p. 16 | Review and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 1. (1/7/1904)

Earlier text: Interesting Facts and Incidents

W. H. WAKEHAM

By W. H. Wakeham

Egypt

CAIRO.—The Lord is working for us here. For some time we have been on quite friendly terms with an editor and teacher of the Coptic language in the principal Coptic school in Cairo. He has a residence in Heliopolis, the ancient seat of sun worship, near Cairo. He is a scholarly man, and enjoys the distinction of being the only teacher of the Coptic, as a living language, in the world. He and his family speak it among themselves, though the language is really as dead a language in Egypt as Latin is in Italy. Of course he is perfectly at home in the Arabic, and understands Greek and Hebrew fairly well, I am told. He speaks French fluently, and enough English to carry on a conversation. He is very liberal in his views, and is glad to have something out of the usual order for his journal. Brother Awada had furnished him a few short articles on general religious principles. But a short time ago he saw our little tract, “A Sign of the Day of God,” on Nahum’s prophecy. That interested him, and he said he would print it in his paper, if we would translate it into the Arabic. Of course we were glad to do this. And to our surprise, he printed the entire tract in one issue, and made a cut to illustrate the railroad cars. But this is not all. We showed him “The Sure Word of Prophecy,” and he intends to print the entire pamphlet, pictures and all, in his paper, free of cost to us. He will put it in as contributed matter, without any reference to its source. He thinks he can use it all in four or five issues. We have had this book translated into the Arabic for several months, and were very anxious to get it before the people, but we did not have the money to do it; and now the Lord has taken the matter in hand, and is going to give the direct message to the people through other agencies. There is nothing more effective to interest and stir up the people than the explanation of the book of Daniel. We greatly rejoice in God’s goodness.

We hope to start a paper soon ourselves (in English and Arabic), as many not of our faith are urging us to do. Some are offering us material assistance in such an enterprise. A young lawyer, who is much interested in the truth, and who has in the past been editor and manager of a paper, has promised to help us in making up our paper, reading proof, etc., and also says he will get us some subscriptions among his friends. We are planning on a sixteen-page paper in magazine form, with covers,—four pages in English, and twelve in Arabic,—the English department to be educational, to interest the large number of young men who are anxious to learn the English language and the English Bible. This and the medical department will interest Mohammedans also.

The devil is stirring up all the difficulties possible to hinder the progress of God’s work; but as of old, he can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. We are of good courage in the Lord, and know the truth will go forward here. We need your prayers, and the sympathies of our people everywhere. There are many openings for workers, especially doctors, teachers, and nurses. These can all become self-supporting more readily than any other class of workers. We need another doctor, two nurses, and two teachers. We believe we shall have them before long, because God is preparing the way for them here.

W. H. WAKEHAM

C. T. EVERSON

By C. T. Everson

Italy

ROME.—We are enjoying the work here very much, and the Lord has surely gone on before to prepare the way for us. We are only waiting for a chance to get an opportunity to fill the openings of God's providences. But while we are waiting, we are working, and already begin to see some results of our work, as has been noted in previous reports.

A short time ago I made a trip to northern Italy, and while there baptized another candidate, an intelligent young lady whom we feel sure will be of some value to us in our future work. I also met a young officer of the Salvation Army, who had read some of our literature, such as “Great Controversy,” and a few tracts. I had a talk with him on the Sabbath question, and on his duty with respect to it. A short time after I returned home, he wrote me a letter, saying that he was about convinced of the truth, but needed instruction on a few points. I communicated with our young workers farther north, and had them help him; and a few days ago I received a good letter from him, stating that he had come clearly out into

the light, that he was going to Milano to resign from the army, and to live out the truth. He is an excellent young man, very intelligent, and being a native, speaks the language fluently. It has been only two years since his conversion from Catholicism. If he stands the test at Milano, I think of bringing him to Rome in order that he may receive the training and instruction that I shall give this winter to a few others who will be here. We shall have these young men who attend school here canvass in Rome, and with what they earn thus, and a little help that we may need to give them, the expenses will be met. There are other interesting cases developing, but I shall speak more particularly of them as they progress further in learning the truth.

