The responsibilities as well as the privileges resting upon us to whom has been given the last warning message to the world should lead us to sow beside all waters. And if, as we read, there will be some gathered from the four corners of the earth, there must of necessity also be a scattering to all these points.
As I have looked over the great field, and viewed the different nationalities to be found in Canada, my attention has been called to the thousands of Chinese in this country and in the United States, many of whom can read English, and nearly all of whom can readily read the Mandarin Chinese. In St. John, New Brunswick, alone, there are about sixty Chinamen; in Montreal there are three hundred laundrymen, and about one thousand other Chinese. In such cities also as New York, Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, and St. Louis, there are many more. Their salvation depends upon those whom God has commissioned to preach the everlasting gospel to the ends of the earth.
As an experiment, I took twenty copies of the Gospel Herald, our Chinese paper, published at Shanghai, and called on the laundrymen and restaurant keepers in St. John. To my surprise, in half a day I secured fifteen yearly subscriptions at thirty-five cents each, and sold the other papers at five cents a copy. Now as a result of that half-day’s labor, I had five dollars and a half to send to the publishing company at Shanghai, and the gospel message will enter those homes for one year. The Chinese love to read their language, and will readily buy such literature, even when published by some other than their own people. They also become interested in looking at the pictures. Nearly all can understand enough to know what you want when showing them the paper and soliciting their subscription. They all have money, and pay cash. A considerable sum of money could thus be secured which would be a much-needed help to our new publishing house at Shanghai. Why could not some brother or sister in every city take up this work? The editor at Shanghai will be pleased to send sample copies on application. Address the Gospel Herald, Box 993, U. S. Post-office, Shanghai, China.
I have sold a few copies of the Missionary REVIEW and two copies of “Coming King,” besides “Best Stories” and other small books, to the Chinese. If any engage in this work in the cities, we shall be pleased to have a report through the pages of the REVIEW.
J. O. MILLER.
The Georgia Institute
By GEO. W. WELLS.
WE are much encouraged with the progress of the canvassing work in Georgia the present year. God has blessed us, and thousands of pages of our literature have been disposed of. Our canvassers have enjoyed a good experience, and God has supported them while they labored.
We held several institutes during the year, and as a result more workers entered the field, and many more books were sold. Now we are planning to hold another institute in the near future, and I hope that all who are engaged in evangelistic canvassing will plan to attend. Excellent help will be present, and we mean to spare no pains in making it interesting17and profitable to all who may attend. Those thinking of coming South to engage in this work, will find it helpful to join us in the institute, and receive the blessing and experience that may be obtained at this time.
It is not necessary for me to mention the need of workers here, and the importance of getting our literature into the homes of the people. We have county after county that, so far as we know, has never been entered with our publications, and many cities are in great need of workers. Our canvassers are meeting with success in selling our books, large and small. Where are the consecrated men and women who will enter these needy fields? Who will respond?
Those contemplating coming South would do well to confer with some of the officers of the field. A few, led to come South by flattering prospects presented by well-meaning people, have been disappointed. There are many kinds of work to be carried on here; but we do not present riches as an inducement, except the riches of Christ Jesus, found in laboring for souls.
Our institute is to be held Jan. 13-26, 1909, in Atlanta. If there are those who desire a part in this good work in Georgia, further information regarding the institute and the condition of the work, may be obtained by writing our field agent, A. L. Manous, 54 Beecher St., Atlanta, Ga., or the writer, 105 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta, Ga.
GEO. W. WELLS.
The Arizona Conference
THE seventh annual session of the Arizona Conference was held in Phoenix, Nov. 10-16, 1908. Since the last conference, held in January, two new churches have been organized, with a membership of forty-six. These were admitted to the conference.
During the year ending Dec. 31, 1907, the tithe average per capita was $27.50; and while the average during the year just closed was not so large, we are confident that the financial depression has been quite largely responsible for the decrease.
The finances of our corporation are in a flourishing condition. The conference has no debt, and has several thousand dollars in available assets. The several departments of the conference are prosperous.
The representation of delegates from the various churches was encouraging, and the reports of the workers were full of interest. A fixed determination was manifest to push the work as fast as possible, and to herald abroad the news of Christ’s soon coming. On the whole, the conference has made an encouraging growth during the past ten months. An active interest was taken in supporting the work in foreign fields. Something over three thousand copies of the special Thanksgiving number of the REVIEW have already been ordered.
