Earlier text: EditorialMost persons would say, offhand, that whatever else alcohol may be, it is certainly a stimulant, and that the trouble with it is that it stimulates too much. On the contrary, Dr. Emil Kraepelin, professor of mental diseases in the University of Munich, is said to have demonstrated that alcohol is a narcotic first, last, and always; that the stimulation is merely imaginary; and that one does less and poorer work under its influence, although, curiously enough, he thinks he is turning out more and better work than usual. Kraepelin and his coworkers also assert that it is not the fourth nor the fifth drink that intoxicates: it is the sum of the first, second, and third. On direct evidence and supporting testimony they have made out a strong case against alcohol. A man is “drunk,” or under the influence of liquor to a demonstrable degree, says Dr. Kraepelin, when his muscular or mental speed or endurance limits have suffered a diminution as a result of his having imbibed. The condition may be clearly shown by mechanical devices of the laboratory, whose testimony is final, no matter what the man himself has to say about it. There is no appeal from their decision. Some of Dr. Kraepelin’s tests are thus described in the Associated Sunday Magazines by Dr. Edwin F. Bowers. He writes:— “A group of men—who were kept in ignorance of the real nature of the tests, who understood only that they were expected to persist to the limit of their endurance—was capable of a definite average quantity of work. This average was determined with almost mathematical certainty by experiments made dozens of times, under absolutely similar conditions as regarded time of day, food, exercise, and surroundings. “A good index of the degree of a man’s capability for work is the weight he can continue to lift with the index-finger of his right hand. So the ergograph, a celebrated laboratory device invented by Prof. Angelo Mosso, was brought into requisition. In manipulating this the fingers were clinched round a wooden peg,—all but the index-finger,—the arm held immovable by being clamped to the arm of a chair. A weight of several kilograms, suspended by a small rope that passed over a pulley, was raised and lowered until the subjects were forced to desist from exhaustion. This process was repeated twelve times, with rests of a minute intervening—like the rounds in a boxing contest. Each pull was automatically recorded by a pencil on a strip of paper, registered by a line. The sum of the lengths of all the lines was translated into ‘meter kilograms,’ which meant the work accomplished in raising one kilogram one meter against the pull of gravity. “These experiments were made ten times a day, and the total average for each man calculated for a number of days, under conditions of absolute abstention from drink. Then the men were given the alcoholic equivalent of a ‘good glass’ of Bordeaux wine after each meal, and the experiments repeated. The consequences were a diminution in the subjects’ ability to withstand the fatigue of weight lifting, amounting to an average of from 7.6 to 8 per cent. These experiments were repeated hundreds of times by scientists in various parts of Europe, and always with similar results. In every instance a definite, measurable loss in muscular efficiency was demonstrated. “Having shown these effects on resistance to fatigue, the learned professors advanced to the consideration of principles involving combined muscular and mental processes. The ‘writing balance,’ invented by Professor Kraepelin, was subpoenaed as chief witness in this case. This ingenious contrivance had attached to it a fifth-second chronometer, which automatically registered time on a rotating drum covered with carbon paper. On the record obtained in this manner the time required in writing a set of characters can be computed with an error of less than one two-hundredth of a second. The unit of time in which the trials were based was called a zeta, and corresponded to one one-hundredth of a second. “The daily exercises began at 8 A. M. The subject’s hand was connected with the apparatus, and the figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, were written twice with pencil at top speed. Then the sequence reversed—10, 9, 8, 7, 6, etc.—was twice written; then the German letters ‘inn,’ also twice. These were repeated ten times, and the total average time consumed by each man was measured. Then he received his allotment of wine, as with the ergograph experiments. “After five minutes they resumed their writing, carrying out their appointed task in scribbling as before; and proved that, while the spirit was willing, the flesh—and its controlling nerve pulses—was weakened; for they had, every man of them, measurably slowed up. The degree of retardation, after writing 1 to 10 under the influence of the small amount of alcohol administered (about what the ordinary drinker would take with his dinner), amounted to 5.613per cent. In writing 10 to 1 the retardation was greater, amounting to 7 per cent. This was accounted for by the increasing complexity of the stunt, it being a more novel combination than the straight progression of numbers. With the ‘inn’ the deviation from normal was ever more apparent, averaging 7.3 per cent. Again and again these same general results were