We behold at this moment in certain close countries an extension of Protestantism. In France the department of Gers has seen, in less than two years, three groups in the population withdraw from Rome.
Friday, the first of November, day of La Toussaint, the little community of Préchac, in the district of Lectoure (Gers) witnessed a sensational sight. Its priest, Abbot Bonnet, ascended the pulpit, and announced to his flock that it was the last time he would celebrate that service. He then read a letter addressed to the archbishop of Auch, in which he declared that he had abandoned Catholicism, and adopted Protestantism. That same evening a Protestant minister was called to preach at the hour of vespers, which he did.
But that was not all. On the morrow Father Bonnet announced that he would hold a religious meeting at Fleurance, a neighboring village of Préchac. Fleurance is a large village, the chief place in the canton, with a population of about three thousand. Formerly its population was entirely Catholic, but a few years ago a religious movement took place in which a company of the inhabitants disunited from the Roman Church, and a Protestant church has since been built there. Nevertheless that movement had not given the results for which Protestantism looked; and the majority of the population remained attached to the ancient church.
Now, the priest Bonnet came to hold a public service, assisted by an ancient Catholic priest, by the name of Meillon, who has since become a Protestant minister. The same day a number of faithful Catholics posted on the walls the following placard: “Dear Fleurantins, a disgraceful thing is going to be committed in our city this evening. Two apostates wish to justify before us their disgraceful apostasy. In choosing Fleurance for the scene of their maneuvers, they put upon you an unqualified injury, an odious outrage. You will judge what these new Judases merit. Outraged, we protest against their acts, their bad intentions.”
But this proclamation had just the opposite effect from what its authors had hoped. One hour before the meeting, an enormous crowd, composed of the Catholic residents of Fleurance and of the neighboring villages, thronged at the doors of the church. It is impossible to describe how that great crowd entered the church. Over a thousand persons remained at the doors. Before those who had found entrance three ministers—Meillon, the minister of Sainte-Dode, and the former priest of Préchac—successively preached. The latter set forth in clear terms how and why he had abandoned the Roman priesthood. So great was the desire to hear, that he was compelled to hold meeting after meeting. Since then the movement has grown great, and a Protestant minister will be placed in the community.
Without doubt there is nothing yet which can seriously frighten Rome. For the want of a monk, the abbey will not close; and as to the companies, they are yet not very considerable. But the fact is not the less characteristic. We see in the Gers the same sight which we see in the Charente, where the Protestant movement was started, and continues to-day, by the priests who have separated from Rome.—Translated from the Tribune, of Geneva, Switzerland, by B. G. Wilkinson.
The Two Seas
“THERE is a sea which, day by day,
Receives the rippling rills,
And streams that spring from wells
of God,
Or fall from cedared hills;
But what it thus receives it gives
With glad, unsparing hand,
And a stream more wide with a deeper
tide
Pours out to a lower land;
But doth it lose by giving?—Nay;
Its shores of beauty see
The life and health and fruitful wealth
Of Galilee!
“There is a sea which, day by day,
Receives a fuller tide;
But all its store it keeps, nor gives
To shore nor sea beside;
What gains its grasping greed?—Behold!
Barrenness round its shore,
Its fruit of lust but apples of dust,
Rotten from rind to core;
Its Jordan water, turned to brine,
Lies heavy as molten lead,
And its dreadful name doth e’er proclaim
That sea is—Dead.”
The Northwestern Union Conference
By A. G. Daniells
The Northwestern Union Conference held its first annual session in Des Moines, Iowa, April 3–13. The territory of this union embraces the conferences of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Dakota, and the mission territory of Manitoba, Alberta, Assiniboia, and Saskatchewan. Wyoming is attached to the Nebraska Conference, but it is really mission territory. The church membership of these conferences is reported as ten thousand. These separate fields were represented by delegates as follows: Iowa, fourteen; Nebraska, eleven; Minnesota, eleven; Dakota, seven; Manitoba, three; and there were twelve delegates at large, representing all parts of the union. Eight representatives of the General Conference, Mission Board, and leading departments attended this meeting. The attendance of the members of the Des Moines church was quite good, but there were few visiting brethren and sisters from other parts of the State.