C. T. EVERSON

The Cup of Sacrifice

“If we would be saved in the kingdom of God, we must show ourselves ready to make some sacrifice for that kingdom. If we would taste the sweetness of the joy of service, we must taste the bitterness of the cup of sacrifice for him.”

A Christian Girl in Hunan

A MISSIONARY, writing of the work among women in Hunan, China, a province only recently opened to Christians, describes the case of one young woman, which is most interesting. The girl had been converted, and was soon to be baptized. She had unbound her feet as soon as she believed the gospel; and although they were only three and one-half or four inches long, she was wearing shoes about six inches in length, in order that her feet might grow rapidly. She wanted them to grow as large as the missionary's, so that the heathen man to whom she had been betrothed since a child would not want her. It is impossible, according to Chinese law, to break the engagement, but she hoped if her feet were large and she insisted on a Christian wedding, it would make him willing to give her up. She was studying her Bible most enthusiastically, and the rapidity with which she learned was simply marvelous.

Nebraska

By J. J. Graf

NORFOLK.—I am thankful to God for the blessings enjoyed at this place during the week of prayer. A few months ago only two souls in Norfolk were observing the Lord's Sabbath; now there are nineteen Sabbath-keepers here. Seven of these speak English, and twelve German. Five of the latter live about eighteen miles away, so they did not attend the meetings during the week of prayer, and for various good reasons the English-speaking believers did not attend; that made our number small, six or seven taking part in the gifts. Sixteen dollars and thirty-five cents was freely and cheerfully given.

It was most cheering to see how eagerly these young souls in the faith drank in the contents of the readings and the reports from the fields. At a meeting after the collection had been taken up, with tears in her eyes, a sister who has recently accepted our faith, pressed three dollars into my hand, saying, “It is a small gift, but it comes from the heart.” Taking her circumstances into consideration, it made me think of the widow whom the Saviour noticed putting her two mites into the treasury. Surely the spirit of real Christianity has not left this world yet. O that more might yield to its influence! J. J. GRAF.

A Word From Wisconsin

By Wm. Covert

ALTHOUGH this is Wednesday, December 23, I have not heard from many of our churches in regard to what was accomplished during the week of prayer. I spent the latter part of the week at Bethel, and we enjoyed very good meetings. The offerings taken up at the church on the Sabbath amounted to one hundred dollars. Some was pledged in addition to this. The German members of this church had a meeting by themselves, and their offering amounted to twenty-five dollars. We expect other money will be handed in later, so I am not able to say just what will be the amount of our annual offering at this place.

I have heard from Milwaukee, and the offering there was a little more than two hundred dollars, and in Racine about twenty dollars. In both these places other money is expected a little later, which will also be counted in with the annual offerings. These churches are giving more this year than they did last.

The preparatory school at Bethel entered most heartily into the plans devised for the week of prayer. Not only did they have the regular readings every day, but in addition to this they had a special season of prayer, in which the school generally took part. They were rewarded with seasons of refreshing. At one of the consecration services as many as fifty of the young people expressed themselves as ready to go wherever their services might be helpful in advancing the cause of the Lord. Not only were they willing to go, but willing also to remain in the work as long as there was anything to be done.

During this time many of them gave their hearts to the Lord, and made a public profession of faith in Christ. Surely this week of prayer was an occasion which will not be forgotten by the school at Bethel. We trust that this good work will continue, and that every student who unites with the school will also enter into this same spirit of labor for souls and of devotion to the cause of the Lord. Wm. Covert.

