RAIATEA is the largest of the Leeward Islands, which comprise the western part of the Society group. There is a decided similarity between this and the other islands of the group, nearly all of them consisting of high mountains in the center, sloping each way to the sea, and surrounded by a belt of level land, which is covered with cocoanut and other tropical trees and plants. Three of the other islands of the group are in sight, Tahaa being in the same reef that encircles this island, and but three or four miles away, while Borabora and Huahaine are twenty or thirty miles distant.
A VILLAGE STREET
Christianity was brought to the island in the following way: some time between the year 1796, when the missionaries reached Tahiti from England, and the year 1818, several chiefs from this part of the Society group had gone to Tahiti to assist King Pomare to recover the sovereignty that had been taken from him. While there, they had acquired some knowledge of the true God. A few years later a vessel that had been driven from its moorings at Morea reached this island, and the missionaries on board taught the people more fully the truths of the gospel. The people erected a chapel, and requested a minister to be sent them from Tahiti. This request was complied with by sending Mr. John Williams and a Mr. Orsmond to Huahaine, where they erected a printing-press for the publication of religious books.
Soon afterward Mr. Williams removed to this island, at the request of the chiefs, and was received with much cordiality. His labors here were crowned with success, most of the people of the island embracing Christianity. But Christianity was not received by the people without opposition. The king, Tamatoa, being one of the first to renounce heathenism, met with much opposition from the chiefs, who were not willing to accept Christ. The chiefs of Tahaa made war against him and the Christian party, intending to burn alive all that were captured. But they were defeated by Tamatoa, and the captives were treated with great kindness, instead of being killed as was formerly done. This made such a deep impression on them that they immediately became Christians, and the following morning both parties went out and demolished every idol on Raiatea and Tahaa, so that in three days not a trace of idolatry remained on the islands.
Of course this renunciation of idolatry did not make all the people of these islands full-fledged Christians.
John Williams found a large amount of work to do, and he did it well. One of the first things he did was to begin the erection of a house for himself, which he fitted up with all the conveniences of civilized life which were at his command. This he intended as an education of the people by showing them the good effects of Christianity. Knowing the advantage of bringing the natives together in communities, instead of leaving them scattered all over the island as they were, he persuaded them to form themselves into a settlement. No less than a thousand were thus brought together, most of them building themselves homes in imitation of that of Mr. Williams.
I have seen the house that was built by Mr. Williams. It is not so large as formerly, part of it having been torn down; but enough remains to show that it was a well-built structure.
It has more of a modern appearance than formerly, being roofed with corrugated iron, instead of being thatched with the leaves of the pandanus palm. A few rods farther away is the spot of land on which King Tamatoa built his house, following the example of Mr. Williams. This is now a French fortification. A large chapel (44 by 191 feet) was built by Mr. Williams, which was opened for worship May 11, 1820. Twenty-four hundred persons assembled at the dedicatory exercises. After the work had been placed on a good footing here, Mr. Williams’ restless energy would not allow him to settle down to a life of inaction. In 1823 he wrote to his directors in England, “For my part, I can not content myself within the narrow limits of a single reef.” Encouraged by the fact that the inhabitants of Rurutu, an island south of Tahiti, had accepted the gospel, Mr. Williams visited the Hervey Islands, discovered Raratonga, the chief island of that group, and planted the seeds of the gospel in many other islands. Before the introduction of the gospel, Raiatea was the religious capital of this group, being the abode of the gods.
Opoa was the place where the great religious festivals of heathenism were celebrated. On a low, sandy point of land reaching out into the sea, we saw the mournful evidences of the depravity of humanity when not enlightened by the truth of God. The cruelties which were there perpetrated in the name of religion are terrible to contemplate. Hundreds and thousands of people were probably put to death there, in the efforts of the priests to propitiate the wrath of the gods. These places where human beings were sacrificed were called marais, five of which, in a fair state of preservation, we saw at Opoa. Those altars which we saw were of various sizes and shapes, some being nearly square, while others were long and narrow. Their sides were built of large flat rocks set up edgewise, some of them being ten or twelve feet long, six or seven feet wide, and two feet thick, and filled within with stones of different sizes, among which we found several human bones. Large numbers of these bones have been carried away by curiosity seekers, and but few now remain. It is no wonder that a people who were subjected to such cruelties should gladly receive the good news of salvation through faith in a Saviour who proclaimed peace on earth and good will toward all men.