Brother A. T. Jones spent two days at the Des Moines Conference on his way to the Pacific Coast. While with us, he gave valuable instruction regarding Christian education and other lines of reorganization. Brother W. A. Spicer kept the needs of the mission fields before the delegates. Dr. David Paulson was present during the last days of the meeting, in behalf of the medical missionary work. Brother S. H. Lane joined him in presenting the plans for raising the Missionary Acre Fund. Brother E. R. Palmer was present to work in behalf of the circulation of our literature. The presence of these brethren, and their instructive messages, added much to the value of the conference.
The meeting opened Thursday night, April 3, with a spirited, cheering social meeting. This, like the other union conference sessions which have preceded it, was a meeting of harmony and brotherly love. So far as I am aware, no one complained, found fault, or manifested opposition. This meeting was not perhaps as enthusiastic and responsive as some we have attended during the past winter; but it was an exceedingly practical session. Every important measure brought forward received candid, thoughtful consideration, and not a single recommendation of real value and importance was opposed or voted down. Some measures were closely examined; but when fully explained, notwithstanding the heavy responsibilities involved, they were courageously and unanimously adopted.
One of these important measures was the proposal of the General Conference Association to this conference to take over the Union College property, and a liability on the same amounting to eighty-five thousand dollars. The Union College district has already invested quite a large amount in this institution, and it seemed a heavy obligation now to take over from the General Conference a debt of that size. Every feature of the proposal was carefully examined, and, when fully understood, the delegates voted unanimously in favor of its adoption.
This conference manifested a deep interest in our brethren who are carrying on the work in distant lands. It was voted to send Brethren C. W. Flaiz and N. P. Nelson as delegates to the European General Conference. This step was taken for the purpose of forming a better acquaintance with the situation in Europe. A large part of the Northwestern Union Conference constitutes the garden of America. It is a very rich, populous district. In it are located many thousands of prosperous Sabbath keepers; from it may be secured many noble workers, and a large treasure for the distant, needy fields. But to secure this greatly needed help, our brethren from whom it is to be obtained, must be aroused to a sense of the needs of those fields. Their eyes must be opened, their vision extended, and their hearts enlarged.
These brethren will come face to face with all the problems confronting our brethren in Europe, that they may be able to share with our people in those lands the burden resting upon them. This they are to do with the understanding that, when they return to this country, they will join the General Conference and the Mission Board in their efforts to secure a large supply of workers and funds for the regions beyond.
In addition to sending delegates to the European meetings, this conference offered some of its most promising young laborers to the mission fields. Brother B. E. Fullmer, who has just finished his medical course, was recommended to the Mission Board for India. Brother and Sister Fullmer expressed,
with tears, their willingness to go to India, or to any other place on the face of the earth to which the work of God might call them. Brother C. J. Buhalts and his wife were recommended to the board for Africa. They are willing to go. Brother Wilbur was recommended for China. With deep feeling, he related to the conference the burden that has long pressed upon his heart for that field, and expressed his determination to lose no time in setting sail. When these recommendations were read, the Spirit of the Lord rested in rich measure upon the delegates, and before they were adopted, the entire congregation was melted to tears. This has been our experience many times during the last year. It is an open, precious manifestation of God's approval of our efforts to send help to the needy regions beyond.
Realizing that the Mission Board would require special help this year to carry on its foreign enterprises, some of the conferences came forward with generous contributions. Iowa and Minnesota gave one thousand dollars each, and Dakota and Nebraska gave five hundred dollars each. Although no call was made, some of the delegates voluntarily made personal donations.
A deep interest was taken in the movement for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The deliberate, intelligent, determined course pursued by these conferences for carrying out this God-given plan was one of the most inspiring sights I have ever witnessed in the gospel work. The brethren first settled the question of duty. They next unitedly settled the question of doing their duty, and then they studied together as to how to do it. When all was clear, they joined hands in a sacred pledge that every man would stand by his post until the blessed work was done. The Minnesota delegates assured us that one of the best meetings of all their experience in connection with this cause was when they unitedly pledged their earnest, persevering, and continuous support of this movement until their books are all sold.
The cheerful and courageous steps taken by this conference to hasten this work, and thus usher in the reign of grace, will make its memory pleasant to those who were permitted to be present.
A. G. DANIELLS.
England
By Harry Champness
LONDON.—God is visiting his people, and is rolling away the reproach in different parts of the world. We thank God for what he is doing in England.