A decided advance has been made in the educational work. Two new church-schools have been opened, and another teacher added to the force in the Phoenix School, which carries work up to and including the eleventh grade. Several Mexicans are attending this school, and still others are expected in the near future. Of these Spanish-speaking students, we hope to see some develop into first-class workers among their own race.
Our union conference president, Elder H. W. Cottrell, was with us, and his assistance was most valuable. His counsel and sermons were timely, and will not soon be forgotten. His lessons on the divinity of Christ are needed by many Seventh-day Adventists, and can not fail to accomplish great good.
The officers of the conference, elected for the coming year, are as follows: President, H. G. Thurston; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. M. T. Poston; religious liberty secretary, H. G. Thurston; educational secretary, H. G. Thurston. Some changes were made in the conference committee, H. G. Thurston, F. W. Wheeler, I. P. Dillon, Roy Roberts, and Juan Garcia Orozco being elected for the coming year. Corporation Trustees: H. G. Thurston, F. W. Wheeler, I. P. Dillon, Geo. G. Sims, Roy Roberts.
We feel grateful for God’s prospering care over this field, and expect the year upon which we now enter to be still better than the short one just closed.
Ministerial credentials were issued to H. G. Thurston, F. W. Wheeler, J. E. Bond, M. Serna. Ministerial licenses were given to I. P. Dillon, Geo. G. Sims, Juan Garcia Orozco, and missionary licenses to Mrs. M. T. Poston and A. J. Cole.
Jamaica
By W. G. Kneeland
SPANISH TOWN.—On account of sickness in my family, I spent a short time with them in the United States. As soon as their recovery was assured, I left them at Charlotte, Mich., and returned to Jamaica, September 1. I was glad to see that the Kingston church was nearly completed. Elder D. E. Wellman and his associates have done excellent work in remodeling and perfecting the building that was hastily constructed after the earthquake. There is still a heavy debt on the church, which it will take many years of great self-denial on the part of our unfortunate people to pay. We hope some of our more fortunate brethren who are enjoying comfortable houses of worship, will remember this field with a thank-offering for preservation thus far from the disasters that have overtaken us in this island.
There are at present thirty-three churches and companies struggling to complete their humble places of worship. Some of these have been doing all they could for the last six years, and it will require several years more to finish, under present conditions.
I have just returned from a twenty-days’ trip in the country districts. The Lord has wonderfully blessed in presenting the truths needed to properly prepare our people for service in the Master’s vineyard. On several occasions almost the entire congregation came forward, confessing their sins, and asking for special prayers. Nineteen adults were baptized at one place as a result of the revival services. At another church, in spite of the almost constant rain and unfinished building, we conducted a successful meeting. Six came forward for prayers the last evening I was there. The country is stirred, and Elder A. N. Durrant will remain to follow up the interest. If all our church buildings were completed, so that we could hold these special services in all parts of the country, a grand work could soon be accomplished. We are truly grateful that the Lord is dealing graciously with us in this needy field. My own health is good, and reports from my family indicate that they are rapidly recovering. To the Lord be all the praise.
W. G. KNEELAND.
Southern Germany
By J. H. Schilling
THE work of the third angel's message is making progress in this field. During the first three quarters of last year we baptized one hundred forty persons; during the corresponding period of this year one hundred ninety were baptized. The increase in the tithe and in all the regular offerings has been encouraging. During the last six months we have had many experiences which have taught us to be more diligent and persevering in pressing the battle forward. We have also learned to be more careful and prudent in preaching the message. Since the Lord has given us freedom in Bavaria, our churches have greatly increased in numbers and in power.
Last summer we were permitted to18conduct a series of lectures in Augsburg, where, as all know, the great Augsburg Confession of Faith was framed and adopted. The lectures were held in a tent, which was something new for this city. The brethren who conducted the meetings spoke the truth in a decisive and positive manner, and a good interest was awakened. The daily papers, without our solicitation, began to print encouraging reports of our meetings, and as a result the interest constantly increased. Finally the ministers of the city learned of our progress, and began to write against our work in general, thinking thus to destroy the interest; but instead of quenching the flame of truth which was kindled, they caused it to burn brighter and clearer than ever. Of course the brethren did not let an article pass without answering it, and in this way our cause was made more prominent in Bavaria than ever before. The interest was good to the end, and the Augsburg church was greatly strengthened in membership and in courage. We now have a flourishing church there. Truly the Lord always causes the wrath of man to praise him.
