Vol. 38, No. 16 Sydney, Monday, April 16, 1934 Registered at the General Po t Office, Sydney, for transmission by Post as a Newspaper. Has the Coming of the Lord Been Delayed? THE following editorial appeared recently in The American Mercury, a magazine published in the United States and very widely read by the American people. This editorial was read by Pastor C. H. Watson at one of our camp meetings in New Zealand, and proved of decided interest to our people. It comes from the pen of one who, while a man of the world, observes from the editor's desk things as they are, and through the columns of his magazine seeks to � to the reading public impressions of timely importance. To give our readers some idea of how others view us and our message, we shall quote in full this editorial. For your guidance it should be stated that Dr. S. Parkes Cadman, mentioned by the editor, is one of the leading Protestant ministers of America, while Rabbi Stephen S. Wise is the most prominent Jewish rabbi of that country. " One of the curious, and perhaps I should add incredible, phenomena of the present regime is the silence of the theologians. I am aware, of course, that Cardinal Dougherty has gone on the stand for the Philadelphia bankers to testify that all of their banks are not ready to burst, and I am no less aware that such transcendental wiseacres as Dr. S. Parkes Cadman and Rabbi Stephen S. Wise are still heard from regu- larly and at undiminished length. What I presume to note is simply the fact that these great masters of the sacred sciences, in their public outpourings, seldom if ever speak professionally and ex cathedra. What Cadman has to say might be said just as well by Arthur Brisbane, . . . and what Wise says today is hardly more than what the Scripps-Howard editorial writers were saying week before last. As for Cardinal Dougherty, he addressed his Philadelphia faithful, not as their shepherd in two worlds, but simply as a fellow depositor in the local banks. In brief, these eminent divines, and their colleagues with them, are heard from only in their purely secular characters, . . . and not in their special capacity as experts in the principles and policies of Jehovah. " It is seldom, indeed, that the American people have to face a great calamity without theological support. But now they are strangely silent. What this so forcefully points out is most unfortunately true. Eminent men of all lands are measur- ing for us the awfulness of the calamity. "I note one exception, and come to my point. The Seventh-day Adventist brethren alone among the divines of the country, have something to say officially about the depression, and what they have to say is singularly clear and simple. They laugh at all the current diagnosis as so much shouting, and re- ject every projected cure as vain and preposterous. It is not the government that must be blamed, they say, nor is it the tariff war now going on everywhere in the world, nor is it the French or the Japanese, nor is it overproduction, nor is it the foreign bond swindle, nor is it the war debts, nor is it sun-spots or witchcraft or marital and spiritual infidelity, or any of the other things that have been accused. It is simply the fact that the world is coming to an end. It is the fact that all of the signs and portents listed in Luke 21 : 25-27 are now visible, and that on some near tomorrow . . . the heavens will open wide, there will be a roaring of mighty winds, angels will come fluttering down to earth, the righteous will be snatched up to heaven, and the wicked will be destroyed. "The argument . . . is completely unanswerable. All of the premonitory symptoms, as set forth not only in Luke but also in countless other passages of infallible Scripture, are now clearly visible. The distress of nations, with perplexity,' men's hearts failing them for fear,' millions turned lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, dis- obedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affec- tion, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.' I quote the Apostle James : "`Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered ; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. . . . Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. . . . Stablish your hearts : for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.' " I refrain from further quotation. . . . All I desire to point out here is that the New Testament offers precise and elaborate specifications of the events preceding the inevitable end of the world, and that a fair reading of them must lead any rational man to conclude that those events are now upon us. If the Bible is really the Word of God, as we are assured not only by the Council of Trent but also by all the principal Protestant authorities and even by the Supreme Court of the United States, then it is as plain as day that the human race is on its last legs. "Not long ago . . . I set forth the vast advantages of the so-called Fundamentalists in their combat with the so-called Modernists. . . . What I'd like to know today is how either faction, the Fundamentalists or the Modernists, contrive to get around the implacable and irrefutable proofs of the Adventists. How can they profess to believe in Holy Writ, and yet stand silent before its plain and indubitable warnings ? How can Cardinal Dougherty parley with money-changers . . . while the predestined signs stare him in the face ? How can Dr. Cadman continue his radio talks on flirting when the heavens may open at any moment, and he may find himself confronting a woman A.T.ISTRALA.SIAN RECORD' 16/4/34 set upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns'? " As for me, I counsel caution. I am naturally of a sceptical and even ribald turn of mind ; nevertheless, I take certain measures, as a prudent householder locks up for the night. I have cleared my library of bawdy books. I have taken down the portraits of Ibsen, Nietzche, and Darwin. . . . If any reader of these lines can think of a sufficient answer to the Seventh-day Adventist proofs I'll be glad to print it in this place. But how could it be put together without rejecting the whole canon of Holy Writ ? How could it be squared with the infallibility of Luke, James, and Paul ? I suspect that the theologians are in a difficult place. . . . No wonder they are so unprecedently mum." From a man who claims to be naturally sceptical, but whose observation of cur- rent events and partial understanding of Scripture compel him to write in this way, and whose prudence in the face of the coming of the Lord compels him to move from his shelves " bawdy " books and to take from his walls pictures of evolution- ists and higher critics, sueh a statement must cause every Adventist to ponder well the situation. Knowing the time, " that it is now high time for us to awake out of sleep," the question could rightly be asked, Are we checking up ? and in the words of the editor, " as a prudent housekeeper locks up for the night," are we making sure that all is well ? Are there books on our shelves, or sometimes in our hands, that are bawdy, that is, cheap and unedify- ing ? Do we find satisfaction in the read- ing of such literature in face of the coming of the Lord? Are we, through the radio or by any other means, allowing matter to fill our minds or occupy our time to the exclusion of that all-important heart preparation so essential in these serious closing hours ? We do well to ponder, and then like the editor of The Mercury, clear away every- thing likely to leave us unprepared for our Lord's appearing. We are not as those who walk in darkness, but across our pathway is thrown the light that is sufficient to reveal to us the way we should go. In " Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 9, page I1, we read : " We are living in the time of the end. The fast fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. Soon