A wonderful revival has broken out in London, which is spreading to different parts of the country. Friday, March 28, was set apart as a day of prayer and humiliation before God. A large company of brethren and sisters gathered at Leytonstone, East London, and such scenes were witnessed that day as we have never seen before in the history of the work in this field. Sins were publicly confessed, wrongs were righted, brethren and sisters went noiselessly about the church during the day, seeking forgiveness from those they had wronged; those who had robbed God of his tithe openly acknowledged it, and then God began to visit us.
The call was made for restitution as far as lay in our power. One brother went home and told his wife how he had17robbed his employer many years ago before he came into this truth, but while he was a professed Christian, and it had never been found out. He wrote to his employer confessing his sin, and sent the full amount of the money, asking forgiveness. The employer wrote back freely forgiving him, and returning the money to be donated to the church that could produce such results as that. Another brother came to the front during one of the meetings, and with tears streaming down his face, emptied the contents of his purse on the table, declaring how he had robbed God of his tithe, and would make full restitution. I have received letters from outside people who have witnessed these scenes, acknowledging that God is with us of a truth, for such work could only be the direct result of the working of the Holy Spirit.
The revival has spread to our public meetings. Now that God has cleansed the camp, he is taking them in his own hands. At Forest Gate, East London, where we are conducting Sunday services in a large hall, men and women are humbly inquiring, “What must I do to be saved?” God is coming near to his people with the power of the Holy Spirit in these last days. The sick are being healed, and people are being prepared for the coming of the Lord.
The end of all things is at hand, and those things that we have long looked forward to are now beginning to take place. A week ago God visited our school in North London, where Brother Salisbury is doing excellent work. Confessions of sin were made, the students were blended together in the spirit of love and unity, and all the classes were suspended during the morning session as we bowed with the students in one of the most wonderful prayer meetings that has taken place there. God came near that morning, and hearts were melted as forgiveness was sought and found.
Our smaller companies in London are catching the spirit, and reports are coming in from the provinces of how God is working in a similar manner in their midst. Brother Ballenger reports churches renovated, and the Holy Spirit working with great power. God is in this movement, and it must go on until a people are made ready for the Lord.
‘I can hear the steady treading of ten thousand marching feet,
True men and women marching on through highway, lane, and street;
They will never pause nor falter till the triumph is complete—
Since God is marching on.’
HARRY CHAMPNESS.
South Africa
By W. S. Hyatt
Getting Our Literature before the People
If there is one work in which I have felt greater interest than in another, it is that of placing our literature before the people. On account of war and plague this work has been hindered in South Africa. Still, we have been able to put several thousand copies of “Coming King,” as well as some other books, into the hands of the people. But since we cannot do this work as we would, we have turned our attention to other methods whereby we can reach the masses.
Our brethren and sisters have manifested a deep interest in getting the truth before the Dutch, who we are told have been greatly neglected by us. God has blessed in the work as we have tried to do something for them. We made a call for funds with which to furnish papers and tracts, and we praise the Lord that he put it into the hearts of so many to respond liberally. Up to the present we have received fully six hundred dollars for this work. This is much more than I expected, but no more than is needed.
We cannot send large parcels of literature into the camps and prisons, as it is destroyed. But we can send small packages by mail to some of our brethren who are in the camps and prisons, and they deliver them. Then we have the addresses of many others to whom we can mail the papers. In some places our people get permission to visit the camps, and in this way we are able to place large quantities of papers and tracts among the Dutch. In fact, it takes large quantities to supply a camp of a thousand tents, with four or five thousand people, and there are many of these. But the Lord is in this work, and the last message is being brought to the attention of a large portion of the Dutch people of South Africa. For this we thank the Lord, while continuing to sow beside all waters.
We are much interested also in the circulation of the South African Sentinel. In the past we have been greatly perplexed to know how to get the paper before the people. We tried canvassing for it, but this was expensive, and we scarcely knew what to do. Finally, one Saturday evening, a brother went out to sell some papers. In this he was successful. Soon others began to follow his example, and it was demonstrated that it was an easy task to sell from fifty to one hundred Sentinels on a Saturday evening. At that time the streets are full of people, who are out to see and to be seen.