secured; though new crews were used for each demonstration. “Similar results followed in the co-ordination tests, where the subject was required to ‘snap down’ a telegraphic switch at the unexpected flash of a light or sound of a gong, the time elapsing between flashing the light or striking the gong and closing the switch being measured by the zeta chronometer. In every case the rapidity of the co-ordinating responses was decreased from 6 to 8.3 per cent. “Next, a number of accountants of all grades were selected, and their average ability to add one-figure columns was estimated for one week. They were then given daily, in divided doses, the equivalent of three and a half cups of claret. A marked and progressive diminution in their output was noticed, beginning with 3.1 per cent the first day. After two weeks of this steady, moderate alcoholic allowance the percentage increased to 15.3. “Similar experiments were then tried on typesetters. These were required to set type from printed pages (to insure absolute uniformity of copy), and the total number of ems a day was computed for a week. Then, with daily gentlemanly drinks, they lost an average of 9.6 per cent in efficiency by the end of the week. . . . “Perhaps the most convincing observation was concerned in the free ‘association of ideas.’ This, when the condition is raised to the fourth dimension, causes the party of the first part to forget his watch and chain, the number of the house in which he lives, and his wife’s first name. He is then in a state for which the vulgar have a variety of picturesque names. The scientist calls it ‘alcoholic inhibition,’ and he can usually define the gradients with precision. “However, we are now considering alcoholic inhibition in embryo—before it grows up and develops, as it were—and the various methods employed in classifying its general characteristics. To illustrate, if the name of an object is spoken, immediately one thinks of something in connection with that object. Professor Kraepelin’s subjects were requested to write these down, enumerating as many associated objects as occurred to them in the space of five minutes. Two words were given out at each séance, five minutes being allotted to each subject. This was repeated at intervals during the day for ten days, and the average number of suggested things reckoned up. Then each evening preceding the next ten days a generous nightcap was donated, and the results of the following ten days’ ‘association’ and computed. A loss in coordinating power in this series amounted to as high as 27 per cent.” This, Dr. Bowers thinks, was a remarkably convincing demonstration, and proves conclusively that one who drinks much is living only a small part of his normal life. It and Dr. Kraepelin’s other tests tend to show that the alleged “stimulant” powers of alcohol are a delusion pure and simple.—Literary Digest, Jan. 10, 1914. Heaven Ever Near to Me
By Worthie Harris Holden
If heaven would mean more this morn
to me,
How bright its radiant beams would
flood my world,
And darkness vanquish with its doubting furled;
The dull routine and treadmill of the
day
Aflame would waft in incense sweet
away,
Since heaven would mean more each
hour to me. If heaven alway seemed more near to
me,
How real the angel guard who walks
beside,
And dismal fear my faith would swift
deride;
The hasty word would fail and courage rise
While sensing my companion of the
skies,
For heaven ever would be near to me. If heaven were divinely close to me,
What wondrous cadences of music
sweet!
Earth’s discord harsh my spirit scarce
would greet,
And all the minor tones that sorrows
lend
Would with the harmony of seraphs
blend,
Since heaven’s melody would compass
me. Lord, let my heart abide fore’er with
thee
To know the beauty of thy purity
And learn the power of thy constancy;
So may I sense the fullness of thy
grace,
And here find refuge in thy dwelling
place,
For heaven ever will be near to me. “The greatest of all follies is to labor for the meat that perisheth, and neglect that which endureth unto everlasting life.” AGAINST slander there is no defense. It starts with a word, with a nod, with a shrug, with a look, with a smile. It is pestilence walking in darkness, spreading contagion far and wide, which the most wary traveler cannot avoid; it is the heart-searching dagger of the dark assassin; it is the poisoned arrow whose wounds are incurable; it is the moral sting of the deadly adder, murder its employment, innocence its prey, and ruin its sport. The man who breaks into my dwelling or meets me on the public road and robs me of my property does me an injury. He stops me on the way to wealth, strips me of my hard-earned savings, involves me in difficulty, and brings my family to penury and want. But he does me an injury that can be repaired. Industry and economy may again bring me into ease and affluence. The man who, coming at the midnight hour, fires my dwelling does me an injury. He burns my roof, my pillow, my raiment, my very shelter from the storm and tempest. But he does me an injury that can be repaired. The storm may indeed beat upon me, and chilling blasts assail me, but charity will receive me into her dwelling; will give me food to eat and raiment to put on; will timely assist me, raising a new roof over the ashes of the old, and I shall again sit by my fireside and taste the sweets of friendship and of home. But the man who circulates reports concerning my character; who exposes every act of my life which may be represented to my disadvantage; who goes first to this and then to that individual, tells them he is very tender of my reputation, enjoins upon them the strictest secrecy, and then fills their ears with hearsay and rumors, and, what is worse, leaves them to dwell upon the hints and suggestions of his own busy imagination,—the man who thus “filches from me my good name” does me an injury which neither industry nor charity nor time itself can repair.—Selected. Too Little Alone With God