R. D. QUINN

By R. D. Quinn

Australia

QUEENSLAND.—At the close of the union conference held at Cooranbong, we came to Queensland, and shortly after arriving began a tent effort in Maryborough. There was a good interest manifested from the start, the attendance soon reaching four hundred. This enraged the ministers, and they began a vigorous campaign against us, from the pulpit and the press. This, however, did not seem to affect the interest materially, as scores of people continued to come, bringing their Bibles. It was manifest to all that special power was attending the message. People went to their ministers, inquiring if these things were so, saying they had never heard anything like it before. This only enraged them the more, and then was fulfilled precisely what was written many years ago in “Great Controversy,” page 607:—

“As the controversy extends into new fields, and the minds of the people are called to God’s down-trodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light, lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions.”

True to this prophecy, the churches all banded together, and erected an enormous tent near by. They next sent one thousand miles and secured the services of a well-known and popular evangelist, and opened up a fierce storm of opposition, attributing the power attending our work to Satan. Ministers, with a staff of leaders, stood at the entrances to our tent, warning every one away. For a time it seemed as if our meetings would be completely broken up. However, a few believed, eight faithful souls having already taken their stand. Others are interested. The tent is still up, and meetings are progressing nightly.

Now all this only emphasizes the certainty that we have reached a crisis in this work, and that the end is near. Ten years ago the cities of Queensland were wide open for the message. Our tent-meetings drew great crowds, encountering but little opposition. But, for the lack of laborers and money, the work has been hindered all these years, and now it must go forward under the most discouraging conditions. The third angel’s message, however, is to go forth with great power. What is needed most of all, just now, is a living, vital experience, which will bring the great outpouring of the Spirit of God, enlightening the whole earth with his glory.

R. D. QUINN

Cheering Reports Regarding the Week of Prayer

By Arthur G. Daniells

WE are greatly encouraged at headquarters by the reports that are coming concerning the week-of-prayer services just concluded. They tell of a good attendance at the meetings, of a deep interest in the readings, of new life, and, in several places, of special revivals. And nearly all tell of a large increase in the annual offerings to missions.

Many have sent their offerings directly to the office, with most encouraging words of good cheer. These offerings sent in by individuals have ranged from one dollar, from widows eighty years old, to one hundred dollars, from men and women in the prime of life. I think it is safe to say that the reports of the past week are the best by far that we have received for three years. Surely the cloud is lifting, and a new era is dawning. Praise God for these tokens.

Although none of these letters were intended for publication, some of them are so good that they deserve a wider circle of readers than the workers in our office. Sister White writes:—

“We have had a very good meeting in this neighborhood during the week of prayer. Brother — visited the Napa church last Sabbath, and although the attendance was not large, they had very interesting meetings. One man who gave up the truth about a year ago, confessed his sins, and again took his stand for the Lord. At the sanitarium last Sabbath, the offerings amounted to about twelve hundred and fifty dollars. At Napa, twenty-five dollars was given. We have not heard the amounts received in Healdsburg or in St. Helena. I will send you a copy of the encouraging report I received from Brother — concerning the meetings at Healdsburg. The work of the Spirit of God has been manifest in all these places.”

The following is a part of the report from Healdsburg to which Sister White referred:—

“We are having good meetings here during the week of prayer. To-day a wave of blessing came into the college. It was a most glorious occasion. Out of fifty-five students, all but two or three were free and rejoicing in the Lord. We have had a noonday meeting, lasting one

hour or more, also three o’clock meetings for those who can not get out at noon, or come after dark to the seven o’clock meeting. A noticeable work of heart-searching, confession, and a determination to get near to God, was begun from the first of the week. To-day it culminated in a wave of glory sweeping through the whole school, and almost every one (only two or three stood out) had a victory, and were free and rejoicing in the Lord.”

