WE are becoming more than ever satisfied that we have never fully realized the importance of extending our work to all portions of the earth. John saw the mighty angel come down from heaven, and the earth was lighted with his glory. The last solemn warning of mercy is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. There are many groups of islands in the Pacific Ocean, and these to a greater or less extent are inhabited; some of them for commercial interests only, and that temporarily, while most of them have permanent settlers. Where this is the case, enterprising English-speaking people are found; so much so, that there are natives as well as foreigners who understand both languages. Thus through the English language a door is opened for the truth to almost every island in the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. These islands yield some products that are of commercial value to other parts of the world. It is thus that the world is brought together.
We have never realized the importance of the ship missionary work as we have on this voyage. Vessels are sent out, not on regular lines directly to and from certain nations as the steam-ships that cross the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, but in search of trade. They go everywhere. The Samoan Islands, formerly called Navigator’s Islands, are nine in number, 4,365 miles from San Francisco, 2,271 miles from Honolulu, and 2,775 from Sydney, Australia. Like other groups in the Pacific Ocean, there is one principal island from which the mail and all information is brought to the others in that group. Sometimes small groups that are not more than seventy-five or one hundred miles distant will receive their communications from some other group. We can safely say that from the islands of the sea to the uttermost parts of the earth there is a connection at the present day. And wherever this connection exists civilization exists to a greater or less extent. The heralds of the cross have gone and prepared the way.
It is stated that there are no more productive fields for cotton in the world than on some of the Samoan Islands. There are two large German companies that send vessels from Hamburg, Germany, and trade in cotton raised on one of these islands. Tropical fruits grow here in abundance. The bread fruit, cocoanut, banana, taro, and yam form the staple food all over Polynesia. In some small islands, the inhabitants live altogether on the cocoa, and grow nothing else. Oranges are also found here. These products bring trade from different parts of the world. Of this group, Tutula is the one that forms the connection with those vessels that cross the Pacific carrying the United States and English mails. The steamers running to and from Australia exchange mails at this point.
It is estimated that there are not less than 50,000 people on these islands. Probably 3,000 of these are civilized. Missionaries are all through these islands teaching schools and employing the natives in husbandry. Attending worship on Sunday, clothed like the white man, is, it seems, made a test of Christianity more than is a change of heart. They are very strict observers of Sunday. A large proportion of the natives have learned to read. This being the situation of matters it can be readily seen that those who have gone there from parts where reading was plenty would be ready to devour anything that should come to them in the shape of reading, and from them, the natives would also receive it readily.
Providentially we became acquainted with a man from Berkeley, California, who has been employed by the Guano Mining Company for a year, as chemist and surgeon. He goes to the Samoan Islands, and from there takes the schooner to the Phenix Islands. He knows about our work in California. This man manifests an interest in taking our publications to these islands, and is willing to do for us in this direction all that he can. We furnished him with what we thought was proper, and with it sent many prayers that it might bear some fruit in the kingdom of God. This, we think, is casting bread on the waters. We hope to hear from it again.
We trust that the time is not far distant when we shall know of young men whom God has called, who will go to these islands as others have to the Sandwich Islands. In this manner the truth can be planted in the islands of the sea. We are becoming satisfied in our own minds that we have not entered the Australian field any too soon. May God help us to be faithful, to have discernment to see, and hearts to understand, each and every opening of God’s providence where the truth may be planted in the isles of the sea, and in the country where we are going. We believe that we shall have the prayers of our brethren, and when means are wanted that that also will be forthcoming to send the truth to the earth’s remotest bounds.
It is evident that our missionary work on the ship is telling to some extent. We have the respect of both crew and passengers. We have found some very fine Christian people in the steerage. Last night we were informed that they had been to the captain and asked the privilege of holding religious services on the deck to-day after the ship’s services. Not only did he grant the privilege but had the arrangements all made, and furnished an organ.