WE are far too little alone with God, and this, I am persuaded, is one of the very saddest features in our modern Christian living. It is work, work, work—at the best, some well-meant, Martha-like serving; but where, where are the more devoted Marys, who find the shortest, surest way to the heart of Jesus by ceasing very much from self-willed, self-appointed toils, and sitting humbly at his feet, to let him carry on his blessed work within ourselves? If the Mary-like method were carried out more, it might abridge considerably the amount of work apparently accomplished, but it would incomparably enhance the quality. What though we should lose a hundredweight, and get instead of it only a pound—if the hundredweight lost were only lead, and the pound got were pure gold? God is not looking for great men. He can use small men. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings he ordains strength. He is not looking for many men; he can get along with a few. He once said that there were too many, but he never said that there were too few. But he does want men; he has taken man into partnership in his work, and does not seem disposed to work without him. When the judgment is to be averted from Jerusalem, he tells the prophet: ‘Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.’—Methodist Times. AMONG the virtues of the past was the erection and maintenance of the family altar. The Christian father or mother of early days would as soon have thought of omitting the public, as the family, worship of God. Each day’s work was hallowed by the invocation of the divine care and guidance, and each night’s sleep made the more sweet because commended to the care of him who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Family life was built up around the conviction that the God of the father and mother was a God at hand, not a God afar off. Childhood knowledge of and reverence for religion were systematically and continually fostered. The Bible was a familiar work, and an everyday companion. It lay upon the table in close contact with the daily paper and the schoolbook, and imparted something of its sacredness to them. The songs of Zion did not have to be rendered by a cultured and well-paid choir; they were sung by parents and the children at home, and were therefore not unknown in words or tune when announced in the sanctuary. Prayer was not an exercise to be reserved for the church service or to be voiced only in the retirement of private devotions; it was the common language of hope and faith, wherein were expressed to the attentive ear of the Heavenly Father all the little cares and ills, all the common mercies and causes of thanksgiving, which must ever knit the family together in their fellowship and affections.—Christian Advocate. “LOVE suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not.” Newspapers Attract People to the Truth
By W. L. Burgan
THAT brethren in the Central Union Conference are strong advocates of the newspaper work, is shown by some experiences told by a few of those who attended the biennial session of that conference in College View, Nebr., January 13-25. One brother, laboring in the West Kansas Conference, told an interesting experience he had with a newspaper editor in connection with a tent effort held during the summer. After the meetings had continued about three weeks, and synopses of sermons had appeared at frequent intervals in the local paper where he was laboring, a minister of another denomination told the editor that members of his flock had complained to him about the reports, and that they wanted further articles suppressed. A representative of the editor who had charge of this particular news, told the minister that he would not suppress the articles, as they were of news value, but would give this minister the15same privilege of expounding his doctrines in print as had been granted the Adventist preacher. The minister refused this privilege, and made a strenuous demand that the Adventist articles stop. No attention was paid to his complaint, the articles continuing throughout the effort. Another incident in connection with some newspaper efforts put forth by another brother in the same conference, is of much interest because of the fact that it was through the publication of one article that a man and his wife, who are now sincere believers in the third angel's message, were eventually led to the truth. The minister in question had published an article in a Wichita paper, and the brother who later accepted the truth, read it in his home place, some thirty or forty miles from Wichita. He began a correspondence with the minister, stating that he had read the