the message of Revelation 14 will have been sounded the world around and God's people be gathered out to have their place in His kingdom." The question sometimes arises in the mind of those who have long walked in the ways of truth, Has the coming of the Lord been delayed ? Twenty years ago when the writer himself accepted this message, the advent of Christ seemed very near at hand. He has not yet come. Why the delay ? In Vol. 6, page 450, we read this statement : " Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God." This is an impressive statement, and when pondered over compels one to wonder whether he has had any part in failing to give the message to the world, thereby postponing the coming of God and leading to so long a tarrying. As we look back over the experiences of men since the beginning, we find that by their foolishness God's plans have been postponed. It was not God's intention in the beginning that Adam should die, but rather that in sinlessness he should live, and that the garden of Eden should cover the whole earth, which would be inhabited by sinless beings. Adam foolishly sinned, and thereby postponed God's original plan until thousands of years have passed in a long, weary wait for sin, then introduced into the human family, to be eradicated, and for the wilderness to blossom as the rose, and Eden to be restored. We find that an experience came to Israel which need never have been theirs, had they followed the Lord as He planned they should, and as He made every opportunity for them to do. In the year B.C. 1491, as recorded in Deut. I:6.8, Moses told the children of Israel to pos- sess the land of Canaan. A few months later they stood on the very borders of the Promised Land, according to verses 19-21 of the chapter, and were ready to press in; but right on the border their faith failed them and they turned back. For forty long years they were kept from that land, until all who came out of Egypt, with the exception of the children, died in the wilderness, never to enter the land of promise. God had a plan for His people, a plan that would have carried them quickly into Canaan ; but they, because of unbelief, which the Scrip- ture tells us is disobedience, perished in the desert, while their children wandered for forty years in the sands of the wilderness. In " The Great Controversy," page 458, we read : "It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness. He desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, to establish them there a holy, happy people, but they could not enter in because of unbelief." Because o f their backsliding and apostasy they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to enter the Promised Land. We pass along the cen- turies, and come to the present day. It was God's plan that this people, whom He has called out from the world and to whom He has given great light from His Word and through the writings of His Spirit, should have entered quickly into the kingdom of God. We read in "The Great Controversy," page 458, this state- ment, after quoting the experiences of Israel : " In like manner it was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed and His people should remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow, but unbelief separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which He had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message." In Acts 7 : 39 we read that Israel turned their faces back to Egypt. By the mighty hand of God they had been delivered from that bondage. By His power they had been spared and kept, fed and provided for, but because of delay caused through their own disobedience, they ultimately turned their faces back to Egypt, losing, as the result of the turn, Canaan and life. We need to watch very carefully lest we, whom the Lord has brought out of the bondage of sin, and who perhaps have walked in the way of truth for some years, be not discouraged nor faithless, lest we, too, like Israel of old, may dis- cover our faces turning back to Egypt, and thereby lose the kingdom and life. We are told in the book "Testimonies to Ministers," page 439, that " it is not in- creased light that we need from the pulpit so much as it is to live out the light we already have." God has been gracious to us in giving us light. Let us see to it that in all things we walk in the light while it is day. This applies to everything per- taining to our Christian relationship, to those things that connect themselves with our physical health, and to our worship of our God. In "The Desire of Ages," page 239, we read : " Our standing before God depends not upon the amount of light we have re- ceived, but upon the use we make of what we have." Again, in "Testimonies to Ministers," page 451: "The light has not been diminished, but we walk not in its rays." May the Lord help us to sense the importance of the present time. May we recognise the value of present light, and may we each prepare for the events so soon to break upon us in the coming of our Lord in glory. � W. G. TURNER. Cheering News from Pitcairn PASTOR W. D. SMITH wrote from Pit- cairn Island on February 18: "We can hardly realise that eight full months have passed since we came here. The time does go quickly. My wife and I have had most interesting visits with our Pitcairn folk to the passing steamers. It is no ordinary feat to climb up one of those rope ladders which are hung over the side of the ship; but one becomes accus- tomed to it after a time or two. They usually put a rope around Mrs. Smith in case she should miss a step. " Once upon the vessel, we are well re- warded by the kindly reception by the passengers. We always find them much interested in the Pitcairn Island people, and one has no difficulty about introduc- tions, etc. We find that the people ap- preciate calling at the island, and I must say that the captains of these passing ves- sels are most kind. Some of them request that the islanders sing on the deck of the ship before the vessel leaves; others pre- fer to have the folk sing in their boats as they leave again for their homes. " The Pitcairn Sabbath school offerings and much of the tithe and other offerings are made possible by these steamers. Since the launching of the Investment Fund for the Sabbath school, it has been our privi- lege to help in the sale of the various kinds of curios. We find, as always, that people are sympathetic to missions. AUSTRALASIAN RECORD "Orreana) 16/4/34 3 Shipwrecked Islanders "I wrote you about the schooner that was shipwrecked 300 miles from Pitcairn, with seven Pitcairn people on board. These poor folk were stranded for about five months on Mangareva. "About three weeks ago a yacht sailing from Boston called at Pitcairn and re- mained a little more than twenty-four hours. As usual, the Pitcairn Islanders gave the visitors a splendid reception. The visitors greatly appreciated the kind- ness received, and when they reached Mangareva and saw the plight of the Pit- cairn people who had been so long ship- wrecked, they decided to return the seven on their yacht. Every one recognised it was a great condescension for the captain and his company, all of whom concurred in the decision, to turn back in their journey to Tahiti, to favour them with a passage home, and that at just a small cost to each one. There is no doubt that the travellers, who were total strangers, were influenced by the kindness shown them during their little stay at Pitcairn. You may-be sure that the Pitcairners are glad to be back home, as also are their loved ones and friends. Prayer Bands "We are having prayer bands twice a week, Sunday and Thursday evenings. The whole island is grouped, and very few absent themselves. During the meetings each leader, of whom there are nine, reads to his band, or arranges to have read, from the book, "The Great Controversy." We are hoping to read