Accordingly at three o’clock on Sunday, May 24, we met. There were not only the steerage passengers present, but many of the cabin passengers. Elder Corliss preached, taking for his text, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The points were made clear and forcible. Good attention was paid. Everything passed off pleasantly. To all appearance a good impression was made. We can but thank God that we have a truth that can be presented under all circumstances.
There was a Jewish lady present, and when the promise to Abraham was referred to, her attention was arrested, and from that time she paid the strictest attention. We hope that impressions were made that will yield fruit in the kingdom of God. S. N. H.
The Dakota Camp-Meeting.
By G. C. Tenney
IF the attendance at the camp-meetings from year to year is an indication of the progress of the cause in Dakota, then we may credit that Conference with a healthy growth. Their sixth annual meeting was held at Sioux Falls, June 25-30. It was indeed gratifying to find on the encampment of this young Conference sixty-five good tents, mostly new and pitched in fine order. And these did not accommodate all the people, quite a number of whom lodged in wagons and adjacent houses. There were nearly five hundred Sabbath-keepers and their friends in attendance at the meeting.
The cause was organized in Dakota five years ago when numbers were few. At the first camp-meeting there were about seventy-five Sabbath-keepers, and when the Conference was formed there were but four or five churches. It now has eighteen churches, and a tract society of over three hundred members.
The meeting was attended by Elders G. I. Butler, R. A. Underwood, and G. B. Starr, from abroad. Elder Starr conducted the Bible-reading and missionary department, and assisted in the preaching. Elder R. Conradi labored in the German language; and Elder Lewis Johnson in the Danish. The attendance of the Scandinavian people was about one hundred and fifty, and of the Germans about one hundred. The meetings in these languages were427of special interest. There were three services a day in each.
The outside attendance was not large; but the interest deepened throughout the meeting. The preaching was close and practical, and had a direct bearing upon our time and work, and the necessity of consecration to that work. As is too often the case many went to the meeting cold and empty. But, under the stirring testimony, they became warmed and filled as God drew near by his blessing. Quite a large number went forward for prayers on Sabbath and Monday, and thirty-two were baptized. The meetings for children and youth contributed considerably to these results. There was quite a general desire expressed to become connected with the cause of God by labor. Over $1,700 dollars was pledged for the South Lancaster School, and the English and Australian Missions. The report of the tract society showed a condition of activity and progress. They have erected a depository building at Vilas, and have considerably increased the assets of the society.
Elder A. D. Olsen was re-elected to the presidency of the various organizations. Brother Jacob Reiswick of the German tongue was ordained to the ministry; and ministers' and colporters' licenses were issued to quite a large number who will devote at least a portion of their time to the cause. The meeting was regarded by all as a successful one; and the people went from it very much encouraged.
May God bless the work in Dakota, north and south. The field is in some respects a peculiar one; but the Lord has much people there.
G. C. TENNEY.
Obedience and Faith
By H. H. Tucker
OBEDIENCE and faith! The two grand pillars of the whole Christian system! Both reaching from earth to Heaven, and therefore parallel; yet, as to us, whose sight falls short far this side the infinite, the space between them diminishes to nothingness, and they seem to incline to oneness. In spirit, they do thus incline; for faith leads to obedience, and obedience strengthens faith.—Dr. H. H. Tucker.
Wisdom and the Fool’s Eyes
"WISDOM is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth." Prov. 17:24.
North Pacific Conference Proceedings.
THE ninth annual session of the North Pacific Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at the Portland camp-ground, June 25 to July 1, 1885.
FIRST MEETING, JUNE 25, 9 A. M.
President, Elder C. L. Boyd, in the chair. Prayer by Elder J. N. Loughborough. The following churches were represented by delegates: Salem, East Portland, Damascus, and Lynden.
Committees were appointed as follows:—
On Nominations—O. Dickinson, R. D. Benham, T. H. Starbuck; on Credentials—T. H. Starbuck, J. E. Graham, J. E. Wilson; on Auditing—T. H. Starbuck, H. Atkins, Geo. Fulton, R. D. Benham, Jas. T. Chitwood, B. F. Nye; on Resolutions—J. N. Loughborough, O. Dickinson, H. W. Reed.
