THE general meeting for the Cantonese division was held at Fatshan, Nov. 18-23, 1913. The morning hour was set apart for prayer service, which was a means of great blessing to all. Bible studies and preaching services were conducted daily from eleven to one o'clock. The afternoons were given to reports from native workers, and we were favored with a sermon each evening. One afternoon was devoted to a discussion of Sabbath school work. The discussion was led by Mrs. B. A. Meeker. Our Sabbath school was conducted by Dr. Law Keem, and we endeavored to conduct a model service, so that our workers in returning to their fields would better understand how to conduct Sabbath schools. We separated into sixteen classes. The attendance was one hundred and nine. We asked for an offering of $15 Mexican, and received $16. After the Sabbath school we conducted an ordinance service, the largest we have ever had in the Cantonese field.
The evening after the Sabbath, Elder R. C. Porter arrived, and he gave a most encouraging talk on God's providences in missions. Sunday morning and at the eleven o'clock hour Elder Porter gave us some practical lessons from the book of Job. At twelve o'clock Sunday Dr. Law Keem was ordained to the gospel ministry. Following this service, candidates for baptism were examined, after which more than one hundred of us walked to the river, where two house boats had been engaged, one for the men and one for the women. As we floated down the river to a quiet place, all joined in singing songs of Zion. After we had anchored, the friends gathered upon the banks of the river and witnessed the baptism of twenty-two. Elder Law Keem assisted the writer in the service. Returning to the chapel, a farewell service was held. I do not remember of ever having attended a better testimony meeting. Mothers rejoiced because their sons and daughters had gone forward in baptism. So many were eager to testify that it was difficult to close the meeting.
The Meaning of Cheerfulness
By Thackeray
Cheerfulness means a contented spirit, a pure heart, a kind disposition; it means humility and charity; it means a generous appreciation of others, and a modest opinion of self.—Thackeray.
The Aftermath of Prayer
By Charles L. White
CHARLES L. WHITE
IN a group of friends, a few days ago, a Christian woman said: "You have spoken of Geneva. I never hear the word without recalling two happy weeks I passed there in my girlhood, when my sisters and I were abroad for a year with our parents.
"My father insisted that we should maintain our custom of morning prayers, and during the entire time, although we were living in hotels, we always observed this custom. It was often difficult to do so, and I remember one occasion in Geneva when we were all dressed for a trip on the lake, and felt that an exception might be made that morning. Indeed, one of the older girls remarked that some one was moving about in an adjoining room, and it seemed a bit strange to have family devotions under such conditions. This, however, produced no effect upon father, who quietly read a chapter and, as usual, offered prayer.
Unconscious Influence
"In looking back upon that trip I have often been glad that our custom at home was not neglected abroad, and that father's noble principle conquered. I especially feel so because about a year ago I met a brilliant woman in New York in the company of several distinguished persons whose lives were devoted to the promotion of many noble enterprises. She said to me: 'I conclude from a remark you have just made that you are one of the girls in an American family that spent a certain two weeks in Geneva many years ago?'
"I told her we were there at that time, and gave her my father's full name. She replied: 'Yes, it is the very family.' She then drew me apart and said: 'I was spending that year in study in Geneva, and lived at the same hotel in which your family rested. In fact, I had a room separated by only a thin partition from the suite your family occupied, and I could hear the conversation of your happy household. What impressed me most, however, was the chapter your father read and the prayer he offered that morning when you girls urged him to give up for once the custom of morning prayers. Ah! but that prayer and that chapter saved me from entering a path that would have ended in suicide, for I was about to make an evil choice which would have blasted my life in a few months. As I listened, I dared not close my ears to the warning that came to me through your father's voice. It was like the touch of a vanished hand from an earlier Christian training, and it held me to purity and happiness.'
"She ceased speaking. I hid my face in my hands for an instant. When I had wiped away the tears, I was alone. At a little distance I could see the brilliant woman in animated conversation with others. I do not know where she lives. I made no attempt to discover who she was. I do not recall her name. But I know that through my father's obedience in setting up an altar to his God in a strange land she was saved to an abounding life."—The Standard.