the volume right through, and it is being very much enjoyed. "Since camp meeting we have been try- ing to foster such exercises, and the people have responded well. We notice the mis- sionary aspect is much brighter, too, and the blessing of the Lord is making every one feel different. This does not mean that there are no problems or perplexities; there are, but we are praying for the guidance of the Lord in all these. Culti- vated and inherited tendencies are not overcome in a day. The young people especially need our prayers." Opening. Exercises, Batuna Training School, Solomon Islands WE opened school at Batuna on the evening of February II. The students had come from their island homes, some near, some far, with a purpose in mind to spend the year 1934 in fitting up for their part in giving the message to their country- men. At five minutes to seven we watched Posala with quick elastic step cross over the lawns to a little rotunda near by, and a moment later a bell rang out a sum- mons to the schoolhouse. In less than five minutes the school was filled with teachers, students, parents, and friends. It was inspiring to hear that opening hymn of heartfelt praise, and to join in the prayer offered by Brother Barrett. The children sang "Smile and Be Chairy " (cheery). What mattered it if some held their typewritten copies of the song upside down ? They could sing just as well, and they made every one feel cheery, and smiles were around every- where. Pastor Borgas gave the message fitted for the occasion. He hoped February II would be looked back on in years to come as a red letter day. Taking Prov. 4 : 25-27 as the basis of his remarks, Brother Borgas went on to urge the im- portance of a definite purpose in life and the necessity of keeping the eyes looking always on the goal. The ex- amples pointed out in the lives of Job, David, Daniel, Moses, and Paul were help- ful to us all. Then the girls, looking very neat in frocks of white, pink, or red, gave a special song which they had been practis- ing for some days. It was " I Am with You " from the " Gospel in Song." The boys sang too. "God Is Caring for Us Every Day " had been selected, and we enjoyed this item very much. Mr. Martin,- with Ragosa to interpret, spoke a few words of welcome to the stu- dents, and expressed his wish concern- ing the school work during the year. A purpose such as Brother Borgas had pointed out, steadfastly adhered to, must bring upon each one the rich blessing of God with its resultant joy and satisfaction. All joined in singing, " Lord dismiss us with Thy blessing, Fill our hearts with joy and peace," and the opening exercises of the school were over. HILDA MARTIN. A Samoan Young Man Resolves AT the beginning of our 1934 school year in Vailoa, Samoa, a young man with a previous Government school education and who had for several years been in the Government employ as a teacher, re- quested that he be admitted to our Vailoa Training School. In order that he might carry out this desire he was willing to become an outcast member of his family, so strong was his urge to learn more of this message. He duly arrived at Vailoa with all his worldly possessions, having bidden fare- well to those near and dear to him. Even though he has received a higher education than our school gives, nevertheless he humbly takes his place in the classes and gladly submits to all the discipline of the school. Upon picking up his Bible note book a few days ago, I noticed written on the opening page the following ten resolutions, under the heading : " My Decision " I hereby solemnly promise, by the help of God, to making the following rules of my life : " I. To pray daily. "2. To study the Bible daily. " 3. To avoid all amusements and girls. "4. To carry my Bible with me wher- ever I go. " 5.2To try to obey the law of God. "6. To search and accept fully the teachings of Jesus Christ. "7. To do His work bravely and faith- fully. "8. To try to purify my life from all that defiles in thought and word and deed. "9. To stand for right when other folks have left the fight. " To To be ready to meet Jesus, and do something each day to help others to get ready." This so impressed me that I send it on to you with the prayer that some other young man may, by the reading of this, gain courage to make similar resolutions. God is looking for young men of such material today. We trust that this Samoan young man will shortly follow his Lord in baptism, and quickly prepare to give the good story to those of his own people for whom he has a deep burden. S. T. LEEDER. A Pastor's Surprise WE quote the following from one of our Union Conference church papers published in U.S.A : "With a view to getting an early start toward a successful Harvest Ingathering effort this year, the pastor of a small church designated a Sabbath as the day when he would present the matter before his church and seek to rally each member to do his individual part. "The church missionary secretary off this church is a live wire—God bless her, and every other church missionary secre- tary whose services mean so much to the success of all lines of missionary work— and she decided to take time by the fore- lock and get the work all finished before the pastor planned to begin. This, how- ever, was a secret, closely guarded by all the church members, and it served to in- tensify enthusiasm and diligent effort. Every member of the church thought it would be the best surprise ever perpetrated on their pastor, and all united to do their individual part and more. Sabbath came, the pastor proceeded with the Rally pro- gramme, and called for volunteers. In response, the entire church volunteered for the service, at the same time presenting the tangible evidence of their sincerity by placing bags of money, containing the in- dividual Havest Ingathering amounts, on the table before the astonished pastor. "When all the money had been placed, the church missionary secretary explained the meaning of the whole affair, and turn- ing to the Harvest Ingathering goal chart, hanging on the wall, which registered the heights to be climbed, the red tape was swiftly drawn up and over the top of the thermometers. It was indeed a surprised pastor who listened and observed all that his church members said and did, and to complete the record he gladly turned over £4 for the Ingathering from himself and wife. "This unique Harvest Ingathering Rally programme was made possible by an effici- ent church missionary secretary and loyal and co-operative church members. We wonder how many more pastors have similar surprises awaiting them." "GOD has made it so that love given must unfailingly come back an hundred- fold; the more we give, the richer we are.', HE who is false to present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and will find a flaw when he may have forgotten its cause. —ft. W. Beecher. ENSIV7A.T.ISTRALASIAN RECORD 4 16/4/34 Visit of the Fijians FROM March 29 to April I we were favoured at the A. M. College with a visit from two of our Fijian brethren, Pereniki and Tereti, and their wives. Their first appearance was at combined worship on Thursday afternoon, when both spoke a few words of appreciation of the work of this school. Being unable to speak English, they used Fijian, and Brother Arthur Carr interpreted. In Sabbath school, to a large attend- ance, each gave a short talk. Speaking in Papuan, which Brother Lestor Lock interpreted, Tereti took for his text Matt. 9 37, and stressed the need of teachers for Papua. Both men spoke during the church serv- ice. Pereniki based his talk on 2 Thess. 