When we began selling the Sentinel in this way, we were finding it hard to dispose of twenty-five hundred papers each month; but now we are printing sixty-five hundred, and all are being sold. We feel that this is a success in every way. We do the work on an evening usually devoted to idleness, hence many can take part in it. The people take the papers home to read on Sunday, and thus thousands have their attention called to the truth. We carry English, Dutch, and German papers from house to house, but the evening work accomplishes the most.
We are glad that we have been able to do a large amount of free work among the soldiers and hospitals. Our literature has been carefully examined by the military authorities, and in each instance pronounced good. Officers of high standing say that we furnish the best reading matter that they receive, but we are not able to furnish a tithe of the amount that is needed, since the way is open to send to the troops in any part of South Africa.
Our cities are filled with strangers, and many of these are becoming acquainted with the message. Thus it is that the Lord is preparing the way for the loud cry. We are thankful that we have a part in spreading the glad tidings in this land.
W. S. HYATT.
Missionary Work in the South
By Amos E. Everett
SPRING has come in all her glorious beauty, and it would do you good to be here. Flowers in profusion, green trees, sweet, balmy air, and gentle sunshine,—all appeal to man's higher nature.
The South is a grand place in which to live,—warm the year round; invariably healthy, if one is careful to preserve health; and the people are kind and hospitable. Everything is pleasant, but the heat of summer. This, however, is in no sense unpleasant indoors, or when one is not taking brisk exercise out in the sun. I do not think the heat is so intense here as in the North during the hottest days. The almost unendurable heat comes just after the heavy thundershowers of June. Then when the vertical rays of the sun strike the water-soaked earth, the moisture is at once converted into steam, and this, rising18constantly from the ground, gives one the feeling of being in a hot vapor bath. The late summer months, though hotter than June, are dryer, and not so uncomfortable. Those who are inclined to perspire freely will suffer some discomfort while canvassing during the hottest weather. Walking, or rather trudging, along the soft, sandy roads, carrying a heavy load of books, is rather severe exercise, and on a hot day soon excites one into profuse perspiration. It isn't the most soothing sensation to sit down in a strange house with every fiber of one's clothing soaked with perspiration. Yet we can endure this, and much more, for our work's sake. The most trying experiences often prove the dearest, and not infrequently the most profitable. It is a sweet privilege to tell the people of the saving power of the gospel. Too many who profess Christianity know little of the power of Christ. How delightful it is to tell them of a risen Saviour, full of life, love, compassion, an ever-present help in time of trouble.
Lovers of truth always recognize its flavor. Sincerity invariably has its reward. The power of Christ in an individual will give him a love for fallen, suffering humanity, and those whom he meets will recognize that love to be from above. Any one engaged in missionary work in the South will have sweet experiences if his whole soul and body are surrendered fully to Jesus. Nothing should take the place of that wonderful love. It is our very work that shapes our character. And so the worth of our character depends wholly upon the character of our work,—the way in which it is done. The love of Christ in you, in me, or in any one can see afar, can even penetrate the shadowy future; and day by day we shall be building steadfast characters, and shall be prepared to meet the future without fear; for we shall thus become “partakers of the divine nature.” There is a great work to be done throughout the South. Maybe God is speaking to many who read these words. Will you come and have a share in the glorious harvest?
AMOS E. EVERETT.
Augusta, Ga.
O. A. OLSEN
By Ole A. Olsen
LEEDS.—The more I become acquainted with the situation in this field, the more I am impressed with its importance. The dearth of laborers is great.
We are looking forward to the coming European General Conference with much interest. We have secured Holloway Hall for the meetings on the two Sabbaths and Sundays and the evenings during the week of the Conference. This is both convenient and ample in room. The day meetings during the week we will hold in Duncomb Hall.
I am now making a tour in the north. We are much encouraged by what the Lord is doing for us. Here at Leeds a nucleus is forming. The Present Truth is doing a good work, and I am indeed glad that the sales are gradually increasing week by week.
O. A. OLSEN
L. J. BURGESS
By L. J. Burgess
India
CALCUTTA.—This field is certainly ready for the harvest. The native people, especially, seem to be reaching out for something better, and when the word is given to them in its beauty and purity, it charms them, and they cannot get away from it. Often when the words of the lowly Teacher of Galilee are repeated to them, they say, “Never man spake like this man.” On every hand we find eager souls, and it is indeed a source of encouragement and pleasure to see them rejoice in the gospel.
