Elder W. H. Saxby gave an interesting report of the first work done in Washington city by the Bible workers. These faithful workers found a fine class of people, many of whom accepted the truth. He stated that the first public gathering held in Washington was in May, 1886, twenty-three years ago this month, in connection with a visit from Elder G. B. Starr and wife to this city. In connection with this service, Elder Starr preached the first sermon on present truth, and the subject of the discourse was present truth. The people assembled expressed their joy at the light and blessings they were receiving from the Bible readings held in their homes, and it was interesting to hear the many expressions of surprise and praise as friend recognized friend, and they talked together of their love for the truth.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.6

Work in Large HallsGCB May 30, 1909, page 218.7

Elder J. S. Washburn spoke of his experience in city work in England and the United States, including the city of Washington, and the means used to awaken an interest and secure an attendance at meetings held. He told of success in securing full reports of the services in the daily papers. These reports are gladly accepted by these papers when the editors are rightly approached. He emphasized the importance of using only the very best and most carefully prepared invitation cards or folders, printed on heavy calendared paper or light cardboard, and carried to the people by the workers assisting in the public effort, accompanied by a personal invitation. He spoke of the importance of having a carefully selected company of intelligent trained helpers, including Bible workers of mature years, trained nurses, medical missionary evangelists, and periodical and tract workers, and the hearty co-operation of the church-members in the District.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.8

OPPOSITION OVERRULED

WASe

Referring to a suggestion made by Professor Caviness, of Mexico, to the effect that priestly prohibition of our literature might induce people to buy it in many cases, Elder J. W. Westphal told the Conference of an interesting experience in South America:—GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.9

“On a recent trip with Brother Thomann, we came to Rio Bamba, where the train stopped for half an hour. Hundreds of people had gathered to meet the train and they remained there until it started again. Brother Thomann went out to sell the paper. The sales went slow at first. Finally one old gentleman said to him. ‘I dare not buy that paper. I fear it would be prohibited by the priests.’GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.10

“Brother Thomann then called out, ‘This is a paper prohibited by the priests.’ Immediately he began to sell his papers very rapidly. Afterward, on the train, this gentleman came to Brother Thomann and desired to buy one of the papers.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.11

FROM PERU

WASe

While presenting his report for South America, Elder Westphal read a portion of a letter just received from Elder A. N. Allen, of Lima, Peru, from which we quote. Speaking of a trip to a place about 150 miles from Lima, Brother Allen says:—GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.12

“My trip of last week was of special interest, as I found nearly thirty keeping the Sabbath. They had just begun, and did not know very much about the truth, but nearly all read and are very anxious to learn more. They came to a knowledge of the truth through reading the Senales. Nearly all of these own their own land and are independent. They are eight thousand feet above the sea, and their farms are veritable hanging gardens.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.13

LIGHT NEEDED

WASe

As illustrating how low a standard of Christianity obtains among the Catholic masses of Brazil, F. W. Spies told this incident:—GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.14

One of our missionaries had the following conversation with a Brazilian:GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.15

“Are you a Christian?”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.16

“Yes.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.17

“How do you know that you are a Christian?”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.18

“Well, I have been baptized.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.19

“Do you think that everybody that is baptized is a Christian?”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.20

“Certainly, I do.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.21

“Do you know that there is a prison in Porto Alegre? What kind of people do you suppose are in there?”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.22

“I suppose the people in there are bad people. They are murderers, thieves, adulterers, and bad people.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.23

“Well, do you think that all these are Christians?”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.24

“Yes, they are all baptized.”GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.25

SABBATH SERVICES

WASe

The great Sabbath-school met at the 9:30 hour in its usual divisions. The Spanish-speaking delegates had a division of their own.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.26

Sister White spoke to a large audience at II. It was without doubt the largest congregation ever gathered at a General Conference. In addition to those on the grounds and in Takoma Park, members of the Washington city churches were present, and others came in from Baltimore and near-by points. Sister White’s sermon will be printed, and we will not attempt to speak of its solemn appeal to ministers and people. The speaker’s voice was clear and ringing, but the crowd was too large for any one service. Hundreds were gathered outside the tent, and an overflow meeting was called in the Seminary chapel, where Elder Conradi spoke at the same hour.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.27

In the afternoon, Elder I. H. Evans spoke on the consecration of life and service and means involved necessarily in the genuine belief of what we preach—the coming of Christ in this generation. He urged a more liberal division of funds and laborers with the vast mission fields. He stated that at the present time the mission treasury is practically empty. The entire congregation rose in expression of a determination to lay all on the altar.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.28

At the close of the discourse, Elder J. O. Corliss appealed to the congregation to do something at once to start a fresh flow of means into the empty mission treasury. Several gifts of $500 were offered, and in all over $11,000 was pledged by the congregation.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.29

At the same hour a young people’s meeting was led by Elder J. E. Fulton, of the East Indies. This was a blessed meeting.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.30

The Sabbath was a day of blessing throughout.GCB May 30, 1909, page 218.31

ALCOHOLISM: ITS RESULTS AND ITS CAUSES

May 31, 1909 - NO. 15