3 : 1, and asked for prayers on behalf of the work in Papua and for himself. "If God be for us, who can be against us ?" Rom. 8 : I. These words proved a fitting introduction to Tereti's address, as he spoke on the progress of the work in Papua. It was a recital of true mission- ary endeavour. In young people's meeting in the after- noon, when the subject was "The Power of Song," Pereniki and his wife, and Pereniki and Tereti contributed unaccom- panied duets which we enjoyed very much indeed. They left on Sunday to resume their journey. As they go to the scene of their labours for the Lord, we would have them know that our prayers ascend on their behalf, and that we hope they will carry with them pleasant memories of their short stay at Avondale. E. H. J. KNYVETT. A Day Out of Doors THE A. M. College aims at "the har- monious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers." Al- though these are concurrent activities, special efforts are conducted frequently in connection with each. On Monday, April 2, the first mentioned was benefited by a complete relaxation from studies and work, and a general exodus from the college grounds took place. As usual the Avin was the transport for the expectant students. Interest which even the overcast skies could not success- fully dampen, found free expression, heightening as the wooded river banks gave way to the broader, blue expanse of lake; and the clouds, unable to resist longer, rolled back, giving the final neces- sity for vigorous enjoyment. A full programme of sports occupied the morning, and then all united in the ever popular lunch hour. Undoubtedly open air, athletics, and dinner, are a fine combination, for all fitly survived an ener- getic afternoon, including swimming, foot- ball, tug-o'-war, races, and many other games of constant note. The homeward journey across the lake was enhanced by continuous merriment occasioned by various ingenious competi- tions; and it was apparent that at such times many latent abilities are aroused. At Dora Creek we were sorry to part with several visitors whose company had added much pleasure to the day ; but, as Avondale is the home of partings, the pic- nicing spirit soon resumed, but gradually resolved itself into deeper channels as the college was approached. The expended energy had left the participants tired, but happily so, and when the Avin once more drew alongside the wharf, the appreciation and inner thoughts of the gathering as- cended in the words:of the hymn, "Praise Him, praise Him." J. L. FISHER. MO •• ColporteurWork AIM Canvassing Experiences A VACATION in the canvassing field ! What memories flood the mind when the returning student casts a retrospective glance over three months' work with the Lord. To tell of all the experiences would be to write a volume; and yet how can one evidence of the Lord's leading be singled out, omitting others none the less inspir- ing? Time and time again has it been shown that our Heavenly Manager does not allow His humble employees to go in need of essentials. For days I had tramped the dusty roads, my shoes temporarily held together so that at least I might have a covering for my feet, but it was in vain. Knowing that the Lord was watching, I prayed, believing so fully that I told others of the soon arrival of a pair of shoes. " Just a little letter to read, as you go along your way," said a friend as we parted at a bush cross road. I knew what that little letter would contain. Yes ! for surely there I found sufficient money for even two pairs of shoes. With a heart overflowing with joy, I dropped to my knees in my unworthiness and thanked a loving Father for His care. When the earth is wreathed in sadness And the way seems dark and long, When the heart is void of gladness, Then brighten the way with a song. For the Lord, He'll surely aid you, So press on ! brother, press on GEORGE W. ROLLO. * * � * DURING last vacation I had my first canvassing experience, and after work- ing for a few weeks with small results, I was feeling a little down. A letter from the home State, however, containing some of the most precious promises for the can- vasser, buoyed me up with fresh hope and vigour. God says, " Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." And again, "The Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee ; He will not fail thee, nor for- sake thee." Ex. 4 :12 ; Deut. 31 : 6. Al- though these promises are true, it is hard to believe that God is with us in some ex- periences, although I know He is. While canvassing in Queensland, I was out at Emu Creek, and on the twelve-mile journey to Crow's Nest I had to cross a flooded creek five times in about two miles. At the second crossing I was in- structed to go up stream a bit first. I did so, and with my shoes hanging on the bar of my bicycle, I commenced to cross. "Half way over and going well," thought I, when all of a sudden, down went my bike into a deep channel. I pulled it out, but my shoes were missing. I offered up a prayer and commenced to search for them, but the creek being muddy and flowing swiftly rendered the chance of finding them very small. An hour's search proved in vain. As night was fall- ing, I wended my way barefooted back to the house of the man who instructed me to go upstream to cross. Here I borrowed some sandshoes, and was given lodgings for the night. The next morning I spent in searching for the shoes, but about twelve o'clock, feeling discouraged at the failure of my search and unanswered prayer, I set off for Crow's Nest. The Lord had given me good success that week, and I was able to buy another pair. When delivering a few weeks later, I called back at the place to return the sandshoes I had borrowed. "Well I" he said, on greeting me, " Where do you think we found the shoes ? " I said, " I do not think you found them at all." " My boys were down fishing the other day," he continued," and fished out a pair of shoes about a mile downstream from where you lost them." And here they were still good, and then I realised that the Lord was with me and had now answered my prayer. I have been wear- ing the shoes almost continuously since then, and they have proved to be none the worse for the experience. I thank the Lord for the experiences He gives me to draw me nearer to Him, and to give me a greater faith in His Word. FRANCIS M. SLADE. ONE afternoon while canvassing I came near to a home which I had previously been advised not to visit, as they had no children. I was canvassing for " Bible Pictures and Stories " at the time. I ignored the advice, and called upon the people just as they were about to com- mence milking. The man and his wife were in the yard together. No sooner had I introduced myself and commenced my canvass, than the man interjected with the pithy remark, " Huh ! Butter fat's sixpence halfpenny a pound," and he per- sisted in punctuating my canvass with this statement at regular intervals. The case looked hopeless, but the wife's interest was aroused, and I did not give in. The Lord overruled, and I booked the order. They then invited me to have tea, during which the lady confided to me that they never bought anything from any one calling around, but that they had to make an ex- ception of some one. She then told me to call on her sister, about a mile farther on, as she might like a set for her little girl. I did this, and booked another order. This experience has taught me never to take notice of what people say, for had I done so and not called, these books would never have been placed in the homes. HUBERT BRYANT. 16/4/84 r"--74U4W.' AffSTRALASIAN RECORD SOUTH NEW ZEALAND PRESIDENT S. L. PATCHING SECRETARY : A. S. HERBERT L:L 711111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111ii Meeting After Sixteen Years How quickly the year has gone by, and here we are again with the Ingathering. I have been more than pleased with my part this year. Like the ancient king in 2 Chron. 