Elder Breed writes as follows, about their experience at College Place, Wash.:—

“I am glad to tell you, and you will be glad to know, how the week-of-prayer meetings are progressing at College Place. There is a most excellent attendance, both in the church and in the college. The meetings are held together, and from the first reading, a good spirit has been present, and a steady increase has been seen from the first, until last night after the reading by Brother Jones on the Cleansing of the Sanctuary, a general move was made, and half, or more, of the congregation arose, asking for a better and richer and deeper experience in the things of God. Part of the congregation went to another room, and Professor — said it was the best meeting of the kind he ever attended. A victory was gained, and this morning there is a shout of victory in the camp.”

Elder Saxby, writing from Spokane, Wash., says:—

“We had a precious week of prayer. Two meetings were held each day—one in a park in the afternoon, and one at the church in the evening. Our donation was $880.77. More is expected.”

Elder Shultz writes from his home in California as follows:—

“Our little church at Stockton, though they gave what they thought liberally last year, doubled their donation this year, and if every church in the United States will give as much per capita as we did here, you will get double the amount called for. I have but one fault to find with the Mission Board, and that is that they call for so small an amount for so great a work. Remember the words of Elisha to the king of Israel when he told him to smite the earth with his arrows. He smote only three times, when he ought to have smitten five or six times. You should have called for five or six times as much.”

“I do not often find fault, but I do like to see the work spread into regions beyond, and I know it takes means, and lots of it, and hence we must call for large sums. And the fact that people become enthusiastic whenever mission work abroad is presented, is certainly an indication that the Lord wants us to push that part of the work more than we are doing. I trust you will get all you called for, and much more, so as to put you to shame for your small call, and encourage you to call for five or six times as much next time. And now, my brethren, be of good cheer. The Lord still lives; he is not dead; he is still at the helm. Take for your encouragement Joshua 1:7-9, then the people will do as written in verses 16-18.”

Another brother sends the following vigorous account of the meetings in the church where he was:—

“We have enjoyed a glorious week of prayer. This conference has done all you asked, and God has given a precious blessing. We had meetings every afternoon for those who could not come evenings, and had the general daily meeting in the evening. We had no preaching. The reading and social meeting occupied the full time, and we let the good Spirit lead in the singing, and in all the program. In the middle of the week we received the additional interesting matter from the Mission Board,—your letter and appeal, and letters and news from the mission fields. They were a Godsend to us. Friday evening we called a special meeting, and read the items from foreign fields. It is a great mistake to raise the cry that we can not call for means for our needy missions without destroying the spirituality of our meetings. Some may be tired of so many calls for home work, when the nations are crying out to God and to us for help, but our dear people still love the message, and they love to hear the facts; and the facts draw the means.

“Sabbath we made of first importance the subject of missions and the offering. Your appeal was read, and though the envelopes were ready to hand in, many persons, whose hearts were touched, opened the envelopes and enlarged the gift. Our method of taking the offering was this: In the midst of the meeting, as the most important item, we told the people that the deacons would collect the gift, count it immediately, and then place it on the table, and the congregation would gather around it, and pray for our missions, the missionaries, the members of the Mission Board, and the prosperity of the gift. This was done. You should have seen the astonished, glad faces in the little congregation of less than fifty members, when the gift was announced to be $162.35 [since increased to $170], and the burst of tears of thanksgiving, and song that followed. The elder stood up to speak, but could not. He only said he wanted to shout. I do not know why he did not. One sister said she laid aside her gift; then in the middle of the week, she doubled it; then later she added two thirds to it; and if the week of prayer were to keep on, she thought she might have given all she had, and thrown herself in.”

“That was the best meeting I have attended for years; and the subject of the meeting was ‘money, money, money’! ‘missions, missions, missions’! O, the people love to hear of all the good things that mean the closing up of the grand, old gospel work! and they are not tired of being asked for money, for such purposes.”

These are some of the soul-stirring reports we are receiving at our office. These cheer our hearts, and encourage us to press on in the face of difficulties and perplexities.

Again we ask the question raised in the Review two weeks ago. Why not continue the week of prayer through the year 1904? It is not necessary to go through the exact forms, but the year can be one of much prayer, earnest labor for God, and cheerful, liberal giving to the cause.