Remarks were then made by Elder J. N. Loughborough, showing why committees are appointed, and giving some counsel to said committees.
Voted to consider the constitution recommended to the State Conferences by the General Conference at its last session.
Voted that a committee of three be appointed for this purpose. The following were appointed: T. H. Starbuck, R. D. Benham, J. E. Graham.
SECOND MEETING, JUNE 26, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder E. J. Waggoner. Credentials were presented by Chas. Holt as delegate from Renton church. The Nominating Committee reported as follows:—
For President, Elder C. L. Boyd; Secretary, H. W. Reed; Treasurer, O. Dickinson; Conference Committee, Elder C. L. Boyd, Elder F. D. Starr, Wm. Potter. All were elected.
Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
WHEREAS, The Testimonies by the Spirit of God state in the most emphatic manner that it is displeasing to God to have bungling work done by ministers; and
WHEREAS, In God's providence a College has been founded at Healdsburg, Cal., where there are facilities for the attainment in the briefest possible time, of just that training which every minister and efficient worker should have; therefore
Resolved, That we re-affirm our resolution of last year, to encourage and urge those who expect to labor in the cause to avail themselves of the advantages of the next fall and winter terms at the Healdsburg College.
Remarks by Elder J. N. Loughborough and Elder E. J. Waggoner. Resolution adopted.
THIRD MEETING, JUNE 26, 4:30 P. M.
Prayer by Elder J. N. Loughborough. By vote, the following churches were received into the Conference: Carrollton, consisting of fifteen members; West Chehalem, ten members.
The committee to consider the constitution reported, recommending its adoption. After the new constitution was read, and compared with the old, it was adopted.
FOURTH MEETING, JUNE 29, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder John Fulton. Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows:—
For credentials—Elders C. L. Boyd, and F. D. Starr; for ministerial license—H. W. Reed, J. A. Burden, Wm. Potter; for colporter's license—W. C. Ward, John Cole, M. S. Boyd. They also recommended that H. W. Reed and W. C. Ward attend the fall and winter terms of the Healdsburg College. The report was adopted.
Committee on Resolutions offered the following:—
Resolved, That a primary school should be opened in East Portland, where our children may obtain needed instruction in the common branches of education without being subjected to the evil association connected with too many of the public schools.
Remarks by J. N. Loughborough, E. J. Waggoner, J. D. Carter, and Jas. T. Chitwood, which were interesting and instructive.
Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to the North Pacific and O. C. R. R., and to the steamer, Joseph Kellogg, for reduction in fare to those attending this camp-meeting; also to the Multnomah and Transcontinental street-car lines for special favors to our ministers and Camp-meeting Committee.
Resolved, That we raise an educational fund of $1,000.
Remarks by Elder J. N. Loughborough and J. D. Carter. The resolutions were all adopted.
Pledges were then made to the amount of $940.55.
FIFTH MEETING, JUNE 30, 8:30 A. M.
Prayer by H. W. Reed. A letter from the church at Corvallis was read, asking admission to the Conference. The request was granted. Report from the treasurer, O. Dickinson, showed that the amount of tithes paid in this year was $1,555.51. The present indebtedness of the Conference is $449.
Brother O. Dickinson made an earnest plea for the members to pay their tithes. The hearts of all were softened by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Interesting remarks were made by Elder J. N. Loughborough, Geo. Fulton, and J. E. Graham.
Adjourned sine die.
C. L. BOYD, Pres.
H. W. REED, Sec.
Virginia City, Nevada.
By E. A. Briggs; G. W. Colcord
WE have been holding meetings here seven weeks, and the interest is still good. This city is much stirred, and hundreds of long-neglected Bibles are being searched. A bitter opposition is manifested, and we have to meet such objections as: "The Adventists are always talking about the coming of Christ," "The Adventists never preach about Christ," "The Adventists are bringing up the old antiquated Sabbath," "The Adventists only talk of new-fashioned doctrines," etc., etc.