A Missionary Substitute in India
IN a certain city lives a girl who is out at service. By dint of economy, she had saved fifty dollars, with which she had decided to buy herself a fur coat. Being filled with the spirit of the Master, she went one day to her pastor, and told him her intentions, and added: “But I have changed my mind, and here are forty dollars for a missionary, and I will buy a coat with the rest.” And now, as she turns in, weary, but happy, at night, she has a substitute in India who turns out to do his share of work for the Master.—China’s Millions.
Japan
By H. Kuniya
About the middle of February, in company with Brother Doi, I left Kobe, and visited the country district of Tajima, where some interested readers of our Japanese paper live. For three years I have been in correspondence with some of them, but this was my first visit to that place. I found one whole family deeply interested. They were hungry for the truth; and during my stay of six days, they hardly gave me time to eat and sleep, so eager were they to study the Bible with me. They urged me from day to day to remain longer; and when I left, they besought me with tears to come again.
This family is widely known, as the father, now dead, was a prominent physician in those parts. The mother, two daughters, and a widowed daughter-in-law all gladly accepted the truth presented. Also another young lady, a neighbor, unites with them, making five witnesses for the truth at this place. Brother Doi remained to canvass for our literature, while I returned to Kobe.
The work in Kobe is progressing well. There are now seven or eight candidates for baptism, besides one of the young ladies of Tajima who has come to Kobe. Among these there are four brethren who are planning to enter the canvassing work, and give promise of becoming useful laborers. We urge all our members to work for the Lord; nearly all respond heartily, and are gaining precious experiences. There are several other persons who have begun to observe the Sabbath, and we hope they will be ready for baptism soon.
Since the war began, I have been daily expecting a summons to join the army; but have just learned that the third reserves, among which I am enrolled, will not be summoned except in great emergency. For this I am very thankful; for although I am willing to suffer for the truth's sake, I shall be happy to continue my work for precious souls. Pray for me. H. KUNIYA.
Chile
By H. F. Ketring
IQUIQUE.—Our work is still onward in this great field. Our courage is good; for we ever remember that our Heavenly Father sees and knows all about our work, and the difficulties under which we are compelled to labor.
Notwithstanding our greatly reduced conditions, our work has made some advancement during the past year, for which we praise God. During the year twenty-three were baptized. The total number of Sabbath-keepers in this field is about one hundred and eighty-four, nearly all of whom are in Chile.
Our force of laborers actually engaged in the work is reduced to three, two others besides myself. Comparatively speaking, we have scarcely made a beginning in Chile; Peru and Bolivia we have simply touched with the tips of our fingers; while we have not yet looked over the line into Ecuador. Neither shall we ever be able to do so unless we receive help.
We have earnestly pleaded with the Mission Board to send us some help, but how could they send us that which they did not have? We have hoped, and still hope, to see some laborers come to help us; for what can I do, the only American laborer in the field, with only two to help me? [As has been announced, laborers will soon start for this field.] Our brethren in this field are doing nobly to carry the work. Our eyes many times are moved to tears as we see them deny themselves of the necessities of life in order to share in the work of carrying this truth.
During the past year they have contributed in tithes, $663.61; in week-of-prayer offerings, $85.82; in First-day offerings, $25.77; in miscellaneous offerings, $245; and in Sabbath-school offerings, $52.98; total, $830.63, or $4.50 for each member. When we consider that in this country a man earns only about one fourth as much as in the United States, we can see that most of these people are honest in paying tithes and offerings.
I am sure that if you could see our situation as it really is, several churches would band together and say to the Mission Board, “Find a man that the Lord wants on the west coast, and send him, and we will support him there.”
The week of prayer is already past with you. As yet we have not heard how much has been given, nor whether we can expect more help. Our week of prayer begins April 2, and will continue till the ninth. We shall have the same readings in the Spanish, and shall do all we can to make it a real week of prayer among our people.
Our courage is good, because our hope is in the Lord. We shall press the battle to the gates, believing that in our last extremity our God will not forsake us, but will send re-enforcements so that we may be able to snatch from the enemy’s camp all the “prisoners of hope” that we may find. Pray for us.
H. F. KETRING.
The Northern Union Conference
By Alice H. Robinson
THE first regular session of this union conference, since its organization in the spring of 1902, was held at Millbank, S. D., Feb. 17-22, 1904. A full delegation was present, representing each conference and the Alberta Mission field, also nearly every laborer in the union.