A. G. DANIELLS.

J. M. HYATT

By J. M. HYATT

Africa

GOLD COAST, WEST AFRICA.—We have moved into new quarters, which we like very much. We have a better house, in a better location. We are now where we can reach the people, and invite them to our home. Besides the living rooms and kitchen, there is a nice large hall in this house, where we can hold meetings. Last night we had our first meeting in the new place. The hall was filled to overflowing, as well as the front porch and stairway. Many of those who came were women and young men. It is hard to get the women to come out, as many of them can not read. We were glad to see them. One of them interpreted for me. We believe a good impression was left on those who were present for the first time. Those who attend regularly seemed much pleased when the new ones came.

We do not find it very hard to cause the people to see that our faith is the truth; but it is hard to get them to take their stand, as they think they can not get a living and keep the Sabbath. Our landlady seems interested. She is an English woman. She put the house in good repair, and then rented it to us for less than she had been receiving from those who previously occupied it. She is reading our papers.

Two Catholic young men are studying with us lately. They are all taken up with the truth. I overheard one telling the other how foolish the doctrines of the Catholic Church seem to him now. I have talked with them some about going into the canvassing work. I do not know whether they will or not, as they are thinking of going to the mines. They are brothers, and on them rests the support of their family. They say they will let the Lord show them what is best to do.

Many supposed that when we took better quarters, we would open a school. Some came this morning to attend it. We are hoping to have six ready for baptism by the time the superintendent comes; and we are anxious to know when he will come.

J. M. HYATT

The International Publishing Association

By E. T. Russell; A. Swedberg

THINKING that possibly there might be some of our people who are not acquainted with the International Publishing Association and its work, we take this opportunity to explain its organization and object. This association was organized in the interest of the foreign publishing work in America.

After the Review and Herald printing plant of Battle Creek, Mich., was destroyed by fire, our foreign denominational papers were removed to College View, Neb. One of the principal reasons that led to their transfer was the fact that Union College has German, Swedish, and Danish-Norwegian departments. Thus it was thought best to connect the foreign papers and printing with these foreign departments, hoping that both the college and the publishing work would be mutually benefited. It is expected that the publishing association will instruct students in the art of printing, and also give them employment, thus assisting them in working their way through school. Then, as they leave college, many will have a fair knowledge of the art of printing. It is also expected that among the students many will be found who will desire to enter the canvassing work, and sell our foreign publications.

The corporation known as the International Publishing Association was formed at Grand Island, Neb., September 6-9. In this connection we will briefly mention some of the steps that led to the formation of this association.

1. The General Conference, held at Oakland, Cal., provided for the formation of a committee of fifteen to have charge of the foreign publishing work in America. Six of these committeemen were to be appointed by the General Conference Committee, and nine by the Central Union Conference Committee. In due time the committeemen were appointed as recommended.

2. Through a call made by W. C. White, chairman of the publishing committee of the General Conference, and by the president of the Central Union Conference, the committee met at Grand Island, Neb., September 6-9, and formed the association known as the International Publishing Association. We quote from the minutes of that meeting as follows:—

“Your committee believe—

“1. That an effort should be made to arouse all our people to a realization of their privileges and duty to place the printed page containing the special message for this time, in the hands of every family in the United States in its native tongue.

“2. That special plans should be laid to organize the German and Scandinavian brethren, who are numerous in the Western States, to take a leading part in this work.

“3. That in order to revive and maintain a general and successful work throughout the West, there should be selected a center where there shall be maintained not only a school for the education of evangelistic canvassers, but also a well-organized publishing house, whose business it shall be to issue our foreign periodicals, and also to print, advertise, and sell tracts, pamphlets, and books on all phases of our message.

“4. That College View, Neb., is a most favorable place for such a publishing enterprise. Among other advantages of this place the following are especially worthy of mention:—

“a. It is centrally located for all the territory west of the Great Lakes.