I find, with the help of the Lord, that the Hindi language is easy to learn, and the book of John, which I am reading just now, seems very beautiful in this tongue. Hindi is certainly a pleasant language, and many of the scriptures seem like music when repeated with the native accent.
I have made a copy of a letter which I received a few days ago from a boy who, after being with us for some time, returned to his home about a month ago. He accepted the Saviour, and is telling the good news to his friends and relatives at home. He writes:—
“DEAR BROTHER BURGESS: I am glad to receive your letter. Jesus Christ is blessing me. I trust him. He is my Saviour. Every day I am praying for my family, but they don’t trust in the real Saviour. Therefore I am sorry. I think you will pray for them. My Hindu relatives are driven out me from home, therefore I were in a great danger. But I don’t care for that, because Jesus is our elder brother. He will give food. Now I am preaching about Jesus among friends and relatives. I am well. Pray for me and for my friends.
“Your brother,
“JOGENDRA KUMAR ROY.”
L. J. BURGESS
Atlantic Union Conference
By H. W. Cottrell
The sanitarium department of the work in this conference is developing encouragingly. The sanitarium at South Lancaster is well filled with patients, who represent various sections of the Eastern States. It has been well patronized since its opening. There is complete co-operation with the management, the medical faculty, and helpers, for which we are grateful to our Heavenly Father. The influence of sanitarium work on the general public is excellent. Similar work is also being started in Philadelphia, New York City, and some other sections of the conference.
The academy is well filled with a promising company of young men and women, the larger number of whom have much zeal for active missionary work. The faculty and trustees are of one mind in plans to bring about the best results in the school. The importance of special educational work among us is being more fully appreciated. Church schools are prospering throughout the field.
One lady has contributed thirty-five hundred dollars to apply on the erection of a dormitory for the boys at the academy. We need several thousand dollars more to erect the structure, and we are already quite well assured of the larger portion of this. We will contract no debt, but will build when the money is in hand.
There are ten local conferences in our union, the larger number of which are making a special effort to close out the sale of their quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons” at an early date. The New England Conference has completed the sale of its quota, except the actual cash sale of four hundred and ninety-eight copies.
The spirit to canvass for our subscription books is rapidly coming to the front in conferences which have taken hold with a strong spirit in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons;” but there is room for many more canvassers in the field, and the Lord is calling for them, too.
The interest in the Sabbath-school work is good, and is constantly increasing, especially where conventions have been held in their interest.
Missionary work that may be accomplished by the distribution of periodicals should be largely augmented in each conference in the union.
There has not been as much evangelical work done of late by the regular ministers as was being done before so many of them took a hand in the distribution of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” However, there are sections—such as for Boston, New York, and some other places—where excellent work is still being carried forward.
The prospect for tent- and camp-meeting work for the summer campaign is encouraging. We appreciate the fact that great responsibilities devolve upon us to bear a clear and definite message, seeing there is more than one third of the entire population of the United States living within our borders.
H. W. COTTRELL.
Michigan State Meeting
By C. G. Howell
In view of the deep significance of the movement which is now testing this people in reference to the distribution of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” a meeting of the Michigan workers was held in Charlotte, April 9–14. Nearly all the conference laborers were present. The object of the meeting was presented by Elder Cowell, to whom the call to this work had come in about the same light that it has to many, as a turning point in the worker’s experience in connection with this cause. It seemed clear that the call of the Master for us to find homes for the book he has thus committed to our trust, is of such a character that it will reveal to us our own sincerity, or the opposite, and lead to a united effort on the part of those who decide to go on with this great message.
Experience after experience was related in which it was shown how the test came differently to different individuals; but as the human will was submitted to the divine call, victories were gained, without which the worker could not continue in this cause in a manner acceptable to God. It is evident that “the refreshing” is bound up in this movement; for of it such wonderful things as the following have been written for us:—
“When the trial has been fully made, there will come a blessed result. . . . They will feel the highest happiness of a rational mind.” “After you have done all you can do in this work for the schools, by sanctified energy and much prayer, you will see the glory of God.”
—“Rolling Back the Reproach,” pages 21, 22.
In view of such a design in the mind of him who has called us to this holy message, the desire seemed to prevail at the meeting to fulfill God’s great purpose in unfolding to us his call to service.
