The Ilocanos, of the Philippines
By Leon Roda
(By a young Ilocano brother) The Ilocanos form one of the greatest of the tribes composing the Filipino people. They are noted for industry, perseverance, self-denial, and thrift. The Ilocano home is hospitable, peaceful, and cheerful, and the individual is compassionate, loving, and ever ready to help. But with all these recommendations the Ilocanos are groping in utter darkness. They know nothing of the near coming of the King. Hundreds descend to Christless graves each day. Yet the present truth is due them. Many an honest soul is thirsting for it, and longing for the joy of sure and nigh salvation. Now it is almost too late to help this people. Already the righteous Judge is treading on the threshold. Yet it is a hopeful fact that the harvest will surely be plentiful and easily reaped among the Ilocanos. The Filipino separation from Rome, headed by an Ilocano priest, and consequently followed the most readily by Ilocanos, prepared the way for the truth. Now the Bible is read with open heart. The short-sighted and blind papal policy of keeping the Sacred Book from the people is now a thing of the past. Still the new religion can not save souls. The people still bow down to images, and pray to unconscious beings. Therefore, brethren, for Jesus' sake, come and work for this people.