“b. Being the home of Union College, established largely in the interest of the foreign work in this country, it is the natural center for the education of colporteur evangelists for the different nationalities, and the natural place for-

united councils of ministers, canvassers, and medical missionaries, and also the development of plans and movements for the circulation of literature in the different languages. Here students may be employed to do much of the mechanical work, and thus gain an experience which will make them efficient helpers in the field.

“Therefore we propose: 1. That a publishing society be organized to carry on this work, which shall be a trustee company, along lines parallel to the Review and Herald Publishing Association of Washington, D. C.

“2. That the name of this association be the International Publishing Association.

“3. That the work of this association be the printing, publication, purchase, and sale of religious, health, and educational literature throughout the United States in the German, Danish-Norwegian, Swedish, and other foreign languages, and also to print in the English for Union College and the Central Union Conference, and to provide facilities for class-room work in general printing instruction in connection with Union College, and that after the present cylinder press, owned by the college, is paid for, it and all other equipment owned in the printing department of the college, be turned over to the International Publishing Association.

“4. That the business of the association be governed by a board of seven trustees.

“5. That there be a committee of seventeen counselors selected from the different nationalities,” these to meet once or twice a year with the trustees for the discussion of general plans.”

The General Conference Council held at Washington, D. C., Oct. 7-21, 1903, indorsed the organization of the International Publishing Association, and further recommended:—

“1. That a general donation of six thousand dollars for this work be called for the first Sabbath in February, and provided this collection amounts to more than the sum called for, the surplus be donated to the work in Washington, and that each of the papers concerned solicit donations from its own people.

“2. That the committee of seventeen and the board of trustees be recognized as a continuation of the committee of foreign publications.”

By way of conclusion, we would say that the Publishing Association has purchased a building in College View, and is fitting it up at considerable expense, it being necessary to put in a furnace, an engine, an electric-light dynamo, and a large printing press, besides other facilities. We hope that our brethren will bear this in mind, and contribute as liberally as possible to this worthy enterprise.

E. T. RUSSELL, Chairman.

A. SWEDBERG, Secretary.

Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters

By H. H. Hall

The following is quoted from a letter just received from a lady in a large Eastern city:—

“Editor of Signs of the Times.

“Dear Sir: I found a copy of The Signs of the Times yesterday while I was out walking. It was soiled with mud, but I took it home, and read it carefully. It was dated Sept. 10, 1902. I am much interested in the article on the coming of the Lord which it contains. I never read anything like it before, and it was a great joy to me indeed. I would like so much to read the rest of the articles on this subject. Could you furnish them to me? I see you send sample copies on application. Please send me one. I would love so much to take the Signs, but I have so little to live on that I can not subscribe. I receive only eight dollars a month, and have to pay my room rent out of this, and am in poor health.”

Of course no one knows who dropped this copy of The Signs of the Times into the street, but some one did, and here is the result. We have written to some of our missionary workers living in the city, and they will doubtless soon call upon this lady. Shall we not pray that the interest may be thoroughly developed, and a soul prepared for the coming of the Lord, about which she is so anxious to study? H. H. HALL.

Arise; for This Matter Belongeth Unto Thee

By Percy T. Magan

As the Bible is read with a sincere desire to know the will of God concerning the things pertaining to our own work and time, its fervent appeals to men of old become convicting messages to our own souls. How often the Holy Spirit hovers over a certain passage of Scripture, brooding there, until the chambers of the mind become illumined with its meaning, and the heart throbs with a divinely new and sacred inspiration to do and dare for God.

Then that which we knew of, and was interested in, only in a most general and carnal manner, is suddenly transformed into our own peculiar, distinctive, individual work. An undying ambition is born in the soul to serve the Saviour in this particular thing. And in a special sense the place in the Bible which thus impressed us becomes a hallowed spot,—Peniel,—for there have we seen God face to face.