20 : 6, I realise that in God's hand there is power and might. In planning our itinerary with the president, Pastor S. L. Patching, I was glad to know that during part of the three weeks we were to be out, Brother Herbert and I would be working around where I had sold " The Desire of Ages " sixteen years ago. Having sold hundreds of books in the district, I was eager to meet these people again, and I was not disappointed when I reached there. My first call happened to be on a lady who bought "The Desire of Ages" and " Patriarchs and Prophets." I saw the husband first, who told me to- go to the house and ask his wife for five shillings. When I told her my work she said, " All right, I will get it for you." Then I asked her if she remembered my selling her the books so long ago. She replied, "I just don't remember you, but I am glad you called with the books, as they have been a great blessing in our home. Now I am going to see what money I have. I'm afraid it will not be much, but you shall have it all." She brought out nine shillings saying, "I'm sorry it is not more." After a chat off a few minutes about our work I went to my next call. In the next home at which I called, I re- membered an old couple had bought a book, and wondered whether they were still alive. A young lady came to the door and informed me that father and mother were dead, but that the book was still alive and being used, by first one son and then another, and was appreciated by all who read it. Donations were received here also. It was indeed a great pleasure to be able to meet old friends like this for about three days, before our return to Christ- church. I came in touch with a doctor in R—. I could not see him on the Friday, so was led to see him on the Sabbath, and, having time to spare, I spent a very profitable hour with him. The doctor asked about our message in many of its phases. He said he had never met a Seventh-day Ad- ventist before and was much interested in what I told him. "But," he said, "I have had different sects giving me their views, and what am Ito believe? Here my wife and I are floundering about, and we are anxious to join the right people." I told him mine had been a similar experience, and assured him the Lord would lead if he was willing to follow. He was glad to receive tracts and the Signs, and gave los. 6d. for our work. It is wonderful to deal with minds that are longing for the truth which means so much to us. I thank God for such a clear message that cannot be confounded. I thank Him for the opportunity of having a part in the Ingathering this year, and for more than £200 that I have been able to collect. Knew Dr. Keller Yesterday I met one of our leading business men, who told me he had been watching me for a few years. He said he had seen our work in Fiji, the Solomons, and other islands, and had also known Dr. Keller; and he was pleased to say that although his board had turned down all others this year he had been able to speak in favour of our work, and we had not been turned down along with the rest, so he was glad to give us the usual donation. Our work is being watched, felt, and known, and because of this I am sure the aim will be reached by the Union Confer- ence, if all will do their allotted part. I wish you could have heard our people sing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" last Sabbath, March to, after reach- ing our church aim for Papanui. Nearly all had taken part and so could sing sin- cerely. J. A. FARRAR. Prayer as a Spiritual Exercise EVERYWHERE we look today we are re- minded that time is short and the night cometh wherein no man can work. The tasks before the church of God are so mighty that they appall us by their magni- tude. Hundreds of millions of heathen are still unwarned, and millions of civilised folk are quite ignorant of the doom which they are soon to face. Who is sufficient for these mighty tasks ? While we recognise that God is infinite in power and wisdom, and that all things are possible to Him, yet we know that while He " is able to do exceeding abun- dantly above all that we ask or think," yet His power to reach the, people is limited by the capacity of His human instru- mentalities. Paul makes that very clear in his letter to the Ephesians, for he specifically states that the manifold wis- dom of God is made known by the church: and furthermore, that it is by the church that this super-abundant power of God manifests itself, for he declares that God is able to do "exceeding abundantly . . . according to the power that worketh in us." Eph. 3 : 20. How important it is therefore that we should seek the removal of all obstructions which would hinder the operation of this divine power in and through us I How great a need there is for self-examination, for the confession of sin, and for true repentance 1 How earnestly we should pray to God for His power to be imparted to us; for it is certain that without Him we can do nothing. It has been truly said that " nothing is too hard for God to do if He can get the right kind of man to do it with." Wesley recognised this great fact when he said : "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen ; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer." As physical exercise is essential to the development of muscular form, so spiritual exercise is essential to the development of spiritual power. What is lacking today in the church is spiritual power. Much effort is being absolutely wasted because of this lack. It is not multiplied machinery, nor a more perfect organisa- tion, nor an increased number of workers, nor a higher standard of academic educa- tion that is needed so much as a mighty infilling of spiritual power, a Pentecostal manifestation of converting and convict- ing power which will lead men to cry out in response to our appeals, "Men and brethren, what shall we do ? " Our ex- hortations, our appeals, our presentation of the facts of the gospel may be eloquent and rhetorical, but unless they are accom- panied by the power of the Holy Spirit they will produce no tangible results in the hearts of sinful men. A notable instance of the utter lack of human power to accomplish a task which required the exercise of divine power, is given in that story related in the Gospels of the incapacity of the disciples to heal a young man who had a deaf and dumb spirit. The father of this afflicted man said to Jesus, "I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out ; and they could not." Mark 9 : 18. After the evil spirit had given a demon- stration of his power to afflict the young man, the father said to Jesus, "If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us." Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Verse 23. Then said the father, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." Verse 24. When Jesus had rebuked the evil spirit and had restored the afflicted young man, the dis- ciples very naturally wanted to know why they had failed to rebuke this evil spirit. " Why could not we cast him out ? " they said. The answer of Jesus was simple and direct. "This kind," said he, "can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." Verse 29. Instead of engaging in the spiritual exercises of prayer and fasting, the disciples had been spending their time discussing such an unprofitable and foolish topic as to who, among them- selves, should be the greatest. Although they had been endowed with power over unclean spirits (see Mark 6:7), and had actually "cast out many devils" (verse 13), yet when ambition for position and honour took the place of prayer and fast- ing, they were impotent to do the very work for which they were ordained. What a lesson for us! Here we are, surrounded with a world filled with pleasure-seekers and mammon-worship- pers. How shall we reach these people with this last message of mercy to a per- ishing world ? How shall we impress their hearts with a desire to forsake all and follow Jesus ? Without the power of the Holy Spirit, our words appear but idle tales. If the inspired apostles of Christ failed in their work through a lack of prayer and fasting, most certainly we shall also, if we fail to fast and pray. Shall we not, therefore, give ourselves more and more to the spiritual exercise of prayer, remembering that "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avail- eth much "? James 5 :16. During the Week of Prayer next month we shall have a special opportunity of en- gaging in the spiritual exercise of prayer. � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD E4V011 16/4/34 Shallf weNeterminelto;make I the? most of this opportunity ? But we need not wait till next month before beginning this spiritual exercise. The world is perish- ing ; souls are dying unsaved ; danger threatens us all ; spiritual power is needed daily in these times of adversity and dis- tress. Let us therefore begin now to take hold of the arm of the Lord in prayer, thus developing Christian fortitude and grace by which we shall be able to with- stand all the onslaughts of the enemy of our souls. A. W. ANDERSON. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1111111111111111011111111 SOUTH ▪ NEW SOUTH WALES PRESIDENT: R. E. HARE • SECRETARY • W. H. HOPKIN Review of the Field STANDING at the beginning of 1933, and looking into the future through the eyes of man, things appeared black and im- possible. With our tithe credit nearly nil, and a budget that would not balance, what could we do ? The committee prayed long and earnestly over the matter, and incessantly seemed to ring the com- mand, "Go forward," and we did. We ignored the smallness of our credit balance, and added to our staff in an en- deavour to make our work more efficient. Some of the weak spots were strengthened by the addition of three young men. Did the results prove us to be right in follow- ing God's lead ? Listen At the beginning of the year our capital was £28. At the end of the year it was £781. At the beginning of the year we struck a budget of £13,000. By the end of the year we had spent £13,126. But, at the beginning of the year we estimated our tithe income at £13,000; our actual tithe for the year was £13,858. During this period, work was carried on at Albury, Wagga, Tumut, Grenfell, Cowra, Young, Mandurama, Lyndhurst, Bathurst, Bega, Auburn, Hurstville, Mos- man, and other metropolitan centres. Did God bless the workers ? Surely, be- cause nearly 200 were baptised during the year. This year we have already added another young man to our staff. We have struck a budget of £13,500, and we are confident that our members will help us to balance it. A number of advance moves have been made; thirty-nine have been baptised during the first two months of the year, and a number more are wait- ing. Each department in the conference can report progress. The J.M.V. camp held in January was a happy time for all who attended. The Sabbath schools are grow- ing in numbers and membership. The Tract Society is doing business on a big scale. No need for me to say much about the Home Missions Department, because our worthy secretary is reminding us that it is Appeal time and we have work to do. Now for some news jottings from around the field. Auburn.—Pastor J. W. Kent, with Pas- tor F. H. Letts and Brother H. Hollings- worth, returned here after camp with a tent. A splendid interest has been main- tained. One baptismal service has been conducted,:and:another is 'planned forltin the near future. Our greatest difficulty just now is to house the new members, as the Auburn church is proving much too small. Albury.—Brother E. H. Parsons is sta- tioned here, and has his hands full with a large and growing church to care for, together with a scattered country parish. Wagga is visited regularly from this point. Bega.—Brethren A. L. Pascoe and D. F. Black have more than they can do in this district. A Sabbath school has been or- ganised, and folk are coming along to the service that follows. Baptisms are being freely talked of. Cowra.—Pastor W. M. R. Scragg moved in here from Mandurama and is working his whole parish from this centre. An excellent piece of ground has been secured, and the next few months should see a church build in g materialise. Pastor Scragg cares for Gallymont, Mandurama, Lyndhurst, and other places from Cowra. Hurstville.—Pastors E. R. Whitehead and J. Thompson have pitched their tent in this area. They had their tent erected and fitted out all ready to start on the Sunday night, when on Friday a gale struck the city and damaged the tent be- yond repair. Their was nothing to do but make a new one. Our worthy tentmaker, Mr. Sprogoe, worked day and night till the tent was finished. A start was made two weeks late, but a good interest is developing. Leeton.—Brother J. Lawson is still working in the irrigation area. He has lately been joined byLBrother W. A. Mackley, the latest recruit to our staff. Together they cover a large area, having the oversight of Narrandera since Brother R. H. Powrie has been transferred to Windsor. Lithgow.—After long years of patient waiting, a worker has been stationed in this industrial centre. Brother J. Eggins found a warm welcome from the church members, and a good mission is in pro- gress. It was the writer's privilege to spend a Sabbath there recently and con- duct a baptism. Mandurama.—The work here is still progressing. Pastor Scragg has charge, and plans are in progress for a church building to be commenced at an early date. Mosman.—Pastor T. J. Bradley, with Brother Alfred Parker and Miss Elsie Moran, are still busy with their interest. A slight adjustment of staff has been made for the next few weeks, Pastor Bradley spending some time with the North Syd- ney church, Miss Moran still continuing with her Bible work, while Brother Parker has been sent to Mudgee to help Brother L. Jones with his mission there. Mudgee.—For many years the light of the message has been trimmed and kept burning by a few faithful members in Mudgee. Brother Llewellyn Jones, and his assistant, Brother A. Parker, are work- ing hard to build up the work through the district. West Concord.—Pastor H. C. Harker is back on part of his old parish. While helping with the pastoral work of the city, he has:found time to open this mission and a good interest is developing. He is as- sisted by an orchestra of young people whose efforts will surely be rewarded. Windsor.—At last something definite is being done for one of the most historic towns of this State. Pastor J. W. Kent, assisted by Brother R. H. Powrie and Brother H. Hollingsworth, opened a mis- sion there on Sunday evening. There are a number -of interests round the district that need care, and these will be looked after by the mission staff. Young.--Pastor E. Behrens has a large parish extending from Harden to Grenfell, with Young as his centre. Here a mission is in full swing, and Pastor Scragg is going across from Cowra each Sunday evening to help with the public end of the work. The members of the Young church are very enthusiastic over their new church building. This should materialise very soon. General.—Pastor H. Mitchell is, as usual, running to and fro in the earth. Just at present, he is spending a little time with the folk at Tumut and the south- west. Pastors R. Govett and J. Scott Stewart are more than busy caring for those within the circle of our city churches. Our five church schools are growing in enrolment, and the teachers are all work- ing hard. Our canvassers are out in the highways and byways, sending in good reports. We appreciate all the effort and hard work represented by a report such as this, and to God we give thanks for a part in it. R. E. HARE. WEDDING BELLS Llewellyn-Sheldon.—A t Merewether on the evening of February 17, Miss Nellie I. Sheldon was united in marriage with Brother Frederick E. Llewellyn. As these two young lives unite their interests and labour to extend the triumph of the Cross in association with the Wallsend church, we are sure that God will bestow upon them, and dispense through them, His in- estimable blessings. � A. H. WHITE. OBITUARY Kent.