Professor Prescott was present over Sabbath, and emphasized the importance of the present crisis, showing that those who bear this life-giving message are themselves to be that which they declare,—“the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Edwards and Professor Magan were also present from Berrien Springs, with words of hope, instruction, and cheer. Professor Magan read a very encouraging letter just received from Sister White, in regard to the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The subjects of church schools and city missions were helpfully discussed; and an instructive paper on “The Home Department of the Sabbath School” was read by Sister S. M. Butler, of Ann Arbor.
A very important and practical plan was put into execution by the assignment to each worker of from one to four churches, in connection with which he is to labor till their quota of four books for each member is taken. And it is expected that the workers and churches which dispose of their quota before others will help every man his neighbor till the glad work triumphs, and God’s plan is vindicated. C. G. HOWELL.
Oklahoma Territory
By E. L. Maxwell
SHAWNEE. — Quarterly meeting was held in the home of J. N. Hufstedler. Meetings were held April 11-14. Most of the church members were present, besides a goodly number of visiting brethren.
From the very first, the Spirit was with us in power, and his effectual work on our hearts was manifested in the tract19conviction and conversion of souls. Sins that had been indulged and covered up were confessed and forsaken. Some who had almost fallen took hold with renewed courage. The fact that we are in the testing time — the last great sifting time — called forth expressions of new determinations to press on in the strength of God to eternal victory.
Three persons united with the church, two on profession of faith, and one by letter. One was baptized. Officers were elected for the year, as we had no meeting in January. All left the meeting feeling truly blessed. The elder of the church, Brother J. H. Smith, was assisted by Brother Bagby, of Oklahoma City. E. L. MAXWELL.
Texas
By O. Glass
FORT WORTH.—The Lord is delivering souls who were bound by Satan. A man in this city who sold whisky for years is now taking an active part with us in our meetings. Another man who once drank to excess has taken a firm stand, and is truly trusting God in everything. May the Lord help his people to help those who are ready to perish. Let us work for them, even if they seem as hopeless to us as if they were in their graves.
Four persons have decided to obey the truth, and others are in the valley of decision. God is now ready to do great things, and there shall be delay no longer. He says that missions ought to be established. May God help his people to throw out the life line while souls are perishing on every hand. I am clothing the destitute, feeding the hungry, furnishing beds for the poor; and if God puts in your heart a desire to help in this work, your offering will be used to his glory. I am now arranging to open a mission expressly for the colored people. God is truly at work here among all classes. Pray that he may still direct his work, and that such as shall be saved may be added to the company of believers. O. GLASS.
The Relief of the Schools
By the following account we may understand, to some extent, the influence of one letter: A sister wrote a letter to a friend, and at once received an order for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The following week she received another order from the same person, and a letter stating that a friend of hers wanted the book also. This was repeated until four books were sold. Two of the friends were from a distance.
The work for the relief of Keene Academy progresses encouragingly. The church at Denison, Tex., have voted to take their quota. The thirty-two members at Adhall have done likewise. At Sanger the little German company have ordered thirty-six copies.
In a recent letter to the church, Elder Rupert said: “All we need is a united effort. It is neither a big nor a hard job, but it does require a willing effort on the part of all;” and from the reports from Oklahoma it seems that every church, and all the members in the churches, are united in their efforts, for they have nearly paid their portion of the Keene Academy debt.
The jubilee song is now being sung by a number of the churches in Wisconsin. As reported to us, the following churches have ordered their quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons:” Milwaukee, Raymond, Madison, Sand Prairie, Humbird, Marshfield, Neillsville, Birnamwood, Rose Lawn, Flintville, Wausau, Sturgeon Bay, Grand Rapids, New London, West Superior, Ogdensburg, Trade Lake, Moon, Clintonville, and Janesville. Many others have ordered books corresponding with the accessible membership, and some others have guaranteed their quota. Some have not yet reported, but day by day the work is progressing, and churches and individuals are coming into line with the plan, so that the work is constantly enlarging and gaining in strength. A few instances of success will add interest to this great work, and be instructive to our people.
Milwaukee has ordered 642 books, and a few days ago they had nearly completed the sale of 540; and before this article is read, they will have sold more than their full quota.
The church at Madison, Wis. have sold their entire quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and one hundred books besides; and they are still going on with the work. Two of the sisters have reached the one-hundred mark.
The Grand Rapids, Wis., church sold fifty copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in two days.
