Earlier text: Testimonies For The ChurchThe Great Campaign for Missions
By A. J. S. Bourdeau
To assist you, dear brother, dear sister, in planning for the part that you will act in the forthcoming campaign in behalf of our foreign missions and missionaries, we present the following information:— 1. The beautiful Missions number of the REVIEW, to be given away during the Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions, will be ready for delivery by Oct. 1, 1909. 2. All orders for the special REVIEW should be in by Oct. 1, 1909, so as to insure delivery in ample time for use during the first week of the campaign, Nov. 1-6, 1909. 3. The General Conference Committee recommend that our churches everywhere give special consideration to the Harvest Ingathering campaign during October and November, as follows:— Present to the people the needs of the mission fields, following the program outlined in the second Sabbath reading, which will be mailed to all the churches. All supplies of the special REVIEW, printed canvasses, circulars, etc., having been received, let the church officers call the members together for a drill on the canvass, assignment of territory to each member, and other necessary instruction. Let every Seventh-day Adventist take a good-sized bundle of the special REVIEW and start out, bright and early, to visit the neighbors, friends, and townspeople in his territory, leaving a copy of the paper with each family, and soliciting liberal donations for missions. Tuesday, November 2, to Friday, November 5 Put in another full day's work for foreign missions. Finish working territory untouched on Monday. Help to finish up the territory of the weak or faint-hearted members. Hold a missionary rally, giving opportunity to the workers to relate their interesting experiences gained during the week's campaign. This should prove to be the best Sabbath meeting of the entire year. Let the missionary secretary (librarian) of the church record the actual number of copies of the REVIEW distributed, number of workers, average hours worked, and total amount of donations received for missions, then forward these valuable statistics to the conference tract society office. At the close of the meeting make a call for those who would esteem it a privilege to engage in the campaign the following week. Let all who are willing, continue the work, and if a sufficient number volunteer for service, repeat the program of the previous week. 4. If, for any reason, the REVIEW and other missionary supplies do not arrive in time, appoint November 7-13 as your first campaign week, and proceed as previously outlined. 5. Copies of the special REVIEW will be sent free to all who will use them in soliciting funds for foreign missions. 6. Order papers, circulars, and solicitor's cards from your conference tract society office. If the address of the tract society is not known, or in case there is no tract society in the conference, order supplies direct from A. J. S. Bourdeau, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. 7. The campaign last year was a great success. Nearly 700,000 copies of the Missions number of the REVIEW were distributed. The needs of our foreign missions were presented to many thousands of people. This alone proved the campaign a decided success. 8. In addition to the moral and educational value of last year's campaign, enough funds were collected from non-believers to pay for all of the copies of the special REVIEW, for the actual expense of the campaign, and enough more to make up $30,000 extra for the support of our missionaries. 9. The $30,000 collected during last year's campaign enabled the Mission Board to send twenty-five missionaries to needy fields, and support them for one year. 10. To support the workers sent out last year, and to answer the many new calls for laborers, make the burden of the Mission Board still heavier than before. These twenty-five additional workers sent out last year must be supported, and at least an equal number of new workers should be speeding to the needy fields this year. Shall we not, therefore, distribute twice the number of copies of the REVIEW, and collect double the amount for foreign missions, that we did last year? Ask your church missionary secretary (librarian) to order supplies to-day? A. J. S. BOURDEAU, Missionary Secretary. Opportunity for Ministerial Students
By W. A. S.
SURELY a hundred of our younger ministers, and laborers with the evangelistic work definitely in mind, ought to take the studies in New Testament Greek soon to open in the General Conference Correspondence School. A resolute purpose just now to begin the course and follow it up, and the student will be stronger in all his future work. The workman gains time sharpening his tools. We do not know how the names are coming in for this special study, but hope fully a hundred young men now out in the field will take hold of it. W. A. S. While Charles A. Stelzle, of New York, superintendent of the department of church and labor in the Presbyterian Church, was discussing Socialism at the recent Christian Endeavor Convention at St. Paul, Minn., he gave utterance to the following statements, which the Socialistic clergy would do well to consider:— Socialism is one of the most important of the movements which have arisen from time to time because of the economic injustices of the day. Its exponents insist that the church must advocate their cure for the evils of society, and they scorn the preacher who does not accept their program. They tell us that working men are rapidly turning toward Socialism, and that if the church does not advocate Socialism, working men will be forever alienated from the church. But this would not prove that Socialism is right. Ministers who have preached Socialism have never filled their churches. We are told that Jesus himself was a Socialist, and therefore the church must advocate Socialism. But while Christ denounced the social evils of his time as no other man dared denounce them, he never advocated the introduction of a particular social system. Instead he began to change individual men. Therein lay the secret of his success over all systems of human origin. No reform can be permanent that does not reform the heart. That no human organization or human legislation can do. He who is reformed from within through the converting power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, needs no rules of any human organization and no code of human laws to make him conduct himself properly toward his fellow men. God's law of love implanted in the individual heart will accomplish what Socialism or human legislation can never do. In the Dawning
By Inita S. Chilson
In the dawning, O my Saviour!