Health Butter
By B. E. Tefft
B. E. TEFFT
THE following will be found an excellent substitute for dairy butter:—
Yolk of one egg, raw
One to two cups cooking or olive oil
One-half teaspoon salt
One-half teaspoon lemon juice
Have utensils and ingredients cold. Use a soup plate or a shallow bowl and a fork. Beat well the yolk of egg and salt; add one-half teaspoon lemon juice; then add the oil drop by drop, at first stirring constantly. Then, as mixture thickens, oil may be added faster, adding now and then a little lemon juice to thin the batter to the proper consistency. This may be made stiff enough to cut with a knife. The butter will keep a number of days if stored in a cool place.
The Rainbow and Christ’s Love
"THE rainbow is a kind of glorified shadow. A sunbeam falls on a drop of water, and its wonderful threads are unraveled, disentangled, as it shines through, and instead of a white shadow we have seven colors spread upon the cloud. As the beam of sunshine acts upon the crystal drop of water, giving it wonderful beauty, so the light of Christ's love shines through the shadow on the Christian's heart, transforming it with the loveliness of his tenderness, sympathy, and helpfulness."
Being What You Seem
“THE surest and the shortest way to make yourself beloved and honored is to be indeed the very man you wish to appear.”
Recent Meetings in Wisconsin
By O. A. Olsen
JAN. 28, 1914, I left Chicago for Milton Junction, Wis., to join Elder W. H. Thurston in a general meeting at that place. A very full program had been arranged for the four following days. A canvassers' institute had been in progress for a week, and it was thought desirable to consider some of the practical lines of church work, as the Sabbath school, the young people's, and the church missionary work, the duties of church officers, tithes and offerings, and the health work. The time was too limited for any thorough study of these several subjects, but each received some helpful consideration.
The greatest stress, however, was laid on the importance of seeking God for an advanced and deeper experience in our Christian life. The evening and Sabbath services were well attended, and the Spirit of God accompanied the truth presented. Sabbath was a good day, for the Spirit of God came in with convicting power. Many sought the Lord for a deeper experience, and humble confessions were made of wrongs committed, and of neglect of duty in various ways. Some who had given way to discouragement gave their hearts anew to God, and a goodly number took their stand for the first time to obey the Lord. All were much encouraged.
At the close of the last meeting, Sunday evening, our attention was called to a young man and his wife who seemed to be deeply moved, and who did not rise to leave with the others. I turned and spoke to them, and found them under deep conviction. This was the only meeting they had attended at this place, as they live five miles away. We had a little study with them right there, and they decided to obey the truth. We had prayer together, and they both surrendered to the Lord, and rejoiced in the decision they had made. Thus closed this good meeting. The church seemed to be much encouraged.
The next appointment was at Green Bay, February 4-8. The plan for this meeting was much the same as for the meeting at Milton Junction. On account of illness in the family, Elder Thurston was prevented from coming till Friday evening. On Friday quite a number came in from other near-by churches, so that on Sabbath we had a very full attendance. We are glad to say that the Lord met with us in these meetings also. Sabbath was a good day. Nearly all took part in the testimony meeting, fifteen for the first time taking a definite stand to obey the Lord. For this we praise God.
In every place where we have a church, we find numbers who know and believe the truth in a general way, but have not taken a definite stand to obey it and to dedicate their lives to the Lord's service. In many places the membership of our churches might be greatly increased, possibly doubled, if such could be gathered into the fold. And why should they not be gathered in? We believe that if the members of our churches would rise to their spiritual privilege, large numbers of these would be thoroughly converted and would unite with us. It should be so.
On this tour I also made a short call at Oakland, and spent a day each at Bethel and Grand Rapids, attending board and committee meetings, in company with Elder Thurston, and meetings with the church at each place in the evening. I much enjoyed my association with Elder Thurston, and visiting places and meeting those with whom I have labored in years past.
I am deeply impressed with the thought that the time has fully come for a decided forward move. It cannot be denied that in many places there has been a decline in the spiritual growth and experience of many among our people. This is very serious in such a time as this. But from the blessed meetings in different places more recently, may we not believe that a reformatory movement has begun? That it may be both general and thorough is my earnest prayer.