In Munich, the residence-city of the prince regent of Bavaria, the Lord caused his work to gain a similar and unexpected victory. A certain man, posing as a minister of our denomination, began to work in various sections of the city. After a short time the city authorities became alarmed because of the error he was preaching, and began to inquire whether he was really a member of our denomination, and whether we believed what he preached; whereupon they were informed that we did not know him, neither could we indorse what he taught. The police were then commissioned to arrest him for his false pretense. The articles which had appeared in the papers against him, or rather against us, because he preached in our name, were by order of the magistrate recalled. In order to have a trustworthy statement of our history, progress, and teaching, the publishers of the “Bavarian Year-Book for 1909,” at once solicited a short but comprehensive sketch of our origin, development, organization, present financial statistics, and the principal points of our faith. Thus the Lord again turned the wrath of man to praise him.
In Worms, that great city of the Reformation, we have a company; but it is small, notwithstanding the fact that much work has been done there. Last winter an earnest effort was made there, but without any results. Why should not these cities of the Reformation open their doors to this second reformation as they did to the first? May God help that it may yet be so!
While our hearts are pained with the indifference of such cities as Worms, from which, because of their former history, the light of the third angel's message should shine forth with the greatest power, we are made glad that other cities which withstood the Reformation, and remained firm for the Catholic faith, are opening their doors to us. The more prominent of these are Munich, Wurzburg, Strassburg, and Metz. The first two of these cities are in Bavaria, the latter in Alsace-Lorraine. Two years ago one would hardly have dared to preach the message in these provinces. Munich, the Athens of modern Europe, is truly a field white for the harvest. Our church there is flourishing. Wurzburg, where the X-ray was discovered, has lately become the seat of a brighter ray,—the ray of the last warning message to a dying world. In Strassburg we have gained an accession of over twenty-five members in one year, while in Metz we have also organized a church during the past year. It is gratifying to see how the truth, opposed on every side, is pressing its way into the hearts of men, cities, and nations. Brethren, continue to pray for us. We also pray for you.
J. H. Schilling.
A Pioneer Fallen
By W. B. White
FRIDAY evening, November 6, as the sun was setting, which was to usher in the Sabbath that she loved so much, Sister Asenath Breed, wife of Elder A. J. Breed, of College Place, Wash., sank to rest till Jesus comes to give his faithful people immortal life. Sister Breed was born in Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., April 12, 1847, being at the time of her death in her sixty-second year. At the age of nineteen, she was converted in a Baptist revival, and became a member of that church. March 1, 1871, at Neillsville, Wis., she was united in marriage to A. J. Breed, who survives her. In the year 1873, while attending a tent-meeting conducted by Elder H. W. Decker in the Windfall settlement, now known as Granton, Wis., Brother Breed and wife heard for the first time the third angel’s message. In the winter following, through the labors of Elder Decker, they both accepted present truth, to which they have since been faithful. During Elder Breed’s long connection with General and State conference work, serving on the General Conference Committee for nine years, and five years in the Upper Columbia Conference as its president, his faithful wife has stood by his side as a true helpmeet in his work. Sister Breed was a prayerful woman, very hospitable, and one of her chief pleasures was to minister to God’s servants in her home. Her faith in this message and its final triumph never wavered, and she died in the bright hope of immortality when Jesus comes. She leaves a husband, one son, and other relatives to mourn their loss. In her dying hours, she uttered a number of times the words, “Saved by grace,” and all who knew her life of devotion to the cause of God feel assured that she rests in hope of a future life beyond the grave. Her funeral was held from the residence in College Place, Wash., Sunday, Nov. 8, 1908, Elder H. W. Decker, who brought the truth to the family, preaching the sermon from Ps. 17:15. She was laid to rest in the cemetery in the city of Walla Walla, till the Life-giver comes.
W. B. WHITE.
Mission Schools in the South
By C. P. BOLLMAN
WITHIN two years the number of our mission schools for colored children has increased from nine to thirty. The increase in the number of pupils has nearly kept pace with the increase in the number of schools. It is making only a very conservative statement to say that the thirty schools of the Southern Missionary Society have an enrolment of twelve hundred pupils, and that at least three times that number of persons are brought more or less directly under their influence.