article, and urged our clerical brother to inform him as to when another series of meetings would be held, as he wished to attend. A short time before a canvasser's institute was to be held, the minister notified the inquiring friend, who attended. The man became deeply interested in the programs rendered, and eventually accepted the message. His wife also took her stand with us. Now, the newspaper containing the report from our preacher brother, was the means of introducing the truth to this family. How many more families are there in this great country of ours who are longing for the truth of God's Word? Brethren, the newspaper is the one medium that can carry the truth with it, that enters practically every home. Why not use it more? There are many more souls to be saved before Jesus can come, and the newspaper is an agency that must take a prominent part in searching out the honest in heart. It goes into nooks and corners of the earth where the living preacher has never been, and it will take the truth with it, if the teachers of the truth just give it some of the precious light in the form of articles to carry along. Brethren, use the papers at every opportunity, and help lighten the earth with the glory of God. Much enthusiasm was displayed at the College View meeting over the results that have thus far been attained through the newspaper work. Workers in the various conferences of the union told some of their experiences with newspaper editors in connection with their ministerial labors. It was encouraging to hear them tell of the willingness of editors to print reports from them, and also of the interest aroused as the result of the publication of these reports. Others told of the activity of the enemy of souls to get editors to suppress articles dealing with tent meetings, but they rejoiced over the fact that the columns of the papers were held open to them despite opposition. Conference presidents in this union are enthusiastic over what has already been accomplished and over the possibilities before them of giving the truth through this medium. In conversation with a number of them, they told of what their laborers are doing, and how persons for miles around have been attracted to the meetings through published reports. These leaders stated that they are continually giving their workers encouragement in using the papers more and more in connection with their evangelistic endeavors. One conference president said a man living sixteen miles from a city where a tent effort was being held, became interested in the newspaper reports, and drove to the tent for the purpose of purchasing some of our books to get more light on these subjects. This man is interested in the great truths we teach. We can never tell how many will want to purchase books giving this glorious message by having first been attracted through newspaper reports, and no opportunity should be lost to use this powerful agency for the spread of the gospel. The Lord greatly blessed the efforts put forth in giving publicity to the meetings in College View. The Lincoln papers published long reports, especially concerning the ministerial institute, and valuable instruction was given for the readers of these papers. Much favorable comment was heard from business men of the city, who said they read the articles with interest. Reports were also sent out to other cities by the press associations, thus giving the meetings very wide publicity. “When the Tree Falleth”
By Edw. J. Urquhart
WHEN knocks the messenger of death
At the heart's door of man,
And God calls back the given breath
Lent for a little span,
Fame cannot stop nor wealth delay
The summons of the hour;
So vainly weak and frail the clay,
So strong the Maker's power. Where falls the tree, to west or east,
There helpless will it lie;
And what the future holds for each
Is sealed when mortals die.
Not shining gold nor kingly power
Will alter the decree;
True worth alone in judgment hour
Can claim the life to be. There character will rise above
The dollars of the great;
Supreme at last, the hand of love
Will open wide the gate
And bid the righteous enter in
To mansions fair to see;
Forever freed from power of sin,
They reap eternity. The Meetings at College View, Nebr.
By A. T. Robinson
The ministerial institute and the sixth biennial session of the Central Union Conference began Tuesday evening, January 13, and closed Sunday evening, January 25. The first seven days were devoted to the institute work, Elders A. G. Daniells, I. H. Evans, and G. B. Thompson taking the lead in all the public services. Miss E. M. Graham was present during the entire time, and gave much valuable instruction in home missionary work. “An individual soul-winning campaign for 1914, and until the work is finished,” was the keynote from the opening meeting of the ministerial institute to the closing meeting of the conference session. The deep movings of the Holy Spirit which characterized the first few days of the institute proved to be but a few drops before the more full and plentiful showers of divine grace which were poured out upon the assembled people upon the Sabbath. Friday evening Elder Thompson delivered a soul-stirring discourse on the sealing work. God helped his servant to present a picture of what it will mean to an individual to know that the seal of