O. A. OLSEN.
Church Dedication
By Emma S. Newcomer
The new Seventh-day Adventist church building at Wilmington, Del., was formally dedicated Sunday, Feb. 22, 1914. It was a season of great rejoicing to the church members at this place. This church was organized about twenty-two years ago, with fifteen charter members. There are now about one hundred members. They met for a number of years in halls in the city, and later in the Old Baptist church on King Street, which has recently been razed for the erection of municipal buildings. The need of a church home has long been felt, and the church has been working for a number of years to secure one. A lot, the one on which the present building stands, was purchased eleven years ago, for the sum of six hundred dollars. It is located on Howland Street, near Clayton Street. But nothing definite toward the erection of a building was done until last summer, when the contract for this building was awarded, after much praying and planning on the part of the pastor, Elder R. H. Martin, and the church officers.
The building, with its furnishings, cost about thirty-five hundred dollars. It is built of red brick and stone. It is lighted by electricity, and heated by steam. It is a plain but neat and substantial structure, and well represents the truths we hold. The conference workers present were Elder R. T. Baer and Elder and Mrs. F. W. Paap, of Baltimore, Md. Other workers were Elder A. G. Daniells, of the General Conference; Elder R. E. Harter, president of the District of Columbia Conference; Elders B. G. Wilkinson and S. B. Horton, of the union conference.
The dedicatory sermon was preached by Elder Daniells; Elder Wilkinson offered the dedicatory prayer. When a call for financial help was made, the people responded liberally, and seven hundred dollars in cash and pledges was received.
The three daily newspapers of the city gave us considerable publicity through their columns. This was much appreciated, and we believe will be the means of helping the cause in this place.
EMMA S. NEWCOMER.
The Word of God Versus the Word of Man
By J. W. Boynton
SOME time ago, while holding meetings in a small village, I called one day at the home of one of the merchants. His wife received me kindly, and began asking questions about Christian Science, and what I thought of it. I told her that I had a little pamphlet that would explain my views of the matter. She purchased one at once, remarking that there were a number of persons of that belief around there.
A few days later I called on the railroad ticket agent in the town. He invited me in, and as I sat down he said, "Well, I have read your book." I asked what book. He replied, "The book on Christian Science you sold to Mrs. —." "O," I said, "and what do you think of it?" He replied, "I do not think you treat us fair." "And why not? Do we not make correct quotations from Mrs. Eddy's book?" "O, yes, that is all right, but you do not understand us. Just look at the great miracles of healing the Christian Scientists perform." "Yes, for the sake of the argument, I will admit your claims for working miracles, but the Bible speaks of two powers that are able to work miracles. The question with me is, By what power do you do them?" He replied, "We believe the Bible, and read it a great deal." "Yes," I answered, "I know you read it, but I do not think you believe it. Now you say you believe the Bible, but Mrs. Eddy says there is no such thing as pain or sickness, while the Bible recognizes both. Mrs. Eddy says that 'alcohol is just as harmless as milk, it is only the belief of men that makes it hurtful.' The Bible recognizes the harmful nature of strong drink, and pronounces a woe upon those who use it, saying that no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom. Mrs. Eddy also says that 'when we progress far enough in Christian Science, it will not be necessary for us to partake of daily food in order to sustain physical life.'"
The ticket agent admitted that she said these things, and that he believed them. Then I said: "We read that Adam was given food in the garden of Eden before he sinned; that the angels who came to visit Abraham ate food when it was set before them; that when Jesus was here on earth, he was tired, hungry, thirsty, and sleepy, and that he ate food to sustain his physical strength. Now how far beyond Adam, the angels, and the Master, must we go before we can get along without food?" He could only answer:14"You don't understand us. We take these things spiritually."
I said, "Mrs. Eddy says that Christian Science is the second coming of Christ; modern Spiritualists say that Spiritualism is the second coming of Christ." He hastened to say, "We are not Spiritualists." "No," I said, "but you are teaching the same thing, so I have a right to believe that you are closely related. Now, my Bible says that when Christ comes the second time, he will come with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel; that all his holy angels will come with him; that every eye will see him; and that the righteous dead will rise at that time. Now, did every eye see him when Mrs. Eddy discovered Christian Science? Were the dead raised up?"