Twenty-two earnest souls have signed the covenant. Brethren, pray for the work here.
E. A. BRIGGS,
G. W. COLCORD.
July 10, 1885.
Report from Oregon.
By H. W. Reed
Currinsville.—I came to this place, and held the first meeting Wednesday evening, April 1. A goodly number were in attendance, and quite an interest was manifested in the words spoken. April 22 I was joined by Bro. W. C. Ward, who labored with me here until May 3. By the blessing of God upon our labors, six adults decided to keep God's commandments. We organized a Sabbath-school of twenty members.
Elder C. L. Boyd visited them Sabbath and Sunday, April 23 and 24. He preached four earnest sermons to a crowded house.
We trust that this little company may have much of the grace of God, and see others take their stand with them and yield obedience to God's commandments.
Springwater.—We commenced a series of meetings here Wednesday evening, May 6. The attendance was large, and considerable interest was manifested in the words spoken. We received some opposition from the enemies of the truth; but God caused the wrath of the enemy to praise him. We labored at this place until June 16. The rich blessing of God was upon our labors. Thirteen signed the covenant, and others commenced to observe the Sabbath. A Sabbath-school of forty members was organized.
H. W. Reed.
Upper Columbia Conference.
By H. W. Decker; W. L. Raymond
WE came to this place last week, and pitched our tent near the center of the town, and commenced meetings on the evening after the Sabbath. The days have been rainy, and the evenings cool; yet we have had a good attendance so far; sometimes as many as 150. Much interest is being manifested in our meetings. The usual stories about time-setting, white robes, etc., have been circulated, but the people seem willing to investigate.
This is the former home of Brother M. C. Israel, who has done much missionary work in the place, which has resulted in causing one lady to obey the truth, and in creating an interest in the minds of many more, which, we hope, may end in bringing them to a saving knowledge of the truth.
H. W. DECKER,
Union, Or., June 25. W. L. RAYMOND.
New Orleans Mission.
By G. K. Owen
The work here in this mission still progresses. Twelve have been baptized, and others will follow soon.
Having just removed, the location and address of the mission are now 35 Prytania St., New Orleans, La. The first number of the Pacific Health Journal has just been received, for which I am thankful, and with the appearance and teachings am highly pleased. May it be a welcome guest in the homes of this city, where its instruction is so much needed.
June 30, 1885. G. K. Owen.
Marion, June 24
From Indiana.
Our work here is progressing. We have our tent pitched in a beautiful grove just south of the city, and have a good audience each evening. We are just entering upon the Sabbath question. Our canvassers have taken over one hundred orders for "Sunshine" and Signs, and we are being well represented in the city papers, being allowed to utilize one or two columns in them each week. Pray for us.
J. P. HENDERSON,
C. M. SHORTRIDGE.
Marion, June 24
Repentance Must Lead to Resolution
By Bishop Horne
FRUITLESS is sorrow for having done amiss if it issue not in resolution to do so no more.—Bishop Horne.
Missionary Department Continued
(Missionary Department continued on page 430.)
Ned's Work.
By Meade Middleton
NED scrambled up the ladder, lifted the trapdoor, and stood, with his head above the roof, looking far away, over the country. Captain Abel, too, was on the top round of the ladder, peeping over Ned's shoulder.
It was a big fire. No doubt of that. There were several opinions, though, as to where it might be.
"Where do you say, Captain Abel?" Ned asked.
"Hard to tell; shouldn't wonder, though, if it were over at the dominie's."
"Father, father, Captain Abel thinks that it is at the dominie's," cried Ned, running across the flat roof, and looking down, toward the second-story windows.
"O Ned, go back, go back! you'll break your neck," screamed Eva and May.
"Come down, Ned," said his father.
"I want to help them," cried Ned.