the living God has been placed upon him, and also of the unutterable disappointment of those who shall awake to the awful realization that the angel “with the writer’s inkhorn by his side” has finished his work and passed them by without placing the “mark” upon them. The Spirit of God bore powerful witness to the statement of the fact that we are now in the time of the sealing work. A spirit of deep solemnity rested down upon the people, and at the very first word of invitation nearly every one in the great congregation arose, signifying his desire and determination to make a new and unreserved consecration to God. Sabbath morning the ministers and other workers assembled in the South Hall parlor for a consecration service. Elder Evans, in a forcible and impressive talk, set forth the weakness of our ministry as compared with what it ought to be in view of the tremendous work committed to our hands. He pointed the way to the source of strength and almighty power awaiting the demands of every minister of God. Many heartfelt confessions were borne, of sins which have been cherished, and of a determination to put them away. Some of these confessions brought liberty of soul to individuals, and the song of victory was heard before the close of this meeting, which lasted more than two hours. Another great wave of God’s power passed over the large congregation during the forenoon service, when Elder Daniells spoke with much freedom from the words, “Ye are witnesses of these things.” God has called this people to be living witnesses of the saving power of this closing message of the gospel in every part of the earth. As a fitting close of a blessed Sabbath day, Elder Olsen preached in the afternoon, with his old-time earnestness. Following the close of the institute program, on Monday, January 19, the remainder of the week and the following Sunday were given to the business meetings of the Central Union Conference, with a preaching service each evening. While all the evening discourses were especially timely, a very deep impression was made by Elder Daniells’s sermon one evening, based on the words of the prophet Micah, “The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass.” As the different countries were pointed out on the map, showing where this message has obtained a foothold and where there are living witnesses of the truth, it certainly could be said of a truth that the “remnant” are in the midst of many people. The saving power of this message upon the lives of those who are brought from the darkness of heathenism to the glorious light of the gospel surely is “as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass.” A spirit of harmony and unity characterized all the meetings of the union conference session. The biennial period just closed has been marked by financial prosperity. The amount remitted to the General Conference treasury during the two years, including the per cent of tithe to missions, Sustentation Fund, and mission offerings, was $162,498.29. Elder E. T. Russell’s annual address to the conference was a very inspiring one, as it marked two years of progress in all phases of the work. This session of the Central Union Conference has been characterized by more than the usual number of changes, affecting the personnel of the laborers in the union and local conferences. Elder Russell, who has carried the responsibilities of president since the organization of the union conference twelve years ago, has laid down that work, and is succeeded by Elder R. A. Underwood. Brethren I. F. Blue, of Nebraska, and John S. Yates, of Kansas, were ordained to the work of the gospel ministry on the closing Sabbath of the conference, the former having accepted a call to take charge of the educational work in India, and the latter to make Sumatra his field of labor. Elder C. H. Miller, of Nebraska, was invited to take charge of the Caribbean Conference. Besides these calls to foreign fields, several exchanges of laborers between conferences in the union were provided for. Elder C. R. Kite, president of the Colorado Conference, on account of his own health and that of his wife, was compelled about two months ago to resign as president of the conference, and the writer was called to take the place thus made vacant. It is a source of consolation to know that an unseen, omnipotent hand is guiding and overruling in all that pertains to the carrying forward and finishing of this work. Sometimes we do not see clearly the way before us, but if we cling closely to the Master’s guiding hand, we may have the abiding assurance that “all things work together for good to them that love God,” and that he will bring us safely through every trying experience. The closing Sabbath of the conference witnessed much of the power and blessing of God. It was a day of victory to many. The counsels and labors of the tried and worn servants of God were greatly appreciated during this series of meetings, and will prove of lasting good to the work in this part of the field. The mistake made by any who may not have made an unreserved surrender for service in the finishing of this work, may prove an irreparable loss. May the Lord keep us all faithful and true to him and to the sacred responsibility committed to us in this blessed truth. Ministerial Institute at College View, Nebr.