Owing to serious illness, our president, Elder C. W. Flaiz, could not be present, and his absence was deeply regretted by all. A letter from him was read in the opening meeting, in which he called the attention of the delegation to some important matters that should receive due consideration during the conference. Following the reading of the letter the meeting was thrown open for a social service, in which many testimonies of praise and thankfulness to God were borne. The testimonies were short and interesting, and gave evidence of victories gained, and a strong determination to press forward in the work of the Lord.
Elder A. G. Daniells was present, and acted as chairman of the business meetings; he also gave timely help in the preaching services and in counsel. All were glad indeed to welcome him at this time.
The meetings were well attended, and a deep interest was manifested in the various matters brought forth for consideration. The discussions were marked by unity, and a good spirit prevailed all through the meeting.
The committee on plans submitted the following recommendations, which were adopted:—18
Whereas, True medical missionary work is an essential feature of the gospel as set forth in the threefold message of Revelation 14; and,—
Whereas, We have been repeatedly counseled by the spirit of prophecy that true medical missionary work should not be separated from the gospel work of the conference, the church, and the people; therefore,—
1. We recommend, That the medical missionary work in all its features receive the same fostering care and financial support from the conference organizations, churches, and people that is given to other branches of our work.
2. That this branch of our work be made the medical missionary department of our conference organization.
3. That the general advisory work of this department in the union and State conferences be placed in the hands of department committees of suitable size and experience to properly develop the medical work.
4. That the real estate and personal property of the medical institutions created and supported by conferences be held in trust for said conferences by a legal corporation created by the conferences, and that the trustees of said corporation have the executive management of the institution belonging to the corporation of which they are trustees.
5. That the constituencies of departments and the executive committees aforementioned, shall be elected by the conference in session.
6. That five persons shall be elected by this conference to be the advisory committee of this department of the Northern Union Conference.
Recognizing the need of well-qualified teachers for our church schools, and believing that a well-conducted summer school in this union conference would be a benefit to those now teaching, and who expect to teach in these schools,—
7. We recommend, That the Northern Union Conference conduct such a school during the coming summer, to continue eight weeks, in some suitable place; and that the school be placed under the direction of the union conference educational secretary in conjunction with the State educational secretaries.
8. We recommend, (a) That the conferences of this union maintain the same standard of examination for church-school teachers; (b) that all teachers who pass such examinations be granted certificates showing the grade of the examination passed; and that the educational secretary of the conference in which they labor be authorized to grant such certificates.
Whereas, The Sabbath School Worker is again in the field, and is a valuable help in the Sabbath-school work, therefore,—
9. We recommend, (a) That a special effort be made to have each officer and teacher supplied with this journal; (b) that an earnest, systematic effort be conducted in each conference to build up a strong home department, and that these isolated families be urged by all conference laborers to engage in active missionary work, reporting the same to the Sabbath-school secretary of the State in which they reside; and further that united effort be put forth to establish home departments in our local schools.
10. We recommend, That two hundred and fifty dollars be raised by this Northern Union Conference for the purpose of aiding in the development of the work in Alberta, and that said fund be available by the fifteenth of May.
11. We recommend, That this conference select a man to represent it on the general publishing committee.
12. We recommend, That all our State conference officers and laborers return to the old-time spirit of selling books and taking subscriptions for our periodicals, and encourage suitable persons to engage in the regular canvassing work.
13. Resolved, That the Northern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists extend hearty thanks to the citizens of Millbank for their great kindness in opening their homes for our entertainment; to the press of the city for the favors extended in opening its columns for reports and notices of the meetings, and to the Congregational brethren for the use of their commodious church building in which to hold the conference sessions.
14. We recommend, That the following be substituted for Article 4 of the Constitution: “The educational, missionary, and medical missionary work shall be departments of this conference. The Educational Department shall include industrial, church schools, Sabbath-schools, and Young People’s Societies. The Missionary Department shall include the regular tract and missionary work and the canvassing work. The Medical Missionary Department shall include sanitarium and health and temperance work.”
15. (a) That the words “field secretary” be substituted for the term “canvassing agent” wherever they are used in the Constitution or By-Laws; (b) that Article 6, line 6, read: “educational and field secretaries;” (c) that Section 4 of the By-Laws, line 7, after the words “second tithe,” read as follows: “and shall forward a tenth of the tithe of the union conference, together with the offerings and second tithe, to the treasurer of the General Conference.”
16. That the following be inserted in the By-Laws, and numbered “6,” and the remainder of the By-Laws be renumbered to correspond: “Medical Missionary Board. The duty of the Medical Missionary Board shall be to develop the general medical missionary work in this conference, under the direction of the executive committee.”
