; (b) relation of the sexes; (c) amusements and entertainments; (d) the school and its environments. 5. Manual training: (a) How we may so adjust our work as best to encourage industrial instruction and training; (b) manual training in other schools. 6. Foreign departments: (a) how can the German Department be strengthened? (b) how can the Danish-Norwegian Department be strengthened? (c) how can the Swedish Department be strengthened? (d) relation of school to International Publishing Association. 7. Courses of instruction: (a) a proper balancing of studies and specific courses; (b) departmental work; (c) how shall the Bible be made the basis of all our educational work? The following are some of the resolutions passed as a result of our deliberations in these two meetings:— Manual Training and Industrial Work
Manual training will be given a19prominent place in the college, and a certain amount of accepted work is required in order to complete any of the college courses. There will be fifteen or twenty classes which will meet each afternoon. To make room for the manual training work, the forenoon session will be shortened, and the dinner hour will be at 12:30. Each home student will be required to do one hour's domestic work as part payment of his expenses. This plan is restored for its educational value and its moral influence in the formation of character. At a joint meeting of the college board and the International Publishing Association board, it was decided to accept the recommendations passed by the Publication Committee of the General Conference, concerning the publishing departments of our colleges, and that in the interests of the college, and in harmony with the light given through the Testimonies, the college printing plant be retained. The College Printing Department was authorized to take the responsibility of printing and distributing small educational books. In conjunction with the Central Union Conference Committee, a book committee of seven members was appointed. The committee consisted of the following-named persons: B. E. Huffman, C. R. Kite, Mrs. M. I. Reeder, M. E. Kern, L. A. Hoopes, C. C. Lewis, and the principal of the College View church-school. That the teachers should endeavor in every possible way to extend the influence of Union College throughout the Central Union Conference is the desire of the board. The plan of carrying on an active correspondence with the young people of the field, and of preparing and distributing small leaflets on timely topics for young people, to assist in turning their minds toward the work of God and a preparation for the same, was approved. The faculty was authorized to organize a correspondence department. In view of the fact that the Central Advance has been discontinued, the college has begun the publication of a semimonthly paper, the Union College Messenger. It is to be filled with short articles on topics pertaining to educational and young people's work, and to contain news items of the work of former students of Union College. Realizing that self-government is the only true government for the individual, steps were taken for its promotion among the students. The board, faculty, and students have discussed together the rules to govern the school, and it is the plan to earnestly seek the hearty co-operation of students and patrons in the school management. We solicit the prayers of God's people in behalf of the corps of workers in this the nicest work ever assumed by men and women, the dealing with youthful minds. That Union College shall receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that the excellency of the work done here shall call the attention of the people to the message for this time, is our prayer. M. E. KERN. Amount Received on Mission Funds for Quarter Ending June 30, 1904
|
Atlantic Union Conf. |
Canadian Union Conf. |
Central Union Conf. |
Lake Union Conf. |
Northern Union Conf. |
Pacific Union Conf. |
Southern Union Conf. |
S. Western Union Conf. |
No State Named to Classify |
Totals |
|---|
| African Field Fund |
|
|
$ 16 77 |
$ 25 00 |
$ 5 50 |
$ 33 70 |
$ 2 90 |
|
$ 4 87 |
$ 88 74 |
| Annual Offering |
$2,708 59 |
|
286 15 |
374 68 |
20 35 |
2,373 49 |
|
$ 332 96 |
5 00 |
6,101 22 |
| Australia Field Fund |
221 48 |
|
18 25 |
4 75 |
|
52 52 |
158 79 |
19 50 |
|
475 29 |
| British Guiana School |
|
|
|
|
40 00 |
|
|
|
|
40 00 |
| British Sanitarium |
|
|
123 45 |
|
|
42 85 |
13 06 |
|
|
179 36 |
| China |
5 00 |
$ 3 00 |
24 08 |
1,026 00 |
29 62 |
19 61 |
3 83 |
|
|
1,111 14 |
| Fiji Field Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
80 75 |
|
|
|
80 75 |
| Weekly Offerings |
1,328 52 |
74 98 |
1,502 70 |
819 65 |
131 35 |
1,080 30 |
23 48 |
455 90 |
2 40 |
5,419 28 |
| German East Africa |
13 40 |
|
1 00 |
25 |
1 05 |
6 50 |
5 00 |
6 00 |
|
33 20 |
| Gold Coast Fund |
4 00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 00 |
| India Field Fund |
|
|
|
124 95 |
5 50 |
91 10 |
|
|
|
221 55 |
| Jamaica |
11 00 |
|
|
25 |
|
17 50 |
|
7 00 |
|
35 75 |
| Mexico Field Fund |
25 00 |
|
|
2 00 |
|
3 00 |
|
|
|
30 00 |
| Midsummer Offering |
12 00 |
|
6 50 |
5 00 |
25 |
|
2 15 |
|
2 50 |
28 40 |
| Missions |
766 07 |
16 50 |
375 27 |
212 65 |
765 20 |
447 06 |
65 70 |
189 95 |
17 25 |
2,855 65 |
| Nyassaland Field Fund |
|
|
1 25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 25 |
| Nyassaland Student Fund |
|
|
|
6 00 |
2 00 |
|
|
|
|
8 00 |
| Porto Rico Field Fund |
14 83 |
|
|
|
|
2 50 |
|
|
|
17 33 |
| Porto Rico Printing Press |
200 00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60 00 |
260 00 |
| Rome Fund |
|
|
15 09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 09 |
| Sabbath-school Donations |
786 04 |
58 04 |
1,022 74 |
1,327 16 |
236 28 |
1,262 31 |
2 26 |
470 25 |
1 30 |
5,166 38 |
| Scandinavian Relief Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
32 15 |
|
|
|
32 15 |
| Scotland Field Fund |
26 00 |
|
5 00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 00 |
| South American Field Fund |
|
|
105 00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
105 00 |
| Southern Field Fund |
102 50 |
|
195 20 |
10 50 |
142 50 |
11 00 |
|
|
10 87 |
472 57 |
| Zambesi Field Fund |
|
|
|
51 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
51 13 |
| Trinidad Special |
|
|
|
|
30 00 |
|
|
10 80 |
|
40 80 |
| Totals |
$6,224 43 |
$152 52 |
$3,698 45 |
$3,989 97 |
$1,409 60 |
$5,556 34 |
$277 17 |
$1,492 36 |
$104 19 |
$22,905 03 |