By O. A. Olsen
IN harmony with previous arrangements, the ministerial institute for the Central Union Conference was opened at 7:30 P. M., January 13, by Elder A. G. Daniells, who gave a very timely and stirring discourse on the subject “Our Message to the World.” Ministers and other workers from the Central Union had gathered for the institute and the union conference that was to follow. These, with the church and students at College View, made a large congregation. At the close of the discourse, Elder Daniells briefly outlined the object of the institute and some of the lines of thought that would be studied, as follows:— 1. To obtain a clearer vision of our message and work. 2. To obtain a keener sense of our personal responsibility. 3. More efficiency in our methods of labor. 4. The fullness of power required for finishing our work. Much stress was laid on the speedy finishing of the work; that the time had now come when we as a people should arise as one man to act our part faithfully and thus hasten the work to its final and glorious consummation. The daily program called for a devotional service from 8 to 9 A. M.; Bible study from 9 to 10:15 and from 10:45 to 12; Bible study again from 2 to 3:15 P. M.; bookmen’s convention from 3:45 to 5; Missionary Volunteer institute from 5:15 to 6:15; preaching at 7:30. Some time was also given to the study of the home missionary work. The Bible studies were given by Elders A. G. Daniells, I. H. Evans, and G. B. Thompson, each taking a different line of study. Elder Daniells dwelt on the speedy finishing of the work, showing how wonderfully the providence of God has gone out before us in all parts of the world, and that now everything is ready. Our missionary efforts in foreign lands, with their marvelous results, were briefly reviewed. Now, while a great work is still before us, a whole-hearted consecration to God under a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit on the part of every individual member, is required, that the work may be speedily finished. These studies were a real inspiration to all present. Elder Evans conducted studies on the calling and work of the gospel ministry, emphasizing the importance of a definite call, the sacredness of the calling, the object of the ministry, the spiritual life and high standard set before the ministry. These studies were practical and timely. The subject was presented with much clearness and force, and a deep impression was made on those present. Many were led to see their faults and shortcomings, confessions were made with earnest determination for a full and whole-hearted consecration for the future. In the studies conducted by Elder Thompson, the importance of an earnest and prayerful study of the Bible was emphasized. The question, “What constitutes a real preacher, a minister, and what does he stand for?” was asked and dwelt on with much emphasis. Another subject was that of prayer. All the lessons of the institute were timely and practical. The presence of the Holy Spirit was manifest in all the studies, and will surely prove a great blessing to many. It was unfortunate that the time was not only somewhat limited, but also somewhat broken up by committee work preparatory to the meeting of the Central Union Conference that was to follow. Thus from time to time some were absent who ought to have been present to share in the benefit of the lessons. The nature of these studies is such that all should have them, and in making the arrangements everything should be so planned as not to interfere with, or to take any one away from, any of the studies. I know of nothing more important for us and for the work God has committed to us than just such seasons of study and devotion as these ministerial institutes offer to our conference workers at this time.16 The home missionary work represented by the secretary of this department, Miss E. M. Graham, who also was present, received considerable attention. Special meetings were held where questions were asked, and the methods and plans of work were presented, in which the conference presidents and others took very much interest. The outlook is encouraging for a real revival of the home missionary work, and certain it is that this work can never be accomplished and finished in the time allotted to it unless our people arise as one man and give themselves to it heartily and cheerfully. But this will also be done, and the work will be finished as the Lord himself has indicated. West Pennsylvania Conference
By J. W. Watt
JOHNSTOWN.—The work in this city is encouraging at present. The church members are interested in missionary work. We are planning to use a large club of the Signs, also the Protestant Magazine, and intend to take up house-to-house work with our tracts. Some who had grown cold and had not been attending the services, are renewing their covenant with God. Quite a number who had not heretofore paid tithes, are now doing so. Some of these are not yet members of the church, but we hope they will be soon. Others not of our faith are interested and are investigating. One man and his wife who were stirred up by the Billy Sunday meetings, have ordered “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Two other families will soon have “Bible Readings for the Home Circle” in their homes. Our Sunday night audiences are good. A number of new faces were seen in the congregation last Sunday night. Brethren, pray for the work in this city, that the Lord may give wisdom and strength to do what ought to be done at this time.