One interesting feature of the mission schools is the class of people reached by them. Such schools as Fisk, Walden, and Roger Williams universities in Nashville, Booker T. Washington’s school at Tuskegee, Ala., and the Spellman University at Atlanta, for the most part reach only the better class of colored people, or at least that class having the most means. The mission schools, however, reach the poorer class of people. In these larger institutions the students are taken away from their homes, and they only are directly influenced by the schools, whereas the mission schools are established right among the people, and their influence is felt every day in the home.
In these humble homes, where it is frequently the case that the older people are unable to read, the school and its work are matters of much greater interest than in many more pretentious homes. The parents are eager to hear from the children what they have learned during the day. This is especially true of the Bible lessons; and it is frequently the case that the parents receive from the children much valuable instruction in Bible truth.
Another influence that is carried into the home is the instruction that is given in every-day home duties. The children are taught how to sew. In many instances they are given lessons in simple cookery, the care of a house, and the care of their own bodies. These lessons, in turn, form the subject of conversation and discussion in the home, outside of school hours. So there is a constant uplifting influence exerted in hundreds of families by these schools.
In the larger and more pretentious institutions of learning which have been mentioned, the commercial idea is predominant. The ambition to be somebody according to the world’s standard,—to be able to secure a good position and to earn a good salary,—is kept uppermost in the minds of the students. The graduates from these institutions are to be found as porters in business houses, upon Pullman cars, in hotels, and of course some of them become teachers. Many of them go North for employment.
The formation of right characters is kept uppermost in the minds of the pupils of the mission school. They are taught that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” The motive set before them is not primarily to be able to secure good positions and to earn good salaries, but to do good to their fellow men, and to win souls for the kingdom of God. The church-school seeks to create in the mind of the pupil a desire to become a worker for God.
Many of the pupils of our mission school are finding their way to Huntsville, and, in turn, the Oakwood School, instead of sending its graduates out to seek lucrative positions in the world, is sending them to teach in the mission schools.
But it may be asked, How does this work compare in the matter of expense with other kinds of missionary effort? Do not these schools cost a large amount of money?—Yes, in the aggregate, the mission schools do cost a great deal of money. Scarcely any of them are self-supporting: they will always require more or less help. For the purpose of controlling the attendance at these schools, and also of making each teacher as self-helpful as possible, the society requires that tuitions shall be collected as far as possible. In very few instances are these tuitions sufficient to pay the salary of the teacher. Indeed, in many cases they are not sufficient even to pay the incidental expense of the school. And yet they are a financial help. In cases where parents are absolutely unable to pay any tuition, and in cases where they are able but unwilling, there is usually some way to make arrangements for the payment of a small tuition, in order that the children may not be deprived of the advantages of a Christian education. So in no case is the real object of the school made subservient to the financial phase of the work.
What has been done in establishing these schools serves only to show what can be done. The thirty schools maintained by the Southern Missionary Society are scattered over seven States. This number must be multiplied many times. We have been told by the Testimonies that many such schools should be established: we have barely entered upon this work. Many more openings are presenting themselves than we can possibly fill, because of lack of teachers, and of means to equip the schools and to pay the salaries of the teachers.
In only a few of the places where mission schools have been established do we own school buildings. Several buildings have been provided within the past19two years. New buildings have been erected in Greenville, Yazoo City, and Natchez, Miss. Quite extensive repairs have been put upon the school and church building in Nashville. Repairs have also been made upon the buildings in Vicksburg.
A building which is being remodeled to serve for school and church purposes, has just been purchased in Atlanta, Ga., at an expense of twelve hundred forty-eight dollars. This building was constructed for a military barracks. It is well located, and at an expense of a few hundred dollars can be admirably adapted to school and church purposes.
Most touching appeals are received from different places almost every week, either to establish schools or to provide needed facilities for those already established. We are doing all that we can under the circumstances, with the means provided by the liberalities of our people. This we shall continue to do. Meanwhile we are praying the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest; and not only so, but that he will stir up the hearts of his people to contribute to the support of those who become laborers.
C. P. BOLLMAN,Secretary Southern Missionary Society.
California
By H. F. COURTER
HUGHSON.—In my last report I stated that I was located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, five miles from Los Gatos. My health has much improved, and I am now assisting Elder H. C. Basney in holding meetings at this place. I came here November 10, and we began meetings in the new church the thirteenth, and dedicated it two days later, free from debt. Elder H. Schultz offered the dedicatory prayer, and Elder C. L. Taylor delivered the sermon. Meetings are being held every night.