The report of the treasurer, being called for, was read, showing the receipts of tithe and offerings to missions to aggregate $38,288.22. The time covered by this report dates from the organization of the conference to Dec. 31, 1903,—a period of one year and nine months.
The report of the auditor was then read, as follows:—
To the Executive Committee of the Northern Union Conference, and others whom it may concern: This is to certify that the undersigned has finished auditing the records of the treasurer of the Northern Union Conference, and has found the same to have been accurately kept. The cash on hand at the date of this audit exactly corresponds with the amount required to balance the cash journal. The ledger has been checked, and all footings proved to the close of Dec. 31, 1903. An independent trial balance of the accounts at the end of this period has been made, by which the treasurer’s trial balance of same date has been checked. The work has been done neatly, and all funds forwarded promptly.
LYMAN D. RANDALL,
Auditor.
Millbank, S. D., Feb. 18, 1904.
The committee on nominations submitted the names of the following persons for officers of the Northern Union Conference: President, R. A. Underwood; Vice-President, C. A. Burman; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Alice H. Robinson; Transportation Agent, C. M. Everest; Auditor, Ole Shager; Northern Union Conference member of General Publishing Committee, C. M. Everest; Board of Medical Department, E. M. Chapman, W. M. Adams, Daniel Isaac, C. L. Kendall, Dr. E. P. Hawkins; Executive Committee, President of the Northern Union Conference, Vice-President of same, President of each local conference in the Northern Union, Educational Secretary and Missionary Secretary. The appointment of the Department Secretaries was referred to the Executive Committee.
The committee on nominations also presented the following:—
Resolved, That we extend to Elder Flaiz our deepest sympathy in his affliction, and recommend that he make it his chiefest endeavor to recover his health, and that we extend to him our financial support and prayers for his complete recovery.
Ministerial credentials were granted to R. A. Underwood, C. W. Flaiz, J. W. Boynton; ministerial license to Henry Block; missionary credentials to Stella B. Lowry.
A vote of thanks was extended to the South Dakota Conference for the kind treatment and courtesy shown to all in attendance.
This was followed by a most cheering social meeting, in which a note of praise and thankfulness was sounded by nearly all present. An earnest prayer, followed by the benediction, brought the proceedings to a close.
The favors shown us by the citizens of Millbank were highly appreciated, and we feel sure this pleasant experience will long be remembered.
MRS. ALICE H. ROBINSON,
Secretary.
Colorado
By G. W. Anglebarger
DENVER.— The work is onward here in Denver. Sabbath, March 12, four were buried with their Lord in baptism, and others will soon take this step. Our Sunday night meetings are well attended, and a good interest is manifested. We expect soon to see some taking hold of the truth from this effort. Sister Celia Green is having good success in her Bible work in the city. O, how much we feel the need of more workers in this great city! The church is active in the work. G. W. ANGLEBARGER.
British West Indies
By W. G. Kneeland
TOBAGO.—The cause of truth is gaining ground in this part of the great harvest-field. Representatives of the truth are located in six of the leading villages of the island. Regular services are conducted at four different stations, with fair attendance. Temporary buildings have been erected in two villages, and the prospects are good for erecting another soon.
The Caribbean Watchman has a good circulation among the intelligent people, and is an important factor in getting the truth for this time before the public.
Brethren Mathews and Greenidge will continue the work in Tobago, while I go to Grenada to raise the standard of truth in that new field.
W. G. KNEELAND.
The Work in Burma
IN the January number of the Eastern Tidings, a workers' paper published by our people in Calcutta, India, we find the following concerning the work in Burma:—
“We are glad to report an eager desire on the part of our Burmese brethren and sisters to spread the truth among their people. At a meeting held at the house of one of our Burmese sisters, it was decided to open a fund for the support of a Burmese preacher; and all present signified their willingness to contribute for this purpose. This action on the part of our Burmese brethren will enable us to be in a good position to meet the salary of a preacher when the time arrives for his entertainment.
“We hope soon to have our first Burmese tract issued. It is entitled, ‘The Commandments of God, Written not in Tables of Stone, but in Fleshly Tables of the Heart.’”
It is joyful news to hear of the entrance of the truth into the land where Dr. Judson so long ago carried the light of the gospel; and the eagerness of these people to spread the truth should awaken a desire in the home land to send them a preacher soon. But the laborers are few.