I shall see thee face to face,—
Thou in thy transcendent beauty,—
And behold thy matchless grace,
When with host angelic winging
Earthward their majestic flight,
Thou descendest, mid the singing
Of heaven’s choir of angels bright. In the dawning, O my Saviour!
First of all thy face I’ll greet,
Clasp in mine thy hands once bruisèd,
Kneel and kiss the nail-pierced feet.
Haste the dawning, O my Saviour!
We have waited for thee long,
Haste the time when thy redeemed shall
Sing the great redemption song. Haste the dawning, O my Saviour!
Speed thy coming, O my King!
When throughout the endless ages
Thy dear praises we shall sing;
When through golden fields of Eden,
With our loved ones we shall roam;
No more weeping, no more parting;
But forever “home, sweet home.” Day is dawning, O my Saviour!
Light is breaking through the gloom,
Soon the coming of the morning
That shall open wide the tomb;
Soon the sound of thy dear footsteps
Through the heaven-illumined sky;
Soon — ah, soon — the glad ascension
To our glorious home on high! “That They All May Be One”
By Ellen G. White
The Lord has given me a special message for the churches that claim to believe the truth for these last days, and especially for those who carry responsibilities in connection with our school and sanitarium enterprises for the education and training of the youth for the work of God. Those who hold positions of trust in the work of God are in need of constantly seeking the Lord; for there is a great missionary work to be accomplished. It is a work similar to that of the one whom the prophet Isaiah describes as “the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” All who profess to believe the truth for this time need to make the Word of God their constant study; its principles are to be brought into the life experience. As a people we need to understand that the time has come when all differences should be acknowledged and put away, when everything that is not in accordance with the Word of God should be taken out of the life. Probation is soon to close, and God’s people need to humble their hearts before him, seeking him with humility of mind for grace to perfect a righteous character. Disunion among professed believers is a great dishonor to the cause of Christ; but in unity there is convincing proof of what the word of the Lord will accomplish for those who humble themselves before him and seek him in earnest prayer. Believers in Christ are not to see how far apart they can draw, but they are to draw together in the bonds of love and faith. A united communion with God on the part of his church is something that is greatly needed at this time. Christ’s Prayer for Unity Among His Followers
If we would study the prayer of Christ recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, we would understand what a grievous mistake we make when we introduce into the church those things that create division and strife. Christ prayed that his followers might be one with him as he was one with the Father. He desired that they themselves should pray earnestly to become one in faith and understanding of his Word. The closeness of the relation that he would have exist between himself and his people is brought to view in the words, “All mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.” One of Christ’s last works for his disciples before his betrayal and crucifixion was to commit them to the keeping of his Father, and to pray that the spirit of unity and love might be always manifest in them. “I am no more in the world,” he prayed, “but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” There is no genuine sanctification except through the truth. Everything depends upon our sacredly cherishing and advocating the truth we hold. Those who are saved through faith in Christ will exert a saving influence upon others. And wonderful will be the results of the influence of those whose words and works express their faith in Christ. Their lives will be made a convincing power in the great work that Christ came to the world to do. Their unity and love will convince men and women that God has sent his Son into the world with saving grace for all mankind. “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world,” Christ continued. “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Here we see the need of faith leading to harmonious action. A spirit of harmony and love in labor is to give evidence of our faith in Christ. This unity of sentiment and works is not revealed among Christ’s followers to-day as he desires it should be; and because of this, objections to our faith are raised by some. The presence of the Holy Spirit with any people will lead them to speak the same thing and to work the will and works of Christ. This is the most convincing of all arguments. “The glory which thou gavest me,” Christ declared, “I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Let those who are ready to differ and to separate into factions, consider the teachings of this prayer. When as a people we see the necessity of maintaining a sacred unity among ourselves, remarkable changes will take place in the hearts and lives of some who are now eagerly striving for the supremacy. Every verse in this chapter contains instruction of the highest and most essential kind,—instruction that every church should have. If there are higher attainments to be reached than are here brought to view, where shall we learn about them? where are they to be found? Christ presents eternal principles for our study that we may answer his prayer in our own experience. O that these teachings might be brought more fully into the religious life of our people, and its refining, purifying, unselfish principles be truly appreciated! The Colored People