He could only say, "You don't understand us." I said: "I may not understand you, but I know what Mrs. Eddy says, and what the Bible says. Now, my brother, if you had a question before you that you must settle tonight, and you could settle it by reference to the Bible or to Mrs. Eddy, the two not being at agreement, which would you choose as authority, the Bible or Mrs. Eddy?" He pondered a moment, then slowly answered, "I think I would choose Mrs. Eddy." "There," I said, "is proof to me that you do not believe the Bible."
Reader, what do you think of it? Is the Word of God to be judged by the sayings of weak men and women, or shall all the words of men be judged by the Word of God?
J. W. BOYNTON.
Serving and Waiting
By Geo. O. States
I CAN hardly realize that it is ten long years since I dropped out of active work in the third angel's message. During all these years I have been able to do but little mental work, but from week to week I have read the encouraging articles in the REVIEW, which have been a wonderful inspiration in helping me to bear my affliction. As from time to time I read these interesting articles, I am more and more impressed that this is truly God's message, and, notwithstanding all our mistakes and shortcomings, this is the people that God has seen fit to intrust with the work of warning the world of what is just before us. Let us all be of good courage; for the message will surely soon triumph.
On reading the articles in the REVIEW of late I have been impressed with the thought that surely we are entering the loud cry that my mother talked about sixty years ago. Under this message we are told:—
"A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends, so that they dared not, neither had they the power to, hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them. . . . Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. . . . Servants of God, endowed with power from on high, with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction. God's people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance, and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation. I heard everywhere a multitude of voices saying, 'Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.'"—Early Writings, pages 278, 279.
As I read these words from the servant of the Lord, I wondered if some of us of gray hairs, who have spent years in giving this message to the people, and are not now actively engaged in the work, would not have our health restored and go forth with power in giving the message. In the meantime, I wish to be found patiently serving and waiting.
Geo. O. States.
Mother Tongues in America
By William B. Bailey
THERE will soon be issued by the Bureau of the Census statistics concerning the mother tongue, or native language, of the foreign white stock of the United States. Up to the present time the information concerning the racial distribution of our foreign-born population has referred only to the country of birth. In 1910 a question was asked all our white population of foreign birth or parentage concerning their mother tongue. These figures, therefore, possess a peculiar significance in that they offer us for the first time a fairly accurate picture of the ethnic composition of our foreign white stock. Of the total population of this country in 1910, 32,243,382, or a trifle more than one third, were whites of foreign parentage. The eight major mother tongue stocks accounting for 87.5 per cent of the total, are as follows:—
The Mother Tongues of Our Foreign White Population
Mother Tongue
Number
Per Cent Distribution
English
10,037,420
31.1
German
8,817,271
27.3
Italian
2,151,422
6.7
Polish
1,707,640
5.3
Yiddish and Hebrew
1,676,762
5.2
Swedish
1,445,869
4.5
French
1,357,169
4.2
Norwegian
1,009,854
3.1
Totals
28,203,407
87.5
Other mother tongues
4,039,975
12.5
All mother tongues
32,243,382
100.0
It is interesting to note that English or German was the ancestral language of nearly three fifths of the foreign white stock of this country. The proportion of our foreign stock who claim English as the mother tongue is very much larger than the proportion of those who came from England, since many from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Canada, and other countries spoke English before coming to this country. Thus, of the foreign-born white population in this country, 25.2 per cent claim English as the mother tongue, and yet only 6.6 per cent came from England.
There are about three hundred and seventy-five thousand more persons claiming Germany as their home than German as the mother tongue. There are, of course, some from Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary whose language was German, but these were more than offset by the large number of Poles from Germany. Those claiming Polish and Yiddish or Hebrew for mother tongue occupy an anomalous position. Although constituting perhaps an ethnic group, they are without a national existence.
The most remarkable case is furnished by Russia. Of the immigrants to this country from Russia, 52.3 per cent were Hebrew, and only 2.5 per cent Russian. The remainder are largely Polish, Ruthenian, and Lettish. The number reporting their mother tongue as Yiddish or Hebrew is probably somewhat too small, as many whose ancestral language is Hebrew have reported German, English, Polish, or some other language as their mother tongue. From Canada about two thirds report English and one third French as the mother tongue. It is rather remarkable that while over four per cent of the foreign white stock in this country report French as the mother tongue, less than one per cent came from France. The large number from Canada, Switzerland, and Belgium who reported French as the mother tongue accounts for this.
