66f � t Southwestern � Union Errortr OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SOUTHWESTERN UN! ON CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. VOLUME 16. :-: KEENE, TEXAS, (JOHNSON COUNTY), TUESDAY,JANUARY 30, 1917 :-: NUMBER 5. UNION FIELD SECRETARY'S LETTER At last I can hand in my report, and I know that all will be interested in this report, especially the one for the year. I am glad to say that for every month in 1916 we made a gain over the corresponding month of the pre- Hours Orders 1916 � 75,594 30,641 1915 � 56,010 19,536 GAIN— 19,584 11,105 Now you can see that we made a good, substantial gain in everything. You will notice that one of our best gains was in value of books delivered, $25,763.40. Our office sales amounted to $86.550, a gain of over $34,000 over 1915. The above is a splendid showing, but we are not satisfied with this. Our goal for this year for our Union is $100,000, and I feel sure that if all hands will take hold, we will make it. At the close of our institute is EFFICIENT SERVICE "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or wheth- er they both shall be alike good." "Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth." Eccl. 11:6, 2. Our efforts are largely spasmodic, our service rather intermittent. By such efforts we can never hope to ef- fect any very decided reformations. Morning, noon, and night, we must be on our guard. We must watch for souls as they that must give account. We are never to become weary in well doing. We must never think that we have done all that God requires of us. We must never feel that we have reached a stopping place. � "Give a portion to seven [seven represents completeness] and also to eight." Al- ways go on to do better. This is to vious year. � That was a splendid record, and I trust that we can do it again this year. Every conference in the Union made a gain over 1915. Arkansas more thaa doubled her work, while North Texas made the largest gain of any confer- ence, going over $11,000 above 1915. Here is the work for the two years, showing our gain: South Texas we had eighteen workers who had agreed to sell over $20,000 worth of books this year. We are now in the midst of our in- stitute for North Texas. There are sixteen in attendance, twelve of whom will enter the field at once. Our prospects were never brighter and I see no reason why we cannot reach our goal. Let us all do our best. Yours for $100,000 in 1917, A. F. HARRISON. constitute the basis of our activities. Give a portion: It might be very profitable to study just what this means. Whatever our occupation, whatever line of work we are engag- ed in, wherever we may be, we can and we must give sympathy, show kindness, extend courtesy, to every soul with whom we come in contact. We are to let them see and feel the grace of Christ in action. This is a ministry within the reach of all and it must be made of paramount impor- tance. "There are many ways in which church-members may give the message to those around them. One of the most sucessful is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strength- ened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spok- en, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temp- tation and doubt that gather over the THE TEMPERANCE INSTRUCTOR A copy of the new 1917 Instructor Temperance Annual has just reached this office. Its coming is a reminder of our new privileges and duties in behalf of temperance during the pres- ent year. While there has been a reduction in the number of pages, the contents have been so carefully selected and perfectly condensed, the issue has been improved in force and power rather than injured. In this instance necessity seems to have resulted in a decided improvement. We, there- fore, have a better number this year, while the prices remain the same as before. Events point to the fact that our country is and has been nearer the verge of war than we realize. The question has been raised regarding the physical fitness of the men of this country in case of war. "What Is Wrong With Our Men?" is the third of a series of articles by Dr. Kress in the March number of the Watchman Magazine. This article shows the physical condition of the men of our nation. "The man who always does the little well, is ready to do the big better." soul. The true heart-expression of Christlike sympathy, given in sim- plicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ."—"Tes- timonies for the Church," Vol. p. 30. If one has given himself to Christ for service, and dedicates every en- trusted talent anew each morning to this blessed ministry, he will find op- portunities on every hand to witness for Christ. We must constantly re- member that the right attitude main- tained while performing the more menial tasks will open the way for work in advanced lines of Christian service. � It is results that we are seeking, and we know that right caus- es produce right results. F. W. PAAP. Value � Books Deliv. � Val. Deliv. $98,109.45 � 18,996 � $67,962.48 60,890.62 � 13,394 � 42,199.08 37,218.83 �5,602 � 25,763.40 � ' Page Two � SOUTHWESTERN UNION RECORD ? � ? ii Oklahoma Conf. i � Office, Oklahoma City, Okla. � 1 + � Box 644 + 1 � + President - Elder John Isaac : t Sec.