By J. W. Christian
FIFTY years ago the dark, threatening storm-cloud of war was rising over the horizon of this fair republic. It was not a foe from across the sea that threatened us, nor the sister kingdoms to the north or south, but a mighty struggle within our own borders. This country, which had extended to the oppressed of every nation an invitation to share the blessings proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, which declares that all men are created equal, and possess certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, had within its own territory over three million human souls in the shackles of slavery. From its earliest history, the right of one man to hold another man in slavery had been challenged by men in both South and North. This ever-widening breach culminated in the Civil War. For more than four years the republic breathed heavily under the tremendous war strain and the anxiety for its final outcome. When Lincoln signed his name to the famous emancipation proclamation, the death knell of slavery struck. A little later the terrible war closed. Nearly four million colored people were thrown upon their own resources, with no master to direct them in the struggle for their livelihood; and helplessly ignorant of the ways of the busy world, they sank into a condition almost worse than slavery. With no schools, no churches, and no one to care for their development, how could this unfortunate race face a more fearful situation? But little has been done for the colored people by various Christian denominations. To-day there are over ten million colored people scattered all over the United States. The great masses, however, are in the Southland. It was not until 1895, only fourteen years ago, that Seventh-day Adventists began work in this needy field. How well we remember with what eagerness we read of the work of the missionary steamer, the “Morning Star.” God blessed in these humble efforts. Danger, seen and unseen, allowed of no discouragement, and fearlessly the early pioneers moved forward. Souls were converted, and are rejoicing in this message. Churches were organized, and small schools established. We have at present about fifty small mission schools in operation, three small sanitariums, and only one training-school for the whole colored people. Every step in the establishment of these institutions has been a step of faith. Means are needed properly to equip these institutions. We do not want large unwieldy schools and sanitariums, but where we have one school to-day, we should have at least one hundred. The evangelistic work shows a steady, healthy growth, as will be seen by hasty comparisons of conditions fourteen years ago with the present time. At that time there was but one ordained minister and one licensed missionary laboring among the colored millions of the South. To-day we have about one thousand colored Sabbath-keepers in this field. These are organized into forty churches, and have upward of twenty meeting-houses. We have about twenty colored ministers and licentiates proclaiming the third angel’s message in this field, and God is blessing the unselfish labors of these men. This is truly encouraging. Through the spirit of prophecy the Lord told us years ago that we should educate Negro men and women to work for the colored people. These must have opportunity for training, which means that we must plan not only to sustain the schools now in operation, but to open many more. On every hill and mountain, in every valley and plain, are souls, precious souls for whom Jesus died, that we must warn. Daily hundreds of these blood-bought souls are going down into Christless graves. We can almost hear their death-cry as they sink beneath the horizon of life: “You held the torch of life in your hand; why did you withhold it from me? I am dying, but without God and without hope. My blood shall be upon your garments.” God calls for us to redeem the time. From an unpublished Testimony I quote: “I awoke. But my soul was so burdened! There was presented before me the situation of the Southern field. The work which should have been done in that field has not been done. God has given warnings, but they have not been heeded. Church-members in America, who have pleasant homes, should remember the Southern field. It is in need of special attention and support. Let the work go forward. Encourage the people to help in this field.” The General Conference Committee has set apart the first Sabbath in October as a time for special consideration of this field, and for us to bring our offerings to help extend the work. May God move upon us to make large gifts to this needy field. Let us do for this poor benighted people as we would wish to be done by if we were in their situation. _The True Purpose of Song_
By Charles P. Whitford
In the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah we have a pen-picture of this sin-cursed earth when it shall have been restored to its Edenic beauty. When the children of God are permitted to go to that beautiful country, it is said of them: “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Again, in Isa. 65:14, the Lord, speaking through his prophet, says, “Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart.” The true purpose of song is beautifully expressed in Ps. 21:13: “Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.” True song is an expression of gratitude to our Heavenly Father. “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.” 1 Chron. 