When we consider the large immigration from southeastern Europe in recent years, it is encouraging to note that English is still the predominant language among our foreign white stock.—William B. Bailey, assistant professor of political economy, Yale University, in the Independent.
Prophecy Fulfilling
By C. E. Holmes
A CONDITION of the last days, disclosed by the Word of God, is the fear that comes upon men because of "looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21:26. But the very things that cause fear in the hearts of unbelievers are an encouragement to the believers of the Bible. The humble follower of God recognizes in them a herald of the near approach of Christ's second coming. As we view the silent march of events pointing to the day of his appearing, should we not lift up our eyes toward the heavenly Canaan with rejoicing?
The terrible crimes that are becoming well-nigh universal strike terror to the hearts of the professed Christian church. Thousands have lost their respect for the sacredness of Sunday. Not being able to cope successfully with these evils with spiritual weapons, the state is called upon to lend its aid to the church.
For years the Catholic Church has had its special representative located in the capital city of this nation. Facts have been brought to light in many cases that prove beyond a doubt that,15under the directing mind of the Pope's delegate, political affairs have been manipulated to the advantage of the Catholic Church.
Rome's behavior in this respect has been decried by Protestants. This meddling with civil matters is branded as unconstitutional and un-American. But at last Protestantism is ensnared by the same temptation for worldly power and influence, and, through the great Federal Council of Churches, has appointed a delegate to Washington to represent its interests. This delegate is Mr. Henry King Carroll.
What a tremendous power is stored in these two religious forces—Romanism and Protestantism! Does this condition mean anything to Seventh-day Adventists? We do not fear ecclesiastical anathemas and curses; but let these fulminations be coined into civil law, and persecution and death will soon follow.
The first encyclical promulgated from the Protestant tribunal has thus early shown its dictatorial spirit. It is not difficult to foretell the future. In taking a position against a recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Carroll says, "Ought not the united voice of the churches to have a determining influence in this matter?"
The question at once arises, What right has the government to engage in a business that requires the judgment of the churches to settle? The very fact that the federal council is so ready to speak indicates that the question is a religious one, and should not be considered by the government.
Again, through its delegate, the council says:—
"The churches are also agreed in the conviction that the present discrimination against chaplains in the matter of consideration according to rank and length of service is, in effect, a disparagement of religion and the worship of Almighty God; which disparagement should not longer be countenanced by the national government."
When a so-called religious body becomes the dominating power in a nation, the "disparagement of religion and the worship of Almighty God" will not be very kindly received or tolerated. The above quotation, when analyzed, reveals the interesting fact that a disregard of the wishes of the united churches is considered by them as an affront to God himself.
It is not necessary to speculate as to what will soon come to pass when the great organizations of Protestants and Roman Catholics are able to control the civil government of America. Slowly but surely the prophet's outline of the two-horned beast is being traced in the history of our country.
C. E. Holmes.
Florida
By W. H. Smith
JACKSONVILLE. — Sabbath, March 7, was a day long to be remembered by the Jacksonville church, when five believers followed their Lord in baptism. Not only was it a cause of rejoicing because of those who had thus surrendered their lives to God, but all believe that it is but an index of what the Lord has for us ere the summer passes.
It is now about four months since we left our much-loved field, Newark, N. J., and landed in Jacksonville. Never has there been one moment since we took up the work here that we have doubted that it was the hand of God that brought us to this field. Every week that passes we are convinced more fully that Jacksonville has many honest souls who are hungering for the truth for this time; and what Heaven requires is earnest heart-to-heart work on the part of his servants, that we may act the part of faithful hunters in searching them out. The longer I engage in the work of soul saving, the more fully I am brought to see the force of the statement made by the spirit of prophecy, that "when the minister steps down from the pulpit, his work is not half done."