-Treas. � - � William Voth ........-..........-..-.....4-..-.....-...........-................ WE HAVE REACHED OUR GOAL! It is with pleasure that we report that Oklahoma has reached her goal on the 20-cent-a-week fund for 1916. But better than that: instead of 20 cents, we have reached over 26 cents per member per week for missions. Many of our people have made great sacrifices to bring this about, and the promise, "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap," will not fail them. This is the first time in the his- tc.ry of this conference that the goal to missions has been reached. This shows that we can reach every goal set by the General Conference if there is united effort on the part of each member, not only in raising the funds but also in bringing souls into the truth, and that is the greatest part of the work. The whole amount to Missions for 1916 is $25,939.49. What a blessing this will bring to the mission fields. We are also happily surprised by the tithe that has come in, which amount- ed to $46,099.08. This is by far the largest amount ever received in one year. That is the way it should be— there should be an increase in every line of work every year. We are very thankful to God for all these funds and for His bountiful blessing in every way. May He greatly bless, gift and giver. Now, we have entered upon a new year, and with it, new responsibilities have come to us. These will increase .as the work increases. How thankful we ought to be that we have a part in the work of God on earth. Now we :should meet our obligations from the very beginning of the year. There are many of our people who, for one reason or another, have not yet paid in their last year's tithe. Could you not send it in soon to be applied on this year's report and thus have a good beginning of the year? This would help out wonderfully, as the funds generally run low at the be- ginning of the year. The Harvest Ingathering amounted to $2,873.21. For this we are very thankful. It shows that our people have worked hard and have cast their lot with the workers and heavenly beings for the finishing of the work. We are not able at this writing to give the number baptized during 1916, but I can say that the Lord has great- ly blessed our wiorkers and that many have been brought into the truth. We are doing all we can to do much more this year than has been done before. The Conference will take on several new laborers and thus strengthen the work. I shall be glad to hear from any of our people at any time about the work. Very truly your brother in the Master's service, JOHN ISAAC. OBITUARY MALONE.—Helen Louise Malone, daughter of H. H. and A. P. Malone, was born in Sherman, Texas, Decem- ber 28, 1913, and died at Tulsa, Okla- homa, January 6, 1917. It is a comfort to the sorrowing pa- rents to recall the little missionary acts which Helen did. On the morn- ing of the day of her death a friend gave her a dollar to be spent for any- thing she might need. As the little sufferer took the money she said, "This is for the little heathen chil- dren." Although Helen rests, one dollar and fifty cents, all she had, is on its way to the mission office. Many times will the mother recall the songs she sang, a special one be- ing, "Little Feet Be Careful." She could sing it all. Her little mind was filled with Bible texts, and she was able to repeat all the memory verses for the quarter. And what a comfort it is to the sorrowing parents to know that if they are faithful they will be able to take the little one into their arms in that glad reunion when the Redeemer comes to claim His own. Interment took place at Catoosa, Oklahoma. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. DR. 0. D. DILLEY. THE CANVASSERS' INSTITUTE The time draws near when our good colporteurs will meet for another an- nual feast of good things. We are very anxious that every one who will take up this work, might avail himself of the opportunity offered at the In- stitute for preparation and instruc- tion in all lines of colporteur work. This work has been established by the Lord and has become one of the greatest factors in the Message for the finishing of the Gospel work in the earth. It is of great importance, therefore, that we respect it as such and give it its right place in our hearts, whether we are actually en- gaged in it or not, and that we sup- port it in every way possible. There are many, though, that should give their lives to the colporteur work. Then there are many who can work part of their time with the Home Workers' Books, and in that way bring the truth to many homes. The book work has made a good record last year, and since everything else is so high, I see no reason why this work should not be the highest in 1917 that it ever has been. I am confident that we will go away beyond last year's record. JOHN ISAAC. IT PRODUCES RESULTS "I am not a Seventh-day Adventist, but a firm believer, as a result of be- ing a subscriber to your magazine for the past two years. May the Lord as- sist you in your good work is my earn- est prayer." From a letter recently received at the Signs °Mee. The March Signs Magazine will ex- ert a most favorable influence in the homes of your neighbors if—if it gets there. Here