16:25. Our Heavenly Father and the dear Saviour should be the objects of all praise and adoration in our singing; but I have often thought that many times the true purpose of song was either forgotten or not at all understood. The gift of song was not bestowed to gratify the perverted tastes of those who know not God, and who do not love him. It has a higher and nobler mission than simply to please or excite. Singing is only another way of preaching; and when we sing “with the spirit,” and “with the understanding also” (1 Cor. 14:15), it becomes a means of instruction in spiritual things. It is not pleasing to God for us to sing the words of a hymn simply for the melody to which they are attached, or to make a display of the gift God has given us. Neither is it pleasing to God to sing the words of a hymn in a careless and irreverent manner. We should seek to realize the full import of the words we are singing, and then articulate distinctly so that every word may be understood by the listeners. We should always remember the admonition in 1 Cor. 10:31: “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” L. F. STARR
By L. F. STARR
“As often as ye eat this bread, and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord's death till he come.” What is that? The Lord's death?—Yes, ye proclaim the Lord's atoning death,—the death he died in propitiation for our sins. Ye proclaim the Lord's death in its atoning character for the sins of the world,—the death suffered for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Remember this sacred relationship, and proclaim the Lord's death as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. It is, then, a memorial service. That is one name by which it is called, but there is another. It is also a communion,—a coming together of the children of God,—the disciples of the Lord Jesus commingling with Christ at meat at his table, and having his gracious presence to cheer their hearts. Nor are these all. It is not only the communion of my soul with its God and its Master, but it has another significance. As he meets with us, so we are expected to meet with one another in his name and spirit; to be brethren and sisters in Christian communion. It is a duty, and we can not escape from it. As Christ comes and enters into a close, loving, and tender relationship with us, so we must come into kindly, loving, and tender relationship with one another, and our differences must be forgotten and forgiven, and that forever. It must stand as a receipt in full, up to date, or we eat and drink unworthily, and bring condemnation to ourselves. What is revealed in our own hearts by our examination? What is found there? What is our condition? Are we guilty10sinners? Have we backslidden from his grace, and been disobedient to the spirit of his love? Have we gone astray, like lost sheep, from him? If that is what we have found, if that be the relationship in which this service must be taken by us, if we be sinners and under condemnation, then “let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of that cup.” That means those of us who bear his name, whether we have backslidden or not. And what shall be done when we have sinned, and know that we have violated our promises to God and have gone astray from him? We should come relying upon the atonement, and renew our oath of allegiance; come just as we are; come as sinners, but as repentant sinners; come making mention of his death; come with thoughts of his atonement in our hearts; come remembering the thought of his redemption from our sins, and looking for rest in him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29. We should learn daily at his feet the true humility and meekness of Christ; learn to be more like him. Then it will be as easy to forgive others as it was for him to forgive those who had shamefully mistreated him in the hour of his terrible agony. Necessity of Prayer
By Frank S. Butz
THE prayer of faith is the key to unlock heaven’s storehouse. The individual who has faith in Christ and keeps the commandments of God has access to this wonderful storehouse of treasure. When this key is used according to the plan of him who gave this privilege, rich are the blessings of wisdom, grace, and strength gained; and it is only by this plan that the individual will be successful in the formation of a character that will stand in the judgment. The one who has learned to find these treasures has found the source and fountain of all joy and peace. He has also found the great fount of wisdom, grace, and strength which will enable him to overcome the trials and buffetings that Satan brings to bear upon the life of him who accepts Christ and has hope in his salvation. The Saviour of the world said: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Look back over the pages of sacred history, and you will find that the only men who accomplished great things were men of constant prayer. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, who was translated, walked with God. This is evidence that he communed with the Author of his faith, and by continually placing himself in this attitude, was able to live a sinless life. Abraham was a friend of God, and talked with him daily. His life was governed by the direction of God’s Spirit. It was by constant prayer that Ezra and Nehemiah were able to confute the plans of their enemies in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Powerful and sublime are some of these prayers, as recorded in God’s Word. Every important move was first planned, and then presented to the Lord before it was executed. Daniel prayed three times a day when he knew the decree was signed by the king, and that by so doing his life was in danger; but he also knew that his only strength was in God, and by obeying that decree he would be sacrificing more than life. Our Saviour loved to commune with his father. He was always in an attitude of prayer. We find him, when others were asleep, withdrawing a little way aside to gain strength from above for new trials. It was by so doing that he gained power to overcome Satan and death, that you and I might through him be conquerors in this great conflict. He not only prayed for himself, but for his disciples; and precious is the thought that he also prayed for you and me! Listen to his words as he poured out his soul to him on whom he himself depended for strength: “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. . . . Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” Satan knows that if he can get the Christian’s mind so involved in the things of this world that he will neglect prayer and think it not essential, he can soon have the mind that was once pure so engrossed with evil thoughts and intents that the individual will forget God. If ever there was a time when the Christian needed extra strength it is now, as Satan has gone forth with great power to make war on the saints of God, knowing he has but a short time in which to work. For this very reason let us, by the strong arm of prayer, wield heavy blows against the enemy of all righteousness. Let us realize that by the strong arm of prayer Enoch, Abraham, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel of old won their great victories over Satan, and that through their faith in the Son of God they will have part in the first resurrection. Let us always remember that if prayer was necessary for these great achievements in the past, much more is it necessary to us if we are to overcome in this last great conflict which is now on and so near its close. “Pray without ceasing.” God's Thoughts
By H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS
Does the Lord think upon me? is a question that sometimes arises in our minds. Not for one moment does he fail to think of his children; he says in his Word that they are constantly in his thoughts. “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! . . . They are more in number than the sand.” Ps. 139: 17, 18. “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsittings and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” Verses 1-4. Some may think, as did King David, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I can not attain unto it.” We know the words of the Lord are true. The query may arise, perhaps, “Does he not forget us sometimes?” We may have felt so, but we will let the Lord, through his prophet Isaiah, answer: “Can a woman forget her sucking child? . . . yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” Chapter 49: 15. The Lord knows our frame, he knows that we have need of him, and he can make our faith strong in his promises. Those who trust will not be confounded. If the Creator of heaven and earth, with whom all things are possible, gives us wisdom, guidance, and good judgment, in fact, every needed assistance, why is it not our blessed privilege to be ready without a shadow of doubt to accept all he holds out for our benefit? Would we refuse a favor of an earthly friend?—No; we would be in fear of hurting his feelings to do so. Then let us trust, and wait upon, the Giver of all our blessings. Submission
By GEO. O. STATES
Recently as I looked over the Review and read the sad news of the death of Elder J. M. Rees, whom I had known so long, and then called to mind that for over five years my health has been so broken that I could do but little to advance the cause which is dearer to me than life, and that all that time my financial circumstances have been such that I have had to draw from the precious tithe for support, it seemed to me there was certainly a mistake somewhere. I left the house and went down into the woods by the creek, and pleaded with the Lord. I said, “Lord, you know I can’t labor to advance the message, and you know how tired I am; why can’t you lay me away to rest until the first resurrection?” It seemed as though my lot was more than I could bear. As I was pleading with the Lord, after a time these words came to me as forcibly as if spoken with an audible voice: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Then I thought of Paul’s experience,—of his thorn in the flesh, and how the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” As if satisfied, the apostle adds: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Then came thoughts of Elijah’s experience as he sat under the juniper tree when tired nature had given out. “He11requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” I carefully read his experiences as recorded in the nineteenth chapter of 1 Kings. While he slept, the angel ministered to his necessities. How did God look upon his suffering servant? Did he forsake him because despondency and despair had seized him?—O, no. Elijah was prostrated with discouragement. All day had he toiled without food. When he guided the chariot of Ahab, running before it to the gate of the city, he was strong of courage. He had high hopes that Israel, as a nation, would return to their allegiance to God, and be reinstated in his favor. But the reaction which frequently follows elevation of faith and marked and glorious success, was pressing upon Elijah. He was exalted to Pisgah’s top, to be humiliated to the lowest valley in faith and feeling. But God’s eye was still upon his servant. He loved him no less when he felt broken-hearted and forsaken of God and man than when, in answer to his prayer, fire flashed from heaven, illuminating Carmel. Those who have not borne weighty responsibilities, or who have not been accustomed to feel very deeply, can not understand the feelings of Elijah, and are not prepared to give him the tender sympathy he