H. F. COURTER.
Tennessee
By J. S. WASHBURN
MEMPHIS.—We were not able to move to this place from Nashville until July 22, 1908, and the tent-meetings did not open until August 7. We secured an ideal place in Lenox, a beautiful suburb of Memphis, for the tent. This ground, the use of which was freely given us until the close of the tent-meetings, November 1, was situated on the best car line in the city.
Memphis is a city of about two hundred twenty-five thousand inhabitants. It is a great cotton market, one of the most thriving and progressive cities of the South. There are several millionaires here, and the value of real estate is rapidly increasing.
For several years we have had a small church in this city. This church has passed through some trying experiences, but its members are loyal and faithful. I have never known a church more spiritual, more united, and more ready to help in the work in every way possible. Elder W. R. Burrows, the president of the Tennessee River Conference, lives near Memphis, and was an efficient helper in all the preparations for the meeting. Until October 8, Brother W. J. Keele acted as tent master, and he and his wife were excellent help in the music. Others helped to make up a good strong choir, which aided greatly in awakening and maintaining an interest. During the latter part of the meeting Brother Gentry Lowry and wife took care of the tent, and rendered efficient help in the music. With the exception of one sermon by Brother Lowry, all the preaching was done by the writer.
From the first, the attendance and interest were encouraging. On Sunday nights our large tent, fifty by seventy feet, and closely seated, was often filled to overflowing; and the attendance during the week was regular, and promised good results. An excellent class of people attended the meetings, and manifested a thoughtful and intelligent interest in the word spoken. I have no confidence in the idea, which I have heard advocated recently, that the day of tent-meetings is over. I believe that if we will present the solemn advent message clearly and simply, as we did twenty-five or thirty years ago, our meetings will attract wider attention, and accomplish greater results, than ever before.
One excellent means of bringing people to a decision was the signing of the covenant to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” I am certain that if our workers will revive the use of the covenant, it will be a great help in bringing the undecided and wavering to make the final decision, that, with the never-failing help of God, they will be among those who are mentioned in Rev. 14:12 as keeping “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” As the result of the meetings in Memphis thus far, thirty-five have signed the covenant, others are keeping the Sabbath, and still others are deeply interested. We have rejoiced to see the husbands of several sisters in the church take their stand for the truth.
I never saw a field more ripe for abundant harvest than is Memphis. Fierce opposition of a controversial nature is rising, as may be expected where the Lord is working. Our force of workers is entirely inadequate to reach those who are interested, and the Tennessee River Conference can not possibly increase the force. If our brethren and sisters desire to help the work in the South, now is the time to reap abundant harvest. We could do much more if we had more means. For years the Testimonies have appealed for the cities in the South, and Memphis has been mentioned again and again; and as soon as we begin to do what the Testimonies have called upon us to do in this city, we see that the Lord has not spoken in vain. No riper or more fruitful field can be found than the cities of the South. We are certain that no more loyal or earnest and consecrated advocates of the last message to the world can be found than the warm, true-hearted Southern people. Pray for the work in Memphis.
J. S. WASHBURN.
The Canvassing Work in Arizona
By WALTER HARPER
I LEFT Southern California three weeks ago to canvass in Arizona. Gila County is rich in minerals. Copper is the chief product. Times are good, and wages are fairly high. I earnestly sought the Master to open the way before me. Our God is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering Saviour. The Lord never disappoints any who come to him in faith.
From the first, I have been greatly favored in my work here. One day last week, while canvassing near Globe, I took seventy-seven dollars’ worth of orders for books, helps, etc., besides two orders for “Ministry of Healing.” The day before, I received sixty dollars’ worth of orders, besides two orders for “Ministry of Healing.” In two and one-half weeks, the Lord gave me over five hundred dollars’ worth of orders, besides a number for “Ministry of Healing.”
This is the first time I ever tried taking orders for “Ministry of Healing” in Arizona, on the plan I have worked out for its circulation elsewhere, that is, to connect it with my regular canvassing work. I take one or more orders a day for it, and deliver these books when I do the others. Sometimes I have used “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the same way. I believe that the placing of “Ministry of Healing” and “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the homes of the people is after heaven’s order. For all this I give God the glory.