are the titles of the big features for March: Sin's Last Orgy —Antics of Modern Pew Fillers—The Paradox of Peace—Neither in Nor Out of Purgatory—Labor's Warning to Wealth—Europe's Deliberate Hara- Kiri—Bankrupting the World. Striking, are they not? So are the articles. If you can't sell it or afford to give it away, will you not encour- age someone else to do so? In a statement issued by Robert Lansing, secretary of state, he says, regarding President Wilson's peace note, "The sending of this note will indicate the possibility of our being forced into the war." In this connec- tion read the article, "Will America Enter the War?" by C. B. Haynes, in the Watchman Magazine for March. "The mountain top must be raached, no matter how many times we fall in reaching it. The fall is not counted; it does not register; the picking up and going on counts in life." "Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time." SOUTHWESTERN UNION RECORD � Page Three • •-•• • • � •-•-•-•-•-• I • - • • • • North Texas Conf. I 4 �Office, Keene, Texas �f 4 � Box 51 � 4 + + President . Elder David Voth f 4 i Sec.-Treas. � - � A. M. Woodall : 4 � 4 .........-........«..........:......-........................ NORTH TEXAS COLORED WORK One year ago the writer arrived in Waco, in answer to the call from that place in 1912. That is to say, the writer should have been in Texas three years before he came here. But having the selfsame spirit which Jonah had, there was business in some other place more than in Texas. But after three years of hard labor we were at last willing to take up the work we had been asked to in Texas. January 17, 1916, the writer arriv- ed in Waco, with Elder M. G. Nunes, and found the church split in two, one faction having gone after the Sheafites, while the remainder was left to devour one another. The writer took cognizance of the fact and be- gan at once to set things in order by applying the proper remedy, and al- though many claimed that the medi- cine was too strong, yet the results have been very gratifying, for which we thank the Lord. We began here with thirteen mem- bers, and have added seven more. Tithe � $213.97 Sabbath School Offering �62.14 Offering for Colored Work � 12.54 Harvest Ingathering � 13.00 Missions � 78.70 We are determined to double our membership this year, and also our offerings for missions. The church has purchased, at a cost of $40.50, a fine wire fence, which adds much to the appearance of the premises. Our Sunday night meetings are well attended by some of the best people in the city. These meetings are mak- ing a grave impression upon many. The Waco church has given to the mission field since the writer has been on the ground, three good, strong young people as workers, who are do- ing good in their respective fields.- Brother F. M .Jones and wife, at Cle- burne, are doing a good work in their school and church Many people there are becoming impressed with the work they are doing in the school and the church. Their school has a membership of more than fifty. An- other school has been established by the writer, at Pine Flat, just a few miles from Nacogdoches. This school is taught by Miss Bertha Cade, from Waco, and has a membership of thir- teen, all of whom are Sabbath-keep- ers. You can readily see that the work for the colored in the North Texas Conference is not dead, but living and full of vigor. As soon as our president is ready to go with us to Pine Flat we will or- ganize the company at that place in- to a good, strong church. We are glad to say that all of our churches and companies are of the best of courage and desire to press the battle to the end. THOS. MURPHY. Box 776, Waco, Texas. OBITUARY STOKES.—Ima, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Stokes,, died January 4 1917, after an illness of less than one week, she being 17 years, 7 months and 28 days of age. She accepted present truth about seven years ago, and united with the Douglass church, and remained a faithful member until the close of her life. She was laid away in the Eden Cemetery to await the call of the Lifegiver. We believe she sleeps 'in hope. "Asleep In Jesus" was sung, and words of comfort were spoken by J. H. Goodman, from 1 Thess. 4:16-18, and Ps. 116:15. SIN'S LAST ORGY This is the title of a Signs Magazine article which reschimes actual condi- tions in the social, religious, and po- litical spheres. A new idea in every paragraph. Note these other particularly strik- ing titles: Antics of Modern Pew Fil- lers—The Paradox of Peace—Neither in Nor Out of Purgatory—Labor's Warning to Wrealth—Europe's Delib- erate Hara-Kiri — Bankrupting the World. A message in this March number for every one. Will your neighbors share in the feast? The nations are calling for peace. "Saying Peace When There Is No Peace," by G. B. Thompson, is, alone, worth the price of the March Watch- man Magazine. Honest toil begets peaceful rest. A HOME IN SUNNY FLORIDA "Desiring to be more free to do gos- pel work, I am offering for sale at a sacrifice my beautiful country home and valuable farm of 115 acres, two and one-fourth miles northwest of Bowling Green, on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The dwelling is a ten-room house-- bath-room, four