—Died March 30, 1934, Edgar Ethelbert Kent, aged thirty-four years, eldest son of the late Pastor A. W. Kent who was killed in a motor accident in 1925. Edgar died after a short ill- ness due to a tumour on the brain. Quite a number of friends gathered to say fare- well, and to sympathise with Sister Kent, Senr., in her sorrow. Services were held at Metcalf's parlours in Parramatta and by the grave in the great Rookwood cemetery. There we laid him to rest. Pastor J. W. Kent assisted the writer in the service. Rest, for the night has come, And love has said farewell. Nor pain, nor grief can reach the heart Where all in silence dwell, Some after day the morn will smile, And love its praises tell. R. HARE. It* Sixth Official Report 3 To Mareh 31 Latest Goal � Weeks Report Per Cent of Goal Home Total � Field Sth. N.Z. £1 000 4 £1,075 107 Nth. N.Z. 1,750 6 £m 1,786 102 Victoria 2,100 7 187 2,100 100 N.N.S. W. 1,050 7 121 1,039 99 West Aust. 600 7 34 574 95 Sth. Aust. 850 3 166 793 93 S.N.S.W. 2,100 5 HO 1,824 87 Tasmania 500 4 118 43o 86 £847 £9,621 88 Pwwww.m .**. c,1 A Triumph of Faith WE can rejoice together in the encouraging fact that, taking it all round, this year's effort on behalf of our mission work has, thus far, been a glorious triumph. God has always delighted to confound all human wisdom and might, and through humble instruments accomplish won- derful things. " Faith makes a giant of a pigmy and a molehill of a mountain," and one by one we have seen the mountains of difficulty disap- pear, and success come in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles. Surely as a result of the experiences of this 1934 effort, our spiritual life should be deepened and our faith strength- ened. God is laying bare His mighty arm in the sight of the nations, and is determined that His work shall be finished, and finished speedily. Two more conferences are "out." Victoria rejoices to be able to flash the news, " Victory for Victoria." And here is the same cheering word from North New Zealand. With energy and zeal they have reached their goal, and, like their sister conference in the south, have swung beyond it. We congratulate our workers and people throughout the Dominion. And here is South Australia providing us with some thrills in their reports, and that, in spite of the record heat-wave which commenced in that State on the very launching day of the Appeal and continued day and night unabated for the best part of a fortnight. With 93 per cent at- tainment for three weeks, the conference leaders are enthusiastically urging them on in the en- deavour to be out in four weeks. Brother F. J. Butler writes : " Pastor Foster is still in the country, but expects to return tomorrow with his party. Nothing could be more wonderful than the way the public has responded to the appeal during these long country trips, except it be the grit and deter- mination shown by the members of these car parties as they have worked t h e tremendously large areas, going day after day from Tas. £600 mg early morn till £500 min night, to bring the Appeal to a success- EL 11111111 MUM ful and early con- MED MEM MEM elusion. They en- Elm countered the hot- test days of the heat- MIMI MIME... wave, but have not MN MN KIM stopped for a mo- �11111111 11.111 ment" EMI �EMI W.A. S.A. £850 MOE MEM 16/4134 LAWAIISTRALASIAN RECOPDSON:J � 7 SEVENTEENTH APPEAL FOR M1SSIONS-1934 With only EH to be reported from North New South Wales and £26 from West Australia they face the next few days with confidence. Brother J. L. Smith writes : " The A. M. College has come up splendidly on its figures, and has gained its goal of £250. Notwithstand- ing the unusually adverse effect of the Easter holidays this year, the Lord wonderfully blessed last week by giving us £121, which brings us within Err of final victory." Brother J. L. Shirley writes from the West : " Twelve of our churches are out.'" We are glad to see that Tasmania's report this week brings their total to £430, or 86 per cent of their goal. That's good. Keep pegging away, Tasmania. Keep up a good heart, South New South Wales, you are nearing 90 per cent, and soon the goal posts will come into view. The pluck and perseverance and in- domitable spirit of the campaign director, 'Pastor Head, is the spirit of a winner ! Truly we can rejoice together in the aggregate at- tainment of £9,621 to date. Taking the same confer- ences in the same length of time for the previous year, we find we are practically £600 ahead of the 1933 effort. The day of miracles is not yet past ! From my own personal experience recently among the busi- ness men of Adelaide, in company with Brother G. E. Salisbury, the Manager of the Adelaide Café, I found that it was just wonderful how the Lord had gone before us and impressed hearts to give for the advance- ment of His_ work. In no instance did we receive a refusal, although in some places we were breaking new ground. In others where the contribution had been withheld for the past year or two, the donation was given this time pleasantly and willingly ; and in still other cases where the amount had gradually been reduced, it was smilingly placed once more at the original figure. Pastor A. E. Speck, writing of the appeal by the A. M. College representatives in the city of Newcastle, stated : " We are doing the city territory very thor- oughly, and are finding that many men are doubling their donations, and in some cases have even given us four times as much as they gave last year. We are delighted to have such a whole-hearted response from the business section of our community." " Best of all, God is with us." " Let us thank God, and take courage." S. V. STRATFORD. Nth. N.Z. � III �K 11,750 Sth. � IMMO K MEE N.Z. � 1111 Nth. � REM MEDD £1,000 N.s.W. MI MIEN 111111.111 ME EMU MBE I £1,050 mum mum swim 11-1-1- • mom emu mom is EN mom ism alimm Imo � IIIM111111 1111•1•1111 MUM MIMI MU EOM EMI MOIR MEI MIMI MEM NMI MINN IMMO MIN � 1111111111111 MUM MEM III IMMO MINIM 1111 MEM WM MIEN �III= MIN 11111111 MIME UMW MIEN IMO MU eeee 11111111111111 MEM IMMO MIR MIMI �KIM eee ISM MIR KIM MIMI MEM MEM MEMO NOME MIMI MINE MEM MIME EMU BMW MEM KIM MIME EMU 111111110111 UNION £11,650 nom mom CLEM ElMEM = MOE MOM= 00110[1110111 1111M1111111111111M 11111111111111111M 111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111 M111111111111111110 11111•1111101111 1111111110111=1111 E. N inc;: !ITI, g 13.NS . 11 11111 Reporting 1111 Later MI In Afm, £700 111111111111111111111 111111•1111111•11111 1111111111•1111111111 ee..e..e 111111111111111111111 111111HINIMIIII MIIM1111111111111 1111111111111111111111 11111111111M11111111 111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111101111111 1.1111111111111111111 11101111111111111111 11111111111•1111111 1111111111•11111111 1111111111111111111111 N1111.01111111111 111111111111•111111111 111111111M1111111111 111111111111111111111 11111111111111111111 Sth. Victoria N. S. W. £2,100 £2,100 gregif"AUSTRISLABIAN RECORD-NM% 16/4/34 kttlitralasiantteriarb THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS Acting Editor: Viola M. Rogers dingle Subscription, per year, post paid - 5/- Order through your conference office, or send direct to the Avondale Industries, Cooranbong, N.S.W. Advertising rate 2s. ed. for each insertion All copy for the paper and all advertisements should be sent to Miss Rogers, "Mizpah," Wahroonga, N.S.W. Printed weekly for the Conference by the AVONDALE PREIS (A.C.A. LTD.), COORANBONG. 