The spirit of prophecy states that the book of Ezra contains wonderful lessons for this time. Ezra himself, and a number of his companions, left Babylon and went up to Jerusalem a short time after Zerubbabel had rebuilt the temple there. On the way they pitched their tents by the River Ahava, and abode three days. There Ezra proclaimed a fast, “that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.”

Often in life’s journey it is necessary for us to afflict ourselves. It is in doing this that we seek of God “a right way.” For there is a “right way”—one right way, and only one right way, for each one of us. And this way is not only for us and our little ones, but “for all our substance.”

Are there not many, even of those who number themselves among the remnant people, who would receive great spiritual blessing by pausing on the road to the New Jerusalem, and pitching the tents of their lives, as it were, by the River Ahava, and afflicting themselves before our God, “to seek of him a right way”?

There are scores to whom the voice of conscience whispers that their lives are not in a right way. There are hundreds who are wandering in a wilderness way. Yes, and there are thousands who, beneath all their seeming indifference, are longing to know the “right way” for themselves and their little ones and all their substance.

To Ezra it was revealed that the children of Israel had not separated themselves from the people of the lands, but were doing according to their abominations: “For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands.” They had done this, although God had commanded them, saying: “Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth forever: that you may be strong.”

Are there not many among the holy seed to-day who, as far as their life and substance are concerned, have become wedded to the sons and daughters of the land, and who seek the peace and wealth of the land? To all such the Spirit says: Seek ye the peace of God and the wealth of heaven; wed yourselves to the work of the third angel’s message.

To-day we are struggling under a heavy load to pay the debt of the old Battle Creek College, and to build the Emmanuel Missionary College at Berrien Springs. If all our brethren and sisters were walking in “a right way” with “all their substance,” how quickly would this struggle be over. If all of us were afflicting ourselves to seek of God a right way for all our substance, instead of investing and spending it according to our fancy, how long would it be ere the Battle Creek College debt would be wiped out, and the Emmanuel Missionary College built?

Fourteen thousand dollars is due the Review and Herald at Battle Creek, Mich. The money is sadly needed, that the work may be established according to God’s own word at Washington. We have tried to borrow this money; but few have come forward with loans. Meanwhile the cause of God staggers and suffers, all because we do not afflict our souls, and seek a right way “for ourselves” and for “all our substance.”

We know not how the Spirit of God can speak more plainly on this whole matter than it has. We know not how to set the needs of these enterprises before our people more clearly than has been done. We can only cast our souls upon God, as did Ezra, that he “may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.”

We are commanded to pay every creditor of the Battle Creek College; we are urged to build the College at Berrien Springs, and to re-establish the publishing house at Washington. How can we do these things? They can not be accomplished without money. There are those who are donating every cent they can possibly afford. These stagger under the constant calls for means and the increasing weight of their sacrifices. The work will be retarded unless we all afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us and for all our substance.

When Ezra pleaded before the Lord over the troubles and shortcomings of Israel, God heard his prayer, as God will hear again. As he sought to divorce the people from the world, and wed them and all their substance to the work of Christ, they nobly confessed their trespass, and began to make restitution.

Not one, or two, or three, but “a very great congregation of men and women and children” took hold of the matter.

To Ezra they came with the strengthening words: “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.”

To-day God’s Spirit speaks to all the children of the adoption, and says, “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee,”—this missionary acre matter,—this matter of providing the means to cancel the debt on the Battle Creek College property that it may be used for the Medical Missionary College, and that some of the means necessary to re-establish the Review and Herald at Washington may be provided, and that the Emmanuel Missionary College may be built at Berrien Springs.

“Arise; this matter belongeth unto thee.” Whether you made a pledge or not, whether you have determined to do anything or not, send in your trespass offering now. Lift up the hands of those who are endeavoring to carry out God’s plans, by saying: “We also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.”

PERCY T. MAGAN.

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