"Standing on the edge of the roof at twelve o'clock in the night, will not help any one," said Mr. Lovell. "None of us can give help now."
Ned scrambled down the ladder, and went back to bed. If he could have had his own way, I suppose that he would have run over the fields, to the fire. He was up early the next morning, and on the watch for any one who might be passing, and could give the news. Just as the rest of the family sat down to breakfast, he ran in, crying:—
"Captain Abel was right. It was the dominie's barn, burned to the ground—his cow and horse, too."
"Oh!" they exclaimed; "who told you? How did it happen? Poor old Tic! What will the dominie do?"
"Will the people help him, father?"
"I think so, daughter. We must all do something."
"Poor dominie! He shall have my silver dollar!" cried little Cyrus, promptly.
They all smiled; that silver dollar was expected to do so much.
"Would it not be a good plan for some one to go around with a subscription paper?" asked Mrs. Lovell.
Yes, so Mr. Lovell thought. He should advise that.
But it was within half an hour of school time. Ned must be off at once. He had not looked into his grammar or geography. "I suppose that it will be about the same with the other fellows," he thought. And really there was not much studying done that day. Even the teacher seemed unlike himself.
"The dominie is our good pastor," he said, "and we must all think of some way to help him."
The boys held a stump meeting at recess, to talk over what they could do. The one who could talk best was allowed to make the first speech. Before the bell rang for study, they had thought of some very sensible plans.
Ned, however, had devised a way of his own, a way with which he was particularly pleased. He was sure that his father would make no objection, while his mother and sisters would rejoice to have him shine as such a useful character. The boys talked it all over together, along the way home. When Ned left them, he said good-by for a week.
"Yes," he said, "I am sure that it will take every day of a week."
"Why, then you'll have no time to eat or to sleep," said Hugh Olmstead.
"Are you sure that your father will let you do it?" asked Tom More.
"Yes, certain," said Ned.
"Will you walk?"
"No, indeed. I shall make old Rye trot me around."
"I'd like to go too, if I could get a horse," said another boy. "But father will be using the horses in the plow."
"I think that my father will let the plowing go for a week," said Ned, and off he ran to tell his plans at home.
They were at tea, and a gentleman who had called to see Mr. Lovell on business was taking tea with them, so that Ned could not just then say anything about his wish. He contrived, though, to nod, once or twice, in a mysterious way to Eva, and to say to May, in a low tone, across the table, that it would soon be all right with the dominie, he would be better off, perhaps, than he was before the fire.
"Come, now, quickly, and tell us all about it," said Eva, when tea was over, and the gentlemen had gone out to look at things about the barn.
"I want to hear, too, because I'll give my dollar," said Cyrus.
"I needn't study any lessons for a week," Ned said, after he had told the girls what he intended to do.
"When are you going to ask father about it?" inquired Eva.
"As soon as Mr. Simpson goes; oh! father will be sure to let me do it."
"Mother, do you think that father will let Ned go all over the country with a subscription paper?" asked Eva.
"Ned can ask him," said Mrs. Lovell.
"But you, mother,—you are quite willing?" said Ned.
"It must be just as your father says."
"I will go now, and make it all right with father," Ned said, confidently.
On his way, he met old Captain Abel, and stopped, of course, to tell him about it.
"I'll be back in a few minutes, to tell you what time I must be off in the morning," he said.
Mr. Simpson had gone, and Ned found his father at the front gate, at leisure to listen to his story. Eva and May watched the two from the sitting-room window, as they talked over the matter. They saw Ned begin in a very earnest way, and they noticed that their father listened, making no reply till Ned was at the end of his story.
They saw, then, that their father shook his head, and began his part of the talk.
"Why, mother, I don't believe that father will let Ned do it."
"No; so I supposed," said Mrs. Lovell.
"But isn't it right for us to do all that we can to help others?"
"Yes, certainly; only in helping we must choose wise ways. I dare say that your father sees some serious objection to Ned's way."