deserves. God knows, and can read the heart’s deep anguish under temptation and sore conflict. As I read these things over, and remembered that for years I have worried over various matters pertaining to the third angel’s message, I thought, as in Elijah’s case, God has thousands who are firm for the truth and will stand amid all the surrounding influences. I want to say to those who have grown gray and have worn out in the message, God loves us, and this message is going soon to swell into the loud cry which we have talked about for so many years. It is a well-known fact that the bread of to-day, whether home-made or from the bakeries, lacks the nutty flavor and nutrition found in that which “mother used to make.” This lack in the home-made article is very generally laid to the fault of the present generation of housewives. Bearing on this point, the editor of the American Grocer recently said, editorially:— “It is said that ninety per cent of the flour milled is bleached, or, as some designate it, ‘aged,’ by a chemical process. The excuse is that the people demand white bread. We doubt it. Consumers want sweet, nutty bread, of natural color, and they fail to get it because the flour of to-day is lacking in flavor. We do not know why, but we do know that appetizing bread is scarce; that the art of home-made bread-making is on the decline. Whether bleaching the flour, which naturally comes through age, is in part responsible or not, we can not say.” In an address recently delivered by Professor Ladd, he refers to the subject in this wise:— “The purpose of flour bleaching carried on by the use of nitrogen peroxid is a chemical process, and not any part of the milling process. It is not, as some claim, an ‘aging’ process, but it is, as practised, for the purpose of deception and fraud; and the ingredient used to bring about the change is an active chemical that causes changes to take place in the oil, renders the flour and bread made therefrom less digestible and less nutritious, destroys its characteristic sweet and nutty flavor so much sought for, until the bread produced from such flour at the present time is far from what it should be.”—Selected. I was walking along the streets of London one cold and wet night with a desponding friend, trying to cheer him, and longing to see a spark of hope kindled in his heart. In our walk we arrived at Victoria Station. While talking together, a little child stepped forward and said, “Any lights, sir?” “No, Topsy,” I replied, “I don’t want any; I do not smoke.” “O, but please, sir, do buy a box!” she persisted, in a pleading tone. “No, no; run away, Topsy,” I continued; “I have no use for lights.” But still she persisted. At last, seeing her earnestness, I asked her what she did all day, and at what time she was going home, for it was then past ten o’clock. “O,” she replied, “I go to school in the day, and after four o’clock I come out here.” “But why do not your father and mother take care of you?” “Father has run away, and mother is ill in bed.” “And what do you come out here for?” “I come and stay here till I have taken sixpence.” “But you don’t always take sixpence, do you?” “But you won’t get sixpence to-night.” “Well, how much have you now?” She seemed inclined not to let me know, but I said, “Come, Topsy, you must tell me all about it.” So, half afraid, she drew some coppers from a pocket in her cotton dress and counted out threepence halfpenny. “Well now, you will never get sixpence to-night,” I said. “O, yes, sir,” she answered, “I shall! I always take home sixpence.” “Now, Topsy, tell me what makes you so sure of getting sixpence.” For some time she would not answer, but after a little pressing, she said: “Because, before I come out, I kneel down by my mother’s bed and say the Lord’s prayer, and mother says our Father will help me to get sixpence; and he always does.” “O, but I thought you said your father had run away?” “Don’t you know, sir,” she simply asked, “that we have a Father in heaven?” “Yes; but you don’t mean to say he hears you about a sixpence.” “Yes, he does, sir; and he will send me sixpence.” “Well, if I were to give you twopence halfpenny, what would you do?” “Why, sir, I should run home to mother, because my Father had given me all I asked for.” It is needless to say that the twopence halfpenny was produced, and suitably acknowledged by the little one, who merrily tripped home. I turned to my friend, who all this time had stood by without saying a word; our glances met, and my only remark was, “There, —, you have got your lesson.” We forthwith separated—I to my bachelor chambers, he to be led into hope and righteousness by the faith of a little child.—The Christian. A CHRISTIAN man should be not only the most just man in the community, not only the standard of taste and of good conduct, of right doing and right dealing, but he should be the happiest man in the community. My religion is unreal to me until it makes me break out into a song. The Christian man should have in him such light and love and fragrance that people shall feel the magnetic influence of his presence wherever he goes, and the children feel that there is a man of God near them, and the poor and the helpless feel there is a source of counsel and wisdom and help, and this great world, given over so much to dust and noise and discord, be made a brighter place, sweeter, simpler, more typical of heaven, more prophetic of the time of brotherhood and of peace.—Selected. Persevering in Worthy Objects
“BE not defeated in a worthy object: surmount difficulties.” Carrying Your Present Load
“CARRY your present load firmly, correctly, cheerfully, and some one will surely note at the proper time that you are equal to a larger one.”