bedrooms, sitting- rooms, etc. A few rods from this house, there is a second house, with eight rooms; very comfortable and suitable for help or renters. � Two large barns, small packing house, ex- cellent for storing, etc. Near large dwelling is one of the finest wells in Florida, of pure soft water. Very valuable orange and grape- fruit grove of 12 acres, planted twen- ty years ago, and now in full bearing. Ten acres of excellent grove land that could be easily planted to increase the grove. Also about five acres of the very best kind and quality of grafted pe- cans, rapidly coming into bearing. Pecans are fully as valuable per acre as orange groves. Upwards of 50 acres are fenced and in cultivation. Soil, much better than the average Florida soil. There are 20 acres of muck land,—muck.—from cne to eight feet deep. When drained, cleared, and cultivated, very valuable for gardening and truck land, requir- ing far less fertilizing than ordinary pine land. It can easily be drained. A nice spring pond near the barns, for watering stock. A fine stream of water flows across part of the place, affording facility for irrigation if de- sired. An excellent quality of hay readily grows on the place, sufficient to fill the barns. The place is excellent for raising horses and other stock. � Ideal for poultry and bees. Two immense magnolia trees in. front yard (I have never seen finer), with other ornamental trees; � oak. chestnut, camphor, etc. The orange and pecan groves of 1.7 acres alone are cheap at $10,000; but that we may be free to do ministerial work we are offering the entire place for the sum of $10,000 cash. We heartily invite visits and per- sonal inspection. Write to the own- er, Elder Geo. I. Butler, at once, at Twin Magnolias, Bowling Green, Fla. "Higher than the highest human thought is God's ideal for His chil- dern." COLPORTEUR'S WEEKLY REPORT Southwestern Union Conf. Name � Address �Book Hrs. Ords. Helps Total Del. OKLAHOMA, January 20 E. W. Crawford, Quinton � CK 51 2 3.00 10.00 13.00 10.00 N. H. Clem, Riverside � BR 20 7 26.00 2.25 28.25 2.25 W. C. Menefee, Alva �BR 7 12 24.00 24.00 Mrs. McFarland, Waurika � Misc 201.20 W. S. Roy, Coody's Bluff � BR 16 3 12.50 4.85 17.35 19.85 C. S. White, Guthrie � BFL 12 4 8.50 3.75 12.25 3.75 Bibles - 3.25 3.25 Agents 6 106 28 77.25 20.85 98.10 237.35 NORTH TEXAS, January 13 -G. A. Hood, Naples �BR 39 2 6.00 1.25 7.25 D. D. Clark, Trinity �DR 3 3 10.50 .50 11.00 Elisha Taylor, Keene �PG 17 12 48.00 .60 48.60 W. P. Cooper, Farmersville � BR 29 5 15.00 4.75 19.75 Mrs. N. J. Liebman, Dallas PPF 30 6 14.00 7.60 21.60 .Z. � S. Arey, Cleburne � Misc 27 13 5.75 7.60 13.35 Agents 6 145 41 99.25 22.30 121.55 Page Four � SOUTHWES1'ERN UNION RECORD A COLPORTEURS EXPERIENCE Yes, I canvassed the past summer. But why? Was it because I wanted to? No, indeed!-for if there ever was anything I disliked more than an- other, it was a book agent, and I had promised myself long ago that I should never be one. And now you ask, Why did I canvass? Well, you see it was this way: I had just finished my training as a nurse before I came to Keene, a lit- tle more than a year ago. I had come here hoping to better prepare myself for a place in the Lord's work, plan- ning that as soon as school was out I would go right to nursing and thus earn the means to carry me through the following term. However, during the institute held here for the students in the spring, I felt like I should like to try can- vassing; but no!-I would not think of it! No, I would not sell books, nor would I attend the institute-neither would I let one of the field agents find out how I felt about it, for I knew too well just what they would say. So I kept the impulse all to myself. When school was out, I had already started my work of nursing, but. after the first few cases the prospects for work along that line were not very good, and I began to wonder if I was going to get back to school this fall. Several weeks passed and no work. I began to feel very uneasy. I tried every way I could think of to get work, but could find none. 0, how wished that I were at home, or any- where but here. In this state of mind I would have gone home could I have f6und a way. What was I to do? During all this time the words had kept ringing in my ears, "Go canvass." At last, when I had tried every means available to secure employment, I took the matter to the Lord and told Him that if He would open the way for me to canvass, I would try it-any- thing so I could get back to school this winter. Yet, I did not want to canvass-I would rather do anything else. But nothing else materialized, so I went to the tract society and pro- cured a canvass for "Practical Guide." Brother Field was very pleasant, and asked if I were going to canvass. I replied that I hoped not-"at least, not in North Texas," and walked out. This was on Monday. The follow- ing Friday one of the colporteturs told me I might have part of his territory, proffering me the use of his horse and buggy, with the understanding that if I found any nursing to do he would de- liver my books. I had told the Lord if He would open the way!