A sister who is unable to walk has adopted the plan of writing a note and sending it to friends and neighbors, together with a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” by her little boy. She has already sold two copies.20
Nebraska is in the field again with “Christ’s Object Lessons.”
The Minnesota, Dakota, and Manitoba Conferences have ordered their entire quotas.
Iowa has ordered eleven thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons”—the balance of her quota.
A great campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is in progress in the State of New York.
April 15 was “Christ’s Object Lessons” day at Union College. The college quota, seventeen hundred books, was ordered by telegraph.
Brother U. T. Cady, the principal of the high school at Birnamwood, Wis., sold sixteen copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in three hours.
April 3 was set apart by the faculty and students of South Lancaster Academy for the beginning of their campaign on “Christ’s Object Lessons.” We have not yet heard the results.
An aged sister in the Pennsylvania Conference, who has passed her three-score years and ten, said, “I will sell twenty-five copies of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons.’” In a few days she had sold them. Immediately she placed an order for thirty copies more.
Donors to the Relief of the Schools
The Total Cash received on the Relief of the Schools Fund up to April 18, is $40,435.36.
NAME
AMOUNT
E. V. Hilliard
$ 1 00
Sister Hanley
10 00
Mrs. H. Hammond
1 00
Mrs. W. J. Smith
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Rogers
5 00
Hannah L. Gotts
1 00
Mary Roseberry
1 00
D. A. Piper
10 00
Mrs. L. Miller
3 00
Mrs. E. Covert
1 00
E. H. Schwenke
10 00
Harriet Evans
1 00
Celia Clausen
5 00
H. McClesney
10 00
G. B. Beckner
25 00
H. Beeler
5 00
M. C. Duncan
5 00
Mrs. F. Brown
1 00
Mrs. E. Stevenson
1 00
M. I. Bennett
1 00
Lotta Deitrich
1 00
Mrs. A. G. Repass
1 00
Abner Thompson
50 00
A. Vuillemier
1 00
Frank Banks
1 00
Friend, Chesaning
2 00
E. Van Buren
2 00
Mrs. E. O. Bigart
55
W. H. Anderson
4 87
Mrs. Geo. Redding
1 00
Emma R. Smith
1 00
B. Graham
2 00
Isabella Blair
1 50
Fritz Guy
10 00
Mrs. M. I. Sutterfield
1 00
Mr. & Mrs. Hammond
1 00
W. H. Blosser
5 00
J. N. Peterson
1 00
M. E. Boutelle
10 00
E. C. Boutelle
10 00
I. G. Williams
15 00
Mrs. L. Rock
2 00
Mrs. S. J. Miller
5 00
C. M. Wheelock
1 00
Joseph Bennett
1 00
J. A. Tillett
1 00
Edward Finck
1 00
G. W. Childs
1 00
Mrs. H. A. Baker
1 00
W. S. Booton
1 00
Mrs. A. F. Bigelow
1 25
Cunnison, Colo.
44
E. L. Rich
1 00
W. S. Wycott
1 00
M. J. Ramsey
5 00
The Des Moines Pure Food Café
By Mary W. Paulson
WHILE in Des Moines recently, it was our privilege to visit the Pure Food Café, located in the center of the city. This café was started a few years ago by Brother Patterson, but is at present managed by Brother and Sister Emmons. When Brother Patterson was a farmer, he became interested in healthful living. After giving it a fair trial, he discovered that he could do much better work when he lived upon health foods than when he lived in the popular way, and without any greater expense. Last fall Brother Patterson went to Colorado Springs to start a similar enterprise. Brother and Sister Emmons saw a great missionary opportunity in the health-food industry, so they took charge of the Des Moines Pure Food Café, and are conducting a successful business. We were glad to note that an excellent class of people are regular patrons at this café. Lawyers, judges, stenographers, clerks, and men in government employ from the capitol come here.
This café seems to be recognized by the intelligent people of the city as the headquarters for light on dietetic reform. The mayor’s wife called one day to secure foods for a health dinner, which she served to a club. A prominent lawyer’s wife recently requested Brother and Sister Emmons to demonstrate the foods before a ladies’ club in the city. Many of the regular patrons are inquiring for religious literature. We were deeply impressed with the good that a pure food café can accomplish in reaching the intelligent people of our land, when managed by conscientious and wide-awake Christian people.