J. W. WATT. Fulfilling Prophecy’s Appeal
By J. S. Washburn
“DISTRESS of nations, with perplexity; . . . men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth,”—these are among the signs given in Christ’s great prophecy, that show the coming of the Lord to be very near. Surely the prophecy of “distress of nations, with perplexity,” is fulfilled in a most striking manner, and it is true also that men’s hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. The drying up of the Turkish Empire, now proceeding with alarming rapidity, is appealing to the hearts of worldly men, who realize that a great crisis hangs over the world. Surely the fast fulfilling prophecy appeals to all men who read and think, to get ready for the world’s great crisis. There was never a better time to appeal to the people for our mission work at home and in foreign lands. Two years ago one of our sisters in Memphis gave the Harvest Ingathering number of the Signs to a wealthy woman, with an appeal for a gift for mission funds. The woman replied that she did not believe in our teaching, and that she would sooner see the heathen lost than to see them become Adventists. She finally threw our sister a dollar, asking that it be given to some poor person in Memphis, and said that it must not be used to make Adventists at home or in foreign lands. The sister who had asked for the gift was not discouraged, and later, when the woman was visiting in New York, she wrote her a very kind letter, earnestly appealing to her especially in regard to the prophecy of Turkey and its rapid fulfillment. Our sister was very joyfully surprised to receive a check for twenty-five dollars “for your missionaries.” What a change had come over this wealthy woman during the year! It was the solemn and unanswerable appeal of fulfilling prophecy that wrought the change of heart. This wealthy lady and her daughter belong to a family of prominence, and while on a recent tour in Europe, were entertained by the German emperor on his royal yacht, the crown prince showing them special attention. The hearts of men of the greatest intellect and holding the highest positions, are trembling at the impending crisis. Now, just now, is our opportunity to appeal to persons in every position in life, with God’s mighty message of solemn warning and glorious promise. Two Colporteurs’ Institutes
By I. A. Ford
It was my privilege recently to attend colporteurs’ institutes in West Pennsylvania and Ohio. The West Pennsylvania institute was held at Johnstown. I arrived at this place in the midst of a blizzard early Monday morning, January 12. Notwithstanding the severe cold and blinding snow, it did not take long to find the church where the meetings were held, and the cold outside was soon forgotten as we talked of the work being done in the giving of this message. It always warms hearts to talk of the work of the Lord and of the rapid advancement it is making in the earth. It will not be long until all the storms of every kind will be past, and God’s people gathered home. At this institute were seven young men, four of whom were new recruits, and all were earnestly studying how best to place our books in the homes of the people. Three of them had previously had some experience. Some of these young men left lucrative positions in order to enter this work. One had been employed by the railroad, and he had been advised by his friends that he would not only lower his situation in life but would probably come to abject poverty if he entered the colporteur work. He stepped out by faith, however, and the Lord greatly blessed him in selling that splendid book for children, “Easy Steps in the Bible Story,” and his first delivery, just before the institute, averaged him better wages than he had been getting with the railroad. He recognizes, however, that the greatest pay will come when the final rewards are given. Although our faithful brethren and sisters do not enter upon the colporteur work as a money-making enterprise, yet the Lord is greatly blessing them in sales. After spending two days at the Johnstown institute, I went, in company with Brother I. D. Richardson, the union missionary secretary, to Columbus, Ohio, where we found about thirty-five brethren and sisters earnestly preparing for the finishing of the work in Ohio. Many of these were new recruits, and some of them had not been long in the message. All, however, realized the importance of the work and the necessity of thorough preparation not only in the knowledge of the books they were to sell, but also that preparation of heart necessary for the reception of the Holy Spirit’s power, without which all human efforts are in vain. Studies were given in both these institutes on the books to be sold, the science of salesmanship, and in simple methods of hydrotherapy. Our colporteurs meet many who are suffering from common ailments, and their being able to suggest remedies will often open homes and hearts. The night meetings at both places were well attended by those not of our faith, and a real interest was shown. We look for the work to grow in both these conferences during the year 1914. Action of the Lake Union Conference Committee
By Allen Moon
At a meeting of the Lake Union Conference Committee, recently held, consideration was given to the condition of our church rolls. There seems to be a growing tendency, in this portion of the field where the older churches are located, to disregard the obligations of membership. Earnest consideration was given to this question, and recommendations which will prove helpful in remedying this condition were made to our churches. It was decided that the next biennial session of the Lake Union Conference be held at Battle Creek, Mich., April 14-26, the first five days to be devoted to a ministerial institute, with all our ministers, Bible workers, and departmental secretaries present. One period each day during the ministerial institute, and conference if necessary, will be devoted to a bookmen’s convention. The committee voted unanimously to indorse the recommendations made at the last fall council of the North American Division regarding the payments to be made by conferences, sanitariums, and tract societies on the Sustentation Fund. The question of how to interest all our people to do their part in behalf of the work in regions beyond received no small amount of consideration. It was the opinion of all members of the committee that during the series of meetings being17held in the various conferences for workers and elders, these laborers should be enlisted in an effort to encourage the people to be faithful in making offerings to foreign missions. The sentiment prevailed that the Sabbath school offerings could be very largely increased if the proper effort were made by those in charge of the Sabbath school work.