-and there it was-and I dared not break my promise to Him. So I purchased a prospectus, packed my trunk, and on Sunday morning started for Hillsboro, Texas, about 30 miles from Keene, promising myself that I would try it for a week, and if I failed then I would quit-and somehow I almost hoped I would fail. Monday morning at five o'clock, found me up and ready to go. Hear- ing of a sick lady two blocks away who needed help, I went to see her, hoping to find work-(but I took my prospectus along.) I didnt' get any work, but I got her order for a $3 book, and that encouraged me some. After working 11 hours, taking $24 worth of orders, and selling $1 worth of helps, I went back to headquarters to study my canvass. I will not soon forget how I quivered while giving my first canvass, but I soon got over that and did not dread to meet the people at all. I worked on till Friday noon, then REPORT OF SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE FOR DECEMBER, 1916 State Agts. Hrs. Orders Value Helps Bibles Totals Bibles Del. Books Del. Value Oklahoma 14 1092 399 1721.80 125.60 72.90 1920.;;0 79.95 878 3184.60 Arkansas 14 980 263 984.06 59.40 1043.46 16.95 209 1177.11 North Texas 25 882 181 421.25 382.30 10.15 813.70 17.30 391 1798.13 West Texas 5 322 227 421.00 17.90 438.90 2.50 204 667.70 South Texas 11 498 166 341.15 41.60 382.75 5.30 148 448.15 New Mexico 2 140 40 146.80 146.80 100 451.80 71 3914 1276 4036.06 626.80 83.05 4745.91 122.00 1930 7727.79 Magazines 269.20 A. F. HARRISON, Union Field Missionary Secretary 7996.99 6************** COLPORTEUR INSTITUTE • Oklahoma City, Okla. of • OKLAHOMA COLPORTEUR • INSTITUTE, FEBRUARY 19 * to 27, 1917. Write to Albert * Priest, 1509 W. 5th St., Okla- * homa City, Oklahoma, for fur- ther particulars. SOUTHWESTERN UNION RECORD � Page Five returned to headquarters so hoarse I could hardly speak above a whisper. I had worked 51 hours, taking $112.00 worth of orders, and selling $4.00 -worth of helps. This did not make me feel like quitting the work, but I was anxious to start out the next -week. I stayed with the work and the Lord certainly blessed me. Besides the many pleasant experiences I had in meeting the people, in 339 hours I took orders for $647 worth of books, sold $21.55 worth of helps; and out of this I delivered, Bibles and all, a little better than $500 worth of books. Dear friends, it was not half as hard as I had expected to find it. I never had the door shut in my face once, but most always found the people ready to listen to what I had to say, -and I was treated very nicely by all. Once only was I made to understand that my room was more appreciated -than my book or my company, so I left. But while making my delivery I called again to see the lady, and I not only sold her a book, but was in- vited to stay all night with them. I always found a place to sleep, and though it was not always the best, yet the Lord blessed me in all I did. My least day's work was my first, only taking $9 worth of orders. My best day's work was 12 hours, 16 ex- hibitions, 16 orders, amounting to $54. 'This is how the Lord helped me to get back to school. And I am sure, dear fellow-students> that wherever you are, if you will only trust Him He will help you to find a way to be here in school, if it is best for you to be here. ETTA MUNRO. NORTH TEXAS INSTITUTE The institute at Keene is in full sway this week, with Elder Voth, A. F. Harrison, and C. L. Collison pres- ent to give help and instruction. The Bible studies given by Elder Voth each morning are splendid, and are proving a source of help and inspira- tion to those who hear them. The following are among those in attendance at the institute, who ex- pect to take up- work: Mrs. N. J. Liebman Mrs. L. Harrol A. C. Williman Chester F. Way D. D. Clark J. E. Chastain Z. S. Arey 0. Glass *************** * COLPORTEUR INSTITUTE Little Rock, Arkansas ARKANSAS COLPOURTEUR 0, INSTITUTE, FEBRUARY 7 • to 17, 1917. Write to M. G. * Haynes, Box 14, Little Rock, * Ark., for further information *************** A. Gregory J. W. Sisk W. R. Hixon Elisha Taylor H. H. O'Harrow W. P. Cooper Miss Susie Boden Mrs. S. H. Quinn "Grqd does no,: want our he -it is to be full of love and our heads fuu • foolishness. Th.-3 love with which we are to be filled is to abound more arAl nit re in knowledge." HIS LIKENESS There is a story told of a great sculptor who longed to carve a statue of Christ. He worked upon a block of marble for three years and then, calling a little child, asked whether she knew who it was. "No," said the child, "I don't know. It may be some big man; I don't know." The sculptor knew that he had failed, and falling on his knees in sor- sow, he asked the Lord to help him try again. Years longer he worked and prayed and prayed, and at last again called a child to the household. "Do you know who it is?" he asked her. She looked upon the marble face for a moment, and with tears stream- ing down her own cried out: "It is the One who said, 'Come unto me.' " Then the sculptor knew that he had caught in his marble something of the divine likeness he sought for. If we are 'Christians, it ought to be possible for all to see in us some re- semblance to Christ. They should be able to point to our patience, our lov- ingness, our ready forgiveness, our faithfulness, and say, "That is Christ in him." We could never bring out the like- ness alone; but if we will let Jesus work in us and with us, He will de- velop it surely, so that, though we see it not, our friends cannot fail -to recognize His likeness.