"I'm sorry for him," said May.
"So am I. But, sometime he will see that it is all right."
Meanwhile, Ned had to bear a sharp disappointment. He walked slowly back to Captain Abel, and told him that he should not need old Rye in the morning. "Father thinks more of the plowing than he does of the dominie," he muttered.
"No, no," cried Captain Abel. "You don't quite believe what you are saying! I am sorry for you, though. I used to see this kind of thing in the army."
Captain Abel had fought in our civil war. Indeed, he had dug his way out of that famous Libby Prison, so that Ned was ready to listen with respect to what he said.
"I thought that we were all put here to work for each other! I don't know the meaning of all this talk about denying ourselves that we may help others," said Ned.
"The fact is, your father wants you to do work in one way, and you want to do it in another. As to denying one's self, Mr. Lovell is doing that to-day; he sold one of his horses to Mr. Simpson, and I know that he did it partly to raise money for the dominie."
"Father didn't tell me that," said Ned.
"No; a wise man doesn't tell all that he knows. As to helping the dominie, if that is what you are after, don't you suppose that a gentleman like your father, whom every one knows and respects, will get a great deal more money than a lad like you going round with a subscription paper?"
"I didn't know that father means to go."
"No, you didn't wait to hear. And a poor old man like me has to tell you that your father is wiser than you," said Captain Abel.
"I'll have to go to work to-morrow on that old geography, and I just hate it," groaned Ned.
"Ho, ho! that is the trouble; you wanted a week off from your work? Just like it was in the army. I knew soldiers that were always wishing they could command the army; the country would be saved right off. But those same men, when a battle was near, were the very ones who wanted to run away and hide. If they had dared, they would have run out of harm's way, shirking their own work, and wishing for some other. Fine generals they would have made! It is only by doing the hard geography, and all that sort of thing, Ned, that you will be able to do the larger work, when it comes."
"Oh! but indeed it wasn't all just to get away from lessons, Captain Abel. I really want to do as the dominie told us in his lesson; I want to feel that I am doing God's work in the world."
"That is just what God gives you to do, Ned. Stick to the geography, and you will be doing God's work a great deal more than if you were trotting over the country, on old Rye, for a week, begging subscriptions for the dominie!"
The Home Circle.
By Lucy Larcom
CHILDHOOD'S GOLD.
THEY need not go so far away,
Through heat and cold, to hunt for gold;
They might beside us sit or stray,—
Our hands are full as they can hold.
Gold! Gold is poured out of the sky
From rise of sun till day is done;
With falling leaves it flashes by;
In liquid gold the rivers run.
'Twas scattered all the way from school,
In stars and bells adown the dells;
We children gathered aprons full,
Where little Dandelion dwells.
And yellow Cowslip to our feet
Came, like a king, his hoard to bring;
And Columbine, with nod so sweet,
Shook gold upon our path,—gay thing.
What goblet glistens with such wine
As the bee sups from buttercups?
What gold beads on the wet grass shine,
Sparkling to breezy downs and ups!
Our homes are sweet upon the hills,
Where love is sure, and life is pure,
And sunshine every season fills;
How can a country child be poor?
No robber scares our midnight hours;
No coffers cold our treasures hold;
Dewdrops and sunbeams, stars and flowers,—
Gold! Gold! Who shares our childhood's gold?
—Lucy Larcom, in St. Nicholas.
The Iron Dishcloth
By Good Housekeeping
THERE may be a good many women in this country who do not yet own an "iron dishcloth," but their number is diminishing every day. The most conservative of objectors to all modern improvements, if once they are induced to try this little article, yield to its charms. It is composed of numerous stout iron rings, neatly interwoven, and when pushed about in a bath of warm suds over the soiled surface of the iron kettle or spider cleans it like magic. It clears the dinner plates from the mutton fat that hardens so quickly, and then it is easily cleaned by being rubbed between the palms of the hands with a little soap.—Good Housekeeping.