5.11.W. THE Sydney Sanitarium had ninety- three patients at the end of March. PASTOR W. J. WESTERMAN sailed for Rabaul on April 5 by the Macdhui, which will pick up Pastor A. G. Stewart at Port Moresby. The two brethren will pro- ceed together to visit our large interests in the Territory of New Guinea and hold meetings with the believers. The two missionary couples from Fiji were passengers on the same- boat as Pastor Westerman as far as Papua. "MY work with the Signs of the Times in the North N.S.W. Conference resulted in 850 new orders being received for the Signs," Brother W. S. Renn wrote when he had concluded his visits among the churches in the North Conference and passed on to Queensland. " We believe that the Lord will add His blessing to the service whieh is so lovingly given by the members of this conference. I am now commencing with the Signs plan in the sixth conference, and though a stranger to the folk in Queensland, one is impressed with the warmth of their greetings. In this land of distances we believe there are many honest souls, and trust that as a result of the increased circulation of our literature ministry the Lord of the harvest will impress hearts." A YOUNG woman from England who recently accepted the message on Norfolk Island, wrote to her mother in London, telling her of the Sabbath truth and send- ing some tracts. The mother wrote in reply that she had begun to keep the true Sab- bath as a result of the letter and the tracts. She thanked her daughter for writing in regard to it, and also sent a mes- sage of thanks to those who had given them the knowledge of the true Sabbath. She said she had kept Sunday and gone to church for a great number of years, and did not know it was not the proper day, but that she was glad to be put right before her end, as she wanted above all things to be right with God and have a place in His kingdom. How far-reaching is the influ- ence of those who take hold of this mes- sage! A recent conversion on this small island of the South Pacific leads to another Sabbath-keeper in the heart of the Empire. NURSE TOTENHOFER wrote from Batuna, Solomon Islands, on March 4: " We have been having an exciting time in the hospital. Influenza has been prevalent, and patients have been coming in from all directions. Among them were four pneu- monia cases and a broken arm, besides other minor troubles. One boy came in very low with pneumonia and pleurisy. He was a heathen boy from a plantation near by. We simply could not keep any- thing on him; all plasters, packs, and blankets were taken off and he would be up walking about. We set a boy on watch all day, and three at night. One night he watched his opportunity and jumped out of the window, and into the sea. Need- less to say, he died next day. Most of our patients are well again and have gone home, so our busiest time is over for a while, although we are still giving about eighty treatments a day." WE are sorry to learn from a com- munication just received from Singa- pore that, owing to the very poor state of Sister Albert Munson's health, the doctors have advised that she leave the tropics as soon as possible. Sister Munson and the children were in Singapore at the time of writing, while Pastor Munson was closing up his work in South Sarawak, Borneo. They are planning to sail for the United States early in June, coming by way of Australia, to visit the relatives of Sister Munson. Brother and Sister Munson very much regret the necessity of withdrawing from the work in the Malayan Union at this time, and the workers there share this regret with them. They have given long and faithful service in both Malaya and the East Indies, and will be greatly missed. FROM a letter from the General Confer- ence office we learn that " Mr. H. M. Porter of Denver, Colorado, whose generosity made it possible for the Porter Sanitarium to be established, has recently turned over the deed of that institution to the denomination as an expression of con- fidence and of satisfaction with our con- duct of the Sanitarium since it was opened. An expression of appreciation of this large gift was passed at the Autumn Council, along with good wishes to Mr. Porter on the occasion of his ninety-fifth birthday last November." "The Porter Sanitarium is beautifully situated in the south part of the city of Denver. There are forty acres of ground in its campus and surroundings. It is modern in its equipment, and ideally situated. From the Sanitarium almost two hundred miles of scenic mountains are in view ; this with the invigorating climate and sunshine make it a very appropriate place for a successful Sanitarium." First Letter from Brother and Sister A. W. Martin WE are now in our new home at Batuna, Solomon Islands, and are quite settled. The trip here was very pleasant, the weather being all that could be desired. There is plenty to do here, but that is characteristic of all our work. Progress such as this denomination shows is indica- tive of much work. The scenery here is beautiful, though that word is very inadequate when used to describe the tropics. From our home we have a beautiful view of the lagoon across to the islands on the other side. The islands are all heavily timbered, some trees even growing in the edge of the sea. It has been rightly described by the words, " where every prospect pleases." The natives here seem very much in earnest about their school work and the religious exercises. It is splendid on Tues- day evening to hear the small groups who have met together as prayer bands sing the songs of Zion from the various houses. At first they all appear much the same, but after a while one notices their differ- ent characteristics. But nothing seems more conspicuous than their perfect sets of milky-white teeth. And bow they en- joy a joke ! How they laugh when one of their number has failed to do something which he has boasted he could do. They are a happy people, very loyal to this mes- sage, and have set their hearts on seeing its triumph. They are most enthusiastic in their school work. This is plainly in evidence when they forego their recess period or come to study period half an hour before the specified time in order to make up some back work. WALTER AND HILDA MARTIN. West Australian Camp Meeting OUR West Australian camp meeting, now the third largest camp conducted in this division, convened March 6-18. It was pitched at South Perth on a pleasantly situated piece of land bordering Perth Water. With the exception of one very stormy day, almost unprecedented in the history of our West Australian camps, we enjoyed very favourable weather conditions. The business of the conference went through expeditiously and sweetly. We were impressed with the spirit of brotherly love that seemed to actuate all in attend- ance at the meeting. The reports of the departments were well received, and, on the whole, were of an encouraging nature. The reports from the field workers brought much satisfaction to the brethren, the Lord having blessed their labours in a definite way during the past year's work. The financial standing of the conference is good, and is causing no anxiety, for despite the hard times, our people in the West have been very loyal in their support of God's work. We have an unusually fine lot of young people in the West, unusual in that they seem to predominate as far as numbers are concerned. Many excellent meetings were conducted with and for them. It was very evident to us that Pastor L. D. A. Lemke, the president, has been work- ing very hard to place the work in the Western Conference on a right and sound footing. In this he has been very loyally supported by his committee and his office and field staff. We look forward to a good year's work during 1934 in this field. Pastor C. H. Watson, on his way to South Africa, attended part of this meeting. Other delegates representing the Union Conference were Pastors J. J. Potter, W. J. Gilson, Brother T. W. Hammond, and the writer. May the Lord bless our dear peo- ple in West Australia and make their efforts on behalf of others very fruitful in soul saving. A. H. PIPER. Important Dates North Queensland Camp Meeting : May 10-20. Week of Prayer : May 19-26. Annual Home Missions Effort: June 18— Annual Council: August 28 to September 6.