We are planning to pitch our tent about the first of April in a part of the city that has never heard the truth for this time, and we earnestly pray that all who read these lines will remember us at the throne of grace, that a harvest of souls may be the result of our summer's work.
W. H. Smith.
The Periodical Work in India
Brother Milton Mattison, who, with his wife, was called to school work soon after reaching India, is now back in the colporteur work. He sends the following cheering report from Bombay:—
"We greatly enjoyed our work in the school with the Seventh-day Adventist boys and girls of India. They did good work the past term of school, and I fully believe that workers will come from there to help in the great Indian field. Nine of them were baptized during the school term.
"Now we are back where we began work in India. The Lord has led us through many places since we landed here eighteen months ago. We know he has led us here again to help warn the souls of this great city. The two weeks I have worked here since Christmas have been the most successful of my canvassing experience in India. The Lord has given me about one hundred rupees each week. I am working for our two magazines only. As I meet the people who subscribed when I was here before, they are very willing to subscribe again. This is especially true of the Oriental Watchman. This is the first time in my canvassing experience that I have recanvassed territory, and I am surprised at the results, financially and in experiences. Many times I do not have to make my work known. The people seem to take the hint from my presence, and give the money for another year's subscription.
"There is one case I bring to mind especially, a lady I met in October, 1912, while canvassing here. I thought at the time that God had some object in the way he worked, and now I feel more sure of it. I called at her place to canvass her; she was busy at the time, but asked me to come back another day, which, of course, I promised to do. The next day, I called at her neighbor's, where I found her visiting. I canvassed her neighbor but did not canvass her. About two days later I called on another one of her neighbors, and she was at this place also. As both ladies were busy, I promised to call another day. The next day while canvassing I again ran across her at the same place, and she flew into a rage, almost, and asked me why I was so persistent in my work. I told her I was an American, and it was born in me, so she would have to excuse my persistency. Then she invited me to accompany her to her home, and also told me she wanted to give me a curtain lecture, in public, though. I went, and she scored me properly, which I received as nicely as possible.
"Soon she had her servant serve refreshments, and invited me to stay, which I did. After lunch when I got my hat and started for the door, she asked, 'What is the price of your magazine, anyway?' When I told her, she said, 'Please register my name for one year.' Thus we separated in a friendly way.
"The first person I saw when I went to our meeting hall this year was this lady. She came to me at the close of the service, and asked me if I knew her. I assured her I did. Then she asked me if I had forgiven her. I told her I had never held anything against her. She is very interested in our work and the truth.
"Those who are not prejudiced are the Watchman readers. They know something of what we teach and do not depend on what they hear. I am having good success among the educated native people with the Herald of Health.
"Our hearts are in the work, and we long to see it finished in this generation. The message to all the world in this generation seems impossible to the human eye out here, but by the eye of faith we can see it; so we pray and work to that end."
Delivered From Satanic Power
By A. S. Coombs.
WHEN I was seventeen or eighteen years of age, an older brother one day attended a spiritualistic séance some distance from home. He was there told that in two weeks from that time I would become a medium. At the time indicated I was alone by the table in our living room. A rapping began on the wall of the room and came just over my head, finally ending in a sound which seemed as if some person's head struck the floor under the table. I placed my hands on the table, and at every request the rappings came again and again. At times the table was raised from the floor by unseen hands. I was surely a medium, and in company with a neighbor, who was also interested in Spiritualism, I began to hold public demonstrations and séances. The spirits always responded to our call, and answered our questions by rappings.
I continued in this way for some time, but finally was awakened to my danger. At one time when in communication with the spirit, I inquired its name, stating that I would repeat the letters of the alphabet, beginning with "a," and asked that it rap when I came to the first letter of its name. The first rap came on the letter "d." I repeated the alphabet again, and the second rap came on "e." This continued until the name "devil" was spelled out clearly. I then and there decided that indeed all the manifestations I had seen were from the devil. Often I could not sleep at night for the rappings, but finally, by the help of God, I broke away from the evil power which had controlled me. I feel to praise the Lord for deliverance. I firmly believe that Spiritualism is of Satan, and that he is working mightily to draw men into paths of error. Let us follow the dear Saviour constantly, and serve him faithfully. A. S. COOMBS.
