To one who has been interested in helping-hand missions in cities, as the writer has in San Francisco, a visit to one in Boston is a rare treat. Surely, it seems that God has called Brother F. C. Gilbert for the work among his own people, and he has also just as surely given us the privilege of a part in it.
On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, the various sisters, with a helper from the New England Sanitarium at Melrose, conduct a sewing class. The Jewish girls from the vicinity are invited in to learn to sew. The materials and implements are provided for them, the garments are cut out, they are taught to make them, and when finished, the garment is given to the child who makes it.
These sisters are studying Yiddish, a corrupt form of Hebrew generally spoken, and as they work, they plant a few seeds of Gospel truth. Of course the children will listen to instruction in their own tongue as they will not to English. They have a scripture lesson, prayer, and song service. They use “Christ in Song.” The children sing well, and enjoy it, but every mouth is closed when the word “Jesus” comes in any line.
In the evening, a goodly number of intelligent Hebrews gather in the chapel to listen to Elder Gilbert preach in the Yiddish from Moses and the prophets about the Messiah. They are often anxious to ask questions. One asked, “Is Jesus the Son, the actual Son, of God?” Another, “How could God have a son?” “Why do Christians try to kill the Jews?” “Who wrote the ‘Christian’ Bible?”
These Jews like to argue and preach, and this is often good because it gives easier access to them. God helps the preacher to hold their hearts, while he is laboring to turn their heads.
“Glad Tidings of the Messiah” is a monthly paper for the use of Christians who are interested in giving the Gospel to the Jews. It should have a large circulation among the lovers of the truth and the Sabbath. We have so much to offer them, and we can meet them on common ground to start with. The preparing and circulating of this precious sheet is a heavy burden upon this little band of workers.
They have also a very pretty book-mark which the young people and Sabbath-school children are invited to sell for the benefit of the work. Sister Eliza Morton wrote the poem, and when printed on satin ribbon of various colors makes an attractive invitation to
Hofmann. "Come unto Me."
“Bring Christ to him
And help the Jew.”
The young people in the home are greatly interested in the work; but taking care of the house, wrapping and addressing papers, meeting those who call, and teaching those who come to study, leaves little time for the outside work of visiting, giving Bible-readings, treatments, and necessary distributing. These dear ones need a mother, God surely has, somewhere, a mother who is ready for this open door, and just as truly, He has the money for her support. Will you help us pray that both may be found?
They live very economically and carefully, using time, talent, and every God-given blessing in the work to which they are called. They have the confidence of the people, and are called upon for a variety of services.
A dear little girl came to have her hand bandaged. It was sore and dirty; the former condition caused by the latter. A woman came for directions in cooking, and how glad we are to have the best methods to give her. A Russian rabbi comes to learn English; and, as he is a Jew, the Yiddish is the tongue he can use freely, and there is no book so dear to teach English as the Bible, and it is easy to interest him in the prophecies. As a result, he is now a believer.
What can we say to these when we present Christ, when to accept means to leave the town or die? An industrial plant in some country place would solve that problem. Truly here we need “men and means.” May the dear Father help us to work as He has called us, for these to whom we owe so much.
AUGUSTA C. BAINBRIDGE.
Any one who may wish to sell the book-mark mentioned above, can address Elder F. C. Gilbert, South Lancaster, Mass.