WALTER HARPER.
The Work in the Australasian Union Conference
By Ole Andres Olsen
ONLY a brief time has passed since the close of our good union conference, but this short period has been full of activity in every department of our work. History is being made so fast in these days that one gets almost bewildered in trying to keep track of events.
A few days after the close of our union conference came the Queensland conference, held in our church at South Brisbane. The attendance was good, and from the first, an excellent spirit prevailed in the meetings.
Queensland has been passing through some trying experiences, but the present outlook is encouraging. At their late conference all the balance sheets showed substantial gains during the year past, and for the first time for a period of years, the conference and health food depot had a good credit balance. This was a source of much encouragement to the brethren and sisters of the conference.
The New South Wales camp-meeting was held at Ashfield, a suburb of Sydney, October 8-18. The attendance of our people was quite satisfactory, and the meeting also developed a good outside interest, which is being followed up by a series of tent-meetings. On the last day of the camp, thirty willing souls followed their Lord in baptism. Many of these were converted during the camp-meeting.
The presence and labors of Brother J. N. Loughborough were greatly appreciated by our people, and I am sure he will prove a great blessing to the work in this field. Brother Loughborough is keeping remarkably well, and is enjoying much freedom in speaking on his favorite theme, the early experiences and the special providences of God in this great advent movement.
A very interesting feature of our work here at present is the number of workers going to distant fields to labor. October 1 Elder J. E. Fulton and wife, also Brother and Sister E. E. Thorpe, graduate nurses, sailed for Java. Elder Fulton goes to act as superintendent of the East Indian and Malay district. He will remain a short time in Java to counsel and assist the workers, and to become familiar with the field, then go to Singapore, and still later visit Sumatra, and on his way to the General Conference next year will spend a little time in the Philippines. It was a big sacrifice to the home field to send Elder Fulton away, but the importance of the East Indian field demanded the very best talent. His long experience in the island mission work makes him exceptionally well fitted for the position to which he is now called.
The next to take their departure were Brother and Sister Harold Piper, who go from our school at Avondale to take charge of the school recently opened at Haapai, Tonga. They accompanied20Brother W. W. Palmer on his return to the Tongan field. October 21 Brother and Sister R. Smith, graduate nurses from the sanitarium, sailed for New Zealand, to enter the mission work among the Maoris. During this time a number of young people who have finished the teachers' course at the Avondale School have accepted calls from some of the conferences, and have already started work. Not less than ten young people from the Avondale School have entered the work during the past few months. It is this that helps us to meet the increasing demand for workers for the field.
The last of this month Brother and Sister G. F. Jones will sail for Singapore. They have been greatly benefited by their short stay in Australia. They are in good health, and brimful of missionary zeal. A young man from the school, Brother K. Huengerford, will return with them to assist in the work. Later others will go to engage in the circulation of literature.
We are much pleased to be able to send more help to the Philippines. Elder L. V. Finster and wife are booked to sail for Manila on December 2, to labor in that important field. It has taken considerable readjustment in the home field to arrange for the release of Elders Fulton and Finster, but the Lord has helped us, and to him be all the praise.
We have encouraging reports from all parts of our extensive field, and the evidence of the Lord's presence and blessing in the work is very marked. We are also made to rejoice by learning of the blessings that are attending the work in the great world-wide field. May the work be hastened to its rapid and glorious consummation. O. A. OLSEN.
Rostrevor Hills (Ireland) Hydro
By HORACE J. WILLIAMS, M. D.
On the evening of Aug. 31, 1908, in the drawing-room of the Hydro, we celebrated the graduation of our first class of medical missionary nurses, who began their course of training in 1905, in the Belfast Sanitarium, which was afterward succeeded by the Rostrevor Hills Hydro. This institution was in charge of Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Bell. The last two years of the course were spent at this place. Mrs. Williams and myself have been associated with this class and this institution during the last school year only.
The class consists of three young women and one young man. Two of the members are from Ireland, and two are from England. All are earnest Christians, fully determined to devote their lives to the cause of truth, to spend and be spent, not only in the medical missionary work, but in the whole message and for humanity.
The members of the class are Misses Edith Escott, Elizabeth Patterson, Jane Mussen, and Mr. Edwin Brown.