—Selected. Simplicity, of all things, is the hard- est to be copied.—Steele. WHAT PRESIDENT WILSON SAW IN A BARBER SHOP - "I was in a very plebian place. I was in a barber's shop, sitting in a chair, when I became aware that a personality had entered the room, a man who had come quietly in upon the same errand as myself, and sat in the next chair to me. Every word that he uttered, though it was not in the least didactic, showed a personal and vital interest in the man who was serving him; and before I got thro' with what was being done to me, I was aware that I had attended an evangelistic service, because Mr. Moo- dy was in the next chair. I purpose- ly lingered in the room after he left, and noted the singular effect his visit had upon the barbers in that shop. They talked in undertones. They did not know his name, but they knew that somebody had elevated their thought. And I felt that I left that place as I should have left a place of worship." "Youth lives on hope, old age on memory." BUT ONE TRACK "There are many tracks and switches in a railroad yard, leading in various directions, but to the en- gineer in charge of a train there is to be but one—the track his train is to take. No other will take him to his proper destination. So it should be with you if you expect to reach heaven. There is to be but one track, and it leads toward the grand central depot of heaven. Follow that one. You have no time to be trying to take every other track you may see." rage Six � SOUTHWESTERN UNION RECORD Southwestern Junior College Department NEWS ITEMS Lovers of music feasted their hearts last Wednesday night,—solos, duets, quartettes, and choruses,—from Miss Ranson's "Whispering of the Pines," to the "Good-night" lullaby of the Ap- ollene Club,—every number, both vo- cal and instrumental, was thoroughly enjoyed. S. W. Abel, from. Dallas, one of Keene's students of other days, took dinner in the Home dining room last Sabbath. When they once get a taste how they do like to come back. Mrs. Hines, from Oklahoma, spent Friday and Sabbath in Keene, getting her son, Ercell, nicely settled in the school. The wedding bells rang for "VViinnie Miller, a former Keene student, a few weeks ago. She was married at Enid, Oklahoma, to Ernest Hunter. Did you hear those six intensely in- teresting letters that were read in tac Foreign Mission Band last Friday night? If not, you missed something. Mr. Spraggins was an over-Sabbath visitor in Keene. Thursday morning, the several con- ference presidents spent the chapel hour in getting acquainted with the students of their respective confer- ences. The last semester's work is well under way. If you didn't get an Al grade on every exam this time, get busy. � The end is only seventeen weeks away. Professor Nelson and Professor Hamilton visited with the Cleburne church last Sabbath. Professor Ham- ilton talked to the church on "Tal- ents." The officers of the Missionary Vol- unteer Society for the last semester are: Leader, Mr. Dunn; � assistant leaders, Mr. Price and Miss Smith; secretary, Miss 4ickey; � assistant secretary, Miss Cordis. The Gospel Team of the Ministerial Band has made a good opening at the Hopewell schoolhouse, about two miles west of Keene. A live Sunday school has been organized and there is much enthusiasm. Mr. Cowan re• ported that there were thirty-five present last Sunday afternoon. South Texas students clanned to- gether last week and had a table all to themselves. Elder Neff, president of the South Texas Conference, pre- sided. Professor Peebles took advantage of a vacant examination period and made a flying trip to Fort Worth last Tuesday. Board meeting—the event of the season! They worked early and late, —and then left as suddenly as they came. "Listen to the Echoes" is the theme of the cover design for the March num- ber of the Watchman Magazine. The echoes of peace, of course. This sub- ject, as well as that of the war situa- tion, is discussed in several well writ- ten articles and editorials in this num- ber of the Watchman Magazine. "The strong, worthy life is the life of selection, not of weak surrender." "Believe in others and they will be- lieve in you." "No man is called to a far-off ser- vice who is deaf to that which is near at hand." Mind conscious of integrity scorns to say more than it means to perform. —Burns. A RESOLUTION Friday will go down in the annals of the Southwestern Junior College as an high day among the students. Everybody was glad. President Nel- son told the school that the old debt of nearly $28,000, which has hung like a pall over the College, had been cut down to. about $8,000 during the past y ear. Because the' people of the South- western Union Conference reached the 20-cent-a-week goal, the General Conference refunded to the Union to apply toward the school debt, $10,300. The sale of "Christ's Object Les- sons," and pledges, raised this sum to mare than $19,600. � Moreover, im- provements, which include the elec- tric light plant and the vegetable house, and necessary repairs, costing about $2150, were made during the year. Enthusiasm ran high, and by a. unanimous rising vote the students ordered the following resolution: "RESOLVED—That we, as students and teachers of the Southwestern_ Junior College, express our gratitude to the constituency of the Southwest- ern Union Conference, and to the Board of Managers of the College, who, by their sacrifice and loyalty to the school, have reduced the debt on the College and made possible the electric lighting system and other im- provements'; and we pledge ourselves to aid in every way whatsoever, our College toward the fulfillment of its mission." A new day is dawning for our Alma Mater, and the sons and daughters of the Southwestern Union Confer- ence are getting ready for the jubi- lee. Hasten the day! Are you aware that "The Old East- ern Question Is Dead?" This is the topic of a stirring article by Dr. Ma- gan in the March number of the Watchman Magazine. Do not fail to read it! "Give as you would if an angel Awaited your gift at the door; Give as you would if tomorrow Found you where giving was o'er; Give as you would to the Master If you met His loving look; Give as you would of your substance If His hand the offering took." "The current of God's blessing will flow into our hearts only so long as we allow it to flow out to others." 401. .0% or,.. + 101 %out in 1-W04 n}`. woo, WW1 o. .77+4t .111. 104 LIJ SOUTHWESTERN UNION RECORD � Page Seven INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT RUSSIA Elder Boettcher occupied the chapel hour the first three days of last week, and took us on some little jaunts through Russia which were quite in teresting to folks in Keene who haven't traveled much. A typical Russian village is not al- together a pleasant thing to contem- plate,—unpaved streets, hot, strang- ling dust in the suntner; thick, sticky mud in the winter; with the unsight- ly swine going from yard to yard of • the little low, clay houses, as scav- engers of the earth. The windows in these houses are very small, and pure air finds -its way to the interior with difficulty. The food is cooked in iron pots in the big oven, and after it is taken out, perhaps your Russian host crawls in, curls up and goes to sleep to take a good "sweat." He does this at least once a week for his health. At night the children sleep on top the oven, the rest on the floor. Russians do not wash in basins, they always pour the water on each other's hands, or wash in water run- ning from a faucet; or, nothing else being available, each fills his mouth full of water and becomes his own private faucet, and thus completes his toilet very nicely. After each meal in a Russian homo, no one thinks of leaving the table without kissing the hand of the hos- tess, and thanking her for the food. They do not kiss like Americans do, —they either kiss the hand, or ex- change kisses by each kissing the other's cheek. The signs on a shop in a Russian village are not printed, for few can read, but each shop-keeper hangs up a painted emblem of the work done inside. If it is a shoe shop, there is a monstrous picture of a shoe; � a baker portrays his bread and pies, and there is no mistaking signs. These hamlets and villages, though of important size, may be 40 miles from the railroad, because the rail- roads are laid out on straight lines, and they swerve not to the right hand or to the left. The trains are arrang- ed in compartments, with six or eight people to each compartment. When night comes they stretch out on the hard benches, without covering or pil- low, and sleep sweetly till morning. In the railroad stations the contrast between the very rich and the very poor—there is no middle class—is LIJ WW1 1-V0- quite striking. The eating-house has two parts. The rich tables and ele- gant service of the one betokens wealth and rank. The space in the other is packed with a motley crowd, a dirty, ignorant, clamorous crowd, with their bundles, baggage, and ba- bies around them, getting their "eats" as best they may. And this is the people—gaunt and haughty, unclean and unlearned, proud but needy, with sympathies and capa- bilities lying dormant, waiting to be wakened and trained—who are join- ing their voices in that long-echoed cry, "Come over and help us." ETHYLE COBERLY. JUST THREE THINGS "I once met a scholar," said Bishop Whipple, "who told •me that for years he had read every book that he could which assailed the religion of Jesus Christ; and he said he would have become an infidel but for three things. "First, I am human. I am going somewhere. Tonight I am a day near- er the grave than I was just last night. I have read all such boots can tell me. They shed not one solitary ray upon the darkness. They shall not take away the only guide and leave me stone-blind. "Second, I had a mother. I saw her go down the dark valley where 1 am going, and she leaned upon an unseen arm as calmly as a child goes to sleep on the breast of its mother. I know that this was not a dream. "Third, I have three motherless daughters (and he said it with tears in his eyes); they have no protector but myself. I would rather kill them than to leave them in this sinful world if you blot out from it all the teachings of the Gospel." "The ability God has given, if not exercised, will degenerate, and men and women unemployed will become as tools that rust from inaction." WW1 kW. LIJ 111 Page Eight � SOUTHWESTERN UNION RECORD §§outbtueztern 1nion Monti A WEEKLY JOURNAL Published by the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Z RU BOTTOM � Editor and Business Manager J. W. CHRISTIAN �C. E. SMITH "Associate Editors Entered October 24, 1902, at Keene, Texas, as second-class matter, under act of Congress of March 3, 1879 Subscription price, per year � $ .50 Clubs of ten, one year � 4.50 There would be a good many less harsh verdicts if we tried ourselves before condemning others. Brother A. Reed left Keene for the colporteur field in Van Zandt County this week, to. work with "Practical Guide." The American troops now in Mexi- co under the command of General Pershing have been ordered with- drawn immediately. E. S. Graves has accepted a posi- tion as manager of a ranch near Ama- rillo, Texas. He will move with his family to that place this week. We hope them God's blessing in their new home. Mrs. W. J. Huguley fof Richardson, Texas, spent Sabbath and Sunday in Keene. Sister Huguley is quite en- thusiastic in her work for the Ladies' Aid Society, of which she is the state secretary for the North Texas Con- ference. Elder David Voth will leave this week for Clinton, Mo., to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Clinton German Seminary. El- ders J. W. Christian and John Isaac, from Oklahoma City, will also attend this meeting. The meeting of the Southwestern Union Conference Committee closed Thursday afternoon, and most of the brethren left for their homes that ev- ening. Many important steps were taken, of which we hope 'to have a full report later. It is really a pleasure to get out on the streets these days, for every once in a while some pleasant-mannered young man will step up and grasp you by the hand with such a hearty hand- shake that you feel you have found an old friend—and when you investi- gate you find it is one of the colpor- teurs who are here attending the in- stitute, preparing to go out and help the Southwestern Union sell $100,000 worth of books this year. We hope they will reach the goal. Last night after Sabbath, after the business part of the missionary meet- ing, the time was given to the colpor- teurs, who occu•p•ied it very profitably in relating their many experiences in the work and how the Lord had helped them in various ways to carry the printed page to those who know not the truth for this time. We can- not relate the experiences here, but these experiences are certainly an encouragement to those who are long- ing for the finishing of the work in the earth. Sunday evening at 7:30 the people of the village assembled by invita- tion in the College chapel, to listen to a recital given by the Music Depart- ment of the College, under the direc- tion of the instructor in that depart-, ment, Miss Ruth Harvey. The vari- ous parts were well rendered, reflect- ing credit upon those who performed and the instructor who had given the training. Personally we enjoy music and this occasion helped us to forget the after-twinges of the "grip" and to get a good night's sleep. After spending almost a week in Keene, Elder Boettcher left us. But his interesting narratives, and the in- spiring talks he gave us will help us to work with renewed zeal, and we can see clearer than ever before how rapidly the work is being finished in all parts of the world. Already, as he told us, the Eastern Question is settled—for there is no more Turkey in Europe. Surely we are nearing the day when the work of the man with' the writer's ink horn will be finished. "It is the truth which is assailed in any age that tests our fidelity." 1 ADVERTISEMENTS Our space is limited, and we do not so- licit general advertisments. We are glad, however, to accommodate our friends who wish to advertise places for sale, or other notices considered proper to admit to the columns of this paper. We reserve the right to reject any or all advertise- ments. Approved advertisements will be inserted in the RECORD, reading notice style, at the following rates: Forty words or less 50 cents for each insertion, and one cent per word for each additional word. Cash must accompany copy for , all advertisements. COPY Field reports, school reports, and any items of general interest concerning the work and workers in the Southwestern Union Conference, will be gladly received. Doctrinal and other articles which do not require immediate attention will be pub- lished as space permits. All such arti- cles should be carefully edited and, when possible, written with a typewriter and double spaced. All copy must be in our office on Thurs- day before the date of publication. Copy arriving later will be held over until a subsequent issue. SUBSCRIPTIONS The RECORD will be discontinued when subscriptions expire. Subscribers should renew about two weeks before time ex- pires, to be sure of receiving every num- ber. Make remittances by post office or- der, express money order, draft or check, payable to the Southwestern Union Rec- ord, Keene, Texas. Do not send stamps. We are glad to correct any errors on our part, and will supply subscribers with missing copies promptly.