The Lord has prospered the work at this place during the past year, for which we are indeed grateful, and give him all the praise and honor. The one desire of all in this institution is to make this place a beacon light for this truth in21Catholic Ireland. We ask to be remembered in the prayers of God's people everywhere.
HORACE J. WILLIAMS, M. D.
Current Mention
— The closing session of the Sixtieth Congress of the United States was called to order at noon, December 7.
— The steamer “Soo City” was wrecked off the coast of Newfoundland about December 1, going down with her crew of twenty-eight men.
— It is now stated that the United States will not completely evacuate Cuba on the first of January as at first planned, but will retain a portion of the present army of occupation until April.
— The steamship “N. M. Clemson” is reported to have gone down with her crew during a gale on Lake Superior about the first of December. She carried a crew of twenty-five men.
— The revolutionary army in Haiti has marched into the capital, but order is being maintained. There is some indication that a civil war may be brought on between the north and south portions of the republic as a result of the revolution. Reports indicate that General Simon, the leader of the revolution, will be made president.
— The annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Geo. B. Cortelyou, shows a reversal of the conditions for the fiscal year of 1908 as compared with the conditions for 1907. For the latter year the receipts were $84,236,586 in excess of the disbursements; but for the fiscal year 1908 the disbursements were $58,070,201 in excess of the receipts, due to business depression.
— Catholic institutions, priests, and nuns throughout the country have been victimized by a Catholic financier, P. J. Kieran, of New York, to the extent of over four million dollars. These individuals and institutions had placed money, notes, and bonds in the hands of the Fidelity Funding Company, of which Mr. Kieran was manager. The institution has practically no assets, and the manager is in hiding.
— The conference of the powers called by Great Britain for the framing of a code of laws to govern naval warfare and for the formation of the international prize court, recommended by The Hague Congress, was opened at the British Foreign Office on December 4.
— The President’s message at the opening of the present session of Congress was one of the longest ever presented. It recommends reorganization of the navy; more battle-ships; the fortification of the Hawaiian Islands; improvement of waterways; higher salaries for all judges; the saving of the forests; complete national control of corporations; a greater share for workers in the wealth they produce; a new currency system; postal savings-banks and parcels post; immediate admission of Arizona and New Mexico as States; and citizenship for the inhabitants of Porto Rico.
— Three Dutch war-vessels have been cruising along the coast of Venezuela during the week, and have searched a few vessels, while the Venezuelans have been manning their coast defenses, and threatening to fire on any Dutch war-vessel coming within range. In the meantime President Castro is in France on his way to Berlin for a surgical operation. In view of the fact that diplomatic relations between France and Venezuela have been broken off for some time, the French permitted him to land only on specific conditions which he must observe while passing through French territory.
Field Notes
Five persons were baptized at Scranton, Pa., a few weeks ago.
Brother R. H. Martin reports that recently he baptized three persons at Port Jervis, N. Y.
Elder T. W. Field reports the baptism of four young persons at Cumby, Tex., on a recent Sunday.
Sunday, November 1, Elder W. H. Heckman met with the church at Cherry Flats, Pa., and baptized four candidates.
One person was baptized at Underhill, Wis., recently. Six new members have been added to that company in the last few months.
October 26 three persons were baptized near Yerington, Nev. The candidates were recommended to the churches at Fallon, Reno, and Sacramento, for membership.
Sister Minnie Syp held some special meetings with the students at Stuart (Iowa) Academy, while visiting her son at the school, and twenty-three students made a start for the kingdom.
October 17 three persons were baptized at Denver, Colo., and the next day a Swedish church was organized, with twenty-two members. Three more expect to be baptized and unite with the church soon.
Brother Claude White reports that as a result of meetings held near Mt. Pleasant, Mich., twelve persons have taken their stand for the truth, ten of whom are heads of families.
Near Perkins, Mich., on Sunday, November 15, a church of twenty-seven members was organized. The prospects for this company are bright. Some of their neighbors are interested, and it is expected that a good work will be accomplished.
At the close of the series of meetings held recently in Dallas, Tex., seven persons united with the church, some by baptism and others on profession of faith. Four others have taken their stand for the truth who have not yet united with the church.
October 11 nine persons were baptized at Lincoln, Neb. Two of these were children of Adventists; the others were all new in the faith. On a later Sabbath twelve were received into church-fellowship